Return to Eternity: Dreamtime Mysteries

PROLOGUE

IN ADDITION TO THE HIGH COMMENDATIONS Professor Lucas gave Rex’s two previous dissertations, the ambitious young student was becoming increasingly confident of his prospects for earning a doctorate in anthropology. Seated on the upstairs balcony overlooking his parents’ property, he gazed into the distance, reflecting on the rich history of the region. Whenever he allowed himself to recall his recent visits to the Yaraan Grove National Park, the intuitive youth would experience an episode of severe anxiety, fearful his recent experiences in his territory were a symptom of a psychotic episode.

Having been diagnosed within the autism spectrum from an early age, Rex had become accustomed to being labelled as ‘different’ by his peers. Now in his early twenties, he counted his blessings for the good fortune of an Aboriginal grandmother who always took the time to listen to his needs, empowering him with the confidence to overcome his struggles with racial tolerance. Rex adored his mother, who was always there to fulfil his physical needs, pampering him with the finest food, clothing, and education. His father was the best dad any child could have wished for, and Rex was grateful for the skills learnt from the brilliant horseman and farmer. However, since his gran’s passing, the mixed-race youth’s darkest fears had resurfaced.

Rex’s mind was in turmoil as he struggled with his emotions, a beautiful young woman constantly haunting his mind. As he was fearful of becoming too serious about her, the task was becoming increasingly difficult, particularly since his feelings appeared to have been reciprocated. He resolved to confront Audrey, and discuss his concerns about passing on bad genes to future children. Having done countless Internet searches for symptoms of bipolar illness and schizophrenia; despite ticking a few boxes, he feared presenting with early symptoms.

Imagine what a psychologist would think if I told her I camped under a historical meeting tree, and while I was asleep, the tree came to life and told me the history of a bygone race of Aborigines, along with their Dreamtime legends. Well, I know what would happen. I would be sectioned as mentally disturbed and pumped full of antipsychotic medications.

Can I trust Audrey with my experiences? After all, she is a clinical psychologist! Maybe she will sneak away and make a phone call to one of her professional colleagues, who may decide to have me sectioned and institutionalised in a facility, sedated as a zombie for the term of my life. That would certainly render my university studies a waste of time and money, with my entire career in shreds. If I were ever released into society, I would just roam the streets aimlessly, a mindless derelict no one would want to know.

Rex was becoming very uptight about his spiritual meditations in the wilderness. He sat back in his chair, closed his eyes, and took deep breaths, in and out. The familiar sound of his grandmother’s voice was most comforting. ‘Rex, you must stop fearing for your mental health. You are of sound mind and in possession of a special gift, a legacy from your indigenous ancestry. To be able to commune with one’s ancestors is the greatest gift any person could want. Our ancestors relied on their priests to learn deep secrets about the past. Now stop trying to analyse your mind. Just use your special gifts in a useful manner.’

Granelda’s voice faded into the distance, and Rex dozed off to sleep, dreaming about the times his grandmother took him into the forest for picnics. He envisaged an Aboriginal woman’s face etched within the scar on the tree referred to as Gran Yan, carved by the original custodians of the territory during a bygone era, a timeline Rex yearned to explore.

He reflected on his childhood, when his grandmother, Elder Granelda Booran-Bancroft, had spent hours sharing with him stories told to her by her great-grandfather, as they sat under the tree Rex referred to as Gran Yan. For some reason, he was unable to recall her stories, except when they flooded back to him as peculiar dreams while he slept under the sacred tree bearing her ashes. The young anthropologist still grieved the loss of his Aboriginal soulmate, even though she had departed life two years previously.

It had been Gran’s wish to have her ashes scattered around the tree, and Rex reflected on the ceremony, recalling seeing Audrey for the first time, when he was too shy to introduce himself to the striking young woman. The farewell ceremony for Granelda Booran-Bancroft’s journey to the spirit world had been attended by many Indigenous folks Rex had never met before. He recalled how proud he felt to have been blessed with such a wise, intelligent, and highly respected elder, and his mind wandered back to her final words, spoken to him as he sat at her hospital bedside: ‘Rex, promise me you’ll complete your studies in anthropology, and if ever you need guidance, I’ll be there to help you.’

As he looked out towards the vast lake of Yaraan Grove, her gentle voice vibrated in his ears. ‘Rex, find out for yourself what happened to the Baalijan people. You must search for the cave beside the waterfall, to the far north-west of the lake.’

