In a flash of color, Dan was gone, Rick standing agape, looking questioningly at Ernunnos.

“Earnest Dan has found the path,” booms the magestic beast. “Take heed and follow him. Make haste!”

Rick scratches his chin, glances towards the poppies in the center of the meadow, and returns his gaze to Ernunos.

“What have you done with Dan?”

“I have done nothing, as nothing has happened to your Dan. Plainly, I have stood before you. He has chosen to follow his path. Darkness is afoot, its gaze focused on this meadow, on what I protect.”

“Uhm, you are planning stay here?”

“I must, this meadow must not fall.” With those words, Ernunnos rises up, unshoed feet stretching taller, and bellows louder than I thought possible. “You shall be joined by my son Jerinad. Foolhardy and strong, he will help you find the Doros the Ancient, the last of the Druids.”

With barely a rustle through the trees, a young bearded man emerges into the meadow, standing tall, as his torso merges into the body of a great stallion.