Echoes: Book Two - The Night of the Eighth Day The Revelations Continue

By Adrian Raynor-Krill

The resounding success of the universally - documented Roman Forum construction project has changed Adam and Tyra's lives for ever but their true voyage of inner discovery is only just beginning. In the wake of that unexpected but monumental enlightenment amid the ruined and deserted backstreets of the Via Claudia, it seems life has resumed a semblance of normality once more.

As the leaves begin to fall and the days grow noticeably colder and shorter with the imminent onset of another winter, all appears well in their fine country house where the flickering candle flames and blazing log fires bring warmth and comfort on the chill evenings.

Within the convivial atmosphere of one of Tyra's elegant dinner parties, their all-seeing and spiritualist friend, Sophie, announces an impending discovery which will not only give them all cause to reflect upon their pasts again but will also see a return trip to Italy and a lonely, isolated place where, it seems, the hand of man has not moved for an eternity.

Within weeks of Sophie's prediction a team of young archaeologists stumble, quite by chance, on something which when unearthed and investigated will not only confound them with its intrigue and mysteries and leave them searching for answers, it will have far-reaching consequences for Adam, Tyra and Sophie, plunging the world of medical science and the occult movement into shock and bewilderment.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Legend Press
• Release date: Oct 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781910053607

Book preview

secret.

FOR KARLA, AS ALWAYS

For the good times we enjoy and the one who makes them happen.

You are my inspiration for writing, the motivation behind all other things and the one I seek to raise myself up to.

‘....And again he wondered at life’s providence which had delivered such a rich prize into his hands....’

1

Warchester, England

Present Day

The long, hot summer was finally drawing to a close and the leaves on the deciduous trees had already begun to adopt their autumn colours before tumbling to the ground in a rich carpet of red, brown and gold as temperatures noticeably dropped and the days grew progressively shorter.

On this fine October morning the pale blue sky formed a dramatic backdrop as the sun made its appearance over the eastern horizon, illuminating the gently-sloping red-tiled roofs and majestic white columns of the forum with its brilliance and throwing the outlines of the tall cypresses into stark silhouette.

As the sun rose still further and described a slow, lazy parabola through the heavens, so the shadows of the great buildings moved and shrank, never quite disappearing at this time of year as they traversed the huge expanses of marble and granite flooring that covered the sprawling complex of piazzas and squares.

In this great place there were no signposts and warnings to pedestrians and traffic, no banners or hoardings advertising products, sale-items and displays and it seemed almost as if this magical world – so full of the beauty, graciousness and irresistible power of the Roman empire had been miraculously transported across the millennia and the frontiers of time from its home in Italy and deposited here where it now dominated the landscape for miles around.

The many hundreds of shops, stalls, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities including saunas and heated, fragrant baths were all discreetly hidden away inside the great buildings which stood proud and defiant – stupendous in their scale and magnificence.

The immense car-parks were effectively screened from view behind elevated ramparts whose carefully-manicured and sculpted outlines were further softened by an assortment of tall Italian cypresses, sombre English copper beech, yew, Japanese maple and horse chestnut trees whose attractive white candelabra blossoms would herald the arrival of warmer days next year.

The Roman Forum covered an area approximately two square miles and visitors to the complex were issued with a site-plan as they arrived, providing them with the detailed information required to explore and navigate the vast network of temples, triumphal arches, statues, gardens and fountains and where all the facilities and recreation areas could be found. There was no admission fee except to the opulent replica of the Roman baths where the stunned visitor could sample the delights of fragrant steam rooms, massage areas, icy plunge-pools and waters of varying temperature – from barely tepid to piping hot.

There was a fully-equipped gymnasium, conference rooms, barbers and ladies’ hairstylists and special areas set aside for pampering the body with manicures, pedicures, floatation rooms and tanning studios. Outside were formal gardens circumscribed by arched and paved walkways offering shade in the warmer weather and providing seated views of decorative fountains and gleaming marble statues.

Adorning the walls in the main hall of the bathing area were immense mosaics of athletes and gladiators performing with a variety of iron weights as they exercised and toned their bodies to physical perfection while up above the ceilings were painted with frescoes and yet more walls were decorated with slabs of marble. Floors were covered with brightly-coloured mosaics while others were black and white and depicted maritime figures like fish, sea horses and even a stunning and mildly erotic representation of Poseidon sporting a trident and golden crown. Some of the coloured mosaics were abstract and made from all kinds of natural stone like grey granite, yellow marble, green-veined marble and green and purple porphyry.

Wherever a person chose to wander in the splendid grounds they would find statues – huge statues depicting victorious generals, emperors, gods and goddesses, most carved in marble but some – portraying chariots and teams of galloping horses, were wrought from bronze.

At the northernmost extremity the staggering replication of the Pantheon with its domed roof and enormous decorated fountain surrounded by another host of Roman deities on their characteristic narrow, fluted plinths. The circumference of the great hall was ringed by yet more shops on a strictly Mediterranean theme while daylight streamed in through the centrally-located oculus above. Here too, mosaics and frescoes adorned the remaining wall space while the open expanse of floor between the fountain and the outer walls was constructed of the rarer purple-veined marble.

