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    Celtic Warriors
    Celtic Warriors
    Celtic Warriors
    Ebook144 pages2 hours

    Celtic Warriors

    By Cassandra Wolf

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Celtic Warriors is about two Protestant families from England who move to Ireland in 1652 and encounter fierce opposition from Catholic Irish nationalists who resent the English invading their homeland. While animosity between the Protestants and Catholics heightens, a deeper relationship with God that can only be achieved through adversity develops even more among members of both sides.
    Clean suspense, mystery, and romance combine to make this Christian historical fiction novella exciting and wholesome.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBookBaby
    Release dateApr 7, 2017
    ISBN9780692862544
    Celtic Warriors
    Author

    Cassandra Wolf

    Cassandra Wolf loves reading and writing paranormal stories, fictional characters, and also enjoys exploring the world as a full-time fiction writer. She is a curious collector and researcher of ancient writings and religious books.

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      Book preview

      Celtic Warriors - Cassandra Wolf

      XVIII

      INTRODUCTION

      Irish castles are majestic relics that contain a lot of lore and convey the ages of their edifices. For instance, most Irish castles built by the Normans had long fortifications. Irish castles also boast massive proportions and unique interior designs to reflect the privilege of their owners. This tradition continued when, over time, these castles had wings or other buildings added onto them.

      Internally and externally, Irish castles still capture hearts and minds. The castles served as strong fortresses surviving rebellions, wars, inclement weather, corrosion, neglect, and fire. For example, Tullynally Castle saw the invention of a heating system and novelties from other countries. However, the castles could not protect their inhabitants from every political and social change.

      The Irish people were temporarily subdued after England conquered Ireland in 1649. Then, the Act of Settlement in 1652 marked a tragic turning point for Irish land holders. Funding numerous battles left the English Parliament in dire need of capital. The Act of Settlement allowed Parliament to raise capital by selling land conquered from Irish rebels in twenty-six counties. Purchasers included government creditors, nobles, those who served the Crown during battle, and Irish citizens who pledged loyalty to England. Irish citizens who refused to pledge their loyalty were branded as rebels and sequestered to Clare and Connaught Counties. Many English families moved into the twenty-six other counties zoned for them. As a result, the landscape and demographics of Ireland changed forever with an increase in the English population that imported different religions and social customs. F or some reason, the English expatriates opted to live in a volatile religious and political environment.

      Religious inequalities also persisted, for Irish Catholic religious leaders still had to obey the Crown. Eventually, England allowed for an Irish parliament that reported to the Crown. Violence inevitably erupted after the English settled in Ireland. Under King Charles I, Irish rebels attempted a rebellion to expel the English from their country. Somehow, their conversation was overheard by a man who alerted English authorities in Ireland. As a result, English forces quashed the rebellion before a single act of violence transpired. But, the flame of nationalism still burned within many Irish citizens.

      Irish Protestants fared better than their English counter parts because the former were allowed to participate in trade. Irish Protestants could engage in trade but only with England and the Netherlands. However, that privilege was moot during an economic downturn. Life for the Irish was supposed to improve even more with help from the Duke of Ormonde. The Duke of Ormonde appeared sympathetic to Irish sovereignty but could not achieve anything significant while balancing Protestant English and Scotland’s interests with those of Irish nationalists. However, Irish Catholics, Protestants, and Loyalists rejected the Remonstrance presented by the Duke after growing weary of English rule. Frustration with being repressed in their own country mounted among the Irish.

      Furthermore, the English political disposition toward Ireland changed under King Charles II. King Charles II had never seen Ireland and was disinclined to visit the country. He was more interested in domestic matters, and more partial toward Tories than his predecessor. The Irish were subdued for the moment after King Charles I conquered Ireland. King Charles II was more lenient toward Irish citizens by granting them greater participation in trade and politics. For instance, linen could be exported from Ireland to England. Yet, the new freedoms did not placate Irish citizens, who wanted autonomy. England still held a monopoly over trading that limited opportunities for economic growth in Ireland. Therefore, Irish Catholics did not benefit from their new freedoms, nor did English nobles profit after gaining new trading partners. Parliament sought to stimulate the English economy by monopolizing Irish trade and acquiring new colonies. After all, Ireland served as an important docking point for ships traveling from the Netherlands to America. However, the Irish economy languished after unrest in other English colonies slowed international trade.

      *************************************************

      Twenty-five-year-old English actress Gertrude Thomason had starred in several successful movies by the 1950s. She had short, blonde curly hair, dimples in both cheeks, and a bright smile. Her fair complexion bore no latent flaws.

