Shasta Summer

by Teresa Geering

  While Shasta was coming to terms with all that Abelia had told her, Abelia called Princess Jasmine to her side.

  “Get her a drink from the well, please, Jasmine.”

  “Yes, your majesty,” Jasmine said.

  Because the cup was attached to the well, Jasmine had used an acorn cup to collect the water and she invited Shasta to drink. Although the acorn cup was only tiny, it seemed to replenish itself with enough water to quench Shasta’s thirst.

  “It will soon be dawn,” said Abelia. “You have to get back to May and Merlin. Please remember this one last thing, Shasta. You’ll be the Queen on Shasta day and the faeries always dress the Shasta Queen, so I’ll see you again then. Don’t forget”

  “I won’t,” she said.

  Surely I haven’t been here all night, thought Shasta, but the sky was beginning to get light, so she must have been. Saying goodbye to Abelia and all the other faeries, she began to make her way back through the gate.

  “If you ever need any advice, Shasta, come and see me. This is your village and heritage.”

  “Thank you, Abelia. I’ll remember that.”

  Whilst she was walking back through the gate, the robin returned and settled on her shoulder.

  “All is well then, Shasta?” the robin asked.

  “I really don’t know,” she said. “There is so much I have to think about.” My beloved Merlin, she thought aloud. Now I understand why I feel so close to him. Some things are starting to make sense.

  Walking back up the path wearily, she came to the swing seat. Still sitting there was her faithfully Merlin.

  “Oh, Merlin,” she said.

  “Ah, you have spoken to Abelia, then?”

  “Yes,” she said softly. “I had no idea about us in the past.”

  “How could you, my dearest mistress? But what is meant to be will be,” he said.

  With that, she walked into the kitchen and made her way to her bedroom, tiptoing quietly past her aunts’ room and into her own. Climbing into bed she began to think about all that Abelia had said to her. Merlin had followed her in and, as usual, had curled up at the foot of the bed.

  With that, Shasta fell into a troubled sleep. Her last thought before sleep overtook her was what Merlin would look like in human form.

  Merlin’s’ last thought before sleep was what did the Book of Erasmus mean by ‘prepare for the unexpected’? Even Erasmus couldn’t give an answer to that.

  May was lying awake in her room. She had only been feigning sleep as Shasta crept past. By now Abelia would have told her about the love between her and Merlin. Maybe she was only eight and three quarters living outside the village, but here in Shasta she had aged to at least eighteen years old. Maybe the Book of Erasmus would come up with the right answer. Only time will tell, she thought. With that in mind she drifted into sleep.

  Chapter 10

  Both May and Shasta woke late the next morning. Having discussed all that had happened in Faery Cove, they had finally got round to having their breakfast and completing the usual chores of washing up the dishes and making the beds. Housework was rarely done in Shasta Village except by the swish of the magic finger or just a thought process.

  “Shall we take a walk in the village and look at the preparations for Shasta Day? It’ll soon be upon us,” suggested May

  “Yes, please,” said Shasta. “I’d like that very much.”

  Walking down to the village, they sat in the shade drinking orange juice and watching the preparations getting under way. Shasta began to get very excited. She was aware that she was getting second glances and, in some cases stares, but it didn’t bother her. May hadn’t commented, so why should she worry? The village had heard the rumour that the Shasta from the old legend had returned, and this niece of May's held a striking resemblance to the way Shasta had generally been depicted, but the villagers were afraid to approach and ask in case they looked foolish.

  No explanation was offered by May and she was enjoying herself.

  No one knew of course that May had planted a thought in the shopkeepers’ minds, suggesting that the original Shasta might return this time.

  The buzz of excitement and gossip outside the shop had started to become exaggerated and the story at the moment was that Shasta was returning to her village. Because there was a faint chance that May's niece could be Shasta, the villagers had decided to celebrate in the old original way.

