Under the Shadow of the Moon

Introduction from Book One

Legacy of the Moon

This is the story of Cleopatra Selene, the daughter of Cleopatra VII. The first book of this series covers her captivity by the Romans after the death of her parents. Augustus, the first Emperor of Rome, marries her off to Juba II. The first book is how she relates to her captivity and her arranged marriage to Juba II, King of Numidia. During her captivity, she befriends the daughter of her captor, Antonia Minor. Antonia Minor is Cleopatra Selene's half sister from her father, Marcus Antonius, and together they form a valuable friendship that breaks the boundaries of their time. In her captivity, she is raised besides the children of Octavia, who is the sister of Augustus.

Her marriage to Juba II fairs decently enough as he was also a captive himself when a small child and raised in Rome. Juba II is also the author of an extensive encyclopedia of the known world. He is a scholar. Cleopatra Selene has three children from her husband and becomes the Queen of Numidia and then of Mauretania after a palace revolt. They both rule under the wings of Rome.

Cleopatra Selene then deals with the marriage of her daughter, Jubilla to the King of a tribe in ancient Britannia or Prytain and all it entails in bringing two completely alien cultures together in alliance. She and Juba II with Jubilla, travel there to meet the Keltoi tribe that their daughter was promised in marriage to form a new destiny. Cleopatra Selene also brings along her sister Arsinoe and her brother Ptolemy Philadelphos.

The first book describes their adventures and travails along the way and of how they dealt with things way beyond their control and events that had occurred before they were old enough to ride with the avalanche they had to face.

This second book of the series continues the epic lives they lead and starts with the wedding of Jubilla in the Keltoi land of Prytain…

Part one

I

The sun from the day was slowly ending its weary course across the hazy summer sky to reach its place of slumber for the eve. The rays of the sun danced lazily across the green hills dusted with puffs of sheep. Vibrant life filled the fields of the crops that surrounded the settlement, as if to bring the attention of every person living there and in those smaller villages outside the main settlement and new capitol. All living bodies responded to the call of the beginning of a new day in this upside-down world of the people of Pryttain. Trades were finished up for the day and people started flooding in from all around to witness this magical and special day before them.

It was the Summer Solstice, the day perfect for the wedding ceremonies, such as the year-and-a-day rite that was called the hand-fast. In this ceremony, lovers would be united by an officiating Druid of their connection for a year-and-a-day to each other as a couple. When the time was up, they could go on with their pledge and continue the bond. The only way it could be broken was to return to the spot where they made this hand-fasted oath. In the presence of witnesses, the woman would walk from the spot towards the north and the man would walk from that spot where they were hand-fasted towards the south of the circle of protection.

There were so many intricate meanings of Midsummer’s Eve to the Summer Solstice that Cleopatra Selene and her family was trying to make sense of it all. This was the part of the year when their old God would die, and the New God was to take over. A time of new beginnings; when the houses were swept out with special vigor in getting rid of the old to have a good place for the new in their life.

This was the time of year when day was not a day; rather it was mystical and belonged to the realm of the Druids. The symbolism and meaning was even lost to Juba who was learning the very basic of knowledge from the Druids and had only penetrated the very surface of their wisdom.

Juba was extremely frustrated that whenever he spoke with the Druid in his learning sessions, he was not allowed to write a single thing down. The Arch-Druid, Bellinos had told him that writing only encouraged laziness of the mind and that the knowledge of his people could only truly be taught to those people with minds open and strong enough to be able to hold such secrets. He did not insult Juba in mentioning this; he was merely stating a fact of his people.

More people had started to arrive. More people than Selene thought had even existed on this very large island at the farthest known place on the earth. She was amazed as were the others from her family. They were all dressed in their finest. Selene was arrayed in the High-Priestess garments from the temple of Isis with her ceremonial diadem containing the symbol of the cobra above her third and sacred eye.

The ancient Druid Bellinos nodded at her and beckoned her to join his side in reverence to her priestess status. She had let go of the grasp of her daughter and husband to join the ancient druid to where the other Druids, Ovates and Bards gathered in a grove on the outskirts of the capitol.

********

While Selene joined the company of the druids, Arsinoe and Cilia had rushed the now very nervous form of Jubilla to complete the final wedding preparations. As their ritual was to be held in fortuitous precedence to all of the other weddings that day in being their rulers united as King and Queen of the tribe of the Trinovantes in Pryttain.

Prince Ptolemy and King Juba just stood there not knowing what to do when the much appreciated appearance of the two princes Togodumnos and Annius had arrived and started to explain all that was occurring before their eyes. They were the brothers of the groom Cynfelyn.

