Women’s Fates: The Tale of Luba—A Story of Sisterhood, Folk Healing, and the Battle Against Evil in …

Womens Fates. Lillian

Oh, Lillian, for heavens sake, I beg you take my Andy with you, Martha pleaded, wringing her hands. My hearts not at ease, something dreadful might happen. Id rather have him away from me for a while than lose my boy forever.

Lillian turned, glancing at scrawny little Andy, swinging his thin legs like any young lad while perched on the bench beside the range.

Thered been a time the sisters shared the same roof, but the years drifted by, and the elder, Martha, married Nicholas and moved to his village far off. Lillian, the younger, stayed behind with their ailing mother, who soon afterwards passed away. Father had died from consumption well before Marthas wedding. Their mother had raised her daughters well kind, hard-working, ever-ready to help when trouble struck. Oddly enough, despite Martha being the eldest, it was Lillian who always had the last word in the family. Martha was soft and malleable, like fresh dough you could turn her into whatever you wanted. Thats what Nicholas saw in her; they made a good, contented family. He doted on his wife.

Lillian, on the other hand, was cut from a different cloth sharp as a tack, strict as they come, and, truth be told, a stunning beauty. The most eligible young men from all the nearby villages would come calling, but she turned them all away with a polite but firm hand.

While their mother lived, shed often sigh, Oh, my girl, youve clearly taken after your great-grandmother just dont go inheriting her fate. Youll be a spinster yet, youll see; whos going to want you when youre old? Lillian would only smile at these laments, never rising to argue, respecting her mothers age, but with her own ideas tucked away.

Her great-grandmother had been quite a character never married, bore a child out of wedlock, and yet was a happy soul. She was a local healer, tending folk with herbs and prayers and never dabbling in the dark arts or forcing herself on others. People in the village were a little wary of her because of her temper.

Lillian absolutely inherited her great-grandmothers spirit and her knowledge too! Shed learned much about herbs and healing, and wasnt above the odd charm or blessing. Folks would say all sorts, but she never corrected them. Let them think what they liked. Lillian walked round the village with her head high, completely unashamed. If anyone was in trouble, she never turned them away, and she always tried to help sick children. People both feared and respected her in equal measure.

I honestly dont understand you, Martha, said Lillian, watching Andy, whats the fuss now? Hes as fit as a fiddle and youre acting as if hes at deaths door.

Oh, youve not heard what its been like in our Stonley? Martha replied, voice trembling.

No, I havent, Lillian admitted.

Well, the children are dying like flies. Ill for ages, then the Lord takes them, Martha said, crossing herself unconsciously.

Or is it the Lord? Lillian murmured, eyebrow arched.

I dont know, love. But for years now, some illness has swept through, and there isnt a household thats not lost a little one, Martha whispered.

And why are they dying why didnt anyone come to me? Lillian pressed.

Who knows? One minute the childs running about, the next hes wasting away, getting weaker day by day, and then well, thats it. Still, you know how far you are and weve got our own village healer anyway, Martha said simply.

And how longs she been there? Lillian asked with a raised brow.

Even before I moved in with Nicholas, she was here.

Why didnt you ever mention her?

What was there to tell? Shes just an old lady, does her best, never any harm in her. Brought animals back from the brink too. But theres nothing she can do for the children not with herbs nor with muttered prayers. Well, you never asked before but now that its come up, Ive told you. So, will you have Andy for a bit?

Of course, Lillian smiled, ruffling her nephews straw-coloured hair. Let him stay with me for a while. Martha kissed her boy on the crown, crossed him, and made her way home.

Well then, Lillian said, turning to Andy, lets pop into the garden, I want to show you a redstarts nest I found by the shed. Andy grinned, showing his crooked teeth, and grabbed his aunts hand eagerly.

***
Come on then, make room for your guests! Martha called out, arriving at Lillians cottage.

Mums here! Andy squealed and ran to hug her.

Itd been half a year since Martha had left her son in Lillians care. The late autumn sky was heavy with dark grey clouds. Martha came to see Andy every few weeks, each time ending in hugs and happy tears.

