by S. Robertson
Extending her hand she said, “I expect you’re Morgan? I’m delighted to finally meet you.”
Morgan, having rehearsed what he would say to Angi over and over on his flight from the United States, replied, “Well, to be honest, Angi, I’ve been carrying one hell of a load of guilt over the attack on your grandmother. This, in addition to not releasing my wife earlier from an unhappy marriage, will haunt me for the rest of my life. Both outcomes may have been prevented if I’d been more careful in your grandmother’s case and more considerate in regard to my wife. I’m truly sorry, Angi.”
“Morgan, you’re not responsible for the sick mind of a person like Antonino. Actually, as much as I miss my dear grandmother, I believe we have all been chosen for different roles in this quest. Unknown to us, a cosmic clock reached the bewitching hour of ‘the coming times’, an event set in motion centuries ago. If it wasn’t my grandmother, another event would have triggered the process and targeted another Guardian. Morgan, I’m sorry about your wife’s death, she didn’t deserve that either. What you may not know is, if we had waited any longer the gemstones might never have been found. As it stands we have few leads on the last two.”
“I hope you’re feeling better?” said Morgan.
“Yes, the headache has stopped which is good,” replied Angi.
Wolfram then stepped in and asked, “Speaking of yesterday, Angi, can you tell us how you managed to get Fiona’s gemstone when we had so little to go on. I suppose your going to tell us it was the ghost.”
“As strange as it seems, yes,” replied Angi with a smile. “Somehow, Robbie Murray, a four year old ghost from the 1800s, knew what I was looking for and pulled the bag out from behind the Murray memorial. We’ll never know if Fiona’s father knew Robbie and gave him some instructions or not. But it happened. I’m still having difficulty believing he was a ghost. I could feel the warmth of his chubby hand as he pulled me toward his hiding place.”
“Did you think the medallion helped you see Robbie?” asked Vette, intrigued with the continuing array of unusual events.
“I think this medallion has many strange properties,” replied Angi. “For instance, it allowed me to see a woman who stepped into my bedroom from another dimension.”
The revelation stunned the group. “Come again,” said Wolfram. “When did that happen? Maybe it’s the blow on your head.”
“No, I know what you’re thinking. This woman appeared on the first night at the castle. That evening, I started thinking, what if we never find all the gemstones? It was a daunting thought to be permanently attached to this unknown piece of ancient technology for the rest of my life. So, I contemplated removing the medallion. Anyway, as I reached for the clasp an invisible force paralyzed my movements. Within seconds a mist-like image began to appear, fuzzy at first and then a barely discernible figure emerged. Her face was never clear.” What Angi didn’t say was that she was certain she heard harp music just before the arrival of the mist.
“Are you sure it wasn’t one of our resident ghosts?” asked Andrew.
“Andrew, this individual didn’t come close to matching the description of your resident ghost. As best as I can describe, this was a tall woman wearing flowing garments. She introduced herself as Sirona, the voice much clearer than the image. She stated she was a hologram from another dimension with no other details. Future visits were revealed as she indicated her image would improve with the addition of the final gemstones. In her right hand she held a pulsating device which she claimed was being used to keep my chakras in balance. She actually used it during her visit. The overall impression I had was that she was concerned about the instability of the medallion which had been inactive for centuries. Her assignment was to keep the instrument stable while guiding me through the final stages of whatever lies ahead.”
“That might explain the vibrating of the central blue stone en route to the hospital,” replied Wolfram. “Thank God it stopped or we would have had some explaining to do. I expect the assailant, in grabbing the medallion upset this fine balance. In so doing, he must have received an electric shock or burn to the hand. That was likely the scream we heard. It wasn’t clear whether it was male or female. But we should keep an eye open for anyone with a bad burn on their hand,” a statement directed towards Andrew, Bryce and Dylan. At that point Ian arrived to announce lunch.
As the group took their seats at the table, Andrew was last to arrive, placing an old book in front of Angi. He opened it to a listing of Celtic gods and goddesses, pointing to one specific name. “I thought the name sounded familiar. You will see that Sirona is a Celtic deity, her emblem was the snake and she’s associated with healing, now isn’t that a coincidence.” As the book was circulated, Andrew asked, “Angi how tall was Sirona?”
