Daughters of the Goddess--Part 5

Brigid listened intently to their recounting of the meeting. She only interrupted to ask a few questions. While her frown indicated that she did not approve of Nori’s sparring with Cied, the high priestess said nothing.

Her face went white when she heard about Lugh’s outburst. She closed her eyes when she learned that many had voiced their agreement. She murmured something under her breath, most likely a prayer.

“We cannot undo the past,” she said finally, opening her eyes. “We must go forward.”

“How do we do that?” Rian asked.

“First, we must perform rituals on behalf of the village.” She turned to Nori. “You’re watching the shrine tomorrow. Will you perform them?”

After a lengthy pause, Nori nodded.

“Good. Now, to choosing the girls to test,” Brigid continued. “We will draw names randomly. It will be the fairest way.”

“There will be complaints, regardless of how fair we are,” Nori said.

Brigid sighed. “You’re probably right, but we must do the best we can.”

Rian rose to her feet. “I’ll get start on writing the names so we can start drawing groups. We should probably start testing in a few days.”

“I’ll make sure that we have the necessary herbs for the rituals tomorrow.”

“When you are finished, Nori, go home,” Brigid said. She left the chamber to help Rian with the list of names. She wondered if any of them would get any rest tonight.

* * * * *

The house was dark when Rian finally arrived home. She entered the house quietly. The children would be in bed but Esus would probably be up, waiting for her.

“You’re finally home,” he greeted as she closed the door. He was sitting by the fire, carving a bowl. “The meeting didn’t go well.”

“How do you know?” Esus had not attended the meeting. How could he had known so soon?

“Minen and Erd came to apologize for the behavior of some of the elders.” He continued to carve. “I knew that you and Nori must have gone to the shrine.”

Rian sat down near her husband. “Brigid needed to know what happened.”

“How bad was it?”

“Bad,” she replied as she told him about the meeting. There was little point in not telling Esus. Every aspect of it would soon be common knowledge in the village.

Esus continued carving the bowl. It was for Dia’s household. The girl was to be married in a few weeks.

Lugh’s word echoed in her mind. Would Dia be getting married if she had been chosen? Would the other family object to the match if Dia had responsibilities as a priestess?

“Have you ever regretted marrying me?”

He appeared startled by the question. Esus looked at her closely, making her color. “Is this a serious question?”

For a moment, she wanted to take it back. But she needed to know. She nodded.

He set the bowl aside and took her hand. For a moment, he studied their entwined fingers. “I’ve been jealous when your duties to the shrine take you away from home. And it drives me mad how the elders and the village have treated you. I’m only a man. I’ve done my best to understand.

“But I can say honestly that I have never regretted marrying you, Rian,” he said, smiling as he looked up to her. “Never. Never in twenty years.”

She blinked back tears. The conviction in his voice told her he was telling the truth. It was a balm to her wounded heart. “Thank you.”

He kissed her lightly on the forehead. “You look tired. Let’s forget about everything, the village, the elders, the shrine, and go to bed.”

“Sounds wonderful,” she said. She followed him into their room and put away her priestess robe, feeling a weight being lifted from her. To her surprise, she was able to fall asleep.

* * * * *

It was the next afternoon when Rian returned to the shrine. The sisters were drawing the names to form the testing groups. She began to gather the few supplies they needed for the task.

“Good, you’re here,” Nori said as she came from the sacred chamber. “I just finished the rituals.”

“I hope the Goddess accepts the offerings on behalf of the village,” Rian said.

Nori shook her head. “That would more likely if the village was truly repentant.”

Rian wanted to argue with her sister but she couldn’t. What proof did she have that the village was repentant? Did any of them realize how their actions could greatly anger the Goddess?

“At least the rituals are performed,” Rian remarked lamely.

Brigid entered the shrine. She greeted her sisters as she took her place at the table. “Is everything ready?”

“Yes,” Rian answered. “How many should we test in a group?”

“Five.” Brigid picked up a name, folded the paper, and placed it in a bowl. “This won’t take long.”

“No, it won’t,” Nori agreed. “Rian, will you record the groups?”

It only took a few minutes to have the groups selected. Luth’s daughters were in the last group. Rian didn’t know if she was disappointed or relieved.

“We will test the first group in three days,” Brigid announced. “We must begin our preparations. I will go and inform the families of these girls about the upcoming test.”

“And if the families refuse?” Nori asked.

Brigid glanced at the outer door of the shrine. “If there is any reverence left for the Goddess in the village, there will be no refusals.”

