Barry:          The temple walls show many reflections of the flame on the altar. By the altar are two black rods, made of stone shaped by the earth. We each take a rod. It feels warm in my hand. The flame intensifies and through it I see a vast desert, which stretches as far as the eye can see. It is baking hot, the air shimmers with the heat and it is hard to breath.

Rob:             We have made the transition to the desert. It is featureless, very still. There is an intense heat. I see a small black dot in the far distance. It is moving quickly towards us.

Barry:          Ahead to where the figure approaches is a very faint path. A jester approaches dressed in black robes. He is dusty and travel weary. He has travelled many miles to meet us.

Rob:             He says he sees my surprise. He is to be our guide for a while, at least whilst we are on the lower levels of the tree. We must cross this desert, but not unprotected. He pulls out baggy clothing with hoods that we wear to protect us from the heat. Beware of the rods, the stone contains large amounts of iron. They are powerful, but wrongly wielded bring great ill luck.

Barry:          The rods must not touch each other he warns.

Rob:             I have the idea of a man with rods in outstretched arms creating a doorway. The jester suggests we walk before we run. We walk South.

Barry:          We are behind him. He is more serious. The clothes are some help, but I still feel sweaty and hot. He says that we must learn to conserve our energy and use it wisely. This path can overwhelm the unprepared.

Rob:             From his bag he pulls a circular water bottle marked with a yin/yang. Within fire is  a small dot of water. We must use that element to navigate the other.

We are climbing slightly. I see a concealed hollow and within it are low sandstone buildings.

Barry:          Sand is piled by one wall. The wind gets up a bit.

Rob:             Eyes watch us from each house. All wear loose black clothes just eyes showing. These people are the Dumeden. The keeper of the flame. The flame as symbol of fire, the flame of knowledge. Fire gives light to the torch of knowledge.

Barry:          They are hostile to the unwary and unprepared. They guard the purity of the flame. We are prepared and have guidance, and do not seek the flame unwisely. They warn us to guard the rods, and that they need to be charged, but only to release that charge. Once we know what they are used for we are slowly charging them on our Fire temple journeys.

One of the Dumeden shows us a mark on his right cheek that shows he is a servant of the flame. They are a warrior people.

Rob:             One of the Dumemen leads us to a small house. We notice no coolness as we enter. There is a single room, with steps leading down. A hooded figure beckons and warns us again of staff. The steps are formed of granite. Inside are heavily perfumed scented candles. There is a gold flame on the door. The figure lifts up the hood. She is a beautiful woman. She opens the door, beyond is a temple. It is hard to make out the detail ahead.

Barry:          I see a white light that makes my eyes water.

Rob:             The woman stands before us her arms aloft. As she lowers them the light is reduced and we see an altar of black volcanic rock in the centre of the room. It is not side, still slowly moving. (?)

Barry:          Flames like vapour dance in front of the altar.

Rob:             She motions me forward to place the end of my staff in the centre of the flames. As I do it bursts into white light. A flame flickers on it. I lift the rod and the flame continues to burn, bubbling up.

Barry:          My rod bursts into a blue blinding light which does not burn me. As I place my rod into the flame, a figure flickers about. I am 10 feet from you and the glow from the staffs is half that distance.

Rob:             The Fool steps between us and the staffs glow brighter.

Barry:          We have begun the charging process. The Lady asks me if we want to see our internal flame. She passes her hand into my body. I see a ball of glowing metal. She shows that the ball can rust or be consumed in a vast flash of energy. Our path is neither. We must use our energy wisely. A staff is an external tool. My energy differs from yours, together they are compatible.

Rob:             The Fool tells us it is time to return. We take leave and step into the desert. The Lady tells us we must now guard our flame. We must light our own flame in the physical world. They must be kept lit and maintained by discipline.

Barry:          It is a time of action she says, but you know this.

Rob:             She makes an elaborate bow, which I return. The Fool does a mocking version and then does a backwards summersault.

 

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