What makes me think of those words? Of course, that was the message I recalled after waking from a strange dream during my recent visit to Gran’s resting place. A cave beside a waterfall, located north-west of Baalijan Creek. Well, my great-grandmother Amy’s ancestors were said to have come from the Baalijan tribe, despite her being an adopted orphan girl-child raised by whites. Her history was lost, and she was robbed of her heritage. How I yearn to know Grandpa Jim’s ancestral history. What a shame he died when I was too young to remember him. To think Gran was widowed all those years ago and waited so long to join him in the spirit world, the young man reflected.

Rex had just returned from college and was on his mid-year break, with one comprehensive assignment to complete before graduating. Now he was besotted with Audrey, making it hard for him to distance himself from her for very long while he needed to focus on his final project. Although the psychologist was trailing him in postgraduate studies in anthropology, they had been spending more time together in the college library.

They were becoming inseparable, and since the last time Aude had stayed over, Rex’s respect for her had increased threefold. His mother had suggested inviting her over again so they could share time exploring local historical sites together. ‘Well, what am I waiting for?’ he asked himself. Just as he was about to reach for the phone, Audrey’s face appeared on the screen.

‘Hi, Aude, you must have read my mind. I was about to call you. What are you up to, apart from studying, babe?’

‘Missing you, of course. How can I study while your face keeps appearing in my mind?’

‘There’s one way to solve that problem. Pack your car. Don’t forget to bring hiking boots. The nights will be colder this time of the year, so never mind about carrying an extra swag. I’ll see you here in the morning.’

‘What will your parents say about having me stay over again, Rex?’

‘It was they who suggested the idea. See you tomorrow, honey.’

During Audrey’s previous visit, she had spent a great deal of time with his mother, and they seemed to share a special bond. She had occupied the guest room, and Rex did not encroach on her privacy. At the time, he had offered to take her to Yaraan Grove for an overnight bush escape, sleeping under the stars. Although she had agreed to the arrangement, she had insisted on carrying her own swag. The weekend had proved enrichening, and Rex was surprised by how relaxed he felt in her company, while maintaining a platonic relationship.

They spent the entire weekend trekking through the undergrowth on the eastern aspect of the lake in Yaraan Grove. When he dared to become at all familiar, Audrey had explained the importance of getting to know one another properly as off-campus friends, before embarking on a serious relationship. Rex respected her opinion and didn’t try to push the boundaries. At such a pivotal point of his studies, despite certain male frustrations, he felt relieved, in a way—having shared valuable time in such close contact with this fascinating young woman, building on their relationship without becoming too serious.

PART ONE

Forward Planning Looking Back

CHAPTER 1

First Night

AUDREY ARRIVED EARLY, BUT THIS TIME, to Rex’s surprise, she didn’t bring her own swag. Instead, she had a backpack loaded with fruit, home-baked multigrain cookies, and coconut water. She was dressed for the adventure, complete with hiking boots, and they wasted no time departing for Yaraan Grove. After carefully studying maps, they bypassed the heritage tree, winding around the north-eastern side of the lake while spending their first day trekking through the undergrowth.

The first night of their escape into the wilderness proved to be the highlight of the adventure. After a long day of walking and scrambling across a series of creeks, they soon polished off their evening meal. Following such physical activity, they needed to bathe their sweaty bodies before climbing into a sleeping bag. Rex suggested a moonlight stroll down a familiar track to warm mineral springs in the valley, and this time Audrey agreed with the idea.

Exhausted after the long day, she unashamedly undressed and soaked her aching body in the soothing waters, while Rex was already embracing the magic of the therapeutic spa. Although she was unaware of encroaching on a traditional male gathering sited, Rex did not approach her during their much-needed therapy. Following their return to the campsite, they snuggled up in the warm sleeping bag. Rex wrapped his arms around her slim waist, and Audrey yielded to his embrace.

The sound of a waterfall gently tumbling over rocks was like a rhythmic background orchestra, while the two young adventurers explored each other’s bodies for the first time. Secure in their safety net, snuggled up in a warm swag, they made love for the first time, before sinking into a deep sleep.

Awoken by the croaking of frogs and cackling kookaburras— snuggled up in the warmth of each other’s bodies—mesmerised by and feeling of wholeness; they climaxed as the sun peeped over Mount Wyungare. Words weren’t necessary to reassure each other of their special bond, triggered the moment they first set eyes on each other under Gran Yan’s canopy.

Pulling towels from their backpacks, the two perfectly toned young adults stepped on to a rock overhanging the deepest part of the creek and dived into the icy-cold water. Flirting in the foam of the waterfall, they duck-dived and played like children before swimming ashore, refreshed after their passionate coupling. Holding hands, they laughed and chatted away while returning to their campsite.

