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Fast paced action adventure set in the Cascade mountains of washington state. |
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Fast paced action adventure with mystery, survivalism and a supernatural element thrown in. Join Tobal and his friends as they seek to uncover the secrets of the mysterious city-state of Heliopolis and the deaths of his time traveling parents. This story is set in the Cascade mountains of Washington state with a theme of survivalism and self empowerment as well as romance and intrigue. This is the first of a trilogy. |
| Tobal didn’t know if anyone had missed him. He left that evening and struggled his way up the cliff leading back to sanctuary. He was well on his way along the narrow cliff ledge as the sun came up and shed it’s light into the valley. He didn’t want to talk with anyone. All he wanted to do was get away and be alone for awhile. His gut was churning with a mixture of raw emotions. It wasn’t fair, this was his clan, his circle, his people, his friends. For Goddess sake, he was in the middle of the wilderness attempting to become a citizen of a forbidden city. What was the likelihood she would be doing the same thing. The world simply wasn’t that small. He was in a numbed state as he made his way toward sanctuary for the first time. The trip was a blur and he didn’t remember much. He ate from his own food supplies and didn’t bother hunting for anything but water for his two canteens. The cheerful, easy piece of mind he had experienced during his solo was gone and he stumbled blindly along. The connection he had formed with nature was temporarily forgotten as the sun beat mercilessly down on him during the day and he slept on the hard ground during the night. The next two days it rained mercilessly and he narrowly avoided a flash flood that swept his camp away with most of his belongings. Luckily he still had his map and compass in a pouch around his neck and was able to triangulate his position. He was wet, cold, tired and hungry as he trudged across a muddy terrain made slick in spots by red clay that clung to his shoes making every step a challenge. The water had filled his shoes and sloshed between his toes. He could feel blisters beginning to form on his heels from the chaffing. When he arrived at sanctuary nobody was there. He was a disappointed but also very humbled that he had lost most of his supplies in the flash flood including his jerky. As he chewed down some of the nasty tasting stuff from the machine he resolved to wait right there until someone did show up. There were usually several new people each month that somehow arrived at sanctuary from where ever they came from. Remembering Rafe’s advice he stripped completely leaving his gear in a corner and went through the medical exam again getting a new set of robes, pack and med kit and most important fresh socks and a new pair of hiking boots. Tobal thought about using the new robe as a rain coat or slicker and grabbed several blankets to take back to the lake as a covering for his teepee. He went through the contents of the new pack, med kit and found another knife, razor and toothbrush to replace those he had lost in the flood. He looked at his old wet hiking boots wondering whether he should keep them or not. Besides being soaked, they were almost worn out from the rugged life style of the past two months. He decided to hang onto them anyway. Boots were hard to come by in the wilderness and homemade ones just didn’t have the comfort of these heavy duty hiking shoes. He was feeling satisfied with his pack and starting to feel better in general when he heard footsteps entering the building and a timid "Hello". He froze in the darkness waiting. There was a short silence and the footsteps continued until he heard the familiar mechanical voice saying. "Do you seek sanctuary in the city of the sun?" A timid female voice answered weakly, "Yes, I do." Tobal moved silently to the edge of the dark archway and looked into the other room. He saw a slight figure with her back toward him. She was entering the sliding door into the exam area. Yesterday he had gone through the exam wearing his med-alert bracelet and it had been nothing like the two day processing he had gone through the first time. It had only taken about 3 hours before he emerged with his new clothing and gear. He knew it would be two days for this newbie to finish processing so he settled down to wait. The pouring rain continued and he assumed Zee and Kevin had decided not to travel in the storm and would be coming later after the weather had cleared. It was around noon on the second day that a sure footed hulk came through the door dressed in the gray tunic of an Apprentice. It was a boy Tobal had seen at circle briefly but hadn’t talked to. He felt this hulking boy had been hostile toward both him and Rafe. Tobal remembered the boy’s name was Victor, but most people called him the Ox, probably because he was so slow and big. The Ox stopped and grinned when he saw Tobal. "Anyone come in yet?" He asked. "Yeah, someone’s processing right now", Tobal replied. The Ox padded over to him, his bulk towering over Tobal in a menacing way. He could see the five chevrons on the Ox’s sleeve and knew the Ox intended to claim this newbie for himself. "You’d better run along little boy", the Ox told him. "I’ll take care of this one." An icy feeling settled into Tobal’s gut. He felt sick and powerless to stop what was happening. The Ox was too big for him to take in a fight. He sat back on one of the cots without saying anything. A small flicker of triumph gleamed in the Ox’s eyes as he turned and went outside for his pack. Moments later Tobal heard a door slide open and the girl, now dressed in a gray robe and carrying a bundle, stepped into the darker room where he sat waiting. As if on cue the Ox came stomping in and walked up to her. He roughly grabbed her arm. "Come on, I’m your new teacher",he growled. "Let’s get going". |
As Tobal neared the gathering spot he saw others heading toward the circle and when they waved he felt like he was indeed coming home. Nobody else whistled as they approached the camp and they laughed at him. He asked why and was told there were no guards except on the trail that led from sanctuary. Newbies were only to come into camp from that path. After they had joined the clan there was no need for a guard. It was just part of the initiaton. Tobal felt silly and wonder why Rafe never told him that part of it. He remembered Rafe laughing at him the last time they had come to circle when he had been constantly whistling. It was so like Rafe to let him figure things out for himself. He was in high spirits as he helped set up the structures and gather firewood for the bonfire. He was enjoying being treated as an equal and kept busy throughout the day. He was feeling good when his friends showed up congratulating him on his solo. He talked with Nikki, she had completed her training with Zee and the Elders approved her for soloing this month. She was excited about it. Tobal made sure to give her a kiss for good luck. Nikki was a stocky well built brunette with an infectious sense of humour and an impulsiveness that got her into trouble at times but she always managed to get out of it just as quickly. "Hey, don’t I get one too?", Zee asked pouting and tossing her braided raven hair back over her shoulder. Tobal moved over and gave her a big hug and a kiss. "How have you been?", He teased. "I’ve been doing quite well thank you", she laughed. "I’m heading out for sanctuary in the morning. You want to come along? It’s always more fun traveling together than alone." She smiled. "That sounds like a good idea", he said. "How early are you planning to start out?" "The sooner the better", she replied. "How about sunrise?" "I’ll see if I can get up that early", he griped and they both smiled. He walked over and found out Kevin was going to try for a newbie and hoped there would be enough newbies for everyone. They congratulated each other on their solo’s and told stories about how it had went. Kevin was pretty excited. When Rafe showed up it was kind of odd because he was alone and didn’t have anyone with him. After a warm hug, Rafe told him that he had been going around visiting people and taking it easy. He would be getting his sixth chevron at the awards and his initiation as Journeyman in two weeks. He was a bit nervous but excited at the same time. Later at afternoon assembly introductions were made for Tobal, Kevin and the