Old Ways, New Hope

By Charles Wing

This is the story of a freelance translator who is invited on an archaeological search because of a strange language. His travels take him around the world, and he becomes the leader in the search after the death of a close friend. He falls into the greatest discovery of mankind that leads him toward the origins of man and a great many inventions. How he deals with the discovery will lead him into outer space and the old ones. Then he has many choices with what to do to change the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984569431

Charles Wing

Charles Wing have spent most of his life in the nursing field. It gave him an insight into how people react to situations that had been thrust on them. But his greatest influence came when he spent a great number of years in Ontario, Canada, and became involved with the Celtic culture. Charles took up learning to play the bagpipes and studied the myths and legends of that culture. The music was his greatest inspiration, whether it was Irish, Scottish, or Welsh, and it allowed him to use his imagination to see things of long ago. Some were real and others just fantasy. Charles have tried to combine life experiences with those fantasies and tell a story as real as he could. Therefore, his saying "BELIEVE IT BECOMES REAL" has become his hallmark for writing.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

The tatered single sail, billowed out and then snaped back upon itself. The wind came from all directions at once and shrieked with it’s vengeance. At the prow, the gilded horse head dipped below the cresting waves and struggled to find it’s way above the water again and again. The single deck was covered in the foam of the breaking water and found it’s way below the deck through open seams. Below, men could not find their feet in the tossing craft as, the storm screamed it’s way below the deck. On deck, four men braved the elements; two at the tiller, the captain at the slightly raised railing and the single passenger Atreus, holding to anything he could find that would not tear lose. Lightning flashed and displayed the disaster happening to the small ship. To their left, the rocks jutting from the water marked the shore of this island in a phosphorescent glow and certain death to those who came too close.

Atreus checked his package carefully, that was tied to his lean belly beneath this tunic. It was still there. All around him, fear penetrated from the storm. Now, the waves seemed to come at them from all sides, as did the wind.

Suddenly with a loud snap, the mast gave way and became entangled alongside the ship in it’s own rigging. The small ship lurched sideways towards the shore. Atreus was thrown to the deck and slid towards the sloping edge, as the ship began to heel from the wreckage. His eyes burned from the salt sting of the sea and then he was in the water.

Something brushed against him and he reached for it. He had found a small cask that had been tossed from the ship. He fought to keep his head out of the water but, with the waves coming at him from all sides, he was lucky to find room to draw a breath.

The madness seemed to last forever, as did the noise. During a lightning flash, he saw the ship begin to break apart on the rocks nearby and then slip away. He was alone…

He was about to let the sea engulf him, when he felt the sand beneath his feet. He kicked at the sand to drive him closer to the shore. A little at a time, he struggled to make the shore and finally he could stand waist deep in the swirling waters around him.

He continued to make his way to the shadowed cliffs of the island and out of the water. When he reached the base of the cliff before him, he realized that it was rain adding to his misery. He needed shelter…

He found a rocky overhang where he could catch his breath but, it was only a temporary thing. He had to get out of the storm completely. Between the flashes of lightning, he looked up and down the shoreline. He could see no pathway up to the top of the island. He remained where he was for now; it was the best he could do.

He began to shiver from the damp and cold all around him. He had to do something before all of his strength left him. Even if he did climb to the top of the cliff, he had no idea where he was or if he would find the shelter he needed.

Another flash of lightning nearby, showed a tumbled mass of rock that had come down from the cliff face. Atreus was faced with a decision now, he could remain where he was or see if the rocks would provide him with better shelter. The tide was coming in and the narrow strip of sand where he was, began to quickly disappear. He waited for another flash of the lightning before he made his move. He ducked and held his head down, as he ran to the rocks. They were slightly higher than the beach he had been on.

As he reached the rock pile, he did find shelter beneath a large rock that had landed on several others, leaving a small gap for him to get in out of the weather. He was soon curled into a ball to conserve his body heat and then sleep and exhaustion found him.

He awoke the next morning to sunshine and a light breeze. Soft white clouds dotted the sky, showing no sign of the storm from the night before. He climbed from his shelter and felt the clinging dampness of his tunic. He quickly checked his package again; it was safe…

Once more, he looked up and down the shoreline. Some wreckage dotted the shore among the rocks but, he saw no sign of anyone who might have survived the wreck. Hunger and thirst now became a part of him and he searched the wreckage for something to help him survive. Time slipped past him, as he looked for something.

Atreus found one small cask of wine; that was all that remained. Now, he began to look up at the cliff again. There was no place here to make the climb so, he moved on down the beach that had become exposed again.

The warmth of the day was tempered by a light breeze, as he searched for a way up the cliff. Several hours later, he found a place where he thought he could make the climb. He finished the last of the wine and discarded the cask. It was time for him to get away from the shore.

