Druids Foundling

By RJ Marley

A young girl is found by the druid, Halwn, holding the head of her dead mother. She grows up despising violence af any kind but is later to be cast into the role of a warrior after the invasion by Roman soldiers. Halwn must also battle against his spiritual beliefs as he sadly watches the changes in his foundling. Together they find within the depths of their souls strength and courage that neither knew they possessed as their destinies unfold.
To some this will be a work of fiction. To others reality. And yet to others a little of both.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 27, 2009
• ISBN: 9781465323446

RJ Marley

Born in Arizona and raised in Ohio. I am happily married to my best friend and we reside in a village in Ohio. Interests include Egyptian mythology, psychic phenomena, painting and creating computer generated photo renditions of family and friends. I enjoy nature and its beauty.

Book preview

Copyright © 2009 by RJ Marley.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in

any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,

recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without

permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

58001

Contents

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

EPILOGUE

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my husband, Bob, who encouraged me to put my thoughts to paper. Also to my sisters, Pat and Noreen, who believed in me.

I would like to acknowledge, and thank, my friend Aimee who took time out of her busy life to retype the manuscript and her mother, Nancy, also a good friend who listened to my ramblings while the book was in progress.

INTRODUCTION

This book is the result of several sequential visions that were brought on by three movie sound tracks. I have always been able to visualize while listening to music but this time was so different. When the heroine of this story first appeared I was enthralled. It was so real that I could feel her emotions as she rushed from the trees, sword in hand then screamed as she attacked Roman soldiers. At first I dismissed this but the visions stayed and I felt the strong urge to get the story down on paper. In actuality it was as if she were urging me to do so.

This was very daunting for me because I have very little knowledge of the Celtic peoples of Great Britain. After several weeks of stronger visions I began to put what I saw as it unfolded, down on paper. Halwn, the Druid, became more of the main character. I could sense his presence as I wrote. Many people that I work with read the beginnings of the story and became enthralled by him.

I did finally get on the internet because I wanted to use as many authentic Celtic names as I could and also the names of Celtic deities. The fascinating thing is that I had envisioned where I wanted some of the characters to be, like the Isle of Man and the Isle of Skye, I was shocked that the geographical characteristics were correct.

As a firm believer that we all have lived many lives I believe that I knew some of these people. Do I think that I was Halwn or Callistra? No. But I do believe that I knew them.

As most people who have only a mere handful of knowledge about the Druids, I too thought that their sacred tree was the oak. In my visions of Halwn’s copse I kept seeing a silver beech so I got on the internet again. Lo and behold the silver beech is their most sacred tree. It is also known as the Oracle tree. These men were spiritual advisors, teachers, healers etc. All of their knowledge was passed down verbally. Many say that they originated in Atlantis while others say that they began in the middle east.

The Druids have been maligned and misunderstood because of the lack of written information but much is known about their beliefs and their laws. When archaeologists discovered skeletal remains at stone henge they surmised that the people had been ritually sacrificed by Druid priests. One of the most important laws of these men was that they carry no weapons of any kind. Another was that they were not to harm anyone or anything. On their behalf I have put my own theory in these pages.

I was very confused about the Romans because I knew that this story took place before the birth of Christ. Then lo and behold I discovered that Caesar sent his first troops into England approximately around 68 BC. The expedition was to trace the leaders of rebels who had been attacking the Romans in Northern Gaul and were said to have crossed the English Channel. This first expedition only lasted about a year.

I have also discovered that the Celts originated in Europe many from the Carpathian Mountains. They fled north escaping the onslaught of invaders. Remember that all civilizations started somewhere other than the countries that they now occupy including our own.

Ever since I was a child I have been interested in the people that we now know as the Picts. Again all of my visions of them were confirmed when I did some investigating. They were the first known inhabitants of the British Isles and their origin is not truly known. The true name of these people was the Prydain. They were small in stature but not in courage. They were later known as Picts after the first several Roman incursions. Because most of them tattooed their entire body the Romans referred to them as the pictish ones or those who have pictures on their bodies. The name Pict stuck with them. As a civilization they seemed to vanish somewhere around 14AD but left many stele to prove their existence.

Throughout history there have been many female warriors who defended their homelands from invaders whenever the men were away and even when they were present. The following are just a handful of examples:

590 AD—A law was passed that women could not enter battle, but women warriors refused to lay down their arms.

1100 AD—Maude de Valerin, a Welsh revolutionary, raised an army against King John. She was captured on the battlefield and died as a prisoner.

In the 15th century Maire O’Ciaragain led Irish clans against the English and was known for her ferocity in battle.

1550-1600—Graine Ni Graille, an Irish princess, commanded a large fleet of war galleys which wreaked havoc on the English navy, shipping and coastal towns. Aetheflued, oldest daughter of Alfred the Great, united Mercia, conquered Wales and subdued the Danes. Killed in battle June, 918 AD at Tammorth in Stratfordshire.

