Copyright 1998 by Madeline Bell.

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Anja and the Druid 

Chapter 3 

Druid and Desert 
Ostrode was the scene of Anja's next surprise regarding her new self. Up to now 
she had only seen herself either fully dressed or in poor light. After locking 
the door, she removed cloak and sword and hung them on the back of the door. the 
room was fairly roomy but sparsely furnished, opposite the door was a window 
through which she could see the rapidly darkening sky and the glow from brands 
lighting the street below. To her right stood the now brimming bathtub, with a 
neatly stacked pile of towels on a shelf nearby. A small table with a pair of 
chairs stood between window and blazing hearth, dominating the rest of the room 
was a four post bed with heavy drapes and a stout blanket chest at it's base. 
The walls, as was typical, were half panelled in oak with white washed walls 
reaching to the exposed beam ceiling, a single oil lamp joined the fire in an 
effort to light the room, suspended centrally from a beam. 
She shrugged the mail vest off over her head and sitting on the bed, pulled the 
high boots off of her feet. She crossed to the window and closed the shutters 
and only then, still with her back to the light, did she strip tunic and chemise 
in one swift move. Intent on submerging in the tub, she shucked her hose and 
pants in similar fashion before almost vaulting into the tub. The serving girl 
had added soap crystals and anja lay in bliss, luxuriating in the bubbles and 
steaming water, the effects of the last couple of days walk began to soak away. 
It was only when she started to lather herself with soapstone that she noticed 
the design on her left leg. From her left ankle to inner thigh, etched into her 
skin were orchids and other exotic blooms spiralling in technicolour about her 
leg. With initial shock, she had but rarely seen tattoos; she took stock and 
actually some delight in exploring this exotic decoration. Her right leg did not 
as she thought, carry the twin but a quick peruse of the rest of her, she 
discovered that the design carried onto her back and terminated by her right 
shoulder blade. 
Another beautiful design entwined her right arm up to the bicep and both of her 
nicely full breasts carried gold rings in the nipples and a ring of thumbnail 
size blooms around the aureole. This being her first real chance to explore her 
'new' body, she spent the next thirty minutes examining her mobile gallery and 
it was only as she washed her face that the annoying spot on her nostril was 
revealed as a ruby stud. 
She had by now resigned herself to accept what had befallen her and to make the 
most of the situation, there was after all not much she could do right now. 
Finding some rudimentary cosmetics, she decided to see how well the 'new' anja 
brushed up. Unpacking the kit bag, she removed the silk shift and after washing 
and drying as best she could her blonde tresses, donned the fresh garments and 
tried on the spike-heeled shoes. They of course fitted and despite some initial 
trepidation, after two trips round the room, she had mastered the art of walking 
in them. 
It was approaching nine, when after several attempts at hairdressing and an 
application of eyeliner and lip stain, anja teetered into the lounge where her 
companions sat nursing tankards of ale. They were the only guests this night and 
both Pieter and Dav broke from their conversation as she entered. They both 
remained apparently transfixed as she crossed to the table and eased herself 
into a seat. 
'There is a woman in there then' Pieter managed after a moment, a glint in his 
eye. 
From clues she had already picked from his earlier discourse with Dav, she knew 
that anja, the original but rarely wore 'womens' clothing, it not really suiting 
her lifestyle but when she did.... 
'As well you know'
They continued with for anja, invaluable small talk, as it brought her up to 
speed with several tantalising snippets. Their host served dinner, fine slabs of 
beef, potatoes, carrots and peas with a rich gravy, they ate heartily and a 
dessert of baked fruit pudding and almond sauce was devoured with just as much 
enthusiasm. 
By the time they had finished eating and drinking it was after zwolf and the 
three retired without much further ado. Anja realised during the evening that 
she did in fact know in her subconscious plenty about the 'real' anja of this 
body and for that matter, her companions. Thoughts of the 'old' dark haired 
anja, the part time accountant housekeeper were becoming more difficult to 
recall. Somehow even that memory seemed false. 
