Filth Incarnate

Suddenly the sky was dark, a moonless night, there was shouting, and the glow of torches, you looked down and you were in nothing but a white shift your hands bound. You looked up and faces from the village danced in front of you, Joanne and Malik, the beekeeper Francis, Beadle Martin, even Thomas the innkeeper… angry, self-righteous. Beyond them, the Archer William and Tovar watching, their faces expressionless masks. When you made eye contact with Tovar it was daylight again. You were dressed, wrists unbound. Something flitted around in your peripheral vision, you knew well enough to not look at what it was.

Making your way over to the well, you got yourself a drink and tried to shake the vision from your mind. You harnessed Eimear and loaded her with the day’s wares. The trip through the woods was far quicker than the day before, though you knew there is a possibility that the villagers would steer clear of you after the beadle’s latest warnings of fire and brimstone. But you had to try, this was your living after all, and you wanted to see whether the mercenaries had moved on. To check over Hector’s hoof, of course. You told yourself that was the only reason.

The dappled morning light through the trees shimmered. You kept your head forward and but concentrated on your periphery. You could hear sounds and see shadows shifting.

You whistled as you came to the trails opening to the village. Your eyes went straight to the stable for Hector, you told yourself. Dark hair and broad shoulders, then the Archer came into view. You hesitated; you did want to look over Hector’s hoof to make sure it had healed well. In the end, you decided to unload Eimear’s burden and then walk her to the stable. Tovar was nowhere to be seen, but Hector was still there. The horse and mule greeted each other, and you could not help but smile.

“Hector, my friend. How is your hoof fairing?” You asked as you put Eimear in the stall Thomas had so kindly allowed you to use when empty. You gave her a loving stroke down her nose and rubbed her chin and then slipped into Hector’s stall. Just as you did the other times, you ran your hand across his flank. You could feel him relax, so you ran your hand down his back leg and asked permission to see, he lifted his leg for you in response.

“Well, here is the enchanting lass that has Tovar gobsmacked,” William said as he came into the stable, causing you to startle.

“So enchanting am I, that he snuck off in the wee hours to avoid my presence,” You said. You tried for your remark to be flat, you were not sure you succeeded. You turn to the horse, “Hector, sweet boy, your hoof looks 10 times better. You and your Tovar can be off to seek fortune and favor.”

You came from the stall and hand William three of the seven of the silver pieces Tovar left for you. He looks at them and then you, confused.

“Please give him these, he gave far too much. I cannot in good conscience keep them.”

“Very well,” William looked at the coins in his hand. At that moment Tovar returned-

“Oye, I want to eat-” He stopped dead in his tracks. You looked at him and tried for cool aloofness. Again you missed the mark.

“Well Tovar, you can pay with this,” Willian gestures to you, “the cunning woman said you overpaid in your haste to return.”

“That was for Hector and the bed and stew, I do not wish to be indebted to-"

“You are not indebted to me, sir, you were my guest,” You said in an undertone. William looked at him, tsking. You tried again not to sound wounded, “Hector’s hoof should be healed enough to get reshod, and then you may continue on your journey. It- it was very nice to meet you both, and Hector.”

You were relieved to hear confidence return to your voice, Hector nickered and pushed your back gently, you gave a lopsided smile and a sideways glance. You turned and rubbed his nose. Then excusing yourself, you headed back to set up your stand for the day. They both watched as you crossed the square, your skirts rustling and morning light catching your hair.

How is it you say, ‘Idiota’?” William said turning to him. Tovar glared. He grumbled as he turned away from you and toward the tavern entrance.

It had been a beautiful early morning, but something was not right in the air, you could feel it. It felt as if there was wool in your ears. You turned to the west, dark and foreboding clouds had appeared quite suddenly.

You looked back at the stable, the mercenaries had gone back in to break their fast. You walked briskly back across the square to get Eimear, you stole a glance at Hector. Hastily you went into his stall, and into the underside of his mane, you tied a bundle of St John’s Wart along with a small disk cut from a birch tree with a pokerwork bind rune on it. Then you quickly led Eimear over to repack your wares and started to head back to the forest path.

No sooner had you done so than the sky opened and torrents of rain fell. Lightning lit the sky and you felt the thunder in your teeth. You ran back to the stable and tucked Eimear in. You sighed an apology to her, removed her saddlebags, and walked into the tavern. You gave a small smile to Thomas, who smiled back warmly.

“May I sit by the fire a while Thomas, I am but a drowned cat,” you murmured.

“Of course my dear”, he laughed, “sit as long as you like.”

