Anarchist Knight:Apprentice

"There are some hard feelings out there and some day something is going to happen. That's why you have to be careful. Not everyone here is friendly. Some people would like to see you or me disappear or come up with a broken leg or something. Watch you back brother, watch your back."

Tobal thrilled at being called 'brother' but a chill feeling of dread swirled around his tailbone. What had he gotten himself into, he wondered? The events of last night's party were hazy and he didn't remember much. He did remember the initiation though and how powerful it had been. He said as much to Rafe.

"You'll have plenty of opportunities to participate in other initiations and experience them more completely. In fact," he grinned, "you can have an active part in every circle and initiation from now on if you choose. It is an important part of your spiritual training. That's how we do it out here."

As they walked toward the center of the camp Tobal was surprised at how big it was and how many permanent log buildings had been built. This was his first real opportunity to see the camp in daylight. There were permanent structures like the sweat lodge nestled near a clear pool of mountain stream water. Others seemed to be just empty sleeping quarters. The larger log building where they were headed was the galley and stood out from the others.

Teepees were being taken down and put away. It seemed some of the empty buildings were used for storage. The teepee seemed to be the favorite for those desiring a little more privacy. They were built with long poles lashed together at the top and spread out in a conical shape at the bottom. They were covered with the gray woolen material that seemed to be used for just about everything out here. Many were insulated with heavy furs fastened over the woolen material and tied into place. Tobal wondered in an amused way how many trips through the sanctuary building had been made to get that many of the gray blankets.

They were not the only ones getting ready to leave. Many others were already leaving or saying their final good-byes. Tobal was trying to remember the names of people he had met and failing miserably. He felt good though and found himself looking forward to next month when he would see them again. In the galley they had a final breakfast of cooked venison, wild onions and sweet potatoes. With bellies stuffed packs and canteens full, they picked up their walking sticks and headed out of the camp.

They didn't go back up the cliff but went down further through the valley and into the foothills. Rafe explained that nobody stayed near Heliopolis. His camp was about 40 miles away from sanctuary and there were other camps even further out. Most people stayed no further than thirty to sixty miles from the gathering spot though. Everyone was expected to find plenty of food and game in individual areas that were not over hunted and fairly private. It was mainly a nomadic existence, especially during the training phase. So you followed the food.

At various times of the year animals would migrate and move out of one area entirely and into others. Winters were hard and people set up permanent camps with stored food caches to help survive when fresh food was hard to find. This time of year the weather was mild and the days were warm and beautiful. The snow was rapidly thawing and new shoots of green vegetation ensured they wouldn't have to worry about adequate food in a few more weeks. There were small animals and new plant life everywhere they looked although it was still too early for any insects.

Shortly after leaving the gathering spot Rafe said, "Give me your map."

Tobal handed Rafe his map and Rafe marked an "X" on it. "This is my main camp," he said. "We will be heading there first. That's where I will show you how I make things and what a permanent camp looks like, especially in the winter. We'll stay there a week or two while I teach you the basics you will need to know. Then for the last two weeks we will go out and find you some new territory to solo in. Ok?"

Tobal fought a knot of icy fear and managed to nod in agreement. He wasn't quite certain about how easy this was going to be. Two weeks didn't seem like very much time at all.

"Ok, then," said Rafe. "You know where my camp is now so you lead the way!"

Tobal was momentarily confused. Then he understood and took his map back. He studied the spot Rafe had marked and compared it to where the mark for the gathering spot was. He knew they were about ½ mile north of the gathering spot and tried to orient himself on the map. The map showed Rafe's camp lay about 50 miles in a northeast direction. Damn, he thought, Rafe certainly isn't one that likes living close to the gathering spot. It would take a hard two days getting to his camp, maybe even longer if the terrain was really rough.

He noticed something else. Rafe was making certain his map had sanctuary, the gathering spot and Rafe's own permanent camp on it. He felt a warmth of gratitude toward Rafe for that. If anything went wrong he would be able to find help if he needed it.

Tobal sat down with the map trying to puzzle out the best way to get to Rafe's camp. He noticed that it was in some very rough country which meant it would be at least three days and not two.

"I don"t know if we can get to your place by going in a straight line."

Rafe grinned evilly, "It looks like 50 miles in a straight line but it's more like 100 the way we've got to go. It's going to take us almost four days to get there."

