Title: Daughter of the Moon, chapter twelve
Author: Andrea
Rating: PG-13
Category: Historical AU
Edana POV
Notes: Thanks to Dan, Mimic, FatCat, Karen and Mendy for beta reading and Tanya for her ongoing support.
Edana's stomach fell. For a moment she stared at the young girl, unable to speak. Finally she drew a deep breath and asked, "Has he left for Penrith?"
Goldyna shook her head. "He's far too ill. It's the bloody flux and his doctor is bleeding him. It's not working. He's growing weaker and weaker."
Edana straightened her back. "Has he asked for me?"
"No," Goldyna murmured. "But I fear he won't be long for this world without your help."
Edana gave the young girl a sharp nod. "Of course. Just let me gather a few things."
In half of an hour Edana was at the priest's bedside. The room reeked faintly of vomit and waste. The lye soap Goldyna had scrubbed the room with couldn't rid all traces. Augustine was asleep, but she picked up his right hand. His skin would tell her much.
The flesh was hot and very dry. It seemed to be stretched over his bones thin as vellum. When she turned the priest's arm to feel his heart pump at his wrist, the linen shift slid down to reveal knife slashes, six of them, scoring his flesh. She pushed his left sleeve up only to be met with the same sight. Some of the wounds were still open and oozing. Others had closed but were festering with pus.
Edana turned open-mouthed to stare at Goldyna, who nodded.
"When he gets no better, his doctor bleeds him more."
Edana turned back to the man and put her hand to his forehead. "Father?" She looked at Goldyna. "He is feverish. Get a cool cloth, please."
Before the girl could move, a gurgling sound made Edana turn to the priest again. He was looking at her in alarm. His eyes held little moisture.
"What are you doing?" His voice was faint and scratchy.
Edana tried to speak soothingly. "Goldyna fetched me. She's worried about you."
"Get thee back, heathen! You're the spawn of Satan, himself." Spittle flew from the priest's mouth. "You're traitors to the king! You and that midland rebel. I'll see you hanged. Both of you!" He became shrill.
"Shh." Edana patted his hand. "All right, I'll go, but please don't excite yourself."
Augustine's eyes took on a wildness Edana had never seen before. "Don't tell me-" He tried to raise his voice, but the effort made him cough and wheeze.
Grabbing Goldyna's hand, Edana dragged her from the room. When they got to the hearth they could still hear the cleric sputtering.
The young girl stood by the fire quaking. "Why does he want us hanged? What wrongs have we committed?"
Edana felt like she was trembling as much as Goldyna, but she steadied herself and showed nothing to the housekeeper. Although the girl was in Edmund's employ, Edana had little idea how much she knew. Instead she patted Goldyna's arm. "Don't worry yourself. Augustine's fever has robbed him of his senses." Then she shook her head slowly. "I'm sorry, but I can't help a man who doesn't want it."
Goldyna wrung her hands. "Why is he being such a fool? Can't he see his doctor is killing him?"
"A man can be so focused on one thing he can become blind to all else around him. Augustine is no different. Let us sit. I still might be able to help. And if he doesn't know it's coming from me, he may well accept it."
Whispering at the work table Edana told the young housekeeper to prepare a strong brew of the stinging nettle, dandelion and burdock Edana had brought with her.
"If he'll take blackberries, they will help too. Do you have some preserves?"
Goldyna bobbed her head.
"Make a hearty beef broth and see if he'll take some. Any of those will help his blood humour. Just don't let him hear my name, deny me if you must."
Edana left the young girl carving a shank of beef for the broth. The sun wasn't quite overhead, but Mylward would be coming home soon. Edana decided to meet him at the mill.
She was standing in front of the stone edifice trying to determine if she should knock on the plank door when it swung open. She smiled at the surprised look on her husband's face.
"I have news and we'll have to eat a cold lunch."
Mylward took Edana's hand and led her to his path. "I care not about the food. Tell me your news!"
"Goldyna came to get me this morning. She's worried about Augustine."
"Is he getting ready to leave for Penrith?"
"Our minds are much alike, husband, but no. He's dying. She wanted me to help him."
Mylward stopped on the path and stared at her. "Did you go?"
"Yes, but in hindsight, I realize that I should've simply told her what to do."
Edana pulled him toward home and recounted her visit with the priest. When she finished her tale Mylward shook his head.
"Wife, you do realize that most people wouldn't minister to a man who threatened them. Why do you concern yourself when he clearly doesn't want your help?"
"Because doing no harm is more than an element of the healing arts Aldefader taught me, it's part of the old ways. I won't turn my back on that. If Augustine survives, he was meant to and we were meant to leave this place. I can't change what I do and interfere with what is destined to be. I did everything I could for him and I'm content that whatever happens now is what is fated for us."
Mylward squeezed her hand. "I know my methods haven't worked in the past, so I will defer to you. As you say, the worst that could happen is that we must leave, but is it wrong to pray that doesn't come to pass?"
"Just as long as that prayer ends with harm ye none."
He sighed. "Yes, wife. But there is something that worries me. Why have I not suffered? I have harmed many. Should I be awaiting my threefold visitation?"
"You were left for dead on the road. Your friends perished. You've lost your family. How much punishment do you expect?"
"And yet I seem to have gained aplenty."
"Then whoever is holding the scales knows your true intent. Never forget that a pure heart is what matters most."
Once their cold meal was eaten Edana walked with Mylward to the mill and then carried on into town. Before buying the ham she stopped in at Edmund's house to share the news. Her revelation left all therein wide-eyed.