After lighting a small fire on the rock, they made billy tea and fried sausages and eggs, cleverly cooked in a lightweight mini pan. After eating and carefully packing their supplies, they decided to tuck their baggage under some greenery and explore the area further east of the stream. Just as Rex pushed the last bag behind the undergrowth, adjacent to the waterfall, he heard a loud thud. After peeping through the vine, he realised their luggage had disappeared into a hollow.

Shining his pocket torch into the cavernous space, he called out to Audrey, who was returning after responding to nature. The couple were most excited by the idea of discovering a cave, since no such landmarks were charted in the region. They scrambled through the undergrowth, both carrying torches. The area was dark and damp, and they needed to watch out for overhanging stalactites, sparkling like crystals in the torchlight. Rex shone his torch on a dark wall, and they both cried out in amazement. Audrey captured countless shots on Rex’s phone camera, many images bearing similarities to the art collection he had inherited from his grandmother.

‘Well, we have seen it all now, sweetness, so let’s head for home and document the site. I don’t know what else to say or do at present. I need to process this discovery. To me, it’s like a fantasy dream. What do you think?’ Rex asked his scholarly companion.

‘Oh, Rex, this whole weekend’s been a fairy tale. I can’t believe it’s real. Let’s wait till we return to campus before analysing the experience. I’ve recorded amazing photographic evidence on your phone camera, but it’s up to you to decide when and where you’ll report the sightings.’

‘I agree, Audrey, we’ll keep it under wraps for now. I need time to explore the south-eastern face of Mount Wyungare. First of all, I’ll document this research—we can make a report after I’ve submitted my thesis. After all, you’re a part of this discovery,’ Rex replied.

‘Well, I have shared in the discovery, but am merely a witness to your discovery. Your father is the official parkland officer—surely the secret is safe with your family. Anyway, I’m currently studying language, culture philosophy, and indigenous psychology,’ Audrey replied.

‘During the mid-year break, we can explore the other side of the Beringa River. You’ve mentioned some sites of interest at the National Park. Obviously, it’s your project, but I’d love to accompany you during your research, even if only for your own safety,’ Rex explained.

It was mid-afternoon when they arrived at the sacred heritage tree Rex referred to as Gran Yan. He felt a sudden need to sit under her canopy and soak in the magical atmosphere before returning home.

‘Aude, it really saddens me to think my gran never lived to meet you, and I know you two would’ve bonded. The oldies’re dear to me, but for some reason I can’t explain, Gran was my rock for as long as I can recall. We related to each other so well, and it was she who brought me out of my shell.

‘When I was prepared to listen, Gran taught me all I know about my Aboriginality, and since she was interred under this old tree, I sense her presence whenever I visit here. I never admitted this before, but I my last two assignments were inspired by weird dreams while sleeping under Gran Yan.

‘I’m aware of my odd ways, so before you overcommit to this relationship, please be truthful: you’re a trained psychologist, and I’m a bit different. I’m shit scared of being the psyche patient married to his shrink! Honey, tell me in all honesty if I have an affliction of the mind, maybe bipolar illness? As a kid, some shrink diagnosed me with Asperger’s syndrome for being uncommunicative. Please be honest, Doctor Murphy,’ Rex pleaded.

‘Oh Rex, you have no affliction of the mind—certainly not bipolar—nor Asperger’s syndrome. As you know, I worked with Indigenous kids during my time in community health. Aboriginal children living in isolated communities are often uncommunicative, but like yourself, they’re imaginative and intuitive by nature. It’s the way gifted people often develop, regardless of how intelligent or smart they are.’ Audrey reassured him.

‘Anyway, I’m really pumped about your dreamtime experience, it’s an Aboriginal gift you can be proud of, not psychotic behaviour. Have you forgotten our phone conversation when I explained my reason for throwing in my psychology career to study anthropology? I told you about my mystical experiences by the sacred fig-tree at Mount Beringa. It’s an ancient burial site, and I had an eerie sensation of being in touch with the spirits.

‘The inexplicable phenomena made me fear for my sanity, and I didn’t want to alarm my parents with my weird notions. Instead I sought answers through a psychology degree—analysing my own mind. In the end, I couldn’t handle the subjective and judgemental labelling of society.

‘I reflected on my Aboriginal grandfather’s spiritual ramblings, fearing I’d inherited his affliction. I needed to discover what really makes me tick—exactly what you’re doing. That’s when I decided to do postgrad studies in anthropology. As a psychologist, I intend to focus my research on indigenous psyche, the intuitiveness and spirituality of our ancestors.’

‘I hadn’t forgotten your phone-call when you told me your reason for studying anthropology, but I suspected you might be just trying to find out what makes me tick by faking confessions about your own delusional experiences.’

