Chapter 6
Preparations
1636 - THE TOR, GLASTONBURY
Anu followed the half hour procession that Calum led up to the top of the Tor for the evening devotionals. A veil of fog surrounded the moon and creeped along the the floor of the valley. It would most certainly cover the foot of the Tor by the time they descended later.
Atop the Tor she made her way to her usual place, hoping to make it easier for Gawen to find her. It was not till everyone had gathered that she realized he might not know to look for her here. There were numerous other circles in the village. Eyes downcast in disappointment, she did not see him approach and stand opposite her in the circle.
The keepers of the fire put light to the pieces of yew, cypress and oak that had been piled in the circle’s center and the group was illuminated as the blaze swelled. Gawen locked eyes with Anu and it seemed as if they were suddenly linked by a beam of light reflected from the fire. She could almost feel his arms around her, their lips exploring together. His eyes told her that he was sensing it also. Unbeknownst to the young couple, Calum was also aware. It was not yet time for them to serve the Goddesses in that way and he would have to work fast to keep them apart until the Beltaine fires which were but a month away.
The Priestesses led the group in chant, song and other declarations of love and thanks to the Gods and Goddesses. With the added energy in the circle due to Gawen’s presence, Anu became lost in the ritual. She felt the air wrapping its arms around her in a strong embrace. As they closed the circle and doused the fire, she was drained. Her strength had to be restored, and her fast broken soon or she wondered if she might faint. The procession down into the fog and to the village seemed an eternity as she forced her leaden limbs to pull her body to its destiny.
The evening meal was set at long tables, but Anu ignored it, simply grabbing a chunk of bread, cheese and a bit of mead. She ate and drank and restored herself in the privacy of her own room.
Calum had watched her go, surprised that he did not need to keep Gawen and Anu separated just yet. Perhaps his task would not be so difficult after all as nature did some of the work for him.
Over the next days and weeks, Anu and Gawen had many chances to see each other across circles, meals and various teachings with the Priests and Priestesses. Anu often slipped a sideways glance to Calum, a smile trying to curve her mouth; she was aware that he had a hand in this, that he prevented the couple time alone together. Her trust in Calum was so complete that she did not doubt he had good reason. She busied herself, putting extra effort in every task. Not only did the time seem to fly by, but she had great pride in her work of late.
Gawen, less sensitive than Anu, was not as much at peace. His frustration at Calum’s constant intervention was building. He longed so for the touch of Anu, to feel her in his arms. He attempted clandestine meetings, trying furtively to pull her from the Priestesses steadfastly guarding her. The days and weeks seemed to move widdershins for him.
The village was busily preparing for the Beltaine Fires. They were weaving flower and ivy crowns to be worn and gathering branches from hawthorn, birch and oak for the great balefires. It was only fallen branches to be used for the fires since cutting one of the sacred trees was akin to murder. Huge amounts of food were being prepared for the banquet that would end the fast after the celebration. Loaves of bread, cauldrons of stews, heaps of cooked turnips, leeks, cabbage, and mushrooms, luscious fruit tarts and pies, savouries and cheeses filled the tables almost to collapse. Barrels of ale, cider and mead were moved into place. Ribbons were tied to a large pole that was erected in the village square. Soon the festivities would begin.
As Beltaine Eve approached, the air became charged. Excitement, wonder and anticipation mingled to produce a giddiness in all villages surrounding the Tor. To Gawen and Anu, the waiting was almost over.
