Vrenessbith

“Vrenessbith” is a story woven from threads of different worlds. One thread follows ancient history of Scotland where Celtic and Gaelic, men and women, join together to battle an expanding Roman Empire. A new society of Highlanders emerges, interwoven with another strand from a world of Woodland Faeries. Not your childhood fairies, these creatures are powerful defenders from a time when the majestic mountains they protect were born. Highlanders and Faeries defeat the Romans but their celebration is short-lived because a society of mountain women weaves their own story into the tapestry. These hags, also from a time long past, are fast, powerful, devious, and utilize the power of the mountains in a different way - for their own gain. A golden thread emerges as one faerie, Vrenessbith, who was born of a love’s dying tear, strives to assist Highlanders using her own special magic. This wee creature possesses  a power beyond all others, but must learn how to use and control it. Years of Highland life, loves, and extraordinary endeavors weave together, taking on many different textures until these adventures reach their climax resulting in an image of the best-known legend of the Scottish Highlands, nestled in the depths of Loch Ness.

Two other “characters” weave their threads into this intriguing tale of conflict, survival, and relationship with the natural world. One is a grey shroud manifestation of our daily struggle to survive. Each of us carries this weight which is felt but not seen and changes with each new turn. The second is a thread not from yesterday but of today, for this tale is woven by a modern guardian of the Highlands who has his own invaders to deal with, and grandchildren. Both of these threads weave through the story of Vrenessbith binding ancient legend and modern quests into the life of the reader.