Heralded as the most innovative construction project of the modern age it had been four years in the building and was now considered a monument of national pride, not solely attributable to its beauty and sophistication but because it had been erected in an all-but-forgotten part of the country following its demise as a mining town.

Chief designer and overseer of the entire project, Adam Grant had subsequently been awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize for ‘....His outstanding services to architecture and the furtherance of Britain’s greatness in the eyes of the world, coupled with an unusual degree of talent, vision and commitment...,’ as the endorsement to this prestigious decoration read.

Not surprisingly the company of Templeman Grant Architectural Consultants had been forced into expanding its operation yet again and launching its second recruitment drive in less than three years. Whilst Russ and Julia had vacated their elegant country home and adopted more luxurious surroundings as befitted their rise in affluence and accompanied celebrity status, Adam had steadfastly remained in his own grey stone edifice with its many chimneys, spacious gardens and stable block, along with his stunningly-beautiful wife of twenty-eight years, Tyra.

They were both now in their early fifties but despite the increased fame and wealth bestowed by the resounding success of the Roman Forum, neither could even contemplate uprooting for something else and leaving this treasured dwelling behind. The memories were too intense, too private and too special to be simply cast aside and there was just too much of themselves contained within the great walls for any aspect of walking away to be considered.

It was a slightly eerie sensation, Tyra reflected as she busied herself in the enormous kitchen preparing vegetables for tonight’s dinner party. Whether she was working in the house or strolling leisurely through the grounds, there was a constant reminder of that wonderful night she and Adam had met at Russ and Julia’s. The passage of time had not dulled the memory and she knew instinctively up until that moment she had been merely existing and avoiding relationships with other men – waiting and waiting with an unfaltering patience, year after year in the sure knowledge he would come to her once more and no human endeavours would see them parted again.

In fact, their meeting would remain indelibly etched on their minds for at the outset neither of them could have guessed as to the outcome of the occasion. They had both been aware in the first moment of their introduction there was something deep and special between them – something infinitely more powerful than mere chemistry and compatibility. Something so mystical and primeval they trusted their instincts unquestioningly without fully comprehending the forces at work which had brought them together once more; influences far beyond their control and limited scope of human understanding.

Less than a week later in this same house, Adam’s invitation to come and live with him was unquestionable proof of her destiny being laid out before her. She agreed without reservation and they had married within six months.

In their many years together they had grown closer and closer, both physically and spiritually and it was slightly disconcerting to acknowledge certain aspects of their lives were no longer in their own hands – as if there were other, benign forces watching over them but at the same time never allowing them to forget who they were or from whence they had come. Their psychic friend, Sophie, had been most enlightening and within the last twelve months they had discovered more about their pasts than either of them would have believed possible and consequently their bond of deep love and friendship with Sophie had assumed new dimensions of spiritual intensity.

Adam had gone to collect Sophie from her elegant Georgian country house and as Tyra continued with the preparation of dinner she was again filled with that inordinate sense of pleasure and well-being as she anticipated the intimacy of their close-knit little group within the special atmosphere of the dining room where she and Adam had shared their first meal as a couple.

There was always something truly magical about that place, especially when the candles were lit and the three of them spoke in hushed tones while the shadows flickered eerily and added an air of mystery and an undercurrent of romance to the ambience of the room. On occasions it seemed there were other unseen guests, influencing the mood with their presence and Tyra smiled to herself as she reflected how none of them would probably be even remotely surprised if one of their ethereal and intangible spectators had suddenly added an opinion to the proceedings.

Tyra glanced about her and nodded imperceptibly as she saw how everything was ready but nevertheless decided to check on the dining room where hopefully the setting would be perfect for their get-together a short while from now. The large 17th century Jacobean oak table was an item which still conjured up fond memories of that first date and covering it was one of her most treasured purchases of recent years for she would always be reminded of that bewitching and life-changing holiday in Rome whenever she saw it. Its beauty was in its simplicity for the basic black and white required no colourful embellishments; however its sheer originality and superb quality told her unquestionably it was meant for their table back home.

The stalls were packing up for the day when she and Adam had returned from their little adventure along the ruined backstreets of the Via Claudia and she had seen it hanging up in the back of the van. She did not even attempt to barter with the stallholder and would have paid double the asking price rather than forsake its purchase.

In the centre of the rich linen cloth, a mosaic featuring two aristocratic Roman ladies facing each other and apparently engaged in conversation whilst their hands and arms made flamboyant gestures. The reproduction of their features was outstanding and the women’s great beauty had been captured perfectly. Their hair was tied up, braided and secured with ornamental clasps while delicate, curly wisps hung tantalisingly down the sides of their faces. They wore highly-decorative earrings and their wrists were adorned with expensive bracelets and bangles which perfectly complemented the folds of the stolas secured by gold fibula and stylish brooches. Around the border of the wondrous covering were representations of Roman archers, marching legionaries, centurions and tribunes with plumed helmets, chariots and teams of horses performing in the Circus Maximus and the many different types of gladiator, all sporting their individual armour and weaponry.

As always but strategically placed so as not to conceal the splendid detail of the centre, a large spray of carnations whose heady scent permeated throughout the room and evoked tender memories of years ago. A short distance away sat the Celtic candle holder and its three large church candles in their dramatic setting whilst many others would provide additional light from their positions on the walls, enhancing the mood but allowing the comparative glare of the chandelier to remain extinguished.