Among the ancient Celts, women rulers and warriors were so common that when a group of Brigantian captives were taken to Rome, in the reign of Claudius, they automatically assumed that his wife, Agrippa the Younger, was the ruler and ignored the Emperor while making obeisance to her. In 51 AD, the Brigantian queen, Castimanda, allied herself with Rome.

There have been many others in many other nations across the globe who defended their families with their lives as ardently as any male.

I sincerely hope that you enjoy reading this book. All that I can suggest is that if you are looking for historically correct information you will be disappointed because that is not what this book is about. It is more about how life’s twists and turns alter the aspects of our lives and existence.

Mythology

The Crone—Celtic Goddess of death and birth

Belenius—Druid God

Lugh—God of the Druids

Mides—Celtic God of the Underworld

Mannanan Mac Lir—Celtic Sea God

Cyhiraeth—Celtic Goddess of Streams

Andraste—Celtic Goddess of War and Revenge

Pharon—Atlantean God of the Druids

Nemetona—Celtic Goddess of all Sacred Places

Sirono—Celtic Goddess of Healing

Ardwinna—Celtic Woodland Goddess said to ride a boar

Great Mother—Celtic Goddess of all

Great Father—Celtic God of All

Aesculapius—Roman God of Healing

Mars Roman—God of War

Poutus—Roman God of the Deep Sea

Fortuna—Roman Goddess of Destiny

Pan—NatureGod

Ynys Mon—Sacred Isle of the Druids

Caillech—The Veiled One called upon for Revenge

Scathach—Said to reside on the Isle of Skye. She taught martial arts. Also known as the Shadowy One and She Who Strikes Fear.

Odin—Chief Norse god

Valkyrie—Warrior Daughters of Odin

Valhalla—Home of Norse gods

Miscellaneous Facts

Leine—Celtic linen or wool tunic

Oriss—Celtic belt of leather or wool

Torc—Celtic neck band

Chiton—Celtic skirt

Crioll—Celtic leather bag stitched with thongs

Gladius—Roman sword favored by many soldiers

Armonca—Original name of Great Britain

Prydain—Original name of the Picts prior to Roman invasion. Because of the tattoos on their bodies the Romans referred to them as those pictures on their bodies or the pictish ones.

Druids—Spiritual leaders who were thought to originated in Atlantis and the middle east.

The Characters

Halwath

Luden

Maius

CHAPTER 1

The forest was dense with many varieties of trees, their branches forming a canopy that shaded the ground making it a cool and comfortable retreat. The lush, verdant undergrowth formed an aromatic carpet. A clear stream, fed by a large river to the northwest, flowed through the arboreal sanctuary, forming eddies where it washed over the rocks.

A huge, ancient oak stood in the center of the clearing dwarfing the other trees by its majestic stature. Referred to as the Grandfather, holly and mistletoe covering its branches and smaller limbs, a sanctuary for many species of birds and other tree dwelling creatures. At its base a mat of St Johns Wort added a splash of yellow in the dense shade. To the east a dense grouping of hawthorns made a formidable barrier, their thorns deterring anyone from trying to penetrate beyond. They were formed in a circular pattern. Beyond this barrier was another clearing, a large formation of rock at its eastern side. A silver beech stood by the stream its leaves making a soft song when the breeze touched it, as if someone was whispering. At the far eastern portion was a large rock formation looking like a miniature mountain, covered with thick vines. The druid, Halwn had chosen this place as his. As an added precaution, against unwanted intruders, he had formed a protective wall of metaphysical energy around the outside perimeters of the hawthorns.

He had also chosen this place because of its proximity to the village of Halwath which was in a circular clearing to the southeast. Although he led a hermit like existence, as was wont of his kind, he enjoyed the company of others, also wanting to be near them if they were to need him.

Many animals and birds made this their home, acknowledging the druid living among them, not fearing his presence as he went about his daily and nightly tasks of gathering herbs, berries and roots. This place was perfect for communing with the nature divas. Night crept in on silent feet blanketing the forest in silence except for the night dwellers. The moon cast a warm light on the green carpet of the forest floor, bathing it in ethereal light. Sister Owl perched in the Grandfather, watching with wide eyes, for any sign of movement from above and below, ever ready to take to wing if anything were amiss. Occasionally the creatures of the night would stop to sniff the air, seeking their nightly meals. The many plants and trees made an aromatic scent to the area as a soft breeze swept through it.

Startled by movement, Sister Owl took wing.

Halwn was taken from the village by Myrddin when he was but six summers. Myrddin with his tangled, bushy hair and beard, a druid highly esteemed by all he had been in contact with.

