The Prophecy of Gwydion

Disclaimer: See Chapter One
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Chapter Four:

The Valley of the Kings, Egypt...
August, 2000...

The hot and desert wind and the blishtering desert sun were what greeted the seven when they portkeyed into the site. Gringotts employed workers halted for a moment before continuing on with their work. Cassander moved away as a Goblin headed toward them with a man at his side; Cassander conversed with the Goblin for a moment before leading the pair over.

"Argent, I'm sure you remember Harry, Daniel and Xiao Xing" Cassander said, gesturing to the trio; he gestured to Alexei, Kaoru and Leifr. "These are Alexei Nikolaevich Ryazanov, Kobayashi Kaoru and Leifr Eiriksson".

The trio bowed to the Goblin issuing for formal greetings. Argent nodded and issued forth his own agreements; the Goblin looked at Cassander. "You have be cleared for the main tomb".

"Good" Cassander said, eyeing the man at his side. "I better not find the tomb distrub from when it was last entered".

"Now, Cassander... I'm sure no one distrubed the tomb" Harry said, placing himself between the pair. Harry smiled congenially to the other man. "Could you tell me where our tents are located?"

"Main entrance of the main tomb" the man answered. Harry thanked the man as Xiao Xing leaned over to Cassander.

"I can understand why you chose him as your second" Xiao Xing said.

"You mean besides the fact that he obtained five Masteries from the University of Avalon?" Cassander said, "or that he gained full honors from the University as well as three distinction in Curse-Breaking, Transfiguration and Defense Against the Dark Arts? Or maybe its the fact that he can read and speak Welsh?"

Xiao Xing gave him a smack on his shoulder. "Yãn shé yú" she said, pouting.

"Yes, I am" Cassander said, smirking. Argent snorted; sharp-tongue devil was mild for Cassander. There were several Goblin phrases that better suited Cassander. The group headed to the entrance of the main tomb; four tents were erected around the entrance. Each had a different color awning.

"Tent division?" Harry asked; Cassander nodded facing the group.

"Alright, we'll be in pairs... except Xiao Xing" Cassander said, "Shishi, the tent with the yellow awning is yours". The sole female nodded; "Kaoru, you and Daniel will be in the one wit the red awning". Cassander purposely put the two together, the gentle Healer would be good for the shy Magizoologist. "Leifr, Alexei... since you two are partners, the tent with the blue awning is yours".

"Where's Harry sleeping, Sandy?" Xiao Xing said, nudging her friend. Cassander scowled at her.

"Harry and I will be in the tent with the white awning" Cassander replied, "not a word, Shishi". The
Chinese woman merely looked innocent before waltzing to her tent; Cassander rolled his eyes before turning to Argent.

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The wards that both Cassander and Harry erected around the tomb's entrance were untouched. Cassander detected a ward with Argent's signature; Cassander looked at the Goblin, who shrugged in a definite human gesture. The Goblin obtained permission from Gringotts to join Cassander's team on site in Egypt until they found the next step of the journey. Cassander was surprised that Gringotts agreed. The team separated once they entered the tomb; they were scouring for any clues that would give a location to the other Diamonds. Harry was studying the mantle as he was the only one that could speak and read Welsh. Leifr, as the team's Linguist, was helping him.

Alexei and Xiao Xing were at the back wall near the mantel. Daniel was at the far wall while Kaoru was opposite him; Cassander was in the middle of the room, mapping the tomb out. He was conversing with Argent about the lay-out.

"I'm not finding anything" Alexei said, "Xiao Xing and I are finding protection spells". The two looked annoyed; Kaoru turned to face Cassander.

"It is the same with this wall" he said.

"This wall h-has the building i-information" Dnaiel replied.

"Harry? Leifr?" cassander inquired.

"Nothing more on the mantel" Harry replied. Cassander sighed, running his fingers through his curls.

"Maybe we're looking at this wrong?" Xiao Xing said.

"Maybe... Daniel, what's the building information?" Cassander said.

"Uh, height and width" Daniel replied, turning back to the necessary hierogylphs.

"Read 'em out?" Cassander called.

"Eight meters by five meters" Daniel said. Cassand frowned as he loked at the sheet.

"Something wrong?" Harry asked.

"We're missing three meters" Cassander said, "the tomb was measured out as five meters by five meters".

