The Seekers of Time: The Magic of Time., #1

By Ray Jones

Here, we shall travel across time and space to visit another dimension, and to experience the time of the coming of Albion to this land we know as Britain. To encounter, Uther Pendragon, and Merlyn, and the Knights of the Round Table, and his son Arthur. The prince, who must fulfil a prophecy, to bring forth the golden age of Albion. But Time itself is now at risk, as the matrix of space-time is about to unravel. Because, now, only someone without magic in their soul can save it, and our past, and the future from the power of the three Mages, who are also have the power to change Time. But this is a forbidden spell and can have terrible effects on the matrix of time. So must Merlyn reach into another dimension of space time to find someone who can break the Time trap that now holds the Pendragon family so that theywill never fulfill theirdestiny an dbring about the glorious time of Arthurs Albion.

It is left to the Seekers of Time, the Trueloves, to restore the Magic of Time, and to try to ensure that magic, will remain in our lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ray Jones
• Release date: Nov 25, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386366256

Book preview

The Seekers of Time.

Book 1. ‘The Magic of Time’ Series.

Raymond Leonard Jones.

List of Contents.

Part One.  The Trueloves.

Introduction.

The Trueloves.

What is in a Name?

Through the Time portal.

Part Two. Lyonesse.

First meetings.

The Chaldean Queen.

Urien, the King of Gorre.

The tests.

The Time Spell.

A Riddle Contest.

Nemain-De-Chille.

Gareth, and the question of time?

A Plan of Action.

Part Three. Kernow.

A boast to Kernow.

Din-Tagell.

Betrayed.

Brigantia.

The escape.

Attacked.

Kenan of Breton.

Part Four. Albion.

A fire Dragon.

Morgan-Ley-Fay.

A Council of War.

Part Five. Glaston.

Merlyn-Hu-Emery.

Gwendolyn.

The Circus.

Into the Cave.

The Deep Magic.

*

Part One.  The Trueloves.

Introduction.

Here, we shall travel across time and space to visit another dimension, and to experience the time of the coming of Albion to this land we know as Britain. To encounter, Uther Pendragon, and Merlyn, and the Knights of the Round Table, and his son Arthur. The prince, who must fulfil a prophecy, to bring forth the golden age of Albion. But Time itself is now at risk, as the matrix of space-time is about to unravel. Because, now, only someone without magic in their soul can save it, and our past, and the future from the power of the three Mages, who are also have the power to change Time. But this is a forbidden spell and can have terrible effects on the matrix of time. So must Merlyn reach into another dimension of space time to find someone who can break the Time trap that now holds the Pendragon family so that theywill never fulfill theirdestiny an dbring about the glorious time of Arthurs Albion.

It is left to the Seekers of Time, the Trueloves, to restore the Magic of Time, and to try to ensure that magic, will remain in our lives.

When, and why, did the people of modern times, lose the ability to use the magic of the matrix, and to understand the magic of Time? Or to abandon the ancient skills of their ancestors? To give up their belief in the power of their old Gods, and their different way of living. To lose the abilities of the paranormal, the gifts that were was given to the priests, Druids. The wise ones who could show the world of mankind, another way to reach enlightenment?

The history books will say it began in Britain when the might of Rome, set about the destruction of the sect of Druids, whom, they saw as a disruptive force and a hotbed for rebellion against their rule. Then, they tried to do the same to the Christians. So it was that the people were to and give themselves over to the search for knowledge, and abandon the gifts of the deep magic of the ancients.

However, in one dimension of space, and time, it came to pass, that there was such mischief done to gain a king, his desires. It was when the Mage and Druid Merlyn, used the dark powers, to allow the king Uther Pendragon, to enter the bed of Queen Igerna of Cornwall. So was the ancient power of the Deep magic contaminated, and his son Arthur was born in sin. A chain of events that was to lead to the end of Magic.

For it transpired that Igerna had another lover before this false liaison. This was the prince Urien of Gorre and Rheged, and they had a daughter Morgause, whom King Gorlois, in his innocence, believed to be his. So did he, and his queen, have two more children before the birthing of Arthur? These were Morgan the fair, later to be known as Morgan-Le- Fey, because of her ability to touch the world of magic.  There is another girl born of this first union Morgause.

