The Celtic Serpent

by S. Robertson

  “That sounds ominous,” replied Angi. “Can you elaborate, as I’ll be front and centre to whatever nature may offer,” growing uneasy.

  “Expect lightening bolts directed at the Lia Fail, and likely rain and wind,” replied Sirona. “This spell is powerful and has been undisturbed for centuries. The originators intended to block easy access.”

  Angi continued, “If we’re successful in breaking the spell, can you tell us what the gate looks like?”

  “It’s truly spectacular,” replied Sirona remembering it from the past. “It’s a large circular golden snake biting its tail, about 9.14 meters (30 feet) in circumference. The inner part will look like a glistening sheet of water but it’s actually flowing energy.”

  “The golden snake!” thought Angi, “….it keeps reappearing.”

  Sirona continued, “If all goes well, I will walk through the veil with a group of individuals from our dimension. The number will depend on how many of you plan to return with us through the gate. To ease your first trip, each person from this world will have an escort who speaks your language. And before you ask, the journey takes a few minutes.”

  “It’s customary when entering another culture to be forearmed regarding their culture and protocols, will these escorts provide us with such?” asked Andrew.

  “Yes, this will be their role especially as you will be there for such a short time.”

  “Will speaking Gaelic be of any value in your world?” asked Andrew,

  “It may help you understand some phrases, but a conversation will be difficult. Like you, our language has evolved over time, but I expect those who speak Gaelic will progress faster in communicating in our world,” confirmed Sirona.

  “When we get back I must get Brigit or Andrew to advise me on Gaelic language studies,” thought Angi.

  “For my inquisitive nature,” asked Vette, “where has the gate been for the past two thousand years?”

  “It’s been at the Hill of Tara, just locked in another time zone. There was never any danger that someone would bump into it.”

  “Sirona, by any chance do we have a back up plan should we run into problems at Tara?” asked Wolfram.

  “Good point,” replied Sirona. “Let’s agree that if there’s no response after seven tries, I will get Angi to contact me. I can appear as I am now and we will reassess the situation. But I honestly don’t believe this will be needed.”

  “Fine, then it’s agreed, while some of us will go through the gate, arrangements will be in place for others to return to Edinburgh,” said Andrew still working on the travel plans. “Another point, Sirona, how are you going to block any intruders while all this is going on?”

  Sirona, taking a few minutes, finally responded, “Angi and I will travel to the site the night before and set up markers in a hundred yard radius around the site. When Angi places her hand on the pillar, it will activate an invisible but effective force field which will block any intruder.”

  “…….and prevent us from leaving,” mumbled Dylan with a glance at his team.

  Sirona saw the glance and responded, “Your not trapped, Dylan. All Angi has to do is release her hand from the pillar and press the blue stone. The force field will dissolve instantly.”

  “What happens to the force field when we leave the site?” asked Wolfram.

  “It will dissolve when Angi and I step through the gate.”

  Dylan thinking of Sirona’s earlier comment asked, “By the way, if you can zap Angi to Tara the day before, why can’t you do the same for the rest of us?” thinking of all the hassle they had gone through in making travel arrangements.

  “It’s feasible with Angi because she’s wearing the medallion.” And foreseeing the next question, continued, “It wouldn’t help to remove Angi’s medallion to achieve your transfer as it works on her genetic makeup, which can’t be duplicated.”

  “I expect that such DNA programming is common with your technology,” asked Andrew?

  “Yes, nowadays our technology is tailored to the individual,” replied Sirona.

  “That’s a sure way to reduce thievery,” replied Wolfram. “By the way do we have a firm date for our return?”

  “I thought Samhain, Oct 31st, would be a good day. It’s the old Celtic new year,” replied Sirona. “This was always regarded as the time when the veil separating our worlds was at its weakest, and the atmosphere is filled with magic.”

  “Returning to earth on October 31st we could encounter cool weather. We may need warmer clothing?” replied Andrew.