They had pointed towards all of the brides that were gathered to the side and being lectured to by the Druid High Priestess chosen as the mother Goddess figure for this celebration. Then to the tall dark-haired figure of his uncle Avarwy, the leader of the Silures who had arrived for his duty to stand in for the old-king in the ceremony, since the father of the new King Cynfelyn had died. There was a grievance going on between them in matters, which would be brought up later. However, all negativity and grievances were to be put on hold by the order of the Druids on this mystical day of celebration. Avarwy was explaining the duties of a good husband to the grooms gathered on the other side and far away from their brides. Bards assigned to this event accompanied them both as was tradition to enhance the ancient lessons for new husbands and wives.

Togodumnos’ eyes were glued to the back of his uncle watching him carefully while his younger brother explained the event to their guests. Annius pointed out that every item of food that was prepared on the many and endless tables overflowing with unusual delights, had sacred meaning, and were prayers to the people for their bounty.

He explained that everything had many meanings and none at all. He winked at this, for he knew that he was confusing his two guests. He further explained that there was to be a play that evening before the actual event that would take place in the stones outside of the grove in a place that all would walk to in the twilight of the evening. Twilight was the actual beginning of their day and celebration.

Annius explained that they had very few hours of daylight left for this day and soon the people would be led to the plays in the sacred groves. At the actual time of twilight when the day and night were one, the festivities were to commence. The Druids would light the bonfires under the tall stones where all of the people would gather, the plays would explain it all, as only the Druids and Bards acted in them, as they were sacred teachings of the ancients. Then the sacred wedding of the King and Queen would commence and to follow that would be the rest of the hand-fastings. It all would end with a feast back in the town that would last all day past the sunrise. He told them that it was strictly prohibited to partake of any type of food or water until the time of the feast at the end. They looked over with longing at the tables off to the right of them that were being covered in hides as guards stood in protection.

Suddenly horns sounded for all to gather to join them in the clearing of the sacred stones. Annius had noticed Jubilla, Arsinoe, and Cilia running out to join them along with many other people, which suddenly appeared around them in every direction. A young Druid of lower rank had whisked Jubilla aside and explained that she was to come with him for her final preparations for she was to be wedded first. Her father bid acceptance at this, gave her a reassuring kiss on her rosy cheek, and sent her off with the Druid.

The princes accompanied Juba, Ptolemy, Cilia, Arsinoe, and the others along with the rest of the village on a path that was flanked on each side by all of the warriors of the tribe holding candles made of ash and animal fats or beeswax supported by wide shells. As the sun was dipping in the sky, the many dotted lights were a comfort to the family while they made their way along the wide and well-traveled path to a smaller path, which led away from the grove and farther from the settlement in a westerly direction. The whole village had broken out in song as soon as they left the boundaries of their main settlement and capitol. They were all joyous, merry and full of hope.

As they walked even further, the summer sun was losing its power over the people. Nevertheless, all were guided by the many lights that dotted the edge of the path before them adding the security of mystery. People of all ages and ways of life had joined in to celebrate. Bards blowing their trumpets and flutes to accompany the songs that sprung forth from the people in an endless supply, surrounded the brides and grooms way ahead of the procession.

In listening Juba could not tell when one song ended and when the next began, the tunes and patterns would blend and then form something completely different from the last without an obvious break. Therefore, complex did it all sound that he was amazed that even a little girl walking next to him that could not have been older than three, knew all of the words, her tiny voice drowned out by all of the others, her lips in perfect sync with those of her mother beside her.

Over hills and through a forest they walked until they reached another clearing where inside a large circle were many stones that appeared ancient to him. Tall and touching the sky, they appeared as if they were frozen Titans from a long lost culture. Juba had seen smaller versions during their journey through longhaired Gaul, however, none with half the glory as these, nor as ancient.

Before they approached the sacred clearing, Annius quickly told him that this site was a part of a much larger area of worship. A more powerful site that was the most sacred of all was further to the south. Juba was amazed since it seemed to him that Annius had read his mind at that utterance. Yet, again everything seemed magical the closer they were to the strange monument of stones.

As soon as each person entered the sacred space, their voices hushed until all had entered and it reached an eerie crescendo of silence that surrounded them. When the silence was complete, it continued until a slow drumbeat began and the Druids took up a chant similar to what he recalled from the Mid-Winter celebration in the other village, which seemed far away to Juba at this moment. He then noticed the ancient figure of Bellinos guided by that of his wife appear to the center of the clearing. How beautiful Selene looked in her Egyptian-priestess robes. The white flowing robes of the Arch-Druid blew mystically as if the soft wind around them now was all the more fierce by their power. He looked over at Selene who joined the Druids in their chants with one of hers that he knew was in ancient Egyptian and probably as old as what was uttered by the Druids and Bards that had joined in.