Four days! Tobal suddenly felt very vulnerable and unprotected. How in the world was he supposed to survive in this God forsaken place? He fought a rising panic and looked at the map again more carefully. Four days meant they were going to need water. He noticed a small stream 25 miles away and decided to make that their first camp. It was a little out of the way but he felt it was a good idea to stay close to water.

He studied the map some more and decided the second day they could head straight north and set up a dry camp. The third day would be another dry camp and they would reach Rafe's camp sometime on the fourth day. They would also reach water on the fourth day before reaching the camp. He explained his plan to Rafe and showed him the map. Rafe studied the map thoughtfully.

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"Hey, get up! Get up!"

Someone was pushing and shaking Tobal. Groggily he raised his head. It was Rafe shaking him and grinning mischievously. "Hey, c'mon. We’ve got a lot to do today. You going to sleep all morning?"

Tobal groaned and put his hands to his head. He had a splitting headache and a nasty hangover feeling in his gut. Must have had too much of the mead and home brewed beer last night he thought morosely. He rolled over and tried going back to sleep but Rafe was shaking him again cheerfully.

"C'mon, I’m not kidding. It's a busy day. Let's go get some breakfast."

Tobal sat up and looked around realizing he had been sleeping in one of the teepees he had seen yesterday. He didn't have any idea how he had gotten there. There were empty blankets where other people must have slept but they were all gone. He was the only one left.

He looked bleary eyed at Rafe. "What are we doing today?" He tried valiantly to ignore the throbbing in his head and the churning in his gut.

Rafe gave him another light hearted, good natured poke with an elbow. "How does it feel to be a witch?" He asked cheerfully. "Perhaps I should say an Apprentice witch." He chuckled.

"An Apprentice witch?" Tobal mumbled. "I didn't know I was going to become an apprentice witch! What the hell are you talking about anyway?"

Rafe hunkered down on his haunches, "I keep forgetting your parents are dead," he said. "I can't believe all of this is completely new to you. Most of us have grown up within the system and understand it."

"Well I don't," grumped Tobal. "Maybe you can fill me in on what I'm getting myself into here."

"There are three separate degrees in our system," Rafe told him. "These three degrees correspond to the three degrees of the ancient mystery schools, the three degrees of ancient Freemasonry and the three degrees of witchcraft. We simply call it the three degrees of the Craft."

"The first degree of Apprentice is concerned with learning the basic survival skills that will keep you alive in the woods during all seasons of the year. We are given gray tunics and trousers…by the way." He grinned. "How do you like your new trousers?"

Tobal flushed and grinned back, "They are pretty nice actually. It was getting kind of drafty after they shortened my robe."

Rafe snickered, "Well anyway, the color gray symbolizes the degree we are in. The second degree is black. You probably noticed your guards last night were wearing black?"

Tobal grinned. He was starting to feel much better. "They were pretty rough too, but my guide was nice looking, that dark haired girl?"

Rafe ignored him, "That's part of the Journeyman degree. The Journeyman degree is where you learn self-defense among other things. " Rafe looked at him quizzically, "Do you remember how you have to train six other people to solo before you can enter the Journeyman degree?"

"Yeah."

"Well, to complete the Journeyman degree you need to beat six other people in hand to hand combat. That doesn't mean how many times you get beat yourself," he grinned ruefully.

He looked a little worried and Tobal couldn't help but think Rafe was a bit anxious about becoming a Journeyman. That was probably due to his small size. It was hard to think Rafe could beat anyone in a fair fight.

"What about the third degree then? What’s that degree about?" he asked curiously. "Are they the ones dressed in red tunics and robes?"

"Yes, they are dressed in red." They are titled Master of the circle and accorded the highest respect. You never know when your life is going to be in their hands. Their obligation is to serve as emergency medics and to officiate during circle and initiations. They monitor the health and well being of everyone. You will see them riding around on their air sleds. They monitor our med-alert bracelets and are instantly alerted if our vital signs change through injury."

He held up his silver bracelet to show Tobal. "If something ever goes wrong and we are badly hurt our wrist alarms go off and it is the third degree Masters that give us the medical attention we need. Sometimes they are too late or nothing can be done. Other times they will take us to sanctuary or the hospital for serious injury or illness. Basically they keep tabs on everyone and make sure we are healthy and doing all right. They serve as medics for three years. After three years of medical service they are accepted as citizens into Heliopolis."

"Three years!" Tobal blurted. "It will take forever to become a citizen!"