  “I’ll attend to that,” replied Sirona.

  “Another question on the gate, I don’t suppose we’re going to leave the gate exposed?” asked Wolfram. “That’s a busy tourist site and a gate like this sitting out in the open will be an overnight sensation for the media.”

  “My people will cloak the gate when Angi and I step through it, as we will be the last to leave,” said Sirona.

  “Cloaked, but if it’s just cloaked isn’t it still there?” asked Vette.

  “A good point, Vette, but in this instance our technology will make it inaccessible. It’s somewhat complicated but be assured we won’t leave an exposed gate, particularly this one. But it begs the question that we will need a more permanent solution when we get back,” replied Sirona.

  “I know we’ll go over this again, but could you tell us what to expect when we enter your world,” asked Angi, realizing they still had little knowledge as to what Sirona’s world looked like.

  “Certainly,” replied Sirona. “You will enter a marble temple where dignitaries will be waiting. Once the formal welcoming ceremony is over, you will be escorted to your quarters, which will be nearby. Your escorts will stay with you until you get oriented. Also, while you are with us you won’t age. If you wish, we can also recalibrate your age.”

  “I expect the young folk will not be interested, but Bryce and I might take you up on the offer,” said Andrew with a grin.

  Then Sirona shifted the discussion, saying, “The other Guardians will be here in a few days. I’m looking forward to meeting them as elders are well respected in our world.”

  “I’m curious, what constitutes an elder in your world?” asked Morgan. “If you live thousands of years, when do you reach old age?”

  This was the first time the topic of age registered with the rest of the group. They waited to see how Sirona would address the question.

  “As I mentioned before, we do age, it just takes longer. You will see older individuals in our world who are our leaders. We rely on them for their years of wisdom and experience.” Then aware of their increasing anxiety about the challenges ahead, she continued, “I understand you must be experiencing both excitement and anxiety over the last stage of the quest, after all, I am asking you to trust me, a complete stranger and a hologram from another dimension. Be assured we want and need this as much as you. We are prepared to help you rebalance your world and improve the lives of your people. The Golden Age of your myths is true. And since cosmic cycles recur, you are at the entrance of another Golden Age, although the transition may have its birthing pains.”

  It was Angi’s turn to speak. “Sirona, my grandmother always said that life was full of mystery. Little did I realize how much until now. In a matter of weeks the comfortable world I knew has been turned upside down as we slipped into what seemed to be a world of magic and science fiction while trying to cope with a killer stalking our every move. One item would have been enough. I am grateful, for your guidance into a whole new world in which I have learned to manipulate the energies of this world. As I see it, this unique band of adventurers have come a long way since we first met, and having come this far I’m sure we want to see this through. I expect the destiny of everyone present in this room was written on some ancient scroll generations ago. As such, we owe it to our ancestors to fulfill this prophecy. It’s our duty to press on to Tara and whatever awaits us beyond.”

  The response from the group was unanimous.
While more questions continued to surface, the group would continue their march in unison towards Tara.

  * * *

  Ireland: The Hill of Tara

  The day finally arrived. In keeping with the solemnity of the occasion, everyone was up and silently boarding the bus by three in the morning, using the time for their own council. Each one carried an identical travel bag, those going through the gate having carefully considered every item.

  The Guardians took a while to adapt to Sirona, and she gracefully waited until they felt comfortable in her presence. Wolfram’s grandparents were overjoyed at his renewed health and couldn’t stop thanking Angi. In the end, the Guardians decided to delay their gate travel, leaving the pioneer trip to the original team. So it came to pass that twelve would step through the gate; Angi, Wolfram, Morgan, Vette, Andrew, Bryce, Dylan and five members of his team, the others remaining behind to manage the transportation for the return trip.

