Callie

By Georgina Douglas

As a child, Callie is taken to the hidden cottage by her Grandmother Morag. Here she learns to control her dreams and her feelings and learns the craft of healing. She is there for ten years.

As an adult, Callie becomes the victim of William Hyde-Trent, local landowner with a vicious streak. He will be the cause of a great deal of heartbreak. She will be the mother of his only child, young Morag.

Jake is the man who would marry her. Callie knows he wishes to control her, but they become friends for the sake of Jakes young son, Matthew.

Richard is the man who will have Callies heart and marries her under the stars, only for her to lose him in a tragic accident when their daughter, Heather, is still young.

This is the story of her life, a life of pain, joy, and fear. Tears and laughter follow each other and through the whole her healing skills and the power of the Goddess who is the center of Callies focus.

Thomas, the bishop who is a friend, and Callum, who loves her until he finds another to love.

Plague and weddings, fire and rain, curses and blessings, all within a lifetime.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Oct 25, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477238981

Georgina Douglas

Georgina Douglas was born in Canada, one of nine children who were all brought up to love the written word. She moved to the United Kingdom, where she lives quietly with her husband and dog. Georgina has written many poems and stories over the years, but this is her first publication. Without the patience and support of her husband, Stuart, and daughter, Becca, she doubts she would have had the courage to complete her lifelong dream.

Book preview

Chapter 1

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Callie, Callie! Stop screaming child. I have you, you’re safe. Grainne held her sobbing daughter tightly in her arms. Callie looked up, her slate grey eyes still trance dark, shadowed in fear.

At six years old Callie had come to fear the moments when the world around her faded and she found herself in a dream.

I saw a man, a big man he hurt me, he did something. I don’t remember, I don’t want to remember. sobbing she buried her head in her mothers shoulder, her small body shaking with the force of her fear. A hand brushed gently over Callies hair, the dream and fear faded.

A look past between Grainne and her mother, Morag. Morag took Callie from her mothers arms and put her on the ground.

Come little one, we will go for a walk in the forest. I need to collect some herbs and plants. I need you to hold the basket for me and help me find some of the things I will need.

Callie smiled up at her Grandmother and ran to the cottage to fetch the basket. For a six year old she was rather small and delicate. She had fair skin and large dark eyes, a small nose and a full mouth with a rounded chin. Her face was set off against dark hair that burned like fire in the sun.

Morag kept Callie close to her for the next few days. Watching her, answering her questions and finally coming to a decision, one she knew Grainne would not like.

It was a warm evening and the sun was just setting when they returned. Callie was happy, she loved being with Gran. Gran taught her things about plants and animals. Why birds sang at sunrise and sunset. Callie could listen to Gran all day, she liked to learn.

A boy of eleven appeared at the cottage door as they approached. He grinned with delight. This was John, Callies brother and the one person who could make her cry.

Here they are Mam! Come on Gran, suppers ready. John looked at his sister and in a voice which only boys can use sneeringly said Come on ‘Little One’ you’re so small I bet Gran had to haul you out of a rabbits hole or was it a mole hole. he laughed loudly.

Callie tried to ignore him. Why couldn’t he just disappear.

Watch the cracks in the stones ‘Little One’ you might fall in!

Callie glowered, John was spoiling her happiness. She stopped, pointing her finger at him and in a calm voice said I curse thee John by… A hand clasped over her mouth.

Would you curse your own brother, your own blood? Morag’s voice hissed in Callies ears. She had never heard Gran so angry before. Don’t stand there as if you’re made of stone boy, get your mother, now!

That last word was spoken in such a way that John ran inside shouting for his mother.

Grainne came out wiping her hands on her apron. Mother what is going on supper is ready and spoiling. Looking up from her hands she stopped abruptly. Her eyes went from Morag to Callie and back again.

Morag took her hand from Callies mouth Not a word child.

Callie was puzzled. Gran was never angry, except now, she was so angry that Callie thought she could almost taste it.

Grainne, we talked of this days before. This time there will be no argument. Callie will come with me tonight.

There was a sharp intake of breath. Grainnes mind screamed in protest. Callie, her beautiful

Callie was to go, tonight? No leave taking, no time to prepare, just like that? Go?"

