The moment his feet touched the green, he knew he was home. He pulled the tinder and flint, and lit the lantern. The light was fast going and he still had to reach the glade before he could rest. He looked back at the small boat that had carried him here. Would he ever use it to go back? He didn't know.

He followed the shoreline for a time, the wind pushing him onward. The light covered only the pathway but the moon was beginning to rise.

"Beautiful Mother, guide my footsteps to the Circle. Give me Your blessing."

He heard only the wind. But he expected nothing more.

When he had reached the standing stones, he carried his lantern to the heel and placed it on the altar. The full moon had risen, just as he had known it would. It stopped in its travel across the night sky; stopped directly over the heel stone.

He raised his hands, calling upon Her. "Blessed Mother, I have come. I am Your son who seeks Your wisdom and teaching. I have come to this, Your home. I have come to worship the Old Ways and to listen to the Old Songs."

Then, he heard Her. He looked up to see the face in the shining orb--it was Her face. The lips pursed in a siren's song and Her eyes closed as she sang it. She called his name and gave Her blessing.

He reached into his bag and pulled out the small piece of sweet and laid it upon the altar. He added the cake and the jug of ale. His offering would be accepted, he was sure of it. He bowed deep to the Mother, singing in the sky. Taking his lantern, he left the circle and walked on to find the cave that would be his home.

Tomorrow, the boat would be gone. As would the offering he left for Her. Tonight, he would begin his learning.