“I was sitting on top of my bed, but I would say she was about five to six inches taller than me,” replied Angi.
“You mean she’s over six feet tall. She’s a hologram from what dimension? How did you get in contact with a Celtic goddess? How come you never mentioned it before?” asked Vette, the questions tumbling out.
“I said nothing as I was unsure what had occurred. To tell you the truth I didn’t know what it was. At first, I thought I might be overtired or it was a side effect of the medallion. But after yesterday’s chat with a ghost, I now want company if any more weird things are about to happen. While my grandmother may have been comfortable in this Celtic world, I was brought up in a modern scientific one, which negates any such foolishness. I’m still uncomfortable talking about these two events even now.”
“So, what you have just been telling us is that in the past two weeks you have been talking to a Celtic goddess from another dimension and a ghost from the 1800s. Wow, this is absolutely fantastic!” replied Morgan. “I thought this only existed in books or to a few mystics in past centuries.”
“See Angi, this should be happening to Morgan. He’d be right in his element.” said Andrew, trying to relieve Angi’s anxiety. “What else did Sirona say?”
“She stated over and over not to remove the medallion until all the
gemstones were in place, otherwise it might kill me,” said Angi in a matter-of-fact tone.
“That’s just great. You mean that madman yesterday could have killed you if that clasp wasn’t so tight?” said Wolfram, in an irritated voice.
“Not a pleasant thought,” replied Angi, “but yes.”
“Is there anything else you can tell us about the visit?” asked Andrew wanting a full account.
“The image kept sputtering in and out. Before it finally disappeared Sirona said that she would be back to guide me, so I’m expecting a return visit or visits. Andrew, what do you think or am I just hallucinating?”
“As strange as this seems, I think it’s all due to the medallion and that you may actually be in touch with an ancient Celtic goddess,” replied Andrew. “Your description of Sirona could easily fit the Tuatha De Danaan. They were tall with fair hair and some were known to have green eyes. As Bryce said earlier, scientists today have admitted to other dimensions and we know the Druids and the Knight Templars knew and used such knowledge. I’ll need more time to absorb this, but basically I believe you.” In reflection he thought, “I’ll definitely have to contact the others, this is the sign we were waiting for.”
“OK, since this is revelation time, perhaps I can get an answer to another issue. Angi, sorry to pry, but can you tell me why you asked for that blood test in the hospital. The doctor seemed hesitant but went along with it. Why?” asked Wolfram.
“I guess it’s time to mention this as well. Just before I got the news of my grandmother’s attack, I had been diagnosed with leukemia. Since my annual vacation was due I planned on discussing the implications for Gran and myself when I got home. That never happened.”
“This is certainly a day for surprises. Was there any doubt in the diagnosis?” asked Wolfram. “It certainly explains your detachment and apparent reluctance to get involved in thi
s quest.”
“There’s no doubt. It had been checked a number of times by experts at the medical center. I have the reports back home,” replied Angi, realizing how distant that world now seemed from this Scottish dining room. She continued, “As a final act for my grandmother, I wanted to hand over the medallion in Boston to the other Guardians. Then I planned on returning home to make my final arrangements. I had no intention of having chemotherapy. To tell you the truth, I was relieved when forced to travel overseas as it reduced any unpleasant arguments with my family doctor over my decision. By the time I got back home it would be too late. So, while in hospital I thought I’d recheck my white blood count. I suppose I expected another confirmation of the diagnosis. To my surprise the test indicated my white blood count was normal. The change can only be attributed to the medallion. Anyway, as far as I’m concerned I’ve been given a second chance and feel rejuvenated except, of course, for this bang on the head.”
Not wanting to be negative but compelled to say something, Vette responded hesitantly, “I don’t want to be a killjoy, but maybe your disease is just in remission.”
“True, but I’m sticking to the premise that my constitution has changed for the better. The nausea I’ve been attributing to my disease may be my body reacting to the power of this ancient relic. I’ll know for sure when we add the next gemstone. Andrew, Wolfram said that you agreed to store the silver gemstone boxes in your safe. If you can get the Scone box, I’ll be glad to demonstrate how the medallion reacts to each gemstone. The process should be of interest to those who have never seen it before. By the way, as Fiona said, the Scone gemstone is an emerald.”
