SOUL MINER
IV
Father Spurius stood looking at his dwelling, running thoughts through his mind about the occurrences of the last few days. It was quite possible to him now that his own actions recently, just might find their way beyond this enclave and even kingdom without his knowledge. If that were to happen, he could at some point have a visitor or visitors he would not expect. He should prepare for that possibility, starting with this house. It needed, to at least, have the appearance of a priest’s home or better yet a place where he worshipped and lodged. He had done nothing, since taking up residence here in the glen, to make any outward show of a priest, of the church, living here. He needed to rectify that lack of planning, he had no wish to be ordered back, simply because it did not appear, he was trying to establish a church in the local area.
*****
Gunedda ap Edern was settling into his bed for his first night’s sleep since returning to Rhos.
“Gwawl, do you remember that Roman priest you said was of no consequence some time back?” he asked his wife and queen as she slipped into their bed beside him.
“Yes, why do you bring him up again?”
“He was at the battle site on the morning the Derwydd Priest and priestess interrupted the battle, it was he who suggested the solution to Ddyrnllwg’s intended attack that averted any bloodshed at all.”
“How did such a lowly foreigner accomplish that?”
“I saw him in the ranks of men as we waited for Ddyrnllwg’s attack to start. Then the priests show up right in the middle of the meadow between our two armies, requesting a parley. I had this insane notion to have him with me as one of my retinue and he complied. In the end, it was he, who came up with the solution everyone agreed to.”
“Then it was not so insane an idea as you say.”
“No, I guess not. But I think he is more than a man of no consequence, as you thought, as well. I heard that the Decaenli of the mountains now consider him kinsman. They have accepted me as their king, but not as kinsman. I think he is a man worth keeping an ear about.”
“Then we should, as you think. Now go to sleep, it is late my king.”
*****
Gwenfron sat in her hut in Luitcoyt sipping at an earthen ware cup of hot willow tea. She had separated from that old priest Pwyll and was now relaxing alone, here in where she called home. She usually liked being alone, to think about many things in private. But this night she could not concentrate, her memories of the Roman Priest kept intruding into her thoughts. As yet she had not decided if this was to a purpose, or was the purpose, just a slowly simmering yearning to rectify that which she had been ignoring of recent, a need she had not satisfied.
*****
That night during the evening meal of roasted pork, oat bread and vegetables, Spurius noticed Undeg with her hand covering her mouth, whispering to her mother.
“You have to ask him yourself, my little one.” Annwwyl said to her with a hidden grin and laughter in her bright eyes.
Undeg looked directly at her father, who was giving her a look of chagrin, due to his well-known dislike for secrets of any kind. As Sulien was turning his face away from the conversation so Undeg could not see him holding back open laughter. With no other comment the young girl shrugged her small shoulders, got up from the bench and walked over to Father Sulien, her large innocent eyes on the verge of pooling teardrops.
“Father Sulien, mama says I have to ask you something myself.”
“What can be so dreadful, as to make you want to cry Undeg?” Spurius said lifting her into his lap as he slid back from the table so she would fit there.
“I don’t like calling you father, I already have a father. Can I call you Uncle Spurius, just like I do Uncle Cawrduf? Father says you are kinsman and like a brother to him, just like Aunt Carys is mother’s sister.”
Spurius paused a moment, as if struck dumb by her request. He looked to Annwwyl and then to Einion.
“Her question is to you Spurius, not me. It is your decision, you should know how I feel by now.” Einion told him with a broad smile, just short of hilarity beaming across his face.
“Of course you can, I would be most honored, if you think of me in that way. You are like my niece already, in my heart of hearts.” Spurius told her as he hugged her close to him.
Undeg was all giggles as she turned to table looking at her parents and brother. “See, I knew he loved me too.” Before she turned back and hugged his neck.
This done now and Undeg headed back to her seat next to her mother. Spurius looked at both Einion and Annwwyl with a quizzical look and asked. “I have a thought of my own I feel compelled for us to talk about tonight. I have thought about the Derwydd priests and what happened that stopped the battle from happening days ago. Also my concern that what you Einion said as we were leaving, might possibly happen without my knowing it.”
“Which thing I said has you concerned, Spurius?”
“That some might link my name to that parley’s decision, rather than the Derwydd’s. Making more of my involvement than actually happened.”
“You make light of your accomplishment that day, my friend.”
“Even so, if such was to happen and it by chance made its way to the ears of some of my superiors in Gaul or Rome. There might be a day when I could get a visit, from another of the Roman Church who I have not prepared for. If that happened, they could recall me to be sanctioned in some manner, for not having spent more time in pursuing the directive I was sent here to accomplish.”
