The Serpent's Song

by S. Robertson

  Angi thought it through and replied, “None that I can think of.” She did note his cautionary advice for this was the first safety instruction. She expected there would be more as she advanced in her training.

  “We have lots of time……… relax and concentrate.” Realizing the test might take some time, Myttrwn signaled Sirona to be seated.

  “As instructed, Angi, closed her eyes and proceeded to acknowledge each gemstone, bringing forth each colour, and combining the colours into a vibrating rainbow which encircled her body. Then she addressed the cosmos silently with, “I want to rise two feet in the air, no further, and remain there for a count of ten before descending.” From the beginning, Myttrwn made it clear that each command had to be precisely enunciated.

  Nothing happened.

  Undaunted, Angi repeated her command, this time clutching her medallion and concentrating even harder. She waited.

  Still nothing happened.

  Not accepting defeat, she dug down, visualized herself rising from the floor, and repeated her command, this time with even greater emphasis. Within seconds she felt a lightness as she became weightless. She then felt her feet leave the floor. Buoyant, she ascended upward a short distance and abruptly stopped. Not breaking her concentration, she mentally counted to ten. As she reached ten, she felt a gradual return of gravity which forced her descent. Again she waited with her eyes closed.

  Myttrwn winked at Sirona, and telepathically said, “There, I told you. She’s now at Level 5. I’ve never seen anything like this. I’m tempted to extend these tests but will restrain the impulse. No further tests are needed. Any preliminary assumptions we might have held have just been shattered. I’ve a number of theories but these can wait.”

  Angi was not sure what she would find when she opened her eyes. But her successful completion of the test was evident by the smiles of her two mentors. Her response was filled with satisfaction, “There, how was that?”

  Not wanting to exaggerate the situation, Myttrwn simply replied, “You are an excellent student, Angi. You successfully completed all three tests which is all I require for today. If you would like to see yourself levitating, come here and watch this recording.”

  Angi watched the short video with both fascination and joy at her own accomplishment. Her thoughts were racing, “Under Myttrwn’s mentorship it all seems so easy. I expect it’s the medallion. This video shows I’m definitely progressing even if Myttrwn is restrained in his praise. I still would like to have a written guide to these training sessions, at least I’d know where I was at this point ………But then I expect there’s no need of such references as everyone here just ‘knows’.” For a moment, she had forgotten that Sirona and Myttrwn knew what she was thinking.

  It was Myttrwn’s style not to pander to students as he felt it interfered with their learning. But he sensed Angi’s need and with all things connected to his protégé he would rethink his stoic stand. At this point, wanting to divert the conversation, he said, “This completes today’s assignments so perhaps we have a little time to discuss your golden harp.”

  Angi was glad for the change for she found the training sessions sapped her energy. All she had for comparison was her previous professional studies and thought to herself, “I suppose, like any new learning, it’s tiring until you become proficient.” Relaxed, she turned to address Myttrwn’s comment, “Oh, you mean Mr. Aucoin’s harp, I never really considered it my harp. I only played it once as my grandmother thought it too valuable to even be used at special concerts. My memory is a bit sketchy but as I recall it’s about the size of your student harp, with about thirty strings. It’s an exquisitely engraved instrument in gold and silver. The engravings consist of a variety of animals, reptiles, and little creatures playing musical instruments flowing from the mouth of a dog’s head at the top of the sounding board. The pillars are also carved but with Celtic interlacing patterns of leaves, flowers and fruit. The metal strings are of gold and silver. An array of colorful gemstones are inserted in various parts of the entire instrument. Oh I almost forgot, there’s a small dent on the back lower edge of one pillar. It’s very much like the one Sirona conjured up yesterday.”

  Both Myttrwn and Sirona realized Angi’s description was amazingly similar to that of the lost Harp of Dana, right down to the dent. Yet, neither wanted to voice their suspicions without seeing the instrument for themselves. So Myttrwn’s response was tempered, “To own such a valuable instrument your harp teacher must have been a highly respected harpist. Angi, perhaps one day you can show me your harp, I would certainly like to see it.”