You made your way to the fire, skirting the edges of the room. You sat, trying to be as small as possible.

Tovar saw you first but only tensed, William walked over-

“Join us,” he invited merrily.

Tovar grumbled a myriad of swears. You looked up at William, then at Tovar and back.

“Tis fine, I am just drying out and awaiting the storm’s end”, you smiled but your eyes were glassy. You had thought you had won over Tovar’s trust, you had taken good care of his horse, you broke bread together, you sang to him at your hearth-fire. Yesterday you felt complimented by his attraction to you, thinking it silly he should think it was anything else but he fancied you… now you were not sure. Maybe something had happened and it is not his own heart. William walked back to his table, sat heavily, and glared at Tovar.

“What are you glaring at? It is I who should be glaring at you, mi amigo. Inviting her to our table? I barely escaped with my life.”

“She fed you, healed your horse, and gave you her bed while she slept in a chair, oh yes that was a close shave for you, Tovar, a very close shave," William chided, sarcasm dripping. “Take care she may sit soon upon your lap and kill you with kisses if you aren’t too careful! Look at her, she has done nothing but be a beautiful, kind and clever girl.”

Tovar looked at him incredulously and was about to speak but William was not done-

“Oh, she may be what you say, what is it? Una Bruja,” he waved his fingers emphasizing the word. “But many of those women are just- they know the ways of nature, they” -

“Are in league with el diablo,” Tovar interrupted, crossing himself as he whispered the word.

William shook his head, and tried again-

“Back in Ireland, she would be called a hedge witch, they are the Cunning or Wise Ones of the village that the people relied on for healing. They were the brave ones willing to cross borders, confront all manner of wild things, sometimes befriending them in the name of bringing back medicines and wisdom, and be in friendly relations with the wee folk for the benefit and wellbeing of all. Sound familiar? In league with the devil?! Hardly. That is the priests’ way of taking our wise folk away and making us dependent on them!”

William’s voice carried a bit as he reached the end of his rebuke, you had never been defended so. At that moment Thomas came by to bring you some cider. You thanked him, a little confused, then dug into your coin purse but he stopped you.

“No charge dear girl, I do not forget”, he said and he stepped over to Tovar’s table and surprised both men when he leaned in, “she saved my poor Agnes in labor, but she could not save our baby boy, they would have both died no doubt. I am sorry to say my wife has never forgiven her.”

Your eyes stung at the memory, you remembered it like you were still in their bed-chamber, covered in sweat and his wife’s blood, you looked over at him.

“She’s a good girl!” He said in a carrying voice, knocking on the table for emphasis. Then he straightened up with a nod for them and a wink for you.

Tovar looked at you, startled, and you looked at him, doe-eyed awaiting judgment. He stood and walked to the fire that popped and crackled, then he put out his hand.

“I must beg your pardon”, he said looking at you, hand still extended. You tentatively reached for it, placing your hand into his large one-

What was to happen next you would never know for the lightning and thunder that the sky unleashed shook the walls and crackled like fresh pine pitch in a fire. Panicked voices could be heard, Thomas ran to the door to see what the babel was about.

“The church is alight, it must have been hit by lightning!”

You stood, your first instinct was to help of course, but your vision flashed before your eyes. This was the one. This was the calamity that was going to be your ruination. The revelation paralyzed you. William was already out the door with Thomas. Tovar turned back to you, and though he had planned to tell you to stay put anyway, he was thrown by the state of you. Eyes like saucers, lips parted, blood drained from your face.

“Mariposa? Mariposa!” Tovar gave you a little shake, you snapped back to life.

“I- I- can not go out there, Tovar” your eyes welled, you wished to help your neighbors. You knew you should help, but all your fear-soaked mind wanted to do was run.

“I will go help put out the fire, you stay here, Hermosa.”

Suddenly you were alone, did Tovar kiss your forehead? Did that happen? You slowly lifted your hand to feel the spot as if that would confirm it. You knew you could not stay. But where would you go? You went to retrieve Eimear and tried to quietly skirt the activity at the church.

Tovar caught up with William, he was organizing a bucket line from the cow pond to the church.

“Where is your hedge witch?” William shouted over the tumult.

“She is not my anything,” Tovar groused unconvincingly, as he heaved a full bucket to the fellow in front of him. Thinking of the way your eyes darted around the tavern like a trapped animal he muttered, “I told her to stay safely behind, she looked… she did not seem well.”

He passed the empty bucket to the fellow behind. His mind still on you. You had a sadness about you that had been plain the moment he laid eyes on you, but you also had a confidence and strength. And a cheekiness that popped out occasionally… Tovar gave a fond smirk at the thought of you with the shiny apple in your mouth, eyes twinkling, taunting him with sweet mischief. What had terrified you so? He never wanted to see you look so frightened again.

