Shasta Summer

by Teresa Geering

  At the cottage door May and Merlin stood waiting for her.

  “Good morning, mistress Shasta,” they said in unison.

  “Good morning to you both,” she responded.

  “Tis a beautiful morning, mistress” said Merlin using his natural dialect.

  “Aye, it be,” she responded in kind. “The forest will be beautiful at this time of the morning,” and she quickened her steps in anticipation.

  As they approached the forest the villagers had already begun to gather.

  “Morning, mistress,” they called in reverence as she passed them by.

  As she acknowledged each one in turn, they were happy to let her take control of events.

  Selecting a tree to be cut down, Shasta was aware of a young girl hovering uncertainly close by. Calling her over, Shasta asked her name.

  “If you please, mistress, I am given the name Beth,” she said bobbing in a curtsey.

  “Well, let’s walk into the forest together while the tree is being cut down.”

  Beth walked beside Shasta with some trepidation, unsure of what was expected of her. Shasta sensed her discomfort, and explained that they would be collecting some mulched earth from beneath the pine trees and various herbs that grew wild from deep within the forest. These would be mixed together in a certain fashion. Still deep within the forest, with Shasta’s guidance, Beth would silently perform the ceremony for the purification of the earth. This was not for the other villagers' eyes and Shasta swore Beth to secrecy. The following year she would be expected to show the next young maiden what to do, and so it would be passed on.

  Returning with Beth to the outskirts of the forest, Shasta was pleased to see that the tree had already been felled. Leaving Beth, she walked towards it. The fresh smell of the pine overpowered her and, kneeling down, she held her face within the branches purely for the pleasure of being at one with nature. The villagers stood slightly back from her in awe, unsure what to do. As she stood up and turned to the villagers, she somehow looked more imposing.

  Lifting her arms up, Shasta spoke. “People of Shasta, Beth has performed the sacred ritual. It will remain her secret until one year hence when she alone will reveal it to the next maiden. The month of August occurs at Litha time, a period of summer governed by the moon. When I first arrived in Shasta every garden and hedgerow was infested with weeds. By working together and planting seeds cultivated during the moonlight, we have changed the village to what it is today. From this day forth, this tree cutting ceremony will be known as ‘Weodmonath’, or weed month. It will be performed ever year on this day as a reminder to us of what the village was originally like. Flowers will grow at will in permanent sunshine. At night a gentle rain will fall to allow the flowers and crops to drink their fill. Whatever you wish to grow in Shasta will flourish. Let all the villagers return to the green and we will erect the tree ready for the festivities. So let it be.”

  Whilst six of the strongest men stayed behind to carry the tree down to the village, Shasta, Merlin and May followed the villagers.

  Although they had welcomed Shasta into their home, May and Merlin were also a bit awe-struck by the change in Shasta, and walked beside her with renewed respect.

  Shasta sensed this and instantly put them at their ease. Speaking to them both, she reminded them that they had taken her into their home, fed her and made her feel welcome. For that she would always be grateful.

  May thought about this on their walk to the village and at the earliest opportunity asked Merlin if perhaps Shasta could share their home with them. Merlin thought this was a wonderful idea as it would give him the opportunity to get to know Shasta better.

  Shasta, having the gift of second sight since birth, knew their thoughts but decided to wait to be asked whenever May was ready.

  Eventually May approached Shasta with the subject, unsure if their home would be suitable for her. She need not have been concerned as Shasta instantly agreed to the idea. The caravan would remain on the grass verge by the cottage, though, in case she ever felt the urge to wander or just to sleep in her familiar surroundings. The locals would tend to the horse and Shasta could visit him often.

  On reaching the village green, Shasta noticed that the villagers had formed two lines, with the men and women facing one another. May and Merlin tagged onto the end of the line while Shasta moved to the front in readiness for the tree to arrive.

  The anticipation and excitement filtered through the crowd as the arrival of the tree had now become a major part of the festivities.

  As the men came into view carrying the tree, a silence came over the crowd. Beth, who walked very solemnly, conscious of the important part she had played in the ritual, preceded it. Slowly, it made its way through the line towards Shasta while each villager in turn touched the branches with reverence. On reaching Shasta, they stopped and waited uncertain of what to do next. Shasta felt an uncontrollable urge once more to bury her face in the branches of the tree and, in doing so, was entwined with Mother Nature herself.

  As she drew her head up, she instructed that the tree be stripped of its’ branches and that these should then be placed over the doors of each house along with flowers of choice.

  The local carpenter should carve a wooden crown in the shape designated by her and it should then be painted gold. Around the crown would be more flowers and the maidens would tie long lengths of coloured ribbon from it which would touch the ground. Caught up with enthusiasm, the villagers started to strip the branches, each taking their requirements to decorate their houses. Meanwhile the carpenter hurried away to find the finest piece of yew with which to make the crown. Perfection, to his mind, would take a good few hours, even with his skills. The maidens in their excitement scurried back and forth. Each had the task of finding at least one piece of ribbon to suit the requirements and to prepare their finest costumes to wear.

