"Suffice it to say, Chief-son, you have fulfilled prophecy. What you do with this will continue to be a fulfillment of your orlog. You have brought back the power of the Gods to this people. It is your charge that they are never separated again."

Corman was confused, "But the Druids? You ..." The Druid Mother interjected, "Only follow the ways of nature. Nature has no place in religion. The Gods may work within nature, but their wills, like that of Shep's Cuthbert, have taken sides. Good versus evil, tyranny versus freedom... Nature chooses no side, but only that of balance."

"You fulfill balance because there is imbalance again in the world, an imbalance that you will help correct by communing with the Gods who have long since fallen silent."

Corman was stunned. It was a little disappointing to be the last to know, but he understood the reasons why.

"Son, believe me. I didn't see it coming myself." Shep said, sobering up a little. "I never believed there was power in your Gods, but I've seen it even though I have been blind to it until recently. Now, I cannot deny it. It doesn't bode well for the missionary effort, though. Cuthbert was never the God of your people, so you were never ours to save. Your Gods have claimed your people and none other can stand in their place." He ran a leather gloved hand over his face as if coming to a new realization.

"It will be up to you to reacquaint the people with your Gods. And how you go about it is entirely up to you." Shep's eyes reddened as he continued, "It's a strange thing. I am mixed about this. My best pupil ends up not even following the path of Cuthbert, but I am glad to have been the one to help set greater things in motion. From what the Mother says, this has been your path since the beginning."

The Mother was waiting patiently for Shep's rambling to end, "Now you must decide what you will do. I would," she briefly paused before she continued, "recommend rebuilding bridges and mending fences first before you start trying to change the world. You will need the help of others before you continue."

It was perfectly clear what she meant. It was something Corman had been working his courage up to approaching for a long time, but only recently did he feel that he had the strength to swallow his pride and present himself as his brother's servant.

Shep stepped forward an embraced him tightly, sniffing and blubbering a bit in the process. "You have been my best friend in a strange land. Your way is set... and so is mine. I will remain until the end of the week, but if there is anything I can do for you, you don't hold back." He stepped back from the embrace and produced a book from a deep pocket. "This is my prayer book. It may help you understand a little more of what you are capable of with the power of the Gods. May it serve you as it has served me."

The Druid Mother then stepped forward taking both of Corman's hands. "This is not your first step on this path and it definitely won't be your last. I can help as well, but my time here is also short. I wouldn't be nearly as helpful as I cannot follow the Gods myself, but my ear and my words are always free if you wish to seek them out." She took his hands up and kissed each one then gave a strange smile while she looked him in the eyes. "I know, as much as you appreciate the gesture, I doubt I will see you again as the boy I see in front of me now. The road has finally found your feet."

---

With a heartful parting, Shep was returning to his island home. He spoke of ways to send messages, but Corman never expected to see him again. It made their parting even more poignant that likely only in the life beyond this would they see each other again. It was a wrenching and heartfelt separation, but one filled with gladness... even triumph. Though, it was unspoken, Shep knew that what he had done was akin to blasphemy to his people even if it may have been an assignment from Cuthbert himself. When he was debriefed from his mission, Shep was torn whether to account of it or not. He would likely carry that worried thought with him all the way across the sea and only decide what to say as he stood before the council.