four other newly soloed Apprentices. They were brought out in front of the circle to the sound of cheering, good natured applause and joking. The next to be brought forward was Rafe. Rafe and another boy who had been Kevin’s teacher were both eligible for the Journeyman degree. They were called to the front as the sixth chevron was sewn onto their sleeves amidst joking and laughter. The Journeyman degree initiation was going to be on the new moon in two weeks. The location was marked on both of their maps. It was a secret location that the Apprentice degrees didn’t know about. He chatted with Wayne and Char for a bit before sunset. They were building a permanent base camp and planned on spending the winter together. That got Tobal thinking about the coming cold weather and how he needed to get prepared and make some changes in his training. He resolved to pick up his winter gear he had cached at Rafe’s on the way back to circle next month. He thought he would be ok for this month and the furs were not prime yet. He visited with Tara for awhile. She was concentrating on building a base camp and getting ready for the coming winter. She was hoping to find someone to share camp with and was dissapointed when Tobal said he was planning to train during the winter. The bon fire was lit and word came around that there was going to be several Apprentice initiations and Ellen wanted to get started early. Tobal almost forgot about it until he heard one of the guards boom out. "Becca Morgan is welcomed into our clan as a new member." Along with the others, he was caught up in the shouting, applause and craning his neck to get his first view of this new member of the clan. As the High Priestess and High Priest began the initiation ceremony Tobal found himself remembering parts although some things seemed reversed. Then he realized the High Priest was doing the initiating and not the High Priestess. They had reversed roles because of Becca being female. It seemed the High Priestess only initiated male candidates and the High Priest initiated female candidates. Tobal was admitted into the circle by the High Priestess with a hug and a kiss and found a place to sit on the northern side of the circle. He sat with others as the circle was purified and made ready for the candidate. Everyone sat back in anticipation as Becca was led out hood winked with both hands tied behind her back. Her guide was the same dark haired girl that had been his guide and he still didn’t know her name. He was going to have to ask someone. As Becca was initiated Tobal found himself staring at her. Her tunic had been cut so short he could almost see where her slender white legs joined together beneath the cloth and he found them incredibly attractive. He was watching the candidate or rather watching her legs as the charge was read and began reliving in his own mind the particulars of his own initiation. He could feel the energy building within the circle and he sensed the presence of the Lord and Lady as they took their accustomed places over the central fire. When the drums started and it was time to move around the circle and build the cone of power he found himself dancing clockwise with the others. As he touched her shoulder and gently turned her it felt like a spark raced up his arm and then down his spine. He felt thrilled and uncomfortable at the same time. What was going on? He was obviously aroused and attracted by this unknown girl. He could even feel how she must feel as the focus of all this energy. His elation turned to shock and horror as the Priest took the hoodwink off Becca and her face was exposed to the fire light of the circle. As she blinked, he saw it was the face of the girl that almost clawed his eyes out a year ago. She was being initiated into his clan and his circle as a sister. Stunned and hurt, he got through the rest of the ceremony by retreating so deeply into his own thoughts and inner anguish he hardly realized what was going on within the circle. He sat through three other initiations in a stupor. Later when the party started Tobal made a pretense of having a good time but soon slipped away and nobody seemed to notice he was gone. |
| Then the drums began and members began to dance deosil around the circle. Tobal joined reluctantly at first and then with growing passion. They danced slowly and then more wildly as the energy level rose. The drums beat more rapidly and the dancers became crazed throwing off robes and dancing naked in the fire light. They leapt and sang in ecstasy moving around the fire alone and as partners, loosing themselves to the beat and rhythm of the drums. Tobal gave himself to the pounding rhythm and to the Lord and Lady. He was dancing for them. The drums beat faster and faster until the dancers were sweat streaked but showing no sign of stopping. A sudden signal from the High Priestess brought complete and abrupt silence to the entire circle as everyone turned and looked at her. The tension and energy in the circle was overpowering. “Lord and Lady”, she shouted, “We ask you to send your blessings and our blessings out to those in special need this night. We especially ask you to bless and assist those that are about to solo. Be with them and guide their steps so they may return successfully to us in a month’s time. So mote it be!” “So mote it be”, the entire circle replied and Tobal felt such a wave of energy and love wash over him that he was swept out of his body and up once more into the arms of the Lady, this time as a baby. She gazed lovingly into his eyes as his consciousness faded away. Tobal woke as someone helped him back to the edge of the circle where his robe was laying. The circle felt empty, the energy was gone although he still felt it inside himself. That wasn’t the end though because Nikki’s initiation began. Again he experienced the build up of energy, only this time it was directed at Nikki. Again in his minds eye he saw the Lord and Lady taking their place above the central fire. Later there were people standing in relaxed bunches around fires drinking and eating. Instinctively he knew the circle had done some powerful magick that night and that his solo would be blessed. This was quite different from the wild party he had experienced last month. There was a feeling of joy, friendship and goodwill as people joked and talked with each other helping themselves to enormous quantities of food and drink. They gradually moved into small groups to quietly sit together and talk far into the night. He made a special point of welcoming Nikki into the clan. He spent time chatting with Zee and noticed Angel was back from sanctuary. She was limping slightly but otherwise seemed to be doing well. He met another Apprentice named Tara. He had noticed her dancing and made a special point to meet her. Wayne and Char were both there laughing at some of the stories Rafe was telling. It was a good party and he felt warm and happy when he finally made his way to bed. Tobal’s solo wasn’t the way he envisioned it. He left circle on the 2nd morning when everyone else was leaving. He had decided to explore some country that he hadn’t visited before and wanted to find a place with adequate water. He was also interested in finding an area where he could set up a permanent base camp. To his surprise, he wasn’t interested in the solo. He was interested in exploring. With those two things in mind he decided to head South and see what the country was like. His map showed a small lake about a hundred miles South. He wanted to check it out and do some exploring. It was out of the area he was expected to stay within but there were no hard rules about where he could and couldn’t go. His vision of the Lord and Lady seemed to be directing him and pulling him toward that lake for some reason. He had noticed it on the map before but it was only since last night he really felt compelled to see it on his own. Somehow the energy of the circle last night had changed something inside of him and altered his plans about where he was going to solo. Still it felt right and he headed east until he found a small stream that emptied into the lake. With a light heart he whistled as he started out. The day was bright and shiny. He kept on the lookout for things to eat and made a leisurely camp near the stream. It was late May and the weather was a little chill in the evening but wonderful during the day. After setting up a shelter and gathering fire wood for the night he roasted a rabbit he had gotten with a sling earlier in the day. As it was roasting he brought