ISBN: 9781623092313
For Mom and Dad.
Thanks for all the love and support over the years and being the best parents anyone would love to have. This book would not have been written without your support. You both mean the world to me.
Dedicated in loving memory to my Biological Father; Giuseppe Saporito
Thank you for three incredible gifts. The first was life. The second is for love I still feel today. The third was to always chase a dream and see it through; you did this without ever telling me, for life can end in the blink of an eye.
Thanks to:
A.J. Jones- Your assistance with your camera and time was most appreciated.
Edwin Lodens-For giving the best motivational speech ever and most of all for your friendship.
Elizabeth Plecha- For reading several chapters on your Honeymoon.
Janice Jettner- For your contact list.
Rob Brookman- For discussing the publishing process and for lending your ear.
Uncle John- Thanks for the encouragement and love throughout the years.
Friends and Family- that encouraged me to see this through, you all know who you are. Too many to list.
To my Family in Italy, though the miles are great my love for you is even greater.
A Very Special Thanks to:
Kristen Simon- Your editing skills and advice transformed the book and improved on my beginning writing skills.
To Nonna:
I will always treasure the time I spent with you during summer vacation from grade school. Who would have known that a kitchen towel and plastic bananas would have been the beginning stages of my imagination and a great superhero. I miss you so much.
Prologue
Chapter 1- Presentation
Chapter 2- Impromptu Meeting
Chapter 3- An Ancient Group
Chapter 4- Freedom
Chapter 5- Signs
Chapter 6- Starting to Act
Chapter 7- Depths of Andrews Castle
Chapter 8- Traitor’s Deception
Chapter 9– A Strange Meeting Place
Chapter 10- Planning
Chapter 11- Time for the Young
Chapter 12- Back to London
Chapter 13- Induction Into the Order
Chapter 14- The Search
Chapter 15- Special Assignment
Chapter 16- Searching Sicily
Chapter 17- An Intriguing Conversation
Chapter 18- Locating a Hidden Building
Chapter 19- Discovery
Chapter 20- Beautiful Rome
Chapter 21- Full Moon Adventure
Chapter 22- Return to Base
Chapter 23- Documents
Chapter 24- Fallen Friend
Chapter 25- A New Search
Chapter 26- A Short Visit
Chapter 27- Start of Magic
Chapter 28- Mayan Excursion
Chapter 29- Finding the Tower
Chapter 30- Training
Chapter 31- Delivery
Chapter 32- St. Michael
Chapter 33- Shopping
Chapter 34- Planning at Sullivan’s House
Chapter 35- Downtown Battle
The Egyptian sun was setting over the Sahara. The small city of tents was empty for the evening's work. The crew, under the leadership of John Williams, decided that they would be working later than usual. The large, heavy-duty lights were turned on and quickly changed the darkening evening back to day. The crew had been working in the Sahara for the last seven months. John was in his tent, studying the satellite imagery of the dig site; he was certain that the artifact visible in the pictures was located in the area where they had been digging. John’s team estimated that the artifact would be reached in roughly three months. Four months later, most of the archeologists were beginning to doubt that the artifact actually existed.
Modern technology improved many aspects of human life and activities. The new breakthroughs in using satellite imagery uncovered several tombs of prominent Pharaohs. There was no reason to doubt this wondrous technology. In fact, several of the archeologists had worked with satellite imagery in the past. John being one of them.
“Seven months of digging…something’s got to give,” John said to himself out loud. He had been examining the photographs for the last five hours, trying to convince himself that the imagery was not a mistake. This dig was not John’s first time using the new technology. However, a more pressing concern was that John knew that if they didn’t reach the artifact soon, they were going to be shut down by the Egyptian government.
The reason for this was because Egypt had recently passed a depth limit on all excavations. The government was forced to pay millions to a team of archeologists for injuries caused at a dig site. Even though the findings proved that the equipment issued by the Egyptian government had caused the injuries, they insisted that the injuries were due to the excavators not following their depth advice. When their argument did not hold up in the World court, they were forced to agree on a settlement. They agreed to settle in order to enact their excavation limits and stricter inspections. John’s team was three hundred feet away from reaching that depth limit. Government officials had been notified by the liaisons--Egypt’s version of the CIA-- assigned to the team by the Egyptian government. As the dig site deepened, the liaisons contacted the government for the possibility of a shutdown.
