SOUL MINER V
The days had passed quietly, one into the next without incident or turmoil until several weeks had gone from present, into memory. In a little more than a week it would be the festival of Samhuinn, the most important festival of the year. This was the celebration of the Derwyyd New Year, the end of harvest time now gone it was that time when the length of days started their real descent into winter. This festival lasted for three days and for that time order and structure were abolished. Men and women would dress in opposites, people would play crazy or silly pranks on each other, children would knock on neighbor’s doors asking for food and treats.
It was a time of honoring the dead as living spirits, as guardians and root wisdom. The veil between this world and the next was drawn aside, so journeys could be made there safely, to contact the departed. All the Decaenli enjoyed this celebration above all the others.
The three houses of the glen were holding a joint family meeting this evening, after their evening meal, in the house of Spurius, as his was now best suited for such an affair with its additional benches in the main room. It was here that many in this glen and the next glade where Bloderedd’s and Alban’s families lived had come often in the evenings to learn the Roman letters; to read and write their names, some to read more as well. Spurirus taught all who wished it from his bible (the only book he had). Everyone’s names were spelled as Spurius thought they should be from the way they were said, no one had ever even seen their names written before.
“The most important decision we need talk about, is the building of a fourth house here in the glen.” Einion starting the conversation now that all were here and seated. “Cawrduf, Spurius and I have talked about this over the last many days now. But we all need to agree, as it would take a joint effort. We could start after Samhuinn is over, and if the winter is as mild as last, the stone base could be done before Alban Arthan, without interfering too greatly with our normal tasks of this season.”
“If I may at least ask, husband, although I am sure I know why, the purpose of this new house is what?” Annwwyl asked with a devilish smile not quite hidden across her face.
“Why, for Sulien of course, dear wife. Our son has reached that time when he needs a house of his own, so he can acknowledge his desire for Deilwen to Alban. Now that she has reached the age of 14 and is of the proper age to become a wife by next Lughnasadh, why else?”
With this everyone started to laugh under their breath at the expense of a blushing Sulien. But who did not protest at the statement.
“And are we so sure that Dielwen is as desirous of such an arrangement as Sulien? She is quite a handsome young woman, with that long honey colored hair of hers.” Annwwyl asked.
“Uh hum. I am sure mother.” Sulien almost whispered as he looked to the floor, rather than meet anyone’s eyes.
“Sure are you?”
With this, the room erupted into open laughter, including Sulien. He had not considered the double meaning that could be taken before he spoke the words in his heart. Once the laughter subsided, plans were made for the start of the construction of the four foot high round wall which would support the upper structure of beams for the roof and upper floor. As the evening ended everyone started talking more about the coming festival the next week, and finally saying goodbyes until the next morning and another hopefully placid day.
The evening before Samhuinn, Spurius went down to the river to bathe, he had not bathed in over a week and felt he needed one. He walked slowly through the trees and bushes after crossing the common road across the glen, in no real urgency, Rollo walking by his side. But as he descended the bank to the water’s edge Rollo stiffened first and then made a low guttural sound, deep in his chest, seconds before Spurius heard a splashing noise in the river just to his left. On turning to face in that direction he saw someone was already there enjoying their own time bathing. When he saw that it was Bloderedd, he started to turn and walk upriver and give her more privacy, until she spoke.
“Spurius, that is you, isn’t it?”
“It is me Bloderedd, I apologize for the intrusion. I did not think to find anyone here, at this time of day. I will walk up river a ways and give you your privacy.” He replied as the wolf dog settled on his haunches beside him, no longer on guard as he recognized the smell of the woman.
“There is no need for that, I am quite done and refreshed. Let me come out, get dressed and you can have this spot yourself. There is a fine hole here where the eddy is just right for bathing. It is time I headed home anyway.” With that said, she stood and rose out of the water to be only knee deep. Water glistening in rivulets down her body and ample pert breasts swaying slightly as she waded back to the bank only fifteen feet downstream from where Spurius stood. Then as she turned her back to him and pulled her garments over her head, he had a view of still wet, well formed buttocks and firm thighs. “You see, no trouble at all. Enjoy your bath, or swim if that is your pleasure. I hope we will see you tomorrow at the start of the festival?”
“Yes, for sure.” Spurius replied stammering over the few words, as she started walking away.
