"If she met a beggar, she would not just give him food. She would give him a whole sheep. A sheep that belonged to her father. When reprimanded, she would answer 'Christ lives in all creatures and that from Him, to Whom all mankind owes so immeasurable a debt, nothing should be withheld.' But of course we must remember that logic didn't go down very well with her father, who was after all not a Christian.
"So at his wits end, Dubthach decided he would sell Brigid to the King of Leinster. He drove Brigid in his chariot to the Great Hall of the King, and bade Brigid wait in the chariot, while he endeavored to negotiate the best deal with the King.
"Alas, as Brigid waited, along came a leper and stood forlornly behind the chariot. Brigid looked into his poor ravaged face and gave him the only moveable object she could find; her father's prized, highly engraved sword - the ultimate symbol of his authority.
"When Dubthach brought the King out to view the maiden he had so glowingly described, emphasizing her strength and good looks, and we assume, mentioning not at all, her habit of giving goods to all she considered in need, he discovered his sword was missing.
"He flew into a rage and ignored the calm explanation of Brigid, that through the leper, she had given the sword to God. As her father raised his hand to strike her, the King of Leinster, who was a Christian, intervened, and commanded Dubthach to desist as 'her merit before God is greater than ours.'
"As he drove his daughter home, Dubthach decided the only thing he could do, was give his exasperating daughter her freedom.
"Brigid went immediately across country to her mother, who was still a bondwoman. Her mother, who must have been a remarkable woman herself, was working in charge of a dairy. The responsibility of looking after twelve cows can be arduous, but by no means the most unpleasant job for a slave.
"However Brigit consigned her mother to the kitchen and she took on the role of running the dairy. The work committed her to be continually on the go, from morning to night, but her stamina was boundless. She would croon to her cows, which probably encouraged them to give more milk. Which was just as well, as Brigit continued to give away milk and butter to those she considered in need.
“The old Druid became so grateful to the young girl, for the way she had made his dairy flourish, he granted her the one wish she cherished - the freedom of her mother, at last.
“So Brigit decided once more to return to Leinster. This time however, of her own free will, leaving her mother to enjoy her old age, in peace in her own cottage, in the west country.
"When she returned to her father's home, she found he had made an effort to arrange a marriage for her. It was to an eligible young Bard. In those days Bards, because of their great learning, ranked next to Kings and Druids
"But Brigid told her father she was already dedicated to God, as were many other 'virgins in Christ'. Brigid, like those other daughters, who refused to participate in arranged marriages, had to endure the reproaches and persecution of their fathers as well as their relatives.
"Brigit at first went to Bishop Mel of Ardagh, a disciple of St Patrick, and after suitable training, received her final vows. By some mistake Bishop Mel read the wrong service over her, and she received consecration as a bishop, an office she was allowed to retain because of her sanctity.
"She selected seven other nuns, and set about gathering all those Christian women who were being persecuted by their families. Those young women whose lives were being wasted, for want of the lack of a leader.
"Because of her high energy level, no sooner had Brigid founded a convent and selected a suitable sister to run it, then she would be off again, in her chariot and driver to start another.
"Her Christian settlements soon became renowned, not only as a haven for the poor, the sick and the weary traveler, but also schools for potential converts and Christian children.”
"When did she start the monastery at Kildare?" asked Fea.
"We think it was about the year of our Lord 490," said Mish, "when she was given this land on the Liffey plain, by our old friend, the King of Leinster, remember?" Fea nodded, enthralled.
"It was called 'Cill-Dara' the church of the oak, so named because Brigid began building under a very large oak tree. It is very interesting that the early Christian church was drawn to oak forests, as much as the old Druids were. I think those early Christian saints were smart enough to adapt local tradition, when it suited their purposes. When a druidic site such as a holy well was discovered, the Christians would bless it with Holy Water and it would then become a Christian place of pilgrimage. Clever eh?" Fea nodded in agreement. She was learning a very important lesson; not to take everything she was told by the Church at face value. There could be some other hidden meaning behind it.
