by S. Robertson
“Alls well that ends well, they say,” replied Angi. “No problem Andrew, remember I had the medallion on my side.”
Andrew, having a captive audience, went on, “So, we are revising our previous statement. We have not given up on our search, our four special guests will be staying on but, it is true, we haven’t a single clue to the whereabouts of the last gemstone. This will be our immediate focus.”
The relief in the room was palpable. Smiles were everywhere. One of Dylan’s men enthusiastic voice could be heard saying, “Yes…...onward and upward!” Caught up in a shared journey none wanted it to end but in victory. It had become a magical trip. Their relationships had melded, each growing aware of their need for each other. Whatever lay ahead they would do it together. Dana’s threat had solidified their feelings, a positive outcome to an unpleasant event.
Vette stepped forward and smiled. “I understand Andrew……this was not an easy call. Let’s move on and, as they say over here, ‘have a cup tea’ or something. I’m famished.”
“Me too, I could eat a horse,” said Morgan. “In addition, we should be jubilant that Antonino is no longer haunting our footsteps.”
Ian had heard the comments and stepped towards Andrew, “Sir, I think we deserve an early lunch, one with extra sustenance. What do you think?”
“An excellent idea, Ian, let’s have a huge spread for everyone. We need a day off, time to relax and recuperate. There’s plenty of time for the quest.”
With that they joined a jubilant crowd heading back to the main castle.
Sirona smiling, thought, “Time to leave. It’s good to have these two annoying obstacles out of the way. Time is imperative, although I’d never say that to Angi. The gates have to be opened, and soon. We’re almost there.”
* * *
DunRoslin Castle: The Last Gemstone
Forty-eight hours had passed with little headway. Whether Margaret Caldwell, the last descendant of James and Morag Morgan had passed the gemstone onto a relative remained a mystery. Andrew and Bryce contacted members of known and secret organizations, putting out feelers regarding possible relatives or some word of a secret gemstone. Wolfram and Angi worked the computers checking ancestry lists, while Morgan and Vette scoured the Edinburgh University library archives.
On a sunny Friday afternoon, Angi, Wolfram, Morgan, Vette, Andrew, and Bryce gathered in the castle library to discuss their progress. A gentle breeze cascaded through open windows and, patches of color danced around the room when the sun touched the stained glass windows. Everyone was in a relaxed mood.
With a broad smile Morgan began, “You don’t suppose that Sirona could be wrong in suggesting we’ll have the last gemstone by the full moon? I’m sure you know that’s tonight.”
“Bite your tongue, Morgan,” snapped Vette. “You could be opening a hornet’s nest…..if Sirona can be wrong with this, then what else? Not a positive for Tara.”
“Just kidding,” chuckled Morgan. “But now that we’ve kicked the door open have any of you considered what it might mean to travel into another dimension?”
“Why,” asked Wolfram, “do you know something we don’t?”
Morgan weighed his words carefully. “Well, most Celtic tales regarding the fairy folk, if that is what Sirona is, seem to infer there is a major time difference between our two worlds; as much as a hundredfold.”
“What do you mean?” asked Vette.
“If the tales are true, it could mean one day of their time could be a hundred years of ours. In other words if we step into this other dimension we might be gone for centuries,” replied Morgan, wanting to get this off his chest.
“Well, that’s a kicker,” said Vette, and looking at the others asked, “Is there any way we can be sure?”
“Maybe these were garbled tales told to discourage such travel,” answered Angi. “After all, there are those in power that would discourage such interactions. But if the Druids and older civilizations used such gates in the past we would have to assume that this time factor wasn’t an issue. Maybe I could run this past Sirona tonight.”
“Good idea,” replied Wolfram. “I expect we’ll have quite a few questions for her before we blast through the Tara gate. But this whole discussion is rather premature or pointless if we don’t find the last gemstone. By the way, Angi, how’s the training going, or are you allowed to talk about it.”
