Writing for Fun
December 2017
Race Against Time - Anna Browning
Tonight was the sixth night of the moon when the priests cut down the sacred oak mistletoe with their golden sickle to use in their ceremonial rituals to bestow prosperity to the King.
Corann, the Druid priestess, pushed her way desperately through the tangled boughs, tripping over the tree roots snaking their way across the forest floor, her robe catching against the spiteful thorns of the briars. She was searching for the great old oak tree with its rare mistletoe plants. If the priests found the tree first they would remove all the mistletoe, leaving nothing for anyone else.
Oriana had still not produced an heir and unless this changed she would have to allow her husband Ferdiad to choose another wife, in spite of their great love for one and other. Oriana’s future as the great warrior’s wife depended on the priestess finding the mistletoe first. The sacred mistletoe berries only grown on oak trees were known for their mystical powers, to endow the recipient with life and fertility.
The moon glowing brightly through the trees helped Corann see her way through the forest. Her eyes adjusting to the darkness around her. She looked up at the moon and saw its rays illuminating the great Oak tree’s magnificent shape dominating the smaller trees. Its branches were festooned with the white glowing pearls of the mistletoe berries. She sighed with relief and looked in awe at this magical vision vowing to make a sacrifice to the moon for helping her find the Oak tree. Corann stroked the Oak’s trunk, venerating its ancient life. She then reached up to collect the precious berries for her potion. The sound of footsteps and voices could be heard in the distance, getting closer with each second. Corann scuttled away crouching low with her prized possession in her hand.
The potion lay ready in the golden cup and Corann passed it to the couple standing before her. They looked at each other apprehensively but sipped the mysterious contents until every drop had been consumed. The priestess then muttered some words over them and waved the mistletoe branch over the couple encouraging them to embrace and kiss each other. They left the room feeling hopeful of the outcome. Corann meanwhile slumped down suddenly, feeling drained and exhausted.
Winter gradually ebbed away with the herald of spring. Life was beginning to stir. The earth was warming up and the days were getting longer. Corann was out and about, collecting all sorts of useful items for her healing potions. She was bent over one particular recipe, absorbed in deciphering the ingredients, when there was a tap at the door. She looked round as two people walked in. Oriana and Ferdiad with beaming smiles across their faces. Oriana’s once slim elegant form was swollen with child. Her future was safe for now.