The Serpent's Song Page 4

  Sirona then flipped open a light satchel she was carrying. “I’m returning your communication devices. We’ve recalibrated them to our energy grid. You can communicate with each other but, because of the differences in our technology, you cannot link up with our equipment.”

  Each member of the team examined their phone, turning it on and checking certain functions. Contented, they seemed relieved that they could now communicate with each other even though most apps had been rendered useless.

  “Great, I’ve got my calendar back,” said Angi. “That makes life a little easier.”

  “Me too,” came Wolfram’s reply. “By the way Sirona, will these be reengineered before we return home?”

  “Myttrwn has that worked out. We can make the adjustment the day before you leave. Note the serpent symbol on your devices. This is an emergency link to myself or Myttrwn. We’re hoping it will never be needed. In addition, Myttrwn wondered if you would like a translation device to help you understand what is being said around you but it will do nothing to aid your response.”

  “That’s fine by me,” Angi piped up. “I now appreciate the difficulties faced by immigrants when they don’t speak the local language.”

  “Actually, Sirona, I expect we would all like such help,” came Andrew’s reply. “My Gaelic is not quite up to scratch.”

  Receiving a positive response, Sirona brought out a box with twelve small compartments each containing a single device which looked like a hearing aid. Speaking as she passed out the items, she said, “Insert this in your ear. You will feel a slight movement as the device adjusts to your ear canal. The devices are inconspicuous and you do not have to remove them until you leave. Now let’s test them.” At that point Sirona switched to her own language requesting something from Aed.

  Listening carefully, most of the group smiled. “I got it!” exclaimed Angi. “You asked Aed to bring you a glass of water. Right?” Others nodded.

  “Does everyone agree? Good, Myttrwn will be pleased. By the way, we will be having our first session with him this afternoon. You are now cleared to move about. However, for your own safety I would ask that you travel with one of us for the first week or so until you know the area.”

  “Is there a reason for this?” asked Dylan, glancing at Andrew.

  “Myttrwn will be covering that this afternoon,” came Sirona’s quick reply. “I’ve been asked to give you a quick overview of the House of Learning en route to the House of Life. We’ll be having lunch there today.”

  “Before leaving, I wonder if you might help us with another matter?” asked Wolfram. “Could you or someone in your group help us learn some basic words in your language, such as hello, goodbye, thank you, etc.? Andrew will be the fastest learner, but all of us would like some basic words of courtesy. Is that possible?”

  “Certainly, I’ll join you for your first meal of the day and we can select one or more words each day. You can test them as you walk about. The students will be delighted to help you.”

  Getting their freedom and improved communications gave the team a feeling of normality, however strange their new setting. Ahead lay new challenges in preparation for their still unidentified future role.

  * * *

  The House of Life

  The House of Life, a gleaming white edifice, was equal in grandeur to the House of Learning except larger. It rose six storeys above the stone plaza, three more than the House of Learning.

  As they entered the lobby they encountered throngs of students, graduates and others scurrying about oblivious of their presence. The quietness of such a large group was remarkable. Light bounced off the vast ceiling, long window-like open spaces allowed fresh air to circulate, and a gigantic in-flight bird sculpture filled the lobby with grandeur.

  As they followed Sirona through the foyer and along one of three corridors, she provided a brief overview of the building. “There are seven levels. The lowest, below ground, houses the intergalactic gate, the only restricted area. The six levels above consist of two each for learning, research and healing, with healing on the upper levels. The rooftop has the docking facility for those emergency moth-like flying vehicles which you see coming and going. These vehicles, are designed to maneuver in and out of confined spaces. Larger flying vehicles exist and are stored nearby.”

  Angi, fascinated by the petite glass-like vehicles, asked, Sirona, “So these are your emergency work horses?”

