Released from the spell Daniel hands the net of knotted twine back to Nigel, and Nigel skulks away with his torch like a cat that's caught a shrew, and wants to give it his full attention.
I slowly unfold the hessian, its rough still in my hands and has been wrapped with masterful hospital corners, and folded back on itself to keep sections in place which would make the wrapper at Tiffany’s seem sloppy in comparison. A sharp inhalation of air from everyone as the object is revealed.
“Your Dad Daniel, he found the box.” My hands are in my lap, I am transfixed by the intricate craftsmanship of the carvings made into the black wood with delicately carved metal inlays. Creatures real and mythical of the sea, carved waves and birds and a sailing ship. The box is really quite beautiful. Atop the mast sits an eagle, resting with its wings by its side, a fish in its talon. It’s a quite astounding object, I’m enjoying looking at it, it would not look out of place in Daniels own personal collection, in fact there are some shapes and forms about it that link in my mind, and belong alongside those collected objects in his home.
“Open it.” Daniel whispers to me, kissing me sweetly on my face, and aware he sounded too bossy adds, “please.” He changes tone to one more suitably tender and less dominant, “open it.”
That’s better. The top isn’t hinged, and its lid is thick and heavy, but it lifts off with some wiggling, and manoeuvring. It hasn't been touched by any damp, the crate protected it. Inside there is a roll of paper, still dry, with more string wrapped and knotted, and holding the string in place an off-white wax seal, with the eagle and ship logo embossed on the surface, it looks like a fancy graduation certificate. I slide the roll out into my hand and pass the string back as before.
“A note.” As I hold the fragile paper in my hand, “it's a note, one very old on a parchment written in ink, with some of Daniels symbols and graphics inked around the edges, it's English but old, 1593 it says at the bottom, I can read most of it.”
“Really?” This from Kurt
Nigel huffs, “remember we had Shakespeare by then Kurt.” He cleans his glasses again, mumbling under his breath not quite quiet enough, “...and here I am, suffering the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune...!”
...”or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them...” to myself. True story. Anyway...”and reads something like:
“To my last breath I will tell a tale, I alone survived with my second mate. All hands lost, all I have is my reputation and the will to hide the idol.”
I look up at the staring faces looking down on me, waiting for the story to unfold.
“I have fallen with sickness, and will not live long, but maps exist and those I leave to you here.”
“Only a worthy translator will be rewarded, with a strong will, a handful of the prize will be within your grasp”
“There's a part I can't read, then it goes on”:
“Word has been sent to a trusted old friend, a spice trader.”
“Be helped with good advice” much luck E. Pearse 1593.”
I look at Daniel, his breathing is shallow and face pale.
I continue. “The second note, is written on much newer paper, good quality,” and as I hold it up to the torchlight to see to read it, we all see it has an eagle and ship watermark.
“My Dad's handwriting, Tharie, tell me what it says please.”
Kurt lays a hand on Daniels shoulder, “can you believe this Danny?” All he gets for his question, rhetorical or no, is a head-shake in response, must be a family thing.
I return my focus to the words. “My beloved sons, I will journey into obscurity if I can escape from here. To avoid any link with my beloved family and this matter, the idol remains lost and it's too dangerous to return home for fear those who search for it might come to you. I have tried to find it, but suspect my directions are either a miscalculation or some important clue is missing. Sons, I have tried to protect you and your Mum, please don't get so absorbed in the search for treasure you forget what's important like I almost did. I am sick now, the water in this cave is poison, I will try again to get out.
Forgive