Rafe shook him hard and looked seriously into his eyes. "Don't even think about becoming a citizen," he warned. "Focus on learning and living right now in the present moment. Get this right or you will not live to become a citizen."

Tobal found his pack and carried it silently thinking about what Rafe had just told him as they went off to find some breakfast.

The second day of circle was pleasant. Rafe introduced him to many friendly people he instinctively felt comfortable with. Tobal wondered how many of these new friends Rafe had personally trained and helped solo. He noticed Rafe was well liked by many circle members. Even more interesting was a certain section of the circle that seemed to really dislike Rafe. Tobal wondered why.

This small group went out of their way to be disagreeable to Rafe and to him. After one roughly pushed past him Tobal asked Rafe about it.

"What's with those jerks anyway?" He asked.

Rafe regarded him gravely a minute before answering. There are not many people claiming sanctuary in the winter. Some of these people have been Apprentice for three or more years. They might remain Apprentice for the rest of their lives if they don't grow up and train someone. They either have no interest in training or no one wants to train with them. Some people pick a partner to train, fall in lust, become sex partners and don't care about advancing. Then there are others that want to advance and simply not enough people to train. It is highly competitive and you really have to hustle if you want to advance.

I've made some enemies. You're my sixth trainee in a year. No one else has ever done that before.
Another thing is that I'm younger than most of the people here. Some of the older people really resent me. They not only resent me. They resent the newbies I've trained because I've taught them to be competitive too. Some of these old timers are finding it almost impossible to get anyone to train. They don't want to camp out at sanctuary for weeks at a time waiting for someone to show up like I did waiting for you. They are getting older and blaming the people I've trained for taking all of the newbies.

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Chapter 7

Later, the High Priestess helped him to his feet and showed him a small bowl of oil and clay goblet of wine sitting on the altar. Moistening a finger in the oil she traced a symbol in the middle of his forehead where his third eye was located.

"I mark you with the triple sign."

"I consecrate you with oil."

Dipping her finger in the wine, she again drew a symbol on his forehead.

"I consecrate you with wine."

"I consecrate you with my lips," she said lastly and softly kissed him on the lips.

Then she handed Tobal a piece of paper. He recognized the Oath of the Apprentice written upon it.

"Now you must sign the oath you have just taken."

Tobal signed the paper as everyone cheered and applause erupted all around the circle. Looking around the circle for the first time, Tobal saw fifty or sixty people cheering and waving cups at him in celebration and congratulation. After the applause died down the High Priestess handed him a pair of gray woolen trousers.

"The color gray symbolizes the imperfections that are within each of us. As we strive toward the spiritual life these imperfections become harmless and as we accept them they in turn nourish our souls like the seed is nourished by the dark rich soil of the earth. Our imperfections help us to grow stronger if we use them wisely and learn from our mistakes."

She handed a sheathed knife and belt to him. "This is your true weapon. It symbolizes the mastery of thought and intent over the material world. As you learn the art of survival in the wilderness you will come to appreciate how important this simple tool can be. It will one day save your life. You will also use this tool in your dreams as your spirit grows stronger and is tested by your personal fears and demons."

As he buckled the belt and knife around his waist the High Priestess gave him a decorated wine skin filled with mead.

"This is the vessel of the Lady, the Holy Grail of immortality. From this we drink in friendship and in honor of them both. It is the emotional joys and pleasures of human companionship that make life deep and rewarding. It is in sharing our lives with others we find purpose and reward. Life is an eternal celebration and it must be celebrated with others lest we find ourselves alone and unloved."

"These are the tools of the Apprentice. In the second degree you will learn other mysteries."

Then taking her own knife in hand she said, "Brother Oak, to learn you must suffer and be purified. Are you willing to suffer in order to learn?"

"Yes," Tobal answered.

Gripping his right thumb the High Priestess expertly made a small cut. "You signed the oath with a pencil but your Higher Self signs with the blood of your life."

She took his bleeding thumb and placed it on top of his signature. Then both she and the High Priest placed a drop of their own blood over his saying, "I know you as a beloved brother. Our blood is forever mingled. I will defend and help you according to my Higher conscience and Higher Self to the best of my ability."

She gazed intently into his eyes, "Look at this oath that you have signed, witnessed by your Higher Self."