Suddenly the sun sank into its final descent and all of the colors had melded into darkness that surrounded them. Bellinos uttered a word and the five bonfires that surrounded all of the mystical personnel had burst to life in passionate enthusiasm. The wind added to the power of the flames. Bellinos threw powder into the fires and they suddenly danced with the life of sparkles of various colors.

Bellinos called over to Cynfelyn and his brothers and other family members to enter the forefront of the crowd and to Juba and his family as well. Selene went out to the side of the circle, retrieved her daughter, and beckoned Juba to assist her. Arsinoe and Ptolemy were placed in the front near the princes of the tribe.

Bellinos stood tall and proud, one would think that he was as strong as a thirty-year-old rather than his true age. Selene took on the glamour of her Goddess and was regal, beautiful, and ageless beside Bellinos.

A broom handle was placed on the ground, Selene took her husband’s hand and placed it on his daughter’s, and she led them both over to Cynfelyn, whose hands were held by his brothers. The bride and groom, king and queen were led to face one another and their family placed their hands upon each other’s. Bellinos entered the space and whispered words that sounded more ancient than anything did that Juba had ever heard before; aloud he called for the God and Goddess to witness this union and to guide over it for a year and a day and for this life and the next. He then took out two chords. One braided by Jubilla and the other braided by Cynfelyn. He wrapped the chords loosely around the entwined hands of the bride and groom. He assisted them in walking over the broomstick once and then back to where they originally stood.

Bellinos and Selene led the newly married couple over to where there were two tall chairs and bid them to sit and to watch over the rest of the proceedings. They sat together side by side with one hand each entwined in the others by the chord of their union.

Now all of the brides were gathered on one side of the clearing while the grooms were on the other side, and Jubilla and her husband Cynfelyn officiated. Each couple was then brought together and the chords were loosely placed upon their eager to be martially bound hands. There were twelve couples this year and each was given their proper ceremony by the Arch-Druid Bellinos.

When all were complete, the music started to play and all began to dance wildly about the fires. Children ran around throwing flowers off the branches they carried onto the newly hand-fasted couples. Flowers were thrown up to their king and queen and three tiny little girls with hair so blonde that it was almost white presented their queen with a garland of the brightest blue flowers of Borage for courage and strength that were woven into a crown to be placed upon her amber red curls that hung down past her waist. She smiled and accepted her crown and bowed to her husband who assisted his queen in placing it upon her head. All of this was as clear as day from the brilliant light of the bonfires. The vibrant shadows danced over all with cheerful intent to add magic to this eve.

Selene wove in and out of the crowd until at last she came upon the entranced figure of her husband to join her hands with his. Plays were set up in small booths telling the story of this occasion in different intervals around the clearing at the time most were dancing. The children gathered hungrily to watch the many plays and puppet shows. She wondered why the plays were held after the ceremonies rather than before as she and her family were told. But then again thought the better when she recalled that to the Druids and the people of this land-all times were one and did not mean much in the order of things. She joined the rest of the people on this powerful eve.

These rituals seemed to last hours, yet there was a strange youthfulness added to the older bodies that evening that gave a special long lost vigor to their step.

Suddenly the event turned again and all of the people had started to head out, dancing to the path that they had arrived at towards the village. Their parents gathered children and the king and queen were carried out in their tall chairs. People as they were led out of the circle sang even louder, and grabbed all of the flowered branches and all of the petals into the aisle and danced lazily all around them bathing them in newfound life. It appeared to Ptolemy as if he was walking through a warm summer snowstorm. His nose hungrily picked up the many scents foreign to him yet all the more delicious than anything that he was used to.

Someone must have gone on ahead, because the closer the celebrants came to the village the louder the scent of the food was. The singing became more aggressive in a merry way and even ribald in hidden suggestion, to fool the ears of the youngest of children.

The paths before Juba were lit up as before by the lights held by all of the warriors and added a welcome sight in the darkness of the forest.

Drums, horns, stringed instruments and an odd harp played on through the night and the people all around him almost broke into a run as they approached the village for the hunger forgotten in the ceremony was very strong in all by then.

Juba along with Selene had finally found her brother Ptolemy just as they had approached the village food tables. It was well lit up by torches by then and all were now ordered in to line up for their fare. Selene and Juba had found a niche under an Elder tree that blocked out the light of the stars that were now bright up in the vast and endless sky. The moon was full and cast breathtaking shadows that danced all around them with the light of the hundreds of torches that surrounded the village. The stars in millions cascaded the heavens with a bright piercing light that led to gazing from those wonderstruck below.