Oh, my darling boy, Ive missed you so much! she fussed, showering him with kisses. Your father keeps asking, when are you bringing our boy home? Lillian came in wiping her hands on her apron, and the sisters greeted with embraces.

How have you both been, then? Martha asked as she watched her son fondly.

Were well, Mum. Aunt Lillian gave me a kitten, want to see? Andy piped up, hardly waiting for an answer before running off outside.

Alls good, sister, replied Lillian calmly. So, what brings you here now?

Well, its time, really. Andys been with you so long he might start calling you mum instead of me! Martha smiled. And Nicholas keeps pressing me to bring our son back home.

So you want to take him back? Lillian asked. Howre things in the village now?

Touch wood, much better. Not a single child lost since Andys been with you. Just then, Andy burst in, kitten in arms.

Mum, Ive named him Tommy. Hes my mate now! The boys eyes sparkled with joy.

Well, weve plenty of mice in the barn, hell stay busy. Well take him with us, Martha said. Time to pack, love, lets head home.

While Andy stuffed his things into his bag, Lillian and Martha caught up on family gossip. Martha, as always, kept worrying out loud, asking when her younger sister would settle down and have a family of her own.

Oh, give it a rest, Martha! Lillian scolded, shaking her head. You sound just like Mum. Mr Right will turn up when the times right, but Im not in a hurry. Ive got my lovely nephew thats enough joy for now. Andy, dont you forget me come visit whenever youre allowed, Ill always be waiting for you.

In those months together, Lillian had grown attached to the lad his laughter, his mischief.

Now listen, Martha, she said suddenly, take care of the kitten, dont let any harm come to him. Hes Andys now.

When have I ever mistreated an animal? Martha fumed, offended. I always make sure Gods creatures get their share of the milk.

Oh, dont take it to heart, Lillian said lightly, just being sure. Theres a basket in the porch put Tommy in it, its a fair walk to your village. Try to get there before dark.

The sisters kissed, Lillian embraced her nephew, crossed him for the journey, and let them go with Gods blessing. Life trundled on, autumn nipping at winters heels. The days grew short, the nights black and long. The snow was deep that year Lillian could barely open her gate by morning.

But there was always work to keep her busy someone would bring a sick baby, or ask for herbs to ease an elderly parents aches. The days slipped past, and soon enough, the sun peeked out more often, the snow melted, birds started singing. Suddenly spring was upon them.

One afternoon, as Lillian was working in her garden, she heard a meow behind her. Turning, she saw Tommy, the kitten.

What on earth are you doing here? she gasped. Something happened to Andy? The cat rubbed against her legs, purring. Wasting no time, Lillian gathered her essentials, popped to the neighbours to ask Mrs Glass to look after the chickens, in case she didn’t return promptly, and set off.

She made her way along the edge of the woods, birds singing, spring in the air but unease gnawed at her, and she walked faster and faster. Though the sun hadnt even begun to set, she saw rooftops ahead. In moments she was at her sisters house, breathless.

Lillian! Martha exclaimed, sobbing. Oh, misery upon us! She flung her arms around her sister and dragged her into the bedroom.

Andy lay deathly pale on the bed, lips blue, skin almost transparent, breathing heavily.

Between Marthas sobs, Lillian gathered that just after Christmas, Andy started to grow weak at first skipping about, but energy fading. Then a week ago, he collapsed completely.

Why didnt you come to me? Lillian scolded, touching her nephews forehead.

I dont know, Li-lian, Martha wailed, Its as though something always blocked the way anytime I tried to set out, something happened. At first, we thought hed just caught a chill hed been sledging with the others. But then I fell ill myself. For a week I was bedridden; raspberry tea and broths got us through or so I thought. But once Andy was truly poorly, I tried again to get to you but this winter! The blizzards, the snow I couldnt leave, let alone make it through the woods to your place.

I even went to our healer, Polly. She gave me herbs, came over to whisper her blessings, but Andy just got worse. Thought Id try you as soon as the snow let up. I was going to go tomorrow but youre here! To make it worse, Tommy went missing, havent seen him for days. Andy kept asking for his cat, but no sign. Help us, Lillian, for Gods sake! If Andy dies, I wont go on, Ill do myself in!