Andrew, becoming more cautious, replied. “At this point let’s move to the library as it may be the safest place in the castle.” Understanding his concern, the group followed him down the hall. In the library they circled a large table to watch the demonstration.
From his adjacent office, Andrew retrieved the familiar purple velvet bag from his safe and handed it to Angi.
Angi removed the silver engraved box from the velvet bag, and opening the lid, described to those not familiar with it the unique internal mechanism for securing the gemstone. Then using Zak’s holder she inserted the tip of the gemstone and placed it next to the medallion. Within seconds, the blue stone awoke and the expected process was witnessed by the group including the electrical arc and insertion of the gemstone. Andrew, Bryce, Dylan and Morgan reacted as expected.
“Absolutely amazing,” replied Andrew. “Your right Wolfram, it performs like a miniature computer. A sensor program must be activated to identify each genuine gemstone and move it into its rightful slot. Each stone must be in a specific place to perform properly. The last two gemstones are critical.”
While Bryce and Dylan remained speechless, Morgan reacted. “Wolfram, I could never have envisioned anything like this from our first discussion of your grandmother’s gemstone. I’ve never heard of such a relic in anything I’ve read but that doesn’t exclude the possibility. The craftsmanship of the medallion and the storage boxes speak of great care generations apart. This was definitely a prized item. Having said that, I realize I’m in conflict with most of my academic colleagues who would not support any belief that such technology existed centuries ago. I’ll need time to adjust to this.”
“Is that it, Angi,” asked Andrew. “I do not want to hurry you but I feel there is much we need to cover this afternoon.”
“Yes, that’s all from me,” said Angi, aiming for a comfortable chair in an alcove near the stained glass windows. The exertion had tired her.
Seizing the opportunity, Wolfram waded in. “OK, then Andrew perhaps we might lay some other cards on the table. I know that Dylan and his team have this place locked down. I also know that Dylan’s team has been trained for top government security work. While I’m not underestimating Antonino’s capabilities, is this not excessive security for the medallion, or am I missing something?”
“I wish the security was as air tight as you think, Wolfram, but having received a negative result from the bugging scan, we now face the daunting possibility of having an internal spy. You’re also intelligent enough to know that if the house staff check comes up dry then somehow it must be someone in this room.”
Startled, they all looked at each other.
“That’s impossible,” replied an irritated Wolfram. “Surely the seven of us are above suspicion.”
“Take it easy, Wolfram,” replied Dylan. “Remember you told me that Antonino hired someone to hack into O’Gratteney’s computer, right?”
“Right…….sorry……..As far as I’m concerned this foursome,” pointing to Angi, Vette, Morgan and himself, “are exempts. But I understand, go ahead.”
“So, once we’ve covered the staff we’ll be moving onto the computers and cell phones………likely later this afternoon. Is everyone OK with that?” said Dylan.
In unison they replied, “Sure.”
“The electronic route is a real possibility,” replied Angi, inwardly pleased with Wolfram’s vote of confidence. “We’re indeed an odd foursome,” she thought “but one I’m growing rather fond of.”
“Now let’s address Wolfram’s question about the security,” said Andrew, while concerned about the in-house mole, said to himself, “We’ll have to risk it.” Then glancing at Bryce, he started, “Bryce and I belong to several organizations…..”
“Secret organizations, I expect,” said Wolfram.
“Very well, one or two are secret but the others are well known, or were. Andrew, Dylan and I are members of the still existing ancient order of Knights Templar.”
“I’ll ask later……….go on,” said Wolfram.
“Let’s be seated, this could take some time,” Andrew continued. “To understand our motives we need to step back in time to Atlantis. Volumes have been written on the topic with many theories as to its location. The Antarctic, South America, Bermuda, different parts of the Mediterranean, Spain, the Canary Islands, and northern Europe are but a few of the possibilities.”