Mother she is my daughter, you can’t just take her. Grainne pleaded and trembled.

You would sooner wait until she achieves what I just prevented. She was about to curse John, not shout at, not call him names, not even hit him. She was going to curse him Grainne. Morag’s voice had dropped to a whisper, She was going to curse her own brother.

At that moment Morag heard her daughters heart crack. She wanted to fold her in her arms and tell her it was alright, that there had been a mistake. Instead she stood resolute. Her Granddaughter was growing stronger. Her dreams were becoming more vivid, she needed to learn control. Control of herself and control of the craft.

Chapter 2

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Callie and Morag walked through the forest for two days. Once or twice Callie complained Once or twice Morag allowed a short stop to rest and take a drink of water and then move on.

At the end of the second day they climbed a low hill with a stream laughing beside them. As they reached the top they came upon a meadow with a small stone cottage in the centre. Callie could see a garden that went around the sides and back, the smell of herbs and wild flowers seemed to fill the air. All around the hill was nothing but forest as far as she could see. An island in the trees. It was lovely.

This is where we will live for however long it takes.

Callie jumped, the voice of her Gran seemed to whisper on the air.

This is where we will live? What about Mam and John? What about food? What about all the village folk who come to you when they are sick? Questions burst from Callie while a hundred more ran through her head.

Your Mam and John will be fine. Your Mam and I have talked of this day for years. Morag put her arm around Callies shoulders. The forest and stream will provide food and water, your Mam knows enough herb lore to look after those in the village. Here we will live until you are ready to leave.

Morag opened the door to the cottage and walked inside, Callie followed.

As her eyes slowly adjusted to the gloom Callie saw a long narrow bench table in the middle of the room. There were two high stools for sitting on. A fireplace took up more than half the wall opposite with shelves either side from floor to ceiling, jars of every shape and size covered their surfaces.

Slowly Callie turned, there was a broom in one corner next to a bucket with a scrubbing brush in it. A shelf held rags for cleaning. Over head dried plants hung from the ceiling

In the wall opposite the fire there was an opening. Callie walked over and peered in. This was a smaller room filled with shelves of jars, herbs and books. Against the far wall was a raised platform for a bed. Strangely it didn’t smell musty or stale.

Callie turned back, on the table Morag had placed a large loaf of bread and some strong cheese. Two places had been set.

Morag handed her a large jug. Take this to the stream and fill it with water, when you have enough you must thank the stream for it’s kindness.

Callie gave her Gran a funny look. Morag just smiled and waved her hands shooing her out of the door. Returning a few minutes later as she placed the jug on the table she asked Why did I have to thank the stream?

Callie, here we thank all of nature for her gifts. If you take water you thank the stream, if you pick nuts you thank the tree. Everything in life is a gift. For now though eat your supper. Tomorrow you will wash all empty jars, scrub the table, shelves and floor. This will be your first lesson. Morag patted her hand. Once you have finished go to bed. I have made a pallet up for you in the other room.

Finishing swiftly she glumly went to bed. My first lesson in what, how to do house work? I know how to do that. With that thought she slept.

Callie woke to a beautiful sunrise, it was going to be a bright warm day. Then she remembered the night before and groaned.

Ah, good you have woken just in time for breakfast, when you have finished you will need to boil the water for cleaning but first I would like you to clean the jars. I will be in the garden seeing what needs doing though mostly it takes care of it self. All this was said cheerfully enough although there was also a tone in it that spoke of no argument.

As Callie was about to sit at the table Morag stopped her. "Before you eat you can wash the

sleep from your eyes, your hands will need to be clean and comb your hair. Go on don’t just stand there, you have heard your mother say being clean and tidy helps to keep sickness and demons away. Sickness doesn’t like clean and neither do demons. Don’t just stand there, what are you waiting for?"

Callie did as she was told all the time wondering what had gotten into Gran. She seemed so different all work and bustle where before she had been all comfort.

After breakfast Callie tried to be cheerful, she cleaned the shelves and washed the jars putting them in the sun to dry. By midday she had finished the shelves but still had the table and floor to clean.