"Kildare very soon became the base from which the energetic Abbess worked. She appointed the monk Conlaeth, already famous for his exquisite metalwork, to become the resident bishop, charged with ordaining priests, consecrating nuns and supervise the many male workers."
"Did St Brigid live longer than my mother?" asked Fea, in a tiny voice.
"Yes my child, St Brigid was a very strong woman. She was 72 years old when she died. She spent much of her time in the fields with the wild animals when she wasn't caring for the sick or looking after her nuns."
"Or giving things away to poor people." giggled Fea.
"Yes," smiled Mish, "I understand she even upset some of her nuns with her tendency to give everything to the poor."
"St Brigid passed away on 1st February 524, the day on which we, and our ancestors celebrate Imbolc, the day winter is supposed to end - although as you know, it can still be very cold then. We plait [from Latin plicare “to fold”. To intertwine strands or strips in a pattern] crosses from rushes, to hang over our doors, to protect us from fire.
“By the way, the goddess Brigid was the goddess of fire. Another strange coincidence, don't you think." mused Mish.
"Anyway, enough storytelling for today, my girl. Off you go, and study your Latin verbs."
* * * *
St Brigid invented the double monastery. To her it seemed commonsense to have a neighboring community of monks under her rule. The monks could handle the heavier outside work, while the nuns, could concentrate on looking after the cows at pasture, or creating lovely paintings, and sewing beautiful tapestries that hung on the walls of the great wooden church, making the interior of Kildare a place of beauty, whether by day, with light streaming in through the many windows, or at night, lit by a multitude of candles.
Most of the joint monasteries that were set up by the Celtic church in later centuries, followed the sensible pattern of Kildare, with the Abbess ruling supreme. The resident abbot being under her authority, just as he would have if he worked with a bishop
* * * *
Fea spent most of her time at St Brigid's. She did not go home for 'holidays', as there were no such things as holidays, in those days. However, she did go home each year for one month at Christmas.
Like most young girls of her age, Fea grew up quickly. Even at age sixteen, she would have been considered a young woman. With her good education, a sophisticated young woman. But a young woman with a quick temper.
Sister Mish, so much a font of knowledge for Fea in her early years when her young mind was molded at the Monastery, had suffered from coughing spells for years. She began coughing blood just before Fea's sixteenth birthday. Sister Mish was confined to the female infirmary.
Fea would visit her every day. Mish so looked forward to those visits, and was seen to deliberately pinch her cheeks, just before Fea came, to give her now gaunt hollow face, some semblance of color.
* * * *
By age 35, King Sigmall was considered an old man. He had not campaigned for many years, and his midriff expanded as his hairline receded. He had married off his two eldest daughters to local Lords, in order to retain their continued support.
When the neighboring kingdom ruled
by Eogan mac Cairill, began making threatening moves to take over his land, Sigmall had few choices.
One option was to defend his land. His estate however was too small to support a standing army. Sigmall's sons were all dead, as were his nearest relatives. Sigmall could call on his client farmers, who were obliged to take up arms on behalf of their King, if commanded. Unfortunately, they had little military training and lacked battle experience.
Another option was to hire one of the bands of Fianna that lived in the forests. While not exactly mercenaries, one could obtain their services, by payment disguised as entertainment, feasting, drinking, lodging, and the lion's share of any booty. Provided of course they thought the King's aspirations were ethical - and more important, achievable.
The third option was to form an alliance with a neighboring kingdom, which was militarily stronger, through marriage. King Sigmall still had one daughter of marriageable age, Fea, who, by now, while studying at St Brigid's, had just turned sixteen.
It transpired the only kingdom interested in such an alliance, which could pit them against the powerful clan, mac Cairill, was King Giona. His lands were on the River Barrow, on the southern side of mac Cairill's lands. While Giona had a large retinue of warriors, unfortunately he had only one son.