  “I’d be delighted, whenever you visit my planet,” said Angi, as her thoughts drifted to the past. “I should have shown Mr. Aucoin more gratitude for his exquisite gift. I’m sorry I know so little about the man except the snippets he shared with me as a child. A man of mystery.” Myttrwn’s request had awakened thoughts of home, a homeward journey that for Angi might already be in jeopardy.

  * * *

  House of Learning & the Palace

  Time in Tir na nOg was slipping by with everyone getting more and more immersed in another world. At the end of each day they continued to gather in their dining area to share their new found learning and to discuss the ramifications to their lives and the future. At times, the sessions bubbled over with bouts of laughter punctuating the clamor. Sessions with Myttrwn continued to challenge their views on life and reality. The positive features of telepathy were acknowledged, the negative ones tucked away as worrying but out of their control. Angi was the only one unable to share much of her training, something the others had long accepted.

  Morgan was making headway with Lud in replicating musical instruments. Once a violin was replicated, it was tested by Morgan and Vette who competed with each other in playing Acadian and Celtic tunes. It took several replications before they were both satisfied, finally instructing Lud to proceed with the number of violins needed. Morgan joyously announced that he had discovered two more violin players within Dylan’s team; Rick and Flora, plus four of the student harpists had asked to join them bringing the musical group to twelve. Once a guitar was replicated along with special amplification, a practice schedule was set up.

  The choice of music proved daunting in light of the possibilities, the limitation of practice time and the differences in musical abilities. In the end, Morgan and Vette favoured a light dance selection of Irish jigs like Keegan’s Jig and Lannigan’s Ball. Morgan worked with Carola to create the music, got it printed and distributed. It was agreed the harpists would open the musical program while Morgan and Vette would take the lead for the jigs. Carola insisted that it should remain as simple as possible, for she too understood the handicaps they were facing. Once a decision was finalized, one could hear musicians practicing throughout the day.

  With their time fully booked it therefore came as an unwanted intrusion when Sirona announced that the Queen would like to meet them at an informal reception at the Palace. This, as Andrew would later point out, was an unexpected honour. Sirona provided no additional comments as to why, other than a personal wish of the Queen. Fortunately, Andrew and Bryce had given them pre-trip instruction on court etiquette, the details each member now tried desperately to recall.

  What to wear to a formal event, should it occur, had been discussed, but their travel baggage presented limitations. Each one packed a wrinkle-free white, quality, blouse or shirt as per Andrew’s instructions. Angi and Vette also decided, on their own, to wear light-weight slacks under their outer travel pants. These slacks were hung up alongside their blouse in readiness for such an event. Sirona arranged for whatever services they required to be properly dressed, all the time emphasizing, “This is not a formal occasion, so relax, the Queen knows you will be there in your travel clothes.” As often as Sirona stated this in their forty-eight hour window of preparation, the others knew from Andrew that meeting royalty meant that you had to be in your best attire. Andrew and Bryce came into their own at this poi
nt with Andrew reiterating his rules right up to the moment they departed for the palace…….. Stand straight and silent, the standing or seating order will be set by the palace. Guard your thoughts, remember they have telepathy. The Queen always takes the lead. According to Sirona she will shake your hand, wait until she extends her hand. Address the Queen as ‘Your Majesty.’ Only speak when spoken to, stick to the Queen’s topic, and don’t introduce another one on your own. Don’t ask questions. Stay in the reception line until the event is over or when the Queen leaves the room. Drink and eat in moderation should anything be offered, and, remember you will be representing your world.

  Dressed in their finest, the day arrived. Vette whispered to Angi as they were about to leave their living quarters, “And I thought the RCMP was strict. Andrew gives me the feeling we’re about to enter the temple of the gods.”

  Before Angi had a chance to answer, Morgan joined them saying, “You are!”

