Chapter 13
Cobweb
1642 - Autumn & Harvest in Dunnedin
Starrling was busy with harvest time, a time of planning and preparing for the coming winter, but also a time of thankfulness and generosity. The bounty of her harvest would be shared with friends, acquaintances and strangers alike.
Most of her days were spent tending her animals and storing enough grain, vegetables and fruit to hold her till spring. She still delivered goods to her regular customers but only occasionally stopped at the Tavern. Each customer she visited was left with some apple cakes or extra bread. The few times she did venture to the Tavern, she carried a basket laden with baked goods for the patrons to enjoy. This was her way of sharing her bounty and giving thanks for the coming Samhain season.
Then a special day arrived. She had saved enough extra money to purchase her long awaited horse. A farmer in one of the outlying villages had a young grey stallion for sale and he had promised to wait for her. It was a Monday that she set out on foot, knowing she would return on horseback. The long walk gave her time to dream of flying across the fields on this beautiful creature. She remembered back to her childhood, of the freedom she’d stolen for a few hours every now and then, taking to the hills on horseback. Oh, how the elders had scolded and punished her every time she returned, but her love for horses and riding far outweighed any fear of reprimand.
She’d brought an apple for the horse and apple cakes to nibble on the way and by the time the last morsel was gone, she’d arrived. The farmer met her near the gate and she used all her energy to control her excitement.
“Aye, come fer t’grey one, ha’ ye,” he asked. His beard of grizzled grey was dotted with mud and small pieces of hay were embedded here and there.
“Aye, that I am,” she stepped towards him as she spoke, hoping to hurry this transaction so that she could be away like the wind atop her grey. Together they entered the barn and as the sunshine edged in, the horse in the first stall brought his head up quickly, eyes bright in the sudden light. Starrling’s heart quickened as she recognized him and she moved quickly to caress his soft muzzle. She cooed gently to him and he was immediately at ease with her hands on him.
The farmer cleared his throat to remind her of his presence and she whirled about at the sound. Money exchanged hands and the horse was all hers. The thrill she felt at taking his lead in her hands was almost unbearable.
“Ye be wantin’ a saddle, lassie?”
“Nay, I thank ye most kindly, but never have I used one and I do not wish to learn at this late stage.” She grinned and guided the horse out into the bright sunshine. Leading him to the fence, she stood upon one of the slats and pulled herself up onto his back, speaking firmly but gently to him the entire time. The farmer could not help but grin at her obvious bliss, his toothless mouth gaping as a chortle escaped.
“Be ye careful, lassie and may the sun shine ‘pon ye till ye reach home,” he winked at her and gave the grey an affectionate slap on the rump.
“I must thank ye so kindly, sir, and may the gods smile upon ye.”
She jostled the soft rope of the harness and pressed her heels gently to the horse’s sides.
All the journey home she spoke softly and kindly to the horse, occasionally receiving a nicker or whinney in return. They were destined to be fine friends and she examined his mottled grey hide in awe. He was a beauty. All dappled and shiny, his coat gleaming where the farmer had obviously groomed him for her arrival.
“Ye are the most handsome laddie I have ever set eyes on.” She sat proudly atop him and noticed that the lane and the countryside seemed cheerier on the way home. She pictured him in her barn, in the fields, riding to Dunnedin, and showing him off to her friends. Her wares would be easier to deliver and she’d have the most agreeable company whilst doing so.
At a small brook, she dismounted and allowed the horse to drink of the cool water. She was distracted by a small spider working a web in the lavender edging the brook. The web glistened a silvery grey in the light. A thought came to her suddenly and she touched the drinking horse’s lowered neck, running her hand down to his ear and rubbing it gently.
“Think ye would like answering to Cobweb?”
He lifted his head a few inches and cocked an eye her way, nickering a friendly and positive answer to her question.
“Aye, then Cobweb ‘tis,” she announced proudly, chuckling softly. “Ye’ll do the spiders proud in the cottage and the barn.” He finished his drink and she dipped into her pocket for the apple she’d saved for him and bit a large chunk off.
“Here ye are, Cobweb” she grinned as handed him the piece to nibble. He finished that piece and nuzzled her hand for the rest, making her giggle and give it up with hardly a fight.
Standing on a boulder, she hopped onto his back and they started off for the final leg of the journey home. Starrling was looking forward to introducing Cobweb to the rest of her menagerie. Life was good again.
Chapter 14
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