As she found a book of matches and began to introduce those final touches of magic she heard Adam’s car pull up on the gravel driveway outside the main entrance and felt the feather of excitement in her stomach. She allowed herself one more lingering glance at the scene taking in the 19th century Davenport stone china plates and the sparkling silver cutlery, the embroidered crimson napkins and heavy lead-crystal wine goblets and as she saw how everything was perfect she smiled in approval and went to meet Adam and Sophie in the hall.

2

Tyra! she exclaimed with undisguised delight. How lovely to see you again, darling, and Sophie hugged her in a manner more in keeping with years of separation rather than the four days since their last telephone conversation. The warmth of their shared embrace was cut abruptly short as Sophie unwittingly broke the spell and bussed each of her cheeks theatrically before announcing, I simply adore being invited to dinner and I know tonight is going to be truly magical in every sense of the word.

She was the same height as Tyra and of almost identical build. Her hair was a rich auburn tied up in similar fashion and she liked to wear expensive jewellery around her neck while most of her fingers were adorned with Etruscan rings of inestimable value. On the rare occasions they had seen her come close to losing her temper attributable mainly to encountering ill manners and insulting behaviour, they had borne witness to a degree of venom and open hostility which surprised them as her emerald green eyes flashed with cold fire and she delivered a withering barrage of colourful invective aimed at the hapless offender. Fortunately these days such instances were few and far between and in total contrast to Sophie’s generally placid nature and dulcet, upper-class tones.

She was a wonderful combination of some of the more desirable qualities to be found in another person – cultured and well-educated, gentle, funny, sometimes scary, downright crude when she’d been drinking and it was just her and Tyra, warm, loyal and all-seeing. Sophie had never questioned her gifts and abilities and attributed her extra-sensory powers to a blessing from the gods of fortune who had, by unanimous ballot, chosen her to be their earthly instrument of benign influence on those people who sought out her extraordinary talents. When Tyra had called her earlier in the week with tonight’s invitation to dinner, Sophie had known instinctively – before the telephone had even rung, their next meeting was imminent and she would have something important to tell them both; something that would ultimately prove to have dramatic repercussions on all their lives and raise many more questions pertaining to their joint pasts.

Shall we go through? Tyra invited with a barely-suppressed note of excitement in her voice. Dinner will be ready in a jiffy but we can all make a start on the wine if you like. With Sophie in the lead and Tyra bringing up the rear they moved from the entrance hall and through the double mahogany doors of the dining room where the atmosphere changed immediately and enveloped them all in its warm and friendly intimacy, further enhanced by an overtone of mysticism and other-worldliness. Sophie had become acutely sensitive to just this kind of setting over the years and now found herself in her true element as the ambience began to wash over her.

This is simply delightful, she exclaimed looking about her with arms extended in an all-encompassing gesture and turning through a half circle for it was the perfect backdrop in which to deliver those pronouncements she would make tonight. I’ve always known this room was special for the pair of you but tonight – somehow it’s different; the feeling of peace and well-being is more intense than ever. The last time I felt anything like this was when you came to me that night and we made our first discoveries....

She found herself forced to exercise an uncommon restraint before the situation got the better of her and she spoke before she was adequately prepared.

Take a deep breath, Sophie. We have the whole night in front of us.

Adam poured the rich, full-bodied Chianti into the lead crystal goblets, handing one each to Sophie and Tyra before taking up his own and raising it in salute and greeting.

It’s really good to see you here again, Sophie. Let’s drink to a special friendship and deep love which grows with the passing of each day.

Love and friendship, Sophie echoed. To a long life and the good sense to live it, she added thoughtfully and they drank the dark, aromatic wine in a pleasant and companionable silence.

Would you like to take your seats? Tyra invited as she set her wine goblet down. Sophie, dear, will you sit here with Adam on your left? I’ll bring everything through and then we can get comfortable and see where the evening takes us.

As she disappeared through the double doors Adam and Sophie took their allotted places at the splendid table. For the next few minutes their banter was animated and lively but at the same time he thought he detected an element of restlessness and impatience – as if there was something she wanted to divulge at the earliest opportunity but was waiting for exactly the right moment. He knew better than force the issue for if there was anything to tell it would be revealed in the coming hours and as it happened his train of thought was interrupted by the arrival of dinner.

As Tyra made her appearance and removed the lids from the serving dishes releasing a mouth-watering aroma, Adam placed a friendly arm about her waist while she apportioned the first course onto their plates.

When you taste this, Adam Grant, you’ll remember why you married me! She took her own seat and announced, Welcome again to our happy home. Let’s eat – I’m starving.

First course was Maryland crab cakes with green onion sauce, a recipe she had only recently chanced upon and decided tonight would be the ideal opportunity to gauge its popularity. As they chatted among themselves and caught up on each other’s lives once more the food disappeared with an enthusiasm that lifted Tyra’s spirits again.

Well, I think we can safely say that was a successful experiment. Would anyone like more? If not we can finish it tomorrow. There’s plenty left.

I could eat that again, Adam declared, but I’m keen to find out what’s under the remainder of those lids. Don’t keep us in suspense too long will you, Tyra?