“I would not like that Spurius. Does that mean you need to convert people here to be allowed to stay?”
“I think, I can prepare enough to show diligence without true converts. But I would need your permission first. It concerns the house you allow me use here.”
“That house Spurius is now yours, if I have not said so, then know it now. What do you need to do?”
“Nothing too drastic really. I may change some of the interior to look more like a place where I worship, which actually would make it easier for those who I am teaching to read anyway. But keep it to where I am living as well. But the biggest thing would probably be I need to erect a cross, like the one I wear around my neck, somewhere prominent at the house’s front. And inside I would add a smaller cross on a wall.”
“Then we need to do these things. If we need more help than you, myself, Sulien and Cawrduf, I will get our neighbors, you already know to help. It is what we Decaenli do. When do you want to start?”
“Soon if we can, but we have time to talk about it and plan, so it will not keep us from interrupting our normal daily work. Thank you all.
“No thanks needed.”
“Remember, Spurius, there are also us women, there are things we do better than you men. We will do, all we can too.”
“Me too Uncle.” Undeg said her mouth still full of a bite of oat bread.
Over the next few weeks the men and women of the glen worked, when their time permitted, on changes to the house of Spurius. To the front, Einion had suggested a change at the entry that he thought looked like an arched entry similar to what Spurius scratched into the dirt outside his house. It was a design not totally uncommon to the round houses of the Decaenli. It consisted of two bowed heavy planks, each set in the soil at the edges of the entry, but touching at their peak (the bow inward). Then a beam was run back to the original thatched roof at that height. Another smaller bowed plank was then attached across them both above a tall man’s height. More planks were then added going back to the original thatching as well so that thatched roof could be added over all.
Then above the normal pointed peak of the thatched roof they added another inward slopping cone shaped thatched slightly wider and above where it touched the original roof. With this addition a smoke hole could be opened in the original roof. Spurius was pleased but added a cross to its design. Which was made by Alban, their neighbor, from around the forest bend with materials from his forge.
Sulien worked on a larger cross from two beefy logs, he had joined together and sank onto the soil a few feet in front of the entry, but off to one side. His carving of the structure was definitely a cross but he had adorned it with more arched curves and points surrounding the crucifix itself. Spurius had been astonished at his craftsmanship in the wooden structure and been most complimentary to the young man.
Inside, the simple moving of his table and addition of a couple more benches to the center of his house seemed to solve the immediate issue for Spurius, the women however added a few frills of their own. Spurius still went on teaching them to read as they could. Even Alban’s family had become regular students wanting to learn how to write their names. Triston’s son and daughter with Bloderedd and Nant (Gwydderig’s wife) came when they could. Spurius had done his best to use his Roman alphabet to spell out how he heard their names said and used, as best he could. He had also had the thought, that on such gatherings in the house he could almost see it appearing right, if they were surprised by an unannounced visitor.
By now Spurius told everyone they had done far enough to delay any suspicions that might come up from someone on such a mission as seeking him out, this far from normal Roman Church journeys and inquiries.
Bloderedd had begun to send Gwydderig occasionally visiting with some oatcakes or flummery to add to Spurius diet. Annwwyl had teased Spurius that she just might be interested in a new suitor after being widowed so long. This usually made Spurius blush some, which gave Annwwyl pause to chuckle at his embarrassment.
*****
As the season started to turn from the gentle breezes of summer, to the alternating of warm with brisk winds of harvest time for those who farmed, the men of the glen redoubled their efforts in preparation of the season’s eventual change to colder times. Stocking up on coal and fire wood, the annual harvesting of crops. The women were also involved in the stocking up on such tubers, berries, fruits and herbs as could be and harvesting of the vegetables from the gardens for storage, to last as long as possible beyond the harvest time. When possible the men hunted for game that was available, to add to their stores and tanning any useable skins for various purposes.
“Before long the Derwydd’s will be starting to hold the festival of Alban Elred, you came the day after the festival of Lughnasadhl was over. This one is for the end of the harvest time.” Einion said to Spurius as they were stacking firewood near the three houses with Cawrduf.
“These are yearly rituals, then?”
“Yes, just as all the Derwydd festivals are. Half are based on the livestock and animals of the earth and the other half on crops and green living things. As well there will be the judgements these priests may decide, if there are any with grievances between people. I mention this so you will be prepared for the more frequent appearances of The Derwydds in and about us.”
“That is good to know, but I doubt I will have much cause to be in discussions with them. I will however be most interested in the festival and learning about all of them.”
