Promises Beyond The Veil Of Light ( PT 52 )

Picture by pixabay free images.

 

Information on how to pick plants was adapted from a book by 

C. L. Zalewski Book of Herbs in Magic and Alchemy.

 

Part Fifty Two

 

 

 

 

Light was just starting to appear, while a few stars lingered in the sky by the time the taxi dropped Mina off at the forest car park. She was in no mood for conversation and thankfully the driver hadn't spoken all the way there, apart from asking where she was going of course, he didn't even question why she would want to come to the forest at such an early hour.

 

During the ride she could hear her mum's voice whispering, “come butterfly...don't be afraid.” Over and over Nina repeated the words, Mina thought it was in her imagination at first, but felt her mum's presence all around which was a comfort.

 

After paying the fare, Mina stepped out of the car and gathered up her belongings. The taxi drove off at great speed as if the driver was anxious to get away. He'd seemed nervous to Mina, perhaps he's in a hurry to get to his next customer! She thought, not realizing for one minute that the driver had seen a ghostly figure of a woman in his rear view mirror sat next to the her, it had only been for a few split seconds, but that had been enough to spook him.

 

Mina crossed the car park and set off along the lane leading to a path that narrowed, trees stood idly in the peace of the early morning as if waiting for something to happen, there wasn't a breeze in the air and not a leaf quivered, but the birds were already singing high up in the branches. A squirrel scarpered pretty swiftly never expecting to see anyone at this early hour of the morning.

 

Mina felt that time had gone quite quickly remembering back when she was ten and how sad it felt coming through the veil with her dad, knowing there was no way back until now. Mina was beginning to feel lightheaded as she walked the ancient path that meandered towards the veil of light. How time flies! She pondered feeling the weight of her bags and mandolin, but also hungry too.

 

Mina was under the impression she'd have to wait till the sun came up to pass through the veil of light, but that wasn't a problem, for now she could sit and rest a while and have a bite to eat. Finding a rock Mina sat down and took some bread from her bag, she tore a bit off and unwrapped the cheese taking a bite from a corner, then put the rest back. Sitting gazing around she decided now would be a good time to play her mandolin, feeling inspired by the awesome nature all around her, Mina could feel the energy lift her spirit. Singing quietly to herself as she plucked the strings, there was a sudden change in the atmosphere.

 

In the distance beyond some trees, Mina could see a naked figure waving to her. Putting down her mandolin she stood up unafraid, knowing immediately it was her late mum's spirit, the same one she saw when on stage performing with the band.

 

Mina couldn't resist any longer. Picking up her mandolin she placed it back in the case, then gathered up all her belongings and ambled slowly along the path towards where the veil of light would appear. Coming a little closer light suddenly became visible, beaming down like a brides veil. Her mum's ghostly spirit the other side still beckoning her forward.

 

Tears began to trickle down her cheeks, not with sadness but with excitement as she neared the veil. Unsure of whether to touch, she murmured softly, “will I be able to pass through I wonder?” With heart beating faster Mina continued to feel exhilarated but nervous too.

 

She shivered gently touching the rays, they began to vibrate as flickers of stars twinkled flashing brighter and brighter, then they eventually dimmed and died away leaving just the curtain of light. The unworldly space between Mina and her mum began to slowly open. Mina placed the carrier bag on her arm, with leather bag slung across her shoulder and carried her mandolin and case in her hand.

 

Mist began to appear as she stepped across the threshold into the ancient world only her family could enter. The whole forest ahead lit up with such a bright light it was blinding, Mina had completely forgotten how dazzling it could be and put her hand up to her eyes to shade them. The path widened off as it twisted and turned and the sound of an owl could be heard off in the distance.

 

Looking back Mina noticed the veil gradually disappearing as it always had done in the past. Now, she gazed forward again taking each step slowly. The first calls of wolves could be heard far away, hearing them her heart skipped a beat as she thought of venturing further into their domain, a place she'd never been allowed to go as a young child.

 

After so long, the journey that had once seemed normal now felt like she was in some kind of trance or dream like state. What proceeded next was unexpected, Nina appeared standing at the edge of the path right beside her, again she was naked. “Mum!” Cried Mina jumping back in surprise.

