The Cipher of Eden

By Matt Borne

In the shadowy ruins beneath Jerusalem, Dr. Sarah Kensington, a lauded biblical archaeologist, uncovers an enigmatic copper scroll, sparking the ire of a sinister religious sect.

Simultaneously, Vatican-based Jesuit scholar, Father Anthony Miller, unearths a millenia-old conspiracy linking the Church to a concealed truth about Eden.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Yabot AB
• Release date: Nov 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9789189822382

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cover-front.jpg

The cipher

of eden

matt borne

The Cipher of Eden

By Matt Borne

Copyright © 2023

Cover design by Mats Ingelborn

Art by Betibup33 Design Studio

ISBN print: 978-91-89822-37-5

ISBN e-book: 978-91-89822-38-2

Published by Yabot AB, Sweden, 2023

Prologue

Inside the dimly lit confines of his Vatican office, Cardinal Agathon sat brooding, a goblet of aged wine untouched beside him. The weight of responsibility on his shoulders was immense. The Church, once the center of societal and moral order, was now facing an existential crisis in the 21st century. With the rapid pace of technological advancement and the widespread rise of secularism, many had strayed from the fold. The world was losing faith, and with it, the Church was losing its grip.

Agathon’s piercing gray eyes gazed into the distance as he pondered a radical solution, one that would shake the very foundation of human existence. His thoughts were audacious, even blasphemous to some, but the Cardinal was convinced that drastic times called for drastic measures. He envisioned a world where the supernatural intersected with the ordinary, where the barriers separating the human realm and the infernal abyss dissolved, at least temporarily.

Let the infidels see with their own eyes what awaits those who defy the divine order, he mused aloud, the echoes of his voice mingling with the flickering shadows cast by the candlelight. By releasing Hell on Earth and letting demons roam freely among humans, he would force the world to confront the very real consequences of abandoning faith. The streets would be plunged into chaos, a nightmare of biblical proportions, reminding all of the essential role the Church played in shielding humanity from the forces of darkness.

But Cardinal Agathon’s plan wasn’t just about chaos; it was about redemption. Once the world had glimpsed the horrors of a life without divine protection, the Church would intervene. Drawing on the ancient rites and scriptures, they would control and banish the demons back to the fiery pits from whence they came. This spectacular demonstration of the Church’s power and authority would be undeniable. In one grand gesture, the Church would reaffirm its role as the ultimate bastion against evil and the gatekeeper of salvation.

Yet doubts crept into Agathon’s mind. He was aware of the potential consequences of his plan. Unleashing such malevolent entities into the world carried inherent risks. What if the Church could not control them? What if the plan backfired and plunged the world into a darkness from which there was no return? Could he, in his quest to restore faith, inadvertently herald the apocalypse?

He contemplated the intricate tapestry hanging on the wall opposite him. It depicted St. Michael, the Archangel, casting Lucifer out of Heaven. The age-old battle between good and evil, righteousness and heresy, was woven into the very fabric of the Church’s history. But Agathon’s plan was to turn that tapestry on its head. Instead of banishing evil, he intended to invite it in, if only to demonstrate the Church’s might in expelling it once more.

With a sigh, the Cardinal realized that his internal struggle mirrored the greater battle the Church was facing. In the past, faith was nurtured through hope, love, and tales of miracles. But now, he believed, it was perhaps fear that would guide the masses back to the fold.

Cardinal Agathon’s fingers caressed the smooth surface of the goblet as he pondered the morality of his intentions. The very essence of his plan contradicted the teachings he’d upheld for decades. Was this the right path? Or was he, blinded by his own desperation to restore the Church’s glory, about to make a pact with the devil himself?

In the echoing silence of his chamber, only time would tell if Cardinal Agathon’s gamble would lead to the Church’s salvation or its ultimate damnation. But the Cardinal was convinced of the first; otherwise, the Church would be damned anyway.

1

Amidst the scorching embrace of the afternoon, the sun cast an unrelenting glare upon the historic stones beneath. The city, a mesmerizing amalgam of ancient tales and fervent beliefs, throbbed with a languid yet insistent energy. Beads of sweat adorned the brows of merchants in the pulsating heart of the bazaar while sumptuous aromas of sizzling meats and sweet dates lingered defiantly in the sweltering air. The clinking of ice in glasses of mint-laden lemonade mingled with fervent prayers whispered devoutly into the hot breeze. Towering walls of timeless stone whispered tales of epochs gone by to every passerby who dared to listen. Murmurs of prayer intertwined with the distant clatter of commerce created an enchanting symphony, a melody that spoke of faith and survival. Visitors sought refuge under the generous canopies of fig trees while locals navigated the labyrinthine streets with seasoned endurance. In this furnace, amidst commerce and worship, Jerusalem continued to pulse with an undying vitality, reverberating under the searing sun.