“They are the Provence of the Derwydds and happen eight times a year. We Decaenli enjoy them greatly, I hope you will as well. I would suggest you wear your daily clothes though, rather than your black, of your church. Only because that would not bring any undue attention to you, or away from the festival itself.”
“I agree Einion, I agree”
“You would have enjoyed Lughnasadhl; the flaming wheel sent down a slope of the earth, hearing the contracts of marriage for any wishing one or the annulment of one from the last year that did not work out. And that night the passing of a wheel around the ceremonial circle.”
“Annulment of a marriage at the end of just one year?”
“Yes we allow that as a trial period, in case the living together is not as agreeable as two people think it will be, before being man and wife in close quarters daily. Does this offend you in some way?”
“I have never heard of this before, but in thinking about it, it does make much sense. In our religion, that would not be the case though.” Spurius answered, still pondering this new revelation. “When is the festival to start?”
“In a couple of days, when the Derwydd priests arrive. Very soon I think.”
On the third evening afterwards, Triston and Hafban walked into the glen with Gethin and Fychan tagging along, more playing with each other, than walking with their parents.
Carys seeing them first, called for the small family to join her. Then she called out for Cawrduf and Eilir to come see who had come by.
“Triston, this is a nice surprise my friend. Are you out enjoying the afternoon breeze?” Cawrduf greeted his more distant neighbor.
“Yes, and to let you know that the Derwydd priests, Nudd and Wyn, are here. They came into our area today, and they have Gwenfron with them. So the festival is tomorrow. Will all of you be at the ceremonial site together?”
“Of course, all of us here will be there including Spurius.”
“That sounds fine, we will see you there then.”
“Here, come inside and sit a minute. Eilir, go get Einion and the others, let us not miss this opportunity for a drink and conversation at least.”
“Yes father I will be right back.”
The next evening all of the glen walked to the ceremonial area early. Undeg was excited, she liked this ceremony with its praise given to the Mother Goddess for the fruits of the earth at the second harvest time. But also because that meant that the festival of Samhuinn was not long away. Samhuinn was her favorite, as it was with most children and a majority of the Decaenli.
Gwydderig, his wife Nant, and his mother Bloderedd, came and stood close to Einion and his family, where Spurius was. Bloderedd was standing beside Spurius when Undeg came raised her arms to be picked up so she could see better. Bloderedd leaned over and hefted the little girl into her arms, cradling her on her hip. To someone not familiar with all the families here, it could have appeared that the three were a family.
Gwenfron had been looking around the crowd, without giving the appearance of looking for anyone in particular, as the festival ceremony was getting started. When she finally found her target, she saw Undeg in Bloderedd arms standing very close to the Roman Priest. This displeased her, but she did not allow that displeasure to show outwardly, as she began to take part in the ritual ceremony.
When the official ceremony proceedings had concluded, Nudd and Wyn asked those gathered around them, if there were any disputes to be heard or crimes to be judged on the morrow. When no one uttered any complaints, and it was established that the last six weeks had been without any infractions of the laws occurring, the ceremony was brought to its final close.
Following the announcement, everyone started to mingle and chat with those who they saw the least often. The priests also took this time to commiserate with many of the attendees, asking many if their harvest were completed and they were getting prepared for the eventual coming of winter here in the mountains. It was during this time of general milling about and good natured conversations that Gwenfron found Spurius talking with Bloderedd, Gwydderig and Nant.
“Good evening priest. I did not expect to find you here at one of our ceremonies.” Gwenfron interjected as she came close to the four of them.
“Spurius is a part of all that goes on here, Priestess. Most here have come to consider him as one of our kinsmen.” Gwydderig answered curtly.
“No offence was intended hunter, I assure you. It’s just that I do not remember ever hearing of many of his cult being so amenable to beliefs other than their own.”
“I find no fault in any giving of thanks to any spirit greater than ourselves, for the bounties we are blessed with, Priestess. Nor do I attempt to change anyone’s personal beliefs.” Spurius added. “Just as I find bravery in those who have made their lives teaching those beliefs, stepping between to protagonist armies to stop a battle and many possible deaths.”
”We Derwydds value life and love above all else. We honor wisdom and sacred teachings and abhor violence and war. We were not attempting bravery, just the avoidance of needless deaths.”
“This I can believe, from what little I have personally seen of you and that other priest on that day. Just as I find no fault in a belief that honors the earth, her beasts and all living things. The name we call a God or Goddess means less to me than the goodness that it teaches. In this, I am probably not as some others you have heard of.”
“And, very likely, not the same as those who administer your religion, think or wish you to be either. I would venture to say.”