Turning she stepped and threw it into the bonfire. He started as the paper burst furiously into flames. She continued, "As a symbolic act this paper is consumed and purified by the flame of the bonfire until nothing is left but your pure intent. So also in reality may all levels of your being find their true place in the transforming fire of the Lord and Lady that are both found within your own heart. Your commitment and oath is between you and the Lord and Lady. It is not a matter for us. This simple act is a token and symbol of your desire to live in the spiritual light and to be purified in mind, body and spirit."

"Yet, this is not enough," she continued.

She took his wine skin and drank from it before offering it to him. "Truly the powers of your higher self flow ever into your being and if you are open to the process your life will be changed forever. Let the chalice of your soul freely receive the wine of your spirit and experience divine intoxication thereby."

At her gesture Tobal lifted the wine skin and drank the mead. It seemed to glow in the fire light as if it were full of some vital energy that had a life of it's own. He felt the warmth and energy spread through him warmly bursting with energy and love. As the golden fluid poured down his throat into his stomach he could feel the warmth grow until he was standing in a large ball of energy and spiritual light.

Then the High Priest and High Priestess both placed their hands on his head invoking the highest power of the Lord and Lady. The energy poured into him sealing his initiation forever.

The High Priestess said, "I now salute you in the name of the Lord and Lady." Turning, she led him to each of the four smaller fires at each quarter of the circle and proclaimed loudly at each station.

"Brother Oak has been consecrated Apprentice of our ancient craft and is become a Child of the Lord and Lady."

As she finished the entire circle came forward in a wild celebration and swept over Tobal. The party had begun.

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Tobal waited, wondering what was going on. He felt water being sprinkled over him.

"I purify you with water."

He suddenly smelled incense very strongly.

"I purify you with fire."

The High Priestess continued, "Know this, you will not be asked to go against the inner voice of your conscience or against your higher soul by taking the oath of our sacred circle." He felt the sharp point of a knife blade pressing painfully into his chest.

"It would be better to rush upon this blade than continue with fear in your heart. There are two passwords that will allow you entrance into our circle. What are they?"

Tobal whispered, "Perfect Love" and "Perfect Trust."

The High Priestess smiled, "These are most welcome within our circle. I give you another." She embraced Tobal and kissed him, her body pressed tightly against his. With her body she turned him around and pushed him into the circle. Then she led him stumbling clockwise around the fire coming to a sudden stop.

"Powers of the East. Brother Oak is properly prepared for initiation as Apprentice into our ancient craft."

He was led further and stopped again at another point. "Powers of the South. Brother Oak is properly prepared for initiation as Apprentice into our ancient craft."

This was repeated two more times, once at the West and once at the North. Then she led him back near the center of the circle where he felt the heat from the bon fire against the front of his body.

"You are about to be recognized as an Apprentice of our clan and circle. As an Apprentice you are expected to gain the skills to survive on your own in the wilderness. You are expected to take care of your own belongings and eventually set up your own household.

You are expected to solo for one month to prove your mastery of survival skills. Following that," she continued, "you are expected to train six others even as you will be trained. You must do these things before you are allowed to progress into the 2^nd degree of our ancient and holy craft. Do you understand this? Do you agree to do these things to the best of your ability?"

"I do," said Tobal.

"In agreeing to these obligations you have passed the test required and may now take the Oath of our circle. Are you ready to continue?"

"Yes, I am."

"Will you always help, defend and protect brothers and sister of our clan from harm?"

"I will."

"Then repeat after me, I, Brother Oak, in the presence of the Lord and Lady, most solemnly swear I will keep the secrets of our clan. I will never refuse to share these secrets with a brother or sister if they have been initiated as I was. I further swear I will not loose control of my thoughts, words, or actions. I will not use my powers for evil purposes and I will proceed with firmness and courage to the conclusion of this initiation. I will let my inner conscience and higher self guide me in all ways.

I further swear by my hopes of a future life, mindful that my measure will be taken. May my weapons be turned against me if I break this solemn oath. So help me, Lord and Lady and my own Higher Soul."

"Now we are going to take your measure."

Tobal felt the High Priestess and someone else stretch a cord from the top of his head to the ground and heard them cut it. Then the string was placed around his forehead and a knot tied as the measure was taken. Next he was asked to raise his arms and the string was placed around his heart where another measurement was taken and another knot tied in the cord. Lastly he felt the cord around his hips and genital area where a final measurement was taken.

The High Priestess wound up the string and placed it on an altar that stood near the fire. "Before you are sworn, are you willing to pass the ordeal?"

