Chapter 26: The Archdruid
“There are currently sixteen Sages in the Druid council, all of whom have made significant contributions to our order, or are individuals of great wisdom and virtue. And among these sixteen Sages, there is one Grand Sage, the undisputed leader of our order,” Baggs explained, leading them up a winding staircase formed from magically hardened vines, built into the massive trunk of the sacred tree.
“What’s the Grand Sage’s name? I’d like to be prepared,” Abyss asked. “I’ve been traveling the world and haven’t kept up with the council’s affairs.”
“Of course. His name is Bedor Physis Arcaiste. We usually address him as ‘Grand Sage,’ but you can call him Master Arcaiste. We Druids aren’t concerned with formalities, unlike those stuffy elves,” Baggs replied.
Abyss hadn’t heard of this Grand Sage. The Druid council hadn’t made any significant contributions or been involved in any major events since Agnes’s death. Their reclusive nature limited their influence. Most people knew of their existence, but few understood their purpose, some even mistakenly believing they were simply farmers.
“Anything I should know before meeting Master Arcaiste?” Abyss asked.
Baggs, his cat form padding softly ahead, thought for a moment. “He’s a serious man, often melancholic, rarely smiles, and he doesn’t seem to have much of a sense of humor. Conversations with him can be a bit dull. But he’s a good person, his principles strong, although he’s not very expressive.”
They climbed the vine staircase, passing numerous dwellings built into the tree trunk, the homes of the council’s core members, all high-ranking Druids. The Grand Sage, the most powerful and respected among them, resided at the top.
They reached the topmost level, where a large, vine-woven structure, without a door, served as the Grand Sage’s residence. A figure sat inside, their back to the entrance.
“Master Arcaiste, I’ve returned,” Baggs called out softly.
The figure turned, revealing a face with sharp, angular features.
He wasn’t what Abyss had expected. He had imagined an elderly Druid with a long white beard, but this Grand Sage seemed relatively young, perhaps less than a hundred years old, equivalent to a human in their thirties or forties. He had silver hair, silver eyes, and his features suggested some Gray Elf ancestry. His skin was smooth, his face handsome, but a lingering sadness in his eyes and his pale lips gave him a melancholic air.
“Welcome back, Master Mustalian,” the Grand Sage said, recognizing Baggs instantly, then turned to Abyss. “And welcome to you as well, human Druid.”
“Master Arcaiste, if there’s nothing else, my apprentice and I will take our leave,” Baggs said, backing away and hopping onto Maggie’s shoulder. He still wasn’t wearing any clothes and wanted to leave before transforming back.
“Very well,” the Grand Sage said, nodding. “Thank you for your efforts. I’ll have a chat with our human brother. Attend to your duties, Maggie. I’ll handle everything here.”
“But Master, I want to hear your conversation with Mr. Belator! What if they discuss something useful, and I learn something new, and I invent a powerful new spell? This is a rare opportunity! Mr. Belator’s mastery of Druidic arts must be…”
Baggs clamped his paw over her mouth. “Enough! Go and rest! Do you want to give the Grand Sage another headache?!”
Baggs and Maggie left, and the Grand Sage turned to Abyss. “Master Mustalian informed me of your arrival. Thank you for coming to assist us, Abyss… or rather, Mr. ABC Belator.”
“It’s nothing. I’m happy to help,” Abyss said, waving his hand dismissively.
“On behalf of the Druid council, I also welcome your companions,” Master Arcaiste said, addressing the three girls.
They curtsied politely, their composure unwavering. They were accustomed to such formal occasions.
“The aphid swarm you commanded, Mr. Belator, was a remarkable feat,” Arcaiste said, his silver eyes fixed on Abyss, his voice filled with admiration, but his expression still melancholic. “To control so many insects and disperse that potion across the entire Ossi Kingdom demonstrates exceptional skill. Perhaps even I couldn’t achieve such a feat.”
“You’re too kind,” Abyss said, waving his hand dismissively. “I’m just an ordinary Druid. My skills and my experience are nothing compared to yours.”
“I believe I know your enemy, and I’ve learned about your goals through various channels. But I won’t pry. I suspect your true purpose is beyond my comprehension,” Arcaiste said suddenly.
Abyss, who had been expecting a casual conversation, was surprised by his directness. His actions in the Ossi Kingdom weren’t a secret, but this Grand Sage had quickly deduced that there were things he shouldn’t know. This man was more perceptive than he appeared.
“Indeed, there are things I can’t reveal, Master Arcaiste. But I assure you, I’m here to help,” Abyss replied, raising an eyebrow.
Leave a Reply