Tam Lin

The south of Scotland and the north of England form the border country, a sparsely populated area of moorland and forests. Here lies Carterhaugh, a place where mythical creatures fled and settled when the rest of England and Scotland was expanding and the town and city dwellers of the two countries became immune to the  spells and tricks of fairies, goblins, witches and elves from the old world. Tam Lin, an elven knight administered these lands for the Faerie Queen. It was she who ordered him to collect a tithe from those who came through her land.

Janet and her father lived on a farm in Carterhaugh. It was a  small community beside Etrick water. Carterhaugh bridge spanned the water leading to the forest in which her father hunted and fished before the Faerie Queen came and claimed the land as hers. Janet objected to these boundaries. She felt them false, established by a cruel Queen she refused to recognise. Janet felt that the Queen had taken what once belonged to the families of the border country who had lived there for decades. Her father would often reminisce about the land and about how he used to hunt and fish in the forest. He told Janet of how families helped each other and children played without fear.  In Janet’s opinion the land belonged to everyone and no-one.

Her grandmother still lived in the forest, one of the few. She was stubborn like her granddaughter and would bow to no queen especially one as cruel as the Faerie Queen. One morning Janet set out early to visit the old lady She loved her stories of the old days. The mist was still hovering and gathering in pockets amongst the trees. The land was wild but familiar to Janet. The path to her grandmother’s house was knotted with the remnants of forgotten boundaries - overgrown hedges and fallen fence posts; boundaries left to decay when families had moved away, fleeing the cruel queen. Even the birds’ calls were muted. It was as if even they were concerned about drawing attention to themselves. 

Janet stopped by an old well. It was surrounded by wild roses, an ideal gift for her grandmother. As soon as she cut a bloom a voice boomed out from behind her.

"Who dares to pick the Faerie Queen’s flowers?"

Janet turned. A tall, imposing young man stood before her. He was an intimidating sight, dressed in elven armour. It was like a second skin. Its green curves and patterns created a perfect camouflage with the ferns and twisted vines of the forest. His green eyes bore into her as she touched the flowers and leaves in front of her. His green armour gleamed in the first light of the morning.

"This is the Queen’s land. You must pay the toll."

Janet’s heart missed a beat but she was not going to back down no matter how intimidating the knight was. She recognised him from her grandmother’s descriptions. This was Tam Lin, collector of the Queen’s taxes. He carried out the Queen’s orders and collected the tolls.

"I will not pay any toll," she replied. She felt cold but she stood her ground. "This is common land. Folk should feel free to come and go as they please. My family has lived here for years. They’ve hunted and fished in these woods and have paid no tithe to any so-called queen."

Tam Lin was curious but also impressed by the girl’s courage. 'Your family? Who are they?"

"I am Janet of Carterhaugh. My grandmother lives in the cottage beyond the oldest oak. Before the Queen came, all this land, was shared between us and other forest folk, people displaced by your Queen. We lived in peace and harmony then. There was always someone there if you needed help." Janet expected an angry response but Tam Lin was staring at her basket. 

"That basket? Where did you get it?"

"It’s old. It’s my grandmother’s. I told you she’s a healer. She would use this basket to hold a new born baby when she’d delivered it."

There was just a hint of recognition that flickered over Tam Lin’s face. "Are you talking about the old witch who refuses to leave?"

"She is no witch; she is a healer and she stays because this is her home." She tightened her grip on her basket, her knuckles wightening. "I go to her as I always have, and I’ll pay no tithe to you nor to no Faerie Queen."

Tam Lin smiled. He wasn’t used to such defiance but he was enjoying the challenge from this spirited young girl. "Those are bold ones from a young girl," he said. "Be careful. Few defy the Queen and get away with it?"

Janet remembered her grandmother’s warnings about the fairy folk. Do not show fear. Do not accept gifts. Never give your name. It was too late for that. But she was not going to back down.

"Your Queen stole this land. My grandmother knows the boundaries. She was here before your Queen came."

"Things change," he said. "I’ve been here for….." he hesitated "…for as long as I can remember."

"Then you know I don’t lie. This land has been free for centuries; longer than the lifespan of the oldest oak."

"The Queen’s power is strong. I admire your pluck but you and the other forest folk are no match for her. My task is to collect the tithe. However I am not so evil as you seem to believe. Let me walk with you to your grandmother’s house. Don’t worry. I will not harm you. You have my word."

Janet was not expecting this but she’d been told about how cunning the fairy folk could be. "I don’t think I need an escort."

He looked at her in a way that suggested he was beginning to admire Janet’s spirit. There was something about her that reminded him of other times, other people but these memories were hidden deep. "Maybe not but others who bow to the Queen ride through these woods. They may not be as amenable as I am. So, come with me. You will be safe." He removed his helmet revealing a think head of straw-coloured hair.

