The Serpent's Song
Page 34
“You know Wolfram,” commented Angi, “we’re not really saying goodbye to Tir na nOg. I expect we’ll be coming back and forth in the years ahead. I know I’m going to have a million questions to ask Sirona and Myttrwn when I’m back in Scotland. I realize there will be communications between us in the next three months but no time for my endless list of questions.”
“Well, Angi, however the historical records of our planet describe this venture, for me it has been a momentous trip in more ways than one. Unfortunately, for all the obvious reasons we’ll have to remain silent on this to prevent unorthodox calamities. Not that Myttrwn and company could not neutralize any unwanted intrusions. We must walk cautiously from this point onward. Thank heavens we have Andrew and Bryce with all their senior experience and contacts, we’ll need this if this is to succeed.”
“Are you packed yet, Wolfram?” asked Angi.
“Just about, not that there’s much to pack, we travelled light. Oh, by the way, Myttrwn asked if I would leave behind my sneakers. I expect he sees them as a better replacement for their boots when visiting the Earth. Their replicators can create a pair in no time. I’ll be going home in the boots I wore in the pyramid.”
“In that case, I’ll leave a pair of mine as well. Female sneakers are slightly different,” replied Angi.
Laughing and chatting merrily they entered the House of Learning heading straight to their residence area to confer with their teammates on their exit plans.
The day finally arrived for their departure from Tir na nOg. Together they made their way to the Transportation Gate in the House of Life in their ordinary clothes each with a small travel bag. Sirona and Myttrwn were already waiting. Corb and his team entered shortly behind them dressed in identical clothes and carrying two bags each, one larger than the other.
Smiling, Corb responded to their unspoken question, “When you were enjoying yourselves in the pyramid, Myttrwn, who never misses an opportunity, had your clothes replicated so we would blend in when we travelled to your planet.”
Morgan couldn’t resist, “I suppose your second bag contains some kind of technology for the work on the gates?”
Remaining silent on specifics, Corb replied, “Yes, something like that.”
Myttrwn interceded, “To accomplish the work in the timeframe set by Corb, we will need more advanced technology. Once the task is completed this technology will be returned to this kingdom. It’s complex and may be shared at a later date.” Then receiving Andrew’s thoughts he added, “Be assured, Andrew, there will be no danger to your planet. Corb will explain more when you’re back in Scotland.”
Trusting Myttrwn and Corb, Andrew nodded his head. Corb had already provided much detail on what had to be accomplished at the Hill of Tara and Andrew’s castle, engineering feats of immense intricacy.
The time of their leaving and arrival on Earth had been confirmed over a much improved communication link between Tir na nOg and Earth some days before. The weather was expected to be overcast and cool, being the end of October. It was agreed that a dawn arrival would be best.
Standing waiting, Bryce commented on the travel date, “Did you know that our return is set on a rather auspicious date? October thirty-first on our current calendar, is the time of the old Celtic festival of Samhain, often translated as ‘summer’s end’. It was a solemn and reverent time, filled with magic, and sometimes referred to as the Celtic New Year. It was a time when, it was said, the veil separating our world from the otherworld was temporarily opened. Some thought it was dangerous to be out on that night because it was the one night when the dead come out of their graves to dance with the fairies on the hills. In older times it was thought dead heroes came forth to help those in distress.”
Morgan picked up saying, “Its perfect, Bryce, I like the Celtic connection. As I see it this is indeed a New Year in many ways. And the Gate of Tara, if seen by others, would definitely give many the feeling of a veil opening between worlds. I wonder if that was the origin of those ancient tales. But, these days it’s unlikely that anyone seeing the Gate of Tara floating in the air will make the connection with Samhain. Few know much about ancient Celtic traditions.”
“If they did see the Gate they will likely think it’s some kind of elaborate Halloween stunt,” said Vette. “As for me, I pray we arrive silently and unobserved. We’d have one gigantic headache if the media stumbled onto this.”
“Not likely,” replied Andrew, “It’s fall and the weather is cool. Most Halloween events will be scheduled for later in the day and there are few tourists at this time of year, anyway that’s what we’re counting on.”
“Nevertheless,” intercepted Sirona, “We’ll have two of Corb’s crew go ahead to secure the site with the same invisible shield as we used before.”
Curious, Angi asked, “Are we travelling with escorts on our return trip?”