Martha rocked, clutching her head, howling.

Dont fret over the cat it was him brought me here. Hes got more sense than you, sister! Lillian snapped. Martha opened her eyes wide, tears drying instantly.

How did the cat bring you? she whispered.

He just did. Now, tell me did Andy take anything from strangers? Eat anything odd?

Well, it was Christmas he went house to house with the other children, carolling and getting treats Martha answered.

Every house? Lillian pressed.

Every house. He especially loved Mrs Pollys mince pies.

Lillians scowl deepened. Go fetch your healer, Polly ask her to bless Andy one more time. Dont tell her Im here. I want to watch what she does.

Martha asked no questions, just put on her coat and hurried out, returning with old Polly in tow.

Oh, my dear Martha, I wish I could help, but you see yourself, nothing I do makes any difference. Must be the Lords will if I cant help children, the healer cooed.

While Polly busied herself in the other room, Lillian quietly placed two large needles crossed over one another in the door frame, and stepped out of sight in the kitchen.

A little while later Polly tried to leave, but stopped abruptly by the door, sweat breaking on her forehead. She pretended to mutter more prayers over Andy, wandered into another room, then back to the door but she couldnt bring herself to step out. After yet another round of this, exasperated, she begged Martha for a glass of water and sat down to collect herself.

Cued by Lillian, Martha brought Polly away from the door. Quick as a flash, Lillian nipped out, removed the needles, and slipped back. After drinking the water, Polly tried the door once more and, now able to leave, hurried off at speed, leaving her scarf behind.

Martha returned to the bedroom. Lillian sat beside Andy on the bed, her bag open.

Shes a real spider-woman, that one, Lillian muttered under her breath. Well, Ill show her!

She plaited three candles together and set them at Andys head.

What are you doing, Lillian? I cant fathom whats going on, Martha said.

Oh, its simple, Lillian said, not looking up, your healer is the reason so many children have died. Small children, full of life, and that wretched witch is trying to keep herself young at their expense. Shes been draining their strength for years.

Martha was stunned silent, hand clapped to her mouth, hairs standing on end.

Alright, Martha, I want you out of this room for now. Go meet your husband, tend to the chores. Closer to evening, come back and help me get to bed. Ill give Andy whats left of my strength and tear him from that spider-womans grip then, maybe, Ill recover in time, she added, seeing the fear in her sisters eyes.

Martha left the room without another word, closing the door behind her. Lillian lit the candles, whispered a prayer, and lay over Andy, sheltering him under her arms like a bird with her chicks, shielding him from harm. Time lost all meaning.

She woke to Martha helping her up, tucking the covers around her. Silence filled the house; night settled in. A lamp burned softly before the family icons, casting a warm light. Lillian let herself sleep, finally at peace, knowing Andy had been saved.

She awoke to sunlight streaming through the window, the smell of warm bread, and the gentle sounds of Martha moving about. Hows Andy? she asked, entering the kitchen. Martha burst into tears and hugged her.

Oh, thank you, Lillian, youve brought my boy back! He woke up this morning and asked for breakfast. Lillian checked on the lad, pleased to see the colour returning to his cheeks.

Martha, she said, Ill stay with you for a couple of days. Let me think what we can do to put that old fraud out of business for good.

***
Oh, Granny, I feel so rotten, Lillian groaned, sitting in Pollys cottage. Im eaten alive by jealousy. I cant bear how that girl flirts with my beloved you must do something! Lillian was clever; shed come to the healer pretending to want revenge, but really, she just wanted to see how the old woman drained life from the children.

Well, I wouldnt know, love, Polly replied in her most innocent tone, I dont dabble in the dark arts, its a sin. I only help folks.

Oh, but you must help me! Lillian pressed. Is it fair? Ive put up with that scoundrel for years, and now shes trying to take him from me. I wont tell a soul, and Ill reward you handsomely. I hate her, and youll have anything you want.