Tovar's eyes roved across the mayhem until he caught sight of Beadle Martin needlessly directed the bucket line, whilst deacons and the priest were rescuing artifacts from the building. Grumbling a few curses, he continued his scan of the area, his eye caught movement at the tree line but could not make it out.

Once in the wood, you rushed to cast a circle and beseeched the powers. Pulling your athame, you carved runic symbols in the soil with the small silver knife. Protection for the villagers. Protection for their homes. Protection for their livestock. You knew you needed a powerful gift, you looked in Eimear’s saddlebacks, your fingers went into a pouch buried in the bottom of it, and pulled out a gold coin. With a sigh, you said goodbye to the coin knowing you’d probably never see another and held it up.

“Brigid and Bel I beseech you. Accept my offering and my gratitude.” Then you buried it in the center of the protective markings you had made.

The rain had been coming down in a deluge. Well, you would have described it this way until the moment you finished burying your offering because at that moment a positive cascade poured from the heavens.

You thanked the gods, opened the circle, jumped on Eimear, and got to your little home. Sopping wet, you got all your animals to the barn, and once in your home you swiftly shut the door. Your blood still singing from the spell and fear, you look off your wet clothes, hands shaking, down to your shift. Then set it all by the hearth, with a sigh, you stirred the fire and put up some water for tea. Tears threatened again, as you started to pack. You loved your little home, your little life.

You jumped at the pounding on the door. Wrapping yourself in a shawl, you opened the door to the Beadle. You looked behind him, the magistrate was a few yards away. You could see his hesitancy, what you could not tell is if he was wary of you or of what was happening.

Beadle Martin boomed addressing you by name.

“You have been accused of witchcraft. For cavorting with the devil, for causing misfortune and cursing your neighbors.

"What? I- I-", you shuddered.

He grinned and he let slip a chuckle.

“Please do not pretend with me. I have known all along. But you might do better to not leave evidence of evil-doing than not leave in such a hurry. It attracts suspicion. Magistrate!”

The Magistrate came over to you with shackles.

“They are iron, so no magic will help you now.”

You looked down at your wrists, you were bound. In your shift. You looked around; no one else. The vision was only partly accurate... perhaps your fate was not yet sealed.

“Is everyone alright? Is the fire out?”

“Aw, such concern,” Martin sneered.

Around the house, you were led to a small wagon. You noticed movement in your peripheral vision. You did not look but felt somewhat calmer, your good neighbors have taken note.

Then a rock hit your temple, and the last thing you thought before losing consciousness was, well to be fair, it is always hard to know which way they will go.

There was no trial, as the rumors would have one believe. No Inquisitor. Just you in a small stone windowless building with sparse dirty straw day in and day out. Thomas brought you food and water, his words were of apology and remorse at his own helplessness. And soon you wished he would just leave the food and drink, as you could not stomach reassuring him. Though he did tell you William and Tovar had been pleading your case. Why you wondered.

Then one day Tovar came to the door.

"Mariposa?"

"Tovar?" your voice cracked from lack of use.

"Tell me how you are fairing," he whispered as though his lips were close enough to brush the wood of the door. You heard a murmuring, he was not alone.

"What do you wish to hear?"

"I have struck a bargain and this will be over by the end of this day."

You shook your head, could you have heard right?

"I have to go, it will be over tonight, mi reina."

Bound and carried to the center of town in the wagon to the shock of many of the villagers. You took in their faces, you held onto their aghast expressions like a talisman. Perhaps they would speak up for you. Stand for you. Johnna? Thomas? Please, no matter what happens please let there be one… You soon found yourself in the center of the unlit Beltane bonfire, now to be your funeral pyre.

Beadle Martin began reading out your “crimes”… you could not hold onto them in your mind. He filled the list with lies and commentary.

In the distance, you saw two figures on horseback, the Archer and Swordsman. You pleaded with your eyes but said nothing. You would never want them to be harmed as accomplices.

As the Beadle continued you watched the faces of the villagers turn from shock to venomous anger, every blight, every ailment, every misfortune was heaped upon your shoulders.

The tears came in earnest when your good works were besmirched, as tricks or manipulations. You wished you could look at them stony and emotionless. Glare back and dare them to act against you. Some grand wicked sorceress who could call down the very mountain upon them. But that is not you. Your's is humble magic is born of the love of little things, no less miraculous… but it meant you could not stop them by force.