  “I knew you’d be interested, Angi. Since the majority of our people are healthy, and there are few military activities in the region, the healing service mainly deals with accidents, or unexpected special health incidents. The House of Life is renowned for its light and vibrational healing, research and robotics. This is Myttrwn’s domain where I received my first lessons in the Sacred Science. Myttrwn is my ancestor and mentor. It is a great honour to have him take time to personally instruct you.”

  Stopping, they entered a dimly lit room, the light improving on a command from Sirona. The stark room revealed fourteen separate arm chairs arranged in a circle, two larger than the others, obviously for Sirona and Myttrwn. “Take a seat while I summon Myttrwn,” said Sirona as she left the room.

  She had no sooner departed when Andrew commented, “I hope you took note; Myttrwn is her ancestor which means he must be very old indeed, and, he rarely takes time for individual group instructions. We are privileged.” He ceased speaking the moment Sirona and Myttrwn appeared. In respect, the group stood.

  All eyes were focused on Myttrwn, a tall slim man wearing a pearl colored vest over a white cotton suit. The only visible ornamentation was a royal purple badge with a golden serpent located on the left shoulder of his vest and a matching gold serpent ring on his left middle finger.

  Angi tallied up her first impression in her thoughts, “Myttrwn definitely has presence. But what is it? Is it an aura of peace, intelligence, longevity or all of these and more? He is visibly six inches taller than Sirona, and I thought she was tall. He moves with the grace and speed of an athlete in total contradiction to his mysterious age. His face is mesmerizing; oval, clean shaven, chiseled with high cheek bones. His skin appears tanned or is it weathered? His gray eyes are almost invisible when he turns his head. Yet, he gives the impression he is taking in everything and everyone at one glance. His curly neck-length hair, mainly white with a red streak across his left eye, glistens in the light. Maybe he once had red hair. I don’t believe I’ve ever met anyone so unique. This is definitely going to be a memorable encounter.”

  Sirona, in respect, took her seat beside Myttrwn and remained silent for the rest of the session, a change in behaviour noted by the group.

  Myttrwn, with a crisp, lilting voice and a broad smile began talking as he took his seat. “Let’s be seated, for we need time to get acquainted.” He then took a few moments to register each member, spending a fraction longer on Angi. “It’s a delight for me to again welcome the citizens of Gaia,” his words conveying genuine warmth.

  “Gaia,” replied Dylan, in surprise. “But we’re from Earth.”

  “Gaia is the name the Greeks called Earth,” explained Morgan.

  “Ah yes, not everyone may recognize that name. You will be known by that name here, as it’s one I have often used. I hope it’s acceptable,” came Myttrwn’s reply, unperturbed by the interruptions.

  Carefully registering Myttrwn’s choice of words, Andrew asked, “Have you had other visitors from Gaia over the centuries?”

  “In time, you will learn we’ve had other earthly visitors in the past. But my comment is more personal. I spent a great deal of time on your planet and regretted leaving. But we are under strict orders to depart when a planet enters its Dark Ages or Kali Yuga.”

  “What is a Kali Yuga?” asked Wolfram.

  “Ah, I’m getting ahead of myself………….. We’ll set aside your question for a moment, Wolfram, as I first would like to explore your reason for being here.” This took the team by surprise.

  Sensing the u
neasiness, Angi was first to reply, “Well I’m here to get to know more about this medallion, an item I now know is ancient technology which I’m still scared to remove because it might kill me. I’m hoping that you and Sirona will instruct me on its capabilities and perhaps explain why I’ve been chosen to be its designated wearer. I’m still not comfortable with that honour.”

  Before replying, Myttrwn raised his right hand, and mumbled a few abrupt commands in a foreign language. Instantly, the clasp on Angi’s medallion opened and the medallion flew across the circle, landing in Myttrwn’s hand. It happened so fast Angi didn’t have time to react.