As John prepared himself for the official government representatives, he heard screaming coming from the mammoth dig site. John ran out of his tent fearing the worst. The last thing he needed was an injury at the depth where they were digging. The government was not keen on archeologists digging in their backyard, let alone a team from the U.S. When John reached the site, he became aware of several of his team members dancing around with the hired Egyptian laborers. As he was climbing down, he also noticed the liaisons talking excitedly on their cell phones.
John finally reached the team, and was waved over to a hole that now revealed the top of a building. Elated, John joined the men in their celebration, but felt regretful that he was not able to be there for the initial find. But that feeling quickly faded as the thought of their new find being included in the history books, which would be credited as a dig that he personally led. In the past, he had only either been a consultant or a second in command. This time however, it was he alone who had led the excavation. The euphoric feeling of being right about something so many doubted, even with the images from the satellite, felt very rewarding.
The men spent the next two hours carefully digging around the building. Caution was the operative word. They did not want to abruptly disturb the ground, causing a collapse of the land around the structure. As they neared finishing the excavation, everyone noticed that the building did not match the era or the construction type of the Ancient Egyptians. Carbon dating on a sample from the roof section dated the structure to be nearly ten thousand years old, placing it in an era that came before the Egyptians, Sumerians, and the Babylonians. This information was kept confidential from the Egyptian officials. For safety and security reasons, they were informed that the date of construction was at the height of Ancient Egyptian rule and dominance in the world.
John entered the structure first. Once inside, he was amazed that the interior of the structure was soundly intact, which was rare and unheard of for a structure of such age. The building was estimated to be one hundred feet by fifty feet. Small by today’s standards, but John figured big for back when it was built. There was a series of stone benches in rows. John was puzzled as he neared the back of the building. In the back was a raised section with an altar in the middle. He circled the altar and walked to the back wall, noticing an object on the wall directly behind the altar. As he wiped away the dust, he thought to himself how fortunate he was that the object was intact and fastened to the wall. As he finished wiping the object, John gazed at it and stumbled backwards. He could not believe what he was looking at!
John’s attention was drawn away from the object; one of the archeologists had located a chamber underneath the altar. John instructed the man to gently open the front panel. The panel came off, and the man became upset by his clumsy attempt. Inside the cabinet was a large item wrapped in cloth and appearing to be bound in leather. The cloth had helped preserve the square item. The man carefully handed it to John. Once it reached his hands, John carefully began to unwrap it. As he removed the cloth, he looked at it and quickly turned to the object on the wall. The object on the wall matched the center of the item. John quickly ordered pictures to be taken of every nook and cranny of the building. He took the item with him as he exited the structure, and practically ran to his tent. Once inside he grabbed his iPhone and placed a call. John heard only two rings.
“This is a major find.” John didn’t wait for pleasantries.
“Slow down John, what could you have possibly found that would be any different than the other tombs in Egypt,” said the voice on the other end of the line, with a British accent and a laugh.
“This is not a tomb. Our preliminary carbon dating that we conducted places this structure before any of the ancient civilizations,” said John. “Any of them!”
“I sense there is more,” said the voice on the phone.
“Yes, there is more, much more. I found it.”
“Please, John. Be more specific. You found what?”
“The item that never existed,” said John.
There is silence from the other end. John waited several seconds before saying anything. He knew the significance of his find. John also knew that action needed to be taken quickly to avoid the tentacles of the Egyptian government.
“Are you still there?” Asked John.
“Yes, I’m sorry but I always thought it was a myth.”
“Jonathan Andrews, I think you will need to pull some strings and we’ll keep this find to ourselves until we can decipher it,” said John.
“Agreed. Thankfully the Egyptian dictator is a greedy man. I’ll simply give him the usual payment. But what is it doing in Egypt?” Andrews asked.
“ I don’t know… I thought the Order traced the book to Medieval Europe,” said John.
“They did; but remember we also believed that this book was a myth. Now that we know it’s real, this could place everything we hold true and important in jeopardy. Bring the book to Andrews Castle ASAP. We will examine it here,” concluded Andrews.