Bloderedd walked downstream far enough for it to seem she had gone home and then stopped unseen, looking back upstream, to where Spurius now was. Rollo knew the woman stopped just out of sight, but only whimpered to himself, wondering why she stopped. She hoped to see if this encounter had went as she planned, she had been to this same spot every evening for a few days now. Once she had heard Annwwyl and Carys talking about this being his favorite spot for bathing and swimming on some evenings fairly regularly. She hoped she had not sat there in the very cool water that long for nothing. Then she saw, as he started to disrobe, that yes, it had been worthwhile after all. He was a man who would have those kinds of natural interests in her. She smiled to herself, turned and continued her leisurely and now more confident walk home. With that Rollo laydown on the river bank near his pack member.
Spurius was still somewhat embarrassed by walking up on Bloderedd that way, and even more so at seeing her completely naked as she waded out of the water, then dressed in front of him to vacate the spot for his use. He knew though, that the embarrassment could have been much worse, had she seen his body’s full reaction to seeing her like that. She is much more alluring than he would have thought, from the way her clothes hid the still vibrant body underneath them. His bath was a little longer than usual, to purge any resemblance of arousal, before he dressed for a walk home.
*****
Gwenfron had thought about being in Gwynedd for Samhuinn, but knew her place was to be here in Luitcoyt. Nudd and Wyn would be officiating in the mountains there and her appearance there could be suspect so soon again. She would bide her time, besides it wasn’t like the Roman was going to court another.
*****
Samhuinn was beyond the imaginings of Spurius from what had been described to him by his friends here in the glen. The ceremonies as performed by Nudd and Wyn were interesting to say the least and at points would have been decreed, not just pagan but vulgar and maybe even savage by some of the church in Rome.
Seeing men dressed up as women or animals of the forest and women dressed as men or even spirits at times. Children traveling in twos and threes going from one house to another and asking for food or treats without respect to any meal hour or hosted festivity. But it was the prank playing on ones neighbors or family that intrigued him the most.
On the second night Hugo was taken by Annwwyl and Carys to the out building of Gwydderig and left. This had been easy for them to do since they had Undeg with them, who Hugo was very used to being with when not working with Spurius and the men. Spurius had found him the next morning, after he had Rollo scent the glen to the Glade where Gwydderig lived with Nant and Bloderedd. Bloderedd had openly laughed at Rollo when he saw Hugo with twigs tied in his mane and boughs of grasses in his tail.
Sulien and Deilwen had taken down Einion’s gate and lain it over in a swale beside the rutted common road crossing the glen. Einion and Cawrduf had removed Albans gate and put it back up on the wrong side as well as it being upside down.
Nudd had been at Einion’s house for a while on the third night to assist with the family trying to contact Einion‘s father. Spurius was there, as the family urged him to be, but it was something that within himself, he was unsure of how he felt about this particular belief.
On the next day, with Samhuinn over, everyone picked right back up with their normal activities at this time year and final preparations before the winter season began in earnest. But for the glen, there were the additional activities as often as possible on the new house for Sulien.
At the end of every day’s work at the mine, a cart was loaded with stockpiled rock and small boulders, which Hugo would pull on their return to the glen. Once there, the men would unload the cart close to the agreed upon location. Einion and Cawrduf had made a rough layout in the area so that once enough rock was there, the construction of the wall could begin. On many days, after the unloading and before the time for bed, Sulien would disappear into the forest close to the house’s location. No one knew what he was doing in the forest, but he did not ask for any help and some thought he might be spending time with Deilwen, so no one broached the question in their minds.
Over the next few weeks the wall rose slowly to its finished height and width. Just about everyone from both the glen and glade had been involved at one time or another. So much so that Rollo did not make any distraction as to a visitor any longer between the frequent comings and goings of these particular people, they may not be pack, but they were trusted friends of pack. Often after the work ceased on a day, many gathered at Spurius’s house for the next lesson in reading or writing. The younger ones especially liked this part of the day, Undeg was tireless in her enthusiasm for learning more about anything Spurius could teach them.
Over a week into the cutting and hauling of logs to the glen for the next phase of the construction, which was by now shorter each day with the ever shortening of daylight, as winter neared and with that the oncoming of the Alban Arthan festival, a uniformed messenger arrived at the glen as the men were unloading another cart of logs.