Next morning dawned bright and clear, anja was woken by the cries of street 
traders already plying their wares. The food and drink of the previous evening 
and the feeling of security that Pieter seemed to pervade, had allowed her to 
enjoy a good nights rest. Getting out of bed, she crossed to the window and 
opened the shutters, returning to the bed. She again ran through in her mind the 
last little day's events; she reinvestigated the decorations adorning her body. 
Hearing voices down the hallway, she roused herself and quickly donned her 
'travelling' garments, then carefully but quickly packed her bag. Buckling on 
her sword, she checked the room for possessions then proceeded to the lounge 
where the others had again beaten her to the food. 
They consumed a hearty breakfast and discussed the day's march that would take 
them into the Tirzle Mountains via the Ober Pass. Soon after eight of the clock 
they departed the inn and spent time in the market purchasing provisions. 
Leaving her companions to the shopping, Anja took charge of the Mogwach and 
walked to the parapet that marked the edge of the drop down to the Os, whose 
course they had followed for two days. 
From this viewpoint she could see to her right, the Osthorn and almost 
straight-ahead, the peak of the Tirhotte and could just make out the pass 
itself. Down to her left, she could see Ostrodehafen and in the distance she 
could just make out the Osbrucke where they would later cross the Os. 
Her companions found her and they distributed the provisions between their 
packs, fresh bread, fruit, cheese and a couple of skins of wine. Although the 
morning was bright, it was a bit chill with a light breeze coming down off the 
mountains. They descended from the town and in full daylight Anja could better 
see the tumble of timbered buildings that formed the bulk of Ostrode. 
Taking the east road, they continued down stream to Ostrodehafen where a motley 
selection of sailing barges nestled at the quay, then followed the road along 
the riverbank until reaching the Osbrucke midmorning. They stopped for 
refreshment at the Bridge Inn before crossing the four stone arches of the 
impressive bridge that took them into the Oswalde and then away from the River 
Os. 
Their goal for the day was the inn that stands overlooking the Tirsee just 
beyond the summit of the pass. To get there, there was a climb, which in a 
series of large loops climbed from the wooded river valley through the forest 
and out onto the open mountainside and on to the summit a further 800m higher. 
In local terms, some called it insignificant as other passes climbed much 
higher, but its steep, ragged path made even a good crossing difficult and never 
less than a full day's march. 
Pieter and Dav seemed to have a never ending repertoire of tales and stories, 
which were recited non-stop, occasionally halting their progress to demonstrate 
some move made in combat. Anja was never a story teller, but she listened with 
fervour, soaking up all the information she could and several times found 
herself the defendant in some fencing demonstration from Pieter, to her surprise 
but no one else's, she did so with some skill. 
By noon they were well into the forest and coming upon a small clearing, they 
stopped for lunch. Dav had picked some fungi to supplement their rations and the 
meal was eaten in good humour. Since crossing the river they had seen no one, 
but as they prepared to continue, a man leading a pferde came down the trail. 
He continued on down the trail when he saw them, his heavily laden pack animal 
trotting patiently behind. 
'Greetings trader'
'Greetings my friends' his reply to Pieter's opening was open
'How is the trail higher up?' 
The man was of average height, but the furs he wore made him appear of 
considerable bulk, his ruddy face surrounded by auburn beard and a tangle of 
slightly darker hair. 
'It is fine friends, but for a landslide near the summit, men from the inn were 
clearing it when I passed this morn'.' 
'What of the weather?' 
'Apart from cold you mean. It is good for the season, I must get to Ostrodehafen 
before nightfall, I must get along.' 
'Good journey trader'
And to you sirs, ma'am' 
And with a cheery wave the man was on his way. Raising bags to shoulders and 
calling the scavenging Mogwach to heel, the small band struck out up the trail. 
By mid afternoon the trees were starting to thin and soon disappeared altogether 
as the path wound it's way relentlessly upward. 