‘Oh Rex, as if I’d be that devious.’

Audrey’s voice was shaky, and tears trickled down her cheeks as Rex embraced her. He realised for the first time how alike they were and how fortunate he was to have met her. Overwhelmed by her reaction as she wept wholeheartedly on his chest, Rex calmed her down, reassuring her of his love and commitment to their relationship. He withheld an impulse to make love to her, respectful of the sacred location and his grandmother’s spiritual presence.

‘There’s still some tea left in the flask. I’ll pour us a mug, and we’ll eat the last of your mum’s cookies. Now we’re both deemed insane adults, we can drink to happy days ahead.’

Rex poured the tea, and they clicked pannikins. ‘To our insanity,’ he announced.

‘Yes, Rex, and I sure am crazy about you,’ Audrey replied with an impish smile.

"Oh Rex, I’ve been meaning to ask you this for a while, where did the name Gran Yan come from?’

Rex pointed to the rugged notches in the scar of the tree trunk, where he envisioned an elderly Aboriginal face. ‘Can’t you see Gran Yan looking out from the trunk?’

Audrey studied the trunk in silence, then squealed in amazement. ‘Oh Rex, I can see her, it’s Gran Yan alright, just like the face in your family photo, Granelda of Yaraan Grove. Hello Gran Yan!’

They hugged each other, and after paying homage to Gran Yan, the young couple strolled aimlessly back to the property of Rex’s parents. During their walk, he raised a touchy subject. ‘Audrey, now our friendships reached the next level, I need to ask if you’re using a contraceptive. We both have challenging careers ahead, and right now, pregnancy would stand in the way of your studies and my career.’

‘Rex, why didn’t you ask before inviting me to share your sleeping pad?’ Audrey retorted.

‘I assumed you’d be smart enough to refuse my offer if it meant taking risks, honey,’ he replied.

‘Fortunately, your assumptions were correct. Why do you think I insisted on lugging my own swag around the countryside on our previous overnight jaunt? I figured, there’s a limit to how long I can resist your charms and decided to visit my GP.’

Cave Art Discovery

CHAPTER 2

Unplanned Surprise

THE TWO WEARY EXPLORERS ARRIVED AT the homestead at dusk, still clasping hands despite their laden backpacks. The house was in silence, although the family vehicles were visible in the carport. Rex peered through an oasis of trees bordering their eastern backyard and sighted lights glowing from the old hilltop homestead. Frozen to the spot in the realisation he had not sighted life in his grandmother’s cottage since her passing, he remembered a need for some tidying up to be done. He suddenly relaxed, realising his parents were finally attending to necessary duties they had been putting off for too long, and he felt a sense of guilt about not giving them a hand.

‘The oldies must have finally decided to clean up Gran’s cottage. I’ll leave them to it. After all, we are capable of preparing a meal,’ he remarked.

‘Well, I certainly am. But tell me, Rex, can you really cook?’ Audrey replied.

‘Of a kind, sweetness. By the time you return from the bathroom, food will be ready to serve.’

Envisaging baked beans on toast for the evening meal, Audrey made her way to the guest suite, deciding to soak her aching body in a hot bath. Rex’s mother, Ruby, had thought of everything, even Epsom salts, which were beside the tub. When Audrey emerged from her room feeling relaxed and invigorated, voices could be heard, and cooking odours wafted from the kitchen.

‘Do have a drink before dinner, Audrey. I believe you have earned it after your arduous weekend jaunt,’ Bob remarked, handing her a glass of red wine.

‘Thanks, Bob. I can’t say I need a nightcap, as it was a struggle keeping up with Rex. Well, I managed it somehow. Cheers. By the way, that food smells mighty tasty. Surely I wasn’t in the bathroom long enough for him to cook a casserole.’

‘Rex cook? Not likely! Mum prepared it hours ago, but if he’s trying to impress you with his catering skills, it was a good try.’

‘We saw the lights on in the old homestead, so assumed you were both busy. It must have been difficult for Ruby, going through her mother’s memorabilia.’

‘Twelve months overdue, but you’re right. It had to be done, and there is a lot of her life in those boxes sitting by the door. Mum will donate her clothes to charity but won’t be parting with any of her history. Rex can pore over more photos and records of her past once we’ve sorted things out. Now he’s on the home course with his doctorate, it’s time he had his own place.’

Rex appeared from the bathroom, clean-shaven and scrubbed. ‘Are you finally moving me out, Dad? I guess I’ll handle sleeping under the bridge until I can earn board and lodging somewhere.’

