(Midway through Spring 1238)
And there came upon the Covenant of Aoide, a Brother, and the name of that Brother was Micheal. He was a good and holy man, and he approached, vouchsafing that he had been sent to tender unto their spiritual well being.
The Magi's hearts were full of joy at these tidings, for they had sorely missed the tender caresses of the Mother Church.
A feast was held in honour of their being welcomed more deeply into the bosom of Christ, at which Brother Micheal was engrossed deeply with Pumillius about the various Philosophical conundra that often vexed the mortal mind. The magi noticed that he seemed not to discuss much about himself (for he was a modest man), but was eager to learn more about his new flock.
The Maga Orlaith, succoured by Brother Micheal's undimmed awe at the marvels before him, discussed freely the various locations and sights to be seen within Aoide, noting particularly the Great Tree. The Good Maga, sensing that Brother Micheal had an uncommon mind offered to fly him up to see inside the said tree, and so a righteous expedition was put forth that instant to discover what lay within.
They reached the first room, and the floating tiles all ranged in numinous order, and the Holy Brother was heard to remark that it reminded him of a Homily in one of Father Malachi's sermons. For that blessed man had visited the island of Iceland, not 5 years back from the Kingdom of Galacia in the Iberian peninsula.
The assembled group then proceeded to the next station, that area known as the hunting grounds, whereupon the reverend brother was beset by a hideous demon!
The vile creature was repelled by the precautions of the most holy brother, and the horrified Magi leapt to scourge it from the earth, with mighty spells. After recovering the Reverend Brother, thanked them, and was grateful to the LORD for their deliverance.
They now saw three paths leading on from them: A sensation of mercury, water and gold suffuse each path. They choose the central watery path, and find themselves walking down a fast flowing stream which soon widens out into a bay.
In the bay they see a dolphin being picked over by burning ravens,...although this vision is complicated by shifting perspectives, and soon it seems to be a ship with burning people fleeing it.
No mater how they approach, it always stays the same distance from them, and upon returning to the hunting grounds the other two paths have faded away...
The group then returns to the Covenant and Brother Micheal gives thanks for their safe return.
A while later, one of the covenfolk beseeches the reverend brother to help Ulf, a farmer, who has been displaying fearful tendencies.
After hearing the poor man's confession, he absolves, him and gives the man an amulet to protect him against further depredations of the infernal.