He turned one last time to look out to sea and searched for another ship in the area. From where he was, he could see nothing. Then he turned his attention back to the cliff again. At the top, he could see some scrub pine trees that were disfigured from the many storms in this area. He began his climb…

It took over an hour to make the climb and he lay face first on the top, catching his breath. He finally rolled over and looked around the area. Sea grass and the pine trees was all he saw here. He stood feeling the weakness from his hunger and his head began to spin. It took a few minutes for it to pass and then he looked out to sea again. Not a sail in sight…

He turned his attention into the center of the island. He saw no sign of any smoke that would mark a village or even a single dwelling. Atreus was still alone. He had no weapons, no way to make a fire or a way to find any food. Was he to die here without completing his mission?

He had to do something. He walked towards the rising Sun and followed the edge of the island’s cliff. Nothing really changed but, he felt that this side of the island seemed to get lower to the sea and the beach was wider. He felt totally washed out by his walk and his steps began to falter. Atreus began to look for some shelter again; he needed to rest.

Then he saw it; a hut built near the shore. This was his first sign that someone else had been here before. At least he did not have to climb to it this time. He made his way down to the hut and called out to see if anyone was around. He was answered by silence. He looked out to sea again and in the distance another island rose up out of the sea but, no sails could be seen. Atreus pushed open the simple doorway and entered into it’s darkness.

It took a minute for his eyes to adjust to the dim light inside. A simple bed made from the sea grass was along one wall, near a rough fireplace. A few casks were along the other wall with a few old boards on top for a table. That was all the hut had to offer him. He needed to rest and lay down on the simple bed.

Hours later, he awoke to the sound of the sea below and a few seabirds calling to each other but, that was all. He licked at his dry lips and then stood to see if he could find some water to ease his thirst. He stumbled outside again and looked around. Nearby in some of the rocks, a natural depression held the water he needed from the storm of yesterday.

After drinking his fill, he returned to the hut to see if there was a way to find food. An old fishing net hung from the side of the hut; it was something. He went back inside to see if he had missed other items that morning, that might help him survive. He found two old copper knives and a bowl; it was a start. But, he still lacked something to make fire with.

Atreus then walked around the area looking for a food source. It took him into the nearby trees where he hoped he might find something. He did find an old grape vine that the birds had almost stripped bare but, it was his first food he had in two days. However it only seemed to make him all the more hungry for other food. He returned to the water and drank again.

Soon, he returned to the hut and sat down alongside it. He let his eyes carry him out across the sea in search of some sign of life out there. The sea remained without any sign of human activity. Then slowly, his eyes began to close and he slept again.

Late in the afternoon he awoke with the Sun in his eyes. He blinked several times to clear his vision and then he saw the fishing boat just a few hundred feet from the shore. Atreus jumped up and ran to the shoreline; yelling as loud as he could to get their attention. For the longest time, it seemed that they paid no attention to him. Then, he was rewarded by one of the fishermen pointing in his direction. Slowly, the fishing boat turned towards the shore. They were cautious and kept their distance.

Finally, Atreus’s pleading cries for help brought them to the shore. He waded out to them until, he was almost up to his chest. He reached for the side of the boat and slipped into a hole beneath his feet and when he popped up again, two strong hands pulled him aboard. He sat coughing the sea water from himself and then looked around at his saviors.

A father and his two sons, who lived from the sea, had brought Atreus from his hell. The old man asked him how he had come to be on the island and Atreus told the story of the storm and the following shipwreck. At the end of the story, the old man had one of his son’s provide Atreus with food. After eating some cold lamb and figs, Atreus was feeling much better and asked about a way to find another ship to take him to his destination.

Naturally, the old man asked about payment and Atreus said he had no gold; he had lost everything in the wreck. Then, how do you expect to find another ship to carry you without payment?

When I get to my destination, all costs will be covered.

Where do you want to go?

Knossos on Crete.

It is not that distant. Perhaps we could take you there.

Then your reward will be great if you do.

The old man looked hard into Atreus’s eyes to see if he held the truth about a reward. In the end, he decided that it was worth the risk and would take him to his destination. But first, he needed to acquire some supplies.

The old man’s two sons set their backs into the oars and the small boat was pulled away from the shore. Soon, they began to set the single sail and set a course to the East. Atreus hardly moved from where he had been during the short trip and as the Sun began to set, they pulled into a small fishing village several islands away.

The small fishing boat was pulled up onto the beach and they took their catch to a local building, before having Atreus follow them to their home for the night. There was no woman in the small house and the old man set about preparing a meal for all of them. Wine was passed around between all of them and after eating, they showed Atreus where to sleep. Tomorrow would be a long trip…

The first sign of dawn was soon upon the small village, as the foursome carried food with them back to their small boat. The tide had come in and they soon had the boat back in the water again.

The weather remained fair, as they began to sail to the South. Above them, sea birds called as they passed, looking for food. The small boat seemed to sense the need to reach their destination and bounded over the waves, reaching for the next wave before it.

Just before midday, they passed the last island and sailed into the open sea. The old man pointed out each point that they had passed and told Atreus that they would reach Crete before dark.