I forgot to mention the fireplace will need sweeping, best do that now while we don’t need it. You can have a bite to eat first though. picking up some herb cake and water Morag went out to the garden again.

Callie had a piece of cake but when she started cleaning the fireplace all the ash flew up covering the shelves in a layer of dust. Grabbing the broom she quickly swept it off. Then finished what was left to do.

As evening approached Morag came into the cottage. Frowning she took a finger over the shelves, it came away dirty. You may have your supper and then go to bed, tomorrow you will do it all again.

That’s not fair, it’s not my fault ash got everywhere. Why do I have to do it again it’s clean enough! Callie was tired and for the first time in her life she shouted at her Grandmother.

Morag clicked her tongue You will go to bed now and tomorrow you will do it again. with that she put away the supper things and turned her back on Callie.

Callie had no choice but to lay down on her pallet. She was so angry she thought she would never sleep but as the young do, she was asleep within seconds.

The next day Callie did everything she had done the day before, grumbling and complaining the whole time. Not to her Gran but loud enough for Morag to hear.

Morag came in when it was time for supper. Looking around she was secretly pleased that

Callie could clean everything to a shine. Yet the next thing she said was Tonight Callie you will go to bed again without supper and you will do it all again tomorrow, until you learn.

Callie was angry and tears came to her eyes. Gran hadn’t even bothered to say how hard she had worked. And to do it all again tomorrow. What was she learning how to ache all over?

Gritting her teeth to stop herself screaming Callie glared at her Gran. What if I said I won’t do it?

Then sighed Morag you go hungry don’t you?

Callie ran to her pallet tears trailing down her cheeks. She lay on her pallet and slept.

This went on for several days Callie would do all she had done the day before and grumble. After a week she forgot to grumble and almost accepted that for the moment this was the way it was.

When Gran entered the cottage that evening she smiled This is lovely Callie. Thank you, you have done a wonderful job.

Callie struggled to stay calm. You could have said that days ago. Why today or wasn’t it clean enough for you?

Morag’s smile disappeared. You still have not learnt. You will go to bed and do it again tomorrow.

Callie was too stunned to say a word. She walked into the small room and lay on her pallet, this time she did not sleep. What was she missing, what wasn’t she seeing? She thought through the last few days. She had cleaned until she had ached all over, her hands sore from scrubbing. Every night she had gone without supper. Then she sat up.

She had gone without supper, but then so had Gran. Why? If she went without supper then why did Gran? Why had Gran stopped eating supper? She was punishing Callie for what? Grumbling, being rude, complaining. But Gran was punishing herself too. How many times had she heard Gran say If you cause pain you will receive punishment. Gran punished Callie and by causing Callie pain Gran punished herself.

A wave of guilt swept through Callie. If she had done as Gran had asked the first time properly, if she had not complained, if she had just done it she would not have been punished. In being angry and resentful Callie had punished her Grandmother. Her Gran had been hurt by Callies words and actions.

It took some time for Callie to realise that her actions had an effect and that effect, affected Gran. In the dark of the night Callie promised never again to do things that would result in her Gran being punished.

When Morag woke the next morning she could hear Callie already working away. Callie was humming a happy tune. Morag smiled, it had taken time but at last her Granddaughter may have worked out what was happening. Morag’s stomach rumbled, she sent up a silent prayer. Much more and she would have had to take a different form of action.

In the main room Callie had already swept the hearth, washed the jars and wiped the shelves. She had almost finished her work when she heard her Gran moving around in the other room.

Morag came through and was amazed by what Callie had accomplished. There were fresh oat and honey cakes, goats cheese and water on the table. In the centre there was a jug with fresh flowers and bunches of lavender hung from the rafters.

Morag sat on a stool bidding Callie to sit on the other. Do you know why I have been making you re-do everything? Do you understand why it was necessary?

Callie looked at her Gran I think so, if I had not complained, the things would have been fine, I think, maybe? she trailed off her voice falling almost to a whisper.

Morag looked thoughtful for a moment, half smiling half frowning. Yes and no. she laughed at Callies puzzled look.