  The whole community had chosen a tree, and past custom dictated that it should be cut down and brought through the village in solemn procession. This would happen the day before the celebration. It would be erected in the middle of the green and would be stripped of its branches and leaves. At the top of the tree was placed a crown from which hung multi-coloured ribbons. Each Morris dancer would take hold of a ribbon and, by dancing in an intricate pattern, the ribbons would be woven around the tree until they reached the bottom.

  Although August was in the summer period, the moon also governed the celebration. Litha time, or Weodmonath – weed month - was held to celebrate the village changing from a weed infested place to a haven of beautiful gardens and hedgerows. This was thanks to the goodness of Shasta. So to have Shasta returning was ensure an even more joyous occasion.

  May and Shasta had talked about what they would cook, but no final decision had been made yet. It wasn’t surprising that food was so easily prepared for this festival. If one only had to wish it to be cooked and it was, there surely couldn’t be any problem. It was apparently quite normal to roast a ram or bull so that everyone would be fed. These, of course, had to be caught first. It could be done by magic but that would take the fun out of the chase. Occasionally a suckling pig from the village was roasted, but bulls and rams were the preferred dish.

  Having finished their drinks, May and Shasta began to make their way back to the cottage. Waiting at the gate for them was the ever-faithful Merlin. Giving him a stroke, Shasta and May walked under the rose arch into the garden and through to the kitchen. There was so much to do; finalising their plans for the food for instance. Ok, so they only had to think of something and it would be cooked by magic, but part of the excitement was making the decisions. Also, another important factor to consider was how she and May would be dressed. May had made her decision on what she would wear, but they would have to go to Faery Cove to collect Shasta’s dress which was to be made by the faeries.

  Normally faeries only appear at night, but Abelia had given permission on this occasion for them to be about during the morning. Providing that May and Shasta went to Faery Cove just before dawn they would stay visible.

  Chapter 11

  Shasta woke up early the following morning, the eve of Shasta Day. In a past life she had instigated all of this and these were her people. Shasta Day meant so much to them. How strange it all felt but it was a fact.

  Thinking back, it was only two weeks ago that she had arrived in Shasta as Summer Backer, a young schoolgirl in the spring of her life, arranging sleepovers with friends, spending half the night giggling over schoolboy heroes and comparing them to unobtainable pop stars.

  Now she knew not only was she Summer Backer in this life but previously she had been Shasta, a legendary folk heroine of this village who had been in love with a young man called Merlin. He was now alive in this life (and maybe others) as a cat, and living with her Aunt May. In this magical world, she could visit a faery kingdom overseen by Queen Abelia, and to reach there she just had to diminish in size and be guided by a robin and a stream of faeries who were the prettiest folk she had ever seen. On top of all that, she had something called 'second sight' which enabled her to see into the future. This had still to be proven, though. The gift that disturbed her most was the thought that whatever she decided ought to happen in Shasta would take place. That in itself was a tremendous responsibility.

  She suddenly felt very guilty. Not once had she thought about her parents. However they had said that they would write to her or phone and they hadn't. So perhaps t
hey had been too preoccupied with the problems at the garden centre and with catching up with Henney and Lisa.

  From the kitchen came the lovely aroma of coffee and toast, which meant that May was already up and about. Maybe she would have coffee and toast this morning. Cereal and juice didn’t seem to appeal to her much these days.

  Shasta was aware that Merlin was lying at the bottom of the bed and tentatively moved her foot to see what would happen. As she did so, Merlin moved with her so that he could maintain contact. “My beloved Merlin,” she thought.

  Well she couldn’t lie here all day. There was so much to do. Throwing the bed covers back, much to Merlin’s disgust, she slipped her feet into her slippers and pulled on her dressing gown. Merlin jumped down and started to wash himself with his paw. This always amused Shasta, and she laughed. Her aunt was sitting at the table sipping her coffee as she walked into the kitchen.

  “Good morning, Aunt, what a wonderful day,” she said.

  “Good morning, my lovely, and yes I agree with you, it certainly is,” May replied. “Would you like your usual cereal and juice Shasta?”