Despair filled your heart when suddenly a flutter caught your periphery. Then you felt, a pinch? No, a kiss. Silly faeries. In the din of the pronouncements and mobs voices rising you could not be heard except by the little winged creature.

“Silly thing, thank you for your kiss, but I am done for. I do not think your kind blessing can help me now”

Another kiss, no this time it was a pinch.

"Sweet neighbor, what is it?"

It pushed your cheek to turn you to look back at Tovar and William. Was Tovar batting at something? Oh, stars above yes, he was swatting a faerie. Foolish man, dear foolish man.

He stopped, then he and William turned toward them. You can see them looking at you then across to the forest, and then back again.

What is happening? You wondered. Then Tovar's head snaps to the mob, You look and Thomas was being pulled away by his wife. Had he tried to support you? Could you blame his wife for protecting him?

"This is wrong," he shouted. You could see her crying shaking her head.

It is over, you thought. It will only cause more pain if anyone comes to your defense, to your aid.

"I confess!" You shouted, to everyone’s surprise including yours. "I confess, please, be done with this."

Your eye caught sight of a shimmer, you tried to watch it while not bringing attention to it. Where are they tiny lanterns?

Then you heard the thmp of an arrow, it landed at the toes of Beadle Martin who was holding up a torch, prepared to throw it into the dried leaves and twigs bundles surrounding the logs with encircled you. Then two more in succession. Pushing the Beadle back. You heard the horses before you saw them.

Hector raced right through the logs, you tried not to worry about his hoof and stay focused on this rescue. You were being rescued. You looked up and there was Tovar's face, alighted with righteous anger.

"Fools," Tovar shouted, "you have in your midst a woman with gifts she is willing to share with you, for your benefit. And you scorn her because you do not understand it."

Pero jumped down of Hector's back and began cutting your bonds, as he did he looked at you full in the eyes. His eyes ablaze, his nostrils flared, a small smile on his lips.

"Mariposa, come with me."

You jumped into his arms, hanging onto his neck.

"Tovar, I- I do not-"

"Later, let me get you out of here."

Tovar helped you onto Hector's back, and climbs up behind you, wrapping an arm around your waist. He gave Hector a smart nude with his heels. Hector leaped over the logs and kindling, heading for the lanterns. You saw a faerie at his ear. William was riding just behind, using his arrows to keep everyone at bay.

Hector barreled into the trees, it was almost full dark within the forest. It is dense here, far denser than the woods between the village and your home. This is wildwood. On Beltane. You shivered, you could feel it was. The lanterns pop and disappear as you passed them, they are wisps!

You came to a small clearing and William called for Tovar to wait.

"I shall wait here, make sure no one tries to follow", he said. You went to clamber off, Tovar seeing this helped you. William dismounted. You reached William at the center of the ring, it was not just any clearing.

You worried for him, this night, in a ring, that hair… but the little winged one murmured in your ear. You know he would be safe as he was ensuring your safety. You hugged him.

"Thank you kind fair William, you are a good man. You will not be harmed by the fair ones this night."

He kissed your forehead.

"Go, do not delay."

Tovar and William’s hands clasped the forearm of the other and nodded at one another in understanding and then Tovar hoisted you back up on Hector and climbed up behind, with a tug at the reigns he took you deeper into the forest, at a steady incline.

The wisps whispered and lit your way. Until you found another clearing this one with a stone circle. You looked at it warily. The wisps lanterns took you to the center.

"No, no we can’t be here. This is…"

Tovar slid gracefully off Hector and lifted you by the waist. When you turned in a circle there was a tent and a small fire.

"This is not for us."

"It would seem that it is," Tovar said.

"Where is all your suspicion? This is something to be suspicious of," you asked astonished. "Touch and eat nothing!"

Without warning the fire blazed and when it came down there were two crowns, one of the flowers and one of oak and a drinking horn.

You swallowed and gave a side-long look at Tovar.

He bent and lift the flower wreath and placed it on your head.

"Mariposa, this is for you. The fa- ah, kindly ones have chosen."

"You are going to listen to the folk under the hill? I am dreaming, perhaps Martin had lit the fire and I have been given the mercy of blacking out! Tovar this is no trifling thing."

"Pero," he said.

"What?"

"Pero is my given name, I would like you to use it."

The fire smelled perfumed with herbs. You looked around you listening, then at him and you picked up the oak leaf crown but did not place it on his head, yet.

"Pero Tovar we have been chosen to be vessels for the rite of the divine union. Do you understand this?"

"Yes, Mariposa."

"It is not to be taken lightly."

"I understand."

To be continued...

THANK YOU FOR READING 💚