‘Oh Rex, you know damn well that will never happen while we’re around. We thought we’d send you packing up the hill. Gran’s cottage would make a perfect bachelor pad,’ Bob replied.

‘Are you serious, Dad? Well, I’ll take you up on it, as long as I can scrounge a meal out of Mum when I forget to shop. More importantly, am I allowed to invite a certain lady over from time to time?’

Ruby looked up from the servery. ‘Like all the time if her name happens to be Audrey Murphy.’

‘It might be a bit sudden, but I’d prefer to invite Audrey Graham to share my space when I can afford a diamond ring.’

Audrey blushed madly and nearly collapsed on the spot when Ruby pulled a small package out of one of the boxes before handing it to her son. ‘Will this do, Rex? After all, it is now your property. You’ll recognise it when you open the case.’

Rex turned his back on them to peep inside the jewellery case. A magnificent bright-blue sapphire, set decoratively between a shoulder of diamonds, flashed in the light. ‘Oh Mum, this was Gran’s engagement ring. You know I love it,’ he whispered in his mother’s ear.

‘Well, you can’t wear it, so you’d need to love the wearer.’

Rex’s cheeks were flushed as he walked over to the rather uncomfortable-looking young woman nervously seated beside Bob. ‘Take a look at this beautiful sapphire, Aude. Grandpa Jim discovered it in the gem fields at Sapphire. He was a brilliant craftsman. Don’t you agree?’

‘Oh Rex, it’s a work of art. Was it your grandmother’s engagement ring?’

‘Well, I’m sure she’d have boxed his ears if he’d given it to any other woman. You guessed right, honey, and it seems such a shame to leave it sitting in this little ring case for the rest of my life. I’d love for you to wear it, providing you continue to hang out with me.’

‘Well, it is an engagement ring, so be aware I can’t wear it for any other reason than its purpose, and please explain what you mean by hang out with you?’

Though they were oblivious to their audience, Audrey’s question raised loud laughter from Bob and Ruby.

Rex responded to her question by falling on bended knees and formally proposing. ‘Audrey Murphy, will you please accept my hand in marriage?’

Audrey blushed a bright red. ‘Yes, Rex, I accept your proposal. Can we speak to my parents?’

‘Of course, but remember, it’s you I wish to marry, not your parents,’ Rex replied, slipping the priceless jewel on to Audrey’s ring finger. ‘Well, a bit loose-fitting, but nothing a jeweller can’t fix.’

They hugged each other before Rex dialled Beringa Rivers Resort.

‘Well, I have your parents’ approval, and they’re reserving the honeymoon suite for our getaway. What do you say to that, Aude?’

‘Don’t stress about it. I’ll let them know we’d prefer to sleep under the stars while on location.’

Bob poured champagne and prepared a toast before dinner was served.

CHAPTER 3

Country Life

REX JOINED AUDREY IN THE GUEST room for the night. It was well-positioned, away from the rest of the bedrooms, with its own private amenities and balcony.

‘Audrey, I realise you must be exhausted after our long jaunt, so I suggest you relax tomorrow. Why don’t you check out our new retreat? I promised Dad I’d break in a pony, so I ‘ll be tied up all morning. If you feel you can handle another hiking trip before returning to college, I’d love to have you accompany me on a jaunt up Mount Wyungare, providing you feel up to it.’

‘Oh Rex, you must have read my mind. I was hoping you’d invite me. There’s something mysterious about that mountain I find quite intriguing.’

Audrey was fast asleep when Rex slipped out of bed and donned his work clothes. He snatched a quick snack from the fridge and headed straight for the stables. There were two magnificent palominos waiting for their first day of training in passenger transport.

By the time he returned home for breakfast, he had a yearling mare eating out of his hands and committed to her future role as a proud bearer of responsible riders. Keen to complete his task, Rex did not sit around to join in the family chatter. As he was departing for the stables, Audrey caught up with him.

‘As your fiancée, am I now entitled to watch your performance on horseback?’ she enquired.

‘Of course, but don’t get too excited, as I’m dealing with brumbies,’ Rex explained.

Audrey was totally engrossed in watching Rex’s amazing horseback skills, and she had to fight back an impulse to cheer him on. Taking heed of the wise equestrian’s advice, she managed to control her exuberance, aware of the risk to his safety if the pony became alarmed.

Having enjoyed the rodeo, Audrey wandered back to the homestead. Before entering the house, she was aware of the smell of bread proving in the warming oven, mixed with the appetising odour of scones baking in the slow combustion stove. ‘Oh Ruby, you are the typical farmer’s wife, just like Mum. This is home away from home. What can I do to