The Dark Age

by Traci Harding

  The Goddess reached out and took up the old King’s hands, smiling in delight at her prodigal son. ‘My good King Caninus, thou doth cause naught but much rejoicing in my heart, and thy noble ancestors art appeased by thy faith this day. I do wholeheartedly welcome thee home.’

  ‘Oh praise thee, lady.’ A couple of tears trickled down his wrinkled face. ‘Thou art far too forgiving.’

  ‘Nonsense, that be my way, Aurelius.’ She turned to motion Taliesin forth.

  The Merlin unrolled a scroll on the table to present his outline of the treaty for all to consider.

  The Goddess remained with them only long enough to witness them sign the pact. Once her task had been accomplished, she bid her new representatives farewell. ‘Henceforth, thou art all delegates of the Otherworld and the esteemed protectors of Britain. Be as brothers, for thou art one, and let none divide thee. This be the will of the great Houses Don and Llyr.’

  Maelgwn placed his hand face down on the treaty. The other three followed suit, placing their right hands on top of his. ‘So be it.’

  Tory slumped forward onto the table, unconscious.

  14

  A WINTER SOLACE

  Tory woke two days later to find Maelgwn by her side, he’d been keeping a constant vigil since her collapse.

  ‘Praise the Goddess,’ he uttered as he wiped her brow gently. ‘I feared I had lost thee indefinitely.’ Maelgwn poured a drink of water and helped her up so she could take a few sips. ‘How art thou feeling?’

  Tory leant back, smiling, thankful for his aid; she had barely enough strength to keep her eyes open. ‘Out of it,’ she mumbled, slowly raising a hand to her head as she became more coherent. ‘My face aches. What happened? Did we succeed?’

  ‘We did indeed.’ Maelgwn took hold of her wandering hand and kissed it. ‘Thou wast simply magnificent, and have made me the envy of every leader in Britain.’

  ‘So they agreed with us?’ Tory pressed for confirmation, the matters of State still foremost in her mind.

  ‘Aye. The pact hast been set in place, and the Kings have returned home for the cold seasons with their legions. Taliesin, too, hast taken his leave. He decided to retire to Llyn Cerrig Bach last night and hast invited us to visit him there as soon as thou art able. All were left swooning by thy address, Tory, and did ask that I pass on their humble gratitude and good tidings for the festive seasons ahead, all bar Vortipor.’

  ‘Why not he? Did I do something to offend our guest?’

  ‘Nay, to the contrary, he wishes to remain over the fall and burgeoning.’ Maelgwn laughed. ‘It would seem that the dear Protector of Dyfed hast got it in his head to persuade thee to train him as one of thy masters. I told him he would have to take it up with thee, once thou hast fully recovered.’

  Tory only smiled in response, patting his hand as she closed her eyes to rest.

  ‘What amuses thee? Dost thou like the idea or not?’

  ‘Whose idea was it, exactly?’ Tory opened one eye to view him.

  Maelgwn reacted with surprise. ‘Why dost thou ask?’

  ‘Just answer the question, if thee please,’ Tory said, giving him a whack of encouragement.

  ‘I do not understand how, but thou art obviously aware the idea was my own.’

  Tory sat down, stunned. ‘Maelgwn, I knew that! I swear, I just read thy mind!’

  ‘Could thou have acquired it too?’

  ‘Thou hast this ability, Maelgwn?’

  ‘Aye, that be how I bespeak the dragon and Taliesin, at times. But alas, there be a fine art to it that I have had neither the time nor inclination to refine. The little use I have made of the gift, I have left to pure faith. Sorcha, however, had perfected the art, which be why Cadfer killed her, for fear of her truth saying.’

  They were both quiet in thought a moment before realising at the same time, ‘It must have been the Goddess.’

  ‘Aye, I think so.’ Tory began to remember her experience. ‘I recall that when the Goddess came over me, it seemed that I had gained, for that time, total knowledge.

  ‘I know this feeling,’ the King said, recalling his inauguration and similar Otherworld rites where this experience had occurred.