After haggling with the butcher, Edana returned home and her thoughts were soon consumed by her plans for the third harvest meal. The first harvest of grains at Lughnasadh had passed before the battle on the road. By Harvest Home, the second harvest, when most of the crops were reaped, Mylward had left on the quest to fetch his buried purse. Samhaim was the gathering of the last fruits and the most important harvest of the year. She felt guilty about not inviting Edmund and Rowena, but she wanted to be alone with her husband. There would be plenty of feasts in the years to come to celebrate with family and friends.
Samhain would fall on Saturday this year, and her visit to Augustine made Edana feel like she'd lost a day of preparation. She had much to do.
Like Edmund, Mylward was fond of her ale. Aldefader had shown her a different recipe for sabbats, their holy days, but she hadn't brewed it since he died. It would be the perfect homage to pay him when she commemorated her ancestors.
There wasn't enough time left in the day to start it, but she could have everything clean for morning and still have enough time to make Mylward a hearty stew for his evening meal.
That evening while he ate she told Mylward about her plans for November Eve. He listened patiently but she knew he was more interested in retiring to their bed for a celebration of their love - or maybe not bed, it didn't seem to matter to Mylward.
When he finished eating she collected their dishes, put them in the basin and covered them with warm water from the kettle. As a young girl in her grandfather's house, the washing of dishes had fallen to Edana. That was the way it had been in her parents' house, so she hadn't thought twice about it. When Mylward had been her patient, Swayn was living with them and helped her with the dishes, though somewhat grudgingly. After the first meal Edana cooked for her husband, he'd stood by her side to put the bowls on the shelf after she'd wiped without being asked. Edana wished she could meet the woman who'd raised such a son.
As she handed him a clean pot she said, "I know I said that I wanted to spend the third harvest alone with you, but I fear I'm being selfish. After everything Rowena and Edmund have done for us, do you think they'll be bothered that we aren't asking them to join us for Samhaim?"
"I doubt anyone will be surprised that we want to be by ourselves. If they don't ask us for Christmas, we can invite them for Yule."
With the dishes cleaned and stowed, Mylward opened the back door and emptied out the basin. Edana stood by the hearth waiting for him.
She held out her hand to him. "Shall we go upstairs?"
He stood just inside the door and stared at her.
"What?" she murmured.
"For weeks I lay beside that hearth and wondered what it would be like if you crawled into the pallet with me."
Edana felt herself flush. "Do you want me to fetch some bedding?"
Shaking his head, he approached her slowly.
She held her ground in spite of her racing heart. "But husband, these planks are very unforgiving."
"I'll be your cushion." He was close enough to touch her, but his hands stayed at his sides. "I've noticed the fondness you have for being above me."
Mylward stood a fraction of an inch from her. She could feel the heat of his body. Why didn't he take her into his arms?
He looked into her eyes. "Was I wrong?"
She trembled with want. "No."
"Show me."
Edana smiled as she realized that the hunter wanted to become the prey. Going up on her tiptoes, she leaned against him and thrust her hands into his hair. If her husband wanted proof, she would give it to him.
Though he asked her to take the lead, Mylward was not shy with his fingers. He gazed up at Edana as she moved above him. She could see her beauty reflected on his face. Did he witness the same thing in her countenance? Would he notice how the light in his hazel eyes burned through her or know how the fullness of his lips made her long to taste them? Did he realize the softness of his skin beckoned her, asking to be caressed or that she ached to feel the strength of his body surround her?
His hands skimmed her sides as he brought them to her breasts. His touch made her skin tingle.
"Love me," he whispered.
"I am." She pressed a kiss to his lips. "I do."
Clutching handfuls of her hair, he pulled her mouth to his again like he wanted to devour her. His passion started a fire in her belly. She wanted to be engulfed. The flames licked at her as he nipped at her neck.
He panted beneath her. "Yes, my love. Show me."
Edana felt like her skin was alight. As she was consumed, his hands grasped her bottom. Her eyes closed while her body quaked and he shuddered beneath her. His arms wrapped around her securely when she collapsed against him.
Their loving left them covered with a sheen of perspiration. Mylward wanted to go to the bedchamber, but she insisted they bathe first. It didn't take long to heat enough water. Then they took turns standing in the tub to cleanse each other. For Edana, the act of washing her husband was as intimate as their coupling. From his response to the soapy cloth she ran slowly over his skin, she knew he revelled in it as well - so much so that after he bathed her, he carried her upstairs. Their second union of the evening was less frantic and Mylward fell asleep, snug in Edana's arms. Though in her heart she'd always known, she was sure then that it didn't matter where they called home, as long as they were together. Sliding her hand down to her belly, she let it rest there. She suspected it wouldn't be just the two of them for much longer - so much the better. Nothing was stronger than family. Let Augustine do his worst.
The following morning, once Mylward left for the mill, Edana brewed a small batch of spiced ale. Then she fetched some beeswax from the undercroft to make rosemary scented candles. In between dipping the candles, she made two loaves of Astrid's honey and oat bread. It wasn't ready at midday, but for his evening meal, Edana gave Mylward cheese and onion pie with thickly buttered bread.
It amazed Edana how much pleasure she took from watching her husband enjoy his food. Not only did his eyes light up at the sight of his favourites but he usually gave her saucy smiles as he ate. His smile this night was different.
"All of the repairs to the millworks are complete." He grinned as he picked up a slice of pie and took a large bite.
Edana beamed. "That is wonderful news! Did you have any luck in finding a dusty?" Next to finding renters, it was the final thing they needed to do.
He nodded, his mouth full of pie and bread. The food, however, didn't stop him from talking. "Possibly. Tomorrow I need to replace some planks in the sack floor. Edmund is sending over a lad he thinks will be suitable. If he puts in a good day's work, I'll take him on."
