The Road to the Next City

By Just Davide

Set against a background of Alexander the Great campaign in Persia and the spread of Greek culture, the Warring States Period and the reign of the penultimate Zhou dynasty king in Ancient China, four young Macedonians follow their equally young, and ambitious, monarch to pursue their own adventures in Palestine, Babylon and eventually Samarkand, as they cross the Persian Empire along their ancient routes.

PI Li is commissioned by Sam Smith and Alexandra Roussos to make provenance enquiries when two ancient items, with Chinese origins, are found in unusual situations at opposites ends of the world. His investigations reunite him with his former school desk mate, Louise, and take him from Lanzhou to California, Greece and Jerusalem. PI Li successfully faces new challenges along the way. Louise and her mother have secrets they eventually disclose, changing all their lives dramatically.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781716279843

Book preview

by

Just Davide

First in the series ‘The Undulating Threads’ with PI Li

Novel Ancient Silk Road Tales

The Road to the Next City by Just Davide

Digital Edition

Copyright@2020justdavide

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-716-27984-3

This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journals.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

CONTENTS

Sketch Maps:

Ancient Greek Travel & Trade Routes

PI Li’s Travels

Pen Pictures of Characters - Contemporary & Historical

Timeline for Part 2- Ancient Times

Ancient Greek gods and goddesses

Prologue

Lanzhou, PR China: present day

PART 1

THE ENIGMA

2. Pella, Greece: one month earlier

3. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, USA: one month earlier

4. Pella

5. Edessa, Greece

6. Carmel-by-the-Sea

7. Lanzhou

8. Carmel-by-the-Sea: two weeks earlier

9. Li’s Story

10. San Francisco & Carmel-by-the-Sea: one week earlier.

11. Louise’s Story

12. Lanzhou

PART 2

ANCIENT TIMES

13. Pella, Macedonia, Ancient Greece: 334BCE

14. Achilles Story: Ancient Greek Mythology

15. Asia Minor- Hellespont to Issus: 334-333BCE

16.1 East Asia: ‘The Travels of Emperor Mu’: Ancient Chinese Mythology

16.2 The United Kingdoms of Israel & Judah: ‘The Solomon Enlightenment’: 960-922BCE

17. Issus: 333BCE

18. Phoenicia: 332BCE

19. Megiddo & Dor, Palestine: 332-331BCE

20. Ancient Chinese Legend: ‘The Lady of the Silk’: 2460BCE

21. Guagamela, Mesopotamia: 331BCE

22. Babylon: 331BCE

23. Babylon: 331BCE

24. Susa, Persian Gates & Persepolis: 330BCE

25. Persepolis: 330BCE

26. Babylon: 330BCE

27. Persepolis: 330BCE

28. Babylon via Ecbatana, Rhagae, Caspian Gates, Hecatompylis, Antichea Margiana, Bactra to Samarkand, Sogdiana: 330-328BCE

29. Persepolis to Sogdiana and Bactria via Hecatompylis; Alexander’s pursuit of the Persians: 330-328BCE

30. Makaranda: 328BCE

31. Alexandra Eschate- ‘Alexandra-the- Furthest’: 328BCE

32. Makaranda & Fergana Valley: 328-326BCE

33. ‘The Seduction of the Sogdian Swirl’- Alexander & Roxana.

34. Hydaspes & Indus Rivers, Patala to Susa: 326-325BCE

35. Makaranda & Fergana Valley: 326-324BCE

36. Makaranda: 325BCE

37. Fergana Valley: 325BCE

38. Babylon: 324BCE

39. Makaranda & Fergana Valley; 324-312BCE

40. Wangcheng, Ancient China: 310BCE

41. Makaranda: 309BCE 

PART 3

THE INVESTIGATION

42. Lanzhou, PR China

43. Edessa, Greece

44. Shanghai, PR China

45. Pella, Greece

46. Shanghai

47. Pella

48. Edessa

49. Shanghai

50. Pella

51. Shanghai

52. Edessa & Carmel-by-the-Sea

53. Shanghai

54. Pella

55. Lanzhou

56. Edessa

57. Lanzhou

58. Shanghai

59. Lanzhou & Beijing, PR China

60. Jerusalem, Israel [UNDERGROUND- ‘Temple’]

61. Shanghai

62. Jerusalem to Aqaba, Jordan [UNDERGROUND- ‘Temple’ to ‘Canary Wharf’ via ‘South Kensington’]

63. Shanghai

64. UNDERGROUND- ‘South Kensington’ to ‘Canary Wharf’

65. Pella

66. UNDERGROUND- ‘Canary Wharf’

67. Athens, Greece

68. Piraeus Port, Greece & Athens

69. Shanghai

70. Athens

71. Carmel-by-the-Sea

72. Athens

73. Piraeus Port

74. Athens

75. Beijing

76. Shanghai

77. San Francisco

78. Carmel-by-the-Sea & Monterey Peninsula

79. Epilogue

Pen Pictures of the main characters in ‘The Road to the Next City’

PI Li. A lifelong interest and a family connection to the history of ‘The Ancient Silk Roads’ earned Li, a boy who grew up in the hilly countryside of eastern Gansu, the nickname of ‘Camel’ among his classmates; ‘Satao Li’ among academics and experts who admired his historical interests and background and ‘Longxi Li’ among his superiors and peers in the police force. He joined the police after finishing high school and attended university in the provincial capital of Lanzhou. His family name ‘Li’ originated in the district of Longxi which lay between his home village and the capital.

He chose the English name of ‘Peter’. He soon became more involved in Chinese artifact investigations, and part of the Antiquity Crime Unit. He met Samuel Smith briefly during an assignment to California.

A shooting incident curtailed Li’s police career and he formed an Enquiry Agency based in Lanzhou with his cousin, Li Jing, investigating insurance claims for a large insurance company. After Li was approached to do antique provenance enquiries for collectors, his reputation in this field grew quickly. It drew him back into the ‘frontline’ of crime investigation of both antiquities and drugs, working with his former chief in Beijing.

His personal life was not as successful. Li’s flighty wife ran off to a foreign country with her boss and a considerable amount of absconded company funds, leaving Li to raise a young daughter alone.

Louise. Li’s desk mate throughout their school lives from kindergarten to high school, Louise left the home village permanently to study first in Shanghai and later at Stanford University in San Francisco. An exceptional student in Mathematics and Computer Sciences she survived on scholarships and grants.