John Williams had waited five years for this moment, since finding the artifact. He made his way to the stage. He was not happy making his presentation on a Sunday, but particularly this Sunday, the third of July, was even harder for him to handle. The fourth of July is John’s favorite holiday and Chicago celebrated the fourth of July with a large fireworks display on the third. John had made each one since moving to Chicago in his youth. John enjoyed reflecting back on the days his parents would bring him and his brother to downtown Chicago and watch the display of assorted fireworks. He managed to stay upbeat merely because of the importance of his presentation. He received loud applause from the audience and an incredibly flattering introduction by the head curator of the Chicago Field Museum.
John loved giving lectures at the museum even moreso than at the University of Chicago where he taught Ancient Civilization and Medieval European History. Giving a lecture at the Field Museum signaled the importance of the topic he was discussing this evening. At all of John’s presentations, he always insisted on seats being made available to students. However, this night the audience included dignitaries from different countries and prominent religious figures from all sects. Because of this fact, there was a decrease in the number of seats available for students. There were also distinguished historians and an assortment of professors from all fields of education in attendance. Scattered among them were also individuals that were very charitable to the museum.
John had been a Professor of History at the University of Chicago for the last twenty years. Along with his Doctorate in Ancient History, he also held Masters degrees in Anthropology and Economics. The University of Chicago had offered him the History Department Chair position several times, but John had always preferred teaching and conducting field research to sitting in an office and attending fundraisers and faculty functions. He had turned down the position each time it had been offered. As one of the most respected professors in the field of medieval history, John had also been asked to conduct presentations at many of the most prestigious Universities throughout North America and Europe. The only activity that he enjoyed equally to being in the field was lecturing.
Walking to the podium, John knew the importance of the discovery he was about to discuss. At the podium, he thanked the curator for the wonderful introduction. The lights were dimmed as he finished the formalities of thanking the museum and the University. He emphasized the role that technology played in discovering the artifact. The lights were completely turned off as a giant screen came down behind him. The slide show started with a picture of a typical medieval village that John said was located in the northern part of Italy in the Italian Alps. The next few slides are of similar villages, all the same as the one outside of Rome. The villages were located in parts of modern day France, Britain and Italy.
The audience was fully captivated by John’s speaking style. The slideshow added depth and visualization for the audience. The first pictures were of the dig site and the people who had worked with him at the site. John talked about the locals that also worked at the site. He thanked them and the Egyptian government for allowing the dig to be conducted. John also included slides on some of Egypt’s more prominent and easily recognizable ancient artifacts, the Pyramids of Gaza and the Sphinx. They were also Egypt’s greatest tourist attractions as well. The sixteenth slide consisted of just one word. SCRUTATORES.
It was believed that the Scrutatores were a group of people that existed at the turn of the first century. It was said that they believed in true magic and another plane of existence. The Scrutatores were rumored to believe in traveling from one plane to another by obtaining the needed materials and conducting the proper ritual.
John continued to describe how the Scrutatores existed merely in legends and folklore. There was never any actual proof of their existence. The next few slides showed how the Scrutatores had been confused with other groups of their time, and John noted how there had never been technology invented that could have led to their beliefs. John felt that it was necessary to discuss the Scrutatores, for some had been insinuating that the artifact he discovered was proof of their existence.
After the Scrutatores’ slides came slides of an ancient book: the Book of Knowledge. This was the artifact that John had discovered and was presenting on this night. The slides showed different angles of the brown, leather-covered book. The thickness of the book was quite massive. The book appeared to be a couple of thousand pages, and it was evident that the book was extremely old. Several slides showed the writing in the book and focused in on the language used. John explained that since it was written in old Latin, the book’s authenticity could not be argued. He explained that the process of carbon dating had been implemented, and the results of the process placed the book to have been written in the early part of the thirteenth century. John explained that he and a team of experts would examine the book in greater detail at the Field Museum. The University of Chicago organized the team that included John, and gave him the lead in the examination of the ancient book.
The rumors that surrounded the Scrutatores and the book were in large part due to the cover of the book. The symbol was believed to be the symbol of the Scrutatores, a triangle with an emerald sphere in the middle. The sphere entering the triangle was the belief of people traveling to other planes. The book was thought to exist only in ancient lore. It had been alleged that the book contained instructions on how to conduct various spells, but it was also said to describe the procedure on how to enter each plane of existence.