Sirona replied, “Yes, Angi, we’ve arranged the same escort service and, as before, I’ll be travelling with you.” Upon saying that a group of familiar Tir na nOg individuals appeared in field uniforms ready for the transfer. They too wanted the experience of entering another planet.
As they were lining up to exit, the Queen and several of her chief Council Elders arrived. The Queen stated in a formal yet friendly manner, “I wanted to be here myself to bid you farewell. This has been an auspicious visit, and one that will not likely be excelled in some time. Perhaps one day I too will visit your planet with my sons. In the meantime I will be kept up-to-date by Sirona and Myttrwn. Please give our regards to your families and other colleagues whom we hope to meet in the future.”
Each member of the team thanked the Queen and shook her hand as a last farewell to her kingdom.
Before entering the shimmering curtain of the Tir na nOg Gate, everyone also made sure to thank and shake the hand of their mentor, Myttrwn, knowing that his wise council would be with them for the rest of the journey.
The sequence of their entrance to the Gate was almost identical to their arrival, with Corb and his team leading the group and Sirona and Angi being the last in line.
As planned, they arrived at the Hill of Tara, to a cold blast of morning mist, a decided contrast from the sunshine of Tir na nOg. Their colleagues were waiting with warm jackets for everyone. The darkness was ameliorated by some light from the Serpent Gate of Tara and special devices provided by two of Corb’s attendants. In the distance, barely visible in the morning mist they could see the lights of two buses for their transport to the Dublin airport. The Tir na nOg members took time to look around and get familiar with at least one site on Earth, although the mist was obstructing any distant view. Angi and Sirona’s arrival marked the completion of the transport process.
Sirona standing next to Angi began her farewell, “Angi, I feel we’ve known each other for ages. I’m so glad we’re now family. We’ll have much to share in the years ahead. I’ve lived to this age without a sister, this is a novel experience for me.”
Angi turned and asked, still unsure of the protocol of such matters, “If we’re family, is it permissible for me to give you a goodbye hug?”
“A hug,” replied Sirona, searching through her vast memory bank, and smiling said. “Ah yes, that would be acceptable for a family member.”
The two hugged each other, which came as a surprise to the other Tir na nOg members, and designated Earth as on a special relationship with their kingdom.
“We must leave now,” said Sirona as a command to the Tir na nOg team.
Bidding their final farewells, they waved goodbye as Sirona and the Tir na nOg escorts entered the glistening curtain of the golden Serpent’s Gate. And as before, to those standing on the hill, the gate suddenly evaporated taking the invisible protective shield with it.
Andrew made quick introductions of Corb and his crew to Dylan’s backup team who were fascinated at the height of the four individuals. In the gray morning light, the small party made their way down the hill through the mist towards the waiting bus
es.
The next phase of their incredible adventure was about to begin.
* * *
In the mist of the Hill of Tara
The spirits had waited, the gate activity alerting them that the three months had passed.
“Wake up, Wake up my fine young scholars,” cried Imergin, the ancient Druid Seer. “Behold, they have returned. Just look at that magnificent Gate of Tara floating in space. Our waiting time is over.” The spirit of Imergin and his students had been allowed to remain on earth for this momentous event.
The students stood admiring the Gate, watching the individuals exit, two-by-two.
Excited Imergin stated, “Take a look, they are all wearing Tir na nOg Badges. That is quite an achievement on a first visit. Oh, to be party to their stories. Something miraculous has happened. Look……….. look………. at the female called Angi, she is wearing a Royal Badge. That is exceptional. She is now a member of the royal family. My sons, whatever doubts we may have had on their departure, they are returning with amazing credentials. The ‘coming times’ now have their chosen candidates whether they know it or not.”
“And what is our role?” asked an older student.
“We hang around my boy until the gods decide otherwise,” replied Imergin. “I’m more than convinced that the call will now go forth to all former champions of wisdom, visible and invisible, to come to the rejuvenation party. We have all prayed for this day and it’s finally arrived. There will be work for all, and mighty battles to be fought, for the Dwapara Yuga is about to blossom and we are going to aid the gardeners. All aspects of the Kali Yuga will be swept away. The candle of enlightenment has been lit, and it will grow stronger with each passing day. Come, we must prepare ourselves for the honour of the task before us.”
The End