Harry looked around the tomb' to have three meters missing must mean that there was a secret room. But unlike other tombs, there was no visible way to look for a secret room.

"Secret room?" Leifr said.

"Question is... how do we find it?" Xiao Xing asked, "this tomb is hardly like other tombs with a secret room". Xiao Xing was right; Cassander looked at Argent.

"Don't suppose Goblins have any way of finding secret rooms?" Cassander said.

"None that would work" Argent replied, "if our magick worked on Old Magicks, why would we employ Curse-Breakers and the such?" Cassander growned and nodded.

"Good point" Cassander replied.

"What now?" Kaoru asked, looking around. "We have no idea if that secret room contains the other Diamonds or has their locations". Cassander crossed his arms, frowning; Xiao Xing and Argent recognized that look.

"Oh no, you get that thought out of your head, Cassander" Xiao Xing said. The Grecian-Spaniard
gave the Chinese Witch an annoyed look.

"I have to concur, Cassander" Argent said.

The rest of the group looked at each other confused; Harry decided to inject him into the conversation before it degenerated into a shouting match. "Mind filling the rest of us in?" Harry asked, "so we know what the hell you're talking about?"

Cassander ran a hand through his curls, sighing. "Harry, what do you remember me saying about my gifts?" Cassander asked.

"Uh, your clairvoyance comes from your paternal family" Harry said, "your empathy comes from your maternal family and your telepathy is spontaenous".

"Not sure where this is going?" Leifr replied.

"Under Greek Law, an Oracle is classified as having Clairvoyance and another mental art" Xiao Xing explained, "Cassander is an Oracle because he the indicated Clairvoyance and a second mental art".

"Prior to Cassander, there have been no male Oracles" Argent added.

"But there are male seers" Alexei pointed out.

"Oracles and Seers are two totally different types of Foreseers" Cassander replied, "Seers are precognitive... they see only one possible future". His vioce held everyone's attention; "Oracles are all cognitives; we see past, present and future. However, the future is like a spider's web, for each choice we make a possible future is laid out. Oracles by pas that subjectivity and see the direct future" Cassander crossed his arms; Harry knew that Cassander wasn't telling the entire truth.

"What else?" Harry questioned.

"Oracles also have the ability to see spirits" Argent spoke, ignoring Cassander's glare. "However, male Oracles have the particular ability to channel".

"Channel... you mean allow the spirits to communicate to the living using Cassander as a conduit?" Alexei said, "like mediums?"

Argent nodded; Xiao Xing looked angry. "But Sandy isn't doing it!" Xiao Xing said, "channeling is dangerous! There's a reason why male oracles are hardly born anymore". Cassander threw his hands up.

"Fine! Then what do you propose we do?" Cassander snapped. Xiao Xing opened her mouth when a whistle interrupted; Alexei stood there.

"Whoa, ease up... I happen to have the Familial gift of Pyschometry" Alexei said, "I'm sure I can reveal what happened". Leifr looked at his partner concerned but Alexei waved away his concern. He moved to the center of the room; "I also have Telepathy... is it okay if I link to all of you?"

The group nodded; Alexei nodded, sitting down on the floor. "Alright, let's begin" Alexei said, closing his eyes; the group their shields that naturally protected their mind. Alexei placed his hands on the floor; there was a blinding flash of light.

They stood in the dimly lit tomb; a few torches crackled, giving enough light to see clearly. Bodies were strewn all over the tomb, blood smearing the floor. Daniel looked sick; his face a pale white. Leifr helped steady the Canadian; Cassander was looking around the tomb. The Spirit Diamond that he and Harry possessed was perched in its place above the mantle.

"Your protections are strong, my friend" came a voice. The group whirled around to see two men; one was shrouged in the shadows of the entrance while the other was a golden-haired man leaning against a staff.

"True but I would still feel better if you still took the other three" the man spoke stepping into the light. Shock ran through everyone at the sight of a emerald green eye and an electric violet eye.

"Great Googamooga... it's Gwydion Wyllt" Argent said.

"That's Gwydion Wyllt" Leifr sad, "he looks like..." Leifr didn't need to say anymore. Harry and Cassander had already recognized that Gwydion looked similiar to them.

"When do you set sail, my friend?" Gwydion asked, looking at the man in the shadows.

"This night... we should be in open waters by dawn" the man answered.

