In spite of the macabre event just witnessed, the mood of the crew lifted significantly at the disposal of Toomak and her family. Joseph informed everyone that the food had been poisoned causing hallucinations, but not to worry as fresh supplies were now onboard. With a settled and contented crew, even the weather improved and with a strong southerly wind at their backs, it was not long before the shores of Britannia appeared on the horizon.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
“Why are we turning away from the shoreline?”
Yeshua asked Balthazar as he noticed the subtle change in the ship's direction.
“We do not intend to land on the southern shores of this land, what you are looking at is a huge peninsular of the south-western corner. What we need to do is sail right around the tip and into the estuary beyond, this will allow us to sail right into the heart of Glaston without having to trek for many days overland.”
Yeshua took in all the information and returned to his cabin with his imagination running wild at the vivid stories told by the other sailors of this magical isle of glass and the Druids who lived there. When he knew he was alone he sat concentrating, trying to re-create the energy he felt through his hands when he saved his uncle. The hours passed and eventually he fell asleep, unable to produce even the slightest sensation in his fingers.
The following morning Yeshua woke to a knock at his cabin door and Joseph entered carrying a pile of heavy woollen clothing, which he dropped onto Yeshua’s bed as he began.
“You may have noticed how cold the weather is getting the further north we progress. There are several larger tunics to put over your normal one and a heavy woollen cloak for the bad weather. In addition, you might find these trousers useful. I know most people find them barbaric but they probably never travelled this far north and if they did, I’m sure they would reconsider.”
Yeshua thanked him and tried everything on including the trousers that felt exceedingly uncomfortable but very warm to wear.
When Yeshua emerged on deck, he was surprised to see all the crew were dressed in a similar manner except for the trousers but nobody paid Yeshua any attention until he met up with Balthazar.
“My my look at the young prince, I think you’re turning into a man, you have even had to cover up your manhood least it hang down below your tunic for all to see.”
Yeshua blushed profusely and dropped his head in embarrassment.
“I’m only teasing you my young prince; we’ve all got some to wear, including me. The air is cold and damp in this country; I promise you will need them.”
Yeshua raised his head and smiled as Balthazar ruffled his hair then turned away to tend to the ship.
The voyage around the peninsular was rough but uneventful and by nightfall, the ship dropped anchor in the bay ready for tomorrow’s final part of the journey. Balthazar sent word for a navigator and smaller transport ship to transfer to and take them through the treacherous shifting marshland as one wrong move could run a novice aground. The aim was to ride the surge of the morning tide, taking them right into the heart of Glaston where several thousand Libra of lead, also smaller quantities of gold and silver were waiting to be loaded onto the ship after their own precious cargo had been transported into the village. As night fell, Yeshua tossed and turned in his bunk, unable to sleep. The closer the ship neared its destination the more alive he began to feel. In the darkness of his room, he could see a strange white aura, dancing around his fingertips when he placed his hands together. When he closed his eyes, welcoming voices spoke to him in a language he had never heard before but strangely understood. His mother always told him he was a special child; perhaps this is what she means he thought to himself as he finally fell asleep.
Aboard the smaller ship, Yeshua peered intently through the ground fog trying to catch a glimpse of the mysterious Glaston Tor. He knew they must be close as the energy building up inside him was so intense. He had driven all the crew to the brink of insanity with endless questions about the land and the Druids that lived there, and now he would finally get to see for himself. Suddenly the mists parted like a bridal veil and the Tor appeared. A five hundred foot high treeless green hill rising above the amorphous white haze giving the impression it was floating above the earth adding to its fabled ethereal legend. On its summit stood a stone circle, silhouetted in the morning light. Yeshua stood motionless, enchanted by its presence. The remainder of the crew also fell silent, no matter how many times they had visited the place it never failed to captivate the senses. The guide standing next to Yeshua at the bow began to speak.
“Ynys yr Afalon.”
(“ The Isle of Avalon.”)
He began, Yeshua understood both the Druidic language as well as his own. It was the same language he had heard in his dreams and he somehow identified every word. As the ship sailed closer, Yeshua could distinguish seven terraces cut into the hillside, it reminded him of a toy he once had as a small child, where sets of discs piled in descending order of size could be stacked to make a pyramid.
The ship docked alongside a long wooden landing stage and a crewman lowered a ladder from the deck onto the rough-hewn planks set across a series of split logs embedded deep into the boggy earth. The jetty passed through the boggy marshes with bulrushes towering even higher than Balthazar from either side of the walkway leading to a temporary encampment of approximately sixty circular wattle and daub huts with conical roofs made of long bundles dried grasses woven tightly together and arranged in an overlapping design to make the hut waterproof. Joseph had informed Yeshua that the semi-nomadic people periodically moved their settlement to the most suitable dry land adjacent to the marshes as they flooded or receded according to the seasons. This way they always kept the tribe close to a water source and making it an ideal site for fishing, hunting, trade, and protection. The people of the village were stocky in stature, with dark brown hair and deep set brown eyes to match, except for one man who came to greet them, he was tall and slender with blond hair and blue eyes. He also wore the uniform of Chief Druid. Yeshua observed how studious and wise beyond his years he looked and also how he projected a calm reverence to those around him. That was until Balthazar who was bringing up the rear spotted the Druid and ran to greet him, ploughing through the crowd and bowling over anyone who happened to get in his way.
