THE PRIEST OF SANTA MARIA - { PT. 12 }

{ PT.  12 } - It was my destiny that the message inside reaches me. What message? asked Christiano. Kurush opened another compartment in the lid of the box to reveal clockwork circuitry. An astrolabe? asked Christiano. Similar, but not quite, replied Kurush. It is some kind of advanced locking mechanism set to open in the future. And it did not burn, rust or malfunction, and the wood did not rot when it fell in this river you mentioned? asked Christiano. It di not. It's like something other-worldly, replied Kurush. Where 's the message? asked Angelica. Right here, said Kurush, swivelling his chair and picking up frame from a chest behind him. Encased in a double-sided glass frame was a piece of parchment paper with writing on the front and reverse. He placed it on the table. Ancient Greek, said Christiano. Yes. Kurush nodded. You had it translated? I translated it myself. I'm a Professor of Babylonian Studies, and I'm also fluent in Ancient Greek and Latin. It was a message for me by Jannara. Why you? asked Christiano. Each generation did their duty of looking after the box. It was never and doubt about keeping it safe.                          _______________________________________________________  

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