"I am willing," Tobal answered.

A drum began to sound and he could hear the outer circle come alive as members began to dance and move around the circle. They gently pushed and nudged Tobal as they passed turning him until he was giddy and completely disoriented. This seemed to go on forever as a feeling of stuffiness, energy and heat within the circle became overpowering until the cone of power was raised. Tobal felt like he was about to faint.

Abruptly the High Priestess called a halt and turned Tobal back to face the bonfire.

"If you seek the light, you shall find it!" She shouted snatching the blind fold from his eyes.

He was momentarily blinded and couldn't see.

"This bonfire is the symbol of the triumph of truth and wisdom. The light it gives is symbolic of the greater spiritual light you now seek." Placing her hand on his head, she intoned, "In the name of the Lord and Lady, I transmit this blessing of love and light to stir your higher self and bring you into the light."

A tingling and pouring of light and energy flowed through Tobal. It was so powerful he felt dizzy and happy at the same time.

The High Priest came up next placing his hand on Tobal’s head. "In the name of the Lord and Lady, I transmit this blessing of love and light to stir your higher self and bring you into the light."

Again Tobal felt the tingling as a wave of energy swept through him. It was a different type of energy but just as powerful as the first. They felt different but somehow they also felt like they belonged together.

He felt himself being torn from his body and pulled into a vortex of energy that swirled him upward to be embraced in the arms of a man and woman of radiant light. This must be the Lord and Lady, he remembered thinking before he collapsed.

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No one came for him as he sat meditating and watching the moon rise. He guessed it must be around midnight and the moon was full and bright. The sky was very clear and the stars were brilliant. Then he saw a black robe coming toward him in the moonlight with a torch. As the figure neared, Tobal saw it was a dark haired girl. Feeling a little self conscious, he scrambled to his feet and steadied himself.

She stopped in front of him holding the burning torch in his face.

"You are a lost and lonely soul wandering in the darkness and searching for light. Without wisdom you are wandering blindly and doing harm to yourself. If you wish, I will act as your guide. Do you seek the light and wisdom of our clan?"

Tobal answered, "Yes, I do."

"There are two passwords you must remember or you will not be allowed into our sacred circle." She slowly whispered, "Perfect Love" and "Perfect Trust" into his ear. "Can you remember these two passwords?"

Tobal nodded in silence.

"You must speak, 'Yes' or 'No'," she demanded shoving the torch at him fiercely.

"Yes, I can remember them," he stammered backing away from the fire.

"Come with me, but first I must blindfold you." She took a strip of gray cloth and bound it tightly across his eyes so he couldn't see anything.

She led him stumbling in the darkness toward the central fire he had seen in the distance. As they neared he could feel its heat and hear the flames crackle. He could also hear the muffled stirrings of other people as they hushed to watch and listen. Another female voice spoke loudly from the center of the circle.

"Listen to the words of the Lord and Lady. Whenever you need something call upon us, the guiding spirits of the human race, male and female. We shall answer you and assist you in all things. You are meant to be free, to dance, to sing, to feast and to make love. Do these things all with our blessings for the 'Blessings' of physical life and the 'Blessings' of spiritual life are as one within each human heart.

Embrace your dreams and desires as you strive to make them real. Let nothing stop you or turn you aside. Accept our blessings and help because life is meant to be a joy of the heart. We, male and female, can be found within the dust of the earth and the light of the stars. Our awareness encircles the universe and binds it to our wills. In our union is the beauty of the green earth and the white moon among the stars, the mystery of the waters and the desires of the heart of man. We call upon your soul to join us in the creation of nature and the expansion of the life force into the universe.

From the union of male and female all things must come and all things must return. Rejoice therefore in the duality of life and let your worship be acts of love and pleasure, beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence. Know that we are within you, male and female, and if you can not find our union within yourself, you will never find it within another person. We will be with you at your death even as we were with you at the moment of your birth."

In the pause that followed Tobal's guide stepped forward and said loudly, "A seeker is among us. Tobal Kane has claimed sanctuary. He wishes to join with us and follow the ways of the ancient craft."

The High Priestess called out, "This is not a matter to be taken lightly. Your immortal soul will be deeply committed to the path of the Lord and Lady if you continue. Do you wish to join your destiny to that of the Lord and Lady?"

Tobal spoke out firmly, "I do."