  “No, thank you, Aunt. I thought I would join you in coffee and toast this morning.”

  No sooner was the remark out of her mouth than the coffee and toast appeared in front of her. Shasta accepted this as part of normal life now to the extent that she asked her aunt if she would like to join her in another cup of coffee.

  “Yes, please,” said May and it appeared.

  They both laughed conspiratorially.

  Merlin, joining them, asked if he could have coffee and toast too.

  “Don’t be silly, Merlin, you’re a cat,” said Shasta and instantly regretted it as he appeared to flinch.

  “I have some nice juicy fish for you this morning, Merlin. How does that sound?”

  “Oh I suppose it will have to do, May. After all, I’m only a cat!”

  With that he flounced outside into the garden and sat under the bushes.

  “I think I’ve upset him, May,” said Shasta. “I didn’t mean to.”

  “Oh, I shouldn’t worry too much about that,” said May and instantly produced the fish. Merlin, on smelling it, was slowly tempted back again. Making a very half-hearted attempt, he only ate a bit of it and walked off again. May realising instantly what the problem was decided not to discuss it with Shasta. No point in upsetting her even more. Merlin was obviously still in love with Shasta but, as a cat, he could only think about it. May felt very sad but there was nothing that she could do for him. Shasta’s power was much stronger than hers now, even though she didn’t realise it yet. Only she could change the way things were and it had to be her decision not May’s. In her heart she would love to see Merlin in human form again. He was a very handsome young man and, in a past life, she had probably been a little bit in love with him herself. Her desire now would be to see Shasta and Merlin together in love, and she would be mistress to both of them.

  If only it was in my power, thought May.

  “If only what was in your power, Aunt May?” asked Shasta.

  Not realising that she had made the comment out loud, May brushed it aside by saying, “Oh it’s just me being silly, my dear. Don’t mind me. Well,” said May more composed now, “shall we clear up the dishes, do the other chores and go down to the village? It’s the tree ceremony today.”

  “Oh yes,” said Shasta feeling youthful excitement. “You can explain it to me on the way, Aunt”.

  They both took a slow walk down to the village. Although it was still quite early, there were many villagers about, bustling here and there with an air of excitement. Every so often, one of the men would touch their forelock to Shasta in a respectful way. At times she was torn between amusement and curiosity. As before, May secretly smiled to herself but made no comment.

  Standing at the edge of the village green, they became aware of cheering. In the tradition of the legend, the villagers came into sight carrying a tree that had been felled. It was being carried by at least ten men, with others following in its wake. The children having now returned from their boarding schools, danced around the men, sometimes getting in the way and pulling at the branches. Everyone was eager to be involved. The women formed two rows facing each other at the edge of the green. May and Shasta tagged on at the end, not wanting to be left out. As the men reached the two rows of women, there was a sudden hush. Each woman touched a part of the tree as it was lifted past, including May. Shasta not really knowing why, touched it anyway. Its leaves felt cool to the touch and she felt the urge to bury her face in them. They smelt of pine and earth. She gave into the impulse and there was an audible gasp from the villagers.

  “It be true,” said one.

  “It’s Shasta herself come back,” said another.

  One by one they began mumbling in awe among themselves. Shasta, raising her head, began to feel a bit embarrassed at what she had done, but it felt right and it smelt so beautiful. Then she became aware that everyone was staring at her.

  She looked at May for reassurance.

  “Go with your heritage, my dear,” was all Aunt May said. Only the real Shasta would have dared do that this, being a sacred tree and all,” said one man.

  “No one would dare after the ritual has been done in the forest,” said another.

  Shasta walked slightly away from the crowd and turned her back on them. What she had done had felt natural. Had she done it before? Mental images of the past began to swim in her mind. She herself had ordered a tree to be cut down, she now knew. The sacred ritual for purification of the earth by a female entering puberty was then performed. On completion of the ritual, she, Shasta, had buried her head in the leaves in utter delight at being at one with nature. This was her privilege alone. The tree was then carried through the village and erected on the green in celebration....