  “Thanks Morgan, that really helped,” was Vette’s snappy reply.

  “Come on guys,” came Wolfram’s steady voice, “it’s important for us to meet the ruler of this world. Just think what it must be like to have this kind of responsibility for centuries that must take a tough constitution.”

  Andrew joining the four added, “Yes, this is one of those lifetime experiences that will be remembered with great joy in years to come. There are all too few of these occasions in one’s life. Keep this in mind, why have we suddenly been given this invite? Perhaps we’ll find out today. I’m definitely looking forward to this,” as he back-stepped to join Bryce.

  To their surprise, as they exited the House of Learning, Corb was sitting in the plaza with a flying bus ready to transport them to the palace. “Sirona thought it best to give you a quick ride to the palace,” he said as if this was a normal occurrence.

  “How kind,” said Angi, as she stepped into a luxurious cabin of wide windows and cream, leather-like, bucket seats and thought to herself, “I wonder if this is Sirona’s own transport. She certainly wants us looking our best and relaxed. Andrew’s right, something’s afoot, but what?”

  Landing near the front entrance, Corb escorted them to the main doors where the guards, dressed in purple and gold, were obviously expecting them and waved them through. As they entered the palace foyer, the group stood in awe.

  The Palace, larger again than the House of Life, consisted of multiple rooms and halls with no clear directional guide as to what lay along the different corridors. Pink marble glistened in the sunlight, the twenty foot ceilings were held up by huge pillars of marble trimmed in gold. Doors in the distance had golden serpents deeply engraved on each panel with gemstones artistically arranged to capture the light. They had little time to appreciate the floor mosaics and statues along the way as Corb was obviously under strict orders to get the party to their destination on a precise time table. Through a wide opening along one wall one could see an oval theatre which Corb indicated was the principal stage for the enactment of royal rituals or special events. According to him, a much larger amphitheatre existed in the community near the water which accommodated huge crowds. He also pointed out that although the House of Learning had its own library, the Palace also had a library with materials on governance and details on the administration of the kingdom. Corb walked steadily, bypassing the corridor leading to the Council of Elders Chamber and directing the group along an identical corridor, one that led to the queen’s principal reception rooms.

  As they walked along Angi pointed out to Wolfram the gardens, fountains and waterways in the distance saying, “I’ve never encountered such a magnificent building,” she whispered, “Nor could I have dreamed it.”

  A guard, in the same purple and gold uniform as those at the entrance, stood in front of the reception room door preventing their advancement. Corb gave a message in his own language, the others translating it as, “This is the party from Gaia who are expected by her majesty. My instructions are to escort them into the room where Sirona will be waiting.”

  The guard opened the door and, upon seeing Sirona, extended the opening to allow the party to enter. Corb stepped back and bid his farewells.

  Sirona was dressed in her usual uniform but with one exception, she was now wearing a golden crown along with her golden serpent badge and ring. She had assumed her royal status to introduce her friends to her mother.

  Smiling, Sirona welcomed them with, “Come right this way, I want you to stand in a semi-circle right here near the royal seat. Angi, could you take the first position, then Vette, followed by Wolfram, Morgan, Andrew and Bryce. Dylan, I will ask you to arrange your team in their official ranking order.” Stepping back she made a few last minute adjustments, and then nodded to an attendant who was standing almost invisible near a side door.

  While waiting, Angi looked around. The reception room was about fifty by seventy feet with a fourteen foot ceiling. The room was bathed in light from ceiling to floor with open window-like spaces along one wall, a gentle breeze maintaining a comfortable room temperature. The décor was simple elegance of pink marble with golden banners fluttering in the breeze. Seating was minimal; three large ivory and gold chairs in one alcove, with several long cushioned benches along an outer wall. “I expect people stand when in this room and likely do not stay long,” was Angi’s observation.

