This doesn't have chapters...
It's a small village we live in, and we all know each other. It's built on a hill by the coast. Trees, swamps, and small branches of the sea surround us. There's a long, bumpy road that leads to the next town, about a days worth of trail. The men only travel that road when they're going to trade at the market there.
We all help each other out here. Loaning and sharing. That is what we all must do to survive in this forgotten village. In a way, we're lucky. We're free to live the way we please. Unlike the nearest town, we don't have a gallows sitting in the middle of our village, ready to kill a devil worshipping witch. Here, we are free to practice our craft. All of us.
"Amber Tee, will you please take care of your bickering sister?" Me mum was on her last wits. Calling me by my full name, being the hint.
"Lilly, honey, go outside and tend to the garden with grandma, will you?" I asked of her.
She gave me a pouty look. "But Ma promised to fix me dolly."
I sighed heavily. "Ma and I are busy. Go ask Poppy to do it."
Her lower lip jutted out from her face.
I placed my hands on my hips. "Lilly Ann, if you don't get your arse out of here, I'm going to give you such a beating." I warned her. "We have travelers to take care of and you're being a child." I walked over to her and smacked her across her face. "Stop being such a babe and go ask Poppy to fix your doll or just wait until Ma or I have the time to help you."
Tears weld up in her eyes, but she stormed out of the kitchen, crying to Gran for comfort.
I sighed heavily and went back to making stew with Mum.
"It seems we've been getting more and more travelers lately." Ma said, thickening the stew with potatoes and carrots. "Your brother best be getting back by day break tomorrow, lest we unable to break the fast tomorrow morn."
I sighed as well. Tommo, my younger and only brother, went to market with Mr. Werthly and Mr. O'kern. The past few years have been difficult on Tommo. He's reaching manhood, and he's no father to show him the way. Luckily, our neighbors and fellow villagers are willing to help our family along. I am the oldest of my mother's four children, Tommo being the only son. My father, Nathan, died from an illness that me gran had been unable to treat. Lilly was only a year old when he passed away, so she doesn't remember him. It's been five years already, but the burden is still carried in Mum's heart. Gran feels her pain, being widowed herself when Mum was just a lass.
We finished with dinner and called all the borders to the table or they will go hungry. Me mum owns the inn, inheriting it from me da. Gran has her own small hut next to us, where she does her healing work, since she is our medicine woman and midwife. Being the oldest, I help with both of their works, not getting much time to be outside. I do enjoy being helpful, but I'm 18, and should be getting married soon. I haven't even met a lad that I fancy yet. I have dreams of getting out into the world, but I must stay here and help Mum with the bairns.
Everyone gathered around the large wooden table set with dishes and ales to drink. Ma and I put the food out, calling the bairns in from outside, as well as me gran. I poured some ale for the men, there being quite a lot of them. Mum feared she didn't make enough stew and biscuits for them. They seemed to be warrior men, big and husky ones.
Ma and I tended to them like we always do to our guests. Poppy, Gran, and Lilly all sat in the kitchen, eating at a smaller table, away from the routy guests, like they always did. Gran watched over both of them, and I dodged wandering hands as I walked around the table, making idle chit-chat and pouring more ale for the lot of them.
"A nice little village ye have here." A huge man named Kenneth said. Ever since he came here, he's been eyeing me, causing my flesh to crawl. So many times I wanted to smack him with a pot, but Ma told me to just grin and bare it. If Da were here, he wouldn't allow such looks to be brought upon his daughter. But he's not here anymore, and I must grin and act like I'm having a merry time.
"And such good-looking women." Another large man, Brock, said attempting a pat on my behind.
I slapped his hand away, giving him a playful smile. "Mind your hands, or you will no longer get your ale." I warned him, playfully wagging a finger at his face.
He didn't seem too amused with this gesture and, my mother gone to heat up the beds, he stood quickly, taking me by the shoulders and pushing me against the wall.
I gust of air rushed from me as my back hit against the wall. The room fell silent and the other men just watched.
"Don't you ever talk to me like that again." He said, alcohol thick on his breath. "You are but a woman and will not treat me in such a way."
"You were trying to defile me with your putrid looks and a touch of your foul hand."
His hand ran across my face and I fell to the floor from the force. "Learn your place as a woman."
I stared up at him through a blur of tears, the taste of blood forming in my mouth. He viciously grabbed me by the arm and, in a drunken stupor, dragged me to my feet and threw me onto the table, knocking cups over and causing plates to crash to the floor and move.
I heard my mother's feet scurry down the stairs to see what the ruckus was. Gran, I could only guess, was trying to keep the children out of this room, in case a brawl had broken out.
"What is going on down here?" She asked, taking the scene in.
"We're having a little fun, Widow." Brock said to her and flicked his head. Other men started walking towards my mother, all drunk.
The door to the inn burst open. The chicken farmer, Mr. McKenner, and his two boys, David and Jacob, standing in the door.
"What be going on in here to cause two women to cry?" Mr. McKenner asked, taking his musket out. "Are we having some troubles with the travelers?"
Brock let go of me, holding his hands up in the air. "Well then, we were only having a bit of fun." He said, looking back at his men.
"We don't like that happening to our women here." Mr. McKenner told them. "We ask that you and your men kindly leave our village."
Brock set his jaw. "Now, you don't expect us weary travelers to walk in the dark, do ye?"
All three of the McKenner’s gave him a stern look, and Mr.McKenner got his musket ready.
Brock sighed heavily. "Come along, boys, we best be on our way." He said, and walked out of the building, his fellow men following him. The three men watched them until they were out of sight, then walked over to us.
"Are you alright?" David asked me, the bairns and Gran wandering out from the kitchen.
I nodded, sighing heavily. "They were drunk and had wondering hands is all." I said, getting off of the table and running my hand over my cheek, already feeling a welt growing.
"That looks nasty." Gran said. "I'll get you some salve to make the swelling go down."
I thanked her and the McKenners, then Ma and I got to cleaning up, upset that there wasn't much left for us to eat.
We gave some left over biscuits to the men for their troubles, and Ma and I each had half a bowl of stew and half a biscuit. I went to bed with a growling stomach and sticky gunk rubbed on my cheek.