It is when Gorlois is killed in a battle, in an argument with one of his neighbour’s, that Uther Pendragon, will see that he must claim his firstborn son, and he forces Igena, to change her name to Igraine, and become his queen at Camelot.

‘Oh what a tangled web we weave, when we act to deceive.’

*

What is in a Name?

This account begins with the Truelove twins, Gareth and Brigitte, and for them, the mention of magic and fantasy is a forbidden subject. It started at a very early age, when their mother died in childbirth, and they were brought up in a world with little love, and no magic or knowledge of the world of make-believe. But that was all to change just before their thirteenth birthday.

With a name like Truelove, one would have thought their parents, would have found a better name for their twins, not that their mother had much say in the matter, because she had died when they were born, and on that day their father changed forever.

Their mother Rowena was of Welsh ancestry, and she wanted a girl named Brigitte, and a boy Gareth. But she wanted a natural birth without the interference of the usual procedures, and the help that was available in a hospital, and she insisted that the babies would be born at home. But the birth was difficult and dangerous, and she was not strong enough to survive the birthing of twins. So it was that the father blamed himself for her death at the hands of the faith healers, who were the only people she had insisted attend the birth. When she died, Garth Truelove, saw this as his punishment, for giving in to this faith healing, and threw himself into his role as a minister of God, often forgetting his role as a father.

After that, he would have nothing more to do with faith healing or the world of make-believe and magic. Moreover, as he withdrew into his own grief, and beliefs, he insisted that his children would grow up without the trappings of the modern world. In fact, Garth would not allow any mention of magic, fairy tales and the fantasy world they were said to inhabit.

So it was that the Rev. Garth Truelove, was made the local Vicar at our Methodist church, he was never to marry again, and he employed a nurse and housekeeper to look after him and his children. Henga was one of the wardens at the chapel. Therefore, Gareth and Brigitte were brought up in this strict church, and a religion which hated magic and all it stood for. Not that they were not spiritual. Far from it, and they were brought up to believe in their faith, and the words of the Bible as the words of God. The Trueloves were keen Methodists, and they tried to lead a Christian life in the Methodist teachings. That was why they had to go to church on Sunday three times a day, and we had both been baptised and attend Sunday school. It was there that they learned to hate anything to do with Magicians, Wizards or Fairies. But even worse, was the mention of Father Christmas, and the commercialisation of the birth and death, of Christ, the lord.

Therefore, they grew up knowing almost nothing about the Tooth Fairy, and they quickly learned not to ask about Father Christmas. Instead, they were told about St. Nicholas, and how he gave food and gifts to his people, but they did have special treats at Christmas. Not the toys and Gismos of the modern age. But a rare gift of chocolate and fruit left in a stocking hanging from the mantle shelf. Not for them then, the visits to the Pantomime, or the cinema to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs or The Wizard of Oz, or anything to do with magic. Even their use of the Television was monitored, as was their reading material.

Perhaps, it is no surprise that the other children thought the Trueloves were odd and unusual. More so that we both had our mother's red hair and freckles everywhere. Or they we hated to be called the ‘Carrot top Twins. The result was, they were also incredibly lonely and only had each other for companionship.

*

This day is their Thirteenth birthday, and their father Garth had gone to his study, as usual, and to think about his next sermon, and to compose himself and seek the shelter of his faith so that he need not remember that terrible day thirteen years ago when his life ended. But sitting on his desk was that Picture. The one with Rowena and her sister Druana, standing in the Brecon Beacons she loved so much. Looking back now sitting in his study and refuge from the heartache there also was a new picture of the twins. He had not put it there?

Perhaps Henga had done so, she was always berating him for trying to forget his children. The picture had taken when they had started secondary school. Where had the years gone and so fast? Looking at the photo of Brigitte, with her unruly hair,  and her standing with ribbons in her hair, how it hurt, to see her forced half-smile, as she flashed her green eyes to show how she hated the Gymslip, and the white socks, that showed her white legs and leg freckles. He had to hold back a smile to see her large ears sticking out from her head at right angles, and her long spindly legs, and knobby knees. Her green eyes, Rowena’s green eyes and red hair!

