by S. Robertson
“That wasn’t much help,” was Andrew’s returning comment. “As expected, there are no plans. In fact it’s only thought to be MacDonald’s tomb based on its design. If this is the site, then we face another obstacle. We need to unlock the secret chamber without damaging a stone or decoration. No destruction will be tolerated.”
“That’s a tough order, but understandable,” replied Wolfram.
“I know this has not been mentioned, but for a moment, let’s look at St. Martin’s Cross, it’s been standing there for centuries,” said Bryce, “It does have longevity.”
“Already checked,” replied Wolfram. “It’s solid. In addition, someone would have had to create a hidden chamber large enough for a number of boxes, however small. I can’t see it happening. Look at the cross on the computer, it’s pretty stark. But it doesn’t rule out something in the vicinity.”
“That might be difficult as there are path stones in the vicinity. But still, would the early planners risk leaving it so exposed. I don’t think so. It’s got to have some protection from the elements or someone accidently opening it,” replied Andrew,
“So, what are we left with?” asked Angi.
“It looks like the nunnery, the chapel, the cemetery or, remotely, near St. Martin’s Cross. We have to narrow it down quickly as we have little time. Basically, as I see it, our chances are slim to zero………we’ll need a miracle,” replied Wolfram, turning towards Angi.
“Don’t look at me. I’m no miracle worker. I told you Sirona said that she couldn’t help us we have to find the gemstones ourselves. I admit, she keeps saying I’ll be ready for this trip………which is more confidence than I have. It’s some stretch to think I’m going to be much help. Remember I told you the Druids took forty years………..what have I had, two weeks max.” And with emphasis she continued, “I’m a pure novice. The best option, as I see it, is to have another ghost pop up.”
“Angi, in fairness, should we hold off for a later date?” asked Andrew, aware that they were placing a great deal of pressure on her.
“Sirona is certain we’ll have the gemstones before the next full moon which is five days from now. On that vote of confidence, let’s go…….if, by some miracle we find the secret chamber, maybe there’ll be two boxes and our search will be over.”
“Good, I’ll proceed with the final arrangements. Be ready for an early rise on Wednesday morning. Dylan will not be coming, but two of his crew will accompany us on the helicopter. The helicopter comes with a four member crew; a pilot, co-pilot and backup. By my calculation there will be twelve of us; four crew, two of Dylan’s men and six of us.”
“Six, is Bryce coming with us?” asked Angi.
“No, Dana will be coming along,” replied Andrew.
“Why?” asked Wolfram. “Now that Morgan’s here do we need Dana? I’ve got no beef with Dana, just trying to reduce the odds.”
“This will be her last trip. She’s never been to Iona and before Morgan arrived I promised her that she could travel with us if Iona was confirmed on our agenda.”
“Fine, a dozen it will be. Vette and I will stick to Angi like glue, which leaves Morgan and Dana with you. Do you expect Dylan’s team to accompany us on the island?”
“I’ll leave that to Dylan. If we can land close enough to the abbey and chapel, they may stay with the helicopter. It’s unclear whether the helicopter needs to refuel at Mull before we head back. If so, the crew may do this while we’re searching the place. Such details will be confirmed within the hour. We’ll review all of this again just before take off. Right-O……….talk to you soon,” and he was off.
“Let’s pray for clear weather. I don’t relish scrambling over old rocks in the fog or rain. How about the rest of you, is there anything else we should be thinking about?” asked Angi.
“Yah, I’d like to know what Antonino and his sidekick has up their sleeves,” replied Vette. “We’ve got this trip tightly organized, assuming we’ll hit pay dirt and find one or more gemstones. But I’m certain by the time we embark on Wednesday Antonino will have been well informed. If he thinks there’s little chance of finding the last gemstone, he’ll strike. Angi, if we find a gemstone it might be prudent to insert it immediately into the medallion. What do you think?”
“Why, do you think that’ll increase the medallion’s powers?” asked Angi.
“It helped the last time. With more gemstones the medallion is bound to be more powerful and provide a more potent electric jolt. Of course, this will only be needed if Wolfram and I have been decommissioned. I always like a backup plan,” replied Vette.