“I hope you are right, sister,” Nori said.

Rian hoped Brigid was right, too.


Part V Brigid listened intently to their recounting of the meeting. She only interrupted to ask a few questions. While her frown indicated that she did not approve of Nori’s sparring with Cied, the high priestess said nothing. Her face went white when she heard about Lugh’s outburst. She closed her eyes when she learned that many had voiced their agreement. She murmured something under her breath, most likely a prayer. “We cannot undo the past,” she said finally, opening her eyes. “We must go forward.” “How do we do that?” Rian asked. “First, we must perform rituals on behalf of the village.” She turned to Nori. “You’re watching the shrine tomorrow. Will you perform them?” After a lengthy pause, Nori nodded. “Good. Now, to choosing the girls to test,” Brigid continued. “We will draw names randomly. It will be the fairest way.” “There will be complaints, regardless of how fair we are,” Nori said. Brigid sighed. “You’re probably right, but we must do the best we can.” Rian rose to her feet. “I’ll get start on writing the names so we can start drawing groups. We should probably start testing in a few days.” “I’ll make sure that we have the necessary herbs for the rituals tomorrow.” “When you are finished, Nori, go home,” Brigid said. She left the chamber to help Rian with the list of names. She wondered if any of them would get any rest tonight. * * * * * The house was dark when Rian finally arrived home. She entered the house quietly. The children would be in bed but Esus would probably be up, waiting for her. “You’re finally home,” he greeted as she closed the door. He was sitting by the fire, carving a bowl. “The meeting didn’t go well.” “How do you know?” Esus had not attended the meeting. How could he had known so soon? “Minen and Erd came to apologize for the behavior of some of the elders.” He continued to carve. “I knew that you and Nori must have gone to the shrine.” Rian sat down near her husband. “Brigid needed to know what happened.” “How bad was it?” “Bad,” she replied as she told him about the meeting. There was little point in not telling Esus. Every aspect of it would soon be common knowledge in the village. Esus continued carving the bowl. It was for Dia’s household. The girl was to be married in a few weeks. Lugh’s word echoed in her mind. Would Dia be getting married if she had been chosen? Would the other family object to the match if Dia had responsibilities as a priestess? “Have you ever regretted marrying me?” He appeared startled by the question. Esus looked at her closely, making her color. “Is this a serious question?” For a moment, she wanted to take it back. But she needed to know. She nodded. He set the bowl aside and took her hand. For a moment, he studied their entwined fingers. “I’ve been jealous when your duties to the shrine take you away from home. And it drives me mad how the elders and the village have treated you. I’m only a man. I’ve done my best to understand. “But I can say honestly that I have never regretted marrying you, Rian,” he said, smiling as he looked up to her. “Never. Never in twenty years.” She blinked back tears. The conviction in his voice told her he was telling the truth. It was a balm to her wounded heart. “Thank you.” He kissed her lightly on the forehead. “You look tired. Let’s forget about everything, the village, the elders, the shrine, and go to bed.” “Sounds wonderful,” she said. She followed him into their room and put away her priestess robe, feeling a weight being lifted from her. To her surprise, she was able to fall asleep. * * * * * It was the next afternoon when Rian returned to the shrine. The sisters were drawing the names to form the testing groups. She began to gather the few supplies they needed for the task. “Good, you’re here,” Nori said as she came from the sacred chamber. “I just finished the rituals.” “I hope the Goddess accepts the offerings on behalf of the village,” Rian said. Nori shook her head. “That would more likely if the village was truly repentant.” Rian wanted to argue with her sister but she couldn’t. What proof did she have that the village was repentant? Did any of them realize how their actions could greatly anger the Goddess? “At least the rituals are performed,” Rian remarked lamely. Brigid entered the shrine. She greeted her sisters as she took her place at the table. “Is everything ready?” “Yes,” Rian answered. “How many should we test in a group?” “Five.” Brigid picked up a name, folded the paper, and placed it in a bowl. “This won’t take long.” “No, it won’t,” Nori agreed. “Rian, will you record the groups?” It only took a few minutes to have the groups selected. Luth’s daughters were in the last group. Rian didn’t know if she was disappointed or relieved. “We will test the first group in three days,” Brigid announced. “We must begin our preparations. I will go and inform the families of these girls about the upcoming test.” “And if the families refuse?” Nori asked. Brigid glanced at the outer door of the shrine. “If there is any reverence left for the Goddess in the village, there will be no refusals.” “I hope you are right, sister,” Nori said. Rian hoped Brigid was right, too.


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