Atreus felt comforted by the small boats motion, as they sailed along. He had not grown up on the sea but, he was relaxed with it’s passing. He did know that it could turn fickle quickly though and looked for any clouds that would signal a change in the weather.

Then during the afternoon, they could see the distant clouds that marked the island of Crete. Closer and closer they sailed, with the island becoming larger as they approached.

Then about an hour before dark, they entered the great harbor of Knossos and made for the seawall below the city. Many Phoenician and Egyptian trading ships lined the seawall, along with Greek and Minoan warships. Atreus was impressed by the sight of so many ships but, he had a mission to complete. A war was coming with the sea people from the West.

Followed by the old man and his sons, Atreus made for the palace steps and an end to his mission. They were stopped by guards several times but, he explained his mission to deliver the package he carried and was escorted into the domain of the palace. At last, he was joined by a court scribe and delivered the package. They were told to wait in the vast hallway outside the court. They had heard rumors of the mysterious religious practices here but, that was not their concern right now.

Time passed slowly as they waited. At long last, the scribe returned and ushered them into another room. Atreus was asked a few questions but, it seemed that the package had already answered what they asked. He really had no knowledge of what it contained, only that it was urgent.

Finally, Atreus was handed a large bag of gold and they were dismissed. Two guards accompanied them back out of the palace. On the palace steps, Atreus took only a handful of the gold, enough for transport back to his home and the rest he gave to the old man. After thanking them for saving his life, they parted ways. Atreus went in search of a place to stay tonight and transport tomorrow for home.

Atreus found a tavern along the waterfront and entered and made inquires about a ship headed for Athens. He was directed to a Phoenician ship captain at a table and made his arrangements for the voyage. Now he could book a room and eat in peace.

Early the next morning, Atreus was on the dock looking for the ship, he had been directed too. He finally found it and boarded. He had wished that he would have had time to purchase new clothes but, that was not the case. Within the hour, they were at sea again headed North.

DISCOVERY

As I was sitting down for my evening meal, images of the Etruscan’s roll in developing many cultures around the mediterranean came to mind. I was here to research how they influenced so many of the developing peoples. We had so little information about them that, at times it was frustrating. People had long conjured up tales about how they had been part of the original sea peoples invasion from the mythical Atlantis. Was there any truth to these Myths? I had to keep an open mind about it and let my research take me where it would. Only the truth would reveal what I would find. Well, tomorrow I was about to take a step into the past with my visit to one of their sites North-West of Rome.

The next morning, driving the rented Fiat to the coast, towards the ancient city of Veil was an adventure all of it’s own. Almost all we have discovered about the Estruscans have come from areas that had been submerged and reappeared due to the violent tectonic nature all around the mediterranean. This was an area of the world in constant change.

As I approached the historical site, I had a dramatic drop down along the coast road. The mountains that had surrounded me almost all the way, now fell towards the sea here. There was no city to mark the site, only the burial site itself and it was well hidden.

I knew what I would see and it held no surprises. I came here to get a feel for what they had seen in this land. But, there was nothing here that had remained the same, after all these years. I was disappointed but, ready to move on and find out something else about these strange people.

After about a half hour, I returned to my rented car and drove South towards another ancient burial site at the old city of Cumae. It would be over three hours before I arrived and it would take me by the old Roman city of Pompeii, on the Bay of Naples. Although it would be interesting to stop, that was not my subject at the moment. But, did mount Vesuvius play any part in the disappearance of the Etruscans? Perhaps we will never know for certain, after all we probably only know two percent or less about these people.

As I drove along the language issue came to mind again. We know that there were only a few remanents of their written language found in their graves. Although, they were similar to the Basque and Berber’s written languages, it was not the same. And, we have no way to cross reference it to any other language. We lacked a Roseta Stone to understand it.

Just before dark, I arrived outside the ancient city of Cumae and located a room for the night. There was nothing for me to do tonight so, after eating in one of the local restaurants, I took a stroll around the local area. My satellite phone rang before I returned to my room and it was one of my old friends telling me that there had been a discovery on Crete related to the Estruscans. When I asked what it was, he told me it was being kept secret until they had a further understanding of it but, I was welcome to join them and help unlock what information it held. I told him I would book a flight in the morning and arrive as soon as I could.

I made a hurried drive back to Rome the next morning and made arrangements for my flight to Crete. A couple of hours later, I was disembarking in Iraklion and as I finally passed through customs, my friend was there to greet me. At least I did not have jet lag from this short flight. He was in a hurry to take me to the site outside Knossos; the old palace of the Minoans. It was close to the hill of Ephala; about five kilometers South of Iraklion. They had found stones with cryptic carvings on them here but, nothing of real note. My friend remained silent and mysterious about the find, only saying that it was something I would find interesting. I looked at him and remained in the dark.

Shortly, we drove up to the new dig site here and I looked around at it’s seemingly deceptive landscape. A low hill that flowed towards the sea and little else to mark why it was so important. They had erected two tents near the site and that was all that marked it, outside of a string grid across the slope. No one was around and I questioned why, if it was so important.