At day break, I woke the kids and helped to get them dressed. I sent Lilly and Poppy off to get the milk and eggs from the barn and helped Ma make biscuits and porridge. I greeted Tommo when he arrived back in town and served him breakfast at the table with the few of our guests that had come late in the night after I had gone to bed.
After I ate and cleaned with Ma, she said I was free to wander the village, which I gladly did, leaving Poppy and Lilly behind at the house.
I went straight over to Lillith's house. Lillith lives nearer to the coast line than I do, and we often wandered closer to the center of town, between where I live and where she does. We often just like to talk and run around in the sun until I have to leave and do chores. She likes to ask questions of the guests that come to the inn, wondering if any of them were good-looking lads. Today, the village was buzzing about the incident at the inn, so she kept questioning me on my cheek.
"It feels a lot better, thanks to Gran." I told her, walking towards the McKenners to deliver some biscuits with Lillith. Mr. and Mrs. McKenner had recently helped Lillith's mother with the care of their chickens, and wanted to send them some biscuits as a thanks.
"Weren't you scared?" She asked, chomping down on one of the biscuits.
I shrugged. "It really did hurt, but I had good reason to hit him. I don't care what Mum says."
She nodded. "I would've been screaming louder than Lilly Ann when she gets caught in the bushes."
I laughed. "I know you would."
We both laughed until we reached the farm. "Mr. McKenner?" We called into the chicken coop.
"Da and Ma went out to the sea to gather some water." Jacob, the younger of the two brother's at the age of 15 informed us.
"Oh, well Ma made biscuits to thank you for the help with our chickens. They surely would've died without your help." Lillith said, her face growing pink.
I've known for a while that Lillith had a crush on Jacob. "He is just so dreamy with his curly golden hair and green eyes like the sea." She's said so many times as we jumped across the rocks in the swamp.
I would always just roll my eyes. He seemed nothing more than a child to me. Though they were only one year apart, unlike my three years.
"Will you give them to your parents?" Lillith asked, handing the basket over to him.
He nodded, taking the basket and flipping over the clothe to take one. "Ma hasn't made breakfast yet. David and I are starved." He said, eating the whole thing in about two bites.
"If you'd like, we could make it for you." I offered, nudging Lillith in the arm with my elbow gently.
She looked over to me and smiled. "Aye, if you don't mind."
"Such a kind offer." Jacob said, eyeing us both suspiciously as if we wanted something.
"After yesterday, it should be my honor." I told him. "You were all so kind as to help me and Mum."
He loosened up. "Oh that, Da did most of the work. Davey and I were just there in case things got real tough."
I smiled at him. "'Twas still very kind of you."
He shrugged and we hurried off to their kitchen, doing a quick search to learn the layout. We decided to make porridge, eggs, and biscuits. His Ma and Da were both back by the time we were done.
"Oh my, such perfect lasses." His ma chimed as she saw the table set.
"'Tis nothing for helping us." Lillith said. "Both our families are grateful to you and your sons."
Mr. McKenner laughed. "I have half a mind to ask your mothers and fathers to let my sons have your hands in marriage."
I looked to Lillith, knowing she very well wanted to be married to Jacob.
"'Tis nothing, sir." She said, smiling widely, her cheeks becoming rosy.
We left them to eat, heading off towards the woods where we could play around the swamp.
In this warm weather, I rarely wear shoes, so I didn't need to take any off. Most of the villagers didn't wear shoes unless they were going to travel or it was winter. Though, sometimes, even in winter I'll go without shoes.
Travelers say our village girls are different from their own. We're more outspoken, and need to learn to hold our tongues. This is true. We've been taught to care for ourselves should the need arise. Our men are gone to market quite often, so we need to learn to defend our village while they're away. My mother can't seem to get that through her head sometimes.
Then there's a matter of our dress. Our younger girls wear them short, showing ankle and some of their leg most times, only until they get breasts. Then, they show off cleavage, proud of their bodies, and not wanting to hide it. I'm one of the more modest girls. My skirts are long, as they've always been. I quite enjoy the feel of the fabric encasing my feet and the sound of the leaves getting caught on the bottom of them. My breasts are of average size, but I do not show them off to the village boys, mainly so I don't provoke the travelers as they come by. Me mum, though strict and proper as she is, even took habit of the shorter skirts, finding them easier to roam about the inn, tending to the guests.
I lifted my skirts high, all the way up to my knees. I bunched it to the side, taking some ribbon I kept in my bosom, and tied it to stay there like a bun in my hair. It sagged slightly from the weight, but I knew it would stay. Lillith's skirts were shorter and she had no need to tie them up, but she held them in her arms, hopping across the stones with me.
"Did you see the sparkle in Jacob's eyes when we gave him the biscuits?" Lillith began her talk.
I sighed heavily. "Was there? I hadn’t noticed, my mind was on how filthy his hands must be after tending to those chickens."
Lillith giggled. "What say you, Amber?"
"About what?" I asked, wobbling slightly as I jumped to another stone.
"If we were to marry." She said, standing still on one of the larger, flatter rocks. She let down her skirts and looked towards me, blushing. "Would his parents approve of me?"
I shrugged. "Why not ask them yourself?"
"Don't be such a goose." She said to me, hands on hips. "You know very well that I wouldn't dare."
I hopped onto the rock with her, almost making her lose balance. I caught onto her hands and we began dancing in a small circle.
"What if I helped you?" I said to her.
"How so?"
"A dash of jasmine, a scrape of rose quartz, and a red and white ribbon to bind them together." I said to her and stopped spinning. "'Tis the ingredients for love." I teased and she blushed.
"Do not tease me so, Amber. I fear I'll go mad if he doesn't take any notice to me at all." She groaned and sat down heavily on her bottom.
I rolled my eyes and squatted down in front of her. "My dear little Lillith, come with me." I took hold of her hand and she rose swiftly.
We jumped across the rocks and onto land where I hurried her off out of the woods.
"Where are you taking me?" She asked, giggling.
"Back to the inn to give you a bath." I told her.
"Do I smell?"
I laughed at her. "We'll make you clean and beautiful, Jacob won't keep his eyes off you. He wouldn't want to!"
