by Gregg Holt
“What is this place Lepy?” Graham asked, looking inquisitively around the room, trying to forget what had just happened, although his shaking hands and dry throat were constantly reminding him.
“It’s where the old tribes from Mayo Abbey used to meet with Carragah generations ago,” he replied.
“Who is Carragah?”
“He was Lord over an ancient civilisation that was entrusted to protect this land,” said Lepy.
“Protect this land? Carragah?” Graham repeated.
“Don’t you ask a lot questions. Next you will want to know what colour underwear I've got on!” Lepy said. He jumped off the chair and started to stomp around the room, going round in circles which Lorna found quite amusing, trying her best not to laugh.
Graham decided not to ask any more questions. Silence fell in the room as Lorna started to regain control of her desire to laugh at the newly-acquired stroppy friend.
At that point Lorna noticed a slight vibration on the floor, it started to increase slowly. The vibration became stronger and proceeded up the walls. It gathered momentum, the room now started to shake vigorously and the table moved from side to side. The occupants started to lose balance and they put their hands on the floor to prevent themselves from falling.
“What’s happening?” Graham shouted, but the other two were to busy battling to remain upright to respond. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed the door at twelve o'clock slowly starting to open. The ground instantly stopped vibrating and a very slow creak could be heard as the door opened.
Graham and Lorna stared over in nervous anticipation at the dark doorway. After what seemed like an eternity, a strange figure started to appear…
Chapter 7
Carragah
Darkness slowly gave up its secret as a tall man walked into the room. He had grey hair and wore a white robe with a gold rope tied around the waist. His long face had high cheek bones and a pointed nose; his blue eyes appeared heavy yet rich with wisdom. Carrying a large staff, he glided across the floor. The robe had gold embroidery around the arms and neck line resembling the diamond markings on the rocks near the bottomless lake.
Graham instantly remembered the description of the man his Uncle had portrayed the previous year. Uncontrollable thoughts quickly escalated and Graham envisaged this man navigating the long ages of the earth. Yes he was old but somehow he had avoided the ravages of time. Contours on his face told many stories yet his physique resembled a much younger man.
Their apprehension grew, not knowing what to expect, so they slowly edged away from the newcomer.
In a soft voice he spoke. “Don’t be afraid, I will not harm thee.”
Moving further into the room he approached Graham who in turn gradually backed away.
“He looks like a Druid,” Lorna whispered.
“Carragah, I did not know where else to go,” Lepy said, edging cautiously towards him.
“Kiltmagh my faithful friend, it’s good to see you again after all this time.”
“They stumbled across the swallow hole.”
The druid man lifted his palm, preventing Lepy from completing his sentence.
“Fear not Kiltmagh, I am sure we can resolve this situation,” he said, continuing to move towards Graham.
Lorna looked at Graham, tapping her finger against her forehead and pointing at the newcomer, suggesting instability.
“I wouldn’t expect you to understand Lorna,” the mysterious man said.
“How do you know my name?” Lorna quickly demanded, looking around the room confused.
“I am Carragah, last survivor of an ancient civilisation entrusted to protect these lands hundreds of years ago,” he replied, raising his staff slightly, at which point they all noticed a small, slightly glowing glass ball inset into the carvings.
“Looks like it too,” Lorna interrupted, then quickly threw her hand over her mouth, realising these were words and not thoughts.
“Lorna, quiet!” Graham shouted, looking sternly across. Lorna raised her hands suggesting she didn’t know how it happened.
Carragah was enchanting, mystifying and Graham felt safe in his company. He wanted to know more about the recent mysterious events. Considering Lepy had brought them here it was reasonable to expect he could offer some explanation.
“There are a lot of strange things occurring at the moment, do you know anything about them?” Graham cautiously asked.
“Well Graham, I am not quite sure where to begin,” he replied softly.
“You can start with that ghost we’ve just seen,” Lorna interrupted.
“Hmmm,” Carragah replied, his long fingers rubbing against his chin.
“A warrior ghost I presume?”
They both nodded, looking at each other. Carragah walked away, continuing to touch his jaw and look down at the floor.
“Through the universe there are strong energy streams. On each planet there is a point where this invisible energy naturally accrues, known as Springs. It disperses from this point throughout the planet down certain energy lines, providing the natural resources to promote and support life. All life on Earth depends on this energy without realising its importance.
“For thousands of years people have managed to break into the energy lines and in fact some cultures depended on them. There have been some who, for their own reasons, have tried to use this energy for their own devious ends. On planet Earth there are four Springs dispersed around the globe. Two are located under the oceans and one is hidden deep beneath solid ice. The only spring on land is here in Ireland.”
“It’s Knocknakil, isn’t it!” Graham interrupted.
“Yes, that’s right Graham,” Carragah said, pausing for several seconds before sitting at the round table.
“In this room over the centuries the head tribesman appointed to protect each Spring would meet, hence four chairs each set at the points of the compass,” said Carragah, pointing at the four chairs around the table.
