Prologue
At first, we were hopeful when the first boat arrived, followed by many more several days later. We greeted the newcomers with food and warm blankets as the rain passed and everything remained wet. We showed them where they could set up camp, close to the river for fresh water but not too deep in the forest to avoid potential attacks from animals. We didn’t think much of it as more boats continued to arrive. They were respectful, only building in areas where the land was naturally cleared and using only logs that had fallen during storms or from their boats. However, as more people came and expanded their camps, they began to take more from the land. Soon, the naturally cleared areas became smaller and smaller, and the first swing of the axe struck down an ancient tree.
We all felt that swing as the axe dug into her bark, and she fell to the ground with a mighty thud. We heard her mournful groans of pain and witnessed the last breath she took as her light faded away.
That was the first of many sins committed in the name of progress and conquest.
Our leader, my mother, though angry, wanted to make peace with the invaders. She proposed solutions to the growing demand for wood. As druids, we understood the importance of maintaining the forest’s health, so we selectively cut down trees in certain areas to allow the forest to thrive and offered to provide the wood for the invaders in hopes of preserving as much as we could.
This approach worked for a while until more people arrived, and more of our ancient trees were cut down to make way for new buildings. We fought back, denying access to our forests. We blocked access with beasts and camped out, doing everything we could to protect our land. But then the holy men came.
We thought the situation was dire before, but it only got worse.
Not all of our people were blessed with magic. As druids, we were educated in magic, astronomy, theology, and natural sciences, enabling us to advise our many tribes as legal professionals, adjudicators, storytellers, healers, and teachers. We were the pillars of our tribes.
However, we were pagans, deemed unworthy of the same rights as those considered righteous by the holy men. Our beliefs, legends, and history meant nothing to them. The holy men outlawed our holidays and customs, and our people were no longer allowed to practice our religion in our own homeland. They were beaten into submission until they had no choice but to convert or face death. It didn’t matter to them that this was our land—our trees, our soil, our water. They saw the plentiful forest, with its lush greenery and wildlife, and took over until they outnumbered us a thousand to one.
We fought back with all our strength, but our world was changing. No matter how hard we tried, we could never emerge victorious. They possessed stone buildings, metal swords, advanced technology, and far greater numbers. Despite the magic we wielded, it was no match for the overwhelming size of our enemy. Our tribes were ultimately overwhelmed by self-appointed Kings commanding armies that brutally slaughtered most of the druids.
My mother and all my sisters included, leaving me alone in this new world.
I realized then that fighting was futile; we would never win. With only a handful of druids left, we retreated deep into our most ancient grove. From this safe haven, we have protected the last of our people and kept our forest intact.
Since the death of my family, I embarked on a personal journey. I delved into all forms of druid magic—both light and dark—honing my abilities to new heights. The other druids opposed this path, viewing the blending of light and dark magic as sacrilegious. However, it is this very combination that has preserved the last remnants of the ancient grove for over a thousand years.
Yes, our land has changed and so has the rest of the world. Yet, I could never shake the fear that crept up my throat whenever I left the ancient grove. No matter how many púca I left as guardians or the spells and traps I set, nothing could ease that fear.
So, I hardly ventured out, choosing instead to stay in this safe haven, protecting the last remnants of my mother and sisters until I was the only one left. I remained even when my dearest friend Donnchad departed, followed by Fedelmid, Fergus, Lugaid, Sadb, and finally Brigit.
They still visit me from time to time. Donnchad shares stories of his travels, describing how vast the world has become. He shows me videos and photos of places beyond my reach, urging me to leave with him. But how could I? I would be the only one left, after fighting so hard for this place and enduring the sacrifices and losses of my family and friends.
If I left, it would all be in vain.....