Halwn’s mother had willingly conceded to giving her son to this man, feeling a wave of pride that her son had been chosen, and knowing that she would never hold him to her breast again.

His training in the ancient druidic ways was arduous at times, at others, filled him with awe and respect. He learned the ways of nature drawing from it a profound knowledge of his environment.

Myrddin stressed constantly that no harm should befall anyone no matter how dire the situation, for every action had a reaction. Halwn was enthralled by the tales of the ancient ones who had passed down their knowledge from one apprentice to the other. Many times he was brought to the brink of madness while in a trance, penetrating the other worlds. Worlds invisible to the human eye. He grew spiritually, mentally and physically, never knowing how much pride Myrddin found in him.

One sultry, summer night when the moon was full, Myrddin approached him. It is time for me to depart from here. You have learned well. Never waiver from this path, even though at times you will be sorely tempted. Others have betrayed our ways and have paid dearly for their impudence.

Halwn gazed deeply into his mentor’s eyes, somehow knowing that he would not see him physically again. I will follow the path of the Light as you have taught me. This I will do to the best of my ability.

Myrddin smiled, then silently turned, walking away from this place and his apprentice. He had related to Halwn of the place far to the North where the druids went to their sleep.

Halwn was tall in stature, deceptively seeming to be fragile. As he wandered he seemed to glide as if his feet were above the ground. At times this was the actual case. His slender, long fingered hands were a comfort to the fevered brow and gentle to those in search of consolation. They were amazingly deft. Those who unwittingly challenged those hands were astonished at their strength.

No one knew how many seasons had passed since his conception, even he had lost count. His face was ageless with penetrating eyes the color of the summer sky on a clear day. Eyes that laughed at the antics of nature and children, but could make the fiercest cringe in fear when he was brought to anger. They could dispel dread or instill fear. Some said that they had witnessed sparks when he was challenged.

His wide mouth was quick to smile or show great scorn. His nose was long and hawk like. His hair and beard, as white as virgin snow, flowed to his waist, adding to his appearance as being ethereal.

He strived not to stray from the elder druidic teachings, unlike so many others of his time who degraded and betrayed their ancestral rights for their own selfish gains. Unlike them he would not allow others to witness such things as his pulling lightning from the sky, drawing it into his frame and releasing it from his fingertips. The bonds that he had formed with the natural realms were a privilege not a right. Because of those who abused their abilities historians would relate many misconceptions of the true Druid and their lives.

Halwn had lulled himself into a trance, surrendering himself to the womblike darkness. He shed his earthly frame as a serpent sheds its skin. As his ethereal body arose, it turned, confirming that there were no gaps in the protective barrier that surrounded his body prior to his trance. He roamed the forest seeking an answer to what had summoned him.

Many had witnessed this apparition over many years and tales of haunting were rampant. Others believed that he was Belenius, guarding his world. Very few braved the copse lest they be taken to the god’s realms for eternity.

Halwn roamed the night in spirit, gliding across the forest as a wisp of smoke. Something made him retreat quickly back into his body. He arose with a start a feeling of dread wormed through his heart. He arose, and walked stealthily back to where his astral form had retreated from. All was still, too still. There was no normal movement or sound from the animals that dwelled here. The moon cast an eerie glow across the sky. He stood very still so as to communicate with all that surrounded him, knowing that he was brought here for a purpose. As he inhaled deeply, the reek of copper assailed his nostrils causing them to flare. He recoiled but abruptly brought himself back to what had brought him here.

Then he heard it. The keening sound of what he first thought to be a wounded animal. He moved stealthily nearer to the sound, making himself blend into the shadows of the oaks.

He saw what appeared to be a small creature huddled at the base of the Grandfather oak. He approached and was startled to see that this was no animal but a small child cradling what seemed to be a mass of matted fur in her arms. The child’s long, dark hair was tangled and wild. She started when he got nearer, pushing herself hard against the Grandfather.

He crooned to her, Here, here child. It is all right, I will bring you no harm.

She stared at him, her large almond shaped eyes luminous with tears and apprehension. His voice was soothing when he spoke. I wish to help you, not harm you.

Her face was oval, her eyes fringed in dark, thick lashes. Her skin was fair, her nose patrician. She seemed delicate and frail dressed in what was alien material to Halwn. It was draped across one shoulder and cinched at her waist with a silver cord. The strange material shimmered in the moonlight. Even though it was darkly stained, he could tell that it had been white with silver threads woven deeply into it.

His demeanor seemed to calm her so he edged nearer. He knelt on the ground, slowly reaching his hand out to her,

May I see what you are holding? If it is wounded I may be able to help.

Her eyes were wide with wonderment now. Her mother had spoken of gods who came to earth to help those in need. His long, loose robe and flowing white hair attributed to her wonderment. His skin was translucent in the night light.