In truth, the picture of Gareth was no better. He had tried to place the peaked cap at a rakish angle, and all Garth could see was his ginger eyebrows and eyelids that made it seem he had none. He also had freckles of course, and the grey shorts he was still wearing despite most boys of twelve were now in longs. But his grey socks were pulled up as high as they would go. At least his unruly hair had recently been cut, and Garth had insisted on cutting it as short as possible. But like Brigitte, they made his ears stand out like sails on a sailing boat. But at last, he was filling out and growing quite strong, as his frame filled out at last, as he was about to become a young man, his chest and arms were beginning to bulge out.  If this kept up, he would be able to join the rugby team, with that broad chest and short legs of the Welsh, nation.

Putting down the picture Garth took up the open letter that sat in the centre of the desk the message he had dreaded for so long. Yet another reminder of how time had passed so quickly.

My dear Garth,

I will make this short as I know how painful it must be for you, my dear. But the time has come when the Twins must be told of their true Birthright. Yes, I can see the look on your face at the thought of it, but if they encounter the Quickening without any protection... Who knows what damage it may bring to them and you? But I do not expect you to speak of this so I will be on the twelve O clock train. Luv Druna.

Druana Megan Jones was Garth sister in law, and she could not be more different to anyone he had ever met. Well excluding Rowena of course. So much so, that he glanced up at the mirror hanging over his desk, and to look at his own reflection and to wonder why his children could not take after him but with their Welsh heritage, how could they?

What he saw, was a tall, slim man with thinning hair, that he swept across his head to mask his bald patch; his skin was white and sallow complexion. Because he hated being out in the sun, and that was why he always wore a hat and kept himself wrapped in a black suit waistcoat and shiny black shoes, one could see your reflection in them. With his big nose and piercing eyes, he would look down on most people, from a pair of fierce staring eyes, and prodigious long and bushy eyebrows.

He had once overheard Druana say, ‘if he could transplant his eyebrows onto his head, perhaps it would help him be just a little kinder and gentle to everyone, and his parishioners.’ Not that she did not love him, of course. Love how false a feeling was that. It was love that had cost him the love of his life. He should have been stronger that day thirteen years ago and called for an ambulance!

The truth was he knew his children we were afraid of him most of the time! Even so, he would make sure he saw them each night, to kiss them a good night, and say. Be as good as you can be my darlings, and no harm will ever come to you. Just remember we love you so much. Sleep tight and mind the bugs don’t bite.

But he could not stop her coming and perhaps it was time thee children were told the truth of their mother's death. And, it was fair to say, that apart from the infrequent visits from auntie Druan, on their birthdays, and the odd Bank holidays, her visits were one of the few highlights of their year. This year, as a special treat, and he had a surprise for them.

They were going to plant a tree to celebrate their birthday. Today, was Christmas Eve and in celebration of their Celtic heritage, the Twins were to be allowed to go with their Aunt, to the local garden centre, and there to choose a particular tree they could plant in the forest, and one they could visit, and see it grow. Rowena had always had a fondness for trees, of any sort shapes or size?

Auntie, Jones, was a farmer in the Welsh mountains had she also had dark black hair, that was prodigious and thick, She also had turquoise going on green eyes that were hidden beneath a pair of large black eyebrows, and she was huge in so many ways. Both in her wide hips and her wide grin and laughing eyes, and her enormous personality. In fact, with her, relaxed, and friendly manner, the house would be filled with joy and laughter. Much to his annoyance and the Germanic stern Henga. For whenever she came to stay, he had tried to hide away in his study, leaving Henge to deal with her. Just why he allowed her to visit at all, was something of a mystery. Of course, the children would ask the usual questions that he could not bring himself to answer, except to say

‘Your auntie Druana, is a throwback, to the Welsh blood in her, you must take anything she tells you with a great pinch of salt my dears. Come, we will not speak of her and her fantasies!’ he would say when asked. For that side of the family was always kept away from their lives...

The arrival of Mrs Jones and her belongings was as chaotic and confusing as ever as she came loaded with all sorts of things that the children were not usually allowed, so many jars of pickles cakes, biscuits, fudge, and homemade goodies, she must think they were starved. So he had greeted her with a kiss on each of her ruddy cheeks, to see she had put on a few more pounds since last year. Her welcome was a great hug against her ample bosom and to glare at Henga, who scuttled away to the safety of her kitchen. Hoping against hope that the Welsh mad woman would not invade her domain. Fat chance of that then, thought Garth, but he could see the delight on their faces, and he could not begrudge them this week and thus special Christmas Holiday. Perhaps it would snow. And she would have to leave early?