"And then he'll come to live with us?"
"Actually, I'm hoping he'll stay with whoever we rent the mill house to. It might be easier to get tenants if the rent is cheaper because he's boarding there. It's certainly big enough. If that doesn't work out, he can stay in the mill proper."
Edana gasped. "A young boy – by himself? Doesn't it get cold in winter?"
Mylward chuckled as he took another bite of his pie. "Edana, all of my father's dusties, save me, slept in the mill. Even I did at harvest time. He wanted me there year round, like the rest, but Mader put her foot down."
She eyed him warily. "And it's not cold? Will he have a fire?"
"Not in my mill he won't. No fire, not even a candle unless you want us all killed. That's the first lesson a dusty is taught. But don't worry, a well–maintained mill isn't cold, and I will keep it maintained."
She narrowed her eyes. "I think I agree with your mother. I won't let a boy freeze just because he's an apprentice."
He shrugged. "If it gets too cold he can sleep in the barn, but I suppose you'll want to heat that as well?"
Rolling her eyes, she changed the subject. "Have you heard any news of Augustine?"
"Edmund did tell me that Goldyna has managed to get some of the brews you suggested into him, but the doctor still visits several times each day."
Edana heaved a sigh. "These doctors claim to be balancing his humours, but how do they expect them to stabilize when they do nothing but drain his blood?"
Mylward's nose wrinkled and he set down the piece of bread he'd been holding. Edana pressed her lips together in an effort not to laugh. She forgot he was squeamish. Picking up his ale, he took a long drink.
When he set his cup down he said, "I don't know, but I don't want to spend my evening thinking about that man. How are your preparations for Samhain coming along?"
As she told him about her day she was happy to see him finish his meal, relived that she hadn't put him off completely.
"Remember that if you go to the mill on Saturday you must return early. There is a ritual before the feast."
He smiled slyly at her. "I like your rituals."
"This one involves summoning our ancestors. What exactly would you like them to witness?"
He heaved a large sigh. "Have it your way, but be warned - for some reason your old ways seem to have an effect on me."
Edana smiled. "Being inside a circle does reveal a person's true intent and there's no secret about what yours is."
Mylward pushed himself to his feet. "And I thought I kept it so well hidden."
She looked at his tunic below his midsection. "Like you're hiding that?"
He looked down at himself, then back at her with a lopsided grin and stepped towards her. "Perhaps not, then."
Edana took a step backward. "No, husband, not the floor again."
He moved a pace closer. "What's wrong with the floor?"
Edana looked to her right. The stairs were only a few strides away. "The bed offers more comfort." Before Mylward could respond she turned and bolted to the staircase.
She heard her husband's chuckle as he followed her. She was halfway up when he made his first footfall on the stairs. Squealing, she increased her speed. She could feel him almost upon her when she reached the top step. His hand swiped at her tunic, but she was too fast. Once in their room, she turned and faced the door. He was already filling it.
"There's a floor up here too." He tapped it with his foot.
Still regaining her breath, she shook her head.
He raised his eyebrows and stepped into the room. "Are you saying no to your husband?"
"I'm saying no to the planks." She backed up a pace. "I wouldn't say no to you. If I wanted to deny you I'd add some monk's pepper to your food." She grinned at him.
He sighed. "Why did I fall in love with a wise woman? Will I ever win against you?"
Pulling her tunic and shift off together, Edana tossed them to the floor. "What have you lost?"
"Oh, perhaps the slightest bit of power I might've had over you." He, too, pulled his garments off. "Because I know I'm powerless. I'll give you whatever you desire."
Backing up to the bed, she crooked her finger at him. "Then come here."
Mylward, as was his usual practice, slept soon after loving her. Edana instead lay in the safety of his arms, awake and pondering. She was having great difficulty calling the man she loved Dalton and couldn't imagine a time when he wouldn't be Mylward to her. She lived in fear of using the wrong name in front of someone being the only person in Keswick who knew the true one. Perhaps as the years passed she'd grow accustomed to adopted identity. For now she called him husband. No one thought it odd and it was more comfortable than Dalton on her tongue.
Sighing in his sleep, he snuggled closer to her. She found it strange that he thought himself helpless against her. He obviously had no idea the sway he had over her. Was relinquishing power to each other part of being in love? Then she realized it wasn't the surrendering of oneself that defined love, but the trust needed to do it.
In the morning, Mylward told Edana about his plans for the day over their porridge.
"I have to visit the sawyer and get new planks. I think I'll take Wulf with me, but we should consider getting a stout horse. Bertram didn't deliver flour the way my fader did. I think we should. I'll put the word out that I'm looking to buy a horse next spring. What do you think?"
"I'll leave running the mill to you if you'll leave healing the sick to me," she said with a wink.
"Edana, it's your money. You should have a say in how it's spent."
"By law, I think it's your money."
"I care little for the Norman laws. I want to know what you think."
She cocked her head at him. "How long will it take a horse to pay for itself?"
"One harvest."
"And will it have other uses besides delivering flour? Will it make your life easier?"
"Yes, many uses, but I will need to build a stable."
Then Mylward listed the ways in which a horse would be helpful, but Edana wasn't listening. She passed the mill on her way to Keswick so often she could picture it easily. The mill itself was a large structure and looked foreboding to her, but the house was tucked back from the road. At first glance, it didn't look big, but Edana had been inside with Aldefader once to treat a dusty who had crushed his finger. The house was bigger than it seemed – plenty of room for bairns. In an instant, Edana knew she didn't want to raise children in Aldefader's house. How could she keep a cradolcild here if someone was so ill they needed to stay? How could she keep wee ones out of her herbs? Even a small amount of nightshade would kill a bairn. Then she heard Mylward saying her name.