The High Priestess came up to him and placed her hands on his shoulders, "Know well that love and trust must be freely given so they may be freely received. Consider carefully your own words because your life's blood may someday be required. Do you still desire to join your destiny with ours?"

"Yes, I do."

"Very well, in following the way that stretches beyond life and death will you serve the Lady and reverence the Lord? Will you keep secret from the untrustworthy those things we will show you?"

"Yes, I will."

"Have you chosen a name by which you will be known within the circle?"

"I have chosen 'Brother Oak' as my magickal name."

"So be it brother Oak, enter the path of light."

Tobal was pulled forward into the circle but his guide sharply pulled him back.

"Brother Oak, You can't enter our sacred circle unpurified."

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His arms were unbound and the hoodwink taken off. He blinked in the fierce sunlight and shivered in the cold as the wind swirled around his bare legs. He was standing in front of a teepee. The Master was standing in front of him dressed in a red robe and welcoming smile.

"Tobal Kane," he said, "welcome to our clan." The fiery figure stepped forward and embraced him in a crushing bear hug. "Come in, sit down! We greet you as a brother and a seeker after the hidden wisdom of Heliopolis."

They entered into the warm teepee and Tobal sat on some warm furs next to the cheerful fire in the center of circular structure.

The Master clapped his hands together loudly. "Proclaim the arrival of Tobal Kane to our entire camp!"

"Yes Master," a black robed guard replied. Bowing stiffly he backed three steps before turning and leaving the teepee.

Tobal heard the guard shouting loudly, "Welcome Tobal Kane, the newest member of our clan!" Then he heard sounds of scattered applause, whoops and yells of welcome.

The Master turned toward Tobal, "You will need the sign and password of our clan to enter our camp in the future. The pass word for the present month is…" and he whistled a tune that Rafe had been whistling from time to time.

"Before you leave I will give you the first of our teachings. Remember this and dwell upon it in the days to come. Those that wish to be free must submit to some form of discipline and organization. This evening you will be initiated as an Apprentice and expected to complete the duties of an Apprentice. If you do not have the self discipline you will find your time among us very hard. Our goal is the development of self discipline and personal freedom. If you learn your skills well you will discover personal freedom and self empowerment that you have never dreamed of.

The rules of our clan are as strict as the rules of nature. A 'Circle of Elders' guides us in all things. Respect them and go to them for advice and counsel when you need to. Don't worry about the apparent restrictions your obligations will place upon you. They are designed to free you and assist in the personal discovery of your own 'True will'. In finding your own internal authority you will no longer need our external authority. That is when you can follow your true destiny in life. It is our wish you find your own internal Master and allow him to guide you in all things.

We have no way of knowing what your true destiny might be. You have the right to discover and follow your true path and none of us shall ever stop you. We will place power and knowledge in your hands. Remember you have made a solemn oath to us of your good will and intention."

"Now," the Master clapped his hands and smiled, "You need to be prepared for your Apprentice initiation."

The Master and four black robed guards led him to another teepee that had a fire burning within it. Tobal was introduced to five others that were also going to be initiated that night. He was left there to share a light meal with his new comrades. Several hours later the Master and guards reappeared and addressed each of them.

"Do you wish to take the Apprentice Initiation?"

"It is my wish," said Tobal solemnly along with the others.

"Then you need to be properly prepared. Guard!" The Master indicated toward Tobal and the others.
"Take these candidates to be prepared."

The guard silently took the small group to a sweat lodge and told them to purify themselves first by the steam and then by diving into the pool of icy spring water that was close by. Tobal dropped his clothing with the others and walked naked into the sweat lodge. There were three girls and three boys but no one seemed to notice anything unusual about it.

Tobal sat in silence and meditation with the others for thirty minutes in the steam until the sweat was pouring off him. He had been instructed to choose a magickal name for himself. During this time he had also been instructed to think about why he wanted to become an Apprentice. His thoughts naturally turned toward his parents and how they had somehow wanted this for him.

The sweat poured off as his stiff muscles slowly loosened and relaxed. He felt clean and refreshed. He was also getting excited about the coming initiation. Two of the others had already left the sweat lodge but he still hadn’t decided upon a proper magickal name for himself. Suddenly it seemed his mother was whispering to him, "Brother Oak, you will be strong like an oak tree and help your brothers and sisters."

