The Serpent's Song Page 6

  * * *

  House of Learning

  Returning to their dining area Angi hesitated and turning to the team said, “Let’s unwind, it’s been a long day,” as she glanced at her watch. “There’s time before our next meal.”

  “I agree,” replied Wolfram as he made his way to one of the tables. “Today reminded me of my university days. To tell you the truth, I couldn’t hold up my side of any debate on the topic of the Great Year. Imagine trying to dent the current thinking of our scientists regarding the evolution of mankind. Morgan, I’m counting on you, what do you think?” By this point the rest had joined Wolfram and Angi around one table.

  “While I share your misgivings,” replied Morgan, “I have to admit it answers a lot of those frustrating, bewildering questions and anomalies of past civilizations. Mark my word, I couldn’t carry on a lengthy debate on the topic either. I know Myttrwn has only skimmed the surface. There’s layers of information we’ll never get to on this trip. Nevertheless, he is opening some fascinating doors to a treasure trove of universal knowledge. It’s like talking to an ancient. Just think of the questions I could ask about our history.”

  “Well, my head feels like mush,” replied Vette. “Since we’ve started on this quest I’ve had my entire world view not only shattered but I keep encountering magical events which defy understanding. Look at Myttrwn, he zapped those holographic images in and out with verbal commands. By any chance did you note that the commands he used for the medallion were in a different, untranslatable, language to the one he used with the holograph?”

  Everyone nodded, with Andrew adding, “Remember Myttrwn said that magic was common at the time of the descending Dwapara Yuga. This means, if we accept the Great Year concept, then humanity has lost its magical capabilities during our Dark Ages. In time I expect we will learn that all this so-called magic is nothing more than advanced science governed by specific laws. We already know that our modern technology seems like magic to primitive societies. It’s the same thing. I was pleased to hear that we, this team, are already becoming magicians. Now I believe Angi’s well on the way, but it’s good to hear we all have potential.” Andrew smiled to himself for he rather liked the idea of becoming a magician.

  Bryce, who had been listening, was on a different tack, “Do you think, Andrew, there might be something in our ancient texts that would identify Myttrwn, I expect by a different name? I suppose it’s too far back. But if he lived on earth he would have been a well-known leader and certainly his height would be noted.” Bryce, struggling with the Great Year concept, was hoping an earthly historic link might help.

  Andrew hesitated before replying, “Oh, to have my old computer, then I could look up some things or even contact a few old acquaintances. Perhaps, old friend, this nagging question will have to wait until we get home. In the meantime, Myttrwn did mention other signs were left for our time. Let’s see if he’ll identify some more.”

  Wolfram, still not satisfied that his question had been addressed, asked again, “But basically, does the Great Year concept make sense to you? We’ve heard from Morgan, how about the rest of you?”

  Angi sensing Wolfram’s frustration, responded, “It fits into some of our familiar cyclic patterns such as the time of day and the seasons. As Morgan mentioned, such thinking is familiar to some aboriginal societies. And while astronomy is not my forte, the concept that mankind goes through stages of enlightenment is far more appealing to me than our evolution from monkeys. I realize this is heresy to those who worship Darwin. But let’s face it Darwin only popped up in the 1800s. Surely there must be room to discuss some other possibility?”

  “Oh Angi, ……… Oh Angi……….. you are skating on dangerous ice,” came Morgan’s mocking reply. “In academia, kingdoms have been built on Darwin’s theory. While, in principle, you are right, there should be an openness to other possibilities, the chances of that happening are zero to none. I wish it were otherwise.”

  Continuing to seek input, Wolfram reiterated, “Well forget our academic world for the moment………….. is everyone comfortable with the Great Year concept? Do you actually accept the premise that we are just stumbling out of a long Dark Age?”

  Andrew came to his rescue and replied, “Wolfram, you are expressing, I believe, our common struggle with this material. Today Myttrwn introduced a challenge to our comfortable world view. He did not ask us to believe anything, he just shared the information knowing we would need time to compare this with our current theories. Let’s take our time with this. More sessions lie ahead and Myttrwn seems receptive to questions. How about that?”

  “Agreed,” came the verbal comments from some and nods from others.

  Not wanting the discussion to end Vette jumped in, “OK, then let’s move on. What was your initial assessment of Myttrwn? Who wants to start?”

  Wolfram volunteered. “His height, which must be over seven feet, seems average for this place. Even with his white hair, he looks and acts more like a spry fifty year old or even younger. So, let’s focus on his age. Its mind boggling to me that he may be more than two thousand years old, and that’s a guesstimate. Because we’re assuming that he had to be a well-educated adult when the medallion was created. But he could have been hundreds of year’s old even then, we have no idea. Morgan, when the ancient records talk about ‘immortals’ is there any possibility they could have been referring to someone like Myttrwn? Myttrwn did say others were sometimes granted such longevity. Of course this begs the question, granted by whom? But let’s table who might be the ‘others’ and who is doing the granting for now and stick to Myttrwn.”

  Before Morgan had time to respond Angi interjected, “If we accept his comment that there are individuals and spirits chosen to watch over certain cosmic transitions, how many are there?”