She blinked at him. "Hmm?"
"You don't think we should get a horse?"
"Why do you say that?"
He studied her face. "You were shaking your head."
"No, I think a horse is a good idea. Let me help you harness Wulf. I used up the last of the milk in our porridge. I'll come with you and get more. I want to talk to you about something."
As they walked into town, Edana shared her thoughts about having children in Aldefader's house.
"You want to move into the mill house?"
She slipped her hand into his. "If you agree."
"And you'll just keep your herbs and make your medicines at your house?"
"And the ill can stay there if they need to. I don't want them to pass their diseases to my children."
He frowned at her. "Disease can be spread?"
"I know that the new doctors don't think so, but Aldefader maintained they could and I believe him. Look at how chicken pox sweeps over all the children in a house. If their cousins visit, they are affected too. You don't think it transfers from bairn to bairn?"
"Maybe it's something in that house."
"But if you keep other children away until the sick have recovered no one falls ill. If it was the house, why wouldn't any child that visited be afflicted?"
He smiled. "I was going to leave healing the sick to you, wasn't I?"
She squeezed his hand. "But do you mind the loss of income?"
"No, I think the health of our children is worth a few pennies a year."
"If I brew more ale, I could easily make that up. At the mill house I could have a bigger garden and more hives. I see plenty of potential for more income. Many people have asked to buy my candles, but I've rarely had any to spare. More beeswax means more candles. More bees also means more honey and mead."
Mylward laughed. "All right, all right, you don't need to convince me. I would prefer to live closer to the mill, anyway."
"Why didn't you say?"
He shrugged. "You seem attached to the place."
She smiled. "I am and I'm not giving it up."
Mylward bent to peck her cheek. "I did say I'd give you anything you desired. But instead of going back and forth, I could build you a separate place for your herbs and medicines that you could lock up."
"But I collect almost all of my herbs on that land."
Mylward's tone was patient. "And you still could. Would it be that much further?"
"No, I suppose not. But that doesn't resolve what I would do with patients who need constant tending, like you did."
"Maybe I could build an extra room –?"
Edana laughed. "Are we building a village of our own? A stable, my medicine house, our home, the mill –"
"Why not? Is there a rush? How long until a child might get into your herbs. We probably have two years before we'll need to worry about that. There's plenty of room for a stable and your medicine house. For now you can use the kitchen in the mill house and there are extra bedchambers for the infirmed if you need them."
She shrugged. "I suppose, but I think maybe it's time that I had an apprentice of my own, maybe not an actual apprentice, but someone to help out. I'll need someone who can assist when I am great with child and right after I give birth."
Mylward stopped walking and stared at her. "Is that what this is all about? Are you with child?" He put his hand on her belly.
She placed her hand on his and looked into his eyes. "How long have we been wed? Have I had my moon time?"
His face lit up. "So you are?"
She smiled at his joy. "Possibly, but there have been a lot of changes in my life. My timing might just be off."
"When will we know for certain?"
"For certain – a few weeks more."
Mylward looked into her face and shook his head. "You already believe you are carrying my child."
"Say nothing to anyone. Any number of –"
"Shh." He bent and kissed her softly. "I'll say nothing if you promise that you'll let nothing negative pass these lips." He kissed her again.
Tugging on his hand, she pulled him toward town.
"All right, I'll tell you when you can spread the news. Yule would be the perfect time to make an announcement."
"Yule! But that's so far away."
"It is, but I'm not allowed to say why I want to wait until then." It was a fact that Mylward mightn't know and she wouldn't worry him with it, but Edana knew how many babies were lost in the early stages, particularly to first-time mothers.
He sighed. "You win again. I thought the man was supposed to make the decisions."
She smiled. "Is that how it was in your parents' house?"
Her question was met with silence.
She raised an eyebrow. "Well?"
She was waiting for his answer when he lifted his arm to point. "Look. There's Astrid."
Edana rolled her eyes as Mylward waved to Edmund's cook, then turned toward her. "I'll leave you women to gab. I must get to the sawyer."
Edana stopped as Astrid hurried over to her.
"What are you grinning about?" the older woman asked.
Edana chuckled. "Dalton is learning who truly runs a household." Looking at the bucket in Astrid's hand, she lifted her own bucket. "It seems we're going to the same place."
"Good, we can talk."
"You have news?" Edana asked, not sure she wanted to know.
"I saw Goldyna last night."
"How is she faring? Last time we met Augustine upset her."
"Oh, don't worry about my girl. She's a brave one. She didn't have much to say, just that the priest has been taking the broth and brews, as you advised."
"Are they working? Is he recovering?"
"Aye, Goldyna says he has improved, but the doctor is still bleeding him."
Edana sighed. "Then all the brews in the world won't save him."
Astrid lowered her chin. "I will pray for him."
They were quick at the dairy and even though Astrid had a full bucket she accompanied Edana to the edge of town, talking the whole way.
"Edmund and Rowena know that you and Dalton will want to spend the third harvest together. It is family time and your first feast. Rowena was going to send Swayn to the mill to ask Dalton, but fortune has you here in town. Will you consider supping with us on All Saints Day after the mass at Crosthwaite?"
Edana reached for Astrid's free hand. "That would be wonderful, thank you. Since we won't be at church tomorrow, Dalton said we should go Sunday. He says it's an important day in the church."
"It is. My mader always jested that the church took one day of feasting from the old ways and made it into three. Everyone still communes with their ancestors on Samhain, celebrates the big mass on All Saints Day and then ends with the feast of All Souls – any excuse for a big meal."