I will explain as best I can Little One. You are on the first path in a wonderful journey. I am here to help and guide you. Your first lesson has been hard fought. The lesson of self-control, obedience and to do things without complaint no matter how many times you have to do it. This is the first step. There will be times when you will argue again and again. There will be times when your body will ache from cold or hunger or hard work and you will think NO MORE!" but, you will carry on.

I will teach you how to help yourself to be independent. I will teach you to help others through herb lore and spells. I will teach you which plants to use in sickness, childbirth, or at times to take life.

I will teach you to control you body to your command so when you are needed or if times are hard you will be able to ignore your body and still help others.

I will teach you to control your dreams and visions so that they come at your will not unbidden like now.

I will teach you how to search for people in the water of the moon. I will teach you to be a healer, a seeker and a seer. Before I ask this of you know that there will be a price, there is always a price.

If you accept then you will never marry though you will have three children. Yours will be a long difficult life yet you will be of value to others. This I have seen.

However, if you choose not to follow this path you will marry, have two children, you will have money and position. You will be a lady. This also I have seen. Which path you accept is up to you, only you can decide. I will go for a walk in the forest for now. There are some plants I want to look at. I will be gone until late afternoon. That should leave you time enough to think and decide. Before I go, do you have any questions?"

Callie felt as if the air she breathed was suffocating her. She could have this or she could have that what did it all mean? She drew in a great gulp of air. Just one, did you and Mam go through this?

I did, your Mam did not. I taught her enough to help with healing, she never wanted to be fully trained. She met your father and had John and then you. Then your father died and I came to help. she smiled. I will leave you now. as Morag walked out the door she turned, Callie, you make wonderful cakes and, what ever you decide will be fine.

Callie finished her chores and then went for a walk around the garden. She looked out across the forest wondering what she should do. Reaching for the bucket she went to the stream. The day was warm with just a hint of a breeze brushing the grass.

Sitting on the bank she slipped her feet into the cool water and leaned back on her elbows. The sunlight danced on the water like a thousand flashing crystals, slowly she began to drift.

The world tilted and she was seeing herself as a woman, in beautiful clothes with children on her knee laughing. There was a man whose face she could not see stroking her hair.

The picture changed and she was out side a large house surrounded by a moat. This was her home. Callie looked across the fields and saw people dieing. There were babies and mothers, fathers and children, the old and the young all dieing while she played safe in her house.

The world swung again and Callie found herself in her Mam’s cottage. People came to see her, there were two small girls and somewhere a baby cried. She looked tired but happy.

Every where she looked there were people. Some she could help make better others she could only help ease their pain.

The world shifted and Callie was in the bad dream. The dream about him. The man who wanted to hurt her, the man she knew she would one day meet, one day curse. The man who would never leave her alone, ever.

He was walking towards her, she could not see his face. All she could see were his eyes, all she could hear was his breathing. She began to scream.

Callie returned to this world with a splutter, her face and hair were soaking wet. Gran stood near her the bucket in her hand.

Are you back in this world or still in the other?

Callie heard her Grans voice yet Grans lips did not move.

This one. Callie thought looking straight at her Gran.

Morag smiled, then frowned and shook her head. So you heard my thoughts did you? Only the first one though. In time you may be able to hear more unless, I block you, yet beware. You are not meant to listen to others thoughts, you may not like what you hear. But this is for another time. Come I will make you a soothing drink. You are young, I think we must begin to control your visions. Morag filled the bucket and walked to the cottage door. Turning she said Wait in the garden. There is a circle in the middle, you may sit there. I will join you shortly.

The garden was a confused mix of herbs and plants, there was no order as if the seeds had been thrown in the wind and left to grow where they wished. As Callie walked through the maze of plants she began to wonder if the circle existed and then, there it was. In the middle of planted chaos there was a perfect circle of soft, cool green grass.

Callie sat and breathed in deeply relaxing the tension in her body, listening to the birds and the gentle humming of bees.

You found it, good.

Callie jumped as her Gran approached.

While you sit within the circle no fear or harm will come to you. This is a magic circle. It was here when I was a girl, it was here when my grandmother was a girl, it was here when her grandmother was a girl. No one knows how old it is. My grandmother told me that the ancient folk cut it. I have never seen them but they are here somewhere. I have never known this circle to be any other way than it is, always clear, always cut to this length. Why, even in the depth of winter with snow so deep you can hardly move, this circle is always clear.