"Then lets make haste!" Lillith said and let go of my hand, scooping up her skirts to run. I ran with her, my skirts still tied to stay up.
I stopped at me gran's herbal garden, my chest heaving and my life force beating rapidly. I picked some ripe jasmine and rose pedals, gathering them into my arm. I took her by the arm and led her to the back cabin where the tubs were. I dumped the contents of my arm into one of the large tubs.
"Wait here, I must fetch some heated water." I told her and went into the kitchen, placing the pot over the fire to heat up. I watched it carefully, making sure it didn't begin to bubble.
I tested it with my finger, then took it from the fire with a thick, folded cloth. I struggled to get it all the way to the tub without burning myself. Lillith stepped out of the way and I dumped the steaming water into the tub.
"Undress and into the tub for a bath." I told her as I left to put the pot back.
We were the only place in the village that had a tub, and most only used it for special occasions, like weddings. Ma and I have to be kept clean for the customers, so we use it regularly and are the cleanest family in the village.
Having cleaned my sister and brother many times, until he got older, I knew exactly what to do. I grabbed the hard cloth and rubbed it with soap that Gran made. I began rubbing her skin raw until all the caked dirt came off. She wasn't as dirty as some in other villages were, but she's never had a bath before. She, like the others, will usually just go down to the bathing stream to clean themselves.
"Amber, must you scrub so hard?"
"To get you very clean, I do." I told her and began combing through her hair with a fine tooth comb after dunking her in the water. I picked out all the bugs and mites that lay there, then scrubbed her head with some soap mixed with good smelling herbs and let it soak in there before I rinsed it out.
Her hair took on a more golden sheen to it, her skin becoming a shade paler, her eyes seeming to become brighter. I let her out of the now murky water and wrapped a towel around her so she could dry off as I dumped out the tub. Then I took her to my room, grabbing her clothes as I went. I led her through the back where I usually come and go when I must wash myself or the bairns.
She sat on my cot, still wrapped in the rough cotton as I took out some of my clothes. We were roughly the same size, I was only a bit taller and her bust a bit larger.
I threw my clothes to her, knowing they smelled sweeter than her own. She dressed and I helped her to tie the corset. Her bust was more pronounced in my clothing, it being a bit small in that region for her. I tied it tighter around her waist, giving her more curves. I hemmed the dress a bit for her, and she thanked me for everything.
I smiled at her. "I dress and clean the children all the time." I said, handing her a small bag of herbs. "Put these in with your clothing, it will help them smell sweeter."
I told her and pinched her cheeks hard to make them rosy. She bit down on her lips to make them redder and I combed through her hair once more and then braided it, weaving some ribbon in with it.
She smiled at me. "I can never repay you for all of this." She turned to me, taking my hands in hers. "You're always to kind as to help me. I only wish I could help you as well."
I smiled back at her. "Seeing your face alight with joy is payment enough."
She wrapped her arms around me, sweeping me into a hug. She separated from me and smiled. "I shall make sure he's mine. I shant let your work go in vain."
I nodded. "Like I said, he won't keep his eyes off of you."
I heard the cowbell ring that signaled for me to help Ma out. I bid Lillith farewell and wandered downstairs to Mum.
"There you are, get these people settled in the large room, will you?" She asked, seeming stressed. "I've got a large traveling party here, so you must show them all to their rooms."
I nodded and looked towards the family. A rather large family. There were about seven children ranging in the ages of, I'm guessing, about two to 16 with the mother large with another. Probably due very soon.
I smiled at them, motioning for them to follow me. "There's quite a lot of you." I said conversationally, noticing my skirts still tied up as I walked up the stairs. I quickly untied myself, letting my skirts fall to the floor.
"We're all traveling to find a new village." The father answered. "We would rather pass right through this village, but my wife is tired from the babe and need to house for a time."
I nodded, figuring the people to be puritans by their dull, dark clothing and the women covering their hair in bonnets. They must think our town to be evil in the way we dress and act.
"Here is where you will be staying." I told them as we entered the room. "We hope it is to your liking." I said, spreading some new cloth over the beds.
The family looked about curiously. "Where is the man, so I can ask some questions?" The father asked again.
I smiled at him politely. "I'm sorry, me and my ma run the place. If you wish for directions, then talk to her. She knows the lay of the land perfectly. You're sure to find your way."
He narrowed his eyes at me, as if insulted. He didn't answer me or even thank me.
"We will call you down for dinner when it is ready." I said and looked towards the wife. "And if you have any trouble, our medicine woman is in the tiny cottage next to us. She will help with the babe should you go into labor."
She nodded her thanks, like a good woman. I bid them farewell and helped the other guests. We were completely full tonight, and some of the travelers had to share rooms and sleep on the floor. Some were even placed in the barn. We had no idea where to seat everyone to eat.
We had to enlist Poppy and Lilly's help in the kitchen, though Lilly couldn't do much. Tommo helped settle in the guests as we cooked and he readied some baths for them. Gran helped with that, as well as looking at some wounds that the travelers had gotten through the length of their journeys.
The people stuck in the barn were not part of the puritan group, but were boys not much older than I. They seemed interesting to me and I offered to keep them company in the barn. Ma agreed only fearing that me tongue may slip and the puritans call up priests to have our village burned to the ground. We already feared for that by the looks given to us by their reverends.
I came out to the barn, Poppy helping me by carrying out the dishes. Tommo had been out earlier to set up a table and chairs. Poppy set the table and then brought out their share of the biscuits. I brought out the mutton and steamed vegetables, as well as the fresh ale that had been made a while back and is now ready to drink.
There were only three boys named Ian, Edaniel, and one they call Mutton, but his real name is Michael. He insists that I call him Mutton, though I laughed when I heard him called it. I began joking that we were serving him tonight.
"Aye, we've been traveling with them puritans." Ian said, drinking his ale and offering me a biscuit which I gladly accepted, worried Ma and I would go to bed hungry again. "Met them a couple towns downward."
I nodded, taking a bite of the steaming bread. "They seem intolerable."
Edaniel nodded. "Aye, they are. They tell us to repent constantly. We had to be wary of our tongue, lest they burn us at the stake."