Edana smiled. "Yes, but there is plenty this time of year. Better to feast than let it spoil."
"Ah, 'tis true. And we should be thankful we have ample to feast with. There are some who aren't so fortunate."
Edana nodded. "Aye. It was good talking with you, but I must be going. I still have much to do."
After hugging as best they could without spilling any milk, they wished each other a blessed Samhain and Edana started home. On the way her thoughts were taken over by the third harvest feast. Almost half the morning was gone and she had gourds to carve, pudding to make, cider to decant, dried flowers to weave, all on top of her normal chores. Tomorrow would be busier still.
Saturday morning Mylward decided to work through his midday meal break so he'd be able to leave in plenty of time for the day's festivities. Edana found his dedication endearing. There was no grain left to mill and all the repairs were made. Bertram was handing over the mill in two days. She knew Mylward was trying to make it perfect for them.
For the first time since Mylward began his work, the hours he was away flew by. Edana not only cooked their feast of ham, turnips, carrots, cabbage and beans but cleaned the whole house as well. Everything must be spotless for a sabbat. She chose a special platter and loaded it with food. She cleaned Aldefader's favourite flagon and filled it with spiced ale. It would help draw him closer. She knew he was already near, but it was tradition.
When Mylward arrived home Edana told him they'd need to bathe before the ritual. She scolded herself for being too distracted to realize that bathing with her husband would delay her plans. His eyes took on the gleam she recognized as soon as she removed her tunic. Their loving only delayed the ritual by a quarter of an hour and when she thought about it, she knew it would help Mylward's focus.
Edana had her husband build a big fire outside. Then she brought out the platter and flagon. When he reached for the food, Edana slapped his hand away.
"This is for our guests. Our feast is later."
"Sorry," he muttered. "What should I do?"
Edana pointed to a spot in front of the fire. "Stand here. I'm going to cast a circle. You can join me while I call the Ancients and the Goddess and God if you like. "
Mylward had obviously been paying attention whenever a circle was cast, because he spoke the words perfectly. But when Edana began the Samhain invocation he fell silent.
"Lord of the Shadows, God of Life and Death, I beseech thee, open wide the gates through which all must pass.
Let our dear ones, who have gone before, return this night. Let them eat, drink and make merry with us, so they will be refreshed when they are reborn. Let us be in the same place and time with our beloved and may we know, remember and love them again."
As Edana recited it a second time she dropped to her knees in front of the fire. She heard Mylward join her as she uttered the chant a third time. Edana lifted her face skyward, and raised her arms, palms upturned.
It started slowly - a flutter against her cheek, then a graze to her back. Edana smiled when she felt Aldefader's hand rest on her head. She was easily distracted as a girl. He used this gesture to get her attention. It seemed like she was a little girl again, listening to his lessons. She then felt the presence of a female spirit she didn't recognize, but who visited her often. She supposed it was her Aldemader. A brush against her fingertips made her open her eyes. She'd never been contacted that way before. In front of her, the fire surged and crackled. Sparks spiraled upward. Mylward was on his knees beside her, face to the waning moon, eyes closed. His hair moved as though someone brushed it off his shoulder. She closed her eyes again, overjoyed that her husband was being welcomed by the spirits. A hot tear spilled onto her cheek and she was startled to feel it being wiped away. Opening her eyes, she expected to see Mylward's fingers, but he was unmoving beside her.
It was certainly the most intense visitation she'd ever experienced. Even Samhain with Aldefader hadn't been so powerful and he'd possessed potent magic.
Edana struggled to focus on her ancestors once again. There would be plenty of time later to consider the significance of what she sensed. Staring at the fire, she took several deep breaths and murmured the chant again. To her surprise Mylward recited it with her. She was rocked by an upswell of energy when he grasped her upraised hand. Suddenly Edana could feel more hands firmly on her shoulders, then lightly on her belly. Next it was the sweep of lips against her forehead and her hair being stroked. A laugh welled up from inside her but then just as quickly sorrow overwhelmed her and she began to sob.
Mylward's hand left hers, and his arms wrapped around her. "What's wrong?"
She collapsed against him. "Nothing, nothing at all. That was beautiful. Did you feel them?"
"I felt something. Were you touching me?"
She laughed merrily. "That wasn't me. Let me take the circle down. We can talk about it while we feast." She hugged him tightly. "Our magic was strong tonight."
Once the circle was down, Edana told Mylward that the food and ale would be left outside for their ancestors to enjoy. Inside she took the clay pots that had kept their food warm and brought them to the table. She lit the rosemary-scented candles and then held her hand out to Mylward.
"Now we thank the God and Goddess for this bounty." She smiled when he bowed his head. "This isn't church. You can open your eyes."
"Oh." He shrugged.
She gave him a peck on the cheek. "Just feel the words."
"All right."
"Tonight we celebrate Samhain, the third and final harvest, the end of summer. The cold nights wait on the
other side for us. The bounty of our labor and the
abundance of the harvest lies before us. We thank the
earth for all it has given us this season, and yet we look
forward to winter, to that sacred time of darkness which
fosters new life. So mote it be."
Over their meal, Edana told Mylward everything she'd seen and felt in the circle.
"That wasn't you touching my hair?"
Smiling, she shook her head. "That was a spirit who loved you. Did someone used to caress your hair like that?"
Mylward cocked his head and though his eyes looked at her, she could see he was far away. Then his head snapped up and his eyes focused. "My grandmother. She was always patting my head. Was that really my grandmother?"
She gave him her biggest smile. "Only you can know for sure, but I think you already suspect the truth."