Callie smiled and took the mug Morag held out to her.

I want you to drink that down, all of it mind. Then I want you to tell me what you saw in your vision. Morag sat in the circle opposite Callie. When Callie had finished drinking Morag took both of her hands and held them firmly in hers.

Remember, here you are safe. All the women who have learned the craft have sat here. I want you to close your eyes and feel those women, they will watch over you. Begin.

Morag closed her eyes and after a moment Callie too closed hers. Slowly, she began to feel as if people were sitting next to her, then beside her Gran. Then behind them both, filling the whole garden. She wanted to open her eyes but knew if she did the spell would be broken.

Breathing deeply Callie began to tell Gran about her dream. The children, the man, the large house, the, people dieing, the cottage, the people living. When she came to the part about him she hesitated.

Remember, no fear or harm can enter here. It seemed a hundred voices spoke.

Callie told of him, there was no fear, no hurt just a oneness with her Gran and the those who had been before.

Callie finished and slowly opened her eyes. She half expected to see the garden broken and trampled. It was the same and yet she felt that she was not, somehow. Callie looked at Gran and smiled.

"This is my decision. I will learn the craft. I wish to learn all of it. Herbs, seeking and seeing. I have seen that if I do not I will be a fine lady but that is all I will be. If I follow the craft I will have good and bad times but I will be useful. That is the path I will take. The man, him, I know he is real, I know he will hurt me but somehow I know even good will come of that.

Morag clapped her hands in joy. Oh Callie! My wonderful granddaughter, you have made me very, very happy. I believe that you have chosen well. Through you the craft will carry on.

So began the years of teaching and learning. Morag taught Callie herb lore, self control, vision control, moon visions. She taught her how to seek her mother and brother. How to control her hunger in winter the year the snow lasted well into April and food was scarce. Most of all though she taught Callie to be true to herself, to follow her instincts and to be independent.

For ten years they lived in the cottage deep in the forest. These were to be the happiest years in Callies life.

Chapter 3

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Callie sat in the circle, her grey eyes glazed in trance. She had done this many times now. She had seen the fire in the blacksmiths, she had seen the young and old of the village grow. Only a few days ago she had seen her brother John argue with his mother and leave home. She had seen where he was going, many countries and many lives John would see and he would never return.

Today though Callie was saying goodbye to her ancestors. Thanking the women of her family for their help and guidance, asking for their blessing and their help in the future. Today she would leave the forest and return home.

As the sun rose over the horizon throwing golden light into the circle Callie breathed deeply, blinked and returned to this world. She could still not quite believe she had been in the forest all these years. So much had happened, so much had changed but the greatest changes were within herself and Gran.

Gran had grown old. When Callie looked at her she reminded her of a piece of old lace. Delicate and fragile, though she knew there was an inner strength in her Grandmother that could be as stubborn as toothache and hard as rock. Callie smiled, she loved Gran even when she had put her through the most difficult of tasks during her training. She had always kept that love as a light through all the bad times.

Callie stood and took a walk around the garden for what might be the last time. She knew every plant and herb in the way others know old friends. Returning to the cottage Callie set the table and put a small pot over the fire. A soothing drink for Gran who had been having trouble with her stomach recently. Not much to worry about. Gran had said Just a bit of trouble with digesting, it happens with age. Still, Callie worried all the same.

Morag came out of the small room looking as sprightly as ever. A few more wrinkles, a little bent but her eyes that matched her granddaughters were as keen as ever.

Good morning, Callie. You have been out for hours and soon you will tell me you will be leaving me. Morag’s eyes sparkled as she saw Callie grin. Callie could never quite get use to Gran knowing what she was thinking before she could tell her.

It’s time I returned, John has gone and mother is on her own. She needs someone there, someone who can help her with everyday things and to take over the healing. Her hands hurt.

As she said this she had been rubbing her hands.

John has gone? I am getting old! I had not seen that. Morag frowned. If she was losing the sight then her time was coming to an end, not yet though. If John has gone then it is only right that you return to your mother. I will miss you but your place is out in the world not here with an old woman.

"I