“Oh, Tessy, grand, thanks. How are ye and Marshall enjoying Dublin?”
“Oh, lovely. Just lovely, so much to see and do. Would Keenan be about, dear?”
“Aye, he just got back from the stables. I’ll go get him.” There was a minute of silence and then her brother picked up the phone.
“Tess, how are ye and Marshall doin’. We can hardly wait to see ye.”
“We’re grand Keenan, just grand.” Tessy paused. “Listen love, I’ve found the name of a good translator and we are meetin’ with him tomorrow afternoon.”
“Oh, Tessy, that’s grand!” Tessy was relieved to hear her brother in agreement with their plans. “We’ll be looking forward to hearin’ what it is ye find out.”
“We’ll call tomorrow, then, as soon as we find out. Bye for now.”
Tessy turned to Marshall. “Well, that’s that then. I do believe another day of sightseeing is in order.” This would be their last full day to do so, as a big part of tomorrow would be taken up with the translator.
They hopped on the city bus and headed for downtown. Today’s itinerary consisted of Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, Guinness Storehouse, the Old Jameson Distillery and, if they could fit it in, the Liffey River Cruise.
Marshall chuckled, “It feels a little strange visiting such a prestigious church and then heading off to a brewery.”
Tessy just laughed, “Ireland, the home of churches and pubs! What better way to celebrate her?”
Every stop was filled with gripping legends, great accomplishments and so much history. They read markers and tablets filled with enlightening information and took dozens of pictures. By late afternoon they were getting weary. They decided to stop and have a bite before returning to the B&B. They came across a lively pub, got seated and ordered.
“I guess tomorrow we should rise and shine early to pick up the larger rental vehicle and start packing before heading off to the translator.” Marshall suggested.
“Aye, I agree. Tomorrow is going to be a full day, to be sure. I can’t imagine what we are about to find out. After all these years, what is it that my Mam kept hidden?”
Marshall gave Tessy a gentle, caring look but remained silent. He did not have an answer for her and was equally intrigued as to what tomorrow would present.
When they finished their meal, they ordered one more pint and enjoyed the live entertainment.
When they returned to their room at the B&B Marshall immediately retired. Tessy wrote of their day then joined him. After last night’s restless sleep she was exhausted. Fortunately, she slept rather soundly.
***
They awoke refreshed and were the first ones down to breakfast. JD entered with a bright smile and a carafe of coffee. “Well, good morning,” he said as Tessy and Marshall offered up their cups for some of the fresh brew.
“Good morning,” Tessy and Marshall chimed.
“So, this is your last full day with us?”
“Aye, we’ve had a grand time. Went by so fast, it did.”
“Glad to hear you’ve enjoyed it. It does always seem to go by fast though. Now, what can I get you for breakfast?”
They ordered a lighter meal this time, minus the blood pudding, and ate it in relative silence as they watched their fellow travellers trickle in for breakfast. After their meal, they went up to their room, packed a few things and headed off to the car rental. They tried out a few cars, to make sure Marshall would fit in them. By the time they had signed the papers and had the keys to their new rental, the morning was gone. Marshall navigated while Tessy drove to the address they had been given for the translator. The butterflies in Tessy’s stomach were almost too much for her to bear. She was glad she had to concentrate on driving. Finally, they pulled into a cobblestone driveway of a lovely home. Tessy shut off the engine, looked at Marshall and drew in a long breath. She puffed it out and said, “Well, then, I guess this is it.”
Marshall smiled, picked up her hand and kissed it. “It will be fine, dear. Let’s go see what the fellow has to say.”
When they reached the door, Marshall gave the doorknocker a couple of hefty cracks. A few moments later they were greeted by an oddly distinguished gentleman. He wore a tweed sports jacket over a plaid shirt and jeans which, Tessy thought, seemed to suit his tall, slender build. His glasses were pushed up and were almost lost in his wild, wavy, thick, white head of hair.
