Chapter 8

Drum rhythms and the movements of power were tools just like The Book, he could see that now. Important tools and like The Book said, ‘Without small wood no flame to catch’. Every step was important but it was the spiritual flame within that was of supreme importance. He was a complete beginner at this, thank goodness he had a guide in the Shaman.

He wandered around the park in the early morning light enjoying the peace and tranquility. The occasional jogger could be seen in the distance. He stopped by a fountain and could now understand the inherent beauty of flowing water. How the sculpture of the three mermaids arranged around the cascading water spoke of artists who understood the inherent meaning of pure flowing water. There was such a rich refreshing quality to the air, it emanated a sense of vibrant health, abundance and good fortune. The fountain also had a curious position in the landscape in relation to the nearby church. It seemed to act as some kind of anchor that nourished the land. Whoever designed these elements understood how to harness and focus them for the greater good of all. He noticed a particular area of the fountain was ideal for filling water containers, or meeting the needs for washing. This was a practical place, not used now of course but there it was, unchanged for who knew how many years. Could this fountain have anything to do with St James? He was the last sacred guardian of the land according to the Shaman. In his purified state of mind he could clearly see the connections and why it was all arranged.
“Hey, you’re that guy who was busking in town yesterday aren’t you?” a female voice questioned from behind. He turned around to see a woman with a baby in her arms. There was a strong sense of innocence and purity from the mother and child. It was refreshing to his soul.
“Yes that was me. Did you like the music?”
“Absolutely, it had me spell bound. I heard it floating on the breeze and I had to follow it, to see where it was coming from. It was most enchanting for some reason. It put my body at ease, we both loved it.” She indicated the baby, “is that one of your own compositions, I’d love a copy if it’s for sale.”
“I wish I could say it was mine but you know, I feel like it came from somewhere else and I’ve just been able to channel it, if you know what I mean.”
She nodded and understood exactly what he was getting at.
“It feels like it’s from another time, another age. Did I hear you’ll be holding a concert soon?”
“Yes, at the church a week on Sunday.” He found himself committing to the day of the eclipse without knowing if the church was available.
“Will it be suitable for young ones like before?”
“Most definitely.”
“Great! Not too long, I’m already really looking forward to it, thanks.” She headed off with the baby gently gurgling in her arms.
He looked at the woman walking away holding her baby and then at the mermaid fountain. Innocent hearts are a real treasure, he thought.

***

What time exactly was the eclipse he wondered. He retrieved the moon diary from his bag and looked up the date. Later in the afternoon next Sunday. He set off towards the church to see if the Reverend was there. No time like the present he thought. If this was meant to be, things would line up.
Entering the church grounds he saw the Reverend tending to some graves. He wandered over.
“Ah hello,” greeted the Reverend, “l see you’re an early riser too. What a glorious morning, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Today I am Reverend, and what a fabulous morning it truly is!” he agreed.
“How can I help? have you thought a little more on the idea of a concert?”
“Yes that’s exactly why I’m here in fact,” he said feeling reassured.
“Excellent. What date did you have in mind?”
“I was thinking of next Sunday afternoon?” he unconsciously held his breath in anticipation. Would the energies align?
“Well we have a service on Sunday,” replied the Reverend.
His heart sank. Of course there’s always a service on a Sunday. How could he have overlooked this.
“But that’s in the morning,” continued the Reverend, “the church is free in the afternoon from 3pm. Would that be any good for you?”
He could not contain his jubilation after his spirit had momentarily sunk low.
“Perfect Reverend!”
“Yes it’s ideal as I can announce the concert to the morning congregation. I’m sure many of the them would like to attend. The capacity of the church is a lot larger than you think.”
“Fantastic! I had a feeling that was the right day when I was at the fountain,” he pointed towards the nearby wooded hill.
“Ah yes the mermaid fountain. As you’re into your local history, did you know that it was thought to come originally from Roman times? There’s a tiled mosaic on the basin of the fountain. It’s been repaired many times but the legend is that it is very old indeed, with some tiles still being the Roman originals. Not many people see them as you have to know where to look.”
“I had no idea. That place feels special.”
He made a mental note to check the fountain out more closely next time he was there.
“If you can drop by a poster for your concert, I’ll put some on the notice boards around town,” continued the Reverend.
“That’s so kind of you, I’ll get some made up, I can already see how it would look. I’ll get right to it. See you Reverend, and thanks!”
With that he excitedly headed off into the sunshine brimming with creative ideas.