That was absolutely heavenly, Sophie complimented Tyra in suitably extravagant terms as she placed the cutlery tidily on her plate and dabbed at the corners of her mouth with the crimson napkin. You and I are no strangers when it comes to the best in cuisine and we’ve dined in some pretty snappy restaurants over the years but I have to concede I’ve never tasted anything quite like that.

Tyra visually preened at the blandishments and after Adam had refilled everyone’s wine goblets she asked, Is everyone ready for the main course now?

Never thought you’d ask, darling, Sophie teased and as Tyra began to serve once more Adam placed a discreet hand on her bottom, out of Sophie’s line of sight and gently stroked her curvaceous buttock.

This reminds me of Christmas when I was a boy, he murmured innocently. I’ll never forget the excitement generated by the appearance of the package, the all-consuming urge to get the wrapping off and inspect the contents more closely, and Tyra suspected he was referring to the way she filled out her figure-hugging halter-neck black evening dress rather than what lay under the lids of the serving dishes – or could it have been both?

Either way the idea appealed to the more wicked side of her curiosity for she smiled and pressed herself against his hand. She finished serving then took her own seat once more and raised her wine goblet in salute. Enjoy! she trilled happily, and let us speak of other pleasant times we’ve shared.

Main course was beef tenderloin stuffed with morels, shallots and garlic served with delicious lyonnaise potatoes and delicate sliced green beans from their own garden. She had worked for most of the afternoon in preparation of tonight’s little gathering, feeling the feather of anticipation in her belly as the hours wore on and the shadows lengthened with the promise of yet another autumn evening and the pleasure of Sophie’s beguiling presence around the dinner table for who could say what surprises she might yet bring with her?

As they savoured the subtle flavours of the excellent cuisine and took pleasure from the close proximity of each other, so the conversation began to flow back and forth in an ever-increasing degree of warmth and relaxation.

Outside it was dark but in here – in this wonderful place which was lit subtly by the dancing flames of the numerous candles, it was warm and inviting and Sophie at last judged the mood perfect to speak to her friends on the subject of what had been uppermost in her mind these last days.

3

Since you underwent your past-life regression with me, Tyra, have you ever had cause to ask yourselves if there was anything left to discover about your time here before? I’m aware you especially feel there was no more to be gleaned where your life with Adam was concerned and the two of you have become even closer as a result but are you completely at ease with the way we left things?

Tyra glanced at Adam momentarily as if seeking evidence to the contrary but seeing nothing in his expression which gave her cause for doubt replied at last, We’ve never searched for more answers than we found that night, Sophie. Why do you ask?

The main course was finished and as Tyra stood up and began to stack the plates on the serving trolley where they could later be removed to the kitchen, Sophie gestured for her to take her seat once more.

Come and sit down, darling. There’s something I have to say to both of you. Let us join hands and complete the circle while I try to explain what I feel and perhaps you will feel a little of it also.

As Tyra resumed her seat and their hands linked across the table so they became aware of the heat and energy radiating from Sophie, heightening their senses and filling their very beings with anticipation and excitement. She always had the most pleasant and startling effects upon them.

Guided by her womanly intuition, her extra-sensory powers and phenomenal visionary windows into the past which told her this was the perfect moment, she began.

There is a place, many miles from here which you have passed by but never seen. It is a place of desolation which also harbours a secret of indescribable love and beauty. I can tell you this place is the product of deep affection and devotion of a third party still watching over you to this very day but I cannot be more precise than that. As yet it remains undiscovered but in the coming days and weeks it will be made known to the world. Believe me when I tell you your journey to find yourselves is by no means concluded and in the months ahead you will have indisputable proof as to who you are and from whence you came.

For a few moments Adam and Tyra were unable to speak as they listened spellbound to Sophie’s explanation of events which were soon to throw their lives into turmoil once again. Sophie allowed the silence to drag on a few more agonising seconds before continuing in her soft, measured tones.

Tyra, for you especially I sense a discovery both upsetting and emotionally uplifting. Someone who was once very dear to you will reappear in your life and you will subsequently come to view that person in a new light. You and Adam will be going on another journey to the place where this discovery will soon be made and when it is over the knowledge of your true identities will cause uproar within the scientific world.

Sophie’s eyes remained open while she spoke and gave the impression of being locked in a vacant stare but now appeared to focus again and it became apparent she had divulged all the information available to her.

So what’s the significance of all this? Adam asked at last, stunned by what they had heard.

It means quite simply, Sophie replied quietly, that a discovery of immense value and importance to the scientific and archaeological world is about to be uncovered and the pair of you are going to form a major part of it. The people who will subsequently work on this discovery are unaware of your existence at the moment but when the time is appropriate you will make yourselves known to them. Your own curiosity and the desire to find out more about yourselves will be the catalyst for events unfolding in the future.

Tyra squeezed her friend’s hand and searched her mysterious green eyes in vain for more answers but it was as if a veil had been drawn across those deep, emerald pools and she knew instinctively there would be no more visionary insights from Sophie tonight.