Although it wasn’t far to her grandmother’s house Janet had a chance to assess this tall elf stranger. There was something about him that made her curious - so curious that she wanted to know about his background. How come he served a cruel Queen?

"My grandmother remembers when the Queen first came here . She lost many friends. Some left of their own accord but many were displaced by your Queen."

"Your grandmother needs to be careful. She speaks of matters she does not understand."

"She understands very well. She was there. She saw what happened."

As the forest path narrowed they had to walk in single file, Janet in front. She felt Tam Lin’s presence behind her but she was becoming less intimidated by the mysterious elf. As the morning mist dissipated blue sky revealed the ancient oaks, elms and ash trees. Finally there in front of them was her grandmother’s cottage. Janet didn’t have to knock; the door swung open as the two of them arrived. The small, bent figure of the old woman stood before them.

"I see you’re not alone."

"Grandma, this is………" 

"I know who this is, Janet." The old woman stood as tall and as straight as she possibly could.

"I’ve walked here with your granddaughter. She shouldn’t travel through these woods alone. There are dangerous men around."

"It was never dangerous before your Queen came here and drove decent folk away," retorted Janet’s grandmother. "It’s not right that I can’t see my granddaughter without her having to pay your tithe."

Tam Lin looked taken aback. He wasn’t used to such a response. "The Queen’s laws apply to all," he replied but without conviction.

"Come inside, Janet," said her grandmother. "You can come too, Sir knight. I’d rather speak to you without others eavesdropping.

Janet was surprised at her grandmother’s words. She had always warned about letting the fairy folk in. She looks dat the old woman but her face was inscrutable.

"The Queen…" began Tam Lin.

"..will not know," said Janet. She surprised herself with these words. "My grandmother bakes very good cakes."

Tam Lin ducked his head to enter the cottage. It was warm inside and smelt of lavender and rosemary. Bundles of the herbs hung from the ceiling. There was a blazing fire in the hearth. The old woman motioned for them both to sit at the wooden table. 

"I’ll make some tea," said the grandmother. She seemed to have recovered from the initial shock of seeing Tam Lin.

Janet sat down at the table and inhaled the familiar scent of her grandmother’s house - fresh herbs, wood smoke, baking bread. She remained alert watching Tam Lin who still stood near the door, looking ill at ease.

"Sit down," Janet said pointing at the chair opposite her.

"No. I must go but I will come back before evening and walk back with you to Carterhaugh. I promise." With that he left the two to their tea and their news.

Tam Lin kept his promise. He came back that evening and escorted Janet to and from her grandmother’s house on every visit.

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

Several months later Janet’s grandmother noticed a change in her granddaughter. "Janet," she said, "I think there’s something you haven’t told me. Ii looks to me like you go with child? Have I guessed right?"

Janet looked down at the ground. "You’re right."

"What has your father said about this?"

"I haven’t told him."

"But you have to. You cannot handle this alone. You look to me to be about four months gone. Am I right?"

"Yes. I’ve been getting sick in the mornings but I haven’t told anyone."

The old woman put her arms around the young girl. "Who’s the father, Janet, as if I didn’t know?"

"Yes, it’s Tam Lin."

"What does he say?"

"He doesn’t know yet, either."

"Janet. You must tell him. If the Queen finds out there will be trouble. You cannot hide a child of human and elf mix."

"How can I? Each time I try, the words will not come. What if he denies he’s the father? What if he tells the Queen?" Her hand strayed to the bump in her belly as she said this.

Her grandmother fought back her tears. She’d been dreading this moment. "I should have told you weeks ago about Tam Lin and his background. I know how he came to be the Queen’s servant."

The old woman leaned forward as if to ensure that only Janet could possibly hear her words. "Tam Lin wasn’t always the Queen’s knight. Once he was human, like you, like me."

"Human? I don’t understand. How can that be?"

"The Queen stole him. It was years ago. You were both babies. You’d met before you see, before he caught you in the forest. Carterhaugh was home to other families - some farmers, some smiths, some foresters and other folk. The Faerie Queen took all our lands. Some families fled. Some did her bidding. Tam Lin, he was a threat although he was just a baby. You see he was born under a blood moon. He was a very special child. She knew he would be a threat to her. So she stole him, placed a spell on him that meant he was destined to work for her and protect the forest."

Janet stared at her grandmother. "Then…he’s one of us."

"Yes. This land is your birthright but it’s his as well."

Janet looked at her grandmother whose eyes now seemed to be far away looking for a memory which was fading with the passing years.

"It was Samhain night. He was just a child and the Queen took him. She rides out every seven years aiming to claim her tithe. That year she chose your elven Knight.

Janet had many questions in her head, formulated since she’d met Tam Lin. He hadn’t been able to answer them. In fact he seemed to struggle with memories. "How do you know this," she asked.