“That’s a good idea, Vette,” replied Wolfram.
“No problem. I’ll do it. In the meantime I’ll keep working with Sirona to prepare for the trip,” was Angi’s confident reply.
On Wednesday, everyone was ready by 4am. In the dim morning light a navy blue and white four-bladed twin-engine helicopter landed on the castle’s side lawn. The interior had seating for nineteen plus storage. Wolfram watched from his bedroom window as Dylan and his team stored supplies aboard. “I suppose that’s food and backup supplies considering we’ll be travelling for hours. Andrew doesn’t want us stopping off for lunch. By their congeniality, Dylan’s men know the helicopter crew. That’s Andrew’s trademark, every detail considered. I’ve never travelled in a helicopter before, this’ll be a first.”
They took off at one minute past 4:30. Once airborne, Andrew opened one picnic container prepared by his staff and passed around snack boxes for everyone. A coffee thermos appeared and everyone enjoyed a light breakfast. It had been agreed, in light of the departure hour, that they would eat en route. As they travelled west and slightly north, Andrew, Dana and the crew took turns pointing out key Scottish sights. They watched the rising sun rays warm the land to a magnificent day. They were high enough to get a clear view of the geography and the distant sea. The two hours passed with an apparent relaxed group of travelers heading to Iona, but underneath was the lingering threat there was a Judas on board. Just off the south-west tip of Mull, across the Firth of Lorn from the coast of Scotland, the helicopter veered towards Iona. Approaching Iona they could see its sandy beaches, rock-strewn meadows, turquoise waters and the stately abbey. Of some concern was a thick fog hugging the shoreline. Before they had a chance to ask, the pilot commented, “That fog will dissipate once the sun gets up but it might delay the morning ferry from Mull. Don’t worry, it’s fine where we’re scheduled to land.” Within minutes the helicopter came to a smooth landing within 500 yards of the abbey.
“Andrew must have pulled some mighty strings for this,” thought Angi. “We’d never have managed these trips without him.”
Once the eight disembarked, the helicopter took off for refueling in Mull. It would return within the hour.
Stepping onto the soil of Iona, Angi felt a powerful sensation she had never experienced before. “This must come from centuries of sacred worship which has seeped into every grain of this hallowed soil. We must tread gently so as not to disturb such spiritual presence. It’s no wonder so many have been attracted to this sacred isle in this corner of the world.”
As planned, the eight members; two groups of three and one of two, set out to investigate the three possible sites. St. Martin’s Cross was quickly eliminated as there did not seem to be any possible area which was not exposed to visitors or the elements. They then headed towards the nunnery.
They spent a half hour climbing up and over the ruins, carefully looking at every crevice and unusual outcrop. Nothing was evident but it was not dismissed.
Next was Oran’s chapel and cemetery. A quick walk around the cemetery eliminated it as in keeping with the Internet description, the existing headstones were badly worn, some were non existent, and specific kings could not be identified. This left the chapel.
While Dana, Morgan, Andrew and Colin, one of Dylan’s men, circled the exterior of the stone building, Angi, Wolfram, Vette and Matt, Dylan’s next in command, we
nt inside. The tomb still seemed the best option but there was nothing to aid them in their search. Angi, Wolfram, and Vette carefully felt every segment of the tomb’s sculptured outline, and pressed each rectangular stone in the center. Angi, looking at what appeared to be an animal in the right hand design asked, “What do you think this might have been when originally sculptured, a lion, a dog or a lamb?”
“Likely a lion, as it’s a common royal symbol. But since its features are so worn, it’s hard to say. By any chance does it move if you fiddle with it?” asked Wolfram.
“Not a fraction, I had some hope this would be the key,” replied Angi, and stepping back observed, “You know, I agree with the others, this doesn’t look like a tomb, it’s too small, but then what do I know about medieval tombs.”
Wolfram, glancing at his watch, turned saying, “An hour has already passed. If there’s anything you can do Angi, now’s the time.”
At that moment, Angi heard harp music but Sirona didn’t appear. “Ah, she’s doing her invisible act,” she said to herself, “likely checking on how I perform.” Then she heard a whispered command.