I nodded, feeling like I could be free with this bunch. "Aye, Ma and I fear for the village."
All three nodded, agreeing upon the possible consequence of our free ways.
"This village is quite interesting to me." Edaniel said, leaning back in his chair. "Everyone is so happy and intelligent. I've had talks with some of your men and women. They aren't afraid to speak their thoughts, and I find that admirable in a time such as this. These young bairns are lucky to grow in such a good village."
I smiled, flattered by how highly he spoke of us. I poured them more ale and ate some mutton from Ian's plate, since he offered some to me. I was having a merry time when Ma burst through the door.
"Amber Tee," Mum showed her franticness by calling me my full name. I rose swiftly, alarmed at her entrance. "One of the women have gone into labor, you must help your gran."
I nodded, lifting my skirts to run faster. I ran into Gran's hut where one of the younger girls was moaning from pains.
Gran had me fetch warm water from the kitchen and clean towels. I did as I was told and helped Gran deliver the babe. We both breathed a sigh of relief when mother and child were both safe. Ma gave the young woman something to drink to calm her down and had me clean the new babe and wrap it in a cloth.
I returned to the barn to clean up their food and then help them get settled in. Tommo cleared away the table and chairs and I had Poppy help Ma with the dishes while I gathered quilts for the boys in the barn. I laid them out over the hay bails, saying sorry once more for running out of rooms.
"It's not a problem." Mutton said. "We've slept in a tree once before, stuck in the woods for three whole days and nights, we were."
I smiled. "Well then, I hope this is better than a tree."
* * * *
The next day, the puritans left, but the three boys stayed, wanting to linger around in the village a bit longer.
Gran gave them herbs to help with the pregnant women, free of charge. She warned them to be careful with some women so close to giving birth. They didn't listen, wanting to get out of the devil's town.
Tommo saw them off, giving them directions to the next town. Ma and I moved the three boys to a room, offering them a hot bath while breakfast was being made. They gladly accepted the hospitality and I heated up the water for the baths, getting fresh towels for them all. I instructed them to leave their dirty clothes out for us to wash, which they did as they bathed. They were cleaned and dressed when the food was ready and Gran and the two younger girls went off to the lake to fetch water for doing laundry.
"You're an excellent cook, Marie." Ian flattered Ma.
Ma blushed, not getting many compliments on her cooking. They even insisted that we eat with them. Ma was skeptical at first, but then took a seat at the table.
"How long do you plan to stay?" Ma asked, barely nibbling on her food.
The each looked at each other and shrugged. "We're not sure yet." Edaniel answered. "We'd like to explore this interesting town first before we head off to somewhere else."
"Is there a point to your travels?" I asked, drinking my beer.
"We just want to see the world." Mutton answered with a smile.
I smiled as well. I've always wanted to see the world. I ached to move on with them when they left.
* * * *
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125,020 Literary Works • 672,861 Reviews
yeah? thanks...yeah, I have troubles with balance...I hate it 'cause it depends on my moods when I write for how mellow it is...and this has been a very mellow book...I'll work on it...Thanks again for the crit!!!
Hi Angel. I thought the story was ok. You gave us too much information about the family and that bored me a bit. Quite a large bit of the story seemed to be more focused on family life within the confines of the family. Why can't you show their life outside? I would also like to see some conflict around the family, especially external ones.
There could also had been more descriptions. You need to balance infomation with descriptions.
Lastly, speed up the story as it drags at the moment. We want to know what happens, not about a girl getting nude for a shower.
By including more descriptions and trimming down the irrelevant parts will make this story a good read.
This is critque of the first part. I'll deal with the second when I have time.
Just decided to post the rest since it's not much...
Ian, Mutton, and Edaniel are all still here. They said that once they've enough money, they'll leave the village to travel again. I want to go with them. Ma refuses to let me go, saying that I'm needed here. I've argued many times that Poppy is being coddled far to much and should be helping out more than she does. She's almost ten. I helped out Ma when I was just a wee bairn of Lilly's age. I am a woman now, but Ma still says that I should stay here, where it is safe. When she says that, I always counter with, "For how long?"
I started showing Edaniel around the swamps that Lillith and I usually run around, but lately she's been busy with plans for her hand fasting and haven't the time to play. I've been feeling lonely, not having many other friends with the village girls. They're too preoccupied with the boys, flirting and wanting to be married. I've no interest in what they want, and now I've lost my only friend to the silly thing of marriage.
"You're a lucky lass." Edaniel said, sitting atop one of the flatter stones.
I looked to him, still hopping about the stones. "In what way? Me mum still thinks me a babe and she works me to the point of rebellion."
He smiled. "Aye, but your village allows you all out late, underneath the full moon." He looked at me suspiciously. "In fact, your whole village goes out underneath the full moon. Late at night, when we three are sleeping. I've watched your family slip out of the inn through the back."
I looked at him evenly. "What be that of your concern?" I asked, looking to my feet so I wouldn't slip from the stones.
He shrugged. "Well, you're whole village seems to be a bunch of witches, including yourself."
I looked back over at him with a sly smile. "And be that we are?" I crouched on a stone close to his. "What would you do to us?"
He smiled wryly. "Nothing. I would simply ask to join in one of your dances."
I stood up, looking down on him. "To see the naked lasses?" I laughed and jumped to another stone. He stood and followed me, not as good on his feet as I was.
He caught my arm, making me stop. "To see the magic."
I turned to see him, his eyes sparkled from the small slit of sunlight that entered through the tree tops. "I suppose you're out of luck, then." I told him evenly and he released my arm. "We are not witches, but humble Christians."
He seemed disappointed and I smiled at him. He seemed confused and I took him by the hands and leapt from rock to rock with him. I led him to shore and back myself into a tree, placing his arms around my waist.
"A sprig of jasmine, some shavings of rose quartz, and red and white ribbon to bind them together." I said, staring into his eyes. "'Tis the ingredients for love." I purred, pulling him closer to me.
His eyes never strayed from mine and he leaned into me, pressing his lips against mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck, but I soon heard the familiar sound of the cow bell.
