power returned in tiny stages to skaigona's thinned body. her legs did not quake so much, but the fatigue was never-ending and downed her for several hours at a time.
birds flocked in feathered flock within the oaks overhead. faded gold of once-harsh eyes watched them in idle repose. sunlight felt wondrous over her belly and upturned shoulder, persuading the woman to close her eyes and relax. there was nothing else for her to do but surrender.
her children's faces filled her mind, each etched in a hard look. the children she and druid had raised; the ones left behind; they too attended her thoughts, and beneath the gilt glow skaigona found those thorns of guilt in her spirit once more.