After turning down opportunities to study a PhD and a future in academia, or to join one of the high-tech companies filling Silicon Valley she became a successful entrepreneur herself by setting up a business in communication technology. Half her ‘seed capital’ was initially supplied by a family friend, Samuel Smith, who she called ‘Uncle Sam’. She spent her spare time away from the business at his home in Carmel-by-the-Sea where they shared a dog. Another investor was the doyen of an American Chinese family with large business interests in San Francisco, a Board Member and Patron of Stanford University, and able to offer Louise early work assignments.

Louise’s business employed free-lance students as part-timers, and she eventually ‘bought out’ the American Chinese family interest. She formed a partnership with a satellite engineer, and this took Louise in another successful direction.

Her personal life was as disastrous than Li’s. Besides an estranged relationship with her family in China she entered a disastrous marriage with the American Chinese family doyen’s son. Her mother, Grace, corresponded regularly but made no visits from China and Louise refused to return until she received an appeal from Grace. He main source of personal happiness, besides her career, were the times she spent with Uncle Sam.

Grace. With her Beijing studies in English disrupted by the Chinese ‘Cultural Revolution’, she hastily married an older academic – ‘The Professor’- who was denounced by his students and banished to the same countryside village in Gansu where Li’s family lived.

Grace met Sam Smith when he visited Beijing before the troubles, and Sam and she had corresponded until it was no longer possible. Grace adapted to life in the countryside and the Li family became close friends.

When schools reopened, Grace taught English at the local school. She was sent to train in Shanghai and coincidentally met Sam working in the former family business. They spent time together and when they parted, agreed to correspond secretly.

When Louise’s application to Stanford University was successful, Grace approached Sam to act as Louise’s guardian. Only when Grace found she could no longer cope with her own situation did ask Louise to return to China.

Samuel Smith. In the early years of the twentieth century, GrandfatherSmith started a grain export business, mainly soya beans, to China with warehouses in San Francisco and Shanghai. The various wars did not affect business activities but when Sam’s grandfather retired, and a new government came to power in China the Smith’s traveled there only when necessary. His hobby was Asian Antiquities, and when he retired to a village near the Monterey Peninsula in California, he opened an antique shop next to a baker and tearoom called ‘Mitzi’s’ and imported relics from suppliers in Asia.

Sam’s father and Sam started their own collections, and the little shop and the family home in Carmel-by-the-Sea was passed down to them. Sam never married, played golf with his father, retained the comfortable family apartment in San Francisco and took an interest in his alma mater, Stanford University, high-tech developments and dabbled in share trading through his brother-in-law in New York.

When his nephew, Lincoln, and his wife, Becky, relocated to San Francisco they took over the business side of ‘Smith & Sons. Sam retreated to Carmel-by-the-Sea and devoted his time to his other interests. Sam Smith became one of PI Li’s first clients. Louise never knew this until her mother, Grace, summoned her and Uncle Sam asked Louise to deliver documents to a provenance investigator in Lanzhou.

Alexandra Roussos. Thrust into a role at the Pella Museum of Archaeology after her father disappeared, Alex returned from university in Athens to live with her distraught mother, Olympia, in Edessa.

Her field work on the site of Pella’s Ancient Macedonian City uncovered three family tombs. Sons of these families traveled behind Alexander III of Macedonia during his Persian campaign and sent back items to Pella which were stored in the family tombs. Alex opened a common clay vessel and discovered something incredible. She needed outside help to find out more about this discovery and one day, Roxanne, Peter Li’s cousin, happened to visit the Pella Museum.             

Other Contemporary Characters in order of Appearance in the first in the series- ‘The Undulating Threads’- novel tales of The Ancient Silk Roads with PI Li.

PART 1: The Enigma

Ma Qi (Mark) Student, coffee shop barista and freelance assistant to Li Enquiry Agents.

Roxanne Li PI Li’s cousin, Li Jing’s sister and a recent language teacher in theBalkans.

Barsine assistant at Pella Museum of Archaeology.

Mrs. Olympia Roussos Alex Roussos’ mother and a professional photographer.

Giorgio Owner of popular Edessa restaurant.

Messrs. Zhou & Chen Rough, Chinese men who attempt to blackmail the Pella Museum. The men are also connected to a suspicious shipping logistics company in Piraeus.

Georgina Part time member of the Pella dig team; student archaeologist.

Nicolai A government employee seconded to the Museum; also works on the dig.

Sylvia A close friend of Olympia Roussos; Director of Edessa’s Tourism Office.

Li Jing PI Li’s cousin and business partner; confined to a wheelchair.

Sheba Louise and Uncle Sam’s Golden Labrador dog.

Becky & Lincoln Sam’s nephew and his ‘go ahead’ wife run Smith & Sons.

FBI Narcotics Officers (San Francisco) conduct drug checks at Smith & Sons.

Angelo’s waitress A long established local diner now run by a Chinese family.

Prof Humphrey Wall Louise’s tutor at Stanford University, advisor to Liu Group. 

Mr. Liu Senior Influential head of Liu family, Chairman of their large business.

Charles Liu Only Liu son, idle student at Stanford; prefers male company.

Ben Louise’s first business advisor wisely suggested by Sam Smith’s lawyer.

Beth Ben’s assistant who joins Louise, marries Keith, Louise’s collaborator.

Yulin Wang Louise’s Matron-of Honor works in Louise’s company.

Mr. Shi & Miss Ma Experts at the Gansu Provincial Museum and known to PI Li.

‘Captain’ Cao Retired police officer, skilled calligrapher used by PI Li.

Mr. Wu Director of a national insurance company; the Li’s major client.

Jiang Kai Former policeman; joins Li Enquiry Agents as a ‘relief’ for PI Li.

PART 3: The Solution

‘The Professor’ Grace’s academic husband never recovered from his humiliation in the ‘Cultural Revolution’. His extensive knowledge was a boon to young Li but his insufferable manner towards Louise spurred her to high academic achievement and to leave home. In later years, his mental condition deteriorates quite rapidly.

‘Coco’ Li PI Li’s fashion designer daughter with a female partner and settled in Shanghai.

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Zhang managers of the Shanghai Soya Import Company, formerly Smith & Sons.

Director B A former government bureaucrat sent by Ministry to run Pella Museum’s administration; mild mannered; often away in Athens.

Crime Unit Officers Xie & Wang. Based in Shanghai office and responsible for Antiquities and Narcotics respectively; their major concern smuggling.

Deputy Director Yang International expert on seals and Chinese chops: based in Shanghai Museum; PI Li has known Huang for many years.