“Calatin my friend, it’s so good to see you again.”
Balthazar roared as he picked Calatin up in a giant bear hug, lifting him up off his feet. Calatin’s mouth broke into a huge grin, almost as big as the one Balthazar wore himself. Returning the greeting as soon as Balthazar put him down, Calatin then clasped hands with Joseph like an old friend.
“I know he’s here, I can feel it.”
The Druid began as he looked around the crowd of people gathered to welcome the new arrivals. It did not take long before he spotted Yeshua standing shyly at the back of his group. Joseph called Yeshua forwards and Calatin dropped to one knee in greeting.
“We have waited so long for this day and now we wait no more. Welcome to our land Jesus, son of Mary.”
The last sentence Calatin spoke in a low voice and in the Druidic language that only Yeshua could hear and he accepted the strange greeting even though the name was incorrect. He decided to say nothing for fear of offending the host. Calatin led the group to meet Wobin, the new chief of the village. Wobin was the son of Torin, the chief that Joseph had previously dealt with for the last ten years.
“It saddens me to hear of the death of your father and I trust that our trade can continue in the same manner as before.”
Joseph began, speaking fluently in the local dialect to impress the new chief. Wobin stood silently, stroking his dark shaggy beard, pondering the request then held his hand out in agreement.
“You have traded with my father since before I was born and he has always spoken of you with the highest regard. I welcome you as guests and old friends to my village. Tonight a feast will be held in your honour and tomorrow the business will
begin.”
Balthazar and the crew were led to a cluster of small well-kept huts reserved for visitors and with Joseph’s permission Calatin led Yeshua away to the Druid’s encampment with the order to be back for the feast tonight.
Yeshua could not believe how familiar the trail seemed to be as he followed Calatin through the misty woodlands away from the lake. He felt as if he could lead the way himself, as the energy within him grew stronger with every step. They soon found themselves in a clearing near the foot of the Tor which rose majestically towards the clouds from its woodland base. A natural spring bubbled from under a pile of rocks forming a backdrop as it ran into a beautiful clear lake. After first checking that nobody was fetching, Calatin skirted carefully around the water’s edge, behind a wall of tall reeds and guided Yeshua into a concealed narrow opening deep in the hillside. The gap, not easily visible until right next to it, was at first just wide enough for sideways single file and as it widened, Calatin walked ahead of Yeshua through a dimly lit passage. Paintings of stick figures hunting deer adorned the narrow tunnel walls which abruptly opened out into a huge torch lit cavern the size of a cathedral. Several small cooking fires dotted the flat stone floor, lighting patches on the high walls with flickering shadows of the Druids sitting closely around them. They immediately rose as one to greet Yeshua, all speaking a fluent Druidic tongue that Yeshua had dreamed in for many weeks. Everyone wanted to touch Yeshua, some kissed his hand, and one even knelt and placed his forehead on Yeshua’s feet in supplication. All this embarrassed him greatly and he was relieved to be offered a seat by the main central fire and a cup of warm wine as Calatin began.
“I am sure you are most puzzled at your reception to our sacred place and the fact that you can easily understand our language, so please let me explain.
We, the Druid people, and guardians of Mother Earth have listened to a foretelling passed down by word of mouth from our ancestors through countless generations that one day a prophet of great sapience, reverence and ability will walk amongst us. The teachings foretold, that twelve summers ago, a heavenly light would shine down from the heavens to signify the birth of this man-child and that the good and the wise would visit his nativity.”
Yeshua sat quietly, trying to absorb all the information as Calatin continued.
“The prophet would descend from the people of Canaan and would unite all faiths on an egalitarian level on the basis that all men are created equal.”
Yeshua did not quite understand the meaning of the last sentence so he smiled politely, waiting for Calatin’s tale to progress.
“We believe that you, Jesus son of Mary are the chosen one.”
Yeshua slowly lowered his cup and stared at Calatin in total disbelief, then thinking it to be an attempt at humour, began to chuckle. Looking around at all the earnest faces not sharing his laughter he stopped abruptly and feeling extremely nervous gave his reply.
“I don’t know who you think I am but my name is Yeshua and I am not a wise man. I have come with my uncle Joseph to improve my education and that is all. I thank you for your welcome, but now if you please, I would like to return to the village.”
Yeshua placed his cup on the floor, stood up and made his way back to the entrance tunnel when he suddenly heard a voice in his head. ‘Oganach prionnsa ‘, Yeshua stopped and turned around,
“Who called me the young prince? Only one person calls me the young prince.”