the last firewood into the camp. He was hoping for fresh fish in the morning and set out fish traps. Earlier he had stopped by one of his caches and brought some smoked jerky from the deer he had killed. He mixed some of the jerky with greens and made a hearty soup that went well with the rabbit. It really hit the spot. He had gotten salt at circle last night and used it sparingly in the food. It was wonderful. These daily activities were so routine for him that he didn’t really think about them anymore. He was thinking instead about the territory up ahead. Staying alive and having enough food was not a concern thanks to Rafe’s excellent training. He settled in under the blankets, the crackling of the fire in his ears and firelight flickering against his face. In his minds eye he could see the Lord and Lady watching over him and he wondered at his feeling of being protected. Feeling surrounded in love and peace he fell into an easy sleep waking only to tend the fire as it burned low. The next day continued at a luxurious pace. For the first time there was no hurry or pressing matter. He indulged in curiousity and took exploratory hikes away from the stream to check out interesting and promising areas that from time to time caught his attention. There was plenty of small game and he was always able to knock down some bird or animal for a quick meal. He never thought about using his bow. He had no need for that much meat and didn’t want to waste the time curing and drying it into jerky. As long as he was following the stream he didn’t have to worry about getting lost or even using the map and compass. All he had to do was keep going downstream. There were actually a few times when it was raining that he would set up camp for a few days in the same spot and just sit out the bad weather. It was so peaceful and beautiful that one day led to the next. There was no pressure to perform and no Rafe to challenge him or push him harder. He loved setting his own pace and being his own boss. He moved as the spirit moved him and his solo was more like a vacation than actual work. When he arrived at the lake he made one spot a semi-permanent base and spent two weeks at the lake just fishing, exploring and working on his clothing and equipment. The lake was good sized and fed by several mountain streams. Tobal spent several days just exploring around it and enjoying the colorful sun sets in the evening. But nights were not restful and his dreams were filled with dark, menacing visions of people being killed and bodies being piled into mass graves. The Lord and Lady never came to him and it seemed the dead walked in his dreams instead of the living. Game was plentiful and he started a permanent camp similar to Rafe’s. No one seemed to be at this particular location but he did run across the remains of old camp fires and a few shelters. There was nothing recent. He saw many deer with young and the bear had come out of hibernation. He saw one mother bear with cubs and gave it a wide berth. Spring was the natural time for most wild species to give birth and nourish their young. Many of them at one time or another came down to the lake for water usually in the early morning or late evening just before sunset. One morning he even saw a cougar or mountain lion on the opposite shore of the lake. It seemed like birds were everywhere and he learned to listen to the forest and what it was telling him. There were times when it was noisy and times when it was almost too quiet. At night the trees would creak and sway in the wind and he would hear night creatures prowl around the camp in the darkness. It had not bothered him when Rafe had been there to talk to. But being alone in the woods was a lot different than being with someone. He thought maybe his dark dreams were getting to him. Tobal thought about the time he would have to teach six other people to solo just like Rafe had done. He didn’t know if he wanted to teach anyone yet. It would be much more fun to explore and develop a permanent camp. Perhaps he would take his newbies down into this area. With that in mind Tobal began building his own teepee shaped structure. He could get the blanket material from sanctuary later after the framework was completed. He began setting up things he had seen at Rafe’s, a smokehouse, a rack for drying jerky, a sweat lodge, and several traps for fish and for quail. These were spares for later in the winter months since he didn’t need them right now. It didn’t take him long to realize that he needed more cord and string. He also wished he had something heavier than a knife to cut wood with. A good axe would come in handy. He remembered the one he had seen at the store in Old Seattle and tried making one like it. It turned out better than he had expected and he used it to chop smaller trees for his shelters. The days passed and once or twice he reflected it is was strange he wasn’t missing human companionship. He wasn’t even feeling lonely, just surrounded by a deep peaceful feeling, at least during the daytime. Before he knew it the month was almost up and it was time to head for the gathering spot once more. It was almost full moon. The clan would be having circle and they would be expecting him back. He gathered enough smoked fish, rabbit and venison jerky to last several weeks. He could supplement that with anything fresh he found along the trail. He hated to leave the lake. He loved to watch the ducks, geese, beaver, muskrats and all the other animals that visited the lake and called it home. He even toyed with the idea of staying, but it was time to go and he knew he would be back. |
| Circle was different this time around and Tobal whistled merrily as he traveled the path into camp. He didn’t see anyone on the trail and no one tried to stop him or Rafe. Rafe seemed amused at Tobal’s whistling but didn’t say anything about it. He only whistled a few short bars at two sharp turns in the trail and that was it. People were setting up teepees and gathering wood for the fires. There was a lot of work to do and Tobal joined in with enthusiasm. He helped dig the roasting pits where the bigger animals were being prepared. It felt good to work along side other clansmen and joke with them. He was grateful to contribute and as evening came closer he wondered what the night would bring. Everyone was changing into robes. All clan members at circle wore robes that they kept in one of the storage buildings. A black robed guard was handing them out. There was no reason to haul robes around all month when they were only used here. Tobal was given a long gray robe similar to the one he had gotten at sanctuary. "Just bring it back tomorrow when you’re done with it", was all the guard told him. It turned out only four newbies were being initiated that night. Tobal made some new friends and was hanging out with them. They were all Aprentices. Zee was a raven haired girl with shoulder length hair and a good sense of humor. She had been one of Rafe’s students and was training her first newbie. Nicky, the newbie had just arrived at sanctuary two weeks ago and was being initiated as Apprentice tonight, but would be waiting till next month before starting her solo. Wayne was a stocky good natured fellow with sandy hair. He had been an Apprentice for two years and wasn’t in any hurry to make it to Journeyman. He didn’t have any student and hadn’t been training anyone for the past few months. He was more interested in being with his girl friend who was also an Apprentice. His girlfriend, Char, had curly brown hair and a ready smile. They were always seen together at circle. Tobal remembered both of them from last circle. It was easy to tell they were in love. A tall, lanky, sandy haired kid was soloing the same time he was. They hit it off right away during last months initiation. In fact, all six that had been initiated last month were soloing this month. Kevin was more nervous about his solo than Tobal was. It made Tobal realize Rafe was a very uncommon teacher and extremely good at teaching others what they needed to know. Most soloists didn’t have the quality of training or the experience Rafe had given him. Kevin kept thinking about bad things that might happen in the woods, things that hadn’t occurred to Tobal since his first weeks of training. Many clansmen were excited about the six of them soloing and they were given lots of support and encouragement. Nicky kept staring at Tobal’s face, finally she blurted out. " What happened to your face anyway?" Tobal was caught by surprise and off guard. "I