Dr. Ren Mei A contemporary of Alex Roussos, also a single and a versatile scientist with qualifications in archaeology and forensics. Based in Shanghai Museum as Yang’s ‘assistant’ she directs field work and travels to international conferences. Joins Pi Li and Alex in solving the enigma. 

Stavros A tall, muscular man famous in Greece for winning an Olympic Gold Medal in Greco-Roman Wrestling. Pella’s Museum’s Security Manager and close associate of Alex Roussos.

Rom & Remus Former team-mates of Stavros and permanent security guards at Pella Museum. Their wrestling friends and former teammates in Edessa, Thessalonika and Athens help Stavros with surveillance and security.

Catherine Leonidas English lady married to a Greek engineer; works in Piraeus Port Authority Offices. Alex and she became friends.

Party Representative Dong Bases himself in the Baoshan office of Shanghai Soya Import Company but is rarely at his desk.

‘Mr. P’ Mr Polyandros is a prominent but shady businessman in Greece. Formerly in shipping, the family branches into construction and property development. He has a business interest in Hanlog. Patron of the Pella Museum.

‘The Chief’ Chief Officer Wen controls crime fighting units from his office in Beijing including Antiquity Crime. A mentor of PI Li, a close friend of Mr. Wu. His closest assistant is his daughter.

Mo Franklin & Mrs. Quan Owners of an analytical laboratory in San Francisco; Mo is an old friend of Sam Smith’s and Mrs. Quan is a friend of Louise from their university days. 

Dr. Luke and Dr. Florence Pei Physicians who studied and trained in San Francisco but returned to Shanghai. Both are friends of Louise. Luke is a clinician in brain and nervous disorders and treating ‘The Professor’; Florence is an oncologist.

Benjamin PI Li’s guide in Jerusalem with ancestral connections to ancient Palestine and the historical trading routes; Agricultural Director of ‘The Golden Peach Company’ Israeli operations and the ‘link man’ for the organization helping PI Li.

Cyrus the head of a group helping PI Li. Besides a connection with ‘The Golden Peach Company’, Cyrus leads an extensive financial service with three golden balls as their broker sign and ‘branches’ named after London UNDERGROUND stations for security reasons. His sons run the ‘branches’ and one was helped by Police Officer Li in China.

Xerxes Cyrus’ son manages the strategically important branch on the Kings Highway- UNDERGROUND South Kensington- to Aqaba, the Red Sea, Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean.

Chinese Agronomists Hard up’ Chinese scientists misled by a criminal gang into conducting a private field inspection and ending up in a dangerous foreign country.

Dr. Demis Roussos Alexandra’s father, Olympia’s husband and the missing Director of Archaeological Activities at the Pella Museum of Archaeology. Undertakes a private search mission in west Asia.

Mr. Bai Officially a young diplomat based at the Chinese Embassy but one of ‘The Chief’ operatives who meets Dr. Ren Mei on her arrival in Athens.

Mr. Constantine Elderly and useful concierge of the Club wing of an up-market hotel in Athens.

Maria Tsipiras A former university friend of Alexandra and daughter of Mr. P’s second wife. A talented artist who drops out of university and withdraws from her friends.

Abraham ‘The Golden Peach Company’ General Manager for Greece. Related to Cyrus’ family and a facilitator in a scheme initiated by Cyrus.

Mr. & Mrs Grigor Exclusive Gentleman and Ladies Outfitters in Athens.

Theo Niarchos Piraeus Port Manager

‘Bagpipes’ Mr. P’s spokesperson and factotum.

‘Mitzi’ Young blonde woman, staffing the famous family business- ‘Mitzi’s Bakery & Tearoom’- established when Carmel-by-the-Sea was first founded. Frequented by passing tourists and local residents and next door to ‘Smith’s Asian Antiquities’. 

PART 2: ANCIENT TIMES

Alexander III of Macedonia. Succeeds his father at the age of nineteen years, sets out from Macedonia at twenty- two years old, and conquers the Persian Empire, the largest and wealthiest state in the Ancient Near East, by the age of twenty- eight years; dies of a mysterious ‘illness’ at only thirty- two years old. Admirer of the Greek mythological warrior, Achilles, and Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire. Vain and glorious, with his carefully tended image, distinctive armor, habitual designator of cities after himself, pursuer of self- deification and the title of ‘Alexander the Great’, the young man is the most successful military commander of ancient times. He has a softer side which he displays with his concern for his horse, Bucephalus, the Persian Queen Mother, Sisygambis, and civilian friends who follow his army across Persia and call him Xander. He marries his first wife, Roxana, for love not political expediency, but never lives to see his son or return to Pella.

Bucephalus or ‘Oxhead’ Alexander’s great black horse saved from the knacker’s yard by a young Xander and restored to health by skillful horse handlers in Pella. The horse with its boney face and broken nose carries Xander into numerous cavalry battles and only dies, aged thirty years in the Indus Valley in the last years of Xander’s military campaign. The horse is accorded a grand funeral and Xander generously names a city after his faithful steed. 

Olympias, the Queen Mother of Macedonia Alexander’s ambitious mother who claims Xander is the son of the Greek’s supreme god, Zeus, not the Macedonian king, Philip II. She maintains her court position through shrewd plotting while the Philip is either away fighting or entertaining other women. The couple only agree Xander should receive a good education, be fully literate and versed in the arts of music and poetry. Aristotle, a famous Greek teacher from Athens, is employed as Xander’s tutor. Olympias is feared and hated by Philip’s contemporaries. Becomes the protector of Roxana and her boy child after Xander’s early death but is assassinated herself.

Antipater Regent in Macedonia; a contemporary of the late Philip II, Parmenion and Alexander’s other senior generals. A shrewd appointment because Olympias and he are estimable foils for each other.

Proscribo, Aristotle, Nicolides and Athena Scribo, the studious and academically inclined member; Ari the potter; Nick, blacksmith, metal and leather crafts; Tena, naturally gifted trainer of horses. All friends with Xander and follow him to Persia. They settle in Makaranda in Sogdiana.

Baden Xander’s chief scout; Thracian, not Macedonian, but Xander trusts him with important tasks.

Sisygambis, Persian Queen Mother A statuesque and dignified woman who develops a warm relationship with Xander and asks to be called ‘Sissy’. Xander and she admire each other perhaps more than they do their own family members. Wise and well educated, she offers Xander sound, unbiased counsel and is not offended by his lifestyle and hot temperament.

Hector Trojan commander of a special unit guarding the Persian Royal Family. Another of Xander’s trusted lieutenants.

Josh Joshua, a young Israelite the young Pella group meet in Palestine and joins the group on their adventures. Josh is an excellent trader with an interest horticulture, and a keen collector of seeds and plants.