  ‘Everything from the beginning that would go on without end, was made known to me,’ Tory excitedly explained, as Maelgwn nodded in confirmation. ‘Past, present and future existed simultaneously. All the secrets of the ages, the meaning of the universe, the stars, the moon, I understood. Wow, I feel great!’ But she spoke too soon, as she immediately became woozy and lay back down.

  ‘So what dost thou say about Vortipor? Doth thou not think it would be a grand gesture, like the sword he gave to me?’

  Tory ran her fingers through the long smooth strands of Maelgwn’s dark hair. This was the trouble with the Celtic people, Tory thought, they were generous to a fault at times. Such a show of goodwill could easily backfire. Yet, if indeed I can discern whether or not a person is telling the truth, she decided, then I will personally interview every aspirant before I agree to train them. If I believe Vortipor is truly loyal to the treaty, which I must admit I do at present, I see no reason why I shouldn’t agree. Thus Vortipor, upon his return to Dyfed, could begin the instruction of others.

  ‘I suppose I could allow Vortipor to stay and play with thee awhile longer. And yes, if I feel him truly in league with Gwynedd, I shall train him as a master.’

  ‘This be grand news.’ The King hugged her tightly. ‘May I leave thee to rest a moment? I really should let Vortipor know at once.’

  Tory nodded with a smile. Yet, as she watched him leave, she had to shake her head. This winter at Aberffraw was shaping up to be like her university days all over again. Only here, heaven forbid, I’m supposed to be the teacher.

  Most of the senior staff of Caswallon’s old court had died during the battle, and those who survived had their hands full maintaining the other estates within the kingdom. Besides Sir Percival, the old accountant who kept pretty much to himself, Sir Cedric, aged roughly in his mid-forties, was the oldest amongst those staying at Aberffraw over the cold seasons.

  Lady Gladys had decided to leave all the young people to it and retire to her estate at Penmon. Bryce would be going with her, as Tory could hardly deny the lady time with her grandson. The boy could recommence his tuition in the spring with the other children from the village.

  Thus, from autumn, only the masters and the immediate staff would occupy the house. Many of the soldiers returned to their families, homes and farms. Those with no kin stayed in the huge hall in the outer bailey and saw to the chores around the house, as little defence was required during the weather that was to come.

  After a few days, Tory’s health gradually began to improve. So, at Taliesin’s request, she accompanied Maelgwn on Aristotle to Llyn Cerrig Bach.

  As they neared their destination the sunlight filtered through the canopy above, and Tory closed her eyes. The huge black stallion lulled her to rest with its gentle steps. She leant back against Maelgwn, her head rested on his shoulder, as they proceeded down the forest track to the temple ruins.

  ‘I have never seen thee so at ease on a horse,’ the King commented.

  ‘It be this place …’ Tory held her arms wide, admiring the wonders of Mother Nature all around her. ‘I feel strangely at home here.’

  ‘My mother did love this valley also. She claimed the earth energies were very strong here.’

  ‘Really? Did she mention why?’

  ‘Sorcha thought it because of the fairy folk, as they live here in great numbers. And Taliesin explained that the folk art attracted to such places because it be where the invisible paths of power, that pass over and under the land, cross over.’

  ‘Ley lines,’ Tory surmised, thinking she would have to discuss this further with Taliesin.

  Before long they reached the overgrown temple ruins. Aristotle was left to roam the wood, and, hand-in-hand, Maelgwn and Tory walked towards the large stone altar inside the temple.


  Maelgwn lifted Tory up onto it, and leapt up after her. ‘Taliesin!’ No sooner had he called the name than the misty haze began to rise; a brilliant white light came bursting forth from the altar and engulfed them.

  The High Merlin was overjoyed to see the pair. ‘Majesty.’ He bowed to Maelgwn and held out his hands to Tory. ‘My dear Queen, thou art simply radiant.’ Taliesin knelt to kiss her hand, which made Tory uncomfortable.

  ‘Taliesin! I do thank thee, but surely thou art aware of how I detest formality. Thee of all people hast no need to kneel before me, not now or ever!’

  The High Merlin smiled as he stood, her hand still in his own. ‘Sometimes, dear lady, honour and gratitude art well deserved. For thou hast accomplished more in the last few days than thee could possibly realise. Thus, on behalf of the Goddess and her folk, thy ascendants and descendants, I humbly thank thee.’