  With clear skies the flight to Dublin took the expected twenty-six minutes where, upon landing, the group made their way to a waiting bus for the short trip northwest to the Hill of Tara. Andrew’s preliminary arrangements gave them easy access to the site, and in the dim morning light they scrambled out of the bus. Those returning left their travel bags with the bus driver, another hand-picked individual known to Dylan. He would remain with the bus, knowing that if all went according to plan, he would be driving a smaller party back to the airport. Wasting little time, the group headed directly towards the hilltop Royal Seat and the Lia Fail stone each one wearing a bright yellow waterproof poncho and hood, in readiness for the expected rain.

  Nature sensed the significance of the day. Birds flitted and danced around the group boisterous in their morning song. A gentle breeze bent the bushes and grasses with a scent of roses in the air. Sunrise was still an hour away but the increasing light and cloudless sky provided a perfect setting for the event.

  It was 4:50am when they reached their destination. As they looked around, some for the first time, they grasped Tara’s importance as the hilltop provided a commanding view of much of Ireland. Then, taking note of their respective positions, like professional actors and actresses they assumed their places for the drama.

  At precisely 5:25am, Angi passed her travel bag to Vette, made sure the medallion was positioned securely on top of her yellow poncho, and placed her right hand firmly into the indentation on the stone pillar as stipulated by Sirona. At that moment a swishing sound circled the hill.

  “I expect that’s the force field,” said Dylan, as one of his team reached out to test its presence, nodding a confirmation to Dylan.

  Angi, turning briefly to make sure everyone was in position, some standing and the Guardians sitting, raised her left hand. In a loud commanding voice, said,

  First in Gaelic; “In ainm na Breataine Hermes, ordú mé go raibh an Gheata na Teamhrach a chur ar ais!”

  Then in English; “In the name of the Great Hermes, I command that the Gate of Tara be restored!”

  Andrew glanced at Bryce, both recognizing the name of Hermes from former organizational ceremonies.

  Morgan, looking straight ahead, commented, “Now that’s interesting. I once read that Hermes was considered the primary god of the Druids.”

  No one responded.

  Nothing happened with the first command, except a few birds taking flight in the distance. Nature’s former noisiness had given way to a hushed anticipation.

  Just as the second command seemed to draw a blank, a dark cloud appeared out of nowhere and hung above their heads, in stark contrast to the crystal blue sky in all directions.

  “Where did that come from?” whispered Vette, surprised by her own edginess.

  Angi’s third command seemed to aggravate the cloud which started rumbling as if a storm was eminent. At this point the medallion came alive, a rainbow of colors flashing from the gemstones, orchestrated by the blue stone of Atlantis.

  Her fourth command brought a more violent reaction. The cloud darkened, the thunder increased in intensity, and lightening spit forth from the cloud. As the storm intensified, a powerful lightning bolt struck near the Lai Fail, cracking one of the rectangular stones within inches of Angi’s feet, leaving a burning scent in the air.

  “Here we go,” was a comment heard within the group.

  Standing firm, Angi made a fifth and louder command which aggravated the situation even more. The hill was covered in a shroud of blackness as three lightning bolts struck the ground at different points near the standing stone and Angi.

  The only reaction within the group was the clinching of jaw muscles or hands.

  Angi, feeling the storm around her, continued, her voice rising above the noise with a sixth command,

  “In ainm na Breataine Hermes, ordú mé go raibh an Gheata na Teamhrach a chur ar ais!”

  “In the name of the Great Hermes, I command that the Gate of Tara be restored!”

  This resulted in more rolling thunder and two intense lightning strikes, one smashing another rectangular stone, the second chipping the base of the Lai Fail. But this seemed to exhaust its protest. A calmness followed as a heavy mist enveloped the entire Hill of Tara, so thick that each member could barely see the yellow ponchos of those standing or sitting nearby. The mist remained for about twelve minutes, soaking their protective ponchos and clothes and dripping down the Lia Fail. Angi had to strengthen her hand pressure to avoid it slipping from the prescribed spot.

  Not knowing what to expect the group stood firm, waiting.