Everyone remained silent, staring back at Yeshua until Calatin spoke,
“Nobody said a word Yeshua, you can hear my thoughts and in our own language.”
Yeshua fearing the wine was tainted; creating strange visions in his head that reminded him of the episodes on board ship. Failing to understand what was happening; he turned and ran off down the tunnel back into the daylight. Fighting his way through the maze of reeds and around the lake, he eventually found the pathway and ran back to the village.
Back in the camp, Joseph was surprised to see a dishevelled Yeshua return so soon and took him into his hut to talk in private.
“I don’t like it here, wish to return to the ship.”
Yeshua began, before Joseph could say a word.
“Hold on young man, I think you need to explain yourself before you go anywhere.”
Yeshua recounted the recent events and told Joseph all that Calatin had told him and the absurdity of it all.
“Firstly I apologise for not escorting you to the Druid’s sanctuary as only the privileged are allowed in. You may find this hard to accept Yeshua but what Calatin has told you is completely true.”
Yeshua gasped and tried to run from the hut, still believing that the wine was giving him strange visions but Joseph blocked his way and tried to calm him down.
“You have to listen to me Yeshua, please let me explain and when I have finished if you still want to return to the ship I will not stop you.”
Yeshua stopped struggling and dropped his shoulders in compliance, waiting for Joseph to begin.
“Since long before you were born, I have travelled to these lands and learned all about the Druid people. They hold great knowledge and power and have shown me things that are beyond the realms of believability. Everything that they have foretold has come true, including the time and place of your birth and all the events that followed of which you are well versed. Only one other person knows of this, and that is Balthazar and he is of the same belief that you are the chosen one.”
Yeshua shook his head in disbelief that Balthazar could be a part of all this absurdity, but he remained obediently in his place waiting for Joseph to continue.
“I promised that during your thirteenth year I would bring you to meet your own kind to prepare you for what lies ahead. You must realise that you have a special ability. You proved it the night onboard the ship when you saved me from Toomak, and the fact that you understand the Druid language without ever hearing it before. That must mean something!”
Unable to absorb any more information, Yeshua stood up and walked quietly from the hut and into the forest. Joseph let him leave, knowing him to be completely safe and needing time to think. Yeshua wandered for an hour until he found himself in a small clearing where Calatin stood waiting. They stood face to face and Calatin spoke directly into Yeshua’s mind without speaking.
‘I did not mean to frighten you, you must believe I am your servant and willing to answer any question you may have’
Without realising it, Yeshua replied in the same manner and for the rest of the day they spoke without uttering a word as Yeshua began to learn the truth of who he really was.
Night fell and Yeshua returned to the camp, accompanied by Calatin. A brief nod was all that Joseph required and they all attended the welcome feast.
CHAPTER FORTY
For the next few weeks, Joseph barely caught a glimpse of Yeshua, except in the evening when the Druids joined the camp to share the evening meal and Calatin discussed local issues with the chief. Joseph left Balthazar to keep a watchful eye on Yeshua as he travelled by land to Cornwall to strike a deal with the Pendragon family on the price of tin. The resulting deal could be transported to the coast and south picked up on the ships homeward journey. Yeshua hardly noticed Joseph’s absence as he blossomed in Calatin’s care and strived to absorb all he could about the Druidic culture as nothing was ever written down. Yeshua, staggered by the wealth of information, wondered what part he would take in their future.
Calatin instructed Yeshua on the significance of the Tor as they took the long route to the top. He explained the importance of the seven levels and how each one influenced the weather and the seasons. Before they knew it, they had reached the stone circle at the summit. Calatin told Yeshua how energy lines passed through many important spiritual places across the country to converge at the altar stone, acting as a central hub, connecting it with Mother Earth and the power held within. Yeshua marvelled at the simplicity of the construction as he slowly walked around the perimeter. Twelve blue stones
, three times the height of a man and half an arm span wide and deep, erected vertically in a circular formation with one third of the length buried deep into the earth. Every stone stood exactly twenty paces from the centre in any direction and spread evenly apart around the circumference. The number twelve denotes the cycles of the moon in a single season and the altar faces due east to welcome the dawn of the longest day of the year at the summer solstice; celebrating Mother Nature’s time of the first harvest.
Yeshua walked slowly to the centre and placed his hands upon the altar top. His hands began to tingle as an unbelievable energy traversed up his arms, filling his soul to the brim with love and the knowledge of who he is, why he is here and what he must do with the rest of his life. Calatin watched in wonder, falling to his knees with tear filled eyes as he witnessed the divine moment.
From that day until the summer solstice, Calatin constantly narrated to Yeshua everything he knew about the Tor from its secret tunnels that the locals believed belonged to a fairy kingdom, to the burial chambers of the ancients hidden over two thousand cubits directly below the summit. Firstly seeking permission from Balthazar, Yeshua moved his things into the Druid cave in order to learn as much as possible in the available time remaining and immerse himself in the ways of his new found brethren.
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