"I was there that night. Tam Lin does not know. His real name is Thomas Carter. I was there when he was taken from his parents."

But…" Janet’s mind was racing. She was trying to piece together the snippets she’d heard over the past few months. "The Carters are dead now."

"Yes. They never got over the loss of their child. I was a midwife then. I delivered Thomas."

Janet stared at her grandmother. "You knew him?"

"Yes. I nursed you both as babies."

Then there was a knock at the door. Janet’s heart missed a beat. Tam Lin was early. Her grandmother pressed her finger to her lips before opening the door. "Good afternoon Tam Lin." She was good at hiding her concern. "You’re early."

Janet tried to calm herself, drawing a deep breath. Her mind was spinning with these revelations. 

"Yes I’m early because tonight is Halloween. I must ride with the Queen’s court," Tam Lin said as he stepped across the threshold.

"I beg you not to, said Janet. "Defy her. She has stolen our lands. She is a cruel tyrant."

"The Queen and the Faerie Folk are powerful. It is useless to go against them."

Janet moved both hands to her belly. "Your child grows here, Tam Lin. I will not let the Queen take my baby…….or his father."

There was a long silence which seemed to hover over them like the forest mist. Janet’s senses were heightened. She could hear the calls of blackbirds and nightingales outside the window. Her own breath seemed to be coming too fast. Tam Lin’s face revealed shock, confusion and something that had held her back until this moment - rejection?

"It’s impossible," Tam Lin protested. "You, you’re human, I am elven." But, he seemed to be trying to convince himself.

Janet’s grandmother moved next to her granddaughter. "Tam Lin, you were once human. The Queen stole you when you were not much more than a baby."

"How..how do you know this? Do you  know about me?"

"I was there at your birth. I was the midwife. You real name is Thomas Carter. I nursed both you and Janet. The memories you keep fighting to find, I can find them."

Tam Lin’s expression changed. He looked at Janet, at her hands protecting  their unborn child. He reached out but still unsure of himself. He spoke quietly as if to himself, "The Queen. She always knows."

Janet’s grandmother beckoned the two them to her. Her voice was now a whisper. "Listen to me. The Queen has great power. Her anger will envelop her. However she is not invincible. Tam Lin, your mortal blood still flows despite her spells. Tonight she’ll sacrifice you if she can." She held Janet’s hands as she spoke. "Janet, The Faerie Host will journey past the crossroads at Miles Cross. You must wait there. As the riders pass pull Tam Lin from his horse with all your strength. Hold him tight. No matter what the Queen conjures up hold tight. Do not lose your grip. If you can do that the Queen’s hold over Tam Lin will be broken."

Janet’s heart was racing. She could barely believe the old woman’s words. She was the one who had to protect her love and her child. "How can I beat the Queen. She has the power and she’s not afraid to use it."

"You’re carrying his child. The blood bond is powerful. She cannot match it but….only if you have the courage."

Tam Lin was still unsure. "The Queen. She always knows. She sees all."

"This is a big night for her. She’s preparing and she’s distracted. It’s your best chance."

A calmness settled over Janet that seemed to stiffen her resolve. "I’ll be at Miles Cross," she said. "When midnight comes I’ll be waiting."

"Janet, you don’t defy the Queen. This is madness."

"The Queen has stolen enough." She rose to her feet, a diminutive but imposing figure in front of Tam Lin. "She stole you, she stole this land. I will make sure she does not steal my baby. I will wait for you at the crossroads. Trust me."

Her grandmother revealed an object wrapped in an old blue cloth. She unwrapped.  It was a large iron pendant.

"This is cold iron, Janet. The Fair Folk do not like it."

She hung the cold, heavy, pendant around her granddaughter’s neck. Then she took a small bottle of liquid from her pocket. "This is holy water from the holy well. Pour it around you in a circle when you are at the crossroads. It will help."

Tam Lin made as if to leave. He looked worried. "I must go. The Queen will be expecting me." Then he looked back at Janet. "Ok, I’ll see you at the crossroads. I will be riding the white steed."

He left and Janet sat in silence whilst her grandmother packed a small bag with herbs and other objects designed to protect her granddaughter. Janet held her belly. "What if I fail?," she whispered.

"You won’t. Rest now. I’ll wake you when its time for you to leave."

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

Her grandmother had no need to wake Janet. She was ready in good time to walk to Miles Cross. It was cold. She could see her breath as she hid behind the old oak at the crossroads. She held the iron pendant dangling from neck. It was heavy. She had come in  good time. She did not want to be seen. The woods were quiet. Nothing stirred. The moon cast shadows between the trees. Janet sprinkled the holy water on the ground around herself. She waited, holding fast to the tree. Even the wind had relaxed. 