We have already removed the find to another location.

But, there might be other things here as well.

I don’t think so. This was a house of a court scribe and the only reason we found what we did is because, he took his work home with him.

I still don’t understand what was so important, that you had me come all this way.

You will see. he said, as he restarted the engine of his car. We drove back to Iraklion in silence. As we neared the city core, he slowed and pulled into a private drive of a large residence.

Grab your bag. We are home for now.

The house was built in the Greek or Roman style with an inner courtyard and he showed me to a room just off the courtyard. Settle yourself in and then I will show you our find. The others are waiting.

About ten minutes later, I joined the others in the courtyard and was surprised to find myself with many of my peers. They were sharing a local wine and laughing among themselves. Before I could even sit down, they handed me a glass of the wine and still I had no idea of their find.

My friend asked, David, what do you know about the sea invasion from the West, that happened around twelve hundred B.C.?

You mean the mythical invasion from Atlantis? Just the normal stories. Why?

It looks like we may have proof that it actually happened. But, we want you to look at what we found and verify what we are reading.

What does this have to do with the Estruscans?

You will see, my friend.

Duncan Albright, from the London Museum picked up a file from the central table and handed it to me. He nodded to the others and sat back waiting for my expression to change. I set my wine down and opened the file. Inside were photographs of several clay tables and a grid map of the site where it was found. I put on my reading glasses and began to study the languages in the photographs. The first thing that caught my eye was the ancient Greek and it was the easiest to read. I read through the text and looked up at the others, when I was done with that part; questions on my lips but, I returned to looking at the other tablets before me.

The next set of tablets were in the Egyptian hieroglyphics and repeated the same story. Then the last set of photographs were of what looked like the Etruscans written words, that we had so little to understand of it’s meaning. I kept picking up one set of the photographs and comparing them to the others. It had to be the same story repeated again in that lost language.

I finally set them down and I must have had my mouth open in bewilderment.

Now you understand why I called you. Is that in fact the Etruscan written word that you saw?

It does appear to be. But, how did it get here?

He nodded to another member of the crew and I was handed another set of photographs. These showed a similar Etruscan written form, on silver tablets. These must have been the original forms and the others were translated on to the clay tablets.

I sat back, thinking on what I was looking at. Do you have a place where I can work on these?

We do. Follow me.

He took me to what had been another bedroom that, they had converted into a work area. Several tables filled the room and additional lights had been brought in. This will do. I will need several legal pads and do we have an internet hookup?

Yes. Here, although it is not as good as it should be.

I returned to my room and grabbed my lap top and returned to the work area. Duncan had put a stack of legal pads on one table and a pile of pencils. Before he left me to my challenge, he said, Leave the door open, it gets too warm otherwise.

I settled at the table and began. First, I wrote out the alphabets for English, ancient Greek and Latin. Each on a separate legal pad. Now I had to decide how the find was written. Was it right to left or left to right? I picked up a magnifying glass and compared the three samples I had before me. The Greek sample held the clue. It was right to left. Somewhat backward to our writing but, now I knew that I could eventually work out the basic alphabet for this language.

It was close to midnight, when I happened to look at my watch again. I had worked through about half of the alphabet now. Sometimes, I found it took two characters to make one letter but, that was not unusual.

I stood and walked around the small room thinking again. This was an amazing find. We had enough length in the written text to almost give us all of the alphabet. I would probably guess at ninety percent or better. I returned to work, not thinking of any need for sleep.

The first hint of dawn found me finishing the alphabet. I stretched and sat back looking over my work. I had not really thought about what the message was all about but, now that I had finished my part, I began to read between the lines of the message.

It was a warning of an invasion from the West by the Sea People, whoever they were. Thoughts of the myths about Alantis came charging back into my thoughts. Could it be a real place in this time frame? We would need more than this collection of clay tablets to confirm it’s existence.

I now shifted to comparing this new text to the Berber and Basque languages. Although they had many similar traits, they were different too. But knowing that languages are among the fastest things to change on our planet, I still had a deep feeling that they were related. Wars, isolation and even contact with neighboring cultures influence our languages.

Although I was tired, I now wanted more information. As I was thinking of this, Duncan stuck his head in the door. You are still at it?

I just finished. This was an amazing find. Do you think we will find more?

There is always that possibility but, I don’t think it will be here.

I have that need to see more of this. What is next on the search?

I think we might need to return to Greece for more of our search now.

When?

You are in a hurry, my friend. Let’s give it another week here and then we will make a final decision. Now come and get something to eat and we will talk about it.

I gathered up my notes and the photographs and followed Duncan to the courtyard again. The others had gathered as well and were eating when we arrived. When we had all eaten, Duncan had me explain what I had discovered and it’s relationship to the Etruscans, Berbers and the Basques languages.

As I finished giving my report, I said, It appears that they are all related but, time and distance seemed to have played a role in changing them all. But, it is my opinion that the one that you found, was the root language for the others.