"Then safe tidings and good winds, my friend" Gwydion said, turning back to the scene.

"Long life, my friend". The man departed, Gwydion surveyed the tomb, with his staff he turned over one of the bodies and seemed to frown.

"Fools... did they truly think that I would leave the Diamonds unprotected?" Gwydion muttered. He stopped and looked up and gave a small smile.

"Can he... he see us?" Kaoru asked.

"No, this is merely a memory" Leifr replied.

"Memory, be polite, lad" Gwydion retorted. Everyone started, flabbergasted; "I can see my blood flows true in two of you, good to know... to find what you're looking for see to the mantle".

The blast of magick knocked everyone onto their backsides. "Okay... ow!" Xiao Xing said, sitting up; Kaoru was rubbing his head while Leifr bent over a heaving Alexei. Harry was helping a dazed and disoriented Cassander up; Daniel was tending to a swearing Argent.

"Kaoru, I think I required your help" Harry said, concerned. Cassander wasn't act like himself; Kaoru knelt beside him. A gentle hand was placed on Cassander's cheek; everyone watched.

"He's alright... just a bit dazed" Kaoru answered. "I think that blast of magick upset his balance". Harry slipped his arms under and around Cassander's legs and back. "Alright, let's get back to the tents... I want to give everyone a check-up". Xiao Xing and Daniel aided the wobbling Argent (who was cursing up a blue streak in gobbleygook). Leifr was carrying Alexei. Slowly, they made their way out.

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Only Alexei and Cassander were greatly affected; Argent regained himself quickly due to his Goblin physiology which strenghtened him against Wizarding magick. The Russian was stretched out on one of the couches with his head pillowed in Leifr's laps. A damp cloth was resting on his head. The leader of the team was resting on the other couch being fussed over by Kaoru; the Grecian-Spaniard vehemently protested being ensounced in bed. Harry was sitting on the floor beside the couch.

Xiao Xing had taken over the kitchens and was making tea. Daniel was perched in a nearby chair; Phoenix was currently being tended to by the Canadian. Argent sat in the chair opposite him, grumbling. Bolt lay on the floor beside Harry.

"How is it possible for Gwydion Wyllt to have communicate with us?" Leifr asked, running his fingers through Alexei's hair.

"I-I-It could b-b-because Gwydion was not ev-ev-all that human" Daniel answered, softly. "Legends dic-dic-tell that Gwydion was p-part Sidhe".

"Part what?" Xiao Xing said, exiting the kitchen with a tray following her. A flick of her wand had the tea set laid out and cups distributed to everyone except Cassander and Alexei.

"The Sidhe, spelt S-I-D-H-E but pronounced S-H-E-E" Daniel said, slipping into lecture mode. Everyone noticed the lack of stuttering; "the Sidhe are cousins of the Fae. However, unlike, the Fae who use the four elements; the Sidhe are capable of stronger magick. Magick that can separate time and space... its been thought that children of a Sidhe parents were what brought forth the Oracles".

"So its possible that Gwydion really saw us" Leifr stated.

"More than possible" Daniel agreed.

"Did anyone else notice the similarities between Gwydion, Harry and Cassander?" Alexei said.

"Maybe an indirect ancestor?" Xiao Xing inquired.

"Gwydion was Welsh... my family have been in Spain for quite a while before Gwydion" Cassander said, "ancestors of the De la Vega Familia came from Italy".

"So its not possible for you to be related" Xiao Xing stated.

"Highly unlikely".

"What about you Harry?" Xiao Xing inquired.

Attention was focused onto the second of the team. Harry looked thoughtful.

"It's highly doubtful that my paternal family is relation" Harry said, "according to records, the Potter Family entered the UK during the Norman conquest". He leaned his head against the couch. "But we are the Welsh branch, so it is at least possible".

"What of your mother's family?" Leifr asked.

"According what the Goblins of Gringotts have uncovered" Harry said, "my mother's line is an ancient family, long having lived in Wales. It's more possible that I'm distantly related through my maternal line".

Everyone was silent for a while, their thoughts drifting. "Something has been btohering me for a while" Kaoru said, "and forgive me, my ignorance but why exactly did Gwydion-dono leave the United Kingdom?"