She looked soulfully into his eyes then held out her arms. It took all of his willpower not to recoil in shock for she held the severed head of a woman, its hair matted with blood. Forcing himself to take it, he knew this had been the child’s mother their features were identical. He pondered where the torso was and how they had come to be in this place. Many of his questions would never be answered.

He patted the child gently, then stood and walked a few feet into some overgrowth, laying it gently on the ground covering it with ivy and moss. Silently he asked for guidance for this lost soul into the nether realms.

He returned to the child and said, ‘I have found her a safe resting place, but you must come with me so that you will also be safe for the night. Come, child. She would approve."

She reached up to him as he leaned over. He gently took her into his arms. His heart melted as she wove her tiny arms around his neck, holding onto him tightly and snuggling her face against his chest, wracking with sobs.

For now he would take her to his cave and then find her a home.

In the moonlight he could see that her clothes were stained in blood. Everything about her was alien to him. The cloth was soft and almost transparent in quality. She was shod with what appeared to be only soles held onto her feet with long silver laces tied around her ankles. Around her head was a simple silver band, a water lily in its center.

So many questions that would have to be answered over time, for now she needed food and shelter.

The entrance to his cave was undetectable, well protected from prying eyes by dense overgrowth. Although no sunlight penetrated its depths, the walls were illuminated with prismatic colors. The child’s eyes became wide, staring in awe at its beauty.

Gently Halwn lowered her to the ground, persuading her to loose her grip on his neck. She stood, as if dazed, believing even more that he was one of the elder gods. The pelts of various animals formed a warm carpet on the cavern floor and provided covering in the night. He did not kill for food or comfort, it was against all that he believed. What he had obtained had fallen victim to predators or had succumbed to age or bad health. The villagers often brought him sustenance, leaving all in a clearing for him to find.

Sit little one. Would you like something to eat? No? Then I will make you something tasty to drink.

The child reluctantly sat upon the ground. She studied him intently as he moved about.

He filled a carved wooden cup with water that trickled in a rivulet down the cavern walls. He carefully added various herbs and honey to the liquid then placed it on a small flat rock. The child started as a flame appeared after he had woven a pattern in the air with his hand. He placed the cup over the flame and heated the brew that he had made.

He knew that the only way that he could be of any help to her was to meld his mind to hers. He added the root that would accomplish this end.

When it was warm he took it to her. This is very good and will help you to sleep.

She gingerly took the cup from him and drank slowly. It tasted similar to the night drink that her mother gave her on special occasions.

As she began to drift into slumber, he laid her on a fawn skin, then covered her. He sat and placed her head in his lap, gently stroking her matted hair. He closed his eyes, melding with her mind. What he saw and felt repelled him. The massacre of her people had been merciless and thorough. The horned men had no pity. What had saved the child had been her mother’s body covering her. After the blood bath they took whatever bounty they could find then left as abruptly as they had appeared.

Abruptly a curtain of darkness descended between them, not allowing him to penetrate any farther, leaving him in a quandary to how she had gotten to this place. He retreated from her mind, feeling deep sympathy for this lost one. He was able to discern that her name was Callistra. He had never before heard of such a name. So many mysteries from such a small, fragile package.

He laid his hand above her closed eyes, palm down, willing her into yet a deeper sleep, assuring that she would not wake too quickly. He arose then walked toward the rear of the cavern. The wall seemed to end here, an illusion he had created as an added precaution. He entered the inner chamber beyond the veil of darkness. It was very large, stalagmites and stalactites of pure crystal reflecting light that seemed to have no known source. A natural altar stood in its center upon which rested a sphere of azure blue pulsating with energy. He centered his mind on it, becoming enveloped by its warmth, allowing his mind to drift into its depths.

Before him he saw a pristinely white water lily bud drifting then abruptly standing still. It slowly began to open its petals, one by one. When it was fully opened it revealed a blood stained sword lying at its center the blood tainting the inside petals.

He retreated from the vision, perplexed but knowing that all would be revealed with the passage of time.

CHAPTER 2

Halwn had retreated to a section of his copse where the stream rippled, almost singing, as it passed over the rocks. He stood silently allowing his mind to shift. He heard the rustling of leaves on the path leading into the grove. He was not startled when the figure emerged from the trees. He expected her. A bent, stooped figure draped in gray gauzelike material covering her from head to foot shuffled toward him.

Why have you summoned me, druid? Her voice was dry, cracking when she spoke. She stood facing him her cataract covered eyes focusing on his face as she leaned heavily on a walking stick made of hemlock, her gnarled hands resting on the carved raven adorning its tip.

Halwn breathed deeply. I am asking that you remove your shadow from Brina of Halwath.

The Crone cackled, her toothless mouth barely moving when she said, "Druid, Brina of Halwath will forever