The Oak of Binding Promises
The peasants who live in the villages nearby know about the oak at the entrance of the valley. They say it was the druids that planted it a long time ago. They say, the oak tree witnesses promises and rewards those who keep them. This makes it a popular spot for young lovers and for outdoor marriage vows exchanged between peasants. It is said that if you come back years after a vow you have kept, the tree rewards you with a golden acorn. This only works for vows that mean something, not for silly little promises. The covenant buys these acorns from the peasants because they contain herbam vis.
Father Luc, the local priest, isn't too happy about these pre-Christian beliefs, but since he is a kind man, he agrees to the peasants' pleas for marriage ceremonies under the old tree.
Story ideas:
- Father Luc dies and his successor is stricter about such heathen practices.
- A new church is built and marrying under the tree falls out of fashion.
- More people hear about the tree, leading to an influx of people that disturb the peace of the magi (and may awaken the local bishop's interest in the tree)
- the Christian rites performed next to the tree weaken it.
- Someone turns to the magi to ask for help with keeping a promise.
- The magi themselves use the tree for promises, like agreeing to the covenant's charter.