“May we be of help?” Einion asked as he turned to face the man.
“I have been sent by King Gunedda ap Edern to tell all able bodied men to muster at Rhos as soon as possible. He has reason to believe there is to be an attack by Naill of the Nine Hostages from Hibernia across the Western Sea.”
“Why would he leave Fir Domnann with winter coming on so soon? Not that I ask you soldier, we will be there as soon as we can, we will leave on the morrow.”
“Hurry as you can, I have already been three days in my travels. I need also to ask, do you know the whereabouts of one called Father Spurius?”
“That would be me, soldier. Why do you ask?”
“The King told me specifically to ask, if you would be mustering with the Decaenli again?”
“Tell him, Yes, I will be there with these men.”
“I will. Now I must complete my mission and return to Rhos, you may be there before I am.” With this said, the messenger pulled his horses reins and turned, leaving the glen behind him.
Einion turned to his friends and nodded, then they completed unloading the cart, stabling Hugo and walked to their homes.
”As if life is not hard enough, these petty lords of the so called “green isle” across the western Sea, seem intent on making raids along our coastline. While we hear of Saxons, in the hire of some in the east, battle each other and allow them to raid on the villages of neighboring realms. But muster in Rhos we must, or face King Gunedda’s possible displeasure later.” Einion said to his friends as they walked.
“Would that we could just remain here in our mountains and let them all kill each other. But go we will, and return as last we did, when it is over.” Replied Cawrduf.
“Amen to that my friends.” Spurius added.
For Einion, Cawrduf and now Sulien, telling their women was harder than the trek to Rhos and uncertain circumstances to come.
The same was true for Gwydderig after the messenger left the glade nearby. Nant was upset, she and Bloderedd had only him to rely on. Nant was in hopes that she could bear him a child soon. Bloderedd was somber and did not interject much into the young couple’s discussions, except to say that he would return as he always had. She avoided mentioning the loss of her own husband and Gwydderig’s father to such an event in the past. As the two settled into the preparations for his departure the next morning Bloderedd thoughts turned to what Spurius must be doing, he had no woman to leave behind, or to wish him a safe return. Nor had he made any mention of that night at the river as yet.
It was passed dark now and Bloderedd decided to take a walk to the glen, she told her son and daughter -in -law she wished to get some fresh cool night air, but not to wait up for her return, they had more important things to worry about, she would be fine and come back for sleep later. She could tell her son goodbye in the morning before he left with the other men of the glade and glen.
It was but a short walk to the glen and soon she was standing at the path to the houses of all who lived there. As she turned up the path and stood close to the house of Spurius she could see the shadowy outline of the stone walls for the new house to become Sulien and Deilwen’s and all the freshly hewn logs not yet erected. She reflected on her feelings when her own house had been built, and the pride she had felt when her and her husband started living in it. Then she turned to look at the house where Spurius lived and remembered Einion’s parents who had lived there many years before they died. She wondered if Spurius could feel that pride, even though it had been altered to his needs, because he shared it with no one but Rollo, who she could just barely see laying outside, near the entry.
Rollo let out a low growl at the approaching figure until he caught her scent on the air. She was familiar and she was the one who his companion had made a new scent when he saw her in the water without her outer fur, it had been a good scent, she was welcome to this pack. Maybe she would get him to make that scent again.
Bloderedd stroked the wolf dogs head when she neared him and his tail swished in the dirt in response. She knocked on the wood at the doorway seeing a glow in the dirt from underneath the doors bottom meaning Spurius was still awake inside, as yet it was not that late in the night. Spurius called out from inside telling whoever it was to come on inside. As she entered she could see he was kneeling on the dirt floor in front of where the cross hung on the wall.
“I hope I have not disturbed your communing with your God?”
“No not at all, I was done. I was just asking for consideration of well-being for those I travel with tomorrow and in the coming days after that. I am glad to see you, is everything okay with your family? Can I help with anything?”
“Everything is as well as it can be, considering the news left by the messenger today. I came because I was thinking of you, here alone, before such an undertaking.”
“I thank you for that Bloderedd, it is most kind. But I have been alone for quite a while, or as alone as any man is, when you consider all the friends I have now and notwithstanding the loyalty of Rollo and Hugo, who will be traveling with me.”