“At the beginning Sirona asked me not to discuss it, and I’ll stick to that. However, in general, the sessions are getting increasingly complex. I thought nurses’ training was difficult, this tops it tenfold. Sirona expects me to grasp new principles in spirituality and science in order to manipulate the forces around us. It’s easy to slip back into our current world thinking, believe me. She keeps saying that I need to be more proficient by the time we reach Tara………if I live that long.”
The others smiled as this was Angi’s first frustrated assessment on her learning curve under a tutor from another dimension.
She went on, “This is not easy, no matter how clever and easy magic appears in the movies. When spirituality and science are combined it creates a different world. I best stop there,” realizing she still wanted to share more with her friends.
Andrew responded, “I speak for all of us, Angi, I hope there comes a time when you can divulge more. From my perspective it certainly looks like magic, but I also know that you are likely demonstrating forgotten skills from the past, which only a few enlightened masters even know about today.”
“And believe me, Andrew, I’m a neophyte. There’s part of me that is looking forward to learning more and another part that is terrified as to what that might bring,” replied Angi, expressing her true feelings for the first time.
Wolfram itching to get back on tract said, “So, leaving these tempting discussions aside, can we discuss what we have, if anything, on the last gemstone?”
Andrew began, “Bryce and I have been in contact with a number of key people in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. These people can be trusted as we do not want to attract unwanted attention, we’ve had enough of that. Two individuals thought there might be a distant relative whom they are pursuing. The Caldwell woman was in her nineties when she died and had few known friends or family. We can only hope something turns up ……….but all we have is hope. Any luck on the Internet or university?”
“We’re in the same boat,” replied Angi, “nothing. We tracked a number of Caldwell family charts but came up dry. Morgan and Vette found a James Morgan, but this turned out to be a later date than our man of the 1600s. Anyway, this line ended at the first World War.”
“I feared this and am surprised it only involved one gemstone,” replied Andrew. When family lines die out, unless family heirlooms and records are passed on to some library or museum, the information vanishes. But a secret of this magnitude would never be lightly discarded, but….” hesitating, “if she died suddenly it might be lingering in some lawyer’s safe.”
“We’re within hours of the full moon,” said Wolfram, “and it looks like we have not much to go on.”
Angi responded, “I hear you, Wolfram, but until I learn otherwise I’m sticking with Sirona’s prediction.”
“All right, but maybe there’s something we’ve missed?” asked Wolfram, growing frustrated with their blocked progress. “Can anyone think of another avenue?”
Before anyone could reply, Ian appeared saying, “Sir, a woman has arrived unexpectedly by taxi from the airport. She insists on speaking to Lord Lywillan, stating it is in regard to his urgent request.”
“Cool………is this the miracle we’ve been waiting for?” asked Vette.
“By all means,” replied Bryce, “escort her to the Drawing Room, it’s larger. If, as I suspect, this is in regard to the gemstone then it’s something we all need to hear.”
As Ian left, the group moved along the corridor to the Drawing Room in silent anticipation.
Within minutes a well dressed woman in an expensive mix of bl
ue tones, entered the room with Ian. Unflustered by the number in the room, she scanned the group seeking her contact. In her late sixties, she had a single white streak of hair over her right eyebrow in contrast to her dark gray hair. Her manner portrayed an individual accustomed to being in charge. Ian escorted her directly to Bryce, standing near the entrance.
“Morag Williams this is Lord Glamorgen,” said Ian in his best managerial style.
Ignoring the others, Morag focused on Bryce and speaking in a similar Welsh accent, said, “It is truly with regret that I’ve taken this long to get here. I did not receive your summons until a week ago, when it reached me while I was on a business trip in Hong Kong. At first, I wasn’t sure it had anything to do with the gemstone left in my care some years ago. After several discrete phone calls this was confirmed. Then I had to change my plans and fly back to Wales where the gemstone was stored, and fly onto Scotland.”
Smiling broadly, Bryce responded, “You have no idea how welcome you are. By any chance do you have the gemstone with you?”
