The Hatchling—1997
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XXI—The Sanctuary
"Iris, could we open a window?" asked Holly. "I think there's too much smoke in here for Dark Star"
"Do you know what?" laughed Amethyst with a toss of her long, blond braid. "We're sitting in a smoke filled meeting just like the Politicos do when they're making an economic deal with the Users."
"Only this is from smudging, not cigars!" Pearl was almost back to her former laughter. Being back in Merrydale with her Circle was so good for her. She continued to do ritual for Phoenix since his passing the previous Hallows, but now it was a weekly working, not daily.
"I'll do it," Gino offered. His freckled face radiated such happiness. He loved being with these magickal people. Although still in middle school, his parents were grateful for the changes they saw in their son as he grew from his studies with Pearl and with Arnica and Holly.
"Are we ready now? Can we begin?" Iris looked at the group of friends gathered in her living room. It was a full room and this was the first time they'd all met in her home. Maybe she'd smudged just a little too much? But the times were dire and this was such an important meeting. No, things were just fine.
Arnica stood to begin the meeting. Everyone grew quiet. A light summer breeze wafted through the room. The room calmed, he sat back down again and said, "let's hold hands and begin with our chant, but quietly for the words of Magick can carry easily to reach the wrong ears.…Breathe deep…"
"Rowan tree, blossom and bloom…" Their voices blended together in a chord which wove sounds and notes together. "Willow tree, put down roots…" Dark Star, the unicorn colt, lay in the middle of the room. Forming a circle around here were Arnica and Holly at his left; then Iris, the postmarm. "Hawthorne tree, blossom and bloom…" To her left were Pearl and then Gino, teacher and student.
Amethyst and Crystal were seated on the floor and snuggled together in an oversized chair behind them were Jewel and Lotus. Lotus, known for his skills at carving wood, was holding their two year old baby, Dagon. "Holly tree, bring forth fruit…" Next was Amber, representing the Descendant Tribes, here all the way from the River Mountains. A long, raven-coloured braid draped over her shoulder and landed in a coil on the floor between her crossed legs. Their voices wove a sound every bit as thick as the sage smoke was earlier, filling the room with a gentle intensity.
To Amber's left was Dolorum, a dark man who walked in both worlds. A member of their Circle since Eostara, the rest of Merrydale knew him as the Pastor of the Church of the Martyr, a respectable man despite his occasionally being a little too concerned about ecological matters. But he seemed like a good Kristos man. And, at Dolorum's left, completing the circle was Echo, still here from Red Mountain Plateau. Echo lived near the Highlands but was spending two months in Merrydale, completing an important part of her studies. The group of friends were happy, for Echo's sense of humor brought much laughter into the world.
"Holly, would you describe what we were told by Wren at Midsummer?" Arnica turned to his younger partner.
Holly moved to the center of the room and sat on the floor next to Dark Star. Leaning over, he nuzzled the hatchling's nose with his own. Holly was such a gentle spirit that it was painful for him to think of innocent beings dying.
"When Wren was brought back from the stone Circle, she brought the message from the Realm of Faerie. There is much cause for concern. Over the coming decades, unless the world civilizations begin a dramatic change, more and more species will be lost. The faeries are losing their homelands and each time a species of plants becomes extinct, a Deva is forever lost. The message given Wren is that even the unicorns are in danger because of what is taking place on our planet. Many of you were there. Am I missing anything?"
Jewel's russet-colored hair was pulled back, her arm around Lotus. His lead was leaning upon her shoulder as the baby Dagon slept in his lap. "I remember that part of the message seemed to stress that it is very important that we, as individuals, work hard to learn the Mysteries and to bring them into the world." Jewel's voice was like gentle music. "Iris, you were urged to seek Initiation, weren't you?"
The postmarm, always uncomfortable being the center of attention, nodded. "Yes, and Echo as well. Madrona, the Faerie Queen, said we were to complete our pathworking and become Initiates of the Renaissance Tribes."