***

Back at his home he took out his notebook and immediately started to sketch out the design for the concert poster that had flashed into his mind. It was bold and simple with an old fashioned theme and a lovely border.
Would it be right to use the border from the church he pondered. No, that didn’t feel right, plus it was a bit complicated for the idea he had in mind. Well not the full symbol but perhaps he could adapt and simplify it. He’d give it a go. He set to sketching out the symbol and trying out new designs.

The afternoon passed by and at the end of the day he had a lovely prototype of the poster with a stylised version of the magic symbol border which hinted at its origin but didn’t give it away. He was pleased. Now he just had to confirm with the Drum Wizard and the girls that they could attend on the day of the eclipse and all the pieces would be in place. Following the flow was indeed effortless and fun he mused. Feeling tired but exceedingly pleased with himself he headed for bed.

***

He woke up with a feeling of anxiety. He had no job, incoming bills, no regular income, everything was hanging on a wing and a prayer. All he had was his ability to trust in himself and a sense that he was somehow being guided. He tried to shake off the feelings. It didn’t work. He struggled out of bed and wondered what he could do to shift the feelings of doubt. The precariousness of his situation seemed so real. It was logic. It was reason. Was he right to push those feelings aside? He could feel his family and friends all agree with his doubts and encourage him to take a sensible course of action. What should he do? What about The Book? What about a cold shower? He just wasn’t in the mood. What was the source of all these feelings. Was it something he’d learnt, a pattern of behaviour, and if so, where had it come from? The thought that they were a pattern and not his own, gave him a small amount of comfort. It also made him feel intrigued; if this was a learnt behaviour, what would his own feelings actually be?

Then he had it. His parents. He’d learnt this response from his parents. When he was young the family had had financial hard times. Both his parents had a deep sense of responsibility and duty to support and protect their home and children, doing whatever it would take to keep things going. During these challenging times they had always resorted to what they knew best, to work in regular mainstream employment. Working for someone else. A job that was dependable, safe, steady money, even if they had no affinity or love for the work. He’d experienced their secret panic that they’d tried to hide from him if there was no work, and knew how they’d struggled through these tough times.
It had all worked out in the end but neither of them had ever looked to their own talents and passions or creative energies to guide them through life. He could see this pattern ran deep, perhaps through many generations. Was he going to be the one to change this ancestral pattern. Someone had to be the first one to make the change. He sat with this for some time in silence. Then the phone rang breaking the spell. It was the Drum Wizard.
“How about practice tomorrow at 6pm?”
“I’m there,” he replied and hung up the phone.

***
He entered the barn to find the girls and the Drum Wizard already there.
“We’ve got a concert next Sunday, the day of the eclipse in the church if we want it,” he said, addressing them all, “the Reverend said he loved the music. What do you think?”
He knew this was a big moment. If the eclipse was the right time it would line up. He had to trust.
“Yep sounds good to us,” said the girls.
The Drum Wizard nodded.
Phew, that went smoothly. How could he have ever doubted? It was a little unusual working backwards by announcing the date and venue first before checking, but he also understood that if he followed his intuition things had a way of working out. That was a big test he thought.
“Great, I felt it was the right time and place too. I made a mock up of a poster to put around town.”
He pulled out a pad of paper from a his bag and showed them his idea for the poster.
“I love it,” one of the girls said, “tell you what, could you make a few copies to colour in? I’ve got some ideas.”
All the girls agreed this was a great idea.
“Sure no problem. That makes it even easier,” he said.
“What do you think of the name ‘The Knights Calling’ for the band?”
“Yes, yes, very good,” the Drum Wizard said, “you could add ‘Music from another world’ underneath here.” He pointed just below the band name.
All that was needed now was the Priestess. He wondered if the she could make it too. Just then a voice announced from behind.
“Yes and I love the poster too.” They turned to see the Priestess had entered. She effortlessly held their attention in an easy regal kind of way.
“How about a five pointed star just here at the top.” She pointed at the apex. “Inside the chief cornerstone,” and gave a him a look.
He got the reference and thought he could make the whole design look like it was inside a door.
“Well that is just perfect then. Meet at the cafe tomorrow to pick up the black and white posters?” He looked to the girls who nodded.
“OK, let’s drum!” said the Drum Wizard and they filled the space with their uplifting magical melodies and rhythms.