I separated from him and groaned loudly. "Ma wants me back at the inn." I told him and he took a step back, taking hold of my arm before I got to far. I turned and opened my mouth to speak to him, but he pressed his lips against mine. Part of me knew I should get back to the inn, but most of me just wanted to stay wrapped in Edaniel’s arms. So I stayed.
* * * *
"You didn't come when I rang." Ma scolded me after I helped clean the dishes. "What were ye doing out there in the woods?"
"I was practicing." I told her, turning my attention to the plates.
She breathed deeply. "Amber Tee, you know 'tis dangerous to do this during the day when we have travelers passing by as often as we do this time of year." She set a stack of dished down heavily. "And we have those three boys staying here, prying their noses into everything."
"Ma-"
"They're going to be the ones that cause this village to get burned down for devil worshiping."
"Mum I-"
"Amber Tee, what is the matter with you of late? I ask for you to do things, and you just run off and-"
"Marie! If you'd just stop treating me like a child, I would be more obedient to you." I said very loudly to allow her to stop talking. "You have me working constantly, and I don't get time to myself very often. I'm 18, Mum, I should be able to leave this village if I want."
"I need you here." She said sternly.
I set my jaw. "No you don't." I growled. "You want me here. You're coddling your other children, because you don't want to lose any of us. You're scared that if I leave, then you'll never see me again. I want to explore, not become an inn keeper. That's not the life I want. Poppy's old enough to help you out. Get her." I said, leaving the dishes to themselves.
I stormed off to Gran's hut. She was sitting in a chair, stitching a marriage blanket for Lillith.
I sat down in a chair next to her, letting out a heavy sigh. "Gran, what say you about me traveling with the lads when they leave?"
She looked over to me. "I fear for you, but it is not for me to say. If that is what you wish, then go." She said, paying attention to the blanket.
I watched as she stitched and embroidered. I was beginning to calm down, and then helped Gran sew.
"Would you allow the lads to come to our circle tonight?"
Gran looked up at me, seeming startled. "'Tis dangerous to allow such a thing." She said, looking back to her work.
I bit my lower lip. "What if one of them wants to come?"
She glanced back at me again, sighing heavily. "Have you let your tongue fly again?"
I concentrated on the blanket for a bit. "Gran, they're open-minded and curious. They've seen us scurry into the woods at night during the full moon. They know and want to see and feel what we do."
Gran rested the blanket across her lap. "Ye trust them enough to put the entire village at risk?"
"We're already at risk, Gran. Every traveler that's come by has remarked about the way we do things." I told her.
She sighed heavily. "The other villagers are not going to be happy."
"You're the high priestess, Gran. If you trust them enough, then they'll trust you."
"Aye, and I don't trust them. Not yet."
"But you trust me." I said and stared into her deep blue eyes so much like my mother's.
She sighed heavily. "I will trust you." She said, taking up her sewing again. "Give them the instructions for tonight. Wake them when it is time to go." She glanced up at me. "Do not make any mistakes in judgment. I do not want to banish my granddaughter."
I smiled, getting up from the chair. "Thank you, Gran. I won't let you down."
"For the sake of the village, I hope not."
That night, I dressed in only in my shift, draping my forest green cloak over my shoulders. Ma and the bairns left earlier to help Gran set up. I went into the boys’ room and touched Edaniel on the arm. He woke with a start, frightened by the cloaked figure.
"Come, if you wish to take part." I said, taking down my hood.
He nodded as I woke the other two.
"Stay dressed as you are, but bring your cloak. 'Tis cold outside." I informed them as they hurriedly draped their cloaks over their shoulders.
"Are there any preparations we must make?" Edaniel asked.
I looked to him as I descended the back stairs, placing my hood back up. "Like what?"
Edaniel shrugged. "Special herbal baths, meditations, whatever."
I couldn't help but smile. "Oh goodness, no." I said, chuckling.
He seemed embarrassed, but they all put their hoods up, shielding their faces with shadows.
"Do you really dance naked?" Mutton asked.
I smiled and looked back at them. "Aye, we do. Have you a problem with that?" I asked, holding back a laugh.
They all quickly shook their heads. "Do you offer your souls to Satan?"
Ian had been quiet the whole time. Had he been pondering this the whole time? His voice was quiet, questioning, and worried. Did he think he might be punished for asking such a question?
I shook my head. "No, we dare not. We believe Satan is but a story brought up by the Christians."
I led them deep into the woods, answering their worrisome questions. I laughed a lot, and tried to calm their scattered nerves. We drew closer to the clearing, I could feel it by the prickle of my skin. The scent of burning wood and sage tickled my nose and I smiled with delight, lifting my cloak to climb over a fallen tree.
"What's that smell?" Edaniel asked.
"Sage, to cleanse the area." I told them as I moved the hanging vines of a weeping willow tree and entered the clearing.
People were gathering, talking, still hidden by the hoods of their cloaks.
"Take your clothes off, but leave your cloaks on." I told them, slipping my shift off over my head. I heard the rustling from their clothing and when it stopped, I went into the light of the fire.
A large circle was drawn in the dirt, an opening left for us to enter through. There was a table that had been built here and it was filled with sweet cakes and wine for afterward.
"Is everyone here?" Gran's voice was surprisingly strong, like always. She was clad in a deep blue cloak, standing next to the opening with her hood down, her gray hair up in a bun. She always seemed stronger than a fat old woman during a circle.
The murmuring stopped and Gran was informed of the missing families who already had talked to her about it. She nodded, ushering people towards the opening. We shed our hoods as we got in line.
"What's going on?" Edaniel asked from behind me.
"She's greeting us for the circle." I answered.
"Welcome the Goddess as she welcomes you." Gran said, touching the clasp of my cloak, letting it fall to the ground.
"So mote it be." I said, hoping that Edaniel heard me.
I walked into the circle, standing next to Lillith who was next to Jacob. Edaniel walked in next, seeming only slightly uncomfortable by his bare body. It seemed as though he tried not to look at everyone's bodies, but was unable to tear his eyes away.
"Calm down." I said, taking his hand in mine as I took hold of Lillith's.
Gran closed the circle and everyone began joining hands. Gran raised hers up to the heavens.