They finished their meal and cleaned the many dishes and pots still talking about who had crossed the veil to call on them. Then, for the first time in their marriage, they fell into bed already exhausted and slept.
Before they left for church in the morning Edana considered harnessing Wulf in order to pull the cart, but she wasn't sure what to do with him while they were at church.
"Why do you need to bring the hound?"
"I want to take cider and spiced ale. We shouldn't go empty handed."
Mylward pursed his lips. "The cider jug has a handle, doesn't it?"
Edana bobbed her head.
"If you can manage that, I can carry the cask of ale."
Edana smiled. "I'll be fine. It's not that heavy."
"When we have a horse this won't be an issue. We'll be able to stable it at Edmund's."
Edana stared at him, eyebrows raised. "Husband, if you start using a horse to go back and forth to town, you'll end up looking like Edmund."
The morning was cool so Edana fetched her cloak, though Mylward opted to go without. They set a quick pace, wanting to arrive at the reeve's before they left for mass, but didn't make it. Astrid was still there though, minding a hart that was turning on the spit. She was thrilled to see the ale and cider.
"Aren't you going to mass?" Mylward asked as he set the cask on the work table.
"Too busy – I went last night. And you two will be late if you don't make haste."
Hurrying to the church, they got there just before the doors were closed. The people at the back parted to let them through, murmuring greetings as the couple passed. Mylward stopped about halfway up the nave. Edana was still catching her breath when the mass started, but she soon grew bored. In spite of attending church regularly with her husband, she had no idea what was going on. To pass the time, she looked around at the people of Keswick. Edmund and Rowena stood near the front. The reeve was easy to recognize. Because of his status, he was entitled to be near the priest. Two other figures stood even closer to the chancel, but Edana didn't recognize them until the woman looked to her left. It was Aggie. She was surprised to see the earl and his wife at Crosthwaite, but quickly understood that everyone from Augustine's parish must be here. As Edana surveyed the throng, she realized by the garments that people wore, the rich stood at the front and the poor at the back. Mylward and Edana stood in the middle with most of the townsfolk.
She almost laughed out loud when she saw the dairyman leaning against a pillar close by. He was fast asleep. Scanning the other pillars, she found them all surrounded by sleeping men. Then she felt Mylward's elbow nudging her. She glanced up to find him looking at her with his brows furrowed. Lifting her chin toward the nearest pillar, she showed him why she was smiling.
At long last Father Egbert stopped speaking and walked past them and out of the church. It took a long time for the building to empty. No one seemed in a hurry to leave, preferring to talk in small groups, blocking the way out. Edana drew a deep breath when she got outside. The priest had been generous with the incense and it made her dizzy.
On the steps Mylward chatted with the smithy. Edana was happy to be in the open air, and instead of listening to her husband's conversation, she went back to people watching. It was easy to judge everyone's importance in town by whom they spoke to at church. Though the baker might not have fine clothes, every merchant in town greeted him.
Edana was so engrossed in her thoughts, a touch on her sleeve startled her. She turned to see Father Egbert's smiling face.
"May I speak with you alone, child?" He nodded to an empty corner in front of the church.
She nodded. "Of course, Father."
Once they reached their secluded nook he leaned in to speak close to Edana's ear. "I had a visit from Goldyna last night. The poor girl was in tears. Augustine's doctor caught her giving him broth and flew into a rage. He claimed she was killing him. The doctor gave Augustine something to make him vomit and then bled him. He told her to leave and never come back."
Edana brought her hand to her breast. "Oh poor, Goldyna. Where is she now?"
"I took her back to Michael and All Angels."
"To who?"
"That's the name of Augustine's church. I convinced the doctor that Goldyna had been following my instructions. Augustine was in a state – screeching about the Devil and traitors to the crown."
Edana gasped. "Oh no!"
Egbert patted her arm. "Never fear. The doctor is convinced that Augustine's raving is caused by his fever."
"Were you able to settle him?"
"Yes, when I stayed and prayed over him, he calmed and slept."
"Do you think Goldyna will be able to give him the brews again?"
Father Egbert lowered his eyes. "I'm afraid not. The doctor insists that Augustine's stomach remain empty. We'll not get anything into him. I fear for that man's soul."
"Father, you must know I'll do whatever I can. Please fetch me immediately if Augustine will accept my care."
The old priest gave her a small smile. "I will, child. I know your heart is true."
"Thank you, Father," Edana murmured.
Egbert's face brightened. "Is married life agreeing with you, Dalton?"
As the priest finished speaking, Edana felt a hand on her back. Though they'd only been wed a month, she knew the touch immediately.
"Ah, Father, I'm learning that while a cock may crow, the hen rules the roost." Mylward's hand settled around her waist and he gave her a squeeze.
Egbert chuckled. "Then you've learned the secret to happy wedded life, though I've known few who've learned it so early or admitted it so freely."
Mylward lowered his voice. "Aye, but only to my confessor. I trust my confidence is safe with you."
The priest bowed his head. "You have my solemn vow."
Father Egbert was of great consequence in Keswick, some would argue he was the most important person in the town. Others would contest Edmund held that distinction. It heartened Edana that she could trust both men with the one detail vital to her husband's, and in fact her own, safety. Of course, Osric used to be the most significant man in the shire, but the earl hadn't assumed that part in Keswick's eyes as of yet. They had only one minor albeit bothersome concern – Augustine.
Mylward bowed his head in return. "Thank you. And I must say that was an enlightening mass. I liked that you chose to read from the Sermon on the Mount for the Gospel, particularly Matthew chapter 5, verse 6 – Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
Edana was amazed to see a sly smile on the cleric's face. "I may be a sentimental old fool, but the Beatitudes hold a special place in my soul."