“Angi, go outside the chapel and address Nature as I taught you. Command the fog to assist you. Visualize what you want it to do and manipulate the energies.”
Angi turned abruptly. The others sensing something was afoot, followed her back into the open. She positioned herself about twenty-five feet from the chapel. Wolfram and Vette stood a few feet behind her to give her space while the others moved further back and stood waiting.
Raising her arms, Angi, giving herself courage, thought, “Here goes………I pray this works……..I’m not entirely comfortable doing this.” Looking out towards the shore, she commanded in a loud voice, “Fog, come forth. You were here when the gemstones were hidden, once, maybe twice, in the past. We need your help. Which building should we explore?” Angi closed her eyes to work with the energies. Not a word was spoken, the silence disturbed only by the whistling wind and the circling seagulls.
After a few minutes, Angi squinted wondering, “Has anything happened?”
The fog stood firm.
Sirona’s second command came more abruptly. “Angi, concentrate, this isn’t child’s play. You are trying to move a strong force of Nature. Command the medallion to help you in your request.” Sirona knew this was a key test for Angi she had to control the power of the medallion.
Angi held the medallion with her left hand and raising her right arm, repeated the command, this time more forcefully. She waited and opened her eyes when she heard a whispered gasp from Vette.
To her amazement the fog had moved over the bank and in a single wall was progressing towards the buildings. First, the nunnery seemed to be the target, and then the fog moved towards the chapel. About fifty yards from the chapel, a portion of the fog separated from the main bank and floated over the top of the building, forming a halo.
Morgan whispered to those standing near “That’s what they said the Druids could do. It was said they could command the mist and fog to protect their warriors or to confuse their enemies. I thought that was a fairy tale.”
Still in awe, Angi, as if familiar with such phenomenon, said out loud, “Thanks for your help.” At that moment, as if acknowledging her gratitude, the fog retreated back to the shoreline.
As she lowered her arm she heard Sirona’s voice, “Good work, Angi, but it’s not over yet. You have more to do inside.”
Smiling, Angi turned to an amazed group of companions and said, “Well, we’ve identified the building ………… How’s our time, Wolfram?”
“We’ve got twenty-five minutes,” and realizing the limitation of space inside the building asked, “Perhaps we should keep the number going inside to six.” With no argument, Dylan’s team assumed duty at the entrance.
Sirona slipped by invisibly and stood against a far wall to watch. While forbidden to interfere, she was determined to be present to see what happened.
Convinced the hidden chamber was at or near the tomb, Angi stood in front of it and raised her arms, more assured now of what to do. This time she kept the words to herself as she asked for assistance.
The group waited in anticipation. When nothing happened, Angi, growing uncertain, repeated her request.
Minutes passed………….still nothing.
Just as Angi was about to try a third time, a loud click broke the spell. From a corner of the room a lit glass votive candle broke from its position in a round metal stand, rose in the air, floated toward the tomb enclosure, and stopped in front of a center rectangular stone of the tomb. Acknowledging the signal, Angi stepped forward and pressed the stone with her right hand. She felt an infinitesimal movement. Then the candle moved to a diagonal stone and stopped. Again Angi obeyed by pressing the stone. In a series of seven random steps Angi followed the candle, with each stone showing increased movement. As she pressed the final stone the candle rose in the air and returned to its place in the metal stand. Still with her hand on the stone, Angi voiced a “Thanks for the help,” and waited.
Within seconds the stones, forming a zigzag pattern, swerved inward revealing a small enclosure. On the top of a wooden storage shelf, covered with dust and cobwebs, were eight slots prepared centuries ago for their expected treasures. One was filled with a familiar purple bag. Angi stepped in and retrieved the bag. Returning to the chapel room, she opened the bag to discover the familiar engraved box. Opening the box she found another gemstone.
Unable to contain her silence, Vette whispered, “It’s a ruby.”