“Indeed I do,” replied Morag as she opened her beige travel bag and pulled out a familiar purple bag.
Everyone smiled……….but was it a true gemstone?
Angi stepped forward. “Morag, my name is Angi Talismann,” reaching out to shake Morag’s hand. “This bag is very familiar to us and I am praying it contains an engraved box.”
“Indeed it does. The box is almost as beautiful as the stone.” Then feeling she needed to explain her role, Morag continued. “I came by this by chance. Margaret was a distant cousin. When she became ill with cancer, for some unknown reason, she called me. I expect she had investigated the remaining family members and decided I was her best candidate. By the time I got to her she was very ill and was able only to stress the secrecy of the gemstone and that it belonged to some ancient medallion.”
“This is the medallion,” said Angi, giving Morag a good look at the pendant around her neck.
“My word,” said Morag, taking time to examine the medallion. “It’s certainly unusual and looks ancient. This gemstone will fit perfectly into that vacant slot.” At that moment she opened the box which housed an exquisite diamond that glittered in the sunlight.
“Wow!” said Angi, staring at the largest diamond she had ever seen. “It’s no wonder the diamond is considered ‘the king of the crystals’. It’s supposed to activate the crown chakra, connecting the intellect and higher knowledge, and increasing spiritual awareness. This definitely crowns the collection.”
“Then I’m delighted to have been the courier of such an exquisite gemstone. My dear mother should be here, as she always said our family was not only descendants of James and Morag Morgan, but also of the Druid Seer, Imergin who lived at the time of the Romans. While another branch of the family was the Guardian of the gemstone, our family knew we shared the honor of something both ancient and powerful. But after so many centuries doubts occurred that this was just a pipe dream. But here I stand as a witness to its reality. Being the last of my family, its good this is happening now. Completing my mission, I must go. I’m expected in London for an important business meeting this evening. Your secret is secure with me. All the best, whatever lies ahead.” and with that Morag turned to leave.
“I’ll accompany you to the door,” said Bryce. “I assume the taxi is still waiting. Once again, our sincere thanks for all your effort. Can I reimburse you for your trip cancellation?”
“That is most kind, but not necessary. I accepted this responsibility with all of its duties. Money is not an issue,” replied Morag, as she and Bryce left.
Angi looking at the diamond asked, “Andrew, would you like to invite Dylan to the installation of the final gemstone as he’s been part of this journey?”
“Good idea, Angi. I’ll see if he would like a few of his team to come along as well. I’ll also ask Ian en route,” and he was off.
When everyone was assembled, Angi pulled the small holder from her pocket and retrieved the diamond from the engraved case. Placing it near the medallion the others waited for the expected reaction, never tiring of the spectacle; the sparks dancing around the blue stone, an arc of light reaching out and grasping the diamond, and inserting it in the last slot. But the last gemstone had an additional show. The vibrations of the center blue stone did not stop; the pulsations continued rotating from pale to dark sapphire blue. Then, in sequence, each gemstone lit up, as if the blue stone was orchestrating a countdown. A rainbow of colors danced around the room as the sequence continued for seven rounds, the power of the medallion growing with each cycle. Then it stopped.
The burst of energy caused Angi’s knees to buckle.
Seeing her stagger, Wolfram stepped forward and helped her to the nearest chair.
Silence gripped the room as the group tried to grasp the enormity of what had happened.
“What was that?” asked Dylan.
“I’ve always thought this medallion was a sophisticated computer, and this sequencing is like one starting up. I’m certain if we had extrasensory hearing that there would be a quiet hum as this machine has been fully activated with the arrival of the last crystal,” replied Wolfram.
“I think your right, Wolfram,” said Andrew. “And how are you doing, Angi?”
Before Angi had a chance to reply Sirona bounced into the room, this time visible to all. Gasps and startled responses were heard from various individuals.