John’s lecture changed focus to how the influence of the Scrutatores would have changed many of the perceptions of modern theory and beliefs, if they had indeed existed and had flourished. He emphasized how giving credibility to a group such as the Scrutatores would cause religious followers to become further skeptics in regard to their beliefs on true and proven science.
To some, the discovery of the Book of Knowledge was proof that the Scrutatores existed and it was considered one of the greatest finds of the last century. John believed that when people learned that the book’s finding was outside of Europe, and actually in Egypt, it would put to end the rumors of the Scrutatores. Along with being studied, the book was going to be on display at the Chicago Field Museum to the general public. The museum had secured the book due to its connection with John. In exchange for getting the book, the museum promised John that he would be giving all presentations on the book, and be credited for the find.
As John neared the finish of his presentation a cell phone started ringing. Audience members started checking their phones. There were postings upon entering and throughout the auditorium to turn phones to silent or vibrate. Nonetheless, the ringing was loud. As everyone checked and looked around, John reached into his jacket and pulled out the ringing phone. He looked at the display of his iPhone and noticed the number.
“I’m glad to see that all of you followed the request of silencing your phones. I now wish I would have done the same,” said John sheepishly, as he fumbled with his phone. It took several rings, but John finally managed to send the call to voicemail. Several audience members laughed at John’s inability to end the call. John finished his presentation and invited everyone to join him for the reception on the first level.
John actually hated the reception portion of the evening, but he made an effort to stay longer than his usual amount of time. It’s not the mingling that bothered him; it was the questions that came with the territory. He especially hated the questions that came from the novice historians.
The museum had placed the book next to the ancient artifacts section for display on the second floor. However, for the reception they brought the book down to the main level, placed next to the giant blue whale hanging from the ceiling. The book rested inside a thick plastic box casing, opened halfway and on a wooden bookstand from the Victorian age. After finishing his lecture and talking to various audience members, John found himself standing by the book answering questions, mainly regarding the Scrutatores. With so many people wanting his attention, John had managed to forget to check his voicemail on the phone call he had received toward the end of his lecture.
One of the audience members who was extremely interested in the Scrutatores walked up to John and proceeded to ask him his opinion on the authenticity of the book, and it possibly being proof of the Scrutatores. John disliked the type of questions that revolved around the existence of the Scrutatores, but sensed that the man was wealthy and should be humored. John assumed that the man was a large donor and so was careful how he answered his questions. He replied that the supernatural portion of the book was just a rumor. After some small talk, John concluded the conversation by inviting the man to his next presentation on the book.
John turned from the man he finished speaking with, only to come face to face with the museum’s head curator, standing directly in front of him. Startled, John stepped back.
“Mr. Williams, allow me to introduce one of the museum’s most generous Chicagoans,” said the curator.
“Victor, no need to mention how the museum knows me. Allow me to introduce myself; I am William Donavan.”
William Donavan was a fifth generation descendent of the architect of the Chicago Water Tower and other historical buildings throughout Chicago. William placed his hand on the book’s casing. John acted impressed with the newly acquired information, and he talked to him gamely while William felt up the box. William stretched out his hand toward John. The two men shook hands for a second time. He congratulated John on an excellent presentation.
“Thank you,” replied John, “which part of the presentation did you find the most appealing?”
“I must confess,” responded William, “the portion on spells and the search for the passageway to another plane of existence was particularly fascinating.”
It became apparent to John that this was the portion of the presentation that the majority of the audience members found interesting. After he finished his conversation with Mr. Donavan, John said his goodbyes and headed home.
John exited the building, curious about the phone call that interrupted his presentation. He took out his iPhone and checked his voicemail. He noticed that the call came from England. John accessed his voicemail and listened to the message.
“John, we need to talk.”
John’s curiosity was enhanced. The call came from a number that was not in his contact list. The voice was familiar, so he assumed it was one of Andrews’ assistants.
Andrews had been the head of what was known as the “Stamens” for decades. He was an extremely wealthy individual that had been financing all of John’s digs throughout the years. The Stamens were descendants of the Knights Templar. The surviving Templar became the Stamens after they were hunted down by the King of France. Andrews’ wealth came from the Templar fortunes. The Stamens helped out over the last few years in deciphering the book. John decided that he would call Andrews from his apartment.