Just then, the house shook with a sharp jolt and our tea cups rattled on the table. It reminded me where we were. Duncan said, It wasn’t even a four. Wait until you feel a five.

I nodded and then asked, Are you going back to the dig site today?

Yes. We might find some other things related to the Minoan people here.

Well, I think I will get some sleep. It was a long night.

Shortly, everyone began to set their plates and cups aside. I returned to my room and put my notes and the photographs away, along with my lap top. Then I crawled into my waiting bed and did not awaken until late in the afternoon.

After I had washed my face and changed clothes, I went back to the courtyard to wait on the arrival of the others again. About an hour later, I heard the cars of the group coming up the drive. Shortly, they came into the house taking between themselves. Duncan saw me and asked if I had gotten enough sleep. Yes. But, that language kept haunting me all during that time.

In what way?

I was putting words and phrases together in my sleep.

Well, that is understandable. You have just started to understand it and it occupies your thoughts.

True. I do wish I had more to work with though.

Time will tell us, if you will get the chance.

Now, did you find anything else today?

He smiled and said yes. It was another part of the story, my friend.

In what way?

We uncovered two more clay tablets in Greek. It tells the tale of how the other tablets came to be here. It seems that a Greek from Athens was on a Phoenician ship and they had made a port stop in Gades; present day Cadiz. He happened to get into a fight with a messenger and he had the tablets on him. Naturally, he took the tablets with him and on his return to Athens, they discovered it’s meaning and the King of Athens at the time wanted to share it with all of the surrounding kingdoms to prepare them for war against the invaders.

I would like to have photographs of them as well, if I could, Duncan.

Of course. I will make sure you have them in the morning.

Now my thoughts were really racing with the new information. I sat and listened to the others talk about the latest discovery. We continued to talk all during our evening meal and finally it was time to find some sleep again. Tomorrow they would break down the search site and after, we would discuss where we would go from here. I asked Duncan if I could come along and maybe look at the old palace of Knossos. He told me he would personally take me there.

I returned to my room but, having slept all day, I felt no urge to try and sleep again so soon. I took my lap top to the lab room and plugged into the internet, thinking that I might find some other information about the ancient Minoans. As I scanned over page after page of old archaeological information until, I came across the discovery of the Phaistos Disk. Found in 1908 during an Italian dig, it was written in an unknown language in a spiral pattern. True, it was more of a symbol decorated plate but, it’s age of roughly 1600 B.C. interested me. It was found on the Southern tip of Crete and showed the ability of these people to travel to the far reaches of the known world at that time and maybe beyond.

I then switched to information about the palace of Knossos and found a few things of interest but, no answers to our many questions regarding the tablets we found. I was going to look up some information about our Greek connection but, a yawn made me shut down my lap top and return to my room.

That night I had dreams about massive fleets of old wooden ships fighting between themselves and throwing fire back and forth. When I awoke, I wiped the sweat from my brow and finally dressed and joined the others in the courtyard for tea and biscuits.

About an hour later, we were enroute to the dig site and afterwards, Duncan and I would go on to the palace of Knossos. We followed the others to the site behind their two Benz trucks. I was thankful for the sea breeze that joined us along the way; already the heat of the day pushed down upon us.

I sat in the car and watched them pull up the grid strings and stakes and then they took down the tents on the site. Soon, everything was loaded on the trucks and they moved out to the house again. Duncan and I drove the short distance to Knossos and he pointed out the different aspects of the old palace here. He also pointed out that it was not a fortified palace but, everything about it pointed towards a "House of the Dead’ or a priest’s temple for the dead. I told him, that was what I had read about the site but, it did have some interesting aspects too. We soon returned to the house and the others.

The rest of the afternoon was devoted to our next move in finding out about the Greek connection to the tablets that had been found. It seemed obvious that our next stop would be Athens but, some of the others thought that we should possibly look to Cadiz in Spain. For me, I thought that it was only a port of call for the messenger and of no importance to the search. In the end, we decided to split the group into two parts and keep in touch with our research. Duncan booked a ferry for the transport of the trucks and the equipment to Athens in the morning. Three of the others would fly to Cadiz.

I returned to working on the language and tried to put words together from the new/old alphabet. Late in the afternoon, we all joined together for our last meal together, before everyone went their own way.

Early the next morning, I quickly packed and stored my notes and photographs. I was among the first to reach the courtyard but, Duncan was already there preparing the tea. I see you are ready to go.

Yes. This has gotten my attention in a way that I would not have believed and I am ready for the next phase of our search.

I have been giving that some thought and I wonder where it will lead us.

What do you mean?

I know that the next stop will be in Athens but, I do not know where to begin there. Perhaps the National Museum would be the place to start and hope that they might have some information that was hidden away and not yet looked at too closely.

It would probably be as good a start, as we could hope for, Duncan.

I will make a call before we leave and see what I can come up with.