“Good afternoon,” was his warm greeting, “ye must be the folks JD mentioned, Tessy and Marshall, I believe. Please, come in. I’m Owen O’Malley,” he stretched out his hand and they exchanged handshakes.
“Please come in,” he repeated, “this way to my study. I understand ye’ve something ye’d like translated.”
Tessy spoke as she followed him. “Aye. I have a wee note I have just recently acquired and even though I can make out a word here and there, most of it is way over my abilities, I’m afraid.
Tessy and Marshall entered the study where Owen motioned them to sit in two comfortable wing chairs opposite a large desk. “Mind, I have no real idea what this holds, but it is dear to me, none-the-less. It’s from my Mam who has been gone a long while.” Tessy continued.
“Aye, I understand,” Owen solemnly answered. “I assure ye, what we find out here today will be held in the strictest of confidence.”
“We appreciate that very much, Mr. O’Malley,” said Marshall, as he gave Tessy a reassuring smile.
“Please, call me Owen,” the professor smiled and sat at his desk.
Tessy reached into her purse, pulled out and slowly unfolded the precious note. She stroked her hand over it one more time before she handed it to Owen.
“Thank ye,” he smiled at her while patting around the papers on his desk then scanned the room as if he were searching for something. “Now, where on earth did I put my glasses,” he scowled and peered about the room.
Tessy and Marshall both chuckled. “Ummm, they’re on your head,” said Marshall and the trio burst into laughter. “I’m sure glad to see I’m not the only one that does that!” joked Marshall.
“Oh, excuse me,” the professor chuckled, “of course, thank ye.” He pulled them down and glanced over the paper. “Hmmm, this might take a few minutes longer than anticipated. May I suggest ye take a walk out into my garden area while I go over this in more detail? I will have my assistant bring ye out some tea.”
Tessy looked at Marshall with great reluctance. She did not want to let the note out of her sight. Marshall smiled, took her hand and once again, reassured her, “It will be fine, dear. Thank you, Owen, that would be nice,” and gently ushered Tessy out the French doors leading to the gardens.
Tessy finished her tea and couldn’t count how many times she had rung her hands while they waited. Not even the beauty of the lush gardens could calm her. Close to an hour later, Owen came out to the garden and beckoned them. Tessy and Marshall rushed back in and eagerly took their chairs in front of Owen’s large desk.
Owen began, “I’ll start with the engraving on the items ye have mentioned. Quite simply translated it says, ‘They neither bend nor change.’ As for the other, well, this is quite a note. As ye know, there are many forms of Gaelic and there were parts of this that were of the more ancient Gaelic. Thankfully, being a historian, I was able to decipher it. I have written it out for ye, I just hope ye can decipher my hand writing.” He smiled as he handed over the original note and the translation.
Tessy took and folded up the original and put it safely back in her purse. She and Marshall pulled their chairs together and leaned in close. They read the translation in silence. Marshall finished and straightened in his chair with a look of puzzlement and concern. Tessy had finished as well, but was reading it again and again. She looked up at Marshall with tears in her eyes. Marshall placed his hand on her forearm and lovingly rubbed it. Tessy then turned her attention to Owen. “I don’t understand. Parts of it are more of a poetic riddle.”
“Aye. That is the more ancient but, to t
he best of my ability, that is how it translates. I wish I could be of more help.”
“Not at all. I thank ye for your services. I’m quite sure ye have done a fine job.” Tessy gathered herself and placed the translation beside the original note in her purse. They paid the professor his fee and left.
Marshall realized Tessy was in no shape to drive and suggested he drive. It wasn’t far to the B&B and he was pretty confident he could handle it without any difficulty. While they headed back, Marshall asked Tessy to read the note out loud to see if it made any more sense. She began:
My Dearest Darlings:
I fear your father and I are in grave danger. It is with a heavy heart I write these words for I believe when ye read them we will be gone
This amulet and ring are to be guarded and handed down to only those of Haggerty twins. Their power is to be used for the good of all. Listen to their wisdom, feel their power and healing energy. Use them to proclaim all those who have been unjustly served. Neither bend nor change in your strategy to guide and protect them. Then expose those who are the dark, deceitful ones.