  Smiling, he responded. “There now, Angi, you can see that removing the medallion will not kill you because all the gemstones are in place which keeps the technology in balance.” Then holding the medallion close to his face he examined it carefully and remarked, “Amazing………..it’s hardly changed. It is magnificent! I was there when this spectacular piece was created.” Then, as quickly, his next set of commands found the medallion back in the air, landing gently at Angi’s neck, the clasp snapping shut. “In time, Angi, I’ll share the wonders of this medallion with you.” The others sat in silence, trying to come to terms with Myttrwn’s magical ease.

  Surprised, Morgan reacted, “When did you create the medallion?”

  “A long time ago, Morgan, around 680 BCE in your calendar. As the Kali Yuga was beginning, we decided to leave this and other signs in your world, so their discovery in the future would trigger memories of your glorious past.”

  “What is the Kali Yuga, and who are ‘we’?” asked Morgan.

  “All in good time, Morgan,” replied Myttrwn. With no introductions he knew each one by name.

  It was now Andrew’s turn to ask, “If you existed at that time you must be hundreds of years old, a figure beyond our comprehension. Is there a reason that you have such longevity or is it common in this world?” Andrew suddenly realizing his elder status on earth would have little meaning against such numbers.

  “At times a few individuals or spirits are given exceptional longevity when the cosmos is about to shift. I am one of them. But we shall discuss this more later. Perhaps we might return to my first question. Would anyone else like to comment?”

  Andrew acquiesced, “I guess the rest of us tagged along because we were all involved in finding the gemstones and, speaking for myself, I wanted to know why this piece of ancient technology was so important to mankind. I have been a member of various societies in which ancient messages were supposedly handed down to mankind, but this was the first tangible piece of advanced technology that not only appeared but actually worked. Personally, at my age I would be delighted to discover a renewed purpose in life, one that would give mankind a helping hand at this rather critical stage in its history.”

  “Do the rest of you agree with Andrew?” asked Myttrwn. The nodding of heads confirmed their response.

  “Good, your reasons are honest. But your destiny is far more complex. My task in the next few months will be to get you to understand your new role, at least the beginning of it.” As he looked into their thoughts he sensed their anxiety and thought, “Whatever their motives, this is a courageous bunch. I didn’t expect twelve, but that’s a bonus. I must walk slowly so as not to overwhelm them on their first visit.”

  Responding to Myttrwn’s comment, Angi asked, “You mean this team has some further role connected with the medallion?” She was still uneasy about her own role.

  “Yes, Angi, each one of you here and those you left behind will all be involved,” and glancing at Andrew and Bryce, he said, “and age will not be an issue. This will not be your only trip, just the first.”

  Hesitating, he chose his next words carefully. “While Sirona and I and our hand-picked circle are delighted to see you, I must caution you that this opinion may not be shared by everyone. For this reason, you will be free to move about but we insist that you have one of our members with you as much as possible.” He let the words register.

  Dylan, alert to trouble, reacted, “Can you be more specific?”

  “In the 1300s of your calendar an event occurred which produced a calamity here on our planet. Perhaps it was due to some cosmic hiccup, we never found out. In the country you call France, at the time of the Pasteurella pestis or Black Plague epidemic, a man crawled into a cave unaware it housed an ancient intergalactic gate.”

  Interrupting, Morgan asked, “But I thought all the gates were sealed shut when the Druids disabled the Gate of Tara against the Romans?”

  “That is what we thought, Morgan, but somehow this cosmic shift momentarily activated this gate. The diseased individual stumbled through our receiving station. Before anyone knew what happened, the disease had spread. As we did not know what we were dealing with, by the time we brought it under control hundreds had died. Many blamed the calamity on the Earth and rumors spread that anyone from your planet during its Kali Yuga phase had to be isolated or destroyed. You are the first earthlings to arrive since that calamity. We have made every effort to explain the situation and to stress that the Earth is now past it’s Kali Yuga, but that may be insufficient to quell the fears of everyone.”

  “What happened to the carrier of the disease?” asked Angi.

  “He died shortly after his arrival. He never regained consciousness and I’m sure had no idea where he was.”