Sophie, I don’t mean to question your abilities to see future events but you’ve got me worried now. What’s so important about this discovery you speak of and why is it going to have such a dramatic effect on those who will make it? I thought we’d resolved all the issues last year when I came to you that evening but now you’re telling us we’re by no means finished with our revelations and all of a sudden the whole world’s about to become involved too. This has always been a very private issue between the three of us. I’m not so sure I want to be reading about myself on the front page of every newspaper that picks up on the story. You know how they’re prone to exaggerate and distort facts and take statements out of context.

"I’m sorry, darling. I didn’t mean to frighten you. For years now I’ve been aware of my receptiveness to certain phenomena even though they appear, on the surface, to go completely unnoticed by everyone else. I have to admit to being a little surprised by not just the vivid nature of the content which emerged during your regression but also the startling quantity. I wasn’t quite expecting that. I suspect each of us learned more about our respective pasts than we were prepared for but when I look at it now I can fully understand it was just another step in the natural progression of events which will unfold at some point in the future.

I can no more account for it than you and Adam can explain the intensity of your own physical attraction for one another. Sometimes it’s better to accept things for the way they are rather than questioning and attempting to analyse them. If you do not keep this rendezvous with your destiny nothing will happen and the true value of the discovery will be lost for ever. As it is, I think you will both be going to Italy again to keep an appointment with yourselves and science will be all the more enriched because of it.

I need another drink, Adam exclaimed as he rose from his chair and reached for a third bottle of Chianti. What do you make of all this, Tyra? If it begins to unfold as Sophie has predicted do you think we should follow it up? I have to admit to being more than a little curious and we’ve never had cause to doubt the accuracy of her words.

"Adam, you know how I’ve felt about this situation all along. I’m as intrigued by it as much as you and I know Sophie wouldn’t have told us these things if she had not been one hundred percent sure. Let’s wait and see what happens over the next few weeks or months and then we can act according to what our hearts tell us but I don’t think we can even consider doing this without Sophie. She understands so much more than either of us and we couldn’t just leave her behind if we got the wake-up call.

How do you feel about it, Sophie? If this starts to come together the way you’ve suggested, will you join us and see it through – whatever the outcome? I couldn’t bear the thought of attempting to unravel this little mystery without you being part of it. I suppose what I’m trying to say is that you’ll always be a part of it and a part of us. What do you say – will you come with us?

You know I will, she replied in her soft tones, her green eyes misting over as she squeezed Tyra’s hands. I couldn’t allow you to go galloping off into the unknown without your guiding light now could I? Listen to me, you two. I can’t tell you any more than I already have. Perhaps there will be more in a few weeks but certainly not at the moment. You’ll just have to keep your eyes and ears open. You know – TV and the newspapers. I cannot give you any precise dates, only that the discovery is imminent – days perhaps or maybe even weeks but soon, very soon.

Had Tyra expected this? Part of her said yes although she would have felt a tinge of disappointment if the evening had passed and Sophie had not enlightened them with some startling revelation or other – but this! It was simply way beyond anything she could have imagined hearing tonight and was further proof of her astounding visionary giftedness.

Sophie dabbed her eyes and smiled mischievously at her two friends. Will someone pour Sophie another glass of wine, please? My mouth’s dry all of a sudden. Darlings, I have to say this but I couldn’t possibly imagine a more pleasant and thoroughly appropriate setting for all this to be revealed. It’s rather exciting, isn’t it?

Adam refilled her lead-crystal goblet while Tyra cleared away the dishes and brought in the sweet course accompanied by a pot of freshly-percolated coffee. There was raspberry crème brulee or homemade mint ice cream with delicate plain chocolate sticks and once again their little group immersed themselves in animated banter whilst savouring the delights of Tyra’s creativity.

Much later and barely stifling a yawn Sophie announced, I think I’ll turn in for the night if no one minds. I feel totally shattered and it’s not down to the wine alone. The whole setting and mood in here has made me relax in a way that’s caught me a little off guard.

I’ll show you to your room, Sophie, Tyra stood up and stretched like a cat, feeling the evening’s revelations had affected her too. You’ll be quite private and no one will be disturbing you so sleep in for as long as you want in the morning. Neither of us is up and about particularly early on Sundays and we can take you home after a late breakfast if you like.

I could really get used to this degree of star treatment, she replied dreamily and it was clear she wasn’t going to remain awake much longer. Thank you so much for a lovely evening – both of you. It’s been absolutely delightful and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

Come on, Tyra took her elbow. Let’s get you up those stairs before you fall asleep on your feet down here.

Goodnight, Adam, she wished him.

Goodnight, Sophie, he replied and kissed her cheek warmly. Sleep well.

4

It was dark – so unbelievably dark he could see no details of his surroundings; and the cold! He had never experienced such complete and all-pervading cold and he felt the icy chill of it deep inside his bones. He tried to move but his body would not respond to his attempts, as if it was no longer physically connected to his brain and he was totally alone with just his thoughts and the ever-present numbing cold. He squeezed his eyes shut and focused his thoughts, willing his hand to move even though he had no awareness of its presence. After many moments he at last felt his perseverance rewarded and the hand responded obediently.

As he finally extended his fingers they came into contact with an abrasive but all-too-familiar surface which was colder still than the icy chill which dwelt in his body. He moved the hand again and brought it up to the level of his face, only to discover the same coarse material covered the area immediately above his head.

Stone!