The following passage has been handed down for many a century – take heed…
Whoever is blessed with this amulet and ring
To all your affairs their power will bring
Follow the path of crystals, gems, herbals and oils
To keep away all curses, evils and spoils
Learn from the Crone what ye can
All Maidens and Mothers make this your plan
For in this wisdom ye will learn and grow
Discovering which is friend and which to be foe.
Find the Clan named after the herbs,
for they are the protected ones with the powerful words.
Blessed Be
Now, my dears, I have taught ye the best I can. Harm non, do what ye will. Take your Gifts and use them for the good of all. May the Lord and Lady protect and watch over ye always.
With Great Blessings and Love,
Mother
Marshall asked Tessy if it made any sense to her at all.
“Aye. There was some talk that our parents’ car accident was of a suspicious nature but nothing was ever proven and then Kennan and I were whisked off to Canada. And that’s the last we heard of it.”
When they got back to their room, Tessy immediately called Keenan and read the translation. Keenan was just as baffled and they left it with them deciding there was nothing they could do at the moment. They would discuss it further when Tessy and Marshall arrived at their house in about one week’s time.
Tessy remained uncharacteristically quiet for the rest of the day and Marshall, instinctively, knew that leaving it that way was for the best. They did some more packing and then Marshall went down to the sunroom to read his book. He had left her sitting on their bed going over the note again and again. About an hour later Marshall returned to find her still there. He sat down and put his arm around her, “Darling, why don’t we get some fresh air, go for a little walk then head down to the pub for a bite?”
Tessy silently rose, and placed the papers on the bed beside him. She took his hand and smiled down at her adoring husband, “Aye, love. That sounds like a grand idea.”
4
Time to Move On
No more was said about the note until Tessy and Marshall got back to their room and Tessy saw the papers laying on the bed.
“Well, it’s time to put this to rest for a day or two. I will not let it spoil one more minute of this grand holiday. I have given it to the good Lord and all the gifted Haggertys before me. I shall, now, wait and see how my prayers are answered.” With that, she picked up the professor’s notes and stuffed them into the outer pocket of her daypack. She had already carefully tucked away her mother’s hand written note. It would remain a cherished keepsake.
They snuggled into the comfortable bed and Tessy was thankful for Marshall’s loving arms around her. They both drifted off, but Tess’s sleep was far from peaceful. There was that dark presence, an evil. Then she saw her parents’ car heading over the cliff and plunging into the sea. She awoke with a start and cried out. Marshall sat up, “What? What, Tessy? What’s the matter, dear?” He reached for the side lamp and turned it on.
“Oh, love. I’m sorry. T’was just a bad dream, tis all. Go back to sleep. Sorry to have wakened ye.”
“Are you all right? What happened? Do you want to talk about it?”
“No, I’m fine, dear. Thank you. Go back to sleep,” Tessy repeated.
“All right. If you’re sure,” Marshall groggily complied, patting her on the leg and turning off the light.
Tessy, though wide-awake, lay back down. She knew the dream meant something, but what? She always paid attention to her dreams as, most times, they told more truth than a wakened state. She knew that often it was loved ones and angels coming through with an important message. She would pick up a new journal tomorrow specifically to write down her dreams, recording them as best she could. She was sure that would be the best way to help interpret these channelled messages. She did some deep breathing, shook the nightmare from her mind and slowly drifted off to sleep. She awoke the next morning somewhat rested. Marshall was staring at her.
“Good morning, sweetheart. Did you get much sleep after your nightmare?”
“Aye, love. Some. Thank ye.”
“Do you want to talk about it, at all?”
“Not yet, love. Maybe when I get a bit more figured out.”
“Okay. But you can tell me anything. I am a pretty good listener, you know?”