It was the next day and Christmas Eve that they were to go to choose a tree, not a Christmas tree. But a Spruce would be just fine.

After saying their goodbyes, and obtaining a promise from Druna to be careful of her charges and be sure to be back for tea. Henga had slammed the door shut as if wiping her responsibility away for their care and to express her disdain for this outing. They had set out in their battered old land rover, with the eldest twin Gareth in the front seat and Brigitte in the back.

While they had been within in minutes of each other, they were not identical twins. Gareth is always the steady and studious one. A lot like his father, who wanted to think things through and take his time before acting, while Brigitte is the opposite, perhaps a little wild and impetuous, always following what her heart and her emotions told her what to say and act., to That was why she was sitting in the back seat. That was why she had always resented that Gareth thought he was in charge of her, and why she had argued about sitting in the back while her brother was to sit up front., and it had taken Druna to say.

Look, children, Gareth is the oldest by fifteen minutes, so that he will sit in the front and that my girl, is that.

That is why Brig, as she liked to be called, had set out, full of good intentions to be good. But hoping that Auntie Druana would find some way to make the outing fun, as she always did when they could escape the confines of home. But first she would exact a promise, that this would be their secret, and birthday treats, on this, their special Fun day Out.

A secret auntie, we are not allowed any secrets. Brig had said, knowing they were not allowed secrets and Gareth could not lie to their father if he were asked about the day.

Well, now, we shall see what we shall see, won’t we, me Darlins... Druana had said with a secret smile.

Once they had come to the Garden centre, the first thing Auntie Druan had seen was the sweet shop Ice cream signs, and the second was the Santa Grotto.

Are you allowed sweets or Ice cream, Brigitte darling? her auntie asked. The look on her face was answer enough. No, well then, this will be our first secret. Moreover, once they were seated on a low wall, and the Ices were being savoured and licked to death. Druan smiled, and to say.

"Is this not a super winters day, the air is so crisp, and judging by those clouds we may have snow this year, wouldn’t that be wonderful is it not.

Gareth was not so sure for he hated snow, but his sister said.

Snow, oh’ yes Aunt. I love the snow, it turns everything white, and so soft and clean.

Indeed it does my sweet, we have a lot of snow at home, and do you make a snowman then?

No of course not, we are not allowed outside, Gareth said between licks of his strawberry Ice cream.

Well that is a shame, but these I creams are such a treat. I won’t tell if you do not. It will be our secret. You see I truly believe that I like chocolate best of all. They both nodded, not wanting to risk an answer, which would condemn them to agree with this naughtiness or to recognise the pun on their name.

Well, my dears, talking of secrets, well then, I must tell you that our family has so many secrets, one such is your true names.

Our names auntie, I am sick and tired of our stupid names, Brig exclaimed. "Who wants to be called Truelove? You should know that we are always getting into fights at school.

Only last week Gar had to stop me pulling out some of that Shirley Bacon’s hair, the evil bitch."

Brigitte my dear, that is not a nice word, but why were you angry?

"Auntie, I am sorry to show my terrible temper like that. But Sometimes I am called names like ‘Carrot Tops’ or freckles, and then they would try to pull my hair. Once, I asked Henga to cut off my curls, but she refused, saying it is my crowning glory. Why is that, do you think, Auntie?

Carrot tops well now, but you do have red hair, and I had to put up with far worse in my day. How about a Ginger dumpling, just because I was a little overweight. I used to kick them!

Did you, well Gareth is always getting into fights because he will not rise to the baiting they try to get him to react. They call him out on it. Saying such horrible things like Teacher's pet, and choir boy, just because our father is a minister. Sometimes it is, ‘watch out, here comes the Pretty boy’, and do you have a True Lover then, mother’s pretty boy? Or some such derogatory name. To speak of our mother, was the last straw, and then they would get their wish, and he would fight them. At least that has stopped now he has grown to be bigger than those bullies!

Brigitte had said, all this and her auntie could see the anger building as her eyes were so vast, and her hair was flying across her shoulders. For a moment, they seemed she seemed to spit fire. Then it was gone, as she said, her voice calmed down, but her tone was hard and questioning. "Why our father has not tried to stop it, why must we have to wear our hair so long?