John arrived at his Bucktown apartment, pleased by how the night went. He looked at his watch and noticed the time was just past eleven thirty. The drive from the Chicago Field Museum to the Bucktown area was a quick one, especially at this time. As he neared his home, he noticed a figure leaning against the black column on the stoop of his doorway.
John parked his ten-year-old Grand Cherokee half a block away from his apartment. He walked at a quick pace; anxious to see whom the person was that was standing on his stoop. How he wished he had never changed the bright white light to the dark red one, he thought to himself. Otherwise, he would have recognized the individual. As it was, he could only make out the silhouette of the person. As he neared, he noticed the man was bald and dressed in a dark suit. When he reached the stoop, he was pleased and relieved to recognize his old friend, Andrews.
“Hey! It’s been so long since our last encounter,” said John sarcastically, seeing as how he had just spent over five hours with him at the presentation and the reception. But he knew that for Andrews to be waiting for him, something important needed to be discussed.
“I’m wondering why you’re here but what I really want to know is how you beat me,” laughed John.
“Let’s get inside and we’ll talk there,” responded Andrews in his distinctive British accent. John thought this to be alarming, and his smile left his face. John also figured that he’d mention the phone call once inside. Usually Andrews had a great sense of humor and sometimes found his comments amusing. Seeing his serious demeanor meant that something important was going on that required immediate attention. John unlocked the door and both men entered the small, but quaint apartment.
Upon entering John turned on the lights and was glad that he had the apartment cleaned earlier in the day. Walking in, Andrews noticed three rooms in clear view, the front room followed by a large dining room with a small kitchen in back. In the center room was an opening with a hallway that leads to three bedrooms and a bathroom. Andrews walked over to the large dark oak table in the center of the second room. Andrews had known John since he was a young child.
“I see you had the place cleaned recently.” Andrews had immediately known that John had hired someone to clean the apartment for him.
John walked into the kitchen and grabbed two rock glasses and filled them with Jack Daniels and cola. He walked back into the center room, and turned on the ceiling fan before joining Andrews at the table.
“Thanks for the drink,” Andrews said, and immediately gulped it down. John also took a drink and waited for Andrews to enlighten him about the unexpected visit.
“John, I’m about to share with you some information that only I and my assistants know about.”
John simply nodded.
“There has been an incredible discovery that I honestly have no explanation for. Simply put, it will change our knowledge of our world and the universe,” said Andrews in a grave tone.
“What could possibly have been discovered that could change the world?” Asked John.
Andrews stood from his chair and walked behind it. He placed his hands on the top of the frame and looked at John with a deeply concerned expression.
“As you know, the book was discovered a little over five years ago,” said Andrews.
“Yeah, I know…I was there.”
“Well, my assistants in London have been going through our archives of documents dating back to the first Crusade. We have discovered two important documents. The first document confirmed that the Scrutatores existed, the second document explained and described how they were hunted down by the Order of Seven.”
The Order of Seven assisted the Christians during the Crusades. It was also rumored that the Catholic Church used them to perform exorcisms and other undertakings. The only people that knew of the Order were members of the Knights Templar and the Catholic Church.
John pushed back his chair and stood up, half-shouting, “This can’t be! The Order of Seven could not have been assigned to assassinate all of the Scrutatores! They performed assassinations only during the Crusades.”
“John, there is so much more, please let me finish, then I’ll try to answer any questions you may have.”
John sat back down. He discounted the rumors that the Scrutatores existed. He believed they were just a legend like King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
“Yes, the Order assisted in the disposal of those who had what was considered ‘unfavorable’ beliefs back then.”
John could not wait for Andrews to finish before he jumped back in.
“Are you saying that the Order was assigned to perform assassinations? The current Order members would have no part in any such request,” said John emphatically.
“I am not talking about current members,” Andrews said angrily. I’m referring to the original Order members and if it was asked, the Order would. It’s been a long-standing agreement when the Order is asked to perform an action, they will. Do you need a reminder on the oath that all the Order members have taken?”
“I’m sorry for that ridiculous comment. It’s been a long night. I know the oath and have always performed any task asked of me.”
“They did, but please control yourself and allow me to finish. We also discovered records of Scrutatores that had not been rounded up by the Order. The Scrutatores were the counter to the Order. They wanted to change the world in their image. I fear that the Scrutatores have been in existence and are living amongst us, waiting for their time to emerge. Finding the Book of Knowledge may be the sign they have been waiting for.”