Bob is a strongly built Athenian who joins the Pella group in Palestine. An engineer and builder by trade he meets Nick when they assist Xander’s military engineers. He settles in Alexandra Eschate in Sogdiana.

Companion Cavalry Young male contemporaries of Xander in the Macedonian royal court. As sons of Philip’s generals or noble families they accompany Xander to Persia as young ‘generals’ with little real military experience. They compete for Xander’s attention. The group includes Hephaistion, Potolemy, Kleitos, Seleukos, Perdikas, and Pusanius.

Parmenion Philip II and Xander’s senior general. Xander ignores tactical advice of his, and other conservative generals. Rumors of plots to oust Xander permeate around Parmenion and his associates. Xander eventually has Parmenion eliminated.

Mazaeus Sartrap and governor of Babylon. He peacefully surrenders the city to Xander’s advancing army, welcomes Xander to the city and introduces Xander to influential citizens. The sartrap is entrusted with the civilian management of the largest city in the ancient world.

Roth, Abram, Cyrus and Roth’s child. Descendents of exiles brought to Babylon by the Babylonian ruler, Nebuchanezzar, after he conquered Palestine. The exiles do not to return to their homeland when given freedom by Persian king, Cyrus. The group maintain a low profile, with homes and businesses near a gate in the great black walls of Babylon called ‘Wall Street’ and convenient to the large active trade conducted near the city. Shrewd suppliers of compatible financial services and knowledgeable in trading matters. Xander takes their advice and implements policies of tax relief and market restructuring, benefiting trade in Xander’s expanding empire.

Aristoboulos & Menapis A father and son combination of Xander’s favored architect, civilian advisor and a recorder of Xander’s exploits in Asia with a one-handed, but accomplished, young town planner. Menapis settles in Makaranda, supervised development projects in the region and assisted Scribo’s educational efforts.

Esther & Ruth Orphaned twin sisters descended from Judean exiles and independent, skilled jewelers, ‘discovered’ by Ari and Josh in Babylon and join them when the group moves further east.

Mi Satao Caravan leader of a young group of Sogdian men who bring special horses from Fergana Valley in Sogdiana to trade in Babylon. Tena and Josh help the raw traders in Babylon, and they all return to Makaranda together. Mi Satao helps the group settle in the city and the craftspeople, merchants and animal handlers work together.

‘Hawk’, ‘Owl’ and ‘Mongoose’ A strange trio of non-Persian conscripts who switch ‘sides’ after Xander’s momentous victory over the Persian army at Guagamela. They become part of Xander’s informal ‘UNO’ group made up of guerilla fighters and scouts. The trio has a special interest in treasures with religious ritual value and ‘Hawk’ works for Cyrus after Xander’s conquest.

Psyche An unconventional physician in the Persian ceremonial city of  Persepolis She saves Xander’s life and diagnoses Xander’s health issues and gives him medication. Psyche is Sisygambis’ niece.

King Oxyartes A king in Sogdiana who challenges Xander to reach him in his lofty castle. When Xander does so, Oxyartes willingly surrenders and becomes Xander’s ally and father-in-law.

Roxana ‘Little Star’ Oxymartes’ teenage daughter who Xander romances and marries out of love not political expediency. Roxana accompanies Xander on the rest of his Persian campaign and they have a son together, born after Xander’s untimely death.

Ming & Yang Originally child ‘slaves’ of unknown origin exchanged in a trade with a Makaranda merchant. The merchant’s widow, Pa, presents not only the children at Scribo’s school but a considerable amount of pure gold. Scribo marries her and adopts the children.

King Porus A king who nearly defeats Xander in their Indus Valley battle. Porus becomes a tribute-king, Xander’s friend and ally. 

Admiral Nearchos Commander of Xander’s navy during Xander’s assaults on Phoenician coastal ports. Xander sails from Patala to return to Susa and Babylon after the mutiny of his Macedonian army in the Indus Valley.

Stateira and Parasylis Xander’s second and third wife. Xander organizes an extravagant wedding ceremony in Susa involving many of his officers and himself. They were members of the Persian Royal Family, but the marriages were never consummated, and they were confined to the harem in Susa. A jealous Roxana eliminates them after Xander’s death.

Ji Yan, King of Zhou, ‘Son of Heaven’ Longest reigning king in the Zhou Dynasty in China with no political or military power during ‘The Warring States Period’. Performs his ritual duties under the ‘Zhou Mandate of Heaven’ but his passion is his horticultural interest.

Kang A local village leader who loyally serves in Wancheng, Ji Yan’s capital, as Ji Yan’s resourceful chamberlain and counselor. Ji Yan entrusts him with all the assets and the management of the royal household.

Helen Tena and Nick’s teenage daughter. She accompanies her friend, Ming, their fathers, Josh, Ari and a Sogdian team on an exploratory caravan expedition further east of Sogdiana.

Shi Satao Experienced caravan leader of the expedition further east. On the return journey he connects with a line of his family in the Hexi Corridor, Gansu. He is the genetic link of PI Li to Sogdian ancestry.   

TIMELINES FOR HISTORICAL SETTING

168BCE Pella, Macedonia sacked by the Romans. Ancient city now the site of a modern museum and an active archaeological site.

221BCE End of the ‘Warring States Period’ and the Zhou Dynasty after 806 years- China’s longest Dynasty and start of the ‘Mandate of Heaven’. Zhou is followed by the Qin Dynasty for a short period; the Qin capital was Chang’an; Xi’an is the modern city name.

256BCE King Nan of Zhou rule ends after 41 years as king. Wancheng, his capital, disappears to be replaced on nearby sites by other cities like Luoyi and in Han Dynasty- Luoyang- which still exists today.

275BCE Babylon- once the largest city in the ancient world- abandoned.

310BCE Roxana, Alexander’s queen, and son murdered in Amphipolis, Greece.

315BCE Ji Yan, with the titles of King Nan of Zhou and the ‘Son of Heaven’ ascends throne during China’s Warring State Period.

316BCE Olympias, Alexander’s mother, assassinated in Macedonia.

323BCE Alexander dies, aged 32 years, of a mysterious illness without naming a successor saying only to his generals whoever is the strongest. Alexander only ruled for 5 years in the former Persian Empire. A long civil war with many assassinations followed in a struggle for control. The empire of Alexander divided into three, ruled by Alexander’s former generals- Cassander, Seleukos and Potolemy. Their successors were later conquered by Rome.

325BCE Alexander forced to abandon attempts to invade ‘India’; returns to Babylon, his chosen capital.