  Then, a swirling breeze arrived starting at their feet. As the gusts ascended up the pillar it dried their clothes, and disbursed both the mist and the cloud. And, just as Sirona had described, floating in the air inches from the ground with no visible supports was a magnificent circular object, a foot-wide golden metallic snake glimmering in the morning sun, the watery centre alive with energy and light. Even though expected, its splendor and mute grandeur were overpowering.

  “The unbelievable has arrived,” whispered Morgan. “Before us sits the door to another world. Andrew, is that lettering on the golden snake, Gaelic?”

  “Not the Gaelic I know,” replied Andrew.

  As they finished speaking, Sirona stepped through the silvery veil and strode triumphantly towards Angi, who had not stirred from her position at the Lia Fail.

  “Congratulations, Angi, You did it!” said a confident and relaxed Sirona.

  Angi, having taken every ounce of courage to withstand the lightning strikes was still glued to the spot. As Sirona approached she thought, “I’m glad I didn’t need seven rounds of that bombardment. This magical stuff is not for the faint of heart. Am I ever glad to see Sirona, she does look different in the flesh………or is this a high definition hologram. Whatever………I’ll go with whatever fits.” Slowly releasing her hand from the Lia Fail she stepped forward to greet Sirona with, “Words can hardly describe this magnificent object that hangs before us.”

  “It is indeed stupendous,” replied a jubilant Sirona as she turned to admire the gate. “It is wonderful to see it again.”

  At that moment eleven other similarly dressed, tall, companions, male and female, stepped through the veil. Sirona signaled the earthly members to come forth.

  Passing their yellow ponchos to Matt, Dylan’s second in command, the group went to meet their escorts. Sirona did the introductions as both groups assessed each other for the first time. Angi retrieved her travel bag from Vette, placing the strap across her chest.

  Sirona then announced, “I think we should get started.”

  As agreed, the sequence for travel through the gate was to be Dylan and two of his team, followed in order by Andrew, Bryce, Morgan, Vette, Wolfram, Dylan’s other three officers, and finally Angi and Sirona.”

  While the others began to assemble for their exit through the gate, Wolfram turned to bid farewell to his grandparents.

  Tyloar reached out to hug his grandson saying, “My boy, this is indeed an auspi
cious occasion, a beginning of something incredible. Take care and know your grandmother and I, and the other Guardians, will be standing right here on Oct 31st to welcome you back.”

  Wolfram then turned to his grandmother and said, “Do not be upset Gran, I will be back. Our destiny has been written in the stars.” Giving her a warm hug, he turned quickly, and walked towards the gate. Not looking back he stated in a loud voice, “See you on the other side Angi,” and stepped through the veil with his escort.

  Angi and Sirona went to bid farewell to those they were leaving behind with Sirona preceding Angi. Brigit stood last in line. As Angi pulled away from hugging her, Brigit gasped, “Angi look! Didn’t I tell you the old Irish prophecies had substance.”

  Angi turned to find the entire Hill of Tara covered in a blanket of white flowers as far as the eye could see. “Oh my, how beautiful………it must have been the energy release that Sirona spoke of. Brigit, you were right, but I’m still uncomfortable with being a prophetess.”

  “Never mind, child, it likely has an entirely different meaning in this modern world. My dear, you have brought joy to Ireland, giving us a glimpse of our glorious past and possible future. What more could one ask.” Smiling she kissed Angi on the cheek. “Be assured we’ll be waiting to hear of your adventures and to know how we can help.”

  As they were saying their goodbyes, the others, in order, had been stepping through the gate. It was now time for Angi and Sirona. They walked together towards the gate, turned momentarily to wave farewell with Angi’s parting comment, “See you in October!” Then, turning, she, like the others, placed her left hand on Sirona’s right forearm, and stepped through the gate. At that instance, there was a whirling vacuum-like sound as the gate disappeared and the force field dissolved.