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| :''[[Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor|Rudolf the second]] invited many notable figures to his court, making [[Prague]] the center of [[Europe]]an culture. Among them were [[United Kingdom|Englishman]] [[Edward Kelley]] and his step-daughter [[Elizabeth Jane Weston]]. Observe her and report any alleged collusion.'' | | :''[[Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor|Rudolf the second]] invited many notable figures to his court, making [[Prague]] the center of [[Europe]]an culture. Among them were [[United Kingdom|Englishman]] [[Edward Kelley]] and his step-daughter [[Elizabeth Jane Weston]]. Observe her and report any alleged collusion.'' |
| |-|"Divine Science" Presentation= | | |-|"Divine Science" Presentation= |
| TBA
| | MD:S03.S03|M01 --ANGELS-<br><br> |
| | Mama says Count [[Vilem Rožmberk|Rožmberk]] will take care of us now, so long as Papa and [[John Dee|Uncle John]] work for him. Our home is big, but Třeboň is a small town. Mama seems happy.<br><br> |
| | Prague 1587 1608 CE Elizabeth Jane Weston |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-LOVE.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M01.01--LOVE-<br><br> |
| | >>\\Uncle John— everyone else calls him Dr. Dee— says that not all five-year-olds can speak three languages or write as well as I do. "I foretell a bright future for you, Lady Beth."<br><br> |
| | \\I like reading, drawing, and writing poems, but mathematics are hard. [[John Francis Weston|John Francis]], my brother, is better at calculations than I am. He is one year older.<br><br> |
| | \\Papa wants me to get the same opportunities as my brother. He says I am fortunate, that not all young ladies have private tutors. I study hard to please him.<br><br> |
| | \\"We are fasting this evening, Master Kelley!" Uncle John announces. Papa grins. I know what this means: they will be working all night, again.<br><br> |
| | \\after dinner, I run to the parlor and jump on Uncle John's lap. His beard, unlike Papa's, is all white, and rough! I ask him to tell a story.<br><br> |
| | \\Uncle John makes everyone laugh; even Papa, who is usually so serious. He says they have to work now. Mama tells me it is time for bed.<br><br> |
| | \\I pull the sheets over my head and listen to the low, humming voices coming from the study. I am afraid of the dark, but not tonight, not with Papa and Uncle John praying. |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-HONESTY.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M01.02--HONESTY-<br><br> |
| | >>\\Papa needs to leave now, to earn money. I know about money; we need it to eat and purchase things. I do not want him to go.<br><br> |
| | >>I give Papa a big hug, and Uncle John too. I wave at them until I can no longer see their carriage. How long will they be gone this time?<br><br> |
| | >>I ask Mama about Papa's work. She says he gives conferences with Uncle John, providing advice to people who need it.<br><br> |
| | >>John Francis says Papa communicates with [[Isu|angels]]. I laugh, but Mama does not. "He told me!" he says, crossing his skinny arms over his chest.<br><br> |
| | >>After a long pause, Mama sighs. "John Francis is right. Your father speaks with angels. He gains..." she scratches her head, "insight from them."<br><br> |
| | >>I ask Mama what an angel is. She says it is a being from beyond, a winged entity that lives with God, in Heaven. I do not know what she means.<br><br> |
| | >>John Francis says only Papa can call angels. Mama nods, saying he has a rare gift. "He uses a [[Crystal Balls|crystal ball]]!" John Francis declares. |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-UNITY.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M01.03--HONESTY<sic>-<br><br> |
| | >>\\I seldom see Papa and Uncle John these days. They do not eat— they are fasting again— and spend most of their time in the study.<br><br> |
| | >>I wake up with a start and pull the blankets to my chin. It is still dark, but I hear voices downstairs. Taking a deep breath, I sneak out of bed.<br><br> |