"But those are long-term goals. What about the Devas who are in danger now, this very summer? What can we do?" Dolorum looked at Arnica.
All eyes turned to Arnica. His eyes, in turn, moved to Holly and Dark Star. He smiled, then spoke, "My friends, I have given this much thought, and I have a plan…In the past we've celebrated the Harvest Days sabbat by blessing our gardens and ritually gathering certain herbs and grains and fruits to begin the harvest season. But this year we're going to extend our Harvest Days ritual out into the trees and meadows of Merrywood." Arnica turned to Echo.
"Over the past months Wren and I have been making music together," Echo said. "She would play her lute and I would sing. We were working on some new songs for our rituals but one evening she played a new melody and I mimicked it and one thing led to another and soon we began this sort-of game in which Wren would play a melody on her lute and I would imitate it with my voice."
"Tell them what you and Wren did before she returned to Highland." Holly was very excited and his eagerness quickly caught everyone's attention.
"Well…" Echo loved sharing a good story. You could hear her love of the dramatic. "As a Bard, Wren can hear the music of the faeries. Wren stayed for a fortnight after Midsummer and the afternoons and evenings she and I would go walking. Wren carried her lute and every so often she'd sit and let the plant spirits move through her. As the notes danced into the air like bright gems, I worked to imitate the sounds so that the shape and color of the melodies was clear. These songs will help lead us to the more endangered of the species growing within walking distance of the cabin. Wren's music has woven a map and I can sing my way through it."
"This year," Arnica said, "to bless the beginning of the harvest season, we're going to begin rescuing the Devas and providing them with sanctuary here in our gardens. Bring your gardening tools to our Harvest Days ritual!"
And so they did. They looked quite a sight, gathered in the garden Circle. The just-risen sun was filtered through the slightest mist and leaves in the early morning. There were no robes worn to this ritual. Garden shoes and garden clothing, long sleeves to protect against mosquitos, straw hats for the sun made them look anything but a Circle of friends, well-trained in the rituals and beliefs of the Renaissance Tribes, dedicated to preserving the sacredness of the Earth. Only the simplest of ritual tools sat upon the altar. There would be no candles, for they were working their Harvest Days ritual early in the morning and it would last for many hours. Unattended candles were hazardous.
The ritual tool of choice was the boline, traditionally a white-handled knife used for digging and cutting. Each had brought a small collection of blessed gemstones, small trinkets and things of beauty and value to leave behind. They all knew that one must never take from the plant world without leaving behind a gift. And they carried botanical identification books, trowels, spades and flower pots, all to be blessed before setting out. Dark Star had a pair of baskets hanging across her back. She thought this was great fun. Her young unicolt legs were happier walking and running. Although she loved participating in the rituals, an adventure was far more appealing.
"Mother of the Harvest, Goddess of the fields…
"You Who bring our dreams to ripe, You Who bless the yields…"
They finished invoking the element of Earth and then set off on their Quest. Echo carried a staff to help her walk. Walking long distances was not easy for her and her friends would be scattered over quite a distance. But her name was a reflection of a gift she had, able to transport her singing to a distant tree or hill and have it reverberate back. The others would be able to follow the notes she would sing even if a mile or two away! Echo offered a silent prayer of thanks to the Goddess before she led them out of the garden Circle. As Dark Star followed Arnica and Holly, she stopped and looked up at Echo. The hatchling formed her thoughts for Echo to hear, but Echo was not trained to hear a unicorn's thoughts as Holly and Arnica were. Realizing that this wouldn't work, Dark Star's tongue gave Echo a big lick and she followed her two men off to the trees. The first sound to permeate the meadows and valleys of Merrywood was the laughing sound of Echo's pure delight!
