by C. Gordon and R. Blough
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A thick layer of fog rolled across the Highland moor. It was like a giant hand closing its fingers around a walnut. It was the eve of winter in medieval Scotland. Four members of the powerful clan MacDoth met in the courtyard of MacDoth Castle to discuss an unfinished matter. All was ready for the journey of a life time. The four souls were venturing into the unknown to recover the scientific knowledge of the ages. Four hundred years before a Norse raiding party had come to Scotland. They had stolen all the written scientific information and emptied the minds of the villagers of any scientific knowledge. Life in the Highlands had been arduous ever since. People did not know when to plant crops since they did not understand the seasons. Occurrences like an eclipse or a flood were met with dread. Technology and almost life itself had been at a standstill for 400 years! Six months ago Duncan MacDoogle had discovered a map to the castle where the Norse leaders had supposedly placed the scientific information. If “Autumn Hall” as the place was called, could be found, a scientific awakening would take place amongst the people. What a difference this would make in life for present, and future generations. The group was lead by Robert MacDoth, the clan’s leader. His disciples were: Duncan MacDoogle, the old clansman who had found the map; Sarah MacDoth, Robert’s daughter; and Malcolm Hewes, a head strong young man who was in search of being someone.
MacDoth Tartan Storm clouds gathered and stirred the leaves at their feet, but it did not stir thoughts of failure. The journey began with the single step out of MacDoth Castle into the land beyond. With Robert in the lead, they mounted their steeds and vanished into the fog. They did not get far before the ominous storm broke. Torrents of rain fell and the wind was so fierce that even the horses could not stand. They built a shelter using sticks, leaves, extra clothing, their saddles and any other material they could scrounge. The four of them and their horses huddled together for what seemed like days inside the shelter. Finally the storm subsided. During this time much was learned about survival and how to cope with nature. Robert began a journal of this first adventure.
Sarah realized that they would have to find their way home. They needed some way to keep track of how far they traveled. With the help of Malcolm she came up with a system of measurement. Duncan would make a mark on the map everytime Malcolm counted out 1,000 steps. Sarah called the new system the “metric system.” As they were preparing to continue the journey, Duncan discovered some rocks that stuck together and to his iron saddle stirrups. He collected the rocks and experimented with their properties for the next few weeks of the pilgrimage. All the while, Robert continued taking notes in his black leather book. The map guided them to an endless ocean. They had reached the end of their known world. Robert found an old boat hidden in some rocks near the shore. They would have to leave their horses and continue by boat on the mysterious waters. Three days had passed as they approached a strange island. All of a sudden the island began to smoke and then spit fire. They were witnessing a volcanic eruption. Rivers of glowing, molten rock flowed down to the ocean making clouds of steam rise into the air. Cinders and ash covered their daring, awestruck faces as they watched in disbelief. Suddenly a huge wave tossed the boat about like a cork in a bathtub. When the violence finally subsided the four voyagers began to realize they were lost. What could they do on this mysterious sea? There was no land in sight, nor could they tell direction. Suddenly, Duncan remembered the peculiar rocks. He realized that if he floated a small sliver of the rock in a cup of water, it pointed the direction that they should be traveling. Duncan had invented the compass. Robert kept copious notes on their discussions and discoveries. It took two more days to find land, even with the new compass. With feet on dry land once again the four comrades searched for landmarks shown on Duncan’s map. Six days later they found a kettle lake (a small, round lake created by a retreating glacier). The lake looked exactly like the one on the map. They even found the glacier. The next disaster nearly broke them. A massive earthquake struck, knocking all four travelers off their feet. They watched the ground shake and tremble for nearly two minutes. It was like being on the open ocean again. Fear finally vanished as they began to realize that this was a natural occurrence, not an omen or a curse. Robert continued to write in his old leather book. Exhausted they pushed on toward their goal. They meandered through what seemed like an endless swamp. Finally, after four days in the swamp they found solid ground again. The problem was that Duncan had become very ill. Sarah and Malcolm tried to nurse him back to health using natural herbs and roots that they found in the forest. They debated for days about proceeding without Duncan. But since he had discovered the map and invented the compass, they waited out his fever. Robert wrote down what herbs worked and what did not. Another six days passes as the four companions traveled on. Then, as by chance Malcolm stepped down the sloping end of a mound and stood with his mouth open, staring. The other three caught up with him. The four travelers stared out across the plain as though what they were looking at was too wonderful to behold. “Autumn Hall” was indeed grand. Robert looked up at the sky and found that it was still there. He stared to one side and saw the trees waving in the distance. He bent his ear to the wind and heard the sound of soft, soothing music. As they moved toward the sounds a massive stone structure loomed above them. They cautiously made their way inside feeling soothed by the sweet music. Once inside, they felt a sense of security. Through the endless hall they trekked until they reached a great doorway. Robert grasped the ancient handle and turned it. With a long, deep groan, the door began to budge. Inside, it was dark but for a single candle, whose flame would never so much as flicker. It had a feeling to it, a strong, overpowering feeling of determination and motivation. It was the light that guided them. Suddenly, the soft soothing music changed to a deep menacing voice. The voice spread throughout the hall and it had an unearthly ring to it. “Why are you here?” the voice boomed. Sarah spoke meekly, “We seek the scientific knowledge of the ages taken from us many year ago.” “Why do you seek something you already have?” The voice questioned. “But we have no knowledge of science,” Robert said. “Knowledge lies in the hearts of those who seek to gain it,” the voice answered. “Look in that book you carry. It is overflowing with scientific knowledge.” All four stared at Robert’s journal. It did contain scientific knowledge. Knowledge they had discovered on their journey. Malcolm realized he really was someone! The four Highlanders rejoiced, realizing the knowledge is there for any one who is willing to seek it. “Autumn Hall” truly is a place of enlightenment.
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