But the scorching heat and the clamor from the streets did not reach the ancient catacombs beneath the city. They lay shrouded in darkness. Sounds of trowels scraping and brushes whisking filled the air. Every now and then, a call rang out – I’ve got something here!

Dr. Sarah Kensington cautiously descended the crumbling stone steps, her flashlight cutting a narrow beam through the blackness.

The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and the weight of centuries. Strange symbols were carved into the walls, remnants of civilizations long forgotten. This was a place heavy with history, secrets buried for millennia beneath the Holy City.

Sarah felt a familiar thrill in her chest. As a renowned biblical archaeologist, she had devoted her life to unearthing ancient mysteries. Few could match her expertise in relics and artifacts. She lived for moments like these, standing on the precipice of discovery in the deep shadows of the past.

Sarah continued through the catacombs, her flashlight barely illuminating the rough-hewn walls. She had studied every map and diagram she could find of this ancient labyrinth but still felt a growing sense of disorientation. The further she ventured into the darkness, the more distant from reality she felt. Every sharp turn gave rise to a new set of symbols and inscriptions. Most were indecipherable, yet there were moments when a glimmer of understanding shined through. The ancient language was steeped in mystery – a riddle waiting to be solved.

At last, Sarah was back where she stopped before lunch break at what appeared to be an ornate archway. It was made of solid stone and etched with strange designs that seemed almost familiar to her. With growing excitement, Sarah reached for her tools and began to clear away centuries of dust and grime from what lay hidden beneath. As she worked, she hoped this secret chamber would reveal knowledge lost for millennia – something that could rewrite history itself! With a final swipe of the cloth, Sarah exposed a smooth surface unlike any she had seen before. She was close now, her pulse quickening. Lifting her light, she saw it – ancient Hebrew words and strange images of winged creatures. She distinguished words long thought forgotten. Her hands trembled slightly as the gravity of the moment washed over her. Here, beneath millennia of dirt and legend, were secrets that could change everything.

Sarah took a deep breath to steady her nerves. This was no time to get lost in emotions. She had a job to do.

She examined the archway with practiced care, took photos from multiple angles, and jotted down notes. Every detail mattered. She would need to analyze the script and icons later to determine their meaning.

Footsteps echoed down the passage behind her, and she turned to see her research partner, Tom, approaching. His thick spectacles made his eyes look huge, and his blonde hair was gray with dust. Like her, Tom had dedicated his career to biblical archaeology. Together, they had uncovered artifacts around the world, seamlessly combining their expertise.

She waved him over eagerly.

Look at this, Tom, Sarah said, her voice barely above a whisper. The craftsmanship... it’s exquisite.

Tom leaned in, his eyes widening as he took in the ornate details. Incredible. It must’ve taken years to complete.

Maybe even decades, Sarah mused, her fingers tracing the delicate lines etched into the stone. It speaks to an incredible dedication to their faith, a devotion that transcends time and space.

He let out a low whistle as he studied the arch. I don’t recognize some of these symbols. We could be looking at something completely unknown here.

They began cataloging the site together, working in easy tandem, honed over the years in the field. Every measurement and sample was meticulously documented. This find would need to be scrutinized from every angle back at the lab.

As they worked, Sarah’s mind raced with possibilities. What secrets had King Solomon sealed behind this cryptic archway? What ancient knowledge might it unlock? She had to temper her excitement with patience. The real discoveries would come later as they slowly pieced together the clues.

Let’s get ground-penetrating radar in here tomorrow, Tom said. See if there are any chambers beyond this doorway.

Sarah nodded, feeling that familiar addictive thrill. Another piece of the puzzle had been unearthed. There was no telling what they would find next.

We’ll do that tomorrow, she stated and stepped back, surveying the excavation site with satisfaction.

It had been a productive day, but the sun was sinking low, and it was time to pack up. As Tom began gathering their equipment, Sarah’s gaze lingered on the stone archway. What secrets did it guard? She was itching to find out.

Ready to head back? Tom asked, snapping her out of her reverie.

Sarah nodded, and they began the trek out of the dig site.

The sun dipped low, and the air was hot and humid. She wiped the sweat from her brow as they passed through the excavation site. Dust hung thick in the desert air as her team carefully extracted artifacts from the layers of earth. Sarah lived for this – the meticulous uncovering of clues to piece together the human story.

Tom called her over to examine a coin they had unearthed earlier. They conferred in hushed tones, faces