He could hear nothing of the outside world – wherever that might be, but now and then, just very occasionally, he thought he caught what sounded like a breath of wind or draught as it found its way through the tiny gaps and openings. If he concentrated his mind on the sound and strained his ears to capture every detail of the bewitching but seemingly-distant movement of air he was able to recognise it as something resembling a whisper but so faint as to be virtually inaudible.

When it came again he focused even harder, trying to identify it. Yes, he was able to place it now! It was definitely a whisper – the sound of a human voice; a soft yet beguiling susurration of the air about him but carrying a note of sadness and pleading. There it was again – louder and much clearer this time and it seemed to be drawing closer until he was surrounded by the sound which was everywhere and nowhere in particular, filling his head and reverberating about the stone enclosure where he remained imprisoned or buried!

Now he thought he recognised some of the words carried along on the soft, dulcet tones of that dreadfully-familiar voice. There could be no doubt. It was a woman – his woman, closer than ever and he thought he heard his name. Again she called to him – a long, drawn-out sigh, tearing his emotions apart and threatening his very sanity.

C-r-i-x-u-s? Is that you, Crixus? Is it really you – after all this time? Oh come to me, Crixus. Come to me now and hold me for I am cold and so, so lonely....

In that moment he realised she had found him and as his fingers tore at the roof of his stone enclosure he was filled with an all-consuming panic in the impenetrable blackness.

Drusilla! he screamed as the waves of terror swept over him and the darkness pressed in even closer. Drusilla! Drusilla! Where are you...?

Tyra immediately came awake at the sound of Adam’s desperate, agonised cries. Drusilla! Drusilla! Where are you? She switched on the muted light of the bedside lamp and turned to him, cradling his head in her arms so his face was pressed into the warmth of her breasts. As he slowly came awake she softly crooned to him and her beautiful voice – so reminiscent of the distant words which had just tortured his soul, filled his head and banished the vision from his anguished, pain-wracked sub-conscious.

It’s alright, Adam. It’s alright. It was just a dream. Don’t be afraid. You’re here, with me and everything’s alright.

She pressed his face into the deep cleft of her cleavage and kissed his head while she held him and gradually felt him relax as the tension seemed to go out of his body and his breathing returned to normal. This just had to be tied up with the events at dinner tonight; there couldn’t be any other explanation but what was the significance of such a realistic and traumatic dream? Could it be a portent, a warning or simply an eerie confirmation of something else they were about to encounter as a result of Sophie’s prediction? In their twenty-eight years together she had never known Adam to experience anything like this. Certainly he had been having brief visions and flashbacks which had increased alarmingly since her regression with Sophie last year, but nothing to parallel this.

Would you like to talk about it? she asked gently after a few moments and he moved his head away from the comforting warmth of her breasts and attempted to gather his thoughts into some semblance of order.

I was aware of a great darkness – a terrible and forbidding place where not even the remotest shaft of sunlight ever penetrated, and it was cold, so unbelievably cold. His words faltered momentarily as he shivered briefly with the recollection. I know I was laid on my back with stone all around me – almost as if I was entombed or buried. I thought I heard something in the darkness and to begin with it sounded like nothing more than a draught or a distant wind. As I listened and concentrated, I knew I was hearing what resembled a whisper only it kept drawing closer until it was all around me, filling my head and echoing around the small space of my dark world. It was a woman’s voice, Tyra. It was your voice – her voice and she called out to me. I can still hear it now. ‘Crixus, Crixus. Is that you? Is it really you?’ I know I was trapped in the blackness and I was terrified. When I recognised the voice I started to panic because I knew I must get to her at any cost and screamed her name over and over. It was you, Tyra – it was Drusilla!

She had the strangest feeling a new cycle of events had just begun and Sophie’s pronouncement of imminent developments had precipitated it. With an absolute certainty she knew when the call came and Sophie’s predictions began to manifest themselves by means of media coverage, they must trust their hearts and instincts and do whatever they sensed would lead them to their ultimate fate or providence.

Let me hold you before I try to sleep again, he asked her quietly but as he drew his hands out from under the covers he grimaced with pain and she sensed some terrible foreboding.

What is it? she asked and as they stared at the tips of his fingers in horror they could see, even in the muted light of the bedside lamp, that the nails were torn and the skin broken and bleeding from the abrasive contact with the roof of his underground burial place.

At the sound of Tyra’s screams Sophie rushed into their bedroom and as she saw Adam’s ruined hands and the blood that streaked the cotton sheet and smeared the duvet she ran to embrace them both tearfully.

I’m so sorry. Please forgive me. I could have had no idea where this would lead. It’s all my fault, I’m so terribly sorry.

5

Much later the following morning over breakfast the mood was strangely subdued compared to their animated banter of the previous evening. Adam sat at the breakfast table with a steaming mug of coffee clutched between the palms of both hands whilst his bandaged fingers were an unsubtle reminder of those events which had ensued shortly after turning in for the night.

They could understand how Adam’s dream might well be related to their joint pasts where Tyra had uncovered some of the brutal truth regarding their former lives just over a year ago but the real significance and connection to any possible future events remained shrouded in mystery. The injuries, as they all concurred, were synonymous with a person fighting with the utmost desperation to free themselves from some claustrophobic predicament where abject fear and panic were the overriding factors and emotions.