Andrews’ demeanor was calm, but there was a sense of uncertainty in his voice.
“There is a Stamens village in Sicily that had been assigned to keep track of them. They were assigned to keep the information quiet until the moment had come to find them.”
John had now become skeptical, questioning his beliefs. Andrews noticed John’s obvious frustration. “John, ask what’s on your mind. I’m not finished yet, but I feel you need to ask.”
Without hesitation John fired away. “Okay, first…how could the Stamens keep track of this information and I not know, considering since I’m a part of the current Order? Did you forget that my father was in the Order and through his bloodline I became my brother’s natural replacement.”
“John, you’re the only Order member in the room. An important document was found two weeks ago. You were preparing for your presentation. Those of us searching needed to be sure, and we found out that the Order may have originated from the Scrutatores. The Order wanted no part of their plans or beliefs and came to the Stamens for refuge. Sir Andrews was the last of the Knights Templar. He documented how the Order came to the Stamens. It was after he fled from France to England that he started the Stamens. That’s why he inducted the Order into the Stamens, kept the knowledge about the origin of the Order a secret. The Book of Knowledge mentions that all the Scrutatores can perform spells. It also explains how to perform those spells…and we found that the book is legitimate.”
“What?” Said John.
“The spells in the book are real, I know because I caused an object to move from one end of a table to the other.”
John was overwhelmed. “So you have the ability to use spells?”
“No, I do not. I followed the described procedures and was able to somewhat accomplish the spell.”
“Somewhat? This is confusing,” said John
“The spell described what should have happened. I should have been able to levitate the object and keep it suspended for a rather long time. I managed to move the object two feet. Only a person with the ability to conduct a spell with the proper training can actually accomplish the spell. I believe that only a Scrutatore or a member of the Order have those abilities and I also suspect that any offspring of either group might as well,” said Andrews.
“This is huge. We need to contact the other Order members,” said John.
“The Order members have been notified. My assistants in London are looking through the archives for any information that would aid us in tracking the Scrutatores. I have convened a meeting of the Order,” said Andrews.
“Does this mean that the theory about the different planes of existence that they believed in is true?” Asked John.
“That I do not know. But I believe anything is possible now,” said Andrews with great concern in his voice. “What I do know is that you and the Order members will have your greatest task. It appears that the things you disregarded as lore may now be viewed as quite real.”
The two men took a short break and John poured each of them another drink. The information that Andrews was telling John raised great concern. One thing that John was not concerned about was that he may have misled the audience on the Scrutatores. His concern was that the Scrutatores beliefs might actually be true and that they are not the legend he believed they were.
“Allow me to continue John, I can see that you have mixed feelings about this matter. But there is more. We have two new members in the Order. The first is Emily Stone; she is an anthropologist from the University of Boston. The second is Julia Bernard, she is a Scientist specializing in chemistry and biology from the University of Paris.”
“Nice to finally know of new members, as a member myself it’s always good to find out months later,” said John sarcastically.
“Come now John, there have been many new findings and issues that have kept me busy with the book and the Order. Their mother’s sudden deaths were a shock to all of us. Since they are their descendants they’re in. Along with being a descendant they also displayed the ability to use magic, plus they had the mark on their forearm exactly like yours. The Order can only have seven active members. This is how it has been for centuries. Remember you came into the Order after the disappearance of your brother and his wife seventeen years ago. Anyway, they were inducted a few weeks ago. I know you should have been there, but James’ suggestion that they needed to be inducted sooner rather than later made sense. The ceremony can happen with one Order member present for the induction and James has been a member for about as long as you have.”
“Apology accepted,” said John, his tone indicating that it was anything but.
Andrews continued, “A month ago we discovered that a silver ring with the Scrutatores symbol was forged in Rome around 1100ad. The importance of the ring is that it is mentioned in a book that is two thousand plus years older than the ring. The ring is referred to as the Ring of Seeker,” said Andrews.
John found it hard to believe that the ring was mentioned in the ancient book, but he also knew this could not be a coincidence either. The notion that the writings in the Book of Knowledge could be factual was terrifying for John. He started to wonder what would happen if this book fell into the wrong hands. The devastation the book could cause humanity was mind-boggling. All the beliefs held true by many different religions would be questioned and there would be no way to prove them right or wrong.