“Those are the key ones,” said Bryce, “but most fail to meet the criteria that Atlantis was suppose to exist in an area where a chain of islands allowed easy access to America. The only possible locations that meet that criterion are Ireland, Scotland and some Scandinavian countries. This has been proposed by a number of authors including a recent Swedish geographer who argues that Ireland perfectly matches the measurements and other details provided by Plato.”
“So, if we’re standing on pieces of Atlantis, what, in your opinion, happened to it?” asked Morgan.
Andrew now interceded, “As described in ancient writing, myths and legends, Atlantis was destroyed by a celestial visitation or, as recorded in one account, hit by the thunderbolts of Zeus, which resulted in immense earthquakes. This left the island in tatters with major parts submerged below the sea.”
“And the thunderbolts of Zeus were?” asked Angi.
“Possibly a single or double comet, or even a meteorite shower which, according to some accounts first appeared in the east, or north-east, in the sign of Aquarius. Gradually, as a heavenly omen, it crossed the sky in an east-west pattern, until the final catastrophe occurred in the sign of Orion, perhaps at the rising of Sirius, a star which follows Orion,” replied Andrew as he continued the account.
“But surely, other than Plato’s account, there must be more tangible evidence of such an event. Is there?” asked Morgan, his academic mind struggling with a topic which was denied vehemently by the academic community.
“Admittedly, it may seem limited, but there is evidence. Here in Scotland there are a number of ancient stones (i.e. the Golspie, Brodie, Elgin, Dyce and Logie) which depict people and animals running from a major disaster. In Sweden, there are fields of minute glass pearls that form when meteorites explode in the atmosphere. The suddenness of the event in the northern part of the planet has also been revealed in the stomach content of extinct animals like the mammoth which
barely had time to digest its food. Plato said it occurred in a single day and night. This comet attack was supposed to be accompanied by electric storms, falling masses of rock, stones and other material, and accompanied by inundations and rains. As you would expect, it resulted in a long period of intense cold.”
“Was the climate change due entirely to the volcano ash?” asked Angi.
“That was one of the causes, but it was also due to the effects of the enormous weight which the celestial body deposited on the earth. This resulted in 5 ¼ days being added to the previous calendar year of 360 days. By the law of gravitation the planet had to enlarge its orbit which reduced the strength of the sun. This 5 ¼ days has been a puzzle to academics ever since.”
“You’re absolutely right. I’ve often wondered why some old civilizations had two calendars; one at 360 days and another at 365. The old argument was that one was a lunar calendar and the other solar, but no one provided as logical an answer as you have,” said Morgan.
“Was that all that happened?” asked Wolfram, fascinated at another revision of history.
“Not quite. Another affect of this shift was the alteration of the earth’s axis, at the Poles, creating its present acute angle. The climatic effects took time to be felt, but the axis alteration was felt immediately particularly in those areas which lie within or near the present Arctic Circle; Siberia, North Russia, Northern Norway, Greenland, Canada, and less so in Scotland, Iceland and the Scottish Isles. This is what the Scandinavian sagas called the ‘Great Winter’, which forced many people to seek new homes or die of starvation. Beasts died and crops failed.”
“That would explain some of the massive migrations of people recorded in the textbooks,” said Morgan. “But if we accept the usually timeframe for Atlantis, then we’re talking thousands of years in the past. Or are we?”
Andrew responded, “The timing of the destruction of Atlantis is the greatest problem. A good number of writers place the disaster at 13,000, 9,000 or even 6,000 years B.C.E… But, there are others, admittedly few, who argue that it happened closer to our time, in the 1300s B.C.E... A number of sources support this later date. The Scottish Golspie Stone records a disaster in this region of only 3,300 years ago. The other is the Sothic Cycle of the Egyptians, a system based on the movement of the star Sirius which dates from 1322 B.C.E... It is said that this cycle was the first to use the 365 ¼ years which marked the post-catastrophe shift in celestial movements. 5 ¼ days were added to the stellar year. These five additional days in many ancient societies were regarded with dread and became a time of public mourning when everything stopped and the temples were filled. There are books on that far shelf if you wish to explore this further. What I am saying is that Atlantis existed and was destroyed much closer to our time than we thought.”