After another five minutes in the steam he ran out and dived into the shallow pool of icy water gasping as the shock took his breath away. He staggered gasping out of the pool and ran into the main teepee where he grabbed a blanket and began rubbing his body furiously trying to bring the circulation back. He felt a bit strange and silly as he picked up his mutilated robe and put it back on. It was no longer a robe but more like a tunic that came down just barely below his waist. The cool air and a slight draft made him keenly aware of his lack of underwear. He made a mental note to make some as soon as possible. The unaccustomed draft made him feel vulnerable and uncomfortable.

He laughed and moved nearer to the fire joining those already there. They joked about the coldness of the icy water and the draftiness of the shortened robes as they made room for him at the fire. That broke the ice and they chatted as one by one they were taken to their initiations. Finally Tobal was left alone in the teepee. He was warm by then and even opened the door flap and sat in the opening looking out as he waited.

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Tobal stood on flat rock at the cliff's edge looking down into the valley. He could see the main camp being set up. He also saw some log cabins surrounded by teepee like structures and a smoking fire pit in the center of the camp itself. The people looked like ants from this distance.

He wondered how they were going to make it down into that guarded valley? He couldn't see any possible way down from where he was standing.

Rafe said, "Don’t worry about it. I told you I know the way down. Just follow me."

Tobal reshouldered his pack and took a last drink from his canteen. It was nearly empty. He turned and limpingly followed Rafe. He had not tied his boots tightly enough and his left heal was raw and blistered.

Rafe had really chewed him out and treated him from the first aid kit. He had been reminded any open wound in the wilderness was very serious and could get infected easily if it wasn't taken care of immediately. There was limited help available and he had to take better care of himself.

There was a faint two foot wide trail Rafe was leading him on. It sloped steeply downward and Tobal clung nervously to the rock face trying to keep his balance as Rafe scampered on ahead of him. The heat of the sun warmed the cliff face and had melted most of the snow off the trail. They didn’t need the snow shoes anymore and carried everything in backpacks. Rafe sprinkled sand on some of the slippery spots and Tobal used his walking stick to pound away the ice from stubborn areas.

The ledge widened into a real trail with boulders to climb over, hairpin turns, and stomach lurching drops before narrowing down again and hugging the cliff face so tightly that Tobal needed to move sideways along it. There were no handholds or supports and it was slow going made even slower by his extreme nervousness. He had never liked heights.

He half slid, half fell, but managed to stay on his feet. More than once the sturdy support of his walking stick helped him keep his balance. Rafe had long since disappeared down the trail and Tobal felt alone and abandoned. He went around a large boulder where the trail widened into a road and leveled out. He heard a scraping sound on the rock above him and looked up to see a large gray blanket being thrown over his head as he was roughly grabbed and thrown to the ground.

Tobal was bound and hoodwinked with his hands tied securely behind his back and then roughly shoved by at least two people that led him further down the path for almost thirty minutes. His foot hurt badly and he almost tripped and fell several times but rough hands caught and held him steady as he blindly staggered along.

He was abruptly pulled to a stop and heard a loud knocking three times that echoed and hurt his ears.

"Who is there?" A voice challenged.

"A prisoner, Master."

"Where is he from?"

"Master, he is from Neo-Rome and comes by way of Old Seattle."

"What is he doing here?"

"He is claiming sanctuary at Heliopolis, city of the sun."

"What does he want from us?"

"He can not survive in the wilderness without our aid, he wishes for peace and seeks wisdom."

"Let him confirm his intentions with an oath." The deep voice continued. "If your intentions are truly honorable you will be set free and received as a brother into our clan. Is this your wish?"

Tobal nodded his head under the hoodwink.

"I can't hear you," the voice bellowed harshly. "You need to say 'yes, you do' or 'no, you don't'."

Tobal stammered in a muffled voice "Yes, I do wish to become a member of your clan."

"That's better," the voice continued. "Repeat your name and say after me:

I, Tobal Kane, am a helpless prisoner in your power. I am a native of Neo-Rome and claim sanctuary at Heliopolis, the City of the Sun where I seek citizenship, light and truth. I come in peace. I further demand by right of blood full participation in the mysteries of the Lord and Lady. I swear to hold these mysteries sacred and secret. If I break this oath."

The hoodwink was roughly lifted and a large chunk of rough bread covered with rock salt shoved in his mouth.

He started to gag but a fierce voice whispered in his ear, "Eat it." As he struggled to swallow the deep voice continued.

"If I betray the bread and salt may my body be mutilated and thrown to the wolves."