“Yes, but you have no partner in life to worry for you, share in your concerns and have your health and happiness as their interests as well. If I am not being to over-interested in your welfare.”
‘No, I do not take your concern as intrusion. I have only had such concern before from Father Halarius, the priest who raised me in Gaul. I am most honored by your visit and your feelings.”
“Have you never had such feelings from a woman before, Spurius?”
“Well in truth, I suppose, a long time ago from the women of the parish where Father Halarius raised me, when I was small and they helped him with my upbringing.”
“Did Father Halarius not have a wife either then?”
“No, not as I knew him. He had been married once. But sadly, she had died of a fever before I knew him. His memory of her was all the comfort he needed, that and the love of God, was what he told me.”
“So, then he taught you to be without a woman as well?”
“No, not at all. He said the love of a good woman was the highest form of love in life that any man could be blessed with. I just never had the time, once I was old enough to understand, to get to know any woman well enough for that to happen.”
“Does your belief in your God forbid such possibilities, then?”
“No, even though there are some who think it should. Why do you ask?”
“Because I do not think this fight, you are headed to on the sunrise, will be like the last one you and the men were at. I do not think it will be stopped by you or Derwydd priest’s intersession. There will be bloodshed, men dying and the woeful moans of many mothers, daughters and wives bereft of those they love.”
“Unfortunately Bloderedd, I agree with you. With that, which the messenger knew, I feel this time a battle or more than one will be fought, before any men return home. Regardless of which lording finally considers himself a winner. The rest will be losers in one way or another, despite the outcome.”
As Spurius spoke, Bloderedd slowly moved closer to him, until only a hands width separated them and she could feel his breath as he spoke. But neither moved back as they watched each other’s eyes.
“And I do not believe any man should go into such peril not knowing he is cared for by a woman, when he may not return for the sharing later. She would regret that for the rest of her life, I know this to be true .”
“No one should know such regret…..” Spurius’s answer was cut short as Bloderedd put her arms around his neck and kissed him lovingly and long. He could not keep himself from enveloping her in his arms about her waist while returning her ardor with his own.
As they parted Bloderedd smiled and whispered to him. “Do you remember some while back, when we met at the river?”
“Yes, I felt embarrassed at disturbing you.”
“I would have been more disturbed if you hadn’t Spurius. You have not spoken of it since. I stopped as I was leaving and watched you enter the river for your bath, I knew you had at least some attraction.”
“Of course I did, I am a man and you are a very attractive woman. What kind of man could not be attracted to you? I am not dead from the waist down.”
“I see that now. There is one other thing I believe.”
“Which is what, may I ask?”
“No man should go into battle without fully knowing the woman who loves him.” Bloderedd answered as she leaned up and they kissed again, many kisses in strong, close held embraces, as their bodies began to meld indiscernibly into one.
Two hours later Bloderedd gently lifted her leg up and off of Spurius’s abdomen and her arm from across his chest, as he continued to breathe contentedly in deep sleep. She rolled to her side and oh so carefully rolled off the bed. Then she slipped into her dress and very quietly walked to the door with cat-like stealth. Once outside Rollo sat up and accepted her stroking with a wagging tail.
Rollo could scent the dried juices of ardor on the woman and knew instinctively that his companion inside must sleep the sleep of satisfaction. He watched as she put on her outer feet and walked out of the glen crossing the rutted road and into the trees that separated the glen from the river. He laid back down, with his head on his forelegs to return to the peace of sleep, it was quite a while before the great light orb would light the sky and Spurius would emerge from the same door.
Bloderedd slipped out of her dress at the rivers bank and let it hang on a bushes limbs, then waded to the spot where she had bathed only nights before. As she rinsed the sweat and dried pleasure juices of both herself and Spurius from her body, she lingered in the satisfaction she had long missed, since the death of her husband. She smiled and hummed to herself recalling his gasps as he exploded inside her, which only triggered her own mingling with his.
Once back at her own house she entered and went to her own bed, just as quietly as she had left the one Spurius slept in, so as not to awaken her son or his wife. The moon was at its zenith now and she wanted some restful sleep before the morning came. Tomorrow would have its share of sorrow as the men left, time enough then to dwell on their journey ahead.
As she began to drift into sleep she smiled to herself thinking “Do as you can, you Derwydd witch, he is now mine.”