Maybe if you ask for anything with the Etruscan language hidden on them, it might seem not so obvious.

A good point. That would also limit us searching through hours of Greek history too.

Soon, the others joined us and we continued to talk about the places we would be searching next. Duncan stepped out of the area and made his call to Athens while, I showed the others my new work with the words. But, now time was running short before, we all had to make our connections for our travel today.

Harold Litetower would be leading the group going to Spain and I wrote down the number for his phone. Duncan shortly returned with a smile on his face. You had some luck?

I did. They have two pieces that have the Etruscan lettering on them. They were going to send photos of them by E-Mail but, I told them we were coming there anyway and it was not necessary.

Now, you really have me curious. We could have looked at them on the trip, you know.

He laughed and said, It can wait. We have been looking for a long time now and this will only keep our interest a little longer.

Harold and the other three going with him, would take the rental car, that Duncan had been using and drop it off at the airport. The rest of us would take the trucks and head for the docks and the ferry for Athens. We shook hands all around and then each group set off for the next part of our adventure.

Our crossing was smooth and we were soon in the city of Athens. Again, Duncan had found a house for us and it had enough room for the trucks to park. Tomorrow morning, we would go to the National Museum and see if it held anymore answers for us; hopefully a new lead.

The following morning, after we had eaten a local breakfast, Duncan and I went to the Museum. We produced our passports and told them of the call the previous day about the items with the Etruscan letters on them. The receptionist made a call and soon we were joined by one of the curators who, showed us downstairs into their storage area and produced the items in question.

After putting on a pair of white silk gloves, I examined each item. The first was a bronze sword blade with an inscription along the length of the blade. It was a simple blessing of the sword for the warrior who carried it. But, it was in the old root language we had found on Crete. The second item was another clay tablet. Again, it was in the same language and told of a part of the war that followed the warning. I did not dare to make any notes here, as it might arouse suspicions about our motives. I acted as if they were interesting but, of no use to us. But, I did ask if there were photographs available that we could take with us. The curator said that he did have some that we were welcome too. I thanked him and said that if we could eventually decipher the words, he would be the first to know. Duncan looked sideways at me and when the man had his head turned, winked.

When we had the photographs, we returned to the house and now, I sat down to translate the tablet and hopefully our next course of action. Duncan brewed some tea while I worked.

Three hours later, I felt satisfied with what I had done and let Duncan read it. He had lit his pipe and smoke curled over both our heads, as he went through the story.

Finally, he set aside the text and looked at me. The curator told me that these were found in Vaphic, near the city of Kalami, on the Southern tip of Greece. What do you think of a trip there, to see what else we can find?

I am up for it. Do you think that we might find more?

It is possible. But, don’t get your hopes up over it.

Our search has proven worthwhile so far. Why not hope for the best?

Because, I have found that for every step forward, we usually fall back ten.

I think I will do a little research on my computer and see if they might have something there that could lead us in the right direction.

Good idea. Meanwhile, I will give Harold a call and see what he has found.

I sat down at my lap top again and searched the historical record for the city of Valpic. They had several local museums and I made note of the addresses and phone numbers. By the time I had finished with that, I could feel a hunger coming on for food. I looked at my watch and saw that it was already after four in the afternoon, local time. I closed down my connection and put away my lap top. It was time to get Duncan and go in search of food for us.

Over dinner, Duncan said that they had drawn a blank in Cadiz and wanted to know where to look next. He told them to catch another flight back to Alexandria, in Egypt, to see if there was anything worthwhile there. They had controlled much of the Eastern Mediterranean in the historical past and there might be some record there. I agreed with his assumption and hoped that they would find something.

I then told him about the museums and that I had their addresses and phone numbers. He smiled at my revelation and we then settled into some of the local wine.

Early the next morning, we booked a trip with a local charter boat and were soon on our way to Vaphio. It was just after midday when we arrived and we looked for a good local hotel for the night. Greek hotels are not known for being the cleanest places but, our luck held.

Two of the museums were nearby and we set out to see what they had to offer us. The first was all Greek history and little else. However, the second had some items from local digs and some of the local underwater sites. We explained that we were looking for something with reference to the Estruscan people in the area. The curator thought for a moment and then said he might have something. We followed him to an upper loft area of the building and he began digging through some crates. He brought out several pieces of broken clay tablets and put them on a nearby table. He said that these were all he had and that they were not in good enough shape to display.

Both Duncan and myself tried to hold back our excitement, as we looked over the clay tablet pieces. Duncan took some photo’s of the pieces, as I tried to read what was hidden on them. It took me a few minutes to rearrange them where I could make some sense of what was written. It was simply another account of the war between the sea people and the Greeks during our mysterious time period. But, it did give us more to work from. We asked where they had come from and he searched his records and he told us where they were discovered and by whom.

We returned to the city square and found a restaurant for our evening meal. It seems that every city or village we go to here in the mediterranean, has it’s own smells and sounds; this one was no different. A local band was providing entertainment for the diners and we soon lost any thought of discussing the new find while here.