was attacked by a wild animal that knocked me down. I fought it off and was really lucky", he lied. "I almost lost the sight in this eye", and he fingered the long scar around his right eye. Nicky said, "It makes you look kind of sexy and dangerous", and it was her turn to blush. Rising to her feet, she crossed over to where Tobal was sitting and crouched down in front of him putting her arms around his neck. "Very sexy", she whispered and kissed him deeply and passionately on the lips pulling his hand against the top of her breasts where her robe lay casually open at the top. Then she stood back up and walked toward the kitchen to refill her mug of beer. Tobal was stunned, then pleased. In this camp there were many scars and tattoo’s and each one had a story. In fact, the more scars or tattoo’s a person had, the more stories that went with them. Wayne was planning on getting matching tattoo’s with Char. They were debating what tattoos would look right and the best places to have them. There was an awkward silence but it passed and everyone started talking again about the coming solo. After awhile one of the red cloaked figures came toward their group. She was a medic named Ellen. Tobal recognized her as the High Priestess that initiated him. She asked if everyone was ready for circle. A few hours later Tobal and the others were at the circle entrance waiting and watching as it was cast and purified. The older members were gathered around. The central bonfire was piled high and the smaller fires at each of the quarters burned merrily. The High Priestess and High Priest cast the circle and Tobal watched with interest as they worked closely together. They stood together before the stone altar that was set on the northern side of the central fire. The High Priestess handed the High Priest a bowl of water. As he held it she put the tip of her knife into it. "I purify you spirit of water, banishing all impurities and illusion. May you be charged with the power, strength and love of the Lord and Lady. Blessed be!" Then the High Priest put the bowl of water back on the altar and picked up a bowl of rock salt handing it to the High Priestess. She held the bowl as he put the tip of his knife into it. "I purify you spirit of salt, banishing all impurities and evil. May you be charged with the power, strength and love of the Lord and Lady. Blessed Be!" Then he took the bowl of consecrated salt from the High Priestess as she picked up the bowl of consecrated water. They faced each other and he poured the salt slowly into the bowl of water and set his empty bowl down on the altar. He stayed there as the High Priestess set her bowl on the altar and began casting the circle with her knife. She started in the north west corner of the circle directly where Tobal and the others were standing and moved deosil walking the perimeter of the circle saying. "May this circle be a meeting place of love, joy and truth. Shield us against evil, protect us and direct the power we shall raise tonight. In the name of the Lord and Lady, So mote it be." The High Priest joined her as they both came back to the circle entrance. With her knife she opened a pathway for them to enter the circle. Then she and the High Priest began to admit members into the circle with a hug and kiss spinning them clockwise into the circle. The High Priestess greeted the males and the High Priestess greeted the females into the circle until everyone was within the circle and seated. The entry was sealed and the High Priest took the bowl of water and started at the North signal fire behind the altar sprinkling it with the water and salt mixture. He continued around the circle stopping at each quarter sprinkling the water and salt mixture intoning. "I purify you with water." Coming once more to the North he continued around the circle sprinkling each member with water and blessing them. As he was doing this a different Master in a red cloak took up a smoking smudge of sage and stopped at each quarter waving the smoking smudge saying. "I purify you with air." She continued around the circle blessing and purifying each circle member. Another Master took a flaming torch from the central bonfire and purified the circle and members with fire. Only the High Priestess and High Priest had their hoods down. The other red cloaked figures had large hoods that covered their faces and hid their identities. Tobal only recognized Ellen as the HighPriestess. The High Priestess went to the East of the circle and drew an invoking pentagram of air with her knife. "Watchtowers of the East, powers of air. I call upon you to be with us tonight." Moving along the edge of the circle to the South Quarter she traced a matching invoking pentagram of fire in the air in front of the signal fire. "Watchtowers of the South, powers of fire. I call upon you to be with us tonight." Moving to the west she traced an invoking pentagram of water in front of that signal fire. "Watchtowers of the west, powers of water. I call upon you to be with us tonight." Moving to the North she traced an invoking pentagram of earth in front of that signal fire. "Watchtowers of the North, powers of Earth. I call upon you to be with us tonight." Tobal suddenly felt an electrical tension that filled the circle. It was a powerful energy but also quiet and balanced. He sensed each of the four energies and wondered at their uses. Returning to the altar in the North, the High Priestess made the sign of the cross and turned with her back facing the altar. Her robe slipped to the ground displaying her naked body in the fire light. The High Priest with his right fore finger touched her right breast, left breast, womb, and back up to her right breast making a downward pointing triangle. "I invoke and call upon the eternal Lady that is deep within you and has always been within you from the birth of your physical body and from the birth of your eternal soul. Join us in peace and love within our circle and give us your blessings." The High Priest stepped back and waited silently. The High Priestess opened her eyes and Tobal could swear it was not the same person. Her eyes and voice took on a power and authority that filled the entire circle. "Let there be Love." Slowly they traded places and the High Priest stood with his back to the altar and his robe slid to the ground exposing his hard and muscled figure. The High Priestess with power and authority touched him first on the center of the forehead, then the left shoulder , the right shoulder and back to the forehead once more making an upward pointing triangle. "I invoke and call upon the eternal Lord that is deep within you and has always been within you since the birth of your physical body and the birth of your immortal soul. Join us in energy and light within our circle and give us your blessings." Then she stood back and waited. The High Priest opened his eyes and responded spreading his arms wide in blessing. "Let there be Light!" Tobal could feel energy filling the circle. It was charged with a type of static electricity and was feeling hot and stuffy, almost a little uncomfortable. He also felt the presence of the Lord and Lady within the High Priest and High Priestess and wondered at it. The High Priestess and the High Priest then stood side by side facing the East holding hands as she intoned the charge of the Lord and Lady as he first heard it during his initiation. He felt deeply stirred at the memory and suddenly he could see and feel both the Lord and Lady leaving the High Priest and High Priestess and taking their place above the central fire. He sensed them in his mind looking down in blessing and filling the circle with love, peace and healing. It seemed they looked directly toward him and smiled in welcome. |