327BCE Alexander in the Indus River Valley.

327BCE Alexander falls in love, and marries Roxana, a Sogdian princess.

328BCE The Persian Empire finally defeated by Alexander of Macedonia.

329BCE Founding of Alexandria Eschate- ‘Alexandria-the Furthest’; 30 degrees East, 40 degrees North. A Mint and Treasury is built. Army veterans settled here.

329BCE Samarkand conquered by Alexander’s army; renamed ‘Makaranda’; Greek civilians settled in this, and other cities, captured or founded by Alexander across the Persian Empire.

331BCE King Darius III of Persia killed by Bessus, a Bactrian sartrap and usurper, whilst fleeing before Alexander’s advancing army.

334BCE Alexander of Macedonia lands in Asia with the sole ambition of conquering the rich Persian Empire. Alexander was attracted by Persia’s pomp, wealth and ostentation but also needed a distraction from the food shortages and the devastated economies of the Greek states, wrecked by the frequent conflicts between themselves.

336BCE Alexander succeeds the assassinated Philip II as king in Macedonia, aged 19 years. His mother, Olympias, ensures all threats to Alexander’s succession are eliminated. Regarded as a ‘witch’ by many, feared by most, she is reputed to have had her own competitors for ‘queen’ and Philip’s other wives burnt alive.

336BCE Darius III of Persia succeeds the murdered Artaxerxes I who introduced heavy taxes, incurred revolts in Egypt and attempted to interfere in the conflicts between the Greek city states. Darius’ mother was the wise and dignified Sisygambis, from the royal line of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire. Alexander was an admirer of Cyrus and Cyrus’ success in founding a great empire in only nine years.

340BCE Roxana born to king Oxymartes of Sogdiana.

356BCE Birth of Alexander in Pella, Macedonia. Olympias, his mother, claimed Alexander was ‘the son of Zeus’, the supreme god in ancient Greek mythology, and she had been impregnated by Zeus himself.

475BCE Start of the ‘Warring States Period’ in China.

539-333BCE The Persian Period in Palestine and Egypt.

550BCE The Persian Empire founded by King Cyrus the Great.

960-920BCE The reign of King Solomon over the United Kingdom of Judah & Israel, Palestine.

1027-221BCE The Zhou Dynasty in China.

SIMPLIFIED GENEALOGICAL CHART OF THE GODS & GODDESSES OF ANCIENT GREECE

CHAOS

I

[Night]

I

[Day]

I

[Love]

I

_________________________________

                        I                                I

                    Gaea (Earth)                  Pontus (Sea)

                        I                                I

ZEUS (supreme god of earth, the water and the underworld residing on Mount Olympus)

  I

Nereus (goddess of the sea)

I

                                                  Thetis (m Peleus)

I

Achilles

I      I    I        I      I      I    I

Mars    Vulcan  Apollo  Dionysus  Aphrodite Hebe  Artemis

(War)  (Forge)  (Music)    (Wine)    (Beauty) (Youth)    (‘Chase’)

  *      *        *        *        #        #        #

* god # goddess

Note: Hera was a wife of Zeus; Athene was a daughter of Zeus; Aphrodite was also daughter of Zeus by a different mother.

Adapted from Bullfinch T: The Golden Age of Myth & Legend; 1993: Wordsworth Editions Limited.

PROLOGUE

1. Lanzhou, Gansu, Peoples Republic of China: Present day

They’d agreed to meet here. Why, after all these years, would she want to meet him now, he asked himself?

It was twenty- five years ago when each had set off in separate directions to pursue their own personal and very different ambitions and interests. For twelve years or more they’d shared a desk from kindergarten right through to the finish of high school. They’d been academic rivals competing for the top place in their class; they’d faintly insulting nicknames for each other. Both had been tutored by each other's parents who’d been friends since her parent's arrival in his hometown village during the latter half of the 1960's.

The two families had shared many dinners and events together, some happy and some sad. The last one they were both at was a combination of both. The younger members excited, full of nervous laughter and false bravado; both looking forward to entering a new more adult phase of their lives away from the countryside where they had both been born and raised; the older ones, sadder perhaps but proud. He couldn't remember if they’d said goodbye as desk mates, rivals or friends, but certainly not as childhood sweethearts.

They were both to leave home and go to universities in different and distant cities. She flew to the east and never returned. He took a shorter train journey to the west and the very city where he now sat in a coffee shop waiting her arrival.

In the intervening years, her mother had occasionally told him of her progress at university and starting a company immediately after graduation. He couldn't recall if her mother had mentioned she’d married and now had a family. The gap between them had grown far wider than a pile of books on a classroom desk.

The years had flown by and he himself had got immersed a successful career but an unfulfilled marriage. His work had provided opportunities to travel widely both domestically and internationally. They helped his career but not personal relationships.

He was seated, lost in his thoughts, near the corner window facing onto a busy and noisy traffic circle at the edge of the city’s main shopping street. It was a grey, dull morning for this time of year and it was getting cooler after a warm summer. The traffic circle had been dug up and surrounded by green hoardings partially hiding the site of the new subway station serving an east- west, and first, subway line for the city. The traffic needed to find its way to or from the riverside road nearby and into the city proper and it did so in a slow moving and wreathing mass of impatient metal. With no traffic supervision a 'me first' attitude prevailed as drivers dodged from one lane to another to try and gain a small advantage.

It was much the same on the crowded pavement as people on foot made their way to or from the shopping street. It was a constant jostle of predominantly dark figures trying to find a way forward and avoid the exhaust fumes streaming from the nearby vehicles.

Hello, ‘Camel’. A female voice, speaking English, jolted his thoughts back to the present and he turned his eyes away from the window to find a taller than average, slim woman standing next to his table. He pushed his chair back with his legs and rather clumsily stood up. He found himself at the same eye level looking into a friendly pair of large round brown eyes set in a paler oval but smiling face with minimal make-up surrounded by black, bob hairstyle. She looked far younger than her actual age; that is about all he really knew about her these days. Li Ke was caught short for words and could only bumble out a startled Hello in return. He felt like he was on a first date!

Before, he could react she’d set down a small white leather handbag on the table and started to loosen her colorful scarf and unbutton her black knee length coat. He was still startled but managed to squeeze out, Can I get you a coffee?

Yes please, Americano, no cream; hope you are having one too. Li noticed the slight west American accent she had picked up from her long stay in California.