 

Nina spoke as clearly as if she were still alive. “Come butterfly...don't be afraid, we witches don't have any inhibitions, feel free to dance naked, for there's no one around apart from us and the forest, dance for me, play your instrument, show me how alive you are.”

 

Without any hesitation Mina sat down on a rock and unlaced her boots, kicking them off and undressing, first her leggings came off, then her coat and t shirt, she shivered with each layer removed in the coolness of the morning air, but no longer nervous or afraid. Inspired by her mum's words Mina took the mandolin back out of the case and began to play. Nina held the trunk of a tree, hips swaying to the sound, with a nymph body she was young again as her daughter played on.

 

“Now you dance again for me butterfly,” Nina exclaimed excited, but feeling the last moments of her spirit slipping away.

 

Mina put down her mandolin and began to twirl, feeling her music, she closed her eyes in the silence and made patterns in the air with her hands and arms. Gazing up colours began to appear when she opened them, twinkling through the leaves as the sun shone down, oranges, reds and yellows all mingled like paint on canvas, she could run her hands around their shapes, feel their richness until they slowly cascaded away and she carried on dancing with eyes closed.

 

How long she danced Mina had no idea, but when she opened her eyes again, Mina noticed her mum had disappeared, this never troubled her, Mina knew all that mattered in the end...she was home.

 

Once again picking up her boots and clothes she stuffed them into her carrier and leather bag. With all possessions Mina carried on walking, still naked, feeling magical energy as she drifted on down paths. It amazed her how the forest was so alive and able to take care of itself with the magic it held, clearing away what wasn't needed and giving back to the earth without any help from humans.

 

Mina came to the fork in the path, there was a lane to her right which she would need to explore later, never having been allowed to venture that way, Mina was under the impression it led nowhere in particular, but she knew the right path to take she'd gone this way many times.

 

The sun was now beating down hard, but trees shaded her as they always did. Along the dreamy forest trail Mina finally caught sight of the cabin still standing after all this time. Passing the grave where her late mum's body was buried, Mina picked up the broom that lay beside the grave, now it would be hers to sweep away any negatively.

 

Mina heard her mum's voice whisper in the silence further on, “have no fear, enter dear.” A black cat appeared around the side of the cabin and crept inside. Mina gradually approached wondering what scene would meet her eyes, peering around the open door there were leaves strewn on the dusty floor, huge cobwebs hung from wooden beams, it was all quite ghostly.

 

Shelves were grimy with rows of neglected jars where remedies once dwelt, flowers that used to be treatments for curing the creatures of the forest and their ailments were now dead and gone.

 

Mina looked over in her corner, wondering how she'd ever felt comfortable on the bed that now looked like a nest for insects and mice. It would take a while to clean the cabin, but she had the rest of this day and the following...in fact the rest of her life, she wouldn't be going anywhere until the home was clean and tidy.

 

Stepping outside Mina decided to collect some firewood, even though it was Summer it would still get cold at night and she needed to be able cook food, making fire wasn't one of her stronger points, so Mina was glad she'd bought matches with her.

 

As Mina worked, the sound of wolves could be heard coming nearer, Mina stopped what she was doing. Looking along the path six huge wolves appeared, each bowing their heads as they approached. Mina stood very still anxious not to alarm the creatures. The wolf that led the way moved closer still with its head bowed. Finally a step away the creature reached out its front paw and Mina knew it was safe to react. She held out her hand and the wolf placed its paw on her palm. This was an act of trust that Mina knew would bring comfort and let her know she wasn't alone, they would keep her safe like they had done her mum. As the wolves turned to leave they lifted their heads to the sky and howled, then sauntered back along the path, quickly disappearing into the forest. Mina smiled carrying on with her job of collecting wood.

 

As the day wore on into late afternoon, the cleaning left her shattered. She decided new bedding would be needed and that would be her first priority in town tomorrow, for tonight she'd make the best of it and sleep on the floor with whatever she could find to make herself comfortable.

 

Mina felt like she'd never worked that physically hard before, so decided to have a break. Sitting down she tucked into some more of the bread and cheese with an apple for desert and thought about her exam results and whether she'd passed, tomorrow Mina would go to the college to find out.

