Mordred’s POV
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"Um why is everyone staring?" I whispered moving closer to Albert as I followed him.
"They are just curious. It’s not often that a new member joins us." He answered his smile not quite reaching his eyes. I frowned noticing the flash of emotion that briefly appeared at my question. It disappeared too fast for me to identify, but one thing was for sure. He knows more than he is letting on. Deciding to drop it for now i clamped my lips shut. Following along in silence as the druids eyes bore into my back. Their quiet whispering following me to Alberts tent.
"Do you feel that?"
"His magic it so strong."
"Could it be the boy who..."
"Hush he might hear you." I was unsure exactly what they were referring to, but honestly, I don't think I want to know. From the tones of their voices its nothing good. Swallowing nervously, my fingers curling around the purple robe of Albert, I lowered my gaze. Unwilling to see the judgmental eyes a moment longer.
I could of cried in relief as we finally made it to his tent. Ushering me inside. He quickly followed me through the tent flap. Gazing around me at the soft squishy mats, covering the floor, I tiredly sat down waiting for instructions.
"So here we are. Until you are old enough for a tent of your own, we will be sharing from this day forth." Albert announced pulling down the hood of his cloak and smiling at me. His brown eyes crinkling at the sides.
"I know I can't replace your dad, but I hope while you are here you can see me as someone you can trust. Dinner will be in an hour. I will let you get settled. Let me know if you need anything." Albert stated, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder, before leaving the tent.
Falling backwards. I lay my head on the mat, arms behind my head, as I gazed up at the ceiling. Thoughts of my dad running through my mind. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes as I longed for my dad’s arms to encircle me in a hug once more. Alas in this life that isn't possible. For he has already moved on to the land beyond. Doesn't stop me from missing him though.
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"Hey you’re the new boy aren't you." Jerking up right I quickly wipe my sleeve over my eyes. Banishing any trace of tears left on my face as a young girl around my age enters my tent. Noticing my actions, she cocks her head to the side. A curious frown on her pale lips. Her ocean blue eyes staring me down.
"Are you crying?"
"No." I snap turning away from her to hide my puffy eyes. She merely laughed rolling her eyes as a smile appeared on her face.
"Ok well A few of the other kids are making bubbles with their magic. I came to see if you wanted to join. I'm Kara by the way." She introduced sticking out her hand for me to shake. Shyly i grasp her outstretched hand in mine. A soft smile on my lips.
"Mordred. My names Mordred."
"Nice to meet you Mordred. So, want to come play?" Nodding nervously, I allowed her to pull me to my feet. Dragging me hastily from the tent and toward a clearing where a group of kids were creating bubble animals in the air.
"Hey guys can we join." Kara called dragging me closer and stopping in front of them. I felt my anxiety spike as the other kids glancing our way frowned. An unhappy look on their faces.
"Isn't that..." One girl starts only for one of the older boys to cut her off and step forward.
"You can join us Kara, but not him." I felt my heart drop at that. Even among other druids I'm not wanted.
"And why ever not?" Kara snarled stepping protectively in front of me. An angry scowl on her usually serene face.
"Oh, come on Kara like you don't know. He's..." Another girl began only for a hand to be slapped over her mouth by one of the younger boys.
"Shh, you heard what the adults said. We’re not supposed to tell him." The boy, who looked no older than 6, hissed glancing nervously around the area. I frowned at that. I knew it. They are keeping something from me but what?
"Tell me what?" I demanded shouldering my way past Kara to glare at the group of kids. Before anyone could respond though the sound of the adults calling us to dinner broke through the air. Causing everyone to quickly scatter. Leaving me standing there confused and alone with Kara who was looking at me with concern. Grabbing my hands and rubbing the pads of her thumbs over the backs she worriedly gazed into my eyes. An unhappy frown on her face.
"I'm so sorry Mordred. If I had known they would act like that I wouldn't have suggested it." She apologized biting her bottom lip.
"It’s ok, but what were they talking about? What secret are the adults keeping from me?" She paused at that a hesitant look in her eyes.
"Um don't worry about it. It’s nothing important. We should hurry. Don't want to be late for dinner." She sang changing the subject at lightning speed. Allowing her to drag me toward the food, i permitted my thoughts to wander. Concern welling up in my heart. Yeah, she said it was nothing to worry about but by the looks I was getting when I first arrived, and the whisperings of the adults, plus the other kids hatred I knew. It certainly was something to concern myself over. I just hope it’s nothing to bad.