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Shep was grinning ear to ear the next time Corman saw him, which was curious for the foulness of the mood. Corman and gone to visit Shep to speak about his recent experience. The Druid Mother was standing yet a few steps behind Shep, which was nearly as unnerving as the broad grin Shep was sporting. Not only did the Druid Mother send shiver's up his spine, but the fact that Shep was knowingly standing in proximity to the old woman made Corman want to run away screaming.

He tried to rationalize it, but couldn't quite fit them together.

"Shep, I must speak to you in private."
"Son, but we are in private."
"But... I," Corman spoke softly, glancing at the Druid Mother who was well within earshot and looking somewhat pleasant with a slight smile. "Alone? Please?"

Shep looked around the study like there wasn't a problem he could see, Corman grabbed his arm and drug him from the old stable before Shep could protest.

"Shep! Where is your mind?" Corman was whispering feverishly to a mostly unresponsive Shep,"I have something important to tell you! And you're staring off with a smile as wide as the plains on your face."

The Mother Druid spoke from within Shep's study. "Corman. Bring the holyman back." Her voice was benign, even slightly perturbed. Corman hissed at Shep, "Great. I'm never going to hear the end of this!"

"Hail Mother." Corman bowed slightly to the Mother Druid. "I speak for Shep, he is under my care. If he has done anything to trespass, I will so to it myself." Shep sneezed and cleared his throat several times while Corman was talking.

She stepped forward, "Settle down, child." She rested a hand on one of Corman's folded arms. "Be still. Please, continue with what you wanted to tell Shep."

A second look from Corman caught Shep sniggering with watery, mirthful eyes while he moved in beside the Druid Mother. He looked back to her, slightly shocked.

"You haven't done anything to him, have you?" He was deadly serious as he spoke.

"No, no, I haven't. Let's just say that we have reached... an understanding."

"Oh. An understanding. You laugh in each other's company where you would normally throw stones." Corman glanced between the two, incredulous. "I have something important to tell you. And in all seriousness, I would like," he gulped a little as he continued his markedly brazen tone, "a little respect from both of you."

The Druid Mother immediately straightened her arms and clasped her hands in front of her quietly, waiting with a mildly suppressed grin. Shep folded his arms and cleared his throat preparing himself to be more serious.

He took the coin, the one given to him by Shep, and spoke softly, "Dagmar, grant me light!" The coin began to cast the light as it did before. He then threw it at Shep striking him on the chest.

Shep's eyes lit up with the revelation, "By Cuthbert. It really is a miracle!"

"I took the principles you taught me: The meditation, the focus of will and even some of the words. I read the old texts and found old heros that used the power of the Gods to affect change. I studied their stories and found that your ways were similar to their ways. We have talked about it, but I knew you never believed me."

"Mother," Corman turned to the Druid Mother, "You being here... this is no accident, is it? I don't know how you broke through this stubborn stallion, but I am glad you did. I was afraid he would shoo me out by twisting the ways of his God to my own will."