"It was the early years of the Roman occupation in Britain" Harry explained. "Wizards long accepted Roman rule... afterall, young Wizards were educated in Rome... the muggle population rebelled". Harry shifted in his spot; Harry was quite possibly the best person to explain this as he learned much of this history in school while others learned it in University. "From the time Aulus Plautius invaded in 43 AD to when Britannicus was crowned King in 50 AD, Britain was in massive Strife". Harry propped an elbow onto his knee; "throughout Britannicus' fourteen year reign, it was plagued by civil unrest".

"Wait, Britannicus? That was Emperor Claudius' son that died, didn't he?" Xiao Xing said.

"He did but he didn't" Cassander spoke up. "Britannicus was the only one of the Imperial Family that possessed magick". Leifr snapped his fingers.

"So, they pretended to kill him but in reality but in reality sent him to Britain".

"Via the muggle way which took about four years" Cassander said, easing himself up. Phoenix flew over and curled into his laps while Harry got up onto the couch, allowing Cassander to lean against him. Alexei was also sitting up, allowing Kaoru to sit on the couch.

"Where was I?" Harry mumbled.

"Civil unrest" Argent supplied.

"Thank you" Harry acknowledged, "yes, civil unrest Britannicus was assassinated in 64 AD, leaving his wife and young son unprotected. Gwydion hid the pair until Uther, as the boy bcame known as, took up Kingship then Merlin took over as Royal Sorcerer".

"So civil unrest continued?" Kaoru asked.

"Very much so" Harry replied, "the best way to protect the Diamonds was to leave the UK". Kaoru nodded.

"Tomorrow, we'll try again" Cassander said. The group nodded and disburst, heading for their own tents and relaxation. Cassander and Harry were left by themselves; Harry absently combed his fingers through Cassander's curls.

"Cassander?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you know why our Diamonds changed colors?"

"Yeah" Cassander said, looking up. "Argent's wife, Èmeraude, is a Gemist... she explained to me that Spirit Diamonds change color to represent the fact that they've bonded to a Wizard or magickal creature and gives them a hit to their soulmate". Harry noticed the blush creeping onto Cassander's porcelain skin; he liefted the Diamond around his neck; staring at the electriv violet color. The exact shade of Cassander's eye color. He gazed down at the blushing Grecian-Spaniard.

Before Cassander could react, Harry had the blonde pinned to the couch; Phoenix squawked but landed on Bolt's head; the Hell Hound exiting to give the pair some privacy. Harry leaned down, capturing Cassander's lips hungrily; the Grecian-Spaniard Wizard spread his legs, accomodating the taller man between then. Harry waved his hand to erect a silencing charm; Cassander threaded his fingers into Harry's inky black hair. Harry's fingers danced lightly along Cassander's sides elicting soft moans. Cassander broke the kiss, gasping as he felt hismelf being freed. Harry looked down in the blonde; the two looked at each other. Lust darkening their eyes; Harry gently palmed Cassander's length.

"H-Harry" Cassander panted.

Harry leaned down, kissing and nibbling on Cassander's neck. He rubbed his thumb against the slit of Cassander's member. Cassander groaned, throwing his head back; Harry pulled back.

"Merlin, you're perfect" Harry said, kissing Cassander's throat. "I want you... to taste... to feel..."

Harry moved down him, pulling Cassander's pants down. He nuzzled the sparse hair there before licking up the lenght. Cassander gasped as he felt Harry tease his slit; he arched his back. He shoved his knuckle into his mouth as he felt Harry engulf him. His other hand flew back and gripped the arm of; Cassander felt one of Harry's hand on his hip, the other creeping between his legs. A finger rubbed his hole, ever so gently and ever so lightly; Cassander opened his legs as best he could with his pants still on. Harry looked up at him; eyes darken to a dark green. Cassander gasped as he felt the finger penetrate him; his grip on the arm, tightened as Harry's head bobbed up and down and the finger moved in and out of him.

He felt the pressure building up; he felt Harry's finger curl and touch that special spot. Cassander clenched his eyes shut as he felt himself come. Harry pulled back, licking his lips and Cassander opened looked at his lover; he pulled Cassander's hand away from his mouth toward his own hard member. Cassander moved one hand from the arm to Harry's neck; he toyed with the strands at Harry's neck. He gently undid Harry's jeans and pulled out the hard member; Harry groaned. Cassander looked down, moving his hand up and down the thick member; he teased the slit as he went. Harry rested his head against Cassander's shoulder, thrusting into his lover's hand. His groans were awakening Cassander's desire again; his member hardening. He thrusted his hips upwards, causing his groin to connect with Harry's; moans were drawn out from both of them. Cassander wrapped his arms around Harry's neck as the younger man settled himself against Cassander. They began rubbing against each other.

