21st century – London, England
A whisper that called my name came from the hidden object beneath the velvet, and a chill ran through my body. I pulled my hand away fearfully and began re‑locking what I had found, but I heard the voice again. This time, it sounded inside my head:
“I am part of you, just as you are part of me. Neither of us will be complete without the other. Therefore, whatever you do, you will never be able to escape from me. Free me and I will wake you up… awake…”
Then I reached out and pulled the cloth away, revealing an elegant yet ancient‑looking wooden chest. I decided to forget about the book and set it aside for a while. I cleared some space at the table and focused on the chest. It seemed that it had not been hidden for long, since there was no dust. At its bottom were stone hexagons bearing symbols that could rotate to activate a mechanism, apparently requiring a combination of six figures.
The top was slightly broken, so I could open it without much difficulty. I lifted the small top cover and found a note. Unlike the rest of the chest, the note looked much more recent:
Each of the six has been blessed with a curse. It is in your hand to guide them onto the right path—that is your damned blessing. But be careful! Placing each one in its proper spot won’t be easy. You must find help and know whom you can trust.
1. How mighty is my wisdom, allowing me to control the elements.
2. Even the most powerful beasts bow to my presence.
3. Not the most awakened are able to escape the eternal sleep of my words.
4. I always get what I want. Do not forget that I own your blood and money.
5. Even if I hide in the shadows, I will achieve true illumination.
6. History is as old as I am, creator of all lost souls.
How could I solve this puzzle that apparently makes no sense? I spent long hours weighing and trying out possible combinations, but nothing happened. My frustration and despair only increased, as I considered hundreds plausible combinations.
I put the box aside, hoping to find a clue that would lead me to the combination. I refocused on my book and my drink, although exhaustion eventually led me to Morpheus’ arms.