‘Camel’ so she still remembered his school nickname after all these years. He’d forgotten hers a long time ago. He tried to recall it without success as he made his way over to the counter and placed an order for two coffees. The friendly, young barista and his sometimes freelance operative, Ma Qi, who liked to be called by his English name, Mark, gave him a wink and told him to return to the lady. He would bring the coffee over when ready.

He returned to the table by the window. She’d been watching him rather than gaze out of the window or play with her phone. As he stooped, she enquired in English

You hurt your leg?

Yes, I hurt it at work. He didn’t feel it was the right time to tell her he’d been hit by a bullet in the thigh during a stake out followed by a shoot out" with relic smugglers in Los Angeles a few years ago. Li had survived but the shooter had ended up dead.

My mother told me that you are no longer with the police but now do private investigations?

That’s right. The leg got me pensioned off, so I opened a small business instead- Li Enquiry Agents. Investigations from insurance companies pay the rent and my cousin, Li Jing runs the office. He didn’t want to be abrupt, but he didn’t want to waste time. Your mother told me on the phone that you leave Lanzhou today so you’d better tell me how I can help you.

At that moment Mark arrived with the two coffees and placed them in front of his customers before turning to the lady and in confident English asking So you are the famous lady Peter knows from Silicon Valley? Peter here has often mentioned you. My name is Mark Ma and stuck out his right hand.

Li blushed.

Louise without any hesitation offered her own hand in return and said, Pleased to meet you, Mark. Please call me Louise. It has been a long time since Ca…, I mean, Peter, have seen each other so we’re kind of meeting again for the first time, as it were.

Before turning away to return to his workstation he gave the still uncomfortable Li another knowing wink. Li took a deep breath and returned his eyes to the pair opposite him across the small table.

Yes, it is nice to meet the famous lady from Silicon Valley. Welcome to Lanzhou!

Thank you. I tried to lower my profile but not enough. She laughed. I’m considering moving back to Shanghai and launching a start-up there".

Your mother hasn’t mentioned it but I’m sure your parents will be happy. He didn’t want to display his ignorance but asked, What about your American family?

She’d by this time realized that ‘Camel’ was not up to speed on her past life. It’s a long story, Peter. I’d be happy to share it later in exchange for yours but there is no family besides Uncle Sam in Carmel. You know Samuel Smith of Smith & Sons. You’ve met him, Uncle Sam tells me.

Of course! replied Li In fact we’ve since been in touch on several antiquity issues and I visited San Francisco once. Steve took me to meet Mr. Smith in Carmel. I didn’t realize that you knew each other, and he never mentioned you. Anyway, we didn’t have much time and he took us into that busy continental coffee shop next door. That’s where I developed a taste for coffee."

Ah, Mitzi’s coffee shop, the place has been there forever she laughed warmly Steve? I don’t know him.

Steve Lee. He’s like my American cousin. Steve’s in the FBI and a unit that deals with antiquities. He’s based in Los Angeles. We’ve worked together on a number of cases.

Uncle Sam never mentioned your visit, but I probably missed it. I’ve been so distracted most of my time in the US, but Uncle Sam has been a pillar of support right from my early days at Stanford. He met my parents in Beijing many years ago. Uncle Sam asked if I‘m going to be in Lanzhou perhaps I could deliver some documents. He thinks he has a case that may interest you.

PI Li felt they’d now moved onto firmer ground. I’d be happy to help if I can. I’ve got involved in a few international investigations with the police and what with the Reform and Opening Up and the current president’s Belt and Road Initiative I’m getting more work related to my own interest.

Aah, the Ancient Silk Road! So ‘Camel’ is still appropriate? followed by a short laugh and brief smile.

Let’s keep that to ourselves, OK? Li laughed himself, feeling more comfortable with the situation. I gave myself an English name, Peter or Petr when I go to Russian speaking countries. In the police they still refer to me as ‘Longxi Li’ and in the antiquities world they call me ‘Satao’. PI is also fine. I recall you gave yourself that English name in kindergarten. After that American author you enjoyed reading.

Gosh, I’m surprised you remember that! Yes, it was Louise Alcott. I still use it and even ‘The Professor’, who hated Chinese people adopting English names, has started calling me that when he remembers. Nowadays he’s finding it hard to remember anyone’s names, including my mother’s. That’s one of the reasons I’m here, to try persuade him to come to Shanghai for treatment.

Sad. Yes. Peter responded in a subdued tone. I’ve tried to return home most years, at least for Spring Festival, and spend some time with ‘The Professor’. He knows so much about Chinese history. He’s no problem remembering all the old stuff but last time he struggled to remember what he’d done that morning.

Yes agreed Louise. It’s called Alzheimer’s or Dementia. It develops particularly quickly in the elderly. My mother wanted him to travel to San Francisco for a check-up with a specialist physician. He refused to go. She paused for a moment as if to recall something. Uncle Sam has an apartment in San Francisco; they could’ve stayed there for as long as necessary. He also knows an expert from Stanford who’s having success in slowing the process of the disease and Sam told my mother the specialist would treat ‘The Professor’ at no cost to themselves. Anyway, the expert now has one of his former students now practicing in Shanghai. Luke would be happy to treat ‘The Professor’ but he’d need to come live in Shanghai for a while.

Again, there was a long pause, another sip of coffee. Li stayed silent and waited for Louise to continue. It’ll be a challenge. We never got on when I was living at home. He wanted me to be an obedient, filial girl and follow the traditional Chinese way for women. He never congratulated me on my school scores and got angry when I beat you occasionally. He accused me in middle school of being worse than my mother for what would now be called her ‘feminist ambitions’.

She stopped for another sip of her coffee. Peter watched her as she became more and more animated. It just made me even more determined to get well away from him. It’s why I went to Shanghai and then onto Stanford University. I planned to stay and work in the US forever and stay away from Gansu regardless of the personal cost She shrugged resignedly. I do have some regrets but not about my ambitions. Now I’m not sure if I can face living with ‘The Professor’ again. It’s also taken a toll on my mother although she’s never appealed for me to come back until now. She writes to Uncle Sam and he’s always assured me I always had my mother’s full support for staying in the US.

She stopped, expecting Li to say something. It seemed like confession after so many years. He’d no idea that she’d harbored these feelings when they were desk mates so many years ago. She’d always been a quiet, diligent girl who got along with others. She was an excellent pupil in subjects which normally only the boys were interested in- the sciences- whilst also having strong language skills. Louise’s mother was an English teacher and she’d helped both youngsters. 

