Tessy took a stroll outside meandering through her gardens. Her perennials were in vibrant colour and the buzzing from the busy little bumblebees was almost hypnotic. The sun was getting low in the sky. It was still warm and the long shadows of the trees rested on the lawn. Tessy always loved the dappled effect of the evening sun. She sat on the veranda and waved to friends and neighbours as they passed by. Tommy honked the horn as she waved to him. She smiled, on his way to pick up Sage for a date, I’d be bettin’. She stayed on the stoop until dark with Duke and Darby lying at her feet. She lovingly smiled at them and gave them each a pet.
“Alright now, it’s time for bed. Come on.” They got up, stretched and patiently waited for her to open the door.
Tessy headed off to bed a truly grateful wise woman. She drifted off and soon found herself back in the familiar hospital corridor very close to the doorway she has been unable to enter. She stood frozen as she felt that same nauseating knot tightening in the pit of her stomach. Not this time, she told her subconscious. Her mother’s words echoed in her mind, “You’ve nothing to fear but fear itself.” Tessy took a deep breath, walked directly to the door and pushed it open. The bed was hidden around the corner. She needed to enter the room. She cautiously moved one semi-paralyzed foot in front of the other. Tessy peeked around the corner. There was Tommy standing over Sage lying in the hospital bed. Her heart sank… NO... not Sage! Tessy stepped closer. Then she gasped. In Sage’s arms were two wee babes - Twins! Blessed Be! Tessy woke weeping. She knew it was a premonition! She sprang out of bed, switched on the light, grabbed her journal and wildly wrote. When she was done, she was too worked up to go back to bed. She wriggled into her slippers, flung on her housecoat and headed to the kitchen to make some warm milk and honey. Duke and Darby greeted her, confused as to why everyone was up so early. They went to the door to be let out. Tessy chuckled, as she opened the door, “Aye, I agree, we’re all a little off our oats, at the moment. Out ye go, now. No barking,” she added as she watched them run out into the night.
Tessy prepared her milk and sat at the table enjoying the calming sweet aroma. Blessed Be, indeed, she thought. “Find the Clan named after the herbs,” she smiled and whispered. She left her milk and ran upstairs to retrieve the translated Gaelic note from her mother, the amulet and the ring. She returned to the kitchen and read the part of the translation she was looking for… 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.
She held the amulet and ring in her hands glancing off into the distance. She now knew where they belonged. Sage will bare twins of Haggerty blood and, therefore, will inherit what is rightfully hers and the legacy will continue. Tessy also knew that they would be safe and their powers would be used for the good of all. Aye, Sage’s education must begin immediately, Tessy determined. There is no time to waste!
For now, Tessy would keep the amulet and ring concealed as well as the apparition of Sage and Tommy’s twins. But… the training will definitely commence! Tessy pictured how she would guide Sage into knowing she held the Gifted seed within her. All that needed to be done was to nurture that seed and watch it grow.
It took a while for Tessy to calm down enough to head back to bed. She let the dogs in, gave them each a good rub and off she went. As she returned the amulet and ring to their resting place she gazed at them, one more time, remembering the journey and the homage they represent. These two little trinkets, centuries old, took her to her beloved Ireland then lead her right back to where they and she belonged, Ashling Manor.
***
Tessy awoke Sunday morning with peace and joy in her heart. It was the dawn of a new day and a new beginning. She sat up in bed and wrapped her arms around her knees and let out a contented sigh. She smiled as she watched how the sunlight left golden shadows dappling through her majestic maple tree. She stretched, drew in another long breath, threw back her covers and placed her feet on the floor. Somehow, after last night, everything had changed and yet nothing had. Now, more than ever, Tessy was looking forward to Sage’s visit.
Tessy merrily floated through the day. She had purchased several frozen free-range chickens from Danny Baker and had popped one in the oven for her supper with Sage. She wanted the evening to be relaxed and easy. There was never any tension between them, but she wanted to make sure tonight was especially comfortable.
