Chronicles of the Brittany Kings Chapter 48

 48

 

King Gillomanius having retreated to his castle defeated by Uther was enraged and not all the Lords with him wanted to battle then.

“Let the Britons take what is ours? Are we to be cowards to them?” The King sent out more messages to the other Lords to come forth. Meanwhile, Merlin reached the site of the stones, he proceeded to work.

“The stones may be buried deep inside the ground. We need to loosen the foundation to move it.” Merlin told the masons. “Firstly, let me consult the souls that reside here.”

Superstitions or beliefs, the druid took no chance to anger the souls there. He began the ritual at the site and once it was done, he called on the masons to proceed.

“I heard you raised the dragons once before.” Uther standing beside the druid asked. “Was it difficult?”

“Nay to that, Uther. If you explain your intentions, the passage will be provided.”

“How will we know of that?”

“When the stones can be moved,” Merling replied to Uther. It was then the masons who were digging at the stones called out that they could move the small stone they were working at.

“Bring to the wagon.: Uther called the mason. “Prepare the ships.”

The stones were dug and then removed to be loaded on the wagons or in some pieces they had to use two wagons on both sides to hold the stone. The mules and oxen were attached to the wagons and the effort was shared by the masons to move the stones.

‘We have little difficulty in the moving, druid.”

“When the restraints are off, the moving shall always be easier.” Merlin looked to the masons. Indeed work was smooth and to his surprise, the foundation at the stones was shallowed. He wondered then how the stones stood upright for so long with the weather lashing at them in the seasons. Old trees with long deep roots had been uprooted but these stones defiled the winds.

“It’s truly the works of the …” Merlin was interrupted by Uther.

“Did you say something, druid?” Uther asked. “I believe the masons are calling for you there.”

It was the distraction that Merlin welcomed then. He walked over and saw the masons uprooting the huge stone. Some of the masons were pulling at the ropes while others were digging at the foundation.

“Do you need my help, masons?” Merlin asked.

“Only a bucket of water will suffice, Our hands are full at the moment.” One of the masons replied. The druid left to face the bucket of water and when he reached there at the digging, he topple the bucket over the exposed foundation.

“It will loosen the earth there,” Merlin told the mason. “Heave now and later will have mead for the drinks.”

The water seeped into the earth and made it softer to move the stones. The masons cheered the druid and their combined effort moved the stone from it.

“Great work there, druid.” Uther smiled at the druid.

“It was a heavy bucket and I tripped there. Everyone needed a drink then, including the earth there.” Merlin then bent down to pick a handful of the wet earth. He thanked the souls that released the stone.

All this while, scouts were deployed at the perimeter to watch for any Irish army but none was seen.

Meanwhile, at the castle of Aurelius, the words reached him that Uther was moving the stones. He called on the servants to prepare the new site for the stones.

“I want the trail to the site marked with garlands of flowers and the people told of the stones. It will be from the beach to there.” The King was ecstatic “Spread the words to the Lords and other leaders including the clergyman. I want them there during the feast of the Pentecost.

Pentecost is the festival when Christians worldwide celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is celebrated on the Sunday 50 days after Easter (the name comes from the Greek ‘pentekoste’ that is translated as “fiftieth”). And 10 days after Ascension Day. Pentecost is the birthday of the Christian church. Because it’s the start of the mission of the church in the world. It’s the moment that God became present with his Holy Spirit in the world. 

“Let it be known as the day when all; the Lords, the clergyman, the servants, and all who are in this kingdom rejoice to celebrate the feast.”  King Aurelius made the announcement. He then wore the crown as the King and displayed it to all whom he met.

“I am your King now. I will be your King to unite all of Briton. There will be no war.” King Aurelius told his people. “Law and justice will prevail for all.”

It was about then when Uther arrived with the stones. He praised his brother on the task.

“It’s a King’s task and you will be one on a day to sit here,” Aurelius told his brother.

“It’s my honor to serve you as my King.” Uther returned the praise. “Long live the King. Long live King Aurelius.”

While all the praising was going on, Merlin had embarked on his task to erect the stones. The site was selected and the work to be done was set but the clergyman was keen to partake.

“It’s a pagan site.”

“Pagan or none, I will do it.” Merlin set on the task. He thought well to replicate the layout but he could not recall which was where. He consulted the masons who were there, but none could provide him with the answers.

“There is none which we can recall.” The druid was told.

“So be it, I will let the stars tell me the layout.” Merlin consulted the stars and soon he had the stones done. “It shall stand for generations. A task created by giants and moved by men here.”

“Let there be peace.” Merlin heard the King utter those words. The King had approached the druid to see the stones.

“There will be, my King,” Merlin added. “For all of Briton,”

Peace was welcome but not all were at peace in their lifetime, when greed overtake their desire.