Because we have our mother’s hair and it reminds your father of her, silly, Druana said, having finished her ice cream.

I see well; Daddy says we are all the Truelove of God. Is that what you mean Auntie? Gareth asked, he had been listening to all this, and there was another question he wanted to ask about another secret that Henger had hinted at their last birthday. Auntie, what is the Quickening?

Druan took her hand and placed her other on her red hair, which seemed to be on fire in the winter sunlight.

Well now, and yes in a way, you are both Truelove’s, and your father’s children. Do you know nothing about your mother's side of the family? Her surname was as mine is, her name is, was, Rowena Brigantia Jones?

They were looking at her blankly, and then with fear, and some curiosity at the mention of this strange name. Brigitte said.

Brigantia that is a lovely name.

Indeed it is, but I mean your Christian names. Because they are not Christian at all!

With that answer, they both looked into her kind face, to see if she was trying to trick them. It was Gareth who was most offended and refused to hear such a ridiculous thing, he stood up to exclaim.

What nonsense you speak aunt, we are Christians. How dare you say we are not?

"Well, yes, I know that, and that is fine and true. Look, we must not fall out or spoil this special day. But at this moment, I see you, Gareth the warrior, a true son of Albion. But we can have no more secrets. Look, it is time you were both told of your birthright. You are thirteen now and soon; the Quickening will come!"

The Quickening? Brigitte exclaimed, Yes Gar, I heard father and Henger talking about this. Is it some sort of illness?"

If you will just sit still a moment, I will try to explain my darlings. And you must also see, the time has come to learn why you are so very special. Come, both of you, take my hands. I promise I will not hurt you.

Now as they did so, she looked up, and somehow she seemed to become just a little older, and immensely wiser.

"You see, my dears, your names hold a great secret. You Gareth, are called after Gareth spelt with an A, not an E. Gareth-Ap -Gwydir, he was a Knight of the Round Table and half-brother to Gawain of the old legends. He was a Pendragon, and a name that has gone down the generations and is sometimes given, to a first-born boy in our bloodline who has red hair like you." They said nothing held spellbound by her words.

As for you Brigitte, you, are also named, after Brigid, the keeper of the sacred flame of Kildare. She also is in the Arthurian legends. These heroes of old, are part of the old beliefs and the ancient Welsh legends. Brigit had control of fire and was venerated by the Druids as one of the ten. She was the white lady of Imbolec. A sister to the lady of the lake!

At these declarations, and strange names, Druana saw them begin to bridle at this heresy, but now she had their attention, she could not stop until they knew it all.

"Yes, I know you have been brought up to believe that this is all fantasy and that there is only one God. But Christianity is merely a manifestation of the true religions which tell of the Great earth mother and father its Gia and meaning of everything. There are so many religions these days, and it was only the founders of the Christian faith that would not accept this precept.

Look my dears, it is getting cold we will go and find a good cup of tea, and then I will answer your questions and try to explain what I mean.

The truth was that they were now in something of a dream and just nodded their agreement. Therefore, and after a pot of tea, and some hot mince pies, Druana was ready to go on with her tale. Gareth was looking as if he was about to burst with anticipation, while the look in the eyes of his sister, was one of suppressed excitement.

Auntie, you mentioned the Quickening?

Yes, Gareth, I promise I will come to the quickening, but first I want to speak about faith and magic. We all believe in some form of religion that guides our lives, mainly because of the Ten Commandments. But of course, it is as all a matter of trust and belief in the true destiny of Humankind. How can the other religions be so wrong? As for your real names, for now, it must suffice that you know that they are part of your long lost ancestors.

You see, your mother had your red hair, and was a believer in the old magic. No, do not look like that. You know something about this. You know she did not want the modern medicine’s or doctors, and she was a Scientologist, as well as a Christian?"

Gareth nodded, at least. But this was news to his sister.

Well, she and her mother were what you would call today a White witch. A sorceress and had the use of the Deep Magic like no one before her! Now the children were looking at her as if she was crazy. Gareth was about to explode.

What nonsense you speak, if these are our names, what is yours! Are you a white witch then? he asked, already fearing the answer.

"My name, my real name is Druantia, and yes, but I am one of the ‘Chovana,’ of the Romany tribe, sometimes you call us gipsies. But Rowena had given up this birthright to marry your father." These revelations brought stunned silence and Druana went on to explain why she had to speak out, of these secrets.