  Angi felt an urge to add, “Would it help to inform your people the Black Death in the fourteenth century killed thirty to sixty percent of Europe’s population?”

  “As you know, Angi, no rational explanation will suffice when an individual is determined on nursing old wounds.”

  Letting that information sit, Wolfram proceeded onto another topic, “I wonder Myttrwn if you could help us with another matter? Several women, also guardians of the medallion, kept insisting that the activation of the medallion was a sign of the ‘coming times.’ After centuries most of the verbal messages handed down in families were garbled. What does this mean?”

  “Wolfram, that’s a perfect entrance to my next point,” replied Myttrwn anxious to move on. Then looking around he asked, “What do you know of the Great Year on your planet? It may be known as the Perfect Cycle, the Long Cycle or the Frame of Time?”

  “Has it got something to do with the precession of the equinox?” asked Angi. “I read something about that years ago.”

  Morgan, thought for a moment and added, “In my research I read that ancient societies thought the Great Year, or whatever they called it, was the key to understanding the cosmos. Some wove it into their myths and legends. It’s rarely mentioned in our modern academic world, and if whispered at all is assigned to primitive superstition.”

  “Very good, you have some acquaintance with the topic. As you know there are different cycles of time: birth, childhood, adulthood and old age, or day and night, the seasons, and some may even know of a fifty year cycle.”

  The fifty year cycle triggered Andrew to respond, “I believe the Israelites had a fifty year Jubilee Cycle when debts were forgiven. And the Mayans had a fifty-two year cycle which they called a Sacred Round or the ‘binding of the years’. They said it helped them understand the past and the future.”

  Myttrwn, pleased with their responses, continued, “As you may know, these smaller cycles all have an effect on the evolution of consciousness, but the greatest cycle, the precessional cycle, lasts twenty-four thousand years and has the most extreme effect on your world. It has often been referred to as one year in the life of humanity.”

  Andrew interjected, “But what causes this Great Year and why is it so important?”

  With a smile Myttrwn thought, “Oh, how I’ve missed my Gaia family. They are quick, inquisitive, and ask questions………so many questions.” Responding he said, “Perhaps it would help to provide a visual image of our topic.” Following another verbal command a circular holographic image of the Great Year appeared and hovered above the laps of each individual.

  Star
tled, several members tried to touch the hologram, while others concentrated on the details of the image in front of them.

  Myttrwn regarding this step as normal, continued, “As you can see, the Great Year of twenty-four thousand years has two arcs; twelve thousand years descending and twelve thousand years ascending. Within each twelve thousand year arc there are four distinct ages, each with a specific number of years, the Golden Age being the longest. Terminology for these ages differ. For example, in India they are Yugas, while the Hebrews call them ‘seasons’, and the Greeks and Celts used metals (such as gold, silver, bronze and iron), whereas the American Indians used ‘worlds’ or ‘suns.’ Other cultures, such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, Persians, Aztecs, and the Norse, all had similar references but different wording. Since India is the only nation which has retained a reference to the Great Year in their culture, we’ll proceed with their terminology. I’ll give you time to become familiar with the holographic image.” He and Sirona stood up and walked about talking quietly to each other.

  When Myttrwn returned, Andrew commented, “You know, this reminds me of an Old Testament Biblical passage, I believe its Daniel 2:31-45, which talks about an image with a head of fine gold. I don’t recall the details but I do remember the feet being part iron and clay. That fascinated me as a boy. So, is this is what it meant?”

  “Ah, you see, there have been references to the Great Year right in your own literature,” replied Myttrwn, delighted that they were making the connection.

  Angi puzzled, asked, “But why is this important considering that most of us are not capable of surviving one zodiacal time period, let alone thousands of years?” At that moment she realized that there were two exceptions in the room; Sirona and Myttrwn.

  Myttrwn turned to Angi and replied, “Because Angi, when humanity loses such knowledge, it becomes disconnected with the stars, and is in danger of losing its way in time. Humanity is currently on the brink of losing its sense of origin and its future.”