After she had overcome her initial shock and the realisation there were forces at work here beyond anything previously encountered, Tyra had gently washed the blood from Adam’s torn hands in the bathroom sink and then carefully anointed the broken flesh and nails with lavender balm before wrapping them in sterile crepe bandages. Even though the discomfort of his injuries was considerable he thrilled to the feeling of Tyra’s gentle ministrations and was pleasantly surprised by the degree of well-being he experienced at her skilful, deft touches.

Despite their repeated attempts to console and placate her, Sophie continued to be apologetic over breakfast and was clearly distressed by those things which had befallen her friends and for which she still felt responsible and immensely guilty. She appeared strangely withdrawn and deep in thought and her eyes had taken on that vacant stare again as she struggled to find a logical explanation to an illogical and extremely disturbing scenario.

After many moments she became focused once more and nodded imperceptibly as if in agreement with herself and the decision she had reached. She poured herself another mug of coffee and then offered her elucidation of what she thought was beginning to manifest itself in their lives.

There’s only one possibility I can think of which would account for those events of last night and if it turns out to be the case, as I suspect it will, then this whole thing goes much deeper than I first surmised. Can we just backtrack for a moment and see if anything stands out as not being quite right or gives cause for alarm? I told you there was soon to be a discovery – almost certainly outside Rome somewhere and this discovery would be of immense significance to the archaeological world at first and then to science as a whole when the magnitude of it was fully understood. I also told you when you heard news of this find when it was announced by the media you will feel compelled to go to this place in search of what has been uncovered and also satisfy your curiosities as to the proof of your origins.

That’s a fairly accurate summary I reckon, Tyra nodded and looked to Adam for his agreement which was echoed in his expression.

Okay, moving onto Adam’s dream. When he finally struggled back into consciousness, what did he tell you?

He said he was laid in a small, restricted place totally devoid of light. In fact it was so dark he could not even see a hand in front of his face. He said it was colder than anything he could remember and he was surrounded by, or rather encased, by rough stone which gave me the impression he was in some kind of coffin or chamber....

Please continue, darling, Sophie prompted as Tyra’s explanation faltered momentarily. I know this sounds implausible to you but it’s beginning to make sense now.

Oh God, Sophie, Tyra fretted, you’re beginning to scare the hell out of me again, and they could see the goose-flesh which had flared up on her bare arms. Adam said he heard something in the darkness, she continued a little uneasily, something resembling a distant wind or draught which then grew much clearer after a while and he was able to recognise it as a whisper. As he listened it became louder still and began to repeat itself until it surrounded him and filled his head to the point where he thought he would lose his mind. When he realised whose voice it was he began to rip and tear at the stone of his – his grave....

She was clearly both overcome and disturbed by the recollection and tears now welled up in her big, dark eyes and broke over the lids to run down her cheeks. She sniffed and wiped them away and then turned to Sophie whose hands were outstretched in a gesture of invitation.

Take my hands, Tyra, for I’m going to ask you something in a few moments which may upset you deeply but will confirm a suspicion I have in my mind. First of all, can you be precise about Adam’s words regarding the voice he heard and made him panic to the extent where he felt he would go mad if he could not escape his predicament?

Tyra moved her chair closer to Sophie, taking both her proffered hands and gripping them tightly while she spoke.

"He said she called out his name in a long, drawn-out whisper that tore at his heart and reminded him of the last time he had seen her. She called him Crixus and appeared to be searching for him. ‘Is that you, Crixus? Is it really you? Please come and hold me for I am cold and so, so lonely.’ He said, ‘It was you, Tyra. It was Drusilla!"

Alright, darling, we’re doing really well. I have just one more question and then I’ll tell you what I think. Cast your mind back to your regression with me last year. We covered an awful lot of ground during those four hours but I want you to go back to the final part of your journey where Drusilla was on the point of death after taking the poison Quintina had given her. I know it was an unbelievably sad time and you will still find the memory upsetting but you have to do this, darling – for all our sakes.

The tears began to course down her cheeks again and she made no attempt to wipe them away as the vivid memory of the occasion returned at Sophie’s mention of it and threatened to break her heart with its sadness and finality. For a few moments she could not speak lest the words choke her but gradually, as Sophie squeezed Tyra’s hands and smiled in the understanding way of a special friend, so her composure returned and the tears subsided.

In your own time, darling, there’s no hurry.

"The pain and the grief were unbearable and increasing by the minute – cutting, lancing and tearing mercilessly as though my heart was being torn from my breast. At one point I thought I would succumb to the never-ending torment and die before I ingested the poison but it was not to be so. I had drunk much wine for Quintina said it would accelerate the effect of the henbane as it was absorbed into my bloodstream and hasten the end. The initial symptoms were quite pleasant and I felt light-headed and the pain started to fade away as I thought about being with him again soon. I began to lose the feeling in my limbs and was almost completely unaware of the rest of my body...."

Again she faltered and was unable to continue.

It’s quite alright, darling. Take your time. I understand perfectly what you’re going through. I know this is upsetting and traumatic but I have to know exactly what happened.

"I was aware in a strange kind of way I cannot explain, of my various functions closing down as they became swamped by the combined effects of drug and alcohol and as the peaceful darkness closed in from all around I felt my heart-rate slow and I drifted away to where I knew he had gone and would be waiting."

