First Circle: Book 4

By Anna L. Walls

Derrick's life of isolation is coming to an end. Humans he can trust are few, and even less of those he counts friends. Then he has a visitor willing to teach him what he most wants to learn. Can he keep his teacher's secret? His life is getting complicated. Sometimes he wishes for the quiet days of innocence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anna L. Walls
• Release date: Oct 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215197660

Anna L. Walls

I grew up a rancher's daughter hoping to inherit the ranch and run a riding school for city kids. However, my brother bought the ranch from our parents in order to avoid an inheritance tax and I ended up joining the army, marrying my fisherman husband and moving to the wilderness of Alaska where I raised two wonderful boys. One of them gave me an old laptop computer and now I'm a published author. Go figure.

Book preview

First Circle

Book 4 of Druid Derrick

By Anna L. Walls

© 2023 Anna L. Walls

Smashwords Edition

First Circle

The daylight was dimming when Derrick next opened his eyes. He spotted Aramil circling a tree several hundred yards away, and somewhat further away he saw someone else, but the distance and the light hid an identity.

I’m here, said Derrick, his voice quiet – all he could muster at the moment.

If Derrick hadn’t spoken, Aramil wouldn’t have seen him coiled down in the cleft between two big roots of the enormous pine. He came to sit beside him. Are you all right?

I’m fine.

Everyone’s out searching for you.

Derrick groaned. How long have I been missing?

You were supposed to leave for the farm day before yesterday. Are you sure you’re all right? It can be put off for another day or two. When Derrick didn’t seem inclined to move, Aramil asked, Tell me about it…a little?

Several minutes passed before Derrick spoke again and Aramil sat in silence, not asking again. Finally, Derrick uncoiled and stiffly stretched to his full height. Let’s get back. It’s getting dark. More spells take more energy, and I find myself suddenly lacking.

So, this was about magic? asked Aramil cautiously.

The Lady’s touch isn’t always gentle, replied Derrick. Throughout the entire abbreviated conversation, Derrick’s voice had been unnaturally quiet.

Walking with exaggerated care, Derrick returned to his apartment. Aramil stayed close at his side, poised to lend a hand if needed, or catch as the case may be.

Derrick stayed awake long enough to make them a meal, and under Aramil’s watchful eye, he managed to consume most of it. He was hungry – very hungry, but his headache was turning the meal into a grueling ordeal. He fell into bed without lighting a single light, leaving Aramil to stay or go as he chose.

Trap Line

There was no sign of Derrick’s weakness the next day and no one made any mention of his absence as they headed for the farm early. Aramil came along; he had business with Kristin. They were a good three quarters of the way there when Derrick said, We have company. Keep going. I’ll catch up. He stepped off the trail and was out of sight within a few minutes.

All three elves looked around, looking for the company Derrick mentioned, but they saw nothing but a few birds and squirrels, and heard no sounds out of the ordinary. Only Wheetah sat perched on a branch now as if marking the spot where Derrick had left the trail. With a shrug, they moved on, moving slower than they had been, to give Derrick a chance to catch up with them before they reached the farm. Before they were completely out of sight, Wheetah flew to catch up, deciding to ride on Aramil’s shoulder for the rest of the trip.

Derrick went a few hundred yards and then crouched down to wait. He didn’t have to wait long. A sleek black bear sow found him. She approached, tossing her head more violently with each step. She was upset about something, and this wasn’t natural for her either.

Derrick reached a hand up and then brought