Hours ago, when they left the Circle, they looked bright and alert. Now as they straggled back, they looked happy, but their knees were muddy, their fingers tired. Some had walked as many as fifteen miles, carrying their tools and increasing weight of plant species. The clear morning air had allowed Echo's voice to carry a great distance and the natural magick of the Sabbat gave Echo's legs more strength than usual. They knew that this was only the first of such plant gathering rituals they must do over the coming years.
Iris arrived with a plant in a pot. "The last of its kind," she said. "I don't know exactly what it is—some type of arum—but I heard its spirit talk to me. I was led there by the sound of Echo's voice. It was as if her singing was softly coming right from the flower. Look at the faint striping on the flower. Isn't it simply beautiful? And I have four other plants as well."
"This is a seedling from a small grove of trees." Dolorum held up a heavy, two gallon container holding a baby tree, no more than a foot tall. "I thought I heard Echo singing in a small grove and, upon moving into their midst, the elder trees told me that this one seedling was the only one to survive. Seven elders, now past the age of bearing fertile seed, they're the only ones of their species left. Remember that large tract of trees cut down a year ago last Eostara? It was their homeland and hundreds upon hundreds of them were killed."
Each one of them had stories. A few knew the names of the species they had rescued. They wrote descriptions and locations and had made notes to provide as much information as possible. Amber was very skilled with her pen and colored pencils and had taken the task of collecting seeds. On the outside of each envelope she had drawn a beautiful and accurate depiction of the flowering plants.
Arnica and Holly had led Dark Star over some rough terrain. They had found an endangered reed, Papyrus merryvar, alongside a stream. Two pots held bronze oaks. There was a golden-hued trillium which they would never have found but for Dark Star leading them through much foliage to the small patch of three trillium leaves, now dying back for their seasonal hibernation.
"My friends, what a great work we have done today. All together we must have nearly a hundred species which we can plant and preserve. In future rituals we'll be able to dance with the Devas and know that the Realm of Faerie has been strengthened." What Arnica didn't say out loud (but Holly knew what his friend was thinking) was how much work it would take before these plants were safely planted in new beds!
XXII—Tithing Echinacea and Goldenseal
It was unusually warm for this time of the year. The equinox was nearly upon them yet it felt like early August. Only Gino didn't seem to mind the heat. It was nearly two years ago that he had come into their lives. Now twelve years old, his bright smile and eager ways were always welcome at the cabin. A large bucket of soapy water sat upon the grass as Gino used a sponge to wash down Dark Star in preparation for the trek into Merrydale. The hatchling, now a most handsome young unicorn, returned the favor, taking an occasional lick at the youth's freckles.
The sight caused much laughter around the potting shed where Arnica and Holly were taking down bunches of echinacea and goldenseal roots. Using a soft brush, each root was given a light scrub to remove any dust. Spirits were joyful around the gardens, for this was an exceptional harvest and the prices for both herbs were at an all-time high on the market. It was going to be far easier to pay the tithing this year. Despite a movement by two of the Politicos to increase taxation, the rate had remained the same.
"Do you remember when we…" began Arnica.
"First saw Gino in Merrydale?" Holly easily finished Arnica's thought. The two were inseparable and each usually knew what the other was thinking. "I was just thinking about that. Well, almost. I was wondering if you had enough of the potion for Dark Star's horn."
"I checked earlier this morning. There is more then enough. Either this batch was stronger than usual—which is possible given the potency of the black hellebore this year—or our hatchling's horn may be developing the ability to remain invisible on its own." Arnica enjoyed working with the herbs. He was considered one of the more knowledgeable herbalists in the land, even though he was not so public about it. "Here, I think this is the last of the echinacea. Eighty bundles, just think of that!"
"And look at all the goldenseal! This is the first year we've harvested it and there are sixteen more bundles than we had of ginseng for last year's harvest." Holly always felt a sense of relief knowing they would do well at the herbal market. "It's good that we can give the ginseng a rest. I bet we'll have a great harvest next year."
