I tread softly through the graveyard, trying to avoid stepping on any graves. The wind pushes at my back as if urging me forward, but when I nip around the back of the stone church, it abruptly fades, leaving an eerie silence in its wake. A set of nondescript doors stand in front of me. There is no door handle. I place my hand on the faded wood and push. The door slides open easily. The inside of the church contains a darkness so complete, the sunlight behind me cannot penetrate more than a few inches. I step inside. My footsteps ring out on the stone floor. I freeze for a moment, half expecting the roar of an ancient creature, angry at being disturbed from a deep slumber. When no such creature appears, I take a few more careful steps into the darkness, my hands waving in front of me. Suddenly the room is flooded with light as motion sensor lights click on. I look around in wonder. Giant stone chairs occupy the centre of the room. Pictish stained glass images adorn false windows, and various pieces of art are displayed on the walls. Tiptoeing around the room, I explore the various treasure contained in the renovated church, touching Pictish stones and delicately thumbing through a worn leather-bound bible. There are Pictish stones embedded in the walls and another large one in a fitted display, but the stone I’m looking for isn’t here. I consult my map and creep back out into the graveyard. One of the stone towards the entrance is a bit rougher than the others. I trace the circular carvings with my hand. The Migvie stone. Satisfied, I mount my green steed and ride down the hills. Today’s quest is complete.