In a final emotional outburst which caused the tears to flow voluminously once more and Sophie reached out and hugged the tragic body, she exclaimed, I saw him, Sophie. I saw him and called out to him – over and over again so he would know it was me. He was dead but he was waiting – waiting for me to come and breathe the flame of life back into his soul....

Sophie’s heart was pounding in her chest for she had unwittingly held her breath lest the sound of it shatter the tenuous veil of Tyra’s concentration. There followed a lengthy silence and after many moments she released herself from Sophie’s comforting arms and accepted the handkerchief Adam offered and dabbed at her eyes and cheeks again.

Sorry, she ventured quietly at last. I was not quite prepared for the enormity of going there again so soon. The depth of the feelings caught me a little unawares.

"Do you see where this is all heading? Within hours of me telling you about something which is going to be found hundreds of miles from here, Adam has a disturbing dream where he is apparently entombed for ever and can hear you calling to him but cannot reach you. I told you last night if you ignored the announcement of this discovery when it was made, nothing would happen and the significance of it would be lost for ever.

"I think this is the wake-up call you were expecting, for want of a better phrase, a less-than-subtle reminder you must, without fail, keep this rendezvous for there is much at stake. How else do you think Adam sustained those injuries to his hands? Someone or something in your past is trying to tell you not to ignore this finding when it becomes reality, although I do detect there are no malignant forces at work here. I would be only too aware if that was the case. The spiritual influence is trying to help you – both through me and more directly by way of Adam, even if this last contact was a little heavy-handed, if you’ll pardon the pun.

I cannot give you precise details relating to the event in Italy or how you will ultimately make yourselves known to the archaeologists and scientists working on the case. However, one thing I can tell you with absolute certainty is whatever they find will link both of you directly to your pasts and as a direct consequence the glare of the media spotlight will fall squarely upon you. Many revelations are going to be generated by this discovery and a short time from now we will gain the trust of a key player who subsequently proves to be a great friend and character of influence in every sense of the word. There are many things to be learned in the days ahead and it would be a terrible tragedy for yourselves and the world of science if you were not there to be a part of it.

6

They saw little of Sophie over the next few weeks and whilst their lives returned to normal within the great house they were both filled with a sense of increasing expectancy as the days rolled inexorably by.

Adam had called Russ, deciding to fabricate an unfortunate incident with the blades of their ride-on lawnmower as an excuse for his absence over the next few days. The machine was initially purchased for their elderly grounds-man of many years standing but when he at last succumbed to illness and old age Adam took over the work himself when time permitted. He had been noticeably relieved when Russ didn’t pursue the issue but simply reassured Adam although the workload was still keeping them on their toes there was nothing which could not be deferred in the short term.

They were both appreciative of this all-too-brief interlude from work where they could spend both their days and nights together. They drove into the country and walked in the hills, enjoying the autumnal sunshine and cool, clear air of the wide-open spaces where their only companions were skylarks, rabbits and the sigh of the gentle wind as it kissed the ground and teased the lower contours of the valleys.

They visited the Roman Forum complex to replenish their groceries and reserve of wine which always took a battering when Sophie came to dinner and whilst they were filled with awe as they stood and pondered the majestic structures of Adam’s creation they felt cramped and stifled by the presence of the enormous crowds who thronged here in their thousands to witness this recreation of the ancient world and sample its many delights.

However, the evenings were always magical, especially with the onset of autumn where the days were noticeably shorter and the nights cooler and they took pleasure from the warmth and glow of the flames in the enormous brick fireplace dominating the spacious lounge. They scanned the various news channels on the TV in the hope of finding something relevant to the matter Sophie had spoken of with such conviction and certainty but as yet there was nothing. In their mind’s eye they could both envisage the scenario out at the site where Sophie’s monumental discovery was being made and wondered whether the area would be a hive of activity, as if an ant heap had been overturned, or simply a small fenced-off area and tented encampment with a handful of bearded university graduates kneeling in a trench and brushing soil off some artefact or other.

If it was as big as she had predicted then there might be a considerable delay before the media was informed and possibly even a complete blanket on press coverage of any kind until the find had been validated. Nevertheless, they both trusted Sophie’s visionary capabilities implicitly and if she said an event would come to pass within any given time frame then as far as they were concerned, that’s how it would be.

Adam returned to work after just five days – not solely because the flesh and nails of his fingers had repaired themselves with a swiftness deserving of a feature in the Lancet medical journal, but because he felt a twinge of guilt for not being at his place of work when there were so many issues requiring his attention. Tyra understood perfectly, recognising the need to back among the drawings and materials that were such an integral part of his life. Indeed, it was this very obsession to design wonderful structures and replicate all-but-forgotten monuments of lost times which had provided the opportunity for their paths finally crossing at Russ and Julia’s all those years ago. It was an essential part of his make-up and she accepted this without question. In another line of work where his very soul was not part of it he would have been as conspicuous and out of place as an American Plains Indian, taken away from the grasslands and great open spaces and deposited in the middle of the Dow Jones on Wall Street.

As they spent yet another Sunday evening together in the peaceful warmth of the roaring log fire and dancing shadows of the candle flames, they were again aware of that special