  “Oh this is so tantalizing,” came Morgan’s enthusiastic reply. “My head is bursting with possibilities. Angi, the number of ‘others’ could be a few or many, we have no way of knowing. I agree with Wolfram, let’s leave these vagaries for now. But irrespective of this unknown selection process, one cannot rule out the fact that people live longer on this planet. Look at Sirona. In addition, Myttrwn said that by the end of the Dwapara Yuga, admittedly well into our future, we on earth could live to two hundred. But that’s a far cry from thousands.”

  Andrew added, “I believe Sirona when she says he is her ancestor. So, for the present I am willing to accept his longevity. Not saying I understand it, but I have no alternative. Personally, I am fascinated at his agility and clarity of mind if he’s truly that old. Imagine what our media would do with that gem if they found out his age. Pray that never happens.” Hesitating for a moment as an afterthought he concluded, “You would certainly have to pace yourself if you expected to live hundreds of years……….. let alone thousands.” The thought hung unchallenged by everyone as each one thought of the possibilities.

  “So, do I take it that we all agree, Myttrwn is unique? He’s taller, older, more knowledgeable and certainly more talented than anyone we’ve ever met. I’m still left with more questions than answers, but that’s what makes this so delightful,” came Angi’s thumbnail summary.

  Before anyone had a chance to comment further, Morgan added, “And I believe he can read minds.”

  Startled, Vette asked, “Morgan, what gave you that impression?”

  “Did you notice when he first arrived, with one glance he knew our names and I expect he knows more about us than we know ourselves. There’s scientific proof that telepathy is possible. The Russians have been working on this for decades,” responded Morgan, looking around to see how this was registering with the others.

  “Wow. I wonder what life on earth would be like if everyone were telepathic,” came Vette’s response.

  “It would definitely stymie politicians, sales people and the media, and countless others,” came Dylan’s quick reaction.

  Angi, thinking for a moment, spoke up, “Now that you mention it, Morga
n, have you noticed how quietly these students move about? At first I thought they were highly disciplined, which could also be a factor. But there is minimum chatter in both Houses. It never dawned on me to think of telepathy. Perhaps talking is not their first line of communication.”

  “If that’s the case, then having us as guests must be taxing for them,” came Bryce’s thoughtful observation. “This reminds me of my childhood in Wales. Now the Welsh are known to be talkative, and family gatherings could be boisterous. I can remember as a boy my parents’ exhaustion after the Christmas visit of three elderly relatives who were exceptionally talkative. So, if our hosts are mainly telepathic, then our chatter must be exhausting for them.” Looking towards Andrew, “We need to keep this in mind as the days progress.”

  “That’s a good point, Bryce. We’re also a group of twelve, which might be overwhelming for them as well. It may be the reason why Myttrwn has taken us on as he and Sirona have had previous earthly contact.”

  However, the thought that they might be living in an environment where their every thought could be read by their hosts brought the group discussion to an abrupt silence as each member began to contemplate the ramifications.

  Dylan interrupted the silence, “Now if this telepathy is real, I’ll need time to get my head around what it may mean to our safety.”

  Andrew, sensing the anxiety, interjected a word of calm, “Perhaps we’re jumping to conclusions when it may only be Myttrwn with such a skill. The students may be highly disciplined. I recall my days in private British schools where discipline was strict and talking discouraged. Let’s keep an open mind and not create problems where none exist.”

  “And what are we going to do if it is true?” came Dylan’s abrupt question.

  “Then we’ll face that when it comes,” came Andrew’s equally abrupt reply as he silently signaled Dylan to cease. Thinking to himself he added, “If confirmed, I’ll need a long chat with Sirona and even Myttrwn. If they can read our minds, then we are definitely at a disadvantage. Fine with friends, deadly with enemies.”

  As the group began to depart, Dylan added, “By the way, as we crossed the plaza today I saw Zolar standing on the second level balcony. He was behind a plant. He’s a strange one.”

  Trying again to redirect Dylan, Andrew replied, with a slight edge to his voice, “Dylan, we are his guests and this is his House. I would also be curious if twelve strangers suddenly arrived on my doorstep. So far everything has gone smoothly. I will again remind everyone we are under the protection of the Royal Family. This is our first week in a new world. We are bound to run into questions and unknowns.” This assurance seemed to register but their discussions had generated some new concerns.

  * * *

  The Houses of Life & Learning

  Within days Sirona had reassigned the team; Wolfram and Dylan were off with the emergency planes, Andrew and Bryce to the library/archives, Morgan, Vette and the others to participate in different class activities, Joel on food, and Angi to begin her medallion training program. Variety made for boisterous evenings as each shared snippets of their new-found experiences. Sirona had stipulated the assignments could be rotated, except for the activities of Joel and Angi.

  On his first sojourn Wolfram had much to report. “What is most amazing is that those emergency planes are operated by the pilot’s thoughts. Manual controls exist but are rarely used. Corb, my pilot, took me on an emergency call regarding a boy injured while climbing. He maintained a running dialogue between the accident site and home base during the entire trip. The boy and his troupe were easily located. Do you remember those two clear capsules on either side of those vehicles? Well, Corb and I gently placed the injured boy into one of these capsules. Corb attached leads to the boy’s body and informed me that the readouts were being simultaneously registered on the plane’s panel and at the House of Life. He described the unit as a transport healing chamber, which meant that the healing process had commenced at the accident site. Apparently, they have no heavy reliance on surgery or drugs in their healing process. I’ll be fascinated at your take on this Angi.”