‘Camel’ had followed his own father and grandfather into the police force after he finished high school. He’d also qualified to go to a national university on a scholarship. He’d attended Lanzhou University following a special course that could be helpful in police work. His courses ranged from Economics and Trade to Forensics and Psychology. After graduation he proceeded to the local Police College. He spent only a short time in the regular force before he was recognized as a special talent and assigned to the Fraud Squad.

White Collar Crime had been increasing as China’s economy strengthened and educated people in favorable positions in both businesses and government took advantage to siphon off private and public funds for their own personal use with some cleverly devised schemes; their ill-gotten gains often finding their way into foreign bank accounts and assets.

Li soon made his mark and it wasn’t long before he returned to the university to complete a Master’s degree. This time he spent more time studying English and Russian but also Accounting and Computer Science. He still managed to find time to attend lectures and read books related to his prime personal interests- history, heritage and ancient trade. After graduating he returned to the police force as an officer and promoted to section leader responsible for investigating heritage and antiquity crime.

Many antiquities had been stolen by both invading foreigners and greedy locals for centuries, but it had continued into the modern era with thefts from museums and libraries with poor security to the graves of the dead. The most valuable items were sold to ‘middlemen’ and then to ’customers’-rich foreign and local clients and collectors- and often smuggled out of China. His job, along with colleagues in similar roles right across the country, was to find and recover stolen relics and break up the criminal networks responsible. A difficult, stressful and sometimes dangerous job but he’d loved it was at the cost of his own personal relationships.

These thoughts had only taken seconds, but he found a patient Louise looking at him seeking a response. It was not the time to burden her with his experiences and failings and they were also running out of time before she needed to go to the airport.

Did you manage to persuade ‘The Professor’ to come to Shanghai? Li asked quietly.

Yes almost biting her lip, but it took all of us, including your mother and father, to persuade him to go and he could still change his mind or forget he’d agreed. I’d have taken him now, but he refuses to fly. He seems to trust your father more than anyone else and your father has agreed to get him to the train station and send one of his constables to Shanghai as an escort if necessary.

‘Camel’ could hardly stifle the smile that came to his lips, and she noticed. It seemed to cheer Louise up, but she seemed compelled to explain.

My mother isn’t keen to come and live in Shanghai just yet. She feels he’ll try harder without her there. She’s also the chairperson of the local committee for poverty alleviation and needs to be in Gansu over the next few months." Li said nothing and it was Louise who continued.

My goodness! she continued, I’ve got so carried away with my family problems I nearly forgot! slapping her own forehead in the style he remembered from so long ago. She’d always had strong body language and they’d conducted the entire conversation in English. Not that even a conversation in Putonghua was likely to be overheard.

His police instincts for constant vigilance always kicked in when he was in a public place. Mark had kept a table for him in a good position well away from neighboring tables and PI Li could observe the street corner, both entrance and exit doors and the entire restaurant and its customers in one easy sweep of the eyes. Most of the day time the restaurant was occupied by gossiping middle aged women resting from their shopping excursions, local workers on a coffee break or young adults hunched over their laptops or smart phones and taking advantage of the free wi-fi and nursing a cup of coffee in a comfortable environment. In the tourist season, western foreigners may have noticed the familiar logo sign whilst exploring the south bank of the Yellow River nearby and wandered in for a coffee boost before wandering off down a normally crowded shopping street. It was rarely used for business meetings although he had seen some well-dressed businesswomen in here from time to time. Chinese businessmen preferred the privacy of kiosks in a tea house or men’s club where they could also enjoy their cigarettes and perhaps something stronger than a cup of coffee.

Louise had noticed Camel’s attentive eyes move away from hers and sweep the room behind her. She found his face interesting. It was like one of those chocolate or candy assortments. You’re never sure which piece or feature to focus on first. The prominent nose, skewed by a kung-fu opponent in his early youth, the large, dark round eyes with thick eyelashes, high well shaped cheekbones each running to large ears also creased by physical combat. A generous mouth with a display of strong white teeth when he smiled all above a cleanly shaved firm chin with the odd short scar, obvious against the pale olive skin. His dark hair was cut in a short conservative style and not the fashionable high shaven side and brush top style favored by many young men and older wannabees. There were tinges of grey now at the temples and creases around the eyes. He’d now what could be termed rugged, rather lived –in face. She’d noticed his hands when he set down hi coffee mug earlier. Clean, manicured fingernails at the end of long fingers. These were hands he’d got from his own mother, a music teacher and fine player, who had taught both to play. Louise remembered how ‘Camel’ had taught himself to play a guitar. Did he still play? Was he still interested in music? She would’ve liked to have asked him a lot more. Perhaps there’d be another time?

OK! Said Louise let me get straight to the point. Uncle Sam needs you! I have something for you".

You’re Mr. Smith’s courier as well! A surprised Li responded. I knew he was sending something, but I was expecting a courier company to deliver it. 

I think he wanted to surprise you. He gave me a quick briefing before I left San Francisco. Something has come up relating to a recent mixed lot of Chinese antiquities he purchased for his shop and he wants you to investigate some issues for him. He’s happy with any fees, re-imbursement of expenses but he wants you to do it confidentially. He didn’t want to elaborate why with me but knowing I was coming this way he asked me to deliver some background documents personally. I understand you told my mother when she contacted you that you’d be delighted to see me again without even asking what is was about! She laughed loud enough to attract the attention of a women shopper a few tables away.

Li blushed and turned his large interested eyes towards the window, gathered his breath and returned his eyes to her face that now leaned more inward towards him and studied him more closely. He tried to adopt a more serious business- like tone of voice and not a clumsy school desk mate exchange like before.

I’ve done a few investigations for Mr. Smith, but we’ve just exchanged emails. This must be something special. He’s always generous with the fee, expenses and a bonus. You will come again?

She followed his cue and maintained a more serious tone herself. Yes, but we may need to meet in Shanghai if that’s convenient to you. You will probably need some time to study the documents and I understand some photos Sam took himself. He thinks you’ll understand the secrecy once you’ve seen the stuff. I may need to return to San Francisco, and I’d be happy to play courier again. She gave him a brief smile and watched his face.

Thank you. Where are the documents?

Louise reached into a large pocket inside her light open coat and withdrew a white A4 size envelope. LI recognized the Carmel shop logo with its Chinese characters in the bottom right hand corner. It was sealed but otherwise plain. She slipped it to Li, and he opened his own jacket and tucked it inside.

I don’t want to open the envelope here.

She nodded. That’s fine. I don’t have a clue what’s inside anyway. Sam seems concerned that this investigation he is asking you to undertake may have deeper significance. He thinks though you’re the best person to do at least a preliminary check and after meeting you I do too. He did say though that he was tempted to hand it straight to the FBI!" She was being serious, so he didn’t laugh or smile.

