21st century – London (England)

The next morning I woke to the sound of the curtains opening behind me. The sunlight blinded me even though I kept my eyes closed. The person who let the light in was the man in charge of the chores at my grandfather’s mansion.

– Don’t tell me you stayed here the whole weekend, absorbed in your grandfather’s old books.
– I must admit that yesterday’s storm raging everywhere gave me goosebumps, so this seemed the only safe place.
– Be careful; your grandfather devoted his whole life to this bookstore and everything surrounding the stories on these pages. In truth, I tell you, curiosity can become a great enemy.
– Sorry, it was not my intention to bother anyone. I didn’t mean to cause any inconvenience.
– Don’t worry. As far as I’m concerned, this is all yours. In fact, it was the family’s wish that this end up in your hands, so you don’t have to apologize.

He left a tray with a sumptuous breakfast. Considering last weekend, the feeling was more than appetizing.

– You should eat something, and nothing is better than fresh fruit juice in the morning and a superb coffee with toast.
– I hope it doesn’t contain kiwi; I’m allergic.
– Don’t worry; after so many years I already know how you like your juice. If you don’t mind, I’ll clear everything off the table.

I could barely listen to him; my eyes were fixed on the chest, and mentally I went back to review the puzzle I had practically memorized.

The second clue read: “Even the most powerful beasts bow before my presence”. From what I had read, it seemed logical that the clue referred to the beasts that inspired fear in the story of the landing at Lindisfarne. Therefore, the Nordic symbol was the one that could best match that fragment.

The third clue said: “Not the most awakened are able to escape the eternal sleep of my words”. At first, I thought this referred to death, so I chose the Hanged Man.

The fourth clue asserted: “I always get what I want. Do not forget that I own your blood and money”. If my memory does not fail me, I have seen that coat of arms in several of my grandfather’s books. It wa.s the emblem of the Báthory family. Because of her reputation for power, wealth, and medical knowledge, it seemed an obvious answer. At least, that’s what I thought.

The fifth explained: “Even if I hide in the shadows, I will achieve true illumination”. It was also clear that one of the symbols on the chest was related to the Illuminati, who were persecuted for their scientific beliefs. However, it could also refer to the Egyptians, who sought enlightenment and worshipped the sun god. The combination was becoming difficult.

The first clue claimed: “How mighty is my wisdom, allowing me to control the elements”. Using the elements was something the Illuminati employed, but I had already assigned that answer to the fifth slot. Anyway… I could be wrong.

Finally, the last clue declared: “History is as old as I am, creator of all lost souls”. It could be the Egyptian symbol, since Egypt is one of the oldest civilizations.

At that moment the butler placed the tray on the edge of the table, and the sun’s reflection on the glass made the answer as clear as day. I sprang up and quickly began entering the password. The symbol I couldn’t decipher was a star combined with a ritual‑alchemy motif, much like my family crest. Therefore, the remaining answers became clear.

The sixth clue referenced antiquity, so the answer was Egypt; the one that relates to wisdom would be the alchemist symbol, and the fifth would match the Illuminati.

After entering the answers, nothing happened. I leaned back on the couch and sighed in despair.

The butler said:

– If I may suggest, what I have learned over the years is that it’s all about history. Alchemy is as old as we are, and the Egyptians sought wisdom above all else. Their knowledge was such that, to this day, even experts still do not know how they built the pyramids or many other unsolved mysteries. Therefore, the “shadow” clue is clearly consistent with your hypothesis about the Illuminati symbol.

I entered the new combination, and the sound of a gear grinding against a click made the lid shift slightly, leaving the chest open. That made my jaw drop. In amazement, I turned to him and shouted:

– Annibal, you’re a genius!

– Thank you, but don’t make a big deal out of it. So many hours within these walls must have contributed to something.

I opened the lid and found a piece of old leather. It felt rough, almost like granite. I must admit it was a bittersweet victory. So much secrecy and protection for a simple piece of old leather!

At the bottom of the chest I found a note.

“It is all I have been able to achieve.
I hope it’s enough.
Fondly,
                        D.”

An address was written on the back. It belonged to an antique shop that, curiously, was not far from home. Clearly I had two options if I wanted answers: I could stay in the library, reading all those books and forming my own hypotheses, or I could go see the person who sold this to my grandfather and get more information about the new discoveries.

– Would you like me to bring the car closer?

– Yes, please, and make it as soon as possible. Thanks, Annibal!