Panicking, he stammered his reply and felt the sharp pain of a knife point near his groin. Someone was cutting away the fabric of his robe and the bottom half fell to the ground around his knees. He felt very exposed and vulnerable.

"Release the prisoner!"

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As they snow shoed north toward the gathering place Rafe dug around in the snow and pointed out different plants. He explained their uses and showed Tobal how to make sure plants were safe to eat.

"Look," Rafe said, "there are two ways of doing this. I can go along and point out all the things that are good to eat and all the things that are bad to eat or I can do something else. I'm going to teach you the right way. This is winter and there are not many plants around right now but in a month or two this entire area will be filled with things to eat. There will be times when you might be in a strange area or come upon a strange plant that you've never seen before. You might need something to eat. This one plant might be the difference between you starving or not starving. The first thing that you do with a plant you are not sure about is to pick a leaf and place it against your skin. Preferable soft skin like the skin on your belly which is more sensitive than the skin on other parts of your body."

He dug in the snow and found a plant with some frozen leaves on it. "Hold this leaf against your belly held with a piece of cloth tied around your waist. Keep it there for a few hours and then check for signs of irritation or an allergic reaction. If you get a rash or it hurts, the chances are it is not good to eat. It might be usable for other things, but not to eat. We'll talk about herbs for medicine later. Right now, we're just finding food."

Tobal took the leaf and cut a strip of gray cloth that Rafe handed him, tying the leaf against his belly as directed. Then they continued toward the gathering place. Two hours later they stopped to rest.

"Ok," Rafe said. "Take a look at the leaf now."

Tobal checked and there was no rash or irritation on his skin.

"The next step is to crumble them up so they are bruised and wet with sap. Now place them back against your skin," Rafe directed.

Two hours later Rafe again asked him to check the leaf. Again there was no reaction as Tobal examined the skin on his stomach. All he could see was maybe a small red spot from the friction of rubbing. The skin was not tender and didn't hurt or anything. He told Rafe everything was fine.

"Good, now put it in your mouth and taste it. Just taste it. If it tastes bitter or burns spit it out."

Cautiously Tobal stuck his tongue out and tasted the leaf. Nothing happened, it just tasted like a plant.

"Now this is important. Go ahead and chew it 10 times, then spit it out."

Tobal put the leaf back into his mouth and chewed 10 times. He could feel the flavor getting strong in his mouth. Hastily he spit the leaf out.

"It tastes like wintergreen," he said.

"Yup," Rafe laughed. "It's wintergreen. Not much food value, but it has an oil that is flavorful. There aren't many plants to eat yet so we will use what we can find."

After he had spit out the leaf the taste stayed in his mouth as they continued. He felt his mouth go dry. Other than that there was no adverse reaction. Later Rafe gave him another leaf and told him to chew it 20 times and then hold it in his mouth. While it was strong tasting, the taste did not get any worse and after awhile became more bearable.

"That means you can probably eat the plant for food. Go ahead and swallow it."

Tobal struggled to swallow the leaf and almost felt like throwing up.

"Don't eat too much at a time if you are not used to it. You might get the runs." Rafe grinned wickedly. "Getting the runs in the woods is not a very good idea."

Tobal groaned weakly and managed to hold the leaf down. There was a knot in his stomach and he didn't think he would be getting much nourishment from the leaf.

As they continued northward Rafe told him that wintergreen was not really a good plant to eat. It was mostly used for flavor and medical uses like making the stomach feel better. Rafe continued to dig out various plants and herbs as they went along. There was not much to find since it was early April and snow covered most of the area they were traveling. It was too early for any fresh vegetation.

They used some dried herbs Rafe had in his pack as seasoning in their jerky flavored soup that evening. Rafe pulled out a few tubes of food from sanctuary and combined it with jerky and herbs in the canteen cups. To Tobal's surprise it was tasty and filling. They finished the meal with a steaming cup of wintergreen tea that was refreshing and pleasing.

Rafe pointed at Tobal's pack. "There's a book in your first aid kit about the plants that grow in this area. When you get the chance read it and study it. You need to know those plants and how to find them."

Camp was in a small clearing much like the first one and Tobal went to bed early. He was exhausted. They had made about 20 miles and were looking forward to a fairly easy day tomorrow arriving at the gathering place in plenty of time for the celebration. He drifted off to sleep thinking about the next day and his coming initiation.

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