Even more unfortunate, the son was only ten years old. That small fact did not deter King Sigmall. It was the custom then for daughters to be given in arranged marriages, which it was hoped would bolster the political standing of both families. King Sigmall dispatched the cleverest man at his court, the Bard, Pampinus Pronuntio, to negotiate the marriage between his sixteen-year-old daughter, and King Giona's ten-year-old son. It was not considered necessary for the bride-to-be, to meet her potential groom, prior to the wedding ceremony.
King Sigmall also hired one of the smaller Fianna groups, led by Osgar, to strengthen his warrior base. This would hopefully impress his new ally King Giona and deter his nemesis - Eogan mac Cairill.
[nemesis: from the Greek Goddess of retribution Nemesis, deserved punishment that comes to someone who hoped to escape it.]
Fea was told of her impending marriage while at St Brigid's. It is not recorded what her response was.
* * * *
The dreadful day came when Fea, tearfully, had to tell Sister Mish. She had been summoned by her father to return home. She was going to be married to a ten-year-old boy.
"My dear, why don't you stay here in the Monastery?" said Mish. "You don't have to go off and ruin the rest of your life. You could become a nun, be a Bride of Christ."
Fea thought for a while, stroking Mish's brow before answering. "I have been aware that this day would come sooner or later Mish. Girls like me are the property of our fathers. We have to do what they command. Besides my father always treated my mother well, when she was alive."
"Along with his two other wives." interrupted Mish, with barely disguised venom.
"Yes, but that is how all men like him behave. He wanted sons, and my mother was unable to give him sons."
"It is just so unfair." cried Mish. "You have your whole life ahead of you. If there is a God, why doesn't he look after girls like you."
"There, there Mish. Don't be sad. I cannot disobey my father. Plus, I haven't experienced anything of the outside world yet. All I've known for the past four years is within the walls of this wonderful old Monastery."
Sister Mish began weeping. "How long until your wedding?"
"Oh, I've been told about three months. That should give me enough time." said Fea.
"Enough time for what?" asked Mish quickly.
"Dear Sister Mish, I have a plan."
"What plan?" asked Mish, trying to push herself up with one arm.
Fea bent down and whispered in Mish's ear. She pausing often to look around for any eavesdroppers, then continued explaining, ever so quietly.
Mish paced both hands on Fea's shoulders, looking up at her in wonder. "Do you think that could possibly work? What about your father, he'll know."
"I'll make sure my father stays in his Dun and doesn't attend the wedding" said Fea, smiling confidently. "Now you lay back and rest. I have to go pack."
Mish waved goodbye feebly, at the retreating figure of the young girl. Fea turned at the doorway, smiled that wonderful smile, and said, "I'll come visit you, after the wedding." And was gone.
* * * *
Sister Mish passed away, peacefully, two weeks after Fea left St Brigid's. The other Nuns all noticed, her eyes were closed, but she seemed to be smiling.
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* * * * *
Chapter 3 - You may call me Fea
You may call me Fea
Why did you become a monk Brother Culann? The firelight played on the rugged facial features of the man sitting on the edge of the group. His eyes half closed and his face softened. He thought back to those days so long ago in Éire (Ireland). Those wonderful days.
The first time he saw her, golden hair windblown, running around the corner laughing at something behind her - and colliding with him.
"Milady, let me help you." He reached down and offered his hand, as she sat stunned but uninjured at his feet. The smile was still there as she ignored his hand, picked herself up, and dusted off her skirts.
"Who are you? I haven't seen you here before" eyeing the tall, dark haired, broad shouldered warrior up and down.
"I am called Culann milady. I'm with the bodyguard to escort the Princess Fea to her wedding".
"Really" the smile turning to a mischievous grin "you don't look old enough to escort anyone."
"Well, " embarrassed "I'm good with the sword." patting the weapon at his side.