"We welcome you, Goddess, to join our circle and give us power by Earth, Air, Fire, and Water." She said. In response, the fire grew stronger, the wind blew faster, the earth vibrated with power beneath our feet and we could hear the lapping of waves from the shore not far off from the clearing.
Edaniel clenched my hand tighter and I gave his a reassuring squeeze. He looked down at me and I smiled up at him, hoping I was calming his racing heart.
Gran looked at us, searching the circle until she came upon Ian, Edaniel, and Mutton.
"We welcome three newcomers into our circle." She said and everyone turned their heads to them. "We wish for the Goddess's light shine upon them, helping them find their way in darkness."
"So mote it be." We all chimed.
"We hope that the Goddess wraps her arms around them, encasing them in love and protection."
"So mote it be."
"Let the earth be kind and fruitful for them so their bellies shall ever remain full in their travel."
"So mote it be."
"And the rain come down on them when they are dry, but never let them drown!"
"So mote it be!"
We began, counter clockwise around the circle. Edaniel looked to me, and I smiled at him, them flicked my head towards the fire. We both gazed into it, and I felt the magic begin to swirl around my body, encasing it.
I felt warm and safe here, the Goddess was watching over us, giving us her love and protection.
The circle moved faster and faster, but no foot went out of step. I looked at Edaniel. His eyes were closed, his face lit by the flames. He had his head raised towards the sky, and I knew he was feeling the power. I looked to Ian and Mutton, who also had their eyes closed, their mouths curved into a smile. They felt it. They knew this was special, something that they never experienced in a church.
I looked up at the sky, feeling dizzy with power and I wanted to go faster, so I could dance among the clouds and stars. I wanted to be on the moon so I could watch over the people as the Goddess does.
At once, we all threw our hands in the air, even Ian, Edaniel and Mutton could feel the timing. Slowly, people began opening their eyes and looking around, the power surging through bodies, alighting every feeling and sense.
"May the Goddess forever be with you, her joy yours, her love yours, and her life yours."
"So mote it be."
Gran opened the circle, and we all filed out, taking our cloaks as we did so. Some put them on (mainly the older ones) but others left them off (the young maidens looking for husbands). I put mine on, not interested in advertising to every lad in the village. My eyes were only set on one. Edaniel.
“That was amazing.” Edaniel breathed as he put his cloak back on. “I wish I had grown with this feeling.” He said and looked towards me. “I don’t want it to leave.”
I smiled at him. “Come, let us partake in the sweet wine.” I said, taking his as I wandered towards the table.
* * * *
“Amber Tee, where on earth do you think you are going?” Ma stopped me early the next morning on my way out of the cottage.
“I’m heading out to collect water with Edaniel.” I told her.
“I need you here.” She insisted. “He can fetch the water on his own.”
“And Poppy can help you with breakfast. You might as well start getting Lilly’s help as well.”
I felt Ma’s eyes on me as I left the house. I decided to drift away from Mum. I still love her, she’s my mother, but I can’t live like this anymore. I plan to leave with the boys, regardless of what she may say. She might as well get used to having Poppy and Lilly help her.
“Hoy there.” Edaniel said, holding two pales. “Marie allowed you to accompany me?”
I nodded, knowing very well of my lie. “Aye, let us be off then.”
He nodded and handed me a bucket, taking my hand in his after I let it hang by my side. I smiled at the feeling encasing my body. I’d noticed the feeling at the circle last night. It was the first time I wondered what a lad thought of my body. I’d noticed him look at the other young maids in the circle, but had he looked at mine?
We greeted the other families as we passed by, and I noticed the questioning looks as they noticed our linked hands. I only smiled to myself, feeling delightment at their stares.
“Amber, fetching water, are you?” Janelle, one of the more stuck up girls, asked.
“Aye, what else would I be doing with a bucket and man?” I asked, keeping a straight face.
She kept her usual cheerful disposition, ignoring my comment. “Ello, Edaniel.” She purred. “Did you enjoy the circle last night?” She asked and looked his body up and down. “I know I did.”
He chuckled. “It was quite an experience.”
I hadn’t been sure if he got the what Janelle was hinting towards. I wish she would just go away, but she continued to follow us to the spring, and flirting with my Edaniel.
“Tell me, what’s it like traveling?” Janelle asked. “My father was a traveler until he settled in this village with me ma.”
He shrugged. “There’s never a dull moment. I used to get lonely before I met Ian and Mutton. They really add some excitement.”
“Do ye think ye’d be settlin’ down any time soon?” She asked, filling a bucket of her own. I just sat down and continued dumping the filled bucket and filling it again, only to dump it back in.
“This is a very tempting village to stay in, but marriage isn’t on my mind yet.” Edaniel said. “I may be a man, but I don’t plan on marrying for a long while yet.”
Janelle nodded and I noticed her lean in and whisper something in Edaniel’s ear. Then, as she pulled away from him, she kissed his deeply on the lips. My jaw dropped and I didn’t think as I left the bucket floating the water and lunged at Janelle. We both fell into the water, hitting the bottom and surfacing back up.
“You wench!” She cried out, wiping water from her eyes.
“You harlot!” I screamed back and dunked her under the water, holding her head down.
“Amber! Let her up!” Edaniel said, but I had already let her surface, gasping for air.
She glared at me. “How dare you!” She squealed and we began fighting in the water, our skirts heavy and weighted from the water, making our movement slow and weak.
I felt arms underneath mine and pulling me out of the water. “Amber, stop this nonsense.”
I looked up to find Edaniel pulling me out and Tommo reaching for Janelle.
“What’s gotten into you?” Tommo asked. “’Tis not like you to fight so senselessly.”
I stood, stumbling slightly. “You’re nothing but a harlot, Janelle.” I told her as she crawled out of the stream with Tommo’s help.
“And you’re nothing but an old wench, meant to be burned at the stake.” Janelle said. “Just in spite of you, I should call a priest here to burn you for witchcraft.”
Edaniel took Janelle home as Tommo escorted me to the cottage. I would have liked it to be the other way around.
“Amber, ‘tis best if you keep out of the girls’ trivial games. The whole village knows Janelle sleeps with the travelers.”
“Aye, and?”