Anja stopped several times to turn and take in the view back over Ostrode and 
beyond to the Black Mountains of home. The switchbacks became closer and tighter 
as they ascended until by early evening the peak of the Tirhotte could be seen 
clearly and the pass summit too hove into view, still high above them. 
It was almost seven of the clock as they reached the summit and a further 
half-hour before they reached the inn. The lake below gave a near perfect 
reflection in its still waters of the Tirhotte in the now dying light. The air 
had quickly turned cooler, swiftly as the sun slipped behind the peak, giving 
that piece of granite the appearance of having a halo. 
For a second night they were the only guests at an inn, however the landlord 
employed several men for labouring jobs such as clearing the landslide the 
merchant mentioned, for which service a small toll was charged. With the gloom 
gathering outside, they cosied down by the hearth, the travails of the day 
having extracted its own toll. After eating they each retired to their beds, the 
Mogwach following Anja and providing her with some added warmth on a cold night 
in a draughty inn. 
After breakfast they set out on the difficult descent to Obergau. At first the 
way crossed a small plain, some several k's across, then the path started its 
steep descent, entering the first of over a dozen loops making the descent. The 
morning was again crisp and clear, the rarefied altitude bringing an added 
sharpness not experienced down in the valleys. 
The going on this side of the pass was much harder, the path being mostly single 
track with many loose boulders strewn about. The path crossed the fledgling 
river Tir more than once as it cascaded down toward Obergau. By midday the route 
evened up a bit and shortly thereafter they stopped to eat and rest weary calves 
and ankles, sore from the downhill scramble. 
Pieter had indicated on the way to Ostrode that they would not be meeting with 
the druid for several days yet. 
'Where do we meet the Druid?' 
'He will come to Obergau and meet us at the monastery'
'Monastery?' 
You recall that don't you? well I know Dav does'
The Saurienne let a chortle answer for him. 
'We shall stay in their guest house until the master arrives, perhaps four days 
time'
Pieter and Dav then recounted the tale of their last visit some three years 
previous. It would appear that an incident occurred between Pieter, a young lady 
and a lay brother from the monastery. Anja missed the comic side of this tale 
and just watched as her companions collapsed in tear inducing laughter. 
They shortly resumed their journey, descending toward the tree line at a steady 
pace on a fast improving trail. Pausing briefly at a point overlooking what was 
now the Tir Gorge, they quickly descended through the Wald above their 
destination. The small market was packing away by the time they entered the town 
whose population covered a wide selection of bipedal types, both human and 
ahuman, Sauriennes, dwarves, gnomes, elven types and one or two Anja could not 
immediately identify. 
They proceeded through Obergau, then turned west toward the monastery a few 
kilometres south of the town. Soon they were approaching the low buildings 
fronting the compound of the religious settlement. The Abbey of St Olaf of the 
Rock was an imposing structure, the east tower rising to @ 50 metres and the 
whole building constructed of the local red granite, pierced by many hexagonal 
stained glass windows. 
The guesthouse by contrast was a low, two-storey affair consisting of forty 
cells for the guests containing a bed, table, chair, lamp and a copy of the holy 
book, 'The words of the Apostle'. Below the cells were toilet facilities, 
kitchens and refectory. They were each allocated a cell that would provide their 
beds until the Druid arrived. Leaving weapons and armour in the cells, they 
joined the dozen other guests for the evening meal of lamb stew, basic fare but 
wholesome. The other guests consisted mostly of pilgrims with a couple of 
merchants from Kaltenbach, several days down the valley. 
None of their group were religious, so when the others left for evensong in the 
cathedral church, the threesome went for a walk around the compound, then seeing 
that the service had finished and people were headed for their beds, they too 
returned to their cells for the night. 
Next morning the companions met at breakfast, a simple affair of gruel and ale, 
after which they headed toward the town. Anja had decided that morning that if 
their route in the coming weeks was to be mountain based, she would need more 
clothing, and the discovery of her money pouch containing ample funds hardened 
her resolve to be better equipped. 