"Well, gods willing, but Dark Star will have to continue growing strong. I don't know just how we would have gotten this year's harvest to market without her," Arnica began chuckling, looking over at the antics of the hatchling and the freckled lad.
"Aren't they a sight?" asked his partner. "What a blessing it has been having Gino in our lives."
"She loves him, doesn't she? Well, sweet one, let's take the garden inventory and then begin packing for the trek into town."
The walk into town was uneventful. Here and there they commented on locations from which they had collected endangered plants, bringing them back to plant in the sanctuary of their gardens. What a Lammas they had celebrated with Echo, their friend from the Red Mountain Plateau. With her voice guiding them, they had located nearly a hundred species of plants, some already believed extinct. Nearly all were thriving in the loving environment of the gardens. Many mornings Arnica and Holly would rise, look out a cabin window to see the hatchling carefully making her rounds of the gardens, checking the new plants out. There was a relationship between the young unicorn and the plant devas which was beyond the human realm. Although they did not understand, they were grateful for Dark Star's attentiveness and the love with which she helped the plants take root. Only a couple had not made the transition.
"There, just a mile through the woods, is where we found the Papyrus merryvar, a type of reed found no where else," Arnica told Gino.
"What a hike that was," Holly added. "We had some steep hills and a lot of brush to get past before reaching the stream. It's one of the plants that didn't make it, isn't it?" Holly's voice grew quiet.
"Yes, that and the one type of bronze oak. But there is more merryvar and we'll bring it back and give it another go in more suitable weather. I'm so glad Echo came all the way from the Highlands to help us find our deva friends."
"Look," exclaimed Gino, "we're almost there. I can read the sign from here. And look at all the people at the crossroads." Their country lane was soon to merge with two more-travelled roads. There were many people, some with horses and carts, most carrying bundles and all wearing fine, bright clothing. The visit to the tithing agent would set the great market in motion with its fair atmosphere. The increase of population in Merrydale and even in the wooded areas of Merrywood was making the equinox more and more of a festival.
Their journey to the tithing office was most enjoyable. Although known as hermits, Arnica's herbal skills were well-known and Holly's cheerful demeanor and ability to remember everyone's name and personal history meant that many sought them out. It was Gino's role to stay close to Dark Star. Despite the popularity of the men, it would be dangerous if people realized that Dark Star was a unicorn. To their eyes, the magick potion upon her horn allowed them only to see a lovely horse.
As they entered the tithing office, Mr. Pounds left his desk and went to the office door. "Folks, I hope you won't mind but I have to ask Arnica about some herbs for an…ummm. personal matter." The people waiting in line tittered in amusement, enjoying Mr. Pounds' embarrassment.
The door safely closed, the government official spoke in a subdued tone. "Sit down, my friends, there is something I must relate to you."
The sudden change in Mr. Pounds' demeanor quieted Arnica and Holly. They sat there, expectantly. The portly gentleman walked around his desk and sat down facing them. Once well-known as a Politico and supporter of their ways, Mr. Pounds was appointed to his office. He was well liked at the Church of the Martyr and each morning read from the Book of Doom as did all faithful Users. But there were lines of anxiety in his face. Arnica knew that Mr. Pounds had quietly shifted his vote to the Conserver party. Pastor Dolorum was one of the few whom the agent could trust. Both of them remained prominent and seemed strong Politicos in the public eye, but both Dolorum and Pounds no longer trusted the goals of the Users and were growing increasingly alarmed at what they saw taking place throughout the land.
"Something has happened," the man said simply, drawing a white handkerchief from his suitcoat pocket and dabbing at his brow. It was obvious that he was ill at ease. "I knew I had to speak with you, knew that you are aware of my growing sympathy and support for the Earthkin despite my need to keep it very secret. My subterfuge was the only way we could speak in private without drawing attention. I'm asking you to mumble something about me having hemorrhoids after you leave the office. Public embarrassment and humor is safe. What I have to tell you is very dangerous."