“Today’s society has forgotten the natural energy resources provided by its host and is engrossed in artificial technology. Unfortunately, there are some who for thousands of years have been searching this land in the hope of locating the Spring.”
“What happens if they locate this place?” Lorna interrupted.
“Well we can’t deny that you don’t speak your mind Lorna,” Carragah replied, smiling. Lorna looked a little embarrassed as they all stared at her.
“Now then, if somebody managed to locate the Spring and access the energy supply. Realistically they would have limitless power… which could… well be used for any purposes. There are some evil lords endlessly searching for this place and you cannot mention this discussion to anybody!” Carragah snapped, rising to his feet.
“What about the man in the monk’s cloak?” Lorna exclaimed, realising she was interrupting yet again.
“In a monk’s cloak you say?” Carragah said, looking alarmed.
“Yes, and you can’t see his face!” she promptly replied.
“They are close to the secret burial grounds,” he mumbled, rubbing his chin, his eyes straining, deliberating his next move.
“Centuries ago, we became friendly with the monks from the old abbeys who extended a hand of peace. Whilst in the abbey it was attacked by Vikings. They killed many of the monks and stole their treasures. The monks hid us in a secret passage until the raid was over. Thirteen monks had been murdered and hundreds of special artefacts were stolen or broken. The monks were peaceful people, astonishingly brave, placing our safety before their own. After the raid they allowed us back into the abbey and included us with their educational studies and prayers. Scholars from all over Europe and beyond came here to Mayo to study. We learnt how the Vikings had been visiting this part of Ireland pillaging and stealing for years.
“However, there was one Viking tribe they feared more than any other. This group was led by a large fearsome commander called Gregorian. He was not searching for gold or treasure, and sho
wed no mercy to anybody unfortunate to cross his path.
“After all the assistance the monks had shown, we agreed to assist them in their struggle against the Vikings.
“Using some of the tall round towers situated along the coast, we were able to gain early warning of inevitable attacks. We had prepared over the months since their last raid creating this network of underground tunnels.
“Some time in the ninth century the dreaded Vikings returned, in dozens of large ships with haunting engravings carved into the bow of each vessel. Hundreds of bloodthirsty soldiers intent on murder and destruction were jeering as they approached the coast.
“From the cave systems we were able to redirect some of the Earth’s natural energy. We used this with devastating effect; before a ship had even reached the shore we had destroyed it along with its occupants. Regrettably, one of the ships escaped, which was the most feared of all, Gregorian’s.
“These are no ordinary disorganised band of Vikings, looking to steal and cause mayhem. There is something different... they are disciplined and ruthless.
“I believe they represent a dark and sinister order, educated in the way of the universe searching for the Earth’s natural spring. Imagine Gregorian controlling the Earth’s natural power for evil purposes. It would probably mean the end to civilised life on Earth and possibly the Universe. Over the centuries, evil people just like Gregorian have known about the existence of the springs. Only the commitment of a few good people has guarded and protected this secret. The most effective defence is to keep its location secret, which has worked for hundreds of years.” He moved forward on the chair, leaning on his wooden stick.
“Following the destruction of the Vikings, rumours spread throughout the lands of Ireland and beyond. The local people scoured the coast searching for treasures washed ashore from the broken wreckage. Other more sinister-minded people arrived from darker lands, concealing themselves in the background, probing for any clues as to what happened to such a strong army. Fortunately, as time passed it was generally accepted that the ocean had claimed the ships in an intense storm.
“My people decided to stay here below the plains of Mayo to avoid any unwanted attention being drawn towards this place.
“I feel that you two youngsters have a large part to play in the protection of the secret burial grounds.”
Carragah paused, looking skywards. “I sense a presence I haven’t felt for centuries, dark clouds are gathering out in the Atlantic.” Carragah urged himself to his feet with the aid of his staff. “The last time I felt like this was when Gregorian escaped our clutches.”
“Oh, I am an old man babbling on; we should be getting you young children home.”
Turning to look at Lepy, Carragah said: “Kiltmagh, I appoint you to protect and guide these two.”
“What me, I’m a mere Leprechaun, no match for Shrakes and dark evil forces.”
“Kiltmagh, your size does not reflect your courage and bravery; you will serve them well.”
Lepy started to cough. “But Carragah, I’m too old for this job. A couple of centuries ago maybe but not now,” he said, as he bent his arm, feeling the biceps muscle on his right arm.
“Sch... Kiltmagh you are also chosen to help and protect this secret, now go take them home and return tomorrow!”
“Kiltmagh, we call him Lepy, it’s easier to remember,” Lorna piped up.
“Lepy… that actually works,” Carragah replied, smiling and nodding his head.
At this, Carragah stood and left the room. The door at six o’clock opened and Lepy in a disgruntled voice said “Follow me” and left the room muttering under his breath.
Graham and Lorna anxiously glanced around, hoping the beasts from earlier were not going to reappear. Reaching the shelved area, they instantly remembered the tribulations after falling into the stream.
Lepy looked at them confidently and said “Hold my hand and you will be fine”.