“John, there is even more that I have to tell you.”
“Really, I have already heard more than I think I can handle right now.”
Andrews ignored the comment. “The book has also correctly predicted many of the tragedies and the rise of some of the world’s most ruthless rulers,” said Andrews.
“Name one,” said John.
“You know how Nostradamus misspelled Hitler’s name by one letter? Well, the book gives his name, the country he ruled and the people he persecuted without missing a letter,” said Andrews.
“You’re telling me that a book before the time of Pharaohs gives Hitler by name?”
“Yes, and the use of the atomic bomb. It also gives the name of the country using it and the country it was used against,” said Andrews.
“Not possible,” said John.
“It does, and I will show you when we return to Andrews Castle. Tonight,” said Andrews.
“Excuse me, return to Andrews Castle…tonight?” Said John.
“Yes, you are going tonight. I’ve already explained to the University that an emergency has emerged and you are needed to return. I made the usual promise that they will be the first to house our next finding and they agreed, as usual. You will work with us for the next month or two, possibly longer,” finished Andrews.
“This semester is about to end and I need to prepare my students for their finals,” John protested weakly.
“Taken care of. You need to meet with the Order and get started on examining the book as soon as possible,” said Andrews.
“The book is at the Field Museum.”
“True, the museum has the book but it’s a duplicate and no one can tell from the casing that it is a replica. Now, I will meet you at O’Hare at the private hangar. My jet will fly us to Andrews Castle together. So pack quickly, see you there. John, something is happening; I don’t know what or when it will happen but I can feel it. The Order will be put to the test and the future of humanity rides in the balance. ”
Andrews walked to John and placed his hand on his left shoulder for a brief moment and then walked out the door. John stayed at his table for five minutes. He struggled to take in all that Andrews had told him. Through his head, he kept running the thought of the Order of Seven originating from the Scrutatores, the existence of the Scrutatores, the implications if the book was correct and what of humanity’s future. John walked into the kitchen, opened one of the cabinets and took out a bottle of Jack Daniels and poured himself a real stiff drink this time. He took it with him to have while packing a large bag for his trip to London. As he walked into his bedroom he realized that he had forgotten to mention the phone call. John figured that the meeting with Andrews was what Wrightwood or another assistant was referring to.
Before he started packing, he reflected on the Order. He felt excitement and nervousness together. He wondered if he’d be up to the test.
The evening air was cool and exhilarating. Three cars had parked outside an abandoned building on the south side of Chicago. Inside the building, five individuals gathered after the presentation at the Field Museum that each of them had attended. The building was dilapidated and the meeting was being conducted on the first floor of what used to be an old meat packing plant. The five individuals dressed in black cloaks stood outside of the symbol of the Scrutatores that was etched into the floor. Each person was standing outside of the triangle.
Inside the triangle on each point is a lit six-inch candle. In the center of the triangle was an extremely large green sphere. There are no other lights in the building turned on. Each person was staring at the symbol, chanting in Latin. The chanting stopped as the person at the top point raised his hand. The only sound came from the wind howling through the old building. The gathered group waited for the central figure to start speaking. After several minutes, the silence broke.
“Our time is nearing. The discovery of the Book of Knowledge is the sign we have been waiting for. Our ancestors are speaking to us. They will soon be speaking to us through the book.” The cloaked figure spoke in a deep male voice.
The members of this small fraternity were facing the person speaking, listening intently to his every word.
“The book in the museum is a replica.”
The news caused all the members to gasp in disbelief. “Please everyone, listen. The book on display is a replica, which means that the real book is being kept in a different location. That location is what we need to find out.”
One of the females in the group interrupted, “How are we to find the location of the real book?”
“Kantra, the location is obvious,” said the central figure.
“Please explain how it is obvious, Lannar,” said Kantra.
“The book was discovered by a team of archeologists employed by the Stamens, the book is in the museum, just not on display” replied Lannar.
“The Order of Seven, why them?” Asked another man in the group.
“The Order of Seven will try to stop us once they figure out what we’re planning and who we are, Macnar. I believe that the book will be here at the Museum. No matter, we will attain it,” said Lannar.
The candles were extinguished and an outdoor construction light was turned on. Each person removed their cloaks. Underneath, each were dressed in formal wear.