Well, then, since youre so set on it, you and I are two of a kind, the old woman agreed. No sense letting such injustice go. But you mustnt breathe a word! All I ask for payment is this Ill bake you some bread, and you must give it to the children in your village.

What for? Lillian asked.

Never you mind, just do as I say! Now, about this troublesome rival of yours. How about we send a ghost her way? Polly offered, pausing dramatically. Ill give you the memorial bread each slice holds a ghostly spirit, bound by a bargain. I send them fresh souls to feed upon, and they grant me more years in return.

Lillian nodded, took the bread, and strode off firmly leaving Polly secure in the belief her curse would spread even further.

Back at Marthas, Lillian emptied the loaves onto the table. See what bread your healer gives the children!

Its just bread, isnt it? Martha said, confused. Its not a crime, sharing bread.

Ordinary bread, no. But this is the memorial kind, laced with evil. Cursed and haunted, Lillian explained. Martha gasped, hand to her mouth.

How can this be?

Thats how she does it! She bargains with evil she gives them those with their whole lives ahead, in exchange for extra years for herself.

But why the children? Martha whispered.

Because innocence is more powerful, and life burns stronger in the young, Lillian answered.

What will we do with the bread? Martha asked, panic growing.

We have to get rid of it and make sure those spirits go for their mistress, not the children, Lillian said mischievously.

She tore the loaves into crumbs, fed them to the hens, and waited.

By morning, Martha returned from the well with some juicy gossip. Lillian, youll never guess Antonia says she saw Polly at dawn, and something dreadfuls happened to her. Shes all shrivelled, blackened, and looks ancient. She wanted to talk to her, but Polly shouted to be left alone.

Thats it, then, Lillian grinned. The spirits went hungry and turned on their mistress instead!

Martha crossed herself, shivering. Lillian, you make my heart pound. Shes still alive, after all.

Oh, Martha, youre just like our mother would pity any devil if you thought he was hurting. Martha blushed.

Well then, Ill finish the job properly. Dont come in for now, Lillian said, heading to the spare room.

She drew the curtains, lit two candles, and took an old, rusty padlock from her bag. Quietly, she recited, If you utter a word you shall vanish; if you act youll turn to dust. I lock your strength away, once and for all.

Later that evening, Lillian took the padlock to Pollys house.

Polly, are you home? she called.

Only silence answered. She entered, the floorboards creaking.

Whos there? The devil himself? came a rasp from the other room.

Why a devil? Its only me, Lillian replied, stepping inside.

Oh, its you? Polly said, exhausted. What do you want? Im not well. No strength to fiddle with you Im ill.

Of course you are feeding demons is hard work, Lillian replied, coolly.

Pollys eyes bulged, mouth working to find air.

What have you done, you viper! The spirits tormented me all night! Nearly shook the life out of me!

Life? You think you still have any? How many children have you harmed to keep yourself living, you cruel old beast? Well, now its your turn. Youll see eternity in hell! With that, Lillian turned to go. Polly heaved herself from her bed, chasing after her, shouting curses.

Ill set every devil on you, witch! Ill curse your line forever!

As if only you can wield magic! Lillian mocked. Take a look at your door see that rusty padlock? Your power is sealed inside it now. Try a single trick, and youll turn to dust before your time and your demons will feast! She swept away, not sparing a glance at the howling that followed.

***
Two months passed. Andy bounced back to health.

Polly died a month later, wasted away when her bargain failed. With no more children to feed her demons, they took her instead. Her end was ghastly.

Lillian became the only healer for miles carrying out her duties responsibly. She could have called on darker powers, but never would she stain her soul. She healed folk and their animals, and never did harm. Marriage never quite seemed to find her, but she never worried much. Not everyone could handle her nature.

Oh, Lillian, if only youd rein in that pride a bit, youd find a husband and have children! Martha would sigh.

A little prides needed when youre up against the devil himself, Martha! Lillian would laugh. And as for having children, I wont fret. Ive got my precious nephew fate has blessed me enough. Shed plant a fond kiss on Andys crown. Ever since he was well again, Andy came to his aunts place as often as he could, sometimes staying for weeks, showering her with all the love in his little heart.