Unlike the last few days, today was overcast and chilly, the valley of the Gau 
funnelling the mountain winds, creating a stiff wind in their faces. The Mogwach 
remained in the care of the lay brother acting as guest keeper, so they went 
unencumbered by anything but their personal arms which never, or should I say 
rarely left their sides. They each made suggestions as to how they could spend 
the days waiting for the Druid, the Saurienne suggested I side trip to the 
Breithorn, Pieter wanted to visit old haunts. Anja suggested a compromise by 
spending a day in the town and tomorrow they could explore the Breithorn trail 
and take it from there. By the time they reached the town they had agreed on 
this course of (in) action. 
To Anja, first priority was to purchase the clothing she expected to need in the 
next few weeks, better to be prepared. So it was that this unlikely trio entered 
an outfitter just off the square. Pieter headed immediately to the armoury to 
check out what was on offer, he disappeared into the back room muttering 
something about a new belt knife whilst Dav found a seat by the door to wait out 
his companions. 
The proprietor, a small man, balding with eyeglasses perched on his nose, only 
glanced briefly at the new arrivals. Although apparently engrossed in his 
bookkeeping he nevertheless would miss no opportunities for a sale. Anja first 
sought out some breeches that would offer a bit more protection than the 
leggings she wore, selecting a pair in a deep maroon she headed for a rack of 
work shirts. After much debate and asking both storekeeper and Saurienne for 
their opinion, a cream and blue check shirt went on her pile, a pair of fur 
lined mitts completed her requirements from this store. As she completed the 
deal, a beaming Pieter returned to the front of the shop with a newly purchased 
knife, which everyone had to inspect. 
They headed toward the square and were only sidetracked by a quick jar of ale in 
the 'Fat Merchant' on the corner. Leaving the men checking out the market 
stalls, Anja headed for the haberdasher on the far side of the square. The 
square was positively humming with activity despite the occasional flurry of 
snow from the grey clouds overhead. She located more underwear and selected some 
hose to match her frocks, something she had overlooked when packing for the 
trip. 
On her way back across the square, she stopped to look at the statue, which 
overlooked the proceedings. Obviously a fairly recent addition to the square, it 
depicted a woman, apparently of royal mien in a long gown and brandishing a bow. 
It was whilst she was trying to decipher the inscription that her friends, she 
did now think of them as such, arrived bearing hot pies. Seating themselves at 
the foot of the statuary they set about the pastry containers, then washed them 
down with milk from a passing vendor. 
Pieter then led the way into the back streets of Obergau; they drifted down 
lanes, with occasional browsing at the window of some artisan or other. After 
lunching in a small riverside hostelry, they continued, watching a smith at work 
here, buying spares from a Fletcher and sitting for a while at the fishponds. 
By mid afternoon they had settled back into the 'Fat Merchant' where many others 
were already enjoying the atmosphere of the cosy inn. Serving girls kept 
everyone well supplied with ale as the stories passed back and forth, Anja now 
matching the men pot for pot although with her sketchy memory of things recent, 
she left the story telling to others to relate. They dined at the inn before 
returning in a merry condition, to the guesthouse. The second day of waiting was 
passed by crossing the River Gau and exploring the Breithorn trail, lunching by 
a spring overlooking the town and monastery before returning back down the trail 
they had climbed. The day having turned out surprisingly warm, they stopped for 
a swim in the Tir before returning to their accommodation for their evening 
meal, which as was usual in the refectory, was a stew. 
When they descended to break fast on the third day, a tall, dark man was already 
sat eating by the huge hearth. Without knowing how, Anja knew that this was The 
Druid, the Master, the man they had come to meet. He was clothed from head to 
foot in black with straggly black hair and a neatly trimmed beard to match. They 
each sat and received their ration of gruel, the Druid not moving his attention 
from his own portion as he completed the job of eating. 
He waited until they in turn each finished eating and were sat expectantly 
before he spoke, 
'It is good to see each of you again, I trust you are all well?' 