Tessy laughed and put her arms around her loving husband, “Aye, ye’re a very good listener and I love ye with all my heart.”
They dressed and went down for their last breakfast at the B&B. JD greeted them and asked how yesterday’s translation went.
“Fine, thank ye, JD. Your Owen O’Malley is a fine, knowledgeable gentleman. He did a grand job for us.” And nothing more was said about it.
They finished up and decided to go for a walk. Their next destination was only about 40 km away, close to The Curragh, home of the Irish Derby. It was this coming weekend and they were looking forward to it immensely. They walked until they came to a little chemist’s shop and they went in to pick up a notebook for Tessy to record her dreams. She wasn’t going to read too much into all this but deciding to write them down meant she could just let it go so it wouldn’t control her thoughts until the writings became clear.
They went back to the B&B and packed up the car. The hatbox was assigned to an honoured spot. They said their goodbyes to JD and Marilyn, re-booking their room for the night before their flight home.
It was mostly country driving, so Marshall took the wheel and they were off. The countryside was lush and lovely. They had three nights and four days in The Curragh area and their itinerary was already jam-packed.
5
A Grand Affair
They arrived at the hotel in plenty of time as the Derby gates didn’t open until 3 p.m. and the first race wasn’t until after 5 p.m. It was only 2 p.m. so after they checked in they went for a walk around the manicured grounds. They returned around 3:30 to dress for the evening. Tomorrow would be the main event, so Tessy would have to wait until then to display her decorative purchase.
When they reached The Curragh, it was a blaze of excitement: the crowds, the horses, the press. Tessy sniffed the air and pulled Marshall over to the Derby Food Paddock which showcased several of Ireland’s leading local food producers. Tessy and Marshall wandered from one booth to the next savouring some delectable cuisine.
“Oh, Marshall! Isn’t this exciting? And the food is simply amazing!”
“Man, sure glad I didn’t overeat before we got here,” Marshall shared before popping some kind of a seafood pastry in his mouth. Tessy smiled up at him, brushing some crumbs from the corner of his mouth with her napkin.
He smiled down at her and winked. “I think we should make this interesting and go place a bet. What do
you think, dear?”
“Well, love, you’re not needin’ my permission and I think ye’ve already made up your mind on that one, anyway,” Tessy chuckled.
“Okay. Let’s go find the Betting Shop before the race starts,” Marshall grabbed Tessy’s hand and they were off. Well, the first race came and went with Marshall becoming no richer, by any means! “Guess maybe I should do a little homework before I do anymore betting,” he scowled as he ripped up the stubs in his hand.
“Poor dear. It’s a good thing ye bet conservatively. Well, maybe ye’ll do better tomorrow after ye strike up a conversation with someone who knows what they’re doing,” Tessy giggled.
They watched the next couple of races then decided to go to one of the restaurants for a lovely, light meal, considering all their earlier nibblings. They were soon seated savouring a fine glass of wine.
“Imagine! Here we sit at the infamous Irish Derby. It seems like just yesterday I opened your Christmas present to find the tickets for this joyous holiday along with the Derby tickets.” Tessy raised her glass of wine.
“I know. Time is travelling too fast, my lady. I want it to slow down so I can truly enjoy every moment with you.” Marshall raised his glass and tapped it against hers before they took a sip.
After dinner, they enjoyed the evenings’ musical entertainment before returning to the hotel for a nightcap.
“What a joyous day,” Tessy smiled. “We started out in Dublin and ended with us sitting here after the races. How blessed we are,” she beamed and raised her glass with the last toast of the evening.
Marshall tapped it nodding in agreement adding, “It couldn’t be more perfect.”
They finished their drinks, Marshall signed the tab and they strolled up to their room. Tessy was hoping for a peaceful night’s sleep, but she set the notebook on her nightstand just in case.
The next morning, Tessy lay quiet to think about her dreams. Nothing was coming to mind. She let out a satisfied sigh.
Wise Woman Homage Page 3