Day of the Druid
Page 4
falling and twisted catlike in the air to land on his feet.
He whirled to meet the charge of the Druids. Cyngled's hands stilltraced the air but his power was gone. The Norsemen exploded into lifeagain, their swords whirring a song of death. Only Cyngled did notlose his head. Defeated the Druids were, and defeated forever, but hecould snatch some measure of victory from the defeat. He was atMarna's side when Gaar reached him.
One great hand on Cyngled's throat, another at his waist. Gaar liftedhim high and hurled him earthward. Cyngled twitched once and wasstill. The stone knife was in his hand but it would never be usedagain. The day of the Druids was over.
Marna was smiling at Gaar as he cut the thongs that bound her. Thistime her lips came up to meet his. For Elgen and Asgar and the restthere was no treasure. But they had no complaints. It had been a goodfight. For Gaar there was the greatest treasure of all.
The hint of sorrow was out of Marna's eyes. The past was gone, andthere was nothing here for her now. She was the daughter of a oncegreat people. She would be the mother of a greater one. Her arm waslinked with Gaar's as they took the first steps back toward the shipwhich would take them northward.
THE END
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