| In the meantime it was spring and life was abundant. Flowers bloomed in the meadows and insects flew and crawled all over. Tobal learned to make containers and drinking cups out of the green bark of birch trees and boiled water in them. He used them to make teas and ointments that kept the deerflies and ticks away. His skin became tanned and his muscles hard from the constant exposure and work. He could stay outside in any weather and walk the entire day without being exhausted. By the end of the second week Tobal was living completely on his own food. He was not only finding food but was providing food for Rafe to eat. He still had trouble cooking though. Nothing he cooked tasted as good as the mouth watering victuals that Rafe provided. Still Rafe never complained. Tobal learned the importance of keeping his knife razor sharp, both of them. He kept the one from his initiation on his belt and his old knife strapped to his right leg above his ankle just as Rafe did. By the end of the second week he was getting bored with the monotony of the daily grind and the constant need to keep busy. He was looking forward to something new. They moved out from Rafe’s small valley and travelled in different directions meeting up at designated spots on the map every other day. Tobal became proficient with the map and with triangulating where he was at any given time. He spent some evenings alone and others with Rafe. The evenings he spent with Rafe were spent creating different kinds of shelters and sleeping in them. He was amazed at how many things could be used for shelter. But they all had the bed made of soft fragrant pine boughs and he followed the first rule of never sleeping on the ground if it could be avoided. Leaning trees that had fallen provided shelter when combined with the gray poncho material. Two trees and his walking stick lashed between them became an impromptu tent. Lean-to shelters were easily made and he also made a small teepee using the gray blanket material. The need for water was always present and he never strayed too far from a good supply of it. He learned where to look for fresh water springs and waterholes. He also learned to collect rain water with his poncho or blanket and fill his canteens and other containers. Rain water was fresh and didn’t need to be boiled. Water from stagnant pools needed to be boiled before drinking. He practiced continuously with the sling and his bow. He got his first deer at the end of the third week. He was really excited even though there was too much meat. They spent two days slicing and smoking it into jerky that could be stored away to eat later. It made his pack much heavier and he cached some carefully in a tree marking the spot on his map so he could return to it later. Once in awhile they would see an air sled in the distance with a medic on it. They would wave and sometimes the medic would wave back. Medics were not allowed to interfere with the Apprentice degrees unless there was an emergency but they did keep an eye on things. It was during the fourth and final week that Rafe asked Tobal to look at the map and decide where he was going to solo. He should also start thinking about where he was going to be training people. He recommended Tobal stay roughly within 60 miles of the gathering spot. "Where are the others?", he asked Rafe curiously. "We don’t move around too much unless we are training someone", Rafe answered. "The Journeymen usually find a permanent spot and no one bothers them. Many of the older Apprentices do too. That’s why we haven’t seen anyone. Still, a lot of the nicer spots have been taken and it’s getting harder to find an area that someone has not at least passed through. We encourage the newbies to stay within 30 miles of the gathering spot so we can keep an eye on them. Since there are normally not more than seven or eight training at any given time there is lots of space and it’s easy to stay out of each other’s way." Tobal enjoyed the rugged outdoor lifestyle and the solitude. He felt a quiet confidence in his growing ability to survive and was looking forward to his own solo that was rapidly approaching. The fourth week was different than the first three. It was travel, travel and more travel. Rafe knew where several people lived and they set out to visit them. The meaning was clear. Rafe wanted Tobal to be able to go for help and find someone if it was needed. He also wanted Tobal to know who his friends were. Once when they were going through the woods Rafe stopped him and motioned him to be silent. He pointed at three figures in black that were going through the woods at a fast dog trot. "There are some people, particularly in the Journeyman degree", Rafe said later, "that have gone off the deep end and gone rogue. These Journeymen will ambush a person, destroy his or her belongings, take their supplies and leave them helpless. It is a real danger that must always be kept in mind. Fourtunately the rogues do not stay close to the gathering spot. They are not very good woodsmen and can barely survive on their own during the winter. That’s probably why they prey on others. Usually they prey on other Journeymen that have set up permanent camps and take their winter supplies. It always pays to be careful. If possible, know who you are visiting, some might make you welcome and some camps might be dangerous. I don’t think there is any danger of being killed", Rafe said, "but there is always the possibility of being injured and put in the hospital or something. The medics might not be able to get there in time. If you ever run across something that is not yours, leave it alone. There is no need to get anyone pissed off because you messed with their stuff." With that final warning they headed back toward the gathering spot and the monthly circle celebration. |
| Tobal pulled out his cord and undid all the knots in it. He aligned the red line on his compass for a northeast heading and surveyed the landscape seeking the best pathway through it. Choosing his route between trees he set out purposefully with Rafe following cheerfully behind him. It was rough going the next three days. He didn’t need to worry about water because it rained all the way to Rafe’s camp. Tobal was glad for the makeshift woolen poncho that kept him halfway warm even when it was wet. It was miserable travelling. He made a hat to keep body heat from escaping out the top of his head. It was welcome protection from both the sun and the rain since Tobal had fair skin that burned easily. Rafe had been insistent he had some type of head covering. One of the quickest ways of loosing body heat was not having your head covered. Sun stroke and sun burn could be dangerous killers. In the wilderness these things were not to be taken lightly. Tobal learned to move carefully and deliberately in the rain and slick mud. Rafe continued his education by pointing out and gathering herbs. The unceasing rain made the snow disappear almost overnight. He explained about tinder and how to find good dry firewood even in the rain. Tobal learned to always have enough dry tinder and kindling to start a fire. He carried it with him in a pouch on his belt. The pouch was created by cutting some of the fabric off the poncho. He used the sewing kit to sew it together. He also used the sewing kit to mend some of his socks. He made it a habbit to gather small pieces of firewood as they went along so he didn’t need to look so hard for it at night. While it was more weight to carry, it was easier than looking in the rain and darkness for dry wood. Each evening Tobal would select the campsite and start the fire under Rafe’s supervision. Together they would gather the rest of the evening’s wood and take turns preparing the meal. At night they set snares for small animals. In the morning they would check the snares and sometimes they would be lucky. Often they would find only an empty snare. They couldn’t get warm enough in the constant drizzle but the fire did feel good even if they couldn’t get dry. During the day they also hunted for small game. Rafe and Tobal each cut a long strip of fabric and made a sling out of it. Together they practiced with small stones at various targets. The first day Rafe hit a rabbit and that night they ate rabbit stew. There was always some kind of greens for a salad. Small animals were not all they would eat. Rafe showed him how to break open rotten logs and find the grubs within them. "They are better cooked in something", Rafe grinned as Tobal fought off a wave of nausea. "Still, they are better than not eating at all. The large wood ants have a lemony flavor but you need to make sure you bite them hard before swallowig or they will try to crawl back up." By water they set traps overnight for fish and set snares for small animals. If they caught anything it was usually a rabbit or squirrel and went into the stew or was simply roasted. They ate the fish immediately. At noon every day Tobal triangulated his true position on the map and made small corrections in their course. At times he rethought the best route to Rafe’s camp from their current position. The wilderness often looked much different than it did on the map and the differences took some getting used to. Some areas that looked passable on the map certainly did not look inviting in real life and other times it seemed appropriate