      Gertrude was an only child. During her childhood, she often reenacted history lessons at home or birthday parties. Her parents realized she was born to be an actress. After interviewing numerous agents, they found an agency that cared for Gertrude as a person. They signed their daughter with the agency and soon received numerous requests for auditions. A career in acting meant extensive periods absent from school. Ava and Ellis wanted their daughter to receive the same education she would have had in school, therefore, they hired Maxwell Hargrove, a retired teacher, to tutor her. The tutor travelled with the Thomasons.

      Gertrude waited for her parents and guardian, who were expected in ten minutes. Ava, Ellis, and Beatrix Ellingsworth, Gertrude’s guardian, always sought the best for Gertrude. Movie executives convinced her parents Ava and Ellis to appoint a guardian for Gertrude, who was then ten years old. The guardian would ensure Ava and Ellis did not exercise undue influence over Gertrude.

      Beatrix had thirty years of experience as a guardian and was highly recommended to Ava and Ellis by a mutual friend. Before long, the Thomasons trusted Beatrix. Her parents and guardian always sought the best for their ward and used sound judgment when making decisions. Gertrude sensed their devotion, which allowed her to trust them and live a peaceful life. When Gertrude became an adult, Beatrix stayed on with the family as a consultant. Ava and Ellis still managed their daughter’s career. Beatrix only accepted assignments when Gertrude was in England, to minimize the toll of constantly travelling afar and long hours of filming on the child. Gertrude managed to receive an exceptional level of education between assignments, on the train, or during weekends. She particularly liked European history.

      During a biology lesson, Mr. Hargrove showed Gertrude how to preserve cut roses and feathers. Gertrude liked the smell of dried roses and preferred intact and multi-colored feathers found lying on the ground, rather than plucking them from a live bird. Gertrude continued this hobby into her adult life.

      Indeed, she had acquired an eclectic collection of feathers, roses, and other flowers from family or as souvenirs from Continental Europe. No one understood why she collected these items. In fact, her private life always remained a mystery. Gertrude liked spending mornings or afternoons in her expansive backyard gathering specimens. When collecting flowers, she cut where the stem and branch met. Then, she placed the parts inside a folded sheet of wax paper. She then placed the paper between two thick books for several days. Finally, she placed the finished product in an album. The slow and repetitious process of pressing plants required precision, which kept her attention away from negative thoughts.

      Her most recent role brought Gertrude to Ireland for the first time. She would play a peasant girl who married a nobleman in the movie Unexpected Love. The two met in a forest while she was collecting flowers and he was searching for his hunting party after getting lost. Within days of arrival, the history and beauty of Ireland fascinated her. One day, during a break between scenes, Gertrude thought about buying a castle in Ireland to fill an inexplicable void in her life. As Gertrude pondered which castle to purchase, one of the crewmen, Benjamin Colt approached her. She greeted him with a smile, but he still struggled to hide his nervousness in the presence of someone famous.

      Ms. Thomason?

      Yes, Benjamin?

      There is an Irish castle that I visited during a guided tour yesterday. I thought you might be interested in the castle because my guide said there lies a storied past.

      A storied past! I would definitely like to see the place. Thank you, Benjamin. Where exactly is this castle?

      You’re welcome, Ms. Thomason. The castle is just outside of Holycross, a few hours west of here. Tours are given on a daily basis, if you are interested.

      I would love to see this castle! But, a guided tour may be too much for me to bear. You seem to have a lot more patience.

      Benjamin blushed and turned to walk away.

      When her parents and guardian returned, Gertrude told them about the castle. They agreed to visit the castle with her and Benjamin after filming concluded that day. Benjamin could direct them to the castle. After several scenes, all five left by train. Benjamin told them which stop to take and where to walk when they arrived at their destination. Gertrude was the first to disembark. All five walked about two miles before they faced an intimidating mass of white stone. No one else was around, as tours had ended an hour ago. With wide eyes and dilated pupils, Gertrude turned around to marvel at the miles of untended light green hills from which rose three white columns and eleven trees. The tallest column looked like a rook from chess. The other two columns looked like rectangles. Three trees stood near the entrance. Eight trees protruded from the hills. Somehow, the castle felt familiar. Something about the castle captured her soul, and she desired to solve the mystery. Her four companions were amazed by the majesty and seclusion but to a lesser extent.

      Maybe I had a past life in the castle? Gertrude said to herself.

      Gertrude had heard about past lives but never dared to believe that people lived in the past as other beings. Gertrude felt silly asking her parents or Beatrix about past lives but felt more determined to uncover whether a personal connection with the castle existed.

      While returning to the set a few hours later, Gertrude remained deep in thought. Her parents noticed her introspection and asked if anything was the matter.

      I feel drawn to the castle and may have had a past life there, she said. "I would like to find out for sure whether there is a connection, though. What do all of you

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