  “Did you see what happened when you reached the House of Life?” asked Angi.

  “No, I just took Corb’s word for it. Outside parties are not allowed access with a recently injured patient.”

  Then it was Dylan’s turn. “Remember all that testing when we arrived? I expect some of it was to obtain a healthy portrait of our DNA and chakras. Apparently, this portrait is used to initiate any healing process should it be needed. Likely Corb already had this boy’s portrait in his scanner before he left or could retrieve it quickly. I’ve heard of fingerprinting but this is in another galaxy. Otherwise my experience was similar to Wolfram’s. My pilot, Rao and I picked-up a very ill male elder. He was also placed in the capsule and when we arrived at the House of Life I was convinced his condition had already improved.”

  Morgan’s input from the classes presented a different perspective. “In all my years in education I have never experienced such concentration and discipline in a class of students. These students spend long hours in meditation, complex calisthenics, and learning about the Sacred Science. While we separate the sciences into specialities, sub-specialities and super-sub-specialities, here it’s all one. Every student is expected to know how all sciences operate in a world they regard as One. I would love to learn more about this concept, perhaps we can ask Myttrwn. In addition, disciplining their thoughts seems to be an essential key to their advancement. After Wolfram’s comments I now realize that this is connected to their technology. Have you ever wondered what it would mean in our world if clarity of thought was essential to operating our technology?”

  “Imagine trying to enforce that concept on Earth,” came the verbal slip from Wolfram.

  Morgan didn’t pursue this further but noted his colleagues were toying with the ramifications of his question.

  “Morgan, do you think the students spend more time in their studies than we do?” asked Andrew, trying to understand how the students could master so many sciences.

  “That’s hard to judge, Andrew. I don’t know how many years they have studied before reaching the House of Learning. They may be able to absorb more because they are more enlightened, use telepathy, perhaps have other skills we do not possess at this stage in our development, and perhaps they have more time. It’s a puzzle. They are definitely bright, and so polite. In addition, while they are relaxed in their individuality, the main emphasis is on the welfare of their society as a whole. I have no way of knowing whether this concept is prevalent just in this school or whether it exists throughout the kingdom. There’s so much I’d like to know before we leave,” and with that he conceded the discussions to Andrew and Bryce.

  Andrew and Bryce had an entirely different report. Andrew did the main speaking. “Since my Gaelic reading skills are somewhat limited it takes time for me to get through any of their documents. However, the vastness of their library and archives is indescribable, there are centuries of information. The head of the library showed us how to access any document. This resulted in us finding documents which were more than a holographic image. As you turned the pages of a book or document they became alive, and these were their ancient records. Current information is mainly digital or whatever they call it and even more sophisticated. Now that we know how to retrieve the information Bryce and I plan on spending more time in understanding their history. This may be slow work. Anyone interested in archival research is more than welcome to come along.”

  There were no takers. Everyone knew the two best candidates were already involved and would report back.

  Nightly reports and questions soon found the team up late. The more they discovered the more they were impressed with Tir na nOg.

  In the meantime Joel had been busy working with a member of Myttrwn’s lab on addressing the food issues. Within days he and his friend Danu appeared at an evening meal with a small device and a box-like container with mugs and o
ther items.

  Joel took the lead after introducing Danu to the team. “Danu and I hope your daily protein ration has improved. To tell you the truth it’s not easy to describe our meat products. However, creating protein this way avoids the animal issues we experience at home and the nutritional values can be more precisely programmed. It’s an answer to our world hunger, but that’s another topic. When we contact home base we should ask if the next team can bring along a few samples. Myttrwn will give instructions as to how these should be transported.”

  Wolfram was first to speak, “I can’t speak for the rest of the team, but I must commend you on your results. Our protein has definitely improved. I was willing to adapt, but am pleased with your latest products.”

  “Great job, Guys!” came a chorus of voices.

  Joel, enjoying the spotlight, turned to the small container which had been placed on a serving table. There was no evidence of any outside wires or connections. He then asked Angi to come forward. “Angi I want you to take this mug, another item we created with their replicators, and place it into this grove at the front and in a clear voice ask for ‘coffee’, ‘herbal tea’ or ‘regular tea’, whichever you prefer.”

  Angi did as requested, saying clearly, “Regular tea.”

  From a small spout poured a piping hot cup of tea, the first the team had encountered since their arrival.

  Joel continued. “Angi, if you would like some milk or a sweetener these are available in these gel capsules; the cream is computer generated and the sweetener is honey.” Smiling he announced, “Perhaps everyone would like to test our creation.”

  Without hesitation members rose and each tried one brand or another. Some used the gel capsules.

  “Hey, this is really good,” came Andrew’s first response. “You and Danu must be congratulated. It’s nice to get a hot cup of tea.”