Much later, after returning to our hotel, I made the comment about how it seemed that the use of some sort of fire throwing system, was used by both parties during this war. This was twice now that it had come up in our search.

It may be more than that. I have seen samples of where the results caused the rock walls of palaces and forts to be changed to glass. Duncan said.

But, that requires a massive amount of energy to do that. You are talking about a plasma burst.

I know. But, those were the results and we have no way to explain it.

Then we began to discuss where we would go tomorrow for additional searching. We still had three more of the small museums to look at tomorrow. With any luck, we would find something else. We soon went to our rooms and let our dreams and questions drift away with our sleep.

The next morning, we quickly ate a light meal and then set off for the other museums. By midday, we had been to them all but, we had no luck in our search this time. We returned to the square and sat at a table drinking some wine and discussed where we would go next.

Duncan pulled out a map of the Greek nation and we looked over the surrounding area and thought back to that time period again and how the individual states would have fought to defend themselves. Just up the coast, the city of Sparta was as good a location, as any around here to find something. So that would be our next move and source hopefully. Duncan made some calls and we were set to leave here in the morning and head North. Again, we would travel by boat.

The next morning we made our connection and as we sailed North, all of the tourist boats and those yachts of millionaires, vied for space on the sea and in the ports. Seabirds called down on their intrusion into their domain but, accepted their handouts of food. Again, it was about midday when we arrived and we set out for our hotel here.

We were lucky again, as we had the internet connection here. Duncan joined me in my room and we waited for our hookup with the others in Alexandria, to see what they had found, if anything. Duncan had dropped the photo’s, he had taken of the broken tablets to a local shop for development. We were to expect them sometime this afternoon.

Finally after a slow hookup, Harold came on the line and said that they were still chasing leads but, had no luck yet. We told him of the new tablets and would send him copies later today.

I then looked for local museums that we could check. Here we found many more than we expected and it would probably take us three days to cover them all. I printed a list and then we set out to see what we could find.

The first was just across from the hotel and after some inquires regarding finds of Etruscan items, we were directed to another museum. This one was about five blocks away and we made it there quickly. We told them what we were researching and asked if they had anything that would help. Yes, they had some items including tablets and weapons of that time period, that looked like Etruscan artifacts. Some were on display and others were held in a storage area of the museum. We first looked at those on display; these were the weapons but, they held nothing of interest for us. Next we were shown to their storage area, where they had the tablets. This museum had a caretaker who was thoughtful and had everything catalogued and stored neatly. It made it much easier for us to find what we were looking for this time. He had about ten tablets and I quickly glanced over them looking for our mysterious language. Two of them I rejected quickly and now, Duncan began to photograph the rest as, I began a quick read of them.

I held my breath at what was being described on the tablets. This was another war description but, much more detailed. In this collection, they did not call the sea people that but, called them people of Antilla. They only needed a small force of ships to fight their war due to their superior weapons. I had to stop for now and we soon made our way back to the square and a needed glass of wine. I related to Duncan what I had been able to read and he held his breath, as I told him the story.

After I finished my report, he made for the same shop he had been at earlier and made a drop of the films and picked up the others. After his return, we were at a loss as to what to do next. Today’s discovery was the best yet, other than the original tablets we had from Crete. Still, I needed to do a written report on the earlier tablets from Vaphio and told Duncan I would see him for our evening meal together.

I returned to my room and began the translations. About four in the afternoon, I had completed this detail and returned to the square to see if Duncan had collected the other photographs; he had. He wanted me to translate this as soon as possible and look for more clues, as to where to go next. As much as I wanted to go with him tomorrow to look at the other museums, he said we needed this done first.

We shared the local food and more wine, as the day turned to night. Finally, he handed me the photo’s and we parted company. I had a good day’s work ahead of me tomorrow and was tempted to start tonight. But, the local wine finally caught up with me and I went to bed.

When I got up the next morning, I set out the photo’s and arranged my legal pads on the desk in the room, before I even dressed. Then, I went down to the square for something to eat, before I started my day’s work. As I was finishing, Duncan showed up and ordered his meal. We talked for awhile, while he ate and then he set out for the other museums and I returned to my room.

It took me a while to get motivated, but once I did, the story just kept flowing from the photo’s. As I was finishing the seventh tablet photo, Duncan knocked on my door. You are not done yet?

No. I still have about an hour or more of work to finish.

He looked down on my pile of notes and finished pages. Take a break. I found more and I need you to look at what I have found. Besides, you look like you need to eat something anyway.

What time is it?

Tea time. What else?

I looked back at my work and finally nodded. It would be good to get away from all this for awhile. We went back to the square again and after ordering some Earl Grey tea, I waited for Duncan to tell me about his adventure today.

At first he smiled at me and then reached for his backpack. I have a surprise for you today. Two of the museums had more tablets and I offered a small donation for them. They quickly took me up on the deal and now we have ten more tablets for you to go through.

