Dearest Readers,
A small village sits on the northern bank of Scotland’s River Dee, just south of the Sylva Caledonia. A short distance to the north, a royal forester, one Sir Hugh Coilltear, has occupied an isolated cottage a mere few steps from the ancient trees—or Grandmother Pines as the Scots call them. For more than a decade Sir Hugh has performed his forester’s duties with exemplary skill and dedication. He and his young son, were also loyal attendees of the village Kirk. The rector, when questioned by our reporter, had nothing but praise for Sir Coilltear.
That is, according to the rector, “Until he stopped attending services completely. I used to ride all the way out to his cottage just to confirm he and his son were well. However, when I visited in September, neither man nor child were present. Believing they may have left in pursuit of Coilltear’s duties, I thought little of it. Then I returned just after All Saint’s Day. Not only were the forester and his son missing, but the nearest neighbors gave alarming reports.”
What the rector revealed astonished even this editor, who—I must confess—had seen and heard just about everything.
“I was about to return to the kirk,” the rector continued. “When men from two of the closest farms approached, asking that I bless their fields and their homes. They were frightened that, even though the pagan Samhain had passed, evil spirits might possess them, their animals, their families and damage their crops.
Canva AI image of our heroine, the Tuatha Warrior-Hunter, Rikki Tabormaen de Aether
“They related taking all of the traditional (and superstitious): All west facing windows and doors had been sealed. Rowan branches were hung over every doorway. Iron implements of all sorts had been placed at every lintel. Bread and salt were left some distance from the house in order to distract the Sluagh away from the home. Adderstanes were hung at byre, stable and sheepfold. Fresh milk was poured for the Gruagach—the spirit that kept watch over the livestock. Fires were lit to protect the crops. And, of course—these men said—each farm had a Goodman’s Croft. The croft is a plot of wild, untouched land intended specifically for the use and pleasure of the Slaugh in hopes the evil and dead would linger there and not at the farm itself.”
Our reporter recalls snickering at such antiquated ideas.
“These are simple folk,” the rector reminded our reporter. “Do not belittle their beliefs, for they also sought God’s blessing and protection through me.”
When asked what he personally thought of such traditions, the rector was slow to answer. At last, he said, “I do not know what to think. However, I can tell you that none of the precautions taken by these farmers had been employed at the forester’s cottage. He and his son have not been seen. Were they stolen by the evil of the wild ride, the Slaugh? Who can tell?”
About True Love’s Kiss: Searching for the same villains, hunters Hugh and Rikki clash over how to carry on and even why, while stubbornly refusing to recognize their growing love. Not until one hunter’s life hangs in the balance can True Love’s Kiss resolve their differences.
About Moonlight Madness: When the year grows colder and the veil between worlds grows thin—or so they say—comes the time for stories to make you shiver. The Bluestocking Belles bring ghosts, and ghoulies, and spirits of all kinds, each leading to love, the greatest madness of all.
About Rue Allyn: Award winning romance author, Rue Allyn has a lifelong passion for happy ever after. She lives south of the border with her husband of more than fifty years and their cat, Tanto. She has two sons and is a proud veteran of the US Navy. She writes heart melting romance in all sub-genres, but her favorite is historical romance, especially medieval. Subscribe to Rue’s News where you may learn more about Rue and receive a FREE download. https://rueallyn.com/mailing-list/
About the Bluestocking Belles: The Bluestocking Belles (the “BellesInBlue”) are a group of very different writers united by a love of history and a history of writing about love. From sweet to steamy, from light-hearted fun to dark tortured tales full of angst, from London ballrooms to country cottages to the sultan’s seraglio, one or more of us will have a tale to suit your tastes and mood. . Keep up with all the Belles’ news. Subscribe here https://bluestockingbelles.net/subscribe-to-our-newsletter/
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