Rhiannon - Child of Twilight
Chapter 10 - Page 1
Priestess

Being a Priestess to the Hidden Goddess had been something Arionrhod had desired even as a small child. It was custom in the family of Don that one child of each generation be devoted to the ancient Religious since time unremembered. To the Hidden Goddess and Her equally mysterious Consort, the Lord of the Inner Wood. As many as nine Priestesses and nine Priests made up the spiritual community near the Greathouse, as well as a High Priestess over all and some several apprentices who may or may not become part of the Order someday. But Arionrhod never doubted her path and the Family of Don were pleased by her interest, though not as certain of her role there.

Both Arionrhod's parents had been warriors in their own right and it was her mother's family who held the House where Arionrhod grew up. And her mother's name, Don, which the family was known as. It was a family known over generations as capable and wise; great statesmen in peace, fierce opponents in battle. A family both respected and feared beyond their boundaries. So, it was perhaps for the greater interest that a member of each generation be part of the spiritual world rather than the flesh.

Some felt it was even the very presence of the nearby Priest/esshood that had made the family of Don so strong, so capable. An outer reflection of the Religious' inner strength and reserve. For Arionrhod, the Priestesses and Priests were a fascination as they went about their daily duties and rituals. Every move they made seemed to emulate an elegance, simplicity, an awareness of spirit. An energy emitted from them and they were sought for conference by Wise Women and Men as well as Healers, and even sometimes by the Bards.

Arionrhod had been the eldest of three children and the only girl, her brother Gwydion and Geraint trailing her by three and five years respectively. And it was when Arionrhod was the tender age of five that the hearty and thought to be more than hale, mother of Arionrhod and great Lady of her people, succumbed to the uncertainties of birthing her second son. Their father would mourn long over Don's passing and though only three himself, Gwydion bore some un-understood resentment of his younger brother those first days. At least until his younger sibling was of an age where having a playmate became more important. Yet, Arionrhod had never felt any anger or resentment, or even any true sadness. Somehow she knew her mother's spirit remained; to watch over them all, to guide them in a way she had never been able to when alive. Arionrhod drew comfort from that and it was in this time that Arionrhod herself asked that she be chosen to become part of the Priest/esshood.

Asking such was something that initially took her father aback. Though all knew her interest, no one had quite realized the depth of it before this time, especially as she was yet so young. To a degree her father had been of a mind that his youngest child might be given over, that Arionrhod was a rightful successor to her mother's House, though it needn't be such. Yet, Arionrhod was the eldest and even at this early age, showed keenness of thought and some real ability with a sword and horse in her daily trainings. But, she was a very spiritual child, too, and her father had to admit her natural inclinations. An elder uncle, a younger brother to Don, was an invested Priest in the spiritual community, and to him Arionrhod's father spoke long and deep once he knew his daughter's request. Yes, Arionrhod was very young, but there was no dishonor if the girl should even change her mind after a few years and return to the Greathouse status she had left. A certain amount of training in self defense and combat would continue as it did for all at the conclave and they would see to Arionrhod maintaining good focus in that area. No matter the outcome, the overall training would be a benefit to the House of Don. So though still in great sorrow, Andreas, husband of Don, father of Arionrhod and Lord of the House of Don, knew he would consent to his daughter's wishes in the end. Perhaps, if she should truly decide to stay, in time she might even attain High Priestess, which would surely be a blessing for the House. In the years to come it was something her father came to hope might be and something Arionrhod simply believed and would strive for.

To read the rest of the chapter in e-book format, click here.