“Just leave them be. ’Tis not your place to stop Janelle from having her way. ’Tis up to him whether he wants to or not.” Tommo said, and I quickened my pace. “Why do you care so much?”
“Leave me be.” I told him and went off to the swamp. These feelings of lust towards Edaniel have brought no joy to my life. I do not wish to marry, and I do not wish to love. Edaniel is but a man, and good for nothing but helping to make children, and I wish to have none of those. They are worse then men. They help none and complain all the time.
I sighed heavily and stared up at the bit of sky between the tree tops. My life is changing. I can’t control the lust I feel, and I still have the urge to travel. I hate hurting Mum, and I haven’t any idea how long I can keep doing it. I must, if I truly wish to travel. I must be strong as well. If I travel with Edaniel, then I mustn’t let my feelings get the best of me. I must stay strong, and ignore my urges.
* * * *
Autumn is entering, and Lillith is happily married. The men folk have been working hard to finish a house for them to live in, but it seems impossible. For the time being, Lillith has moved in with Jacob and helps his mum with the cooking and cleaning. She has told me that they are trying for a child. She wishes to have many bairns with him and make him a happy father and husband. I believe she’ll be a good mother to her children, and a good wife to her new husband.
“I believe we’ll be heading out soon.” Ian said as Ma and I were tidying up the dining area.
I stopped sweeping and looked at him. “In Autumn?”
Ma stopped working as well. “’Tis terrible luck to travel as the earth enters dormancy.”
Ian nodded. “Aye, but we grow restless of staying put. We fancy this village, but our bones ache to begin travel again. We’ve built up money, and are preparing to travel.”
Ma nodded. “Well then, I’ll send you off with food and a horse.”
Ian quickly held up his hands. “Oh, no, you haven’t any need to being so kind.”
Ma shook her head. “This isn’t up for discussion.” She said and smiled. “We think of you as one of our own, and we’ll treat you like one of our own leaving the village. ’Tis tradition to send one off with our best house, wine, and some food.”
Ian smiled. “You’re all far too kind.”
* * * *
We kept to our word. Ma told the villagers and talked to Edaniel about the departure day. Two weeks later, our village was buzzing about with the excitement of the departure feast. ’Tis rare when one of our own leaves, so all brought gifts and we brought out the best horse in the village. She was a young one named Brid. A brown beauty she was. She crowned her head with flowers and gave her a good bath in the spring. The three were catered to by me and Ma, and we made sure their clothes were mended, and their cloaks warm. We cleaned them up and brought them to the town center where food and people were gathered to say their goodbyes.
“Edaniel?” I approached him in the center.
“Aye?” He turned towards me, a smile twisting around his face.
I smiled back. “I would like a word with you.”
He nodded and I led him to the woods where we could be alone.
“Something troubling you?” He asked, brushing his hands against my cheek.
“I’m coming with you.” I told him.
His smile faded. “Amber, love, have you talked to your mum?”
I nodded. “But she doesn’t listen to me. I’m a grown woman that desires to travel and see what else is out there.”
He looked at me. “Amber, I’m sorry, but you’re a woman. It’s dangerous out there, even if we’re there to protect you.” He stepped closer to me. “You should find yourself a good husband.”
I shook my head. “I don’t want a husband, I want to get out of here.”
“Amber, the world isn’t like your village. You must be very careful with how you act, dress, and speak.”
“I don’t care.” I told him. “I want to leave this place. I want to have my own life.”
He looked at me and rest his hands on my shoulders. “Amber, I’m sorry, but I can’t possibly do this to your mother. She’s been so kind to house us for so long.”
I pressed myself against him. “Please! Edaniel, I want to go!” I felt an ache in my heart, and I knew I wanted to go to be with him. I didn’t want him to leave, and I now knew that. I’ve always known, but I never wanted to admit to it. “Please, just let me go. At least for a few months or a year. You can always take me back here. Just please…”
He sighed heavily and wrapped his arms around me. “You’re lucky I don’t want to leave you.”
I gasped and looked up at him. He smiled down at me and kissed my forehead. I smiled back at him and buried myself in his chest. “You’re going to let me come?”
“Aye, let me have a work with your mum, first. I’ll try and get her permission.”
I nodded against him and closed my eyes, loving his warmth swarming me. We separated and went back to the feast. I left his side, lifting my skirts and running to the cottage to pack some belongings and money. Whether Mum agreed or not, I will be leaving tonight with my Edaniel.
Edaniel pulled me aside as the sun began sinking to the earth. “I’m sorry, your mother won’t be swayed.”
I shrugged. “It does not matter. I’ll be leaving with you tonight anyway.”
He gave me a skeptical look. “I wish I could take you with and not regret it.” He sighed and hung his head. “Amber, I love you, but I wish to not upset one that has been so kind to me.”
“If you will not take me, I’ll leave on my own.” I told him. “’Twould be foolish to not take me now, knowing I’d be safe in your care.”
“Amber…” He groaned.
“I’ll leave a note for Mum. No worries. She brought it upon herself.”
“Alright.” He said grudgingly. “I’ll help.”
I smiled and hugged him.
“We’ll be leaving when the sun touches the top of the trees early tomorrow morn.” He told me. “Sneak out after we have left, and meet us in the woods on the way to Burndill.”
I nodded, unable to stop from smiling. “Aye, I’ll be there.”
He nodded and we separated once more to join the others.
* * * *
I watched the next morning as Gran granted the three farewell, handing the horse reigns over to Edaniel. Ma and presented them food and blankets, which we harnessed to the horse, as well as some feed for her.
“We shall always remember you who came to us for shelter and had burned your hearts into ours.” Gran said. “We think of you as our own, and we hope for you to think of this place as your home.”
The three of them thanked everyone and bid them farewell, turning to leave. The village watched them disappear and I followed Mum back to the inn. I told her I’d be going to the barn to take a bath and then come help her with customers. She nodded and put on the water to heat up. While that happened, I stashed everything under some loose hay and undressed so I was only in my shift. Ma came back and poured the water into the tub for me.
“That boy wanted to spend his life you.” Ma said as she poured the steaming water.
I looked at her.
“He asked for your hand in marriage, but I told him I wanted better for my daughter.”
My heart sped as she told me this, and I held my tongue.