  Shasta looked on with contentment. How wonderful, she thought again, to see such a change in the villagers. This fayre tomorrow would surely be a day to remember and talked about during the perpetual sunny days of the future.

  Shasta the village would surely have a magical future.

  Chapter 25

  From the crack of dawn the villagers were up and about. This was not unusual, except this morning there was an air of excitement everywhere.

  All the tasks set by Shasta had been adhered to, to the letter, each villager helping his neighbours to decorate their houses. Maidens dashed in and out of friends’ houses, trying on clothes and swapping them with each other to ensure that everyone felt their best, most hoping that the young men would make love trysts with the giving of ribbons. The air of expectancy was electric.

  Children in small groups collected spring flowers. Making little posies, they went from door to door chanting a rhyme

  Flowers, flowers, high-do

  Sheeny, greeny, rino

  Sheeny, greeny, sheeney Greeny,

  Rum, tum, fra

  Normally this would only be done on Shrove Tuesday and they would be given a morsel to eat. However, as everyone was entering into the spirit of the atmosphere, they were mostly given the odd coin to spend at the fayre.

  By working late into the night, the carpenter had made and painted the gold crown to sit on top of the tree. Two strong lads had balanced a third lad on their shoulders with the task of placing the crown on the now upright and secured tree. This was much to the amusement and admiration of the young girls watching. The ribbons would later be attached in the same way.

  By late morning the green began to fill with people. The two spits had a bull on each being slowly roasted to be ready by early evening. Young women wandered about in their finery with flowers in their hair in the hope of being noticed by the men. Older women had also made a special effort but more in the spirit of fun than the hope of finding a lover.

  In the distance men were getting ready to take part in various games of running, archery and casting stones whilst, out of harm's way, others were prepa
ring to chance their arm at throwing javelins. Young boys, in a bid to impress the girls, were taking part in sack races. Then, balancing on a greasy pole with their legs gripped underneath, it was their main objective to knock their opponents off with cushions or pillows.

  Vendors called out telling of their wares of love hearts and ribbons which were bought by lovers. The men then entwined the ribbons in their loved one’s hair.

  Six Morris dancers dressed in white, bedecked with ribbons and flowers on their black hats and bells on their shoes, awaited the arrival of Shasta when they would begin their intricate dance with the ribbons already hanging from the tree. At the completion of the dance, the ribbons would form a plait from top to bottom as dictated by the old custom. Once this was done they would also perform a dance with wooden staves which were hit together in the air and on the ground in a strict order.

  Children were running around chasing a squealing pig more for amusement than out of any expectation of catching it. Occasionally it tripped up some folk by darting in and out of the legs of groups of villagers. One rather rotund gentleman wearing a large black flat hat took a step backward, overbalanced and fell over the pig, much to the amusement of all around him. Getting back on his feet with difficulty and replacing his hat, he carried on his conversation with an amused smile on his face as if nothing was amiss.

  Some of the women wore frocks with white aprons on top, whilst others favoured frocks with a shawl. On their heads they had white mobcaps or straw hats with sprays of flowers cut from their gardens. Others favoured wearing the flowers in their hair which was a new experience in itself. The men mostly wore white smocks with stitching at the chest, breeches tied at the knees or ankles, and black round hats with brims.

  At midday Shasta arrived with May and Merlin. Instantly a hush fell everywhere. Sensing that something important was expected of her, Shasta became rather embarrassed. This situation still felt new to her. Seeing the Morris dancers standing by the tree expectantly, she sensed that she should begin the proceedings.

  “People of Shasta,” she began, “by weaving all of the ribbons on this tree together as one, the people of the village will also be forever as one. Our thoughts will always be harmonious and we will ensure that our neighbours are never wanting. So let it be.”

  As Shasta finished speaking, a very strange feeling came over her and her head began to throb and spin. She staggered slightly as images began to swim in front of her eyes. She had a strong sense that this had all happened before.

  Merlin was instantly by her side while May hovered nearby.

  “Are you not well, mistress?” he asked with concern.

  “Thank you for your concern, Merlin. I am well, so let us begin.” This was said much more sharply than she had intended.

  Instantly the music began. The Morris dancers had taken up their positions, each holding a ribbon ready to begin the dance. The villagers clapped in time to the music whilst one young lad dived into the middle of the dancers and tried to confuse them, much to their annoyance. He was instantly and unceremoniously removed by a harassed parent.

  At the completion of the dance the villagers broke out into spontaneous applause and cheering before breaking up into little groups of their choosing to begin taking part in the festivities.

  May and Merlin moved away from Shasta, sensing that she needed to be alone.

  As she walked, Shasta tried to come to terms with the myriad of thoughts passing through her mind.

  She needed to be alone for a while to put her clairvoyant skills into action. Normally it was instantaneous but her mind was confused. Slowly, head bent and deep in thought, she made her way to the edge of the green. The villagers made space for her to pass through their groups.

  Reaching the edge of the green, Shasta sat for a while on the grass. She clasped her arms round her bent knees and, with eyes closed, lifted her face to the sun. It warmed her and gave clarity to her thoughts.