| | >>I walk down the stairs, avoiding the creaking ones. I fear monsters will jump out of shadows— though Uncle John assured me he banished all monsters from our home.<br><br> |
| | >>I tiptoe to the door of the study and put my ear upon it. I recognize Papa's and Uncle John's voices, but there is also another, much deeper voice within.<br><br> |
| | >>A loud click! They have unlocked the door! I hide behind the cabinet. Papa and Uncle John come out of the study and walk away, smiling.<br><br> |
| | >>I count to one hundred, then tiptoe toward the study. No one inside! "Elizabeth?" Papa says, behind me. "What are you doing?"<br><br> |
| | >>Papa makes me promise not to go into his study. "There are things in there you should not see." There are a hundred questions I want to ask him, but I can only nod. |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-WISDOM.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M01.04--WISDOM<br><br> |
| | >>\\I have never seen Papa and Uncle John so happy. They whisper and laugh at things only they understand. Mama says it is because they have done good work.<br><br> |
| | >>I have finished my dinner and ask to be excused. Mama nods and I hurry upstairs. I notice that the door to Uncle John's room is ajar.<br><br> |
| | >>I hurry to the door. Holding my breath, I peek inside. The room is sumptuous! Uncle John always says Aunt Jane has good taste, and he is right!<br><br> |
| | >>I tiptoe inside and open Uncle John's armoire. It is filled with treasure! Shiny rocks, a black mirror, a wax seal with pictures on it, a gold amulet!<br><br> |
| | >>Ignoring everything else, I pick up what looks like a globe packed in cloth. Could it be the crystal ball John Francis mentioned? Quickly, I unwrap it!<br><br> |
| | >>The sphere is heavy and feels warm in my hands. It is [[Pieces of Eden|made of the shiniest gold]]! On its surface, I see a reflection of my face— and Uncle John's!<br><br> |
| | >>Uncle John grabs the sphere and puts it inside his doublet. I shiver, but he smiles. "You should not be playing with things you cannot comprehend, Lady Beth." |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br> |
| | MD:S03.S03|M02 --DEMONS-<br><br> |
| | We have been in Třeboň almost two years now. We are happy here; happier than we have ever been.<br><br> |
| | Prague 1587 1608 CE Elizabeth Jane Weston |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-PRIDE.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M02.01--PRIDE-<br><br> |
| | >>\\Papa continues to work while Uncle John is away. He keeps to himself and barely addresses us during breakfast, but at least he is eating now.<br><br> |
| | >>I am feeble today. Mama says I have a fever and tells me to stay in bed. I sleep all day and most of the night. I awake famished.<br><br> |
| | >>I dislike the night, but I am not as afraid of it as I used to be. I get out of bed, careful not to make a sound. I do not want to wake anybody up!<br><br> |
| | >>A pale light emanates from the study. The door is open! Papa never leaves the door of his study open! I creep toward the light, on the tip of my toes.<br><br> |
| | >>I sneak a peek inside. Papa leans over a table, reading [[book of Abraham|a book]]. It has an odd, silvery tint. Papa suddenly mumbles an incomprehensible string of words and numbers.<br><br> |
| | >>Papa sprinkles red powder on something upon the table. "I did it!" His wide grin deforms his face. "I did it!" He picks up— a clump of gold!<br><br> |
| | >>Papa's guffaws make me shiver. His voice is deep and he speaks words I do not understand. I hurry upstairs and crawl back into bed. |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-GREED.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M02.02--GREED-<br><br> |
| | >>\\I notice Papa and Uncle John in the distance. I pick up my dolls and hide behind the tallest oak in the garden. I try not to laugh as they walk toward me.<br><br> |
| | >>Papa tells Uncle John that they should change the nature of their work, that they should study alchemy and stop wasting their time with angels.<br><br> |
| | >>They pass by the oak. "The book has boundless potential!" Papa says. "I need your help, to unlock its formulas!" I poke my head out. Uncle John frowns.<br><br> |