They both glanced at each other but remained static. Lepy stared into their eyes and said “Trust me”.
He held out both his hands and they slowly moved towards him.
Chapter 8
Iroquois
Lepy led them away from the shelved area and slightly upstream. He turned to the cave wall and Lorna noticed stepping stones protruding out of the stone wall leading to the roof of the cave. Like a shot, Lepy climbed up the steps and disappeared into a small hole and out of sight. Seconds later his face appeared, “What are you waiting for?”
Lorna beat Graham to the first step and quickly disappeared. Graham quickly glanced round, aware he was on his own, and he quickly ascended the stone blocks. As he reached the top, he noticed a small ledge with sunlight shining on it. It was just wide enough to crawl through. Like a commando, Graham moved through the ledge until he saw Lepy and Lorna stood up in the open field.
“Now you know where the secret entrance is, saves getting wet,” giggled Lepy.
“Ah, I know where we are,” Graham said, looking around. “There’s the stream.”
“Graham, Lorna.” It was Aunt’s voice shouting in the distance. They looked back towards the farm and Aunt came over the hill. “Where have you two been, did you not hear me shouting?”
Aunt trundled off with her Wellington boots, making gestures towards the farmhouse. Lorna turned around. “Will we see you soon Lepy?”
“Where has he gone?” Graham gasped, noticing he was nowhere to be seen.
Aunt interrupted abruptly. “Come on you two, no dawdling, your tea’s on the table and I have waited long enough!”
They followed Aunt back up towards the farmhouse, struggling to keep pace with this energetic elderly lady. Sure enough tea was on the table; Graham sat down and pulled in his chair ready to tuck in.
Suddenly his mind returned to earlier in the day when his Aunt had encouraged him to pick a chicken for tea. Graham’s stomach churned as he noticed the cooked bird and realised the implications of his actions earlier. Lorna grabbed a leg and ripped it off, biting into the juicy meat oblivious to the moral dilemma Graham was suffering. Graham, feeling guilty and slightly nauseous, nibbled at a couple of potatoes, much to his Aunt’s disapproval.
Graham’s parents returned to collect them.
“What have you two been up to today?” asked Graham’s Father, pulling up to the table and tearing off some chicken.
They looked at each other and started laughing.
“What’s so funny?” he enquired, still chewing on the chicken.
“Nothing, we had a great day. Can we come back tomorrow?”
“Well if it is OK with Aunt?” and the three of them gazed over awaiting her response.
“Of course you can. No funny business though!”
“Funny business, what have you two been up to?” his Father inquired, a slight frown appearing across his forehead.
“Oh nothing,” they replied, quickly leaving the table together.
Returning to Mayo Abbey, the summer sun had started its descent behind the ocean. It was a picturesque sight, watching it edge slowly past the crooked slopes of Crough Patrick and out of sight. An affectionate pink glow warmed the western sky, Graham and Lorna watched as it turned darker.
“Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight,” Graham said gleefully.
“What does that mean?” Lorna replied, mesmerised by the sight.
“It means it is going to be a nice day tomorrow, it’s an old wife’s tale I think.” They both returned into the cottage, with Lorna reciting the new verse quietly for future reference.
The fire was in full flow and a welcoming heat greeted them. They sat down and were soon tucking into a nice hot cup of tea and scrumptious biscuits. Slowly the fire broke down the turf into fine white ash which collected below in the grate.
“This fresh air doesn’t half make me tired Lorna.”
“Yeah, me too Graham,” Lorna replied, breaking into an enormous yawn. It wasn’t long before the open fire started to work its hypnotising
magic and they both started to nod.
After a few minutes of dozing off and waking again they accepted defeat and headed for bed. Apprehensively, they gazed outside the window, conscious of the previous night’s visitor. Fortunately enough, only the unbroken darkness appeared outside the window and they settled down for the night and fell fast asleep.
Later that night Graham woke startled; he was convinced he had heard a noise. The room was dark with no natural light. Looking at his watch he could distinguish the luminous green arms, it was three o’clock in the morning. Creak! The bedroom door opened ever so slightly, Graham’s heart started to beat harder.
“Lorna, are you awake?” he whispered through the door but there was no reply.
Graham tried to convince himself it was probably his imagination after the previous day.
“Lorna,” he whispered louder through their joining door, but still no reply came. Graham felt isolated and vulnerable.
Again the door creaked but this time it was definitely opening wider.
Graham lifted the sheets above his head, noticing how loud his breathing was. He was convinced it was loud enough to reveal his location.
A footstep softly moved inside the room, shortly followed by another. He tried to hold his breath, hoping he would not be heard or noticed lying still in the bed.
The steps slowly moved towards his bed. Graham couldn’t hold his breath any longer and gasped. He quickly turned in the bed hoping the intruder would be alarmed that he was stirring but still the steps moved further into the room.
He slowly peered above the sheets; his eyes were struggling to adjust to the darkness. Suddenly an image could be seen just at the bottom of his bed.