Did you take more photo’s?

I did. I will develop them later, but for now, here are the real things for you to look over.

I shook my head at his response and took the offered backpack and glanced inside. I quickly closed the pack again and looked around to see if anyone else was watching us. This is worth more than any gold and you should not have brought it here.

He laughed at my response and said that it was alright. These people are ignorant of what it holds. Relax, my friend.

But, if what I have been working on already became public, it would change how people looked on the past. These may prove even more so.

They could. But, to let you know, I talked with Harold before I came to your room and he had a similar find in Alexandria. They are headed for Lebanon next. That was the heart of the Phoenican people of that time and he will let us know what he finds there in a couple of days. Now, relax and enjoy your tea before it gets cold.

About a half hour later, I returned to my room with Duncan in tow. He sat on my bed to read what I had already translated and I went back to work on the last tablet from yesterday. The others he had brought back today, would wait until I had finished my current work.

I was right about how long it would take me to finish the translation and as I finally put the last pages down. Hunger again came creeping back to me. Let’s get something to eat.

He nodded and after securing the room, we went back to the square again for our evening meal. After eating, he asked me how long it would take to finish the next set of translations. I told him that if it was anything like the last set, it would take another full day.

Good. We should hear from Harold by then. Even so, I think we can spend another two days here and then head back to Athens. Now, I am going to get the new photo’s of the tablets and bring them to you in your room, so you can get to work on them.

I went back to my room and looked at the pile of notes that I had put together today and shook my head. I had been so busy with the words, that I had only a glimpse of the total story. Now, I had more to translate. When would I be able to sit down and actually read the stories? I set about to file everything, along with the photo’s and clear my desk for the next session. Just after I finished, Duncan knocked on the door again and after coming in, handed me the new photo’s.

I won’t bother you tomorrow unless, we meet in the square.

I think you will need to pick up another pack for all my notes tomorrow, Duncan.

I will have it. Until, tomorrow then.

He left the room and now silence surrounded me. I wasn’t tired so, I set out to see what I could get done tonight. About three hours later, my eyes would not focus anymore and I found my bed.

When I awoke, sunlight drifted into the room under the yellowed drapes. I took my time climbing from my bed and let my eyes focus. Finally, I dressed and went in search of some coffee before starting today’s work.

When I returned to my room, I looked at what I had done last night and then began again. This was an account of a sea people captain and how while they were preparing to attack the Spartan city, an earthquake under the sea, had caused a massive tidal wave and washed four of their ships onto the shore. Another three of their ships managed to escape but, he and several of his crew were captured. It talked of how they wanted the information about their weapons and his trials during his capture.

I was just finishing the story and preparing to go back to the square and find Duncan when, my phone rang. It was Harold calling from Lebanon. They had found several sites and had found some information regarding possible dig sites but nothing in any of the museums that might give us another direction to follow. I told him, that I would let Duncan know and rang off. Then I quickly did the finishing translations and set the work aside.

When I reached the square, it was just after three in the afternoon. I settled at our usual cafe and ordered some wine, while I waited for Duncan. Tourists and locals mingled together in the square and I watched each group and their interaction. Parts of my translations came back, as I sat and thought how different the times were.

During my daydreams of the changes, Duncan walked up behind me and spoke, You have finished early. Anything new in the work?

Just surprises my friend. Harold called and said he had some possible dig sites but, that they had not found anything in the museums.

He nodded and said that he had no luck today either. After he had ordered his wine, I told him the story that I had translated today but, that it only left more questions to be answered. There was no description of the ships or their weapons in the text, it was only about the suffering the captain had gone through in his capture.

Well, it is something and now we do know for certain that there was a definite war from some power in the West and the people here in the Eastern half of the Mediterranean.

Yes. Perhaps we were hoping for too much from all of this. It just might be the dead end that we were dreading.

I don’t think we have reached that point yet. There is still more out there, we just have to find it.

So where do we go from here?

I think it is back to Athens again for us and hopefully Harold can come up with another answer, as to what is next for us.

Duncan made some calls and booked us on a local flight to Athens for the morning. I am glad he did not rent a car for the trip back; the narrow roads and the way these people drove would have given me a heart attack.

After we had our evening meal together, Duncan went with me back to my room and produced the needed pack for the new translations and all of the photo’s. He read over my day’s work and then he left saying that he would meet me in the morning, in the lobby at six.

By midday, the following day, we were back in Athens. The new clay tablets from Sparta, were put with the others from Crete. I spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the courtyard and drinking the local wine. Tomorrow, I would take all my notes and have copies made. Duncan was making more inquires for other sites here in Greece and seemed to have his phone stuck in his ear all the time.

Two days later, Duncan got another call from Harold and said he was moving on to Rhodes. It looked like their best shot at finding some additional items. I was reorganizing all my research and getting ready for our next search. The new tablets from Sparta had added two new letters to my alphabet and had added additional words unknown until now. I felt I was getting a handle on the language now and could read it freely. Even so, all new