Standing at her full height, she smiled and said, “Now that’s what I was waiting for. Finally the medallion is whole again. You have no idea how much we’ve longed for this day.” Noting the startled expression on the faces in the group she proceeded to ease the tension. Taking a relaxed approach, she continued, “While Angi and I are acquainted, I best introduce myself to each one of you. Perhaps Angi you could do the honors.”
“I’d be glad to,” replied Angi, pleased to share this relationship with her friends.
For the next hour Sirona and Angi made the rounds, moving from one person to another. The reactions varied. Some were amazed at Sirona’s height, some checked the technology, and others were just enthralled at meeting such a distinguished individual from another dimension. This was a momentous event in their lives. They knew that from this point they could never again deny the reality of certain ancient tales.
Relaxing, members had boundless questions. The first off the mark was Wolfram. “I’m curious, we understand you’re a hologram. How long can you stay in this form?”
“Now that the medallion has been fully activated, I can stay much longer but still have some limits. I need to judge my time but that’s no problem. In the days ahead we will be spending time together as I prepare you for the trip through the Tara gate. While this will be a new and exhilarating experience for you, it is my responsibility to be sure you can manage the journey.”
Responding to her reply, Wolfram pressed on, “I’m amazed. If you are a hologram, then its obvious there’s a great deal we have yet to learn about holograms.”
Sirona glanced at Angi before speaking, knowing that there was much she would need to convey to the group in time. “Later we’ll discuss our advanced techniques and technologies, but first we need to plan for Tara. When we finally meet at the Tara gate you will see that I will be as real as you,” as she smiled at Angi.
“Now that we have all the gemstones,” asked Andrew, “when do you think we should be at Tara? I expect it may take some time for us to prepare.”
“In your calendar, this is the first of July. I expect we will need to be at Tara by the first of the next month. Is that possible?” asked Sirona.
“That depends on what is needed,” replied Andrew.
“Basically, each person must make a personal choice to go through the gate. That will be your first task. I would also ask that the remaining Guardians come to Tara as they should see the gate even if they may not want to go through it. Of course there are many logistics in getting everyone on site.”
Conc
erned, Angi asked, “Sirona, several of the Guardians are quite old, will that not be a problem for them?”
“Their physical age is not the problem, but their ability to cope with change is critical. If they come here first, then I will be able to assess their endurance.”
“Fine, we’ll contact them at once,” replied Angi.
“So we’re heading to Tara at last,” said Morgan, with a wide grin.
“Yes,” replied Sirona, warming to the group of enthusiasts. “But remember the gate has been neglected for centuries which could present some unexpected surprises.”
“That seems to be par for the course,” replied Andrew. “But I expect the majority of us are looking forward to this leap into the future.”
“I must go. I’ll return this evening for our regular training session, Angi. I’ll be intensifying the program.” and as quickly as she appeared she was gone.
“Oh great,” thought Angi. “I thought the program was already intense. Sirona’s trying to cram forty years of training into weeks. Now I am scared. I’m facing a locked, invisible, ancient gate which can only be opened with magic………God help me.”
Chapter 4
* * *
DunRoslin Castle: Preparing for Tara
The countdown had begun. A month was all too short. It took days to firm up a plan considering the logistics of getting people to DunRoslin and then on to Tara, restarting the east wing renovations, hiring more staff, and pressing Sirona for more details on the Gate of Tara. The question, still unanswered, was how many would risk the leap into the unknown.
As with other tourist sites, arrangements, mid-summer, had to be made for everything to be completed prior to the morning arrival of employees or tourists, a complex operation in light of the popularity of the Hill of Tara.
At DunRoslin, Tara operations shifted to the large room in the east wing which had been set up with tables, computers, overhead projectors and display boards. Large maps of Tara and its surrounds were referred to regarding transportation and the positioning of everyone on the hill. The high ceiling and cathedral windows of the room provided a bright setting, enhanced by days of sunshine, a steady breeze and Ian’s supply of refreshments.