"So Master Culann, you belong to the Fianna. That rag-tag bunch of warriors who live in the wild wood and sell their swords to the highest bidder." Her hands on her hips now.
"We don't sell our services to just anyone, milady. We have offered them to your King Sigmall, at his request".
"Do you read Latin?"
"No milady".
"Pity, I need something translated". She skipped past him and along the building.
Raising his voice "May I know your name milady?"
Just before she rounded the next corner, her head turned, golden hair fanning out framing her gorgeous green eyed face, and with a smile that melted his heart, "You may call me Fea." and was gone.
* * * *
Again. . . "Why did you become a monk Brother Culann?"
He shook his head, bringing his thoughts back to the present. "Oh, I once met a girl who was beyond my station".
Someone in the small group grunted, and as nothing more was offered by Culann, they pulled their cloaks over their heads and one by one, slept.
The fire had almost died, but Culann could not sleep. He remembered those mischievous green eyes and her wonderful smile.
You may call me Fea.
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* * * * *
3.1 The Wedding March
The dinner passed in a blur for Culann who sat mesmerized next to the real Fea, who looked at him throughout the evening with an amused smile, as she asked him many questions. He assumed he answered but could remember none next morning.
It was three days after Culann had first met Fea, the Fianna began their journey, escorting the Princess, and her entourage, to her arranged wedding with King Giona's son. During that time Culann had discreetly asked about Fea. He discovered she was the youngest daughter of King Sigmall. She was considered headstrong, willful, spoilt, with more education than was considered suitable for a girl, with a very engaging personality and most attractive. The King had offered his daughter in marriage to the young son of a neighboring King Giona, as part of a deal to seal a strategic alliance, as was the norm in Éire in those times.
The journey to King Giona's territory would normally take two days. However, they could not journey through the lands of the neighboring kingdom of mac Eogan. The longer det
our would add a further four days.
Culann's troupe of twenty-five men, led by Osgar, would escort the bridal party of Fea and her handmaidens, attendants and musicians, to the border of King Giona. There they would be met by the bodyguard of the husband-to-be. King Sigmall remained ensconced at home on his hill fort, in case his enemy Eogan mac Cairill, decided to attack the Dun while he was absent.
At the end of the first day, camp was set up near a small stream. The main tent for the royal party was pitched, and Osgar selected the first group of sentries, who moved out into the darkness to take up their positions.
Culann was cleaning his weapons when Osgar came up to him with a puzzled look. "Culann, the Princess Fea has requested you and I dine with her group. She said you can translate some Latin document. I didn't know you spoke Latin".
Culann thought furiously for a moment before answering "Only a little".
Osgar and Culann entered the royal tent. Culann was half a head taller than his leader, with broader shoulders but not as thick set from the chest down.
A long table had been set, taking up most of the tent. At the centre sat the Princess Fea in all her colorful clothes and regal gold jewelry. On either side were her handmaidens and attendants.
Osgar walked opposite the Princess Fea and bowed his head
"Princess Fea". The Princess Fea smiled, and indicated he should sit opposite her.
Culann stood, confused. He had a problem. That wasn't Princess Fea. Culann glanced down at the ladies in waiting, sitting either side, and immediately recognized that mischievous smile. As he opened his mouth, Princess Fea, who was disguised as a handmaiden, put her finger to her lips, indicating silence, while patting the seat next to herself.
"So you remembered" she whispered, green eyes sparkling. He was so close to her, his body felt on fire. "Of course I remember. But I don't speak Latin"
"No, but you shall. Semper meus." (always mine).
The dinner passed in a blur for Culann. He noted his leader Osgar, spoke animatedly to the lady at the centre of the table, who he believed to be Fea.
Culann meanwhile sat mesmerized [mesmerize: to fascinate and hold spellbound] next to the real Fea, who looked at him throughout the evening with an amused smile, as she asked him many questions. He assumed he answered, but could remember none next morning.
Culann, Celtic Warrior Monk Page 4