to take a short cut that had not been considered. In all this Tobal was the guide and Rafe simply listened and followed. Once in awhile he would make a comment about some of the changes in the plan that Tobal proposed but he went along with them. At times Tobal realized he had made a mistake and hours were spent retracing the way back to their starting point. Still, with each success and miscalculation he learned more about both reading the map and moving through rough country. Late afternoon of the fourth day they arrived at Rafe’s base camp. The rain had stopped but they were soaked to the bone. It was a secluded valley and Rafe had to show Tobal the hidden entrance or he would never have found it. The main camp was a large teepee with several small outbuildings made of logs. He had his own sweat lodge built next to a small mountain stream. There was also a rack for smoking meat and making jerky. The first thing they did was get into some warm dry clothes and fix a decent meal. The rest of the first week passed quickly. They stayed in the area and set traps for fish and snares for smaller animals. Tobal learned the ways of each animal he hunted. Rafe showed him the game trails and what the individual tracks of each animal looked like. They smoked the fish and other meat so it would keep and not spoil. In the evenings at the campfire Rafe had him work first on a bow and then on some arrows so he could hunt larger game. He learned how to skin and dress the smaller animals like beaver, muskrat and mink. He would carefully stretch and dry the pelts for later use as winter clothing. He learned the basics of tanning leather and made his first leather crafted items. The weather was turning too warm to be wearing furs anymore and the pelts would soon loose their value as the animals shed their heavy winter fur. He could always use some leather though and concentrated mainly on tanning leather. Each morning they explored the area, checking game trails and sneaking up on animals without trying to kill them. They had plenty to eat and practiced stalking larger game animals like deer and mountain goat. During the following week Tobal learned more about tracking and how fresh an old track might be. He was getting fairly good with the sling and practiced every day with the bow. Rafe explained the best way to survive in the winter was to hunt the larger animals like the deer. Each kill would provide enough food for a week or more and in the winter it was very important to have some food set aside for emergencies and for when the weather really got bad. Winter was also the best time for trapping animals for their fur. He would need some winter clothing before it got really cold and this was as good a time to learn as any. He could make some things now while the furs were prime and keep them at Rafe’s camp until he needed them. |
| Tobal thrilled at being called ‘brother’ but a chill feeling of dread swirled around his tailbone. What had he gotten himself into, he wondered. The events of last night’s party were hazy and he didn’t remember much. He did remember the initiation though and how powerful it had been. He said as much to Rafe. "You’ll have plenty of opportunities to participate in other initiations and experience them more completely." "In fact", he grinned, "you can have an active part in every circle and initiation from now on if you choose. It is an important part of your spiritual training. That’s how we do it out here." As they walked toward the center of the camp Tobal was surprised at how big it was and how many permanent log buildings had been built. This was his first real opportunity to see the camp in daylight. There were permanent structures like the sweat lodge nestled near a clear pool of mountain stream water. Others seemed to be just empty sleeping quarters. The larger log building where they were headed was the galley and stood out from the others. Teepees were being taken down and put away. It seemed some of the empty buildings were used for storage. The teepee seemed to be the favorite for those desiring a little more privacy. They were built with long poles lashed together at the top and spread out in a conical shape at the bottom. They were covered with the gray woolen material that seemed to be used for just about everything out here. Many were insulated with heavy furs fastened over the woolen material and tied into place. Tobal wondered in an amused way how many trips through the sanctuary building had been made to get that many of the gray blankets. They were not the only ones getting ready to leave. Many others were already leaving or saying their final goodbyes. Tobal was trying to remember the names of people he had met and failing miserably. He felt good though and found himself looking forward to next month when he would see them again. In the galley they had a final breakfast of cooked venison, wild onions and sweet potatoes. With bellies stuffed, packs and canteens full, they picked up their walking sticks and headed out of the camp. They didn’t go back up the cliff but went down further through the valley and into the foothills. Rafe explained that nobody stayed near Heliopolis. His camp was about 40 miles away from sanctuary and there were other camps even further out. Most people stayed no further than thirty to sixty miles from the gathering spot though. Everyone was expected to find plenty of food and game in individual areas that were not over hunted and fairly private. It was mainly a nomadic existence, especially during the training phase. So you followed the food. At various times of the year animals would migrate and move out of one area entirely and into others. Winters were hard and people set up permanent camps with stored food caches to help survive when fresh food was hard to find. This time of year the weather was mild and the days were warm and beautiful. The snow was rapidly thawing and new shoots of green vegetation ensured they wouldn’t have to worry about adequate food in a few more weeks. There were small animals and new plant life everywhere they looked although it was still too early for any insects. Shortly after leaving the gathering spot Rafe said, "Give me your map." Tobal handed Rafe his map and Rafe marked an "X" on it. "This is my main camp", he said. "We will be heading there first. That’s where I will show you how I make things and what a permanent camp looks like, especially in the winter. We’ll stay there a week or two while I teach you the basics you will need to know. Then for the last two weeks we will go out and find you some new territory to solo in. Ok?" Tobal fought a knot of icy fear and managed to nod in agreement. He wasn’t quite certain about how easy this was going to be. Two weeks didn’t seem like very much time at all. "Ok, then", said Rafe. "You know where my camp is now so you lead the way!" Tobal was momentarily confused. Then he understood and took his map back. He studied the spot Rafe had marked and compared it to where the mark for the gathering spot was. He knew they were about ½ mile north of the gathering spot and tried to orient himself on the map. The map showed Rafe’s camp lay about 50 miles in a northeast direction. Damn, he thought, Rafe certainly isn’t one that likes living close to the gathering spot. It would take a hard two days getting to his camp, maybe even longer if the terrain was really rough. He noticed something else. Rafe was making certain his map had sanctuary, the gathering spot and Rafe’s own permanent camp on it. He felt a warmth of gratitude toward Rafe for that. If anything went wrong he would be able to find help if he needed it. Tobal sat down with the map trying to puzzle out the best way to get to Rafe’s camp. He noticed that it was in some very rough country which meant it would be at least three days and not two. "I don’t know if we can get to your place by going in a straight line." Rafe grinned evilly, "It looks like 50 miles in a straight line but it’s more like 100 the way we’ve got to go. It’s going to take us almost four days to get there." Four days! Tobal suddenly felt very vulnerable and unprotected. How in the world was he supposed to survive in this God forsaken place. He fought a rising panic and looked at the map again more carefully. Four days meant they were going to need water. He noticed a small stream 25 miles away and decided to make that their first camp. It was a little out of the way but he felt it was a good idea to stay close to water. He studied the map some more and decided the second day they could head straight north and set up a dry camp. The third day would be another dry camp and they would reach Rafe’s camp sometime on the fourth day. They would also reach water on the fourth day before reaching the camp. He explained his plan to Rafe and showed him the map. Rafe studied the map thoughtfully. "Ya, We can try that", he said. "You did a good job thinking about what you were going to do and made a plan. You also remembered we need water and that’s very important out here. It looks like a good plan and I’m willing to try it with you. Lead the way", he said. |