She looked at me. “I know you fancied the lad, but you’ll thank me later.” She said and went back into the cottage.
I quickly got dressed and left my note on a hay bale, hoping she’d find it. I gathered my cloak which encased a journal, brush, some soap and medicine. I also grabbed a basket with extra food and put the money in my bosom. I hurried out of the barn and into the woods where I made haste towards Burndill.
The three of the were waiting for me. I smiled as I approached them. “I was worried you might not wait for me.”
“We couldn’t have you running off on your own.” Ian said and helped me strap my belongings to the horse. I patted her and thanked her for carrying our belongings.
“Where are we off to?” I asked as they started moving.
Mutton shrugged. “The whole point of this is to wind up wherever.” He turned to face me. “Are ye going to be able to handle that?”
I nodded energetically. “Aye, I’m very much excited to be with you three.”
He nodded and turned. “Well, ye best get used to not bathing, changing or washing clothing, sometimes not eating, and traveling day in and day out.”
“I’m ready.” I said.
He sighed heavily. “We’ve never traveled with a woman before. What are others to think of her?”
Ian shrugged. “’Tis not normal for a young maiden to travel with three lone men.”
“Aye, but if I do not accompany you, then who shall feed you?”
“Who indeed?” Ian asked, sounding less amused.
* * * *
It’s been a week since we began traveling together. I had thought we would enter Burndill, but I was wrong. We took a turn into a cave, one that me da had warned me of when I was a wee lass and he was taking me to town with baby Tommo and Ma. He said monsters lived in the cave. But, as we entered and safely exited the cave, I found he was only teasing me. Edaniel found my fear amusing, and talked down to me days after. He’s given it a rest now, but he teases me now then.
I’ve lost my way, and now do not know where we are. Edaniel had us stay in a field yesterday as he went ahead to find where we were. We are nearing a town called Red Kill. I’ve heard mother talk of this town. She told me that Da had lived there for a month before he came to our village. She said it is even smaller than home, and not many people pass through it. There are rumors of there being Vampires and other beasts and creatures living there.
Ian and Mutton had heard the same rumors, which is why they seeked the town out. We entered the village during late night, but some of the residents were out, still speaking with one another. We were greeted by awkward stares, and none offered a word to us. Edaniel asked one of the village men for use of the barn. He had given Edaniel suspicious looks. All the while, I could feel his witches power slowly seeping through his skin. He looked towards me and I knew he sensed mine as well. He agreed to allow us stay, and even had the Mrs. bring out a large wool blanket for us to sleep up and another to keep us warm. As I was settling in with the boys, she insisted I slept in her daughters room. I tried to decline, saying I would be perfectly fine in the barn, but she said it was no place for a girl such as myself. I wasn’t sure if she was referring to my being a witch, or the fact I wasn’t married to any of these men, nor was I related to them.
Kayley, Jenny, and Mina were very kind to me. They offered extra blankets from their beds, but I declined nicely. They asked me where I came from, and what coven I belonged to.
“My brother-in-law lives there.” The wife, Gina, said.
“Oh? What be his name?” I asked.
“David McKenner.” She said. “Not to be confused with his eldest son.” She giggled.
I smiled. “Yes, the chicken farmer. Have you heard the news of Jacob?”
She shook her head. “We haven’t much word from them.”
“He’s been married to one of the village girls. A beautiful lass she is, and lucky to have such a handsome husband.”
“Aye, such wonderful news. We should journey there to congratulate them.” She said to her three girls. “Perhaps even marry you, Kayley.” She said, referring to her eldest.
Kayley blushed and Gina blew out the candles to let us rest.
I woke early with the girls the next morn to help with breakfast. Gina was a very good cook, but her three daughters were terrible in the kitchen. Gina said she often avoided their help by sending them on tasks outside. She enjoyed and appreciated my help. I went and got the boys off the roof, where they were helping Fin, Gina’s husband, fix a hole in the roof.
They washed their hands and the men stood, letting me have a seat at the table. I thanked Fin, though I told him I could stand just fine, since I often did it at the inn. He shook his head, saying we were his guests and we’ve already helped enough.
“Pardon if I may be prying, but have you heard the rumors coming this village?” Edaniel asked as we ate.
Fin glanced at him, calmly eating his gruel. “And what be those rumors ye heard?”
Edaniel remained calm as well, not allowing any emotion to show on his face. “They say this town is riddled with vampires and demons.”
“Do we look like demons?” Gina asked, speaking up and Fin shot her a look. She closed her mouth, being but a woman who should hold her tongue while strangers were around and the men were talking.
“’Tis a good point you make.” He said to her.
“Why do ye wonder about such nonsense?” Fin asked. “What business have you asking?”
Edaniel shrugged. “Some rumors are worth checking out. Sometimes they turn out to be true. Look at the Guildess village.” He said, stating my home.
“Are you accusing them of something?” Gina asked, speaking out again.
He held up his hands defensively. “I was merely stating the fact that they have no gallows. Even this small place has one, I thought that be just a rumor. I was wrong.”
I shook my head and sighed heavily. “Please excuse this dimwit. He likes acting witty. He means no harm.” I turned to him. “Edaniel, leave them be.”
He smiled at me. “Aye, I’ll leave them.” He said and finished off his plate. “You’re an excellent cook.” He said to a smiling Gina, who blushed pleasantly.
We left soon after we helped do chores to pay off for the food we ate. I also asked Gina to deliver a letter for me to the inn, since they were planning on leaving early tomorrow morn to head to Guildess.
“Well, that was waste of time.” Edaniel said, stretching his arms as we headed into a weedy field.
“You can’t possibly expect them to trust a bunch of travelers like us.”
He yawned and looked over at me, reminding me of an orange tabby I had seen wandering around the village when I was young.
“Why can’t I?” he asked, placing an arm on the horses back as we walked.
I glanced at him and sighed heavily. “You can’t ask questions like that. You’ll get hanged, or possibly even damn a family to the fires or gallows.”
“This coming from the girl that dares to quiet a man.” He said and looked down at me with a smile.
I set my jaw and kept quiet. Why is he so difficult? Does he possibly think he’s really that smart?
* * * *