"F-faster" Cassander moaned, "gods, Harry, faster!"

Harry picked up the pace, rubbing himself against Cassander. Their actions were frantic, wanting the release. One particular thrust caused both of them to come. Panting Cassander looked up at the smirking English. He pushed Harry away half-heartedly. "Perv".

Harry merely smiled and kissed a cheek.

It may seem like they were moving fast but the truth of the matter was soulmates each possessed one half of the same soul being joined after being parted for so long.
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The next morning the seven wizards and one Goblin were back at it. They were examining every angle of the mantle, running spells the mantle.

"What are supposed to be looking for?" Xiao Xing asked, "there's nothing on the mantle that would give us a way to find the room". Xiao Xing three her hands up in defeat; Daniel leaned against the wall beside the mantle watching as the others gave possible suggestions; suddenly the wall turned causing Daniel to tumble backwards. His startled yelp caught everyone's attention; Leifr and Alexei threw their weight against the wall keeping it open until it was spelled open. Kaoru ran a scan over Daniel to be sure that the Canadian hadn't injured himself.

Cassander stepped into the room; his wand tip lighting up with a non-verbal 'lumos'. Argent followed, uttering a Goblin spell that lit the torches; the team gazed around. The room was small and unadorned except for a stone table with a chest on it. They moved over the table , Harry's wand pointed at it. The British Wizard ran a series of spells over the chest to see if it had any protection on it.

"All clear" harry said, opening the chest. The group crowed in; Argent being levitated up so that he could see. There was a scroll inside; Harry once again cast a series of spells to see the protection on it. "Preservation charms" Harry said, wandlessly casting a charm on his hands to protect the scroll. The group watched as Harry lifted the scroll.

"Papyri" Xiao Xing said, "fairly well done papyri".

Harry turned, allowing the eight to circle around; with the help of Leifr, opened the scroll. A beautiful script was inked onto the papyri.

"Welsh... odd, that" Alexei said.

"Part Sidhe, remember" Alexei said.

"Its a riddle... At ca 'r caregos 'n dri... To find stones three... Ddisgwyl at 'r Gogledd fel rhyddha... Look to the North so free... Chan 'r 'n beoth dywod... From the hot sand... At Herwyr dirio... To Raiders land... 'r caregos Anrhegais...The stones I gave... At Herwr at cadw 'n ddighangol... To a Raider to keep safe".

The group looked at each other. "Have I mentioned that I hate riddles?" Alexei said.

"Shishi".

Xiao Xing cuffed Alexei upside the head. "So, North" Xiao Xing said, "exactly how far north?"

"I'm thinking Scandinavia" Leifr said, his attention focused on transcribing both the English and Welsh versions. Kaoru snapped his fingers.

"Vikings! Were they not called Raiders?" Kaoru inquired.

"Yes, but of the five countries... which country?" Cassander murmured.

Xiao Xing, Harry and Kaoru looked confused; "five? I thought Scandinavia was only made up of three" Xiao Xing said, "Denmark, Sweden and Norway". The Chinese Witch ticked off three fingers.

"C-common m-mistake" Daniel said, "its a-a-actually Scandinavia is made up of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland". Daniel shuffled and blushed at the attention focused; Cassander noted that Xiao Xing's attention made Daniel go redder. He looked at the scroll, eyes skimming until he noticed what looked like a series of vertical lines.

"What's this?" Cassander asid, pointing a finger. Attention was focused back onto the scroll. All blinked as the vertical lines morphed. "Runes?"

"I've never seen runes like these" Harry stated.

"I believed these runes are Elder Futhark" Leifr said, "many of the runes used today are the expanded edition of the Younger Futhark Runes". Leifr jotted down the Runes just below the riddle. "Elder Futhark was used for Proto-Norse writing".

"They each have the own separate meanings as well as being part of alphabet" Cassander explained. Harry rolled up the scroll; carefully before turning it over to Argent. Cassander looked at Harry; "and the mystery deepens".
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Translation
Yãn shé yú (Chinese): Sharp-tongue devil