 

She wondered about the ember she still carried in her pocket, even after all these years. Taking it out she held it in the palm of her hand, it looked like any old piece of coal. As Mina pondered, the black cat appeared around the door, it sauntered over and wrapped its tail around Mina's legs, she smiled at the feline, wondering if this was her mum returned from the dead in another form. “Jump up puss, I'm going to have to name you, can't keep calling you puss, now can I?”

 

The cat sprung up all of a sudden as if it understood, purring loudly and rubbing its head against her arm. “Now let me see.” It suddenly came to Mina. “I know! I'll call you Ember, after all it was mum's magic that put the coal there for me to see.” Gazing into the cat's eyes she asked, “What do you think of that Ember?”

 

The feline carried on purring, a sure sign it was comfortable. “Well, I suppose you're hungry, but I've nothing to feed you till tomorrow. Though I'm sure you'll catch a mouse somewhere off in the forest.”

 

At that moment the cat jumped down and scarpered out the door, which had Mina laughing at the idea of Ember understanding her. Sighing she stood up and decided to have a look at the Book Of Shadows, remembering she'd put it in the metal chest at the bottom of her mum's bed.

 

Kneeling down and opening the heavy lid, Inside was the thick leather bound book, still in good condition, though a little dusty. “Wow!” She whispered. “I'm glad I had the sense to put you in the chest.” Mina couldn't imagine what condition the book would have been in had she left it on the floor under the bed.

 

Placing the book on the kitchen table, Mina opened it up and turned the pages till she came to the first harvest of the year; Lammas.

 

It read: Harvest your bounty for magic to use at morning's early dawn on a clear day, but think carefully about the plants you pick. Your mind must be clear of all negativity, filter them out with gentle, caring thoughts.

 

Bathe and meditate on the plants to be picked, remember it has a soul and there's an energy force surrounding the plant.

 

Important to communicate with plant your intentions, let it know that it's needed for magic healing. Make sure the area around the plant is cleared, then draw a circle with your index finger around the plant.

 

Now leave, but come back later and draw another circle around the previous one. Your plant should be ready to harvest.

 

Harvest fresh plants before the sun comes up.

 

For drying plants harvest when the dew has vanished.

 

All your harvest should be immediately stored to trap vital energies till they're ready for magical use.

 

Mina read this with great interest, then closed the book. “I must go out into the garden and see what plants are available for collecting. She checked out the old wooden bucket used to collect water, the bottom had completely worn away and would only be any good as a planter. “I'll definitely need a new bucket in town tomorrow!” She said to herself.

 

There was much to think about as Mina left the cabin and walked around the back. It was like a jungle with long grass and weeds, gone was the vegetable plot with those helpful potatoes, vanished were the singing flowers, the lavender that her mum loved so much. Mina couldn't even make out the path that led to the well.

 

“Oh dear!” She gasped almost in tears with confusion and despair. “This is going to take me ages to clear on my own.” Mina wanted to keep up the traditions handed down by generations of her mum's family. Perhaps dad will help me! She thought.

 

Sighing she took herself back inside the cabin, followed by Ember. Mina sat at the kitchen table as Ember brushed her legs then settled down licking and cleaning herself. Taking out some paper and a pen from her leather bag, she began to make a list of things she'd needed to get in town tomorrow.

 

It was then that Mina remembered it was her birthday. Picking up her leather bag again, she took out the large red envelope her dad had given her, Inside was a beautiful birthday card with blue butterflies on the front. As Mina opened it, two crisp twenty pound notes fell out. The card read: To my dearest daughter, I hope your birthday is all you could ever wish for. Then underneath it read: Sorry I can't be there butterfly, but I'm hoping whatever you do that you're happy and content. All My Love and best wishes, Dad. XXXXX. It bought a tear to Mina's eye as she wiped it away and kissed the words gently. Placing the card on the kitchen table, Mina pondered on the fact this would be the first birthday she'd be spending alone. But that didn't matter. The best birthday present she could have, was to be back home beyond the veil of light as her mum had promised.

 

The End.