The Old Straight Track
Steve Hatherley

	The publication of The Old Straight Track yesterday was 
greeted with amusement by archaeologists everywhere. The book, 
written by amateur archaeologist, inventor and photographer, Alfred 
Watkins, proposes that many Megalithic stone circles dotting our 
landscape are set out to a kind of geometry.
	In his book, Watkins describes the lines upon which sacred 
sites (which include churches and barrows) are located. He imagines 
them to be perfectly straight invisible lines of power. In past times 
early man could sense this power and construct sites of worship where 
it was strongest.
	Watkins' 'flash of inspiration' as he terms it came to him as 
he was riding over the Bredwardine hills in Herefordshire. His 
conviction was strong enough to lead him to publish his book which has 
had a critical reception from conventional archaeologists.

	Note: This story must take place during 1925 when The Old 
Straight Track was first published.

	The story is sufficiently interesting to be followed up. If it 
is true then maybe it can provide a means to tracking down elements of 
the Cthulhu Mythos all the more easily. Besides, a newspaper might pay 
handsomely for proof of other lines not mentioned in The Old Straight 
Track.
	By using a map, a compass, ruler and pencil the investigator 
eventually comes to the conclusion that the small village of Todberry 
in Dorset is the meeting point of three such lines.
	By visiting the village, and carefully working out angles with 
a compass the exact point of intersection can be found. It is in a 
churchyard, and a stone cross has been erected at the exact point. 
Upon the stone is a symbol a Cthulhu Mythos roll will identify - the 
centre of an Elder Sign.
	The five points of the Elder Sign can be found as stones from 
an ancient circle. All are hidden; built into the church, hidden in 
the graveyard, used in the wall, toppled in a field, submerged in the 
stream.

Possibilities
1       The stone circle is protection against an ancient demon which 
will return should it be tampered with. A legend of strangers coming 
to disturb 'He That Sleeps' is handed down by word of mouth and 
strangers are closely watched.

2       The circle is an ancient place of worship, but has no other 
significance.

3       An ancient sorceror is trying to remove the huge Elder Sign so 
that he may reawaken 'He That Sleeps.' The sorceror has had little 
success so far, but investigators may unearth the vital clue to 
breaking the spell.

Copyright (c) 1990 Steve Hatherley
steve@flar.demon.co.uk