Mylward nodded. "As a lad they were the only part of the Gospels I was able to memorize. Thank you, again, Father." Mylward turned to Edana. "And now, wife, we should hustle over to Edmund's house. Everyone's gone ahead of us and if we don't hurry there'll be none of your spiced ale left."
Father Egbert laughed. "Not everyone has gone ahead. I've been invited to sup as well. I'll walk with you."
The feast at the reeve's house was bountiful and merry. Edmund's entire family was there – grandchildren included. Aside from Father Egbert, the smithy and wooler were in attendance with their families. Edana was amazed to see Guy de Rouen and Aggie. Perhaps they weren't such fast friends of Augustine's after all.
It was late in the afternoon before they left for home. The air felt crisp and the spicy smell of fallen leaves surrounded them. The young couple walked hand in hand. Edana enjoyed the way the sun shone through the thinning leaves, creating a dappled pattern on the road.
Mylward spoke, startling her slightly. "What?"
She looked at him with her brows furrowed.
"You sighed."
She smiled. "It's a beautiful day. We're together. I'm content."
Her husband drew a breath as if to speak but then shook his head.
She squeezed his hand. "I won't trouble myself with things I can't control. Whatever happens, I know as long as I'm with you, I'll be happy."
She gasped as Mylward swept her into his arms, holding her off the ground. She didn't have time to catch her breath before his mouth was on hers. When they parted, he looked into her eyes.
"I've never been happier, but am I wrong to want it all – to hope to stay where we are building a life and a family, where we have good people looking out for us?"
Edana stroked his cheek. "Not wrong. I hope for that too. I beseech the Goddess and God that we might stay here. But if that isn't what's meant to be, I know I'll be content as long as I have you. My greatest fear is losing you, not leaving this place."
He nuzzled at her neck. "You won't lose me – not if I have a say in the matter."
She sighed again. "Mmm, I know you like to fawn over me, but I am able to walk home."
"It's not far now. I think I'll carry you." In one motion he turned her, so one arm was around her back and the other under her knees.
She tsked. "Husband, set me down."
Shaking his head, he walked on. "Remember, once I've got you, I don't like to let you go. Besides, doesn't the cock get one day to rule the roost?"
Once at home, it seemed to Edana that Mylward tried to make up for the time they normally spent together on Sundays, only willing to pause their loving for a light evening meal of bread and cheese. She was sleeping peacefully in his arms when Wulf barked loudly.
Mylward groaned. "Do people tend to fall ill when the sun goes down?"
Edana laughed. "You should be thankful they didn't arrive an hour ago."
After pulling on their garments, they hurried downstairs to see who was calling. Edana lit a candle lantern before she opened the door. Goldyna stood outside preparing to knock.
"Father Egbert sent me. You must come!" was all she said.
Through the darkness the three ran to the rectory. Above them the sky was cloudless and the wind had stilled to but a whisper. The waning moon sailed over them like a beacon.
When they reached the rectory, Goldyna stopped at the door.
She fought for breath to speak. "I must fetch Edmund." Turning, she ran toward town, her cloak flowing behind her.
Once inside the cleric's rooms, Edana led Mylward to the bedchamber. The reek in the room was overpowering. The healer knew it was the stench of death – not the putrid smell of decay, but bile, vomit, excrement and pus. Augustine's humours were so badly out of balance that they fled his body. Edana hadn't known a single soul to survive this stage of disease.
Father Egbert knelt at the bedside and murmured words Edana didn't know.
"Father?"
The older priest looked up at her, though his lips didn't stop moving.
She crouched beside him. "I'm afraid it's too late. There's nothing I can do."
Egbert reached for her hand. She stayed with him while he continued his prayers.
Augustine barely breathed, but his chest rattled nonetheless. When he opened his eyes, they no longer looked wild. Instead they overflowed with terror.
When Edana looked over her shoulder, she found Mylward with a hand clapped over his nose and mouth. Before she could say anything, he spun on his heel and ran from the room. When Augustine's breathing changed, she looked at him again. His face grew purple as he gasped for breath, his eyes round and huge. His body shuddered as he gave up his spirit. Edana watched the flicker of life that lit the priest's eyes dim and then squelch completely.
She remained still while Father Egbert whispered more prayers and then reached over to close the man's lifeless eyes.
Standing up, she offered the older priest her arm and helped him to his feet. "Is there anything I can do for you, Father?"
Sighing, Egbert shook his head. "We'll have the funeral tomorrow. I did all I could for Augustine's soul but I fear it was of little use. He made no confession at the end. He wasn't the kind to admit he was wrong. I gave him the last rites. There's nothing more to be done. Take yourself home, child. I must prepare the body."
Edana left as she was bade. Before she went through the door, she looked over her shoulder to see Egbert pull the bedclothes from the corpse. She expected to find Mylward in the kitchen, but it was empty.
Edana discovered him outside taking large gulps of the night air. He raised his eyebrows when he saw her.
"Is he gone?"
She nodded. "I've never witnessed a more tortuous passing."
Mylward huffed. "What a mule! He could have lived to pursue his nefarious intent if he'd accepted your help."
Edana heaved a sigh. "I think he preferred to die rather than trust me. I couldn't force him to take my care. I did all I could for the man." She reached for Mylward's hand and gripped it tightly. "I believe his fate was sealed when he tried to interfere with destiny. Perhaps if he hadn't wished harm on anyone, he'd still draw breath."
"You don't think any other forces were at work?"
Edana furrowed her brow. "Like your God? You can answer that better than I."
He shook his head. "No, I meant maybe the spirits who visited us or maybe our talismans."