Dav replied for them all
'Yes, we hope we find you likewise in good health'
'Indeed, indeed. Pieter, you have brought the Mogwach?' 
'Yes, the steward has been caring for it.' 
'And Anja, the Oaes Par and your gown?' 
'I have them both'
'Then I will fill you in on the details. I shall start at the beginning, if you 
have questions ask. You know of Anafreid of Obergau yes?' 
The three listeners nodded in confirmation, Anja then recalled the statue from 
the square although in truth she knew not the tale. 
The older man continued
'Then I shall pass most of that tale and pick it up near it's conclusion - after 
Anafreid slew the Gorgon in the Southern Desert, she rejoined the king at 
Blausee which is where the popular tale ends. However what few know is what 
happened next. Two months later a stranger came to the citadel seeking audience 
with the Queen, which was granted. When the man, a dwarf in fact, was presented 
to Anafreid he presented her with a sapphire. It was said that it would protect 
the owner and their domain from peril for two hundred years, after which time 
the dwarven nation might call in the favour in the form of assistance if it was 
so required. Queen Anafreid thought it seemed a good deal, after all she and 
hers would not themselves see that day, so she duly accepted the stone.' 
The listeners nodded to that statement. 
'As is the way often, the stone was misplaced and over the years it's 
whereabouts were to be found all over the continent. However the dwarves knew 
where it was at all times, indeed it was they who told me where it lay not ten 
days ago, indeed Anja you have possessed the stone for some time now'
'The Oaes Par?' 
'Yes indeed, the king of the dwarves, Anaglypta, asked me to bring you and it to 
him, for they are in need of your assistance. '
'But how can we, I, help? Are they at war? What use is the stone?' 
'Patience, patience dear girl. Three moons ago the heir to the dwarven throne, 
the Prince Vymura, was off exploring in the eastlands, he met a girl, Mercedes 
by name and they were to be married. However before preparations were very far 
advanced, a raid took place and both Vymura and the girl were taken along with 
some others. The dwarves and Anaglypta in particular feel that now is the time 
to call in the favour to Anafreid. Although he would not force you, he asks for 
your aid in locating his people, son and the fair Mercedes, five in all. The 
stone will act as your identification and aid in finding the captives. 
I have spent several days making enquiries to help in this quest but what I have 
discovered is neither much or very encouraging. Such a group passed through 
Funfbrucke and then departed on the Konig Eric Pass toward the Southern Desert'
'That is all?' asked Pieter. 
'Yes, I'm afraid so, what say you Dav?' 
'I shall go if the others wish to'
'And you Anja, the decision is yours'
'How does this fall to me? I'm not even descended from Anafreid? 
'Well it doesn't really, Anaglypta just thought it was worth a try, to appeal 
for help openly would be to lose face.' 
Anja sat in contemplation for a while, trying to read the others expressions. 
She weighed the information up and whichever way she read it; she had little 
real choice. To maintain her own honour she had to go, to keep the honour of the 
memory of Anafreid she had to go and anyway lives were at stake so she had to 
go. 
'What of the Mogwach?' 
'It is the boys pet, it may help to find the young man as I cannot give you much 
of a description'
'Are you to come?' 
'No, I return to Anaglypta, if you require my assistance use this' he drew a 
seeing stone from his sleeve and passed it to Anja. 
The girl looked once more to her companions and reading assent in both pairs of 
eyes, she confirmed their acceptance of the task. 
By now it was approaching midmorning. 
'I will depart after lunch for Anaglypta, if you want me, I shall be in the 
abbey'
With that the Druid stood and silently left the room. 
Dav commented first 'not our usual brand of work'
'No indeed' Pieter addressed the girl to his left, 'well boss what now?' 
Anja was still a bit amazed that she had consented to this madcap affair. 
'We leave with the Druid, we have a long walk ahead, first to Funfbrucke, then 
who knows. We'll meet here at fifteen minutes before noon.' 
