Dearest Evelyn

-chapter 9-

(to the right is Evelyn's horse, Lance)

They left after my birthday. I had watched my face evolve over a short month. I lost all my ugly child-ness, and my face now had sharper features, high cheekbones and matured eyes. I looked exactly like my mother, who I was taller by two inches now. She was very proud of me, as was Father, who looked to me now with more respect. He said to Mother that I was a powerful woman, in will, spirit and strength- which I had overheard one night. He’d never tell me that personally. My father was a prideful man.

I watched alongside Joanna while holding now-adult Geraldine as most of the king’s men- including my father, left for encampment and preparation for war.

Both Terrin and Gwindire had last meetings with me before they left.

We would deathly miss them.

For a day. I grinned at our secret plan. Everything was set. As soon as I received a letter from my friends, Joanna and I would set out for them.

Since we were on good terms with Gwindire’s father, I knew he wouldn’t mind us hanging around- so long as we did our duty.

I was more than ready. I would be recognized by my men as a warrior- just like them. Joanna and I were ready to prove ourselves more than just women.

~

It was three days before I finally received a letter, signed by all three of my boys. The king had left as well- leaving his new wife, Joanna’s mother, in charge.

Dearest Evelyn,

We bring you good news. We are all safe and already we can get an upper hand on this battle. We expect and easy and short war, and we will shortly return safe to you and others. We wish you blessings and safety- may God watch over your souls and may Mother Mary protect you.

We are encamped on the northern face of the near-by mountain- called Dragon’s Rock, a two day journey south from the castle. We wish to hear from you as often as possible, and we send our regards.

Signed, yours truly,

            Hector, Gwindire &Terrin

I showed Joanna the letter, and we immediately gathered our already-prepared items. We each wrote letters to the rest of our families and friends, but I was able to tell Mother personally. I knew she would support me.

“Be safe, wear this always.” My mother placed a leather medicine pouch around my neck. She also gave me a small satchel of money and several other items I might need. “This always brought me luck.”

I thanked her, tucked Geraldine safely away in a special bag I made just for her and met Joanna outside the stables. We had both concealed ourselves with the darkest hooded cloaks of black velvet. I knew Mother would be watching from the window. We loaded our horses with our bags and set off towards the south.

Joanna’s mare was a beautiful chocolate and cream paint- but far younger than my Lance. Still, we made good distance within the night and decided to make camp hours just before dawn- to gain at least some sleep.

We made off again immediately, still headed south.

Towards twilight of that day, we finally saw the snowy cap of what was called Dragon’s Rock. Another day and we would be with our men, our brothers.

We set our horses to a canter at the whole pace, resting every hour and slowing to a gallop or walk every half-hour.

Gwindire’s teachings to us about horses paid off. We knew exactly how to work them without overworking them. Neither of us rode side-saddle. Now wasn’t the time for proper etiquette. I wondered if the boys had written us within the past day. I wondered if they really expected us to come-or if they actually expected us to stay home.

I knew they at least expected me, but I wasn’t sure if they expected Joanna as well.

At our camp that night, I noticed Joanna murmuring some odd chant quietly to herself. I waited politely until she was finished til I asked her.

“Were you reciting your Hail Mary’s?”

“Well . . . yes. But my beliefs are litigious.”

I tilted my head at her, the fire glowing on her ivory skin.

She noticed my gesture, and answered my unspoken question. “Well . . . please don’t judge me, but you are my best friend and I suppose you’d learn sometime or sooner.”

“Go ahead, Joanna. You are like my sister.”

“Well . . . I do praise Him as the Holy Father, since I was raised Catholic, but . . . well, I’ve found the ways of Paganism comforting to me. I believe in a double deity. Equality.”

I had only heard biased opinions about what Paganism really was. I had never expected one of my closest friends would turn to such an unexpected twist.

“I believe in equality for everything- including gender. Nature is very valuable to Pagans- and we highly revere it. We believe in peace and harmony.”

“But I thought Paganism was witchcraft?”

“Well, contrary to the popular belief, not all Pagans are witches. Some practice witchery however, such as herbalism, charms, spells, et cetera. But Paganism is a religion, while witchcraft is more of a way of life- that’s how I see it anyways.”

“So . . . I know this is cliché stereotype- witches don’t do that whole black magic thing?”

“Well, magick is a widely debated topic, even among Pagans. There is such thing as black magick- but there’s and opposite- white magick. White magick is to help and support friends or close ones, while black magick is meant to harm. We don’t believe in using black magick, because what you reap is what you sow, it’s called the Trifold Rule. What you put out is returned to you times three.”

“So . . . like karma?”

“Something like that, depending on your beliefs.”

“Paganism isn’t evil?”

“No. Most Pagans don’t even believe in Satan or a devil. We work to bring harmony to the people around us. We aren’t devil worshipers.”

“But since you’re a . . . I guess I should say Catholic Pagan, you believe in Satan, right?”

“Well, yes I believe in Lucifer, and I follow the Bible, but like I said, I’ve just added a goddess to my praise. Besides, many Satanists don’t praise Satan.”

“What do you mean?” I asked. I was learning so much from her.

“The main Satanist belief is- well let me put it this way. The Bible says ‘turn the other cheek’, while Satanists say ‘get revenge’. It’s more about praise to the self really. They see themselves as individual Divines- in control of their fate, so to speak. Some Satanists are Atheists too.”

I shook my head. “Wow. How come you never told me this before?”

“Pagans don’t believe in converting other people to be a Pagan themselves. We believe in doing what feels right to us. Many of us also live by our motto: ‘an ye hurt none, do as ye will’.”

“Wow. That’s amazing!”

She smiled humbly. “Some people see it so, while most see it as terrible and evil.”

“I guess you never spoke about it because there was no need to. Plus it’s against your beliefs.”

“Exactly. We aren’t here to parade our religion around. Just make peace and serenity.”

I yawned, tired. We had been talking for awhile now.

“Let us sleep, Evelyn.” Joanna smiled, putting out the fire. “Blessed be, dear friend. May the goddess mother protect you.”

I smiled, and drifted off to sleep as I heard her singing in a tongue I had never heard before.