"I was taught that spirits can visit us, but they can't interfere on the mortal plane. Our talismans protect us from the evil that men do. There is only one person responsible for Augustine's death and that's Augustine."
Mylward cocked his head. "What about the doctor?"
Edana shrugged. "Trusting the doctor was his choice. I know Goldyna tried to talk Augustine into my cures. I suspect Father Egbert did as well."
Mylward drew a long breath. "So it wasn't part of his threefold visitation?"
Edana drew a deep breath "It may well have been, but it isn't carried out by spirits. It's simply Mother Nature balancing Herself."
She watched as he blinked his eyes. It was a difficult concept to grasp, especially if he'd convinced himself spirits were involved. As he pondered her words she heard the clip clop of horseshoes on the hard packed road. Their heads turned toward the sound.
Moments later Edmund's cart appeared out of the darkness. He called to them.
"Is it done?"
Mylward raised his voice. "It is, Eam."
The reeve stopped Gestum a few feet from them. "Then it's a funeral for me tomorrow. Run inside child and ask Father Egbert when I should be back for the burial. I know he'll stay the night to pray over Augustine."
Goldyna sat beside him, eying the rectory warily. "Am I to stay here tonight?"
Edmund patted her knee. "No, child. You need not ever stay here again. We'll find something else for you."
As the words left the reeve's mouth, Edana found herself saying, "Actually, Edmund, I was hoping to find someone to work with me."
"You're looking for a maid?"
Edana shook her head. "No, I need a helpmeet, not only for housework, but with gathering and preparing herbs. I'll also need help with my new hives and –"
Edmund chuckled. "I don't need the details. I think it sounds like a fine opportunity. What do you think, Goldyna?"
The young girl's eyes were round as saucers as she bobbed her head. "Should I come with you now?"
Edana smiled at her. "Why don't you go back with Edmund and visit with your mader? We were supposed to move into the mill tomorrow, but I suspect we will sleep until late in the day. If it pleases you, you can start Tuesday by helping us clean the mill house."
Edmund rubbed his chin. "You're moving from your grandfather's house?"
Mylward squeezed Edana's hand. "My wife thinks it's better suited to a family."
She chuckled. "And my husband prefers to be close to the mill."
Edmund slapped his thigh. "Then it's settled. Now hurry along, Goldyna. I suspect I won't see much more of my bed tonight, but I want all I can get."
After exchanging goodnights, Mylward and Edana walked toward the mill hand in hand. In silent agreement the couple left the road for the path to Aldefader's house. The wind that had been whispering through the few leaves that clung to the trees grew still. The woods around them became eerily silent. Though it was dark, Edana knew precisely where she was. She walked these paths so often she could walk them with her eyes closed. She'd been in this very spot when she heard the clash on the road.
She squeezed Mylward's hand. "It happened here."
Edana slowed to a stop forcing him to halt as well.
Her husband scanned the darkened forest. "What?"
"This is where I was when I heard the skirmish."
Mylward looked over the bushes to the line of trees. "Yes, the road is on the other side of these brambles."
Edana drew a sharp breath and dropped his hand. With the leaves gone, even in the moonlight a scrap of wool was visible, caught on a thorn. Freeing the piece of cloth, she held it up to show her husband.
"I snagged my tunic while I crept toward you."
Mylward shook his head slowly. "All of the days of going to the mill, I never knew I walked past this place."
Edana knelt by a moss covered rock and then looked up at her husband. "Perhaps we could create a tribute. We'll mark this spot in a way that only we can know to honour those who fell – to let them know they aren't forgotten."
"What kind of tribute?"
Standing up, Edana looked at the blue wool she held. "I'll have to ponder it. Perhaps you could tell me something about each of your friends."
A gust of wind pushed against Edana's back, making her step toward Mylward. It felt like hands propelling her forward. She lowered her voice. "We aren't alone."
Mylward looked about them again. "I don't hear anyone."
"Shh, don't you feel them?"
"I felt nothing but a strong breeze."
Edana stood frozen in place as her cloak swirled around her. Mylward's mouth hung open as he watched her cloak billow and fall. She'd been visited by her grandfather and a few others she couldn't name, but this was different. She felt surrounded. Then the hands were on her back again as a rush of air forced her a step closer to her husband. A pressure Edana hadn't felt growing dissipated and she fell against him. Mylward put his arms around her.
"Edana, are you all right? What just happened?"
"Spirits." She panted as though she'd just been running. "Many of them. How could you not feel them?"
"I saw your hair and cloak moving like you'd stepped into a whirlwind."
Edana drew a long breath. "I've never experienced anything like that before."
"You think it was spirits?"
"I know it was spirits – just not of anyone I knew in life."
"Then who do –" Mylward looked in the direction of the road. "Was it truly them?"
"Who else could it be? It was no one who visited at Samhain."
As Edana finished speaking the wind picked up again and rustled the scant leaves above them. Mylward shivered under his cloak.
"Are you cold, husband?"
"Aye, that breeze carried a chill with it, but it wasn't only that. The sight and smell of Augustine - then this visitation. I'm overwhelmed. I wish I could feel the spirits as you do."
Reaching up to stroke his cheek, Edana smiled. "You did, husband. That breeze was a spirit I'd know anywhere. It was Aldefader, but his presence is warm to me."
"Why didn't his spirit make me cold yesterday?"
"You were in a circle. It protected you."
Mylward's arms slid down Edana's back then fell away from her completely. "Hmm. Spirits can feel warm? Is it something that can be learned?"
She reached for his hand. "Yes, with time. Let's go home. I'll make you some spiced milk and explain."
End chapter 12
End Daughter of the Moon