| "Hey, get up! Get up!" Someone was pushing and shaking Tobal. Groggily he raised his head. It was Rafe shaking him and grinning mischieviously. "Hey, c’mon. We’ve got a lot to do today. You going to sleep all morning?" Tobal groaned and put his hands to his head. He had a splitting headache and a nasty hangover feeling in his gut. Must have had too much of the mead and home brewed beer last night he thought morosely. He rolled over and tried going back to sleep but Rafe was shaking him again cheerfully. "C’mon, I’m not kidding. It’s a busy day. Let’s go get some breakfast." Tobal sat up and looked around realizing he had been sleeping in one of the teepees he had seen yesterday. He didn’t have any idea how he had gotten there. There were empty blankets where other people must have slept but they were all gone. He was the only one left. Sitting up he looked bleary eyed at Rafe. "What are we doing today?" He tried valiantly to ignore the throbbing in his head and the churning in his gut. Rafe gave him another light hearted, good natured poke with an elbow. "How does it feel to be a witch?" He asked cheerfully. "Perhaps I should say an Apprentice witch." He chuckled. An Apprentice witch?" Tobal mumbled. "I didn’t know I was going to become an apprentice witch! What the hell are you talking about anyway?" Rafe hunkered down on his haunches, "I keep forgetting your parents are dead", he said. "I can’t believe all of this is completely new to you. Most of us have grown up within the system and understand it." "Well I don’t", grumped Tobal. "Maybe you can fill me in on what I’m getting myself into here." "There are three separate degrees in our system", Rafe told him. "These three degrees correspond to the three degrees of the ancient mystery schools, the three degrees of ancient Freemasonry and the three degrees of witchcraft. We simply call it the three degrees of the Craft." "The first degree of Apprentice is concerned with learning the basic survival skills that will keep you alive in the woods during all seasons of the year. We are given gray tunics and trousers…by the way", he grinned. "How do you like your new trousers?" Tobal flushed and grinned back, "They are pretty nice actually. It was getting kind of drafty after they shortened my robe." Rafe snickered, "Well anyway, the color gray symbolizes the degree we are in. The second degree is black. You probably noticed your guards last night were wearing black?" Tobal grinned, he was starting to feel much better. "They were pretty rough too, but my guide was nice looking, that dark haired girl?" Rafe ignored him, "That’s part of the Journeyman degree. The Journeyman degree is where you learn self-defense among other things. " Rafe looked at him quizzically, "Do you remember how you have to train six other people to solo before you can enter the Journeyman degree?" "Yeah." "Well, to complete the Journeyman degree you need to beat six other people in hand to hand combat. That doesn’t mean how many times you get beat yourself", he grinned ruefully. He looked a little worried and Tobal couldn’t help but think Rafe was a bit anxious about becoming a Journeyman. That was probably due to his small size. It was hard to think Rafe could beat anyone in a fair fight. "What about the third degree then? What’s that degree about?" he asked curiously. "Are they the ones dressed in red tunics and robes?" "Yes, they are dressed in red." They are titled Master of the circle and accorded the highest respect. You never know when your life is going to be in their hands. Their obligation is to serve as emergency medics and to officiate during circle and initiations. They monitor the health and well being of everyone. You will see them riding around on their air sleds. They monitor our med-alert bracelets and are instantly alerted if our vital signs change through injury." He held up his silver bracelet to show Tobal. "If something ever goes wrong and we are badly hurt our wrist alarms go off and it is the third degree Masters that give us the medical attention we need. Sometimes they are too late or nothing can be done. Other times they will take us to sanctuary or the hospital for serious injury or illness. Basically they keep tabs on everyone and make sure we are healthy and doing all right. They serve as medics for three years. After three years of medical service they are accepted as citizens into Heliopolis." "Three years!", Tobal blurted. "It will take forever to become a citizen!" Rafe shook him hard and looked seriously into his eyes. "Don’t even think about becoming a citizen", he warned. "Focus on learning and living right now in the present moment. Get this right or you will not live to become a citizen." Tobal found his pack and carried it silently thinking about what Rafe had just told him as they went off to find some breakfast. The second day of circle was pleasant. Rafe introduced him to many friendly people he instinctively felt comfortable with. Tobal wondered how many of these new friends Rafe had personally trained and helped solo. He noticed Rafe was well liked by many circle members. Even more interesting was a certain section of the circle that seemed to really dislike Rafe. Tobal wondered why. This small group went out of their way to be disagreeable to Rafe and to him. After one roughly pushed past him Tobal asked Rafe about it. "What’s with those jerks anyway?" He asked. Rafe regarded him gravely a minute before answering. There are not many people claiming sanctuary in the winter. Some of these people have been Apprentice for three or more years. They might remain Apprentice for the rest of their lives if they don’t grow up and train someone. They either have no interest in training or no one wants to train with them. Some people pick a partner to train, fall in lust, become sex partners and don’t care about advancing. Then there are others that want to advance and simply not enough people to train. It is highly competitive and you really have to hustle if you want to advance. I’ve made some enemies. You’re my sixth trainee in a year. No one else has ever done that before. Another thing is that I’m younger than most of the people here. Some of the older people really resent me. They not only resent me, they resent the newbies I’ve trained because I’ve taught them to be competitive too. Some of these old timers are finding it almost impossible to get anyone to train. They don’t want to camp out at sanctuary for weeks at a time waiting for someone to show up like I did waiting for you. They are getting older and blaming the people I’ve trained for taking all of the newbies. There are some hard feelings out there and some day something is going to happen. That’s why you have to be careful. Not everyone here is friendly. Some people would like to see you or me disappear or come up with a broken leg or something. Watch you back brother, watch your back." |