“Ulra, will you please cover up our symbol?” Lannar turned to the new person in their group. “Wrightwood, you will need to think of a Scrutatore name for our next meeting. I will call you or Ulra will let you know of the meeting. You should plan on the next meeting being in two weeks. Did everyone hear? Next meeting in two weeks,” finished Lannar.
#
John finished his packing minutes before the taxicab company placed a courtesy call to inform him his cab had arrived. John turned his living room light on, locked the door and headed toward the cab. As he exited his building, across the street some people outside the bar were smoking.
They waved to John and asked, “where are you off to?”
“Off to Rome for work!” He shouted.
“I wish I had your job!” One replied. John responded with a chuckle and a wave as he entered the cab. If only they knew.
The ride to the airport was quick. The lack of traffic on the highway at midnight made any drive quick from downtown Chicago. The cab dropped him off at the airport, and as he exited the car, he noticed Andrews and two women, one blond and the other brunette alongside him. John placed his duffle bag’s strap on his shoulder and headed toward them. Andrews waved to John, and as John neared, he noticed the two females were much younger than his own age of forty-four.
“You made good time, but you still don’t get around as fast as I do,” said Andrews with a large smile on his face.
“Hey,” said John. It was obvious that he was running out of energy after his long day.
“Let me introduce you to the newest members of the Order. This is Emily Stone and Julia Bernard. They will be assigned to work with you on the Book of Knowledge, and in tracking down the Scrutatores.”
Emily extended her hand to John. “Nice to meet you, John. Andrews has spoken highly of you. I’ve also read many of your publications on Medieval History,” she said warmly.
“Nice to meet you,” said John, taking her hand.
“Hello Mr. Williams, I’m Julia Bernard. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” said Julia as she also extended her hand to greet John.
“Nice to meet you as well, Julia, please call me John. I am sorry for both of your losses. I knew your mothers very well. They were each great individuals and excellent at their craft. I’m sure you will continue in their footsteps,” said John.
Julia Bernard was a chemistry teacher at the University of Paris. She was a professor at the University for the past two years, and was twenty-eight years of age. She was a very attractive, slim woman with dark black hair. Her intellect matched her beauty. She had very distinctive green eyes that were quite visible through her slim-framed glasses. She was easily offended when people got lost in her beauty and failed to notice that she had a very sharp and intuitive mind. Emily Stone was a biology and history professor at the University of Boston. Like Julia, she too was slim and very attractive. She had blond hair and pale white skin. She was twenty-seven years old, and had been a professor at the University of Boston for three years.
“Okay, let’s get going before the plane leaves without us,” said Andrews.
Their bags in hand, they walked and engaged in small talk. The conversation revolved around John’s presentation. John was never any good at accepting compliments, but he thanked them and pointed out that he had five years to prepare for the presentation. The four of them walked to the security check and headed for the plane that would take them to Andrews Castle.
Andrews’ phone started ringing as they sat in the waiting area before boarding the plane. Andrews looked at the ID of the caller and jumped to his feet.
“Yes.” He started walking around, repeating “I see,” over and over. His facial expression was serious, and one of disbelief as well.
“I’m about to board the plane and will be there shortly,” Andrews ended the call and paused before addressing his traveling companions.
John, Emily, and Julia were anxious to hear what had obviously upset him. He walked up to them and simply said, “We will discuss this when we land in Italy, where we can not be heard discussing the details of that call.
“We should pick up our pace,” Andrews continued, “we will need to rest on the plane.” Even though the news of the phone call was obviously alarming, they were relieved to hear that they would get some rest before landing.
The Fourth of July fireworks at Navy Pier were excellent, as usual. They did not disappoint the extremely large crowd that had gathered to watch them. The crowds came to celebrate their country’s independence and were feeling extremely festive. Up and down the pier, people were waving miniature American flags. Pride in one’s country was in abundance. Bridgette Williams, Dwayne Bordeaux, Rosa Rodriguez, and David Heinrich were celebrating with the crowd, but what they were really celebrating was the beginning of their own independence. Each of them graduated from high school last month and were finally granted the freedom to be out on their own, without any supervision. All four lived in an orphanage for as long as they could remember. In a few months, they would be starting college at the same school. They had been friends since childhood.