How dare you say that about our mother? Gareth exclaimed and turning to Brigitte who was also looking daggers at her aunt. Come Brig I will not stay here to listen to this rubbish.

Look, my darlings, I am sorry you had to hear it from me, your father should have spoken of this long before now, but he has turned his face away from us. Come now, we will speak of this again when you are nor so angry. What I really brought you here for, was to give you a chance to see Father Christmas.

This time it was Brigitte who spoke out.

Go in there; No thank you! Besides, Henga says the legend of Father Christmas is all a load of Codswallop. Come Gareth; It is time we went home.

Gareth was still angry and looking at his aunt as if she had two heads, but as his sister’s words sunk into his brain, it also triggered a secret desire.

No, Sis. I want to stay; I want to find out if this is just an old man with a false beard or... Or what it is. If Mother has lied about our names, and we cannot come to any harm.

But you should not go in either; you know our father will be so angry, Brigitte explained

Well, I want to go into the grotto Brig, but you are right, I suppose, and I will not do so if you will not. What are you afraid of then if there is no such thing as magic Christmas or otherwise?

That was enough of a challenge, for her Brigitte, and she took his hand, and to almost drag him through the opening to the inner sanctum of Father Christmas. To be followed by their Auntie who had been caught by surprise at this sudden change of mind.

Wait First I must... she exclaimed, but her words were ignored.

At first, it was so cold and nearly pitch black, and then they came out into a virtual wonderland of twinkling lights and a fantastic snow scene. The entrance to the grotto, was indeed a splendid sight, with sparkling lights strung across the door, and fake snow is spread everywhere, with glass icicles hung from the white-coated trees. These were attached with brightly glowing baubles and statues, depictions of Leaping Deer’s and standing elves and with Gnomes holding guard at the entrance, each was smiling and welcoming standing so proud and strong. At the back and sides, were brightly coloured paintings of the woodlands and the North Pole, with twinkling white stars, which were like the night sky. If one did not look too hard, it was indeed a Fairyland.

But auntie Druna had stopped at the edge of the fake snow.

"Stop waiting for me. Look, this is as far as I can go my dears, no, do not press me to go with you, when... if you come out, we will speak then, and I will explain why.

But this is the real reason I have brought you both here, and if you want to know why your parents hate magic, so, you must ask Santa. But first I have a Birthday gift for you both. I was going to wait until later, but... Well, never mind the and why, trust me, and take it with you."

She handed Brigitte a woven shoulder bag which held a flat plastic object that looked like a thin book. It glowed with life. And Gareth was given a cardboard tube, looking inside, he saw held a rolled up map.

Brigitte was just about to say that they were not allowed to have a mobile phone or tablet. But she knew what this was, from school; it was some sort of an, ‘I- pad,’ a portable computer and she had seen them in the shop windows.

Aunt, If that is what I think it is I cannot take it, I, we cannot be seen with that. Father says it is the work of the devil and it is evil?

Pah’ Evil is, as Evil does my child, but this is no ordinary gift, and if things turn out as I hope, you will need it. If not, well no harm was done, and you may return it later. Please give me your hand Brigitte.

Brigitte was looking at the electronic machine which was cold and dead, but she did as her Auntie asked. Druana had a marker pen and wrote a date and some letters on the back of her hand. And then on her brothers, it reads, Danu 1980?

That is my password, and no matter what happens, you must not wash it off until we meet again when you come out of the Christmas grotto. Do you understand that my dears?

‘Come now’ Sis, it is our turn to go in. We must go in, or leave this place." Gareth said in a loud voice.

Fine, just wait a moment, will you!  As for this birthday gift, aunt, I am sorry, I cannot keep it. Then she realised her aunt was not coming with them.  But I thought you were coming in with us Aunt.

"I hoped I could, but I feel that the gateway is open, and those with the Borsako Mage, will sense my presence. You both were chosen to be the Seekers, and now you must choose to stay or help us all. I will be waiting on the other side, go now before it is too late!"

*

Through the Portal.

At first, everything was darkness, and Brigitte held onto Gareth’s hand again. Then there was a click, and the fairy lights came on to reveal an ancient man sitting in a wooden chair.

No, it was not a chair,