Holly's hand reached over to take that of his partner. Arnica said gently, "Go on, Mr. Pounds," his voice weaving a cloak of secrecy about the small office.
"There are reports." Pounds was edgy. This was not good news. "Government records indicate that the ocean temperatures are the highest in recorded history. The media is talking about the el nino, but it may be more than that. The Politicos still hold control in Parliament and the Committee for Internal Affairs has yet to accept a Conserver. The Committee is trying to keep the reports and studies hidden from the public. Despite their efforts, news of the deteriorating ozone layers continues to be leaked to the press. I suspect that one of the Politico committee members has grown sympathetic and intentionally is trying to alert people."
"I watch and read all the news I can," said Arnica. "I've suspected as much. I don't think that this would come as a surprise to most people, even though we've had some successes in preserving Merrywood."
"Well, the Users are all in denial," answered Mr. Pounds. "They still believe they can continue to plunder the earth's resources as they wish with no regard for the future. Sometimes I believe they've replaced the Cross of Blood with a money bag as their sacred icon. It scares me, sometimes. Reports which have not been leaked to the media indicate that it is likely the global temperature will be running three to five degrees higher for the next ten or more years."
"Is that so much?" asked Holly.
"Oh, yes," Arnica said with a sad note running through his voice. "It's enough to turn Cloverville back into a desert. It's enough to cut the harvests east of the Red Mountains down to half."
"And with the growing population, this is cause for grave concern," added Mr. Pounds. "And that brings me to my news. A developer, I have not been able to learn his name, is trying to purchase all of Merrywood. He's begun and bit by bit has already amassed eight parcels of land. It's not much, but it's all done in secret. He has employees who are trained to act as if they are Earthkin, who purchase land from the elderly who are retiring from the land. Rumors I've heard around the inner Politico circles of Parliament are that the developer intends to acquire the entire tract of Merrywood, cut all the trees and sell them for wood, and turn the land under. Here the rise in temperature would be hard on the crops during the summer, but during the winter we'd still be growing. Much money would be made supplying food and fiber to the rest of the country."
Arnica suddenly sat upright. "You mean there's a plot? The environmental reports are being kept secret so some of the Users can turn a huge profit?"
Mr. Pounds said nothing. The sadness as he sighed an assent told it all. Then he raised his head and said, "we must open the office and go on as if you've talked about my embarrassing condition. For now, this cannot go beyond your inner circle."
Holly colored slightly. They had thought their circle was a better-kept secret. But certainly the gathering of the same small group of friends on the Renaissance Tribe religious days would make anyone who is aware begin to add it up.
"Just remember to make suppositories of the slippery elm," Arnica said as if in private but just loud enough to be heard by the first eight or nine people in line. Mr. Pounds did his part and blushed. How did he do it? What a marvelous job of acting. By the time Arnica and Holly reached Gino and the hatchling at the post office just two blocks away, they could be certain that everyone waiting in line (and many others as well) already knew that Mr. Pounds had 'secretly' sought Arnica's advice for hemorrhoids.
"Iris, we must hold a highly secret meeting. And I must ask you to quickly begin work sewing this year's corn dolly." One final jar of herbs each year was covered with a doll and skirt to represent Mother Nature. "Watch and listen for any news related to the ecosystem, the environment, and in particular anything related to the sale of any parcels of land within Merrywood's district."
Iris tugged at her long braid. She couldn't put her finger on it but this confirmed her intuitive sense. There was definitely something afoot. With her left hand she took Holly's right and with her other, she took Arnica's hand. Gino completed the circle with Dark Star's head leaning over the lad's left shoulder, as if intent upon every word being said. None of them had yet guessed the hatchling's role in the events of the next two years! The energy surged through them, then they stood quiet. A few hugs, and the men and boy were on their way, quietly walking their 'horse' back to the cabin in the woods.
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