  ‘What have we done exactly?’

  ‘Hard to say really, but thou art the ones who shall find out.’

  ‘What? Taliesin, thou art speaking in riddles again.’

  ‘I shall explain over lunch. For I am very pleased to inform thee, that for thy selfless efforts and loyal service to the Goddess, thou hast set thyself apart as one of the Chosen.’

  ‘Which means?’

  ‘Oh, a great many things,’ Taliesin said. ‘But simply put, thou art spiritually moving up in the world. In a karmic sense, it be pay back time. Now if thee will just follow me, all shall be made clear.’

  Tory, a little perplexed, looked at Maelgwn.

  ‘Fear not. Thy power to bethink others be part of being Chosen.’

  Taliesin swivelled around, ‘Tory! Thou hast bethought another?’

  ‘Aye,’ Maelgwn informed him, proudly. ‘Myself in fact.’

  ‘Wast thou touching Maelgwn at the time?’ the Merlin queried.

  ‘Well,’ Tory had to think about it. ‘Yes.’

  The Merlin’s smile broadened. ‘Still, this be much sooner than even I anticipated. One day thee may learn to bethink others without needing to have physical contact with them.’ Such refinement be truly astonishing in one so inexperienced. Perhaps Sorcha and her teachings are more deeply embedded in her soul mind than I’d first imagined, Taliesin thought.

  Lunch was to be served in the cosy room where Tory and Brockwell had dined during their last visit. Tory was invited by their host to choose whatever she desired to eat, and as Taliesin so enjoyed these little challenges, Tory played along. After careful thought, she requested something that she would not otherwise be able to indulge in. ‘Mexican food and perhaps a large strawberry marguerita, or two.’

  Maelgwn, always open to a new experience, decided with a shrug to join her. He considered it might be nice to learn a thing or two about Tory’s old way of life.

  No sooner was her request noted, than Taliesin waved his arm over the table and the lavish feast appeared. Tory gasped in delight at the sight of all the dips, tacos, burritos, enchiladas and the like. These were accompanied by a varied array of seafood, salad, garlic bread, cocktails and desserts.

  ‘A Mexican feast.’ Taliesin smiled at Tory, flicking his fingers and igniting every candle on the table.

  Tory applauded his display. ‘I am most impressed, sir.’ She reached out for a large pink drink. ‘Cheers.’

  Maelgwn followed her example. ‘Looks most agreeable, I have to say.’

  ‘Indeed, my young friend, I believe thee will find many aspects of twentieth-century life to thy liking, but then there art many things that art most disagreeable, like the air,’ Taliesin informed him, as he peeled a large green prawn.

  ‘Thee speaks as if I were going there.’

  ‘Why thou art. It be thy destiny.’

  ‘But I cannot. I have a kingdom to rule. I have —’

  ‘Maelgwn, Maelgwn, Maelgwn, trust me. There be a way and I, of course, have found it. In theory anyway.’ Taliesin’s excitement waned momentarily. ‘In truth, the exact calculations art going to keep all my computers and my brain very busy throughout the cold season.’

  ‘Calculations for what, Taliesin?’ Tory cut straight to the heart of the matter, her smile broadening.

  ‘Well, I believe I can send thee into the future for a year, then bring thee back to find that only an hour hast lapsed here.’

  ‘Wow! Now that’s a concept. Thou art truly brilliant.’

  ‘Aye. But there be something I have not told thee,’ he said.

  Tory placed her glass aside and sat back in her seat. ‘I’d say there be many things thou hast not told me, High Merlin. Please be more specific.’

  ‘I have already stated that we have altered the future, just how much I cannot say. One thing be for sure though, thou shalt not be returning to exactly the same reality thee left. I can only send thee to the parallel existence in accordance with the destiny of the world, as it stands next summer solstice.’

  ‘Surely I have not changed history so much in such a short time?’

  The Merlin nodded to confirm. ‘In the many differing dimensions through time and space, every possibility comes to pass to determine each conceivable outcome. It be impossible to predict what scenario many have eventuated by thy return.’

  ‘Wast thou aware of this when thou brought me here, Taliesin?’

  ‘Aye, I was.’