“No, I doubt they would. But then, they are not here, living this life I have chosen, to be of help where ever and however I can. If in that, others take as well my beliefs, as I accept the good in theirs, then I have succeeded.”
During this direct expression of the two different religions, by two practitioners of each, Gwydderig and his family started to wander away to find more pleasant conversation before they needed to head home for the evening. Seeing this Spurius turned and said good evening to his friends, to which Bloderedd waved and smiled back.
“I am sorry if I interrupted something, Priest. But I did want to talk to you before leaving.”
“I think Priestess, in truth you gained what you sought. However no apology is needed, everyone here is making conversation with many others before they go home tonight as well.”
“Maybe you are right and maybe not, but I apologize because I have an assumption that the older of the two women is interested in you, more than just as a fellow kinsman, as she says.”
”If that is true , it would be without any provocation on my part. She is a widow and a friend to many in these mountains.”
“Tell me Father Spurius, if you will, do those of your vocation foreswear involvement with women and or marriage.”
“Some do yes, and some come to the priesthood later in life already married. There are those who say that a priest should keep himself only to God, even that those already married should cease intimacy with wives. But as yet, it is not a rule of the church. There have been councils trying to establish it as such, but so far, it is not a church decree.”
“Interesting, there is an order of female Derwydd priestesses who believe and follow that they should be virginal and chaste. I myself do not, to me that would mean ignoring our belief in love and true nature. But I do not think it is my place to condemn or condone their belief.”
“I was raised in the church from a swaddling babe by the only father I ever knew. He had come to the priesthood later in his life, but had lost his wife to a fever years before. I never knew of him seeking another, however he never forbade me from doing so, if I had wished it. But as a young man he sent me to Rome to study for the priesthood. I was there studying for many years and learned more than just our tenants and codicils. Then I came and served with him (Father Halarius) for a couple of years before I started my journey here.”
“I would not seek marriage, but I would not deny a love. Marriage could interfere with my duties as a priestess.”
“Then a love could be condemned right from the start, if it was actually love that you felt.”
“That also could be true , it has not been a concern so far. I have enjoyed our conversation Father Spurius. I hope we will do this again.”
“I would find that possibility intriguing as well. You could just call me Spurius, if you wish, all here do. It sounds much less formal when I am not preforming a function of the church.”
“Thank you, but only if you drop the priestess for Gwenfron, except in ceremonial formalities.”
“Done then, we agree. I must go now, I see my friends are ready to start home. Until we meet again Gwenfron.”
“Until that day Spurius.”
Spurius turned and walked to where Einion with his family and Cawrduf with his were standing ready for the walk back to the glen under a clear and starry bright night sky. As Spurius came near Gwydderig, Nant and Bloderedd also caught up and joined the little group, to walk as far as their home with them. Everyone continued chatting about the ceremony, gossip shared and news from more distant kinsmen until Gwydderig and his women turned for their home and hearth. Warm goodbyes were exchanged by each of them, except little Undeg, who was fast asleep in her father’s arms, her head on his shoulder.
Soon afterwards they were saying goodnight to each other, now back in the glen. Einion and Annwwyl turning to their door as Cawrduf and Carys turned to theirs with Spurius heading to his in kind. It was late and the sun would rise earlier than most would want tomorrow.
Later, as the moon winged its way nearer the horizon, but before the first hints of dim pink in the east. A lone shadowy figure clad in a hooded cape, could have been seen at the junction of the common rutted road across the glen with the path to the three houses, except that all in the glen were fast asleep inside their beds behind closed doors.
Just before the first true light of dawn breaking over the eastern ridges, Bloderedd caught a glimpse of this same figure slowly walking back in the direction of the ceremonial site, just as she was returning to her house from making her morning toilet in private, at the edge of the tree line nearby. The back of the figure disappeared down the rutted common road without knowing its nocturnal traverse had been witnessed by any. Bloderedd was sure she knew who this figure was, but hoped no cause for alarm was warranted.
As Spurius stepped out his door that morning and stretched greeting the morning sun, a large reddish brown oak leaf drifted down from the top of his door. This was not totally surprising at this time of year except that there were no large oaks very close to Spurius’s house here in the glen and the night had been relatively calm, with just a hint a breeze.
*****
As the first rays of the dawn broadcast themselves gloriously over the eastern ridgelines a naked Gwenfrom danced and sang to the coming of the day in total anonymity, alone in the ceremonial area. Even, Nudd and Wyn had left for their homes, some ways distant last night. It was just Gwenfron here, expressing her own reverence to the morning sun in her way to whatever purpose she deemed proper.