  The crowd stood expectantly awaiting her.

  Turning, she raised her arms for silence and said to them, “People of Shasta, I AM the Shasta you speak of. Do not be afraid, I have returned to my village to celebrate with you. This Shasta Day will be one to remember ever after. We will feast and drink for two days instead of one. There will be sporting games and music, and ale will flow freely. All the houses will be decked out with flowers and greenery. I give permission for branches of trees to be cut and planted over doors according to the old traditions. The maidens will wear their finest colourful dresses and garlands of flowers and ribbons in their hair. The young men will all present their loved ones with ribbons as a token of their love. So it is decreed. Now let us begin the celebrations by erecting the tree.”

  With rapturous cheering ringing in her ears, Shasta looked across to May who seemed different somehow. As she got nearer she could see tears in May’s eyes but with a serene countenance to her face.

  “Did I get it right, Aunt May? It felt right to me”.

  “Oh, my Shasta, my mistress,” said May, bending down and kissing the hem of Shasta’s dress.

  Shasta pulled her to her feet.

  “Never go on your knees to me, Aunt May. I’m not worthy of it”.

  With that she slipped her arm through her aunt’s and watched the tree being stripped of its branches and secured in place. As the men began to raise the tree, they sang the ancient words of old.

  Once the tree had been secured in place, two strong young men came forward. One made ready to take the weight of the other who climbed on his shoulders and fixed the crown to the top. The women had already attached the ribbons, which were now hanging down from the crown. As Shasta watched this, slowly past memories returned in full. Nothing more would be done now until the next day when the Morris dancers would begin the dance to start the fair. Shasta hoped that Merlin would have returned by the time that they got back. It was now well into the afternoon and they had been gone since early morning.

  She and May walked back to the cottage but there was no sign of Merlin waiting by the gate as usual. Strange, thought May, he doesn’t usually sulk
this long. Maybe he’s in the garden.

  Shasta was also concerned. She really hadn’t meant to upset him this morning with that silly remark about him being a cat. If he couldn’t be found in the garden, then she would be really concerned. May tried to tempt him with the smell of his favourite food, but there was no sign of him.

  “I expect he will turn up when he is ready,” said May. “Don’t worry too much, Shasta.”

  Later that evening, as she sat in the swing seat with May, she felt as if half of her was missing. She missed Merlin so much. If he returned to his human form, she knew that she would fall in love with him all over again. May sat quietly, thinking about the day but also knowing what was going though Shasta’s mind.

  She had been so proud of her niece taking command as she had. The reverence of the villagers hadn’t surprised her one bit. Shasta, being a magic village, also meant that they revered the legends of old, and to have Shasta in their midst was a hope come true for them. They would tell the story to their grandchildren, she was sure.

  The next two days would indeed be joyous, if only Merlin would return. The only time he had disappeared before was when May had upset him and he had returned the following day, feeling very apologetic. They had both agreed that they would not let it happen again. Merlin was feeling very vulnerable at the moment, now that Shasta had returned. May knew that he was finding it very difficult to come to terms with being a cat and yet still in love with Shasta. Hopefully the Book of Erasmus would rectify that. It had said prepare for the unexpected. Tonight May would leave the cottage door open in case he returned late at night.

  Their contribution of food for the fair had already been dealt with. They had decided on several chickens, hot bread and revel cakes. The cakes they had made in the conventional way when they had returned from the village. In fun they had blown the flour at each other. Both had ended up with white faces by the time the cakes were ready for the oven. Dark flour was blended with currants and caraway seeds. Afterwards they were cooked and left to cool. Each cake was then sliced and four pieces from each were kept for good luck. One of the pieces Shasta put to one side for herself, hoping that the good luck in this case would be Merlin returning. Tomorrow morning first thing, they would have to be in Faery Cove to try on the dress the faeries were making for her.