“Yes”, whispered Angi. “Isn’t it beautiful?” The rich red color of the gemstone glittered in the light. “The ruby is a noble stone which gathers and amplifies energy bringing spiritual wisdom, knowledge and wealth. I once read it could assist in changing ones world …….now isn’t that a surprise.” Remembering her agreement, she pulled out her small holding device, and placing the gemstone next to the medallion, the gemstone was quietly received. For the first time Angi felt a surge of energy. She reinserted the box into the purple bag and passed it to Vette who rapidly stored it in her knapsack. At that moment a mechanical sound was heard like wheels turning, and the wall began to close, the tomb rectangular stones reforming into a tightly knit pattern as if nothing had happened.
Remaining invisible, Sirona smiled. “You did it, Angi! You’re a fantastic student. See you later,” and she was gone.
“This may never have been a tomb,” said Morgan from the back of the room. “It was likely a hiding place for the monks.”
Suddenly, Andrew glanced at his watch, “Its 8:35am. Let’s get out of here. I’m relieved we were able to accomplish this mission without disturbing anything.”
Exiting the chapel the group saw the helicopter was already revving up. They partially ran towards the plane, and were in the air within minutes. Looking down they saw a few early church goers to the regular morning service surprised to see a helicopter taking off.
Angi glanced out the window in time to see the fog dissipate. “It’s as if it stood waiting to be summoned,” she thought. “It’s an example of nature’s living cells which we ignore or insult with our ruthless activities. So much to learn……………” She suddenly felt drained and sank into the leather seat. She craved peace and rest. But at that moment she looked up to see the three smiling faces of Wolfram, Vette and Morgan.
“You are absolutely amazing,” said Wolfram, in admiration of all that she had accomplished. “Rest, let me know whatever you need.”
“I’m speechless,” said Vette, “this journey is an ever-ending basket of wonders. You deserve a rest, old friend.”
“Angi, you’ve carried me into the stratosphere. I never thought such ancient miracles could be reawakened in my lifetime. My deepest thanks,” said Morgan.
As Angi positioned herself with a pillow and blanket she reviewed the day’s activities, “I wonder if I’ve graduated to another level? I’ll ask Sirona when next we meet……………………
Life is truly amazing. Imagine the grand chats Gran and I could have had about all this. They say when one door closes, another opens. Here I am in Scotland on a mysterious journey with a group of strangers, and three companions who are becoming closer than family. Who’d have guessed……….” weary, she dozed off. As she slept, her friends kept watch.
It was a half hour into the flight before anyone thought of eating. Andrew opened the second food hamper and distributed refreshments. Everyone chatted about topics other than Iona as they needed time to assess the events of the morning. There remained an underlying expectation that Antonino had yet to pounce, and they were facing the dawning realization that the last gemstone might never be found.
* * *
Scotland, Musselburgh: Antonino Meets the Mole
At four minutes to midnight, Antonino eased his rented green Peugeot car into an unlit area near the Promenade within sight of the Quay Complex in Musselburgh on the Firth of Forth. It had taken him fifteen minutes to drive from Edinburgh. The Quay was a recognizable and a good meeting spot for someone unfamiliar with the town. His contact would be coming from Inveresk. A light evening fog swirled around the car. The meeting was set for fifteen minutes past midnight when it was assumed the place would be quiet. The tapping of his fingers on the steering wheel was the only sign of anxiety.
To calm himself, he began assessing his situation. “At last, I’m going to hold the medallion ……..it’ll be all mine,” as he savored the possibility. “This caper has cost me a pretty penny. Not only the travel and ancillary payments in Ireland, Canada and the United States but this last vulture demanded 20,000 pounds up front and another upon delivery. But it’s worth it. Imagine getting someone so close to the font who provided regular reports on every step of their plans. I’ve stuck it to that pompous Sinclair who thought he had me pinned down. Too bad the medallion wasn’t grabbed at Scone, but then again, its value has increased with the addition of another gemstone.” Taking time he visualized his future, “This medallion will make me a fortune. I’ve got two contenders already salivating at getting their hands on it. I’ll find two more to raise the stakes. Then I’ll head for warmer climates. I could finalize the deal from some beach. I deserve an easier life. Just wait and see what I do to those Vatican demi-gods. They’ll regret ditching me.” Growing irritated he checked his watch using a small pen light which he pulled from his shirt pocket. “Damn it, our meeting time was fifteen minutes ago. I’m the one who had the longest drive.”