They each returned to their cells to pack and make ready for the journey ahead. 
Pieter sought out the Druid, but gained little more of use. The others collected 
the Mogwach, which apparently answered to Ogen, then securing fresh supplies 
from the steward and leaving a goodly donation in the poor box, they joined the 
Druid outside the lodge and departed as the sun reached it's zenith. 
The next three days passed without incidence, the party camping out each night 
as accommodations on the valley road were sparse, even where other trails joined 
it. On the fourth day they descended Gau Gorge and it was late evening when they 
arrived in Funfbrucke. The Druid left them to gain passage on a barge travelling 
the Great Canal north, the party settled in at an inn in the Unterbrucke area of 
town, right next to the fourth of the towns five bridges that crossed the Gau. 
Their route would now take them between the Sentinels to the Citadel made famous 
in the Anafreid story, and then they would follow the Konig Pass south. None of 
the group, except perhaps Ogen, slept well and that added to the air of tension 
the following morning as they acquired fresh supplies and broke fast. It was as 
much as anything an air of anticipation and they were all eager to depart on the 
climb to the citadel at Blausee. 
The Sentinels, Oberalp and Unteralp, were always in sight as they climbed the 
well-maintained path upwards. It looped carelessly about the Blauhorn under the 
gaze of the Hohehorn and by midday of another dry, bright day they were on the 
approach to the Sentinels. Two hours later and they started the descent to the 
Blausee and the citadel overlooking it. The goat and sheep herds were returning 
home as the companions entered the impressive walled town. 
None of the party had been here before and it was with both awe and a degree of 
caution that they followed the road up to the gate. Even in these peaceful 
times, the walls were constantly manned by the Royal Guard and everyone entering 
or leaving was stopped and questioned. Below the immense walls several tents 
stood, a small group of nomads were sat about a small fire alongside. 
The travellers approached the immense walls behind a flock of sheep and so their 
entry was delayed slightly. The guards at the gatehouse looked them over and 
waved them on and they moved into the darkly shadowed warren that made up most 
of the citadel's interior. With Pieter en point, the little group moved through 
the honeycomb of streets, ostensibly looking for a lodging house. Such 
accommodation was soon located and rooms secured for the night. 
After a meal at the boarding house, Ogen was assigned guard duty over their 
belongings and the rest of Anja's party departed to see what they could find 
out. The streets were now much quieter and were lit by gas lamps at regular 
intervals. The trio spent several hours that evening visiting the taverns, bars 
and whoring houses of the town, in an effort to gain some, indeed any 
information that would help in their task. Their best efforts were however 
without success, they gained nothing concrete and on that negative note they 
returned to their lodgings, the Mogwach awaiting their return as alert as on 
their departure. By the time the late watch made their rounds, they were each 
under the bedcovers if not actually asleep. 
When Anja awoke next day, the citadel was already buzzing with activity despite 
the early hour. She joined her colleagues for breakfast over which they 
discussed their next move. Dav was uncommonly quiet during their discussion, 
Pieter as usual having most to say. They settled on a resumption of their 
southward trek, after first obtaining ample supplies - the next habitation was 
many days trek away. Anja continued making enquiries while they procured their 
provisions to no avail, apparently if their quarry had come this way, they had 
been invisible! 
The day was well started when the friends passed back through the gatehouse of 
the citadel to resume their journey. On Dav's suggestion they paused at the 
nomad camp, as it turned out the best decision so far made. After exchanging 
pleasantries, Dav asked the camp leader, a burly individual by name of Alzun 
Hammad, of those they sought. 
'Indeed friends, we have seen such a group but two days ago, but not here'
'Where then?' Pieter enquired
'It was up in the pass, near the Hohe See, they were camped as though awaiting 
someone.' 
They could not have asked the gods for much more. 
'If you are to follow, take great care' Alzun went on 'they looked of sour 
disposition'
'Thank you friend' Anja replied, presenting the nomad with some fruits as was 
custom at such exchanges. 

Maddy Bell 1998