  Tory stood as her anger mounted. ‘Well, dost thou not think that just a tad presumptuous?’

  ‘I acted only upon thy instruction, Majesty.’

  ‘Look, just because I had a romantic interest in the Dark Ages did not necessarily mean that I wished to take up permanent residence here.’

  The King chose to stay well out of the contention, a little hurt that Tory seemed not entirely happy with sixth-century life.

  ‘I refer not to the past, Tory, but to the future. I assure thee, that upon thy return to the twentieth century, thee will seek me out and tell me of this very conversation and of thy destiny.’

  Tory was stunned. ‘So again I must blindly trust in thy word, High Merlin.’

  ‘My dear Queen, I would not leave thee without a means of escape. A back door, so to speak.’ Taliesin felt Maelgwn’s quiet dismay, but Tory had the right to know. ‘For thee may choose not to return here, which will break the cycle of thy destiny and undo all that hast taken place here. Thee would return home, all being as thee left it, and lead a totally different life. Maelgwn will find himself married to someone else, and thee will remember naught of each other, or indeed, any of this. Alas, there would be no chance of a reversal then, as none of this will ever have happened.’ Taliesin paused. ‘The choice of thy destiny be thine own now, Tory, and I shall abide by thy wish whatever it may be.’

  Tory sat silently staring into space, remembering those she’d left behind. As much as they might grieve for a time, I cannot imagine that I have left anyone who needs me as much as these people do.

  Maelgwn placed his hand over hers, and at once she felt his deep fear of loss. Tory thought her heart would break and she turned to him. ‘I could never bring myself to leave thee, Maelgwn, never.’ Tory cast her eyes to the High Merlin, feeling a mite ashamed by her behaviour. ‘How can thee be so good to me, Taliesin, when I constantly take thee for granted and misunderstand thee so. I feel totally unworthy of any of this.’

  ‘Enough said,’ he insisted. ‘Thou art obviously very much in love, and therefore most worthy. The food be getting cold, so please, dwell on it no longer and start to eat. There be something I wish to show thee after lunch.’

  Uh-oh, Tory thought. What next?

  ‘Fear not. I promise it will be very much to thy liking.’

  Taliesin led Tory and Maelgwn through his maze, stopping in front of a door identical to all the others. ‘This be a small token of my personal appreciation, lady, and I have waited an eternity to present it to thee.’ He smiled, swinging the door wide open.

  Tory gasped, holding her hands to her face in amazement. ‘Where on earth? I don’t believe it!’ She wandered s
lowly around the large room, full of gymnasium equipment. The King, even more surprised, followed her.

  ‘I thought thee might find it useful when training thy masters.’

  ‘Useful. It shall be invaluable!’ Tory walked up to one of the punching bags that appeared older and more worn than the others. Her brow became drawn when she noticed her initials on it, those of her brother, and others she’d known. ‘Taliesin, I recognise this, it belonged to my old sensei, a young master who went by the name of Teo.’

  ‘Really?’ he smiled. ‘What a coincidence.’

  Tory looked at him, hands on hips, feeling not entirely satisfied with his response. ‘Do not try to tell me that the all knowing Taliesin did not realise?’

  ‘I must have overlooked it, some of the equipment was secondhand.’ He carefully avoided her query. ‘In those boxes yonder, thee will find the uniforms thee desired with the various coloured belts.’

  Tory and Maelgwn, like a couple of kids at Christmas, quickly investigated.

  ‘Old man, thou art a wonder.’ Maelgwn was most pleased, seeing the Dragon motif embroidered on the back of all of them.

  ‘Come on then.’ Tory encouraged the King with a slap on the shoulder. ‘Allow me to run thee through a proper workout.’

  ‘Splendid idea,’ Taliesin announced, pleased that Tory had forgotten the other matter. ‘After that, thee may refresh thyselves in the room opposite. Then perhaps a stroll around my garden before dinner?’ He gave Maelgwn a wink. ‘Thee must both stay the night as my guests. I shall have this equipment transported to Aberffraw on the morrow. Till then, enjoy.’

  ‘What was that all about?’ The peculiar intonation in Taliesin’s parting words had her curious.

  ‘Pardon?’

  Tory winked at him to clarify.