  They waited about ten minutes until a gong announced the arrival of the Queen. Sirona had indicated that this would be a less formal gathering so Angi assumed the Queen’s elegant attire fit that description but she did wear her official golden crown with the serpent in front along with the same serpent badge and ring as Sirona. Angi’s thoughts were concentrated on Dana na Gig as she made her way towards them, “She’s so young looking, taller than Sirona and has Myttrwn’s all-seeing abilities. I think she’s staring at me and those emerald eyes are mesmerizing ………..oh help, Andrew said to watch our thoughts. Clamp down, my girl, you are in the presence of royalty.”

  The group noted that Sirona and Myttrwn walked a few paces behind the Queen; Myttrwn took one of the three seats near an alcove and played no role in the Queen’s welcoming activities. Sirona remained standing. Once seated the Queen turned her attention to the group saying in Gaelic (fortunately they could translate her words), “My daughter, Sirona and Myttrwn have been keeping me updated on your activities here in my kingdom. They are most pleased with all that has transpired in such a short time. You have adapted well to a very different environment. I felt it was time for us to meet.” She, like Myttrwn, then scanned the group making a personal note of each one in preparation for their meeting.

  At that point Sirona stepped forward and began the introductions, “Your Majesty, it is my pleasure to introduce you to each one of the Gaia party.” Her mother rose and accompanied Sirona to the beginning of the reception line. To their surprise, Queen Dana na Gig proceeded to speak to them in English, a language she had just learned with the help of her daughter.

  “Your Majesty, this is Angi, the one with the medallion.”

  As the queen reached out her hand she greeted Angi with, “Welcome Angi, it is my understanding that you are a rather unique young woman. May I see for myself this fantastic medallion?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty,” replied Angi as she stepped forward. The medallion, with all its splendor of gemstones, was resting on her white blouse.

  The queen took a few minutes to examine the medallion while taking special note of Angi, a move noted by Andrew.

  “I hear you are making progress in your training program, I hope Sirona and Myttrwn have not been too difficult in their demands,” she said staring straight into Angi’s face.

  “Yes, Your Majesty, I am feeling much more comfortable with my training and greatly appreciate all that Sirona and Myttrwn have done for me.” And with a smile, she added, “And ‘no,’ they have not been too demanding at all.”

  “That’s good to hear,” replied the queen with a faint smile and added, “Perhaps, before you leave, we m
ight chat again, I would like to know more about this medallion and its capabilities.”

  Even Sirona wasn’t expecting that. Sirona and Myttrwn had briefed her mother upon her return to the Palace on their latest findings including the possibility of the location of the Harp of Dana. This intrigued the Queen who insisted she wanted to meet the group but her primary objective was to meet Angi.

  Angi’s only reply was, “Yes, that would be nice,” and thought to herself, “I wish I was more eloquent in formal situations like this. I need more help from Andrew.” Then as an afterthought she added, “The Queen seems to have a special interest in my medallion. Perhaps she’s just showing interest.”

  The queen smiled, for Angi’s comments and her presence had confirmed all that her daughter had conveyed about this young woman.

  After Sirona’s introduction to Vette the queen commented, “So, you are the young woman who has created the delicious breads. My whole palace is enchanted with this new taste. You will have to train one of my staff before you leave.”

  “I would be glad to do that, Your Majesty. Danu is becoming quite proficient already,” was Vette’s only comment.

  With Wolfram she said, “I hear from Corb that you could be a very good pilot of our emergency planes. Continue with this training, I’m sure it will serve you well in the future.”

  “I have enjoyed this experience, Your Majesty, and thank Corb for his patience,” was Wolfram’s reply.

  With Morgan she said, “So you are the one that is organizing a musical group. I hope that you will have time to give us a taste of your music before you leave.”

  Morgan was bursting to say more but heeded Andrew’s instructions and only replied, “Yes, Your Majesty, because of our limited time we will only be able to do a simple presentation with the kind help of Carola, your Director of the Harp Program.” He felt it best to warn her that they would give it their best but it would have limitations.