Arsinoe then found them for they had designated this spot before on the advice of Annius who had informed them about the confusion of the rush to the food tables after the celebration by the sacred stone. They were glad that they were well warned of this. As they were resting and talking all at once on their observations, Annius pushed aside the branches along with Togodumnos, Drennedd, and Andocos loaded down with food and heavy brass goblets of mead and beer. Alas, dear friends I find you here. However, not to worry, we have brought you all some wondrous delights from our humble land for you to sample. We made sure that the best were chosen especially for you.

Arsinoe came to life at that and uttered thankfully, Oh thank you all, please join us here. Juba and Selene nodded. Juba added, Yes, much blessed thanks, please sit here and join us.

Yes, please do! Selene exclaimed.

Why thank you, Stated Annius who took the lead in setting out all of the delights before them on a cloth in the middle. Togodumnos sat beside Selene and smelled of horse as usual which she politely tried to ignore, yet found it difficult in how overpowering the smell was. Arsinoe was oblivious and dove right into it with as much enthusiasm as the others. She glanced at her sister with the disapproving look of their mother hoping that she would remember her manners as a princess of the Ptolemy line. It was silly, yet angered Selene when she was arrogantly brushed off with her sister’s fervor in the many foreign delights spread out in front of them all.

Andocos, may I speak in Latin? At his assent, Juba continued, Tell me about the meanings of those songs that the Druids were chanting in the circle, they did not seem to be similar to your language. I did not recognize any of the words. Juba questioned Andocos who had tutored the royal family as he was pausing between bites on a large leg of mutton.

Andocos wiped away the savory rosemary scented juice with his sleeve. Oh, yes sire, you see those words are only known by the Druids. Moreover, tis’ told to us that it is a language so ancient twas’ believed to be the very first language and only known to Gods and Druids. We are used to that language and of never knowing the meaning for we are only simple folk and live by the land. The Gods speak to the Druids and they need that language to relate to all of us.

Juba seemed satisfied, but Selene grew perplexed at this odd notion of a sacred language. In the land of my birth we spoke the language of the Gods, though it was lost by the average person over three hundred years ago. However, it seems rather recent to have lost a language that you tell us that your people never knew and only the Druids… Why?

Annius noticed the confused look of his fellow soldier and decided to rescue him. My lady, for tis’ known by only the Druids on that matter, so the one to ask would be Bellinos. Maybe the people preferred their own language so that they could hide things from the Gods so they wouldn’t get into trouble in their mischief. He laughed at this as all those sitting on the crisp Midsummer’s Eve under the Elder tree joined him.

On the other side of the clearing sat Jubilla in wonder over the moment. Besides her observing the crowd carefully was her new husband Cynfelyn. His eyes caught the attention of the icy stare of Ceridon. He knew in her highly opinionated way of looking at things that she would take his marriage to Jubilla as an insult to her warrior blood and a slight over their lost son. He would have to watch her carefully.

He also recalled the official presence of his Uncle Avarwy and had in advance chosen carefully on his most skillful and quiet of warriors to keep a close guard on him and his entourage.

Cynfelyn also looked over to the Elder tree and observed his bride’s family in rapt conversation with his most notable warriors. He could not hear any words, though had noticed the careful dotage that was being paid to Arsinoe by his loyal warrior Andocos. He would have to do something about that. He scanned around the crowds for a possible wife for the brave warrior and close friend in hopes to veer him away from the young and oblivious princess. He did not want any feelings to be hurt potentially on this matter, as he knew there could possibly be, if he were to let this continue. He and Juba had spoken on the possibility of Arsinoe’s marriage though needed Selene’ opinion on the matter as he was so unsure.

********

Voices satiated from hunger and friendly chatter permeated the village main. Torches shone welcome over the celebrants, while the stars danced gracefully in their brilliance up above. Children had begun to find spots in the folds of their mother’s and grandmother’s gathered skirts to sleep. The older children were now running around the tables in a game of catch.

Selene looked up as she leaned against the back of her husband at all the sights of this peaceful village. Her husband was deep in conversation with Annius, with the occasional comment of Togodumnos and Andocos. Ptolemy had stood up and walked over to where the other warriors had gathered near the strong woven fences of the animals who sat on benches and on the ground in enthralled conversation with beer goblets clanking in the evening breeze. She had found where they had placed the tall chairs of her daughter and son-in-law and had noticed that Cynfelyn was observing all while Jubilla slept peacefully leaning on his shoulder. It was then that her glance reached his from up above the slowing din and he glanced over at Jubilla and he winked. Selene giggled silently at that and smiled at her new son. She felt her daughter was now safe, she was enjoying the peaceful bliss of warm comfort, and the large shoulders that were perfectly comfortable and she closed her eyes for just a moment; though unintentionally fell into a deep satiated with life slumber.