First of all, thanks for the confidence. Stephen Lee, who I mentioned earlier, is the Chief of the FBI’s Antiquities Division in Los Angeles. Mr. Smith obviously thinks it could be serious if he wants to get the FBI involved. He never makes jokes about that as he does consultancy work for them from time to time. He’s probably seeking more real evidence and support and Mr. Smith would hate to waste their time. Hoaxes and fakes are part of the antiquity dealing business. There are lots of naïve collectors sitting with fakes of all kinds all over the world.

Great! I’ve to phone Uncle Sam when I get back to Shanghai this evening. I’m sure he’ll be happy to hear everything went well on the first date! He’ll also be relieved for my mother that ‘The Professor’ has agreed!

They both relaxed back in their respective chairs and finished their coffees.

"You have to leave Lanzhou today? Li asked. Louise looked at her watch.

Afraid so and the time has flown. I need to go upstairs to the hotel and collect my case, check out and head for the railway station. I’m getting the train out to the airport. That’s quite something for Lanzhou and I see you’ve got a subway.

You spent last night in Lanzhou?

Well, yes. A friend of your father drove me up quite late last night so I could be here for our meeting this morning. He had business to do here anyway.

Aah, yes. I know him well. A discreet detective who had been a classmate of his father’s and probably knew ‘The Professor’ well too. He wasn’t a talker.

Last night he’d been at home in his small apartment pondering the meeting. He’d also been considering how to proceed further on what looked like a pro bona investigation which Jing’s younger sister, Roxanne, had brought to him from Pella in Greece recently. It was also turning into something more sensitive and interesting than he’d originally thought. Uncle Sam’s case, and particularly his generous financial input, would probably allow him to push the Pella case a lot faster now.

He’d never expected the meeting this morning to go so well. They were soon comfortable with each other. Louise had similar feelings as she rose to go and head for the door but with the prospect this time of seeing each other again. Somehow the years had flown by. They were both still both very much on their own journeys but their roads crossing once again. It was probably the same even in ancient times, he thought.

Sorry, I should’ve listened to your mother more closely. I’ll settle with Mark and meet you at the entrance of the hotel. Louise headed for the door leading into the adjacent shopping centre and the elevator to the hotel above giving Mark a warm smile and a brief wave as she left. Pi Li came over and used his smart phone to settle the bill and then summon a taxi. Mark couldn’t resist a comment.

What do they say in America; that’s a classy dame!

You’ve been reading too many American detective novels but you’re right; she is!"

It may be nothing but one of your mates from the force tailed her in. He didn’t stay long after seeing her join you, but you may get a call".

Well she’s now a highly talented Chinese American citizen who the government wants to attract back to China. I didn’t mention to her that her driver last night was also a policeman, but they probably want to make sure she’s safe. Thanks, anyway. Cheers for now. He turned towards the door to the street and swung left to join the moving crowd to wait at the entrance to the hotel located on the upper floors.

Louise soon joined him with her wheelie case, and they made their way towards a blue taxi waiting on the sidewalk. Li knew the driver personally but neither acknowledged each other. He requested the driver take the lady to the Lanzhou West railway station. The boot swung open, PI Li lifted the small case into the boot and closed it. Louise waited. He opened the rear passenger door and before she lowered herself into the car, she gave him a peck on the left cheek.

Thanks, ‘Camel’! Hope to see you again soon.

Me too but before you go, how do I contact you?

Phone my mother! she laughed as he closed the door and the taxi pulled away to join the seething metal coil of vehicles.

He turned towards a watching figure standing some distance away. A non-smoker himself, he would greet him and offer him a cigarette from a packet he always carried before proceeding to his office and studying the contents of the envelope.

PART 1

THE ENIGMA

2. Pella, Greece: One month earlier.

Even though it is located not far off the National Highway from Thessalonika to Edessa it had taken some finding!

The modern Archaeological Museum of Pella is situated on the site of the ancient city that was once the largest and richest city in ancient Macedonia and the birthplace of Alexander the Great. Roxanne had traveled here from the university where she’d been teaching Mandarin on route to her family home in Gansu, China.

Like her cousin, Li Ke, she’d an interest in western cultural history and the time of ancient Macedonia’s rise under King Philip 11, his tempestuous wife, Queen Olympias and their son and Roxanne’s hero- Alexander. It was the reason she’d chosen to teach for two years in the Balkans, but it was only at the end of her contract had she managed to eventually get to Pella itself.

She so doted on Alexander that she’d given herself the name, Roxanne. Roxana was a Sogdian who became Alexander’s wife in 327BCE during his campaign of conquest in what is now Central Asia. Roxana means Little Star and even her conservative parents had approved of Roxanne’s choice because she’d become a Star. Roxanne grew up to be a high academic achiever and excelled in both languages and education. She’d been seconded to a program teaching Mandarin to foreigners and following some training and experience was chosen for a foreign posting in the Balkans. It was a rare opportunity to be in the region that interested her the most, but it meant leaving behind a steady Chinese boyfriend although he said he’d wait for her. She knew this scarcely happened and it didn’t worry her now. Anyway, after being independent for so long she was not willing to just settle down in marriage and being a wife, and probably, a mother to one or more children her boyfriend’s, and her own, parents would encourage her to have as quickly as possible. Many of her foreign female friends were older than her and had no plans for marriage. She was going to absorb and enjoy her infatuation with Alexander the Great!

Roxanne had flown to Thessalonika, checked her bigger bags into a left luggage facility at the airport and taken a coach to Edessa with her small backpack. She’d managed to convey to the Greek speaking driver her intended destination and he’d helpfully dropped her off and pointed the way at the intersection with a quiet road leading to the Museum. It was a hot Grecian day in the prime holiday season and most people would have escaped to the beach, the nearby mountains or a cool tavern. A warm walk following tourist signs took her to the main entrance. There were a few cars baking in the car park, a heat haze rising from their roofs and bonnets, so it was a relief to get into a large air- conditioned foyer.

This visit, Roxanne had decided, was to be the high point of her detour home but besides cursory travel research on getting here she knew little about what to expect. She crossed the empty foyer to a young woman sat behind a counter. She smiled uncertainly, her bright, white teeth a sharp contrast to her long dark hair and olive skin, not sure what the attractive, but obviously Asian woman, was going to say next and in what language.

Asian visitors to the Museum normally came in groups by appointment or pre-booking and were mostly academic types accompanied by interpreters. Roxanne was a