| Chapter 8-The Party Gripping his right thumb the High Priestess expertly made a small cut. "You signed the oath with a pencil but your Higher Self signs with the blood of your life." She took his bleeding thumb and placed it on top of his signature. Then both she and the High Priest placed a drop of their own blood over his saying, "I know you as a beloved brother. Our blood is forever mingled. I will defend and help you according to my Higher conscience and Higher Self to the best of my ability." She gazed intently into his eyes, "Look at this oath that you have signed, witnessed by your Higher Self." Turning she stepped and threw it into the bonfire. He started as the paper burst furiously into flames. She continued, "As a symbolic act this paper is consumed and purified by the flame of the bonfire until nothing is left but your pure intent. So also in reality may all levels of your being find their true place in the transforming fire of the Lord and Lady that are both found within your own heart. Your commitment and oath is between you and the Lord and Lady. It is not a matter for us. This simple act is a token and symbol of your desire to live in the spiritual light and to be purified in mind, body and spirit." "Yet, this is not enough", she continued. She took his wine skin and drank from it before offering it to him. "Truly the powers of your higher self flow ever into your being and if you are open to the process your life will be changed forever. Let the chalice of your soul freely receive the wine of your spirit and experience divine intoxication thereby." At her gesture Tobal lifted the wine skin and drank the mead. It seemed to glow in the fire light as if it were full of some vital energy that had a life of it’s own. He felt the warmth and energy spread through him warmly bursting with energy and love. As the golden fluid poured down his throat into his stomach he could feel the warmth grow until he was standing in a large ball of energy and spiritual light. Then the High Priest and High Priestess both placed their hands on his head invoking the highest power of the Lord and Lady. The energy poured into him sealing his initiation forever. The High Priestess said, "I now salute you in the name of the Lord and Lady." Turning, she led him to each of the four smaller fires at each quarter of the circle and proclaimed loudly at each station. "Brother Oak has been consecrated Apprentice of our ancient craft and is become a Child of the Lord and Lady." As she finished the entire circle came forward in a wild celebration and swept over Tobal. The party had begun. |
"Powers of the East. Brother Oak is properly prepared for initiation as Apprentice into our ancient craft." He was led further and stopped again at another point. "Powers of the South. Brother Oak is properly prepared for initiation as Apprentice into our ancient craft." This was repeated two more times, once at the West and once at the North. Then she led him back near the center of the circle where he felt the heat from the bon fire against the front of his body. "You are about to be recognized as an Apprentice of our clan and circle. As an Apprentice you are expected to gain the skills to survive on your own in the wilderness. You are expected to take care of your own belongings and eventually set up your own household. You are expected to solo for one month to prove your mastery of survival skills. Following that", she continued, "you are expected to train six others even as you will be trained. You must do these things before you are allowed to progress into the 2nd degree of our ancient and holy craft. Do you understand this? Do you agree to do these things to the best of your ability?" "I do", said Tobal. "In agreeing to these obligations you have passed the test required and may now take the Oath of our circle. Are you ready to continue?" "Yes, I am." "Will you always help, defend and protect brothers and sister of our clan from harm?" "I will." "Then repeat after me, I, Brother Oak, in the presence of the Lord and Lady, most solemnly swear I will keep the secrets of our clan. I will never refuse to share these secrets with a brother or sister if they have been initiated as I was. I further swear I will not loose control of my thoughts, words, or actions. I will not use my powers for evil purposes and I will proceed with firmness and courage to the conclusion of this initiation. I will let my inner conscience and higher self guide me in all ways. I further swear by my hopes of a future life, mindful that my measure will be taken. May my weapons be turned against me if I break this solemn oath. So help me, Lord and Lady and my own Higher Soul." "Now we are going to take your measure." Tobal felt the High Priestess and someone else stretch a cord from the top of his head to the ground and heard them cut it. Then the string was placed around his forehead and a knot tied as thet measure was taken. Next he was asked to raise his arms and the string was placed around his heart where another measurement was taken and another knot tied in the cord. Lastly he felt the cord around his hips and genital area where a final measuement was taken. The High Priestess wound up the string and placed it on an altar that stood near the fire. "Before you are sworn, are you willing to pass the ordeal?" "I am willing", Tobal answered. A drum began to sound and he could hear the outer circle come alive as members began to dance and move around the circle. They gently pushed and nudged Tobal as they passed turning him until he was giddy and completely disoriented. This seemed to go on forever as a feeling of stuffiness, energy and heat within the circle became overpowering until the cone of power was raised. Tobal felt like he was about to faint. Abruptly the High Priestess called a halt and turned Tobal back to face the bonfire. "If you seek the light, you shall find it!", she shouted snatching the blind fold from his eyes. He was momentarily blinded and couldn’t see. "This bonfire is the symbol of the triumph of truth and wisdom. The light it gives is symbolic of the greater spiritual light you now seek." Placing her hand on his head, she intoned, "In the name of the Lord and Lady, I transmit this blessing of love and light to stir your higher self and bring you into the light." A tingling and pouring of light and energy flowed through Tobal. It was so powerful he felt dizzy and happy at the same time. The High Priest came up next placing his hand on Tobal’s head. "In the name of the Lord and Lady, I transmit this blessing of love and light to stir your higher self and bring you into the light." Again Tobal felt the tingling as a wave of energy swept through him. It was a different type of energy but just as powerful as the first. They felt different but somehow they also felt like they belonged together. He felt himself being torn from his body and pulled into a vortex of energy that swirled him upward to be embraced in the arms of a man and woman of radiant light. This must be the Lord and Lady, he remembered thinking before he collapsed. Later, the High Priestess helped him to his feet and showed him a small bowl of oil and clay goblet of wine sitting on the altar. Moistening a finger in the oil she traced a symbol in the middle of his forehead where his third eye was located. "I mark you with the triple sign." "I consecrate you with oil." Dipping her finger in the wine, she again drew a symbol on his forehead. "I consecrate you with wine." "I consecrate you with my lips", she said lastly and softly kissed him on the lips. Then she handed Tobal a piece of paper. He recognized the Oath of the Apprentice written upon it. "Now you must sign the oath you have just taken." Tobal signed the paper as everyone cheered and applause erupted all around the circle. Looking around the circle for the first time, Tobal saw fifty or sixty people cheering and waving cups at him in celebration and congratulation. After the applause died down the High Priestess handed him a pair of gray woolen trousers. "The color gray symbolizes the imperfections that are within each of us. As we strive toward the spiritual life these imperfections become harmless and as we accept them they in turn nourish our souls like the seed is nourished by the dark rich soil of the earth. Our imperfections help us to grow stronger if we use them wisely and learn from our mistakes." She handed a sheathed knife and belt to him. "This is your true weapon. It symbolizes the mastery of thought and intent over the material world. As you learn the art of survival in the wilderness you will come to appreciate how important this simple tool can be. It will one day save your life. You will also use this tool in your dreams as your spirit grows stronger and is tested by your personal fears and demons." As he buckled the belt and knife around his waist the High Priestess gave him a decorated wine skin filled with mead. "This is the vessel of the Lady, the Holy Grail of immortality. From this we drink in friendship and in honor of them both. It is the emotional joys and pleasures of human companionship that make life deep and rewarding. It is in sharing our lives with others we find purpose and reward. Life is an eternal celebration and it must be celebrated with others lest we find ourselves alone and unloved." "These are the tools of the Apprentice. In the second degree you will learn other mysteries." Then taking her own knife in hand she said, "Brother Oak, to learn you must suffer and be purified. Are you willing to suffer in order to learn?" "Yes", Tobal answered. |
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