She heard the procession before seeing it. The Faerie Queen was at the front. She was riding her black stallion. Behind her rode elves and fairies, translucent wings shining in the moonlight. There were other creatures Janet did not recognise. The quiet of the forest was replaced by bells ringing and the Queen’s laughter. The Faerie choir sang. 

Janet saw the white horse behind the Queen with the tall figure of Tam Lin abreast. She pulled tight her girdle and waited. When the horse was only a few metres away she jumped out and with all her strength pulled the rider down. Remembering what her grandmother had said she held onto Tam Lin. The horse’s neigh cut through the forest air. The Queen turned pulling the black stallions reins.

"Who is this wretch. Break free, Tam Lin."

Tam Lin spoke out like never before. "I will not. I no longer serve you. Be gone. Leave these lands."

"You cannot defy me, Tam Lin. I have made you and I can break you. Let him go, girl or I will curse you both."

Janet spat. "You have no claim. You are finished here."

"You exceed your strength, girl. You cannot challenge me. I will turn you into the juiciest insect and tell the birds to eat you."

Janet held her arms locked around Tam Lin. The pendant was cold on her throat. She heard a shriek as the Queen waved her hand. Tam Lin turned into a slithering snake, hissing and writhing. Janet remembered what her grandmother had said, "Hold fast, no matter what." Her fingers gripped the serpent tight.

"Let him go," shouted the Queen. Her face was contorted with rage. "Do not defy me."

Janet held fast, saying nothing. She felt the iron pendant. It seemed to give her strength. The circle of holy water, gleaming in the faint light kept the Queen and her followers at a distance. The Queen flashed her eyes and raised her arms again.

The snake was gone replaced by a wolf, black as coal with eyes like two embers. Janet did not let go. Her fingers dug into the wolf’s back as it lunged and tried to break free. It snarled, its teeth sharp, its breath hot. Janet’s arms were aching but she pulled the animal into her chest. 

"You’re more determined than I thought. Let’s see what you do with this." The Queen waved her arms for a third time.

The wolf was gone but replaced by a lion. Janet was almost submerged in its fur. Its weight was almost too much for her. She struggled but held on, grabbing its thick fur with her fingers. She pushed her face into its back avoiding its gnashing teeth. "Hold on," she whispered to her own self.

Meanwhile the Queen and her steed circled the lion and the girl. "I am tiring of this, girl. Let’s see how you cope with fire."

At that point Janet’s grandmother showed herself. She stood at the edge of the holy circle. "Stay strong, Janet. It’s almost over."

The Queen turned to the old woman, a face of fury, "Margaret Porter, I should have known. You have no power to match me, witch."

Janet’s grandmother held firm, standing upright, despite her years. She held a small bag, which she now opened. "I claim the right of blood," she said, her voice calm but louder than Janet had heard her speak.

The Queen screamed, "You dare to oppose me, on this night of all nights."

"Believe me. I dare," the woman replied. She took a step forward. "I saw you take Thomas from his cot. I saw his mother die from grief."

You, you were nothing - just a nurse," the Queen screeched.

The lion became still but Janet dare not let go. She was aching with the effort. She could barely see through her sweat and tears.

"I was the midwife who delivered Thomas. I swore an oath to his mother that I would find him." She brought out a bunch of rowan berries from her bag. "I aim to keep that promise."

The Queen’s face now resembled that of a haggard old harlot. "You cannot go against Faerie Law."

"I can," shouted Janet. She tightened her grip on the lion.

"Release him. If you let him go, I will heal you and give you more riches than you could ever dream of."

"No," Janet shouted. "Tam Lin is the father of my child and I claim him with blood and iron."

The Queen looked broken. She waved her arm once more. There was a crack through the air but no more than that. "Your power has gone," spoke Janet’s grandmother.

Then the lion transformed back into Tam Lin. He stood naked, shivering inthe cold  night but Janet held him still. She knew she’d won.

The Queen seethed, "I am not done. What you have will wither in the this world. He belongs with me in the forest."

"You’re done here," Janet’s grandmother said. She scattered the rowan berries around them. "We have broken your power. The tithe is done."

The Queen screamed. Her entourage scattered, their forms fading into the forest. Only she remained but she could not cross the holy water and rowan berry barrier.

"Mark my words, Margaret Porter. What I have touched can never be a part of your world ever again."

She yanked her horse and then vanished as if snuffed out like the flame of a candle. The natural sounds of the night returned; an owl’s hoot, the rustle of the leaves and then Tam Lin’s sigh.

"It’s over." Janet draped a cloak over Tam Lin’s shivering body. Her skin was blistered and red raw but relief masked out the pain. "Can you walk.?"

He nodded. His eyes were now human green not elven green flecked with gold. "My memories are coming back," he whispered but his voice was raw. I can remember my parents, the cottage we lived in." He touched Janet’s belly. "Our child will grow free of this curse."