The group was starting to form quite naturally and it was fun, something he always looked forward to. He met the girls the next day in the cafe and gave them the black and white copies to colour in.
A few days later they met again at the barn for more music practice and presented him with the finished coloured designs. They were fantastic, full of light with beautiful golden colours that reminded him of the dawn they’d experienced.
“I see you’ve sketched in the eclipse there, and a picture of the church. Very good. It looks kind of epic, so much energy!”
“Thanks. I’m heading into town tomorrow to distribute some posters and to try a little busking. If anyone fancies it, come along. I’ll be setting up about noon.”
“I’ll be there,” confirmed the Priestess.
“There’s a chance we might be passing,” the girls said, “look out for us!”

***

It was Saturday and waking up early he had to pinch himself. His life had completely turned around and he was so happy with the music, his new friends, and the magical co-incidences ever since he brought The Book that fateful day. How fortunate he was to have found the path. His heart felt glad. Time to read The Book again he thought. Opening it he saw four large symbols filling the next page:

Ok, this is interesting, he thought. This feels like a new development. This was something to ponder he felt, and busied himself collecting his guitar and amp ready for busking in town. He’d let those symbols percolate during the day and see what came up.

He arrived in town and looked to set up his equipment in the same spot as before. It was clear as if it had been waiting for him. He’d deliberately arrived early as he had ‘seen’ himself doing the Shamanic posture to settle his body and connect to the energies of the square before playing. Preparation.
He stood silently in the stance and simply observed the world. Any tendency he had to tighten up when people looked at him, or anytime a loud sound put him on edge, he simply relaxed again and went back to that peaceful place of inner stillness.

When it felt right he picked up the guitar and started to fill the square with the enchanting melody. He imagined it floating on the breeze and down into the cobbled side streets like before, touching the hearts of the people. He wove the magical melody into the air and let the music grow organically, no rules. He had his eyes closed and hadn’t noticed the Priestess arrive. She joined in and proceeded to hold a perfect note that added stability and helped him develop the energy of the guitar. He joined in with his own voice and the pair gently explored the theme of the melody, both entranced, neither knowing what was going to happen next. It was as if the melodies and harmonies were writing the song right then and there. All they had to do was relax and enjoy the ride.

After singing and playing for a few minutes with their eyes closed something rather unusual happened, something neither of them could have anticipated. The crowd that had started to gather around them joined in with a new harmony. They chanted exactly the right tones at exactly the right moments. It was really beautiful. They opened their eyes at this unique addition and noticed the three girls had arrived and arranged themselves amongst the crowd at strategic points. They had seeded the new harmony and it had been so infectious the crowd naturally took up the musical bread crumbs laid out for them. Those girls were magic. Doing the bare minimum they had guided the crowd to bathe the town square in soothing otherworldly energies that before that moment no one ever knew existed.

***

The magic music had had its effect and at the next suitable moment they paused, holding the moment. Instinctively he felt not to do too much. If the crowd were left with a feeling of wanting more they were sure to be interested in the concert next Sunday. Right on cue the Reverend appeared again and stepped out of the crowd like a circus ring master. He held the crowds attention and announced the concert time and date to the highly receptive crowd. He handed the posters to the Reverend who held them up and admired their splendour. A few of the crowd stepped forward to ask if he had any spare posters as they’d like to put them in the local shops. A flurry of people stepped forward to donate notes and coins into the open guitar case. The Priestess beamed upon him a beautiful smile and the energy gave him a warm tingle up his spine. He noticed a girl in the crowd with a t-shirt of the queen of hearts on it. He’d seen that before and it gave him an idea to earn a little extra money. He could make a commemorative t-shirt design for the concert.

***

They met later at the cafe and he shared his idea for the t-shirt. They all agreed this was excellent and to use the money from the busking to fund the t-shirts.
Just then a Jamaican man stepped up and introduced himself.
“Hi, I’m Joel but people call me JJ. Nice to meet you. Saw you today in town, that was superb!” He enthused, “I was wondering if you wanted a recording of your concert. Is that something you’d be interested in?”
He remembered the woman and baby at the mermaid fountain had asked so knew there was an interest. In fact it would be a service as people could use the recording for relaxation or to help make a creative space. He could see this would be an excellent development.
“What do you reckon guys?” he said looking at the girls, “I’m ok if you are.”
They unanimously agreed as the energies felt good.
“Great!” said JJ excitedly, ”field recording is my thing. I specialise in being invisible. You won’t even know I’m there! You just do your thing and I’ll capture all that sonic goodness. We can discuss finances later when you hear the results.”
“Perfect. I’ll let the Reverend know what you’ll be doing.”
“Irie,” said JJ and with that left the cafe, leaving behind him the pleasant sound of the door chime ringing out. Somehow they’d never really noticed how pleasing the sound was before.

***

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Continues in Chapter 9…