II

After the Solstice celebrations were over and the cleaning-up had begun reluctantly by the people who dwelled in the settlement, Drennedd approached Cynfelyn one evening. He approached the long house where the royal couple shared lodgings while the new palace was being built under the specifications of the new Queen Jubilla and her mother. Off to the side of the present residence, Drennedd observed the beginnings of what was soon to become a Grecian Style Villa. It was elaborate for the land on which it sits. He knew that it would be soon the grandest building ever to grace the area as any other that he had been to. He had not traveled much in his life for his time in rule was mostly being spent in keeping the Romans interested in the mainland and not on the island.

Drennedd took great pride in his lands being well protected. He knew that if the Romans conquered his lands, they would be a mighty force to reckon with. He knew that with all of the inhabitants on this island, there would still not be enough to hold them off when they were struck with a full-scale invasion from the mighty forces of Rome.

Drennedd and Cynfelyn worked together in this matter. For Cynfelyn had the knowledge of the Romans and had even studied amongst them for several years, though took back with him a great store of information to protect his people. The Romans had recognized Cynfelyn as one of the three great tribal kings of the land in his being a direct descendant and grandson of the great Llud, King of CaerLlud, and his city at the end of the great River Thames.

From what he had learned from Cynfelyn, they needed to keep the Romans uninterested in their land and make them to feel that there would be nothing for them to see over here or worth for them to conquer. As he dreaded the day when their land would be overrun and turned into cities as those lands who belonged to his kin over the sea, whom the Romans called the Long-Haired-Gauls.

With those thoughts heavy on his mind, he entered the main dwelling of the newly married king, Cynfelyn after being admitted by his guard and chief warrior Andocos. The large burly blonde bear of a man with the heart of a kitten was one of those who were accepted into the ring of his king that he was utterly loyal to. Cynfelyn tipped his head at Drennedd in honor and bid him to enter. Drennedd walked in long strides with a purpose over to the table of the king set in the far corner of the room, lit in this late hour with additional oil lamps brought over from Rome. Drennedd tried not to grimace at the purely roman lighting implements in the chamber as he made his way forward.

III

The bon fire in the center of the room of the abode added the warmth needed on this extra cool summer evening, though did not set enough light in the corner where the King preferred to work at his accounts. Drennedd passed islands of furs on court lingerers, followers, and relatives as they lounged and listened to the soft music of the lyre played wistfully by a young Bard. As he approached the corner of the large wooden structure, he noticed that Cynfelyn was bent down and looked dazzled by something that he was reading. Those around him in the islands of fur were oblivious to the workings of the great king. He noticed his young wife to his side going over some paperwork as well.

Just then, Cynfelyn noticed the presence of his friend and fellow leader. Drennedd, welcome and have a seat to rest your feet my friend. He bid a servant sitting off to his side almost hidden in shadow to bring some wine and cheese. How fare you this fine summer’s eve?

Drennedd bowed and softly exclaimed, ‘Tis’ glorious indeed, such a shame that duties must keep one inside. Tis’ crisp enough for the soul to wake for certes’, almost feels like autumn approaching… His deep voice chuckled. Cynfelyn nodded, Indeed, though I prefer to spend all the time possible with my lovely wife. However, this eve, I am teaching her about the land that she now rules. We are going over boring import and export records and such necessities that need to be learned.

Aye, my liege, I know those onerous duties that rulers must face and would bid you continue, though I do have a matter that needs to be discussed, would you have the time soon my liege? I do need to head back to my people so that I may attack my own boring books. I do not trust that the scribes have kept up with such whilst’ I was away.

Just then, Jubilla looked up and approached her husband, Darling, please attend to the chieftain, I think that I understand this and may be able to take care of a few things on my own. When you return, you can look it over to make sure. She bowed to him prettily and let her long black eyelashes touch her rosy cheeks.

Then it seems that I do have time after all. Thank you. I won’t be long.

Do not worry; I am a big girl, my husband. Her giggle sounded cheery in the lazy hall and Cynfelyn bowed to his wife and wrapped his arm in the arm of his fellow chieftain leading him out of the hall through the islands of lazy courtiers in their fur-laden peace. Like boats we sail Drennedd through a Sea of Sloth! Bellowed Cynfelyn in laughter as he and Drennedd made their way through them to the entrance of the large hall.

Outside the sky was brightened by infinite numbers of