  As the sun's rays danced in front of her closed eyes, she imagined she saw a rainbow of colours almost like small prisms. Unexplainable thoughts of faeries and wishing wells began to infiltrate her thoughts, and the name Abelia came into her mind. With a jolt her eyes flew open. She knew that name, but from where? Rubbing her temples with her index fingers, she tried to focus her mind. It was as if her powers had been removed temporarily. Why couldn’t she make the connection? It was all there; only the key was missing.

  Getting to her feet Shasta was aware that there were very few people at this end of the green.

  May was nowhere to be seen, but Merlin was sitting on the grass a short distance away watching her closely with a concerned look on his face. As their eyes met, his face broke into a smile and he stood and walked towards her.

  As he reached her, he automatically held both his hands out to her and she, in need of comfort, took them. For a moment she seemed to melt against him but she regained her composure, removed her hands and looked into his face.

  “Are you alright, mistress? You seem very troubled,” he asked.

  “I’m not sure, Merlin. My thoughts are very confused at the moment.”

  Merlin held out his hand to her. At first she was hesitant but natural instinct took over and she graciously accepted his offer as they wandered around and soaked up the atmosphere.

  Nevertheless, Shasta had to work hard to shrug off her growing sense of concern.

  Chapter 26

  The present

  May was relaxing in the garden swing seat enjoying the late afternoon sun.

  This was her favourite place and the swing had been deliberately placed so that she could enjoy the last rays of the sun each day as it set behind the trees near Faery Cove.

  It also gave her an opportunity to drink in the heady perfume from the jasmine, honeysuckle, sweet peas and lavender growing close by. In the distance sunflowers, hollyhocks and foxgloves stood smartly to attention. Forget-me-nots and lily of the valley peeped out shyly at ground level.

  George and Iris were lying a little way off on the grass, partially hidden by the fruit trees, enjoying their own company.

  George was gently snoozing in the sun with a hat over his face, whilst Iris was absorbed in a Country Garden magazine.

  Since her sister had arrived in Shasta, May could not believe the difference that had taken place in her.

  Iris had changed virtually overnight.

  Initially she had been very highly strung and on edge, but now she was completely relaxed and accepting all that Shasta had to offer her.

  This had made things a lot easier for May. She had been reluctant to tell her about the village and its magical qualities. Perhaps tonight she would visit Faery Cove when her sister was in bed and talk to Abelia the faery queen about bringing them for a visit.

  By sunset they had eaten and May suggested a slow walk to the village. She secretly hoped that maybe she would also see Erasmus. He had stayed away while her family had been visiting, even though he had been invited to eat with them on several occasions.

  Both George and Iris agreed that a walk would be enjoyable and they slowly made their way toward the village green.

  Iris took a great interest in the gardens as she passed each one, gathering ideas for the complete transformation of her own garden. She hadn’t made up her mind yet as to how she would approach their gardener. He had spent many years cultivating her flowers and lawns to perfection, and now she intended to completely change it and turn it into a cottage garden with flowers growing where the mood took them.

  George had been astonished and insisted that she be the one to approach their gardener. Although he had heard him muttering many times about how ‘Her Ladyship’ wanted this and that, perhaps it would suit him better and be less work in the long run. However that was for Iris to deal with, not him.

  Strange that he hadn’t given his own garden centre in Holland another thought since he had been in Shasta. Henney, his manager, would contact him if there were any news.

  On reaching th
e village they decided to stop for a drink by the green. Already sitting at one of the tables enjoying a cool drink was Erasmus. Seeing May approach, he stood to welcome her. His face lit up and he smiled at her full of happiness. May, catching sight of him, increased her pace.

  Erasmus took hold of her hands and kissed May full on the mouth, taking her by surprise. In turn her face reflected her joy in seeing him.

  George and Iris, in the meantime, had taken themselves inside the tearoom to get their drinks, giving May a few minutes alone with Erasmus.

  “Oh, Erasmus, I have missed you. How are you?” she asked.

  “I have missed you too, May. Can we meet soon?”

  May pondered on this for a few moments, then, seeing George and Iris returning with the drinks, she said quietly, “Come to the cottage at midnight. I will be in the garden. We can talk then.”

  The four of them sat talking for an hour or so, while they enjoyed their drinks and the atmosphere of village life.

  Erasmus amused George and Iris with his anecdotes about the village while May contributed her own stories from time to time.

  George then explained about the problems with his garden centre in Holland. Erasmus sympathised with him but, rising from his seat, said he had to leave. Bending to kiss May, he bade them all farewell and made his way back to the other side of the village.

  Iris, being completely won over by him, suggested that May had been as lucky in love as she herself was with George. With that she spontaneously took George's hand, much to his delight.

  As the three of them walked slowly back to the cottage, Iris and May were in deep conversation. This gave George an opportunity to think about Erasmus and mull his initial feelings of uncertainty about him.

  He had to admit he had enjoyed his company tonight, and his feelings for May were very obvious by the sidelong glances that he had given her at every opportunity. Perhaps his thoughts were unfounded after all and he was being over-protective towards May as usual. He loved his wife dearly but, if truth were known, maybe he was just a little bit jealous of Erasmus.