The door was always open for Sage to just let herself in. When she stepped in the house the smells were delicious. The aroma of all Sage’s comfort foods hit her senses, chicken, potatoes and apple pie. Mmm… she closed her eyes for a moment and just breathed it all in. She followed her nose to the kitchen and found Tessy standing at the stove.
“Hey, Tess,” she gaily greeted.
Tessy swung around. “Oh Sage, dear! I didn’t hear ye come in.” And the two hugged. “Come sit. Sit,” she ushered.
“No, let me help. What else needs to be done?” Sage insisted.
While the two finished preparing and eating their meal they cheerfully chatted about nothing and everything. After they cleared the dishes they took their tea, pie and lemon loaf into the living room. Tessy lit some candles to make it cozy and warm. She wanted to cleanse the space and call in loving guardians. When they finished their dessert Tessy asked Sage to sit with her on the couch.
There sat the Crone and Maiden. Tessy told of her childhood when her mother would take her to the clearing to talk of all things magical. How she taught her how to cast a circle, work a spell and respect Mother Earth. Tessy also told of how her father would whisper secrets to the horses and taught her respect for all animals. There were many stories Tessy shared with her student that night. As they sat close Tessy took her hand. She could feel that familiar tingle between them. It was the same spark she felt the first time their hands touched all those months ago. Sage had the Gift. All she needed was the guidance to go with it.
And so it was… the lessons began. The Wise Woman of Ladyslipper, Saskatchewan, would gently nurture, prepare and guide the next Wise Woman to continue the legacy and homage of their gifted Celtic ancestors.
In just over a year, she’d found love again, solved a family mystery in her beloved Ireland, and returned home to Ashling Manor with a new purpose.
Blessed Be!
Map of Ireland
Cockles and Mussels a.k.a. Molly Malone
In Dublin’s fair city, where the girls are so pretty
I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone
As she wheeled her wheel-barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O!
Alive, alive-O! alive, alive-O!
Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O!
She was a fish-monger, but sure ‘twas no wonder
For so were her father and mother before
And they each wheeled their barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O!
Alive, alive-O! alive, alive-O!
Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O!
She died of a fever, and no one could save her
And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone
But her ghost wheels her barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O!
Alive, alive-O! alive, alive-O!
Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O!
Acknowledgements
Sending out a huge thank you to the following people:
Where do I start regarding the talent and tireless energy of my wonderful editor/publisher, Darcy Nybo, of Artistic Warrior Publishing? Your knowledge and encouragement are a well that never runs dry, very much like your humour! This book proved to be a true challenge for me, but you reassured and prompted me until we got it right. Again, thank you! The friendship and respect
that has developed between us over the past few years is a cherished treasure that I do not take for granted.
To the creative, Magdalene Carson, for designing another, magical book cover for Tessy and I. Your designs tell a story in themselves.
Thank you to my beta readers, Darlene Stevenson, Audrey Magnusson and Elaine McGeachie. Your wonderful comments and helpful suggestions are valued and so appreciated. Also thanks to Jodi Quibell for the final proofread.
To my sister, Diane, for being my confidant, my proof reader, my sounding board, my shoulder to cry on and my best friend. To my brother, Craig and his wife Karen, thank you for your constant love, support and managing my “Manitoba” sales for me!
To the remainder of my family, many, many dear friends and kindred souls thank you for your continuous support and loving energy. This magical journey would mean very little without you.
Blessed Be!
About the Author
Elaine Gugin Maddex is a wife, mother, grandmother and author. She was born and raised in the charming town of Minnedosa, Manitoba.
As a small child, she would follow her grandmother and help in her massive gardens. (It was more than likely that she just got under foot!) This experience left a huge imprint on her life and the country girl remained.
She is a kitchen herbalist who loves concocting herbal remedies, spending time in her gardens, promoting her books and enjoying special moments with family, pets and friends.
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