| | >>"We could work at the imperial court!" Papa continues. "Producing gold is only the first step!" Uncle John turns to face him. I hide again, hugging my dolls.<br><br> |
| | >>"You should not fiddle with this book, Kelley!" I almost fail to recognize Uncle John's voice. "You cannot imagine the evil it contains! It holds more than mere numbers!"<br><br> |
| | >>Papa protests, but Uncle John interrupts. "Your associate, Master Husey, the one who gave you the book... I dealt with him before, long ago. He cannot be trusted."<br><br> |
| | >>Papa says they could be rich beyond their wildest dreams. I take a quick glance. Uncle John shakes his head. "No, my friend. The book will destroy you." |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-LUST.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M02.03--LUST-<br><br> |
| | >>\\Mama is in her room, crying. She has barely uttered two words in days, and I suspect she has not even spoken to Papa. She has been avoiding his gaze.<br><br> |
| | >>I am reading when a loud clang makes me jump. Is John Francis acting up again? He can be such a baby sometimes!<br><br> |
| | >>Another clash, followed by a shriek; a woman's shriek! I put my book down and hurry to the door. Papa and Uncle John are screaming at each other!<br><br> |
| | >>I walk out of my bedroom. The shouting has stopped, but I hear sobbing now, coming from Uncle John's room. Is Aunt Jane hurt?<br><br> |
| | >>The door of Uncle John's room suddenly bursts open! Aunt Jane cries out after her husband, but someone interrupts her: Papa!<br><br> |
| | >>I feel the entire floor shudder as Uncle John slams the door shut. He glares at me, fire in his eyes. I am paralyzed! My eyes well up.<br><br> |
| | >>Uncle John takes my hand and pulls me away. "You should not be here!" He drags me downstairs. "You... You should not have seen this!" |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-WRATH.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M02.04--WRATH-<br><br> |
| | >>\\Papa and Uncle John seldom speak now. When they do, they shout, which makes Mama cry. Aunt Jane stays in her room. I wish I could do the same.<br><br> |
| | >>I wake up jumping. Papa is screaming again! I close my eyes, wishing things would be as they used to, but I am old enough to know better.<br><br> |
| | >>A door slams. I look out the window and see Papa walking toward the stables, shouting, "Envious fool!" I watch him disappear in the darkness.<br><br> |
| | >>I run downstairs. Mama sits in the parlor, sobbing in silence. I crawl under the sofa. "It is time for me to leave." Uncle John's voice is filled with sorrow.<br><br> |
| | >>"You will be missed, both of you." Wishing Uncle John good fortune, Mama leaves. I stay hidden and watch Uncle John pace the room.<br><br> |
| | >>I quietly follow Uncle John to Papa's study. Producing a key, he looks over his shoulder and unlocks the door. "At life's end, you will understand, old friend."<br><br> |
| | >>Uncle John comes out of the study with Papa's strange silver book."I am doing this for your father. The secrets it holds are not meant for him." |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br> |
| | MD:S03.S03|M03 --MONSTERS-<br><br> |
| | Mama says she feels at home in Prague, but I do not. Papa will not let me do anything. He tells me the streets are not safe.<br><br> |
| | Prague 1587 1608 CE Elizabeth Jane Weston |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-RUMORS.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M03.01--RUMORS-<br><br> |
| | >>\\I like it when Papa brings me to Prague Castle. It gives me a chance to escape from the house, and spend time with him. He is seldom home these days.<br><br> |
| | >>People from all over the world gather here, at the "center of European culture," as Papa puts it. I wonder why important people frown so much.<br><br> |
| | >>Papa speaks with an elderly gentleman. His flowing white beard reminds me of Uncle John's. I sigh and take Papa's hand. He does not seem to notice.<br><br> |
| | >>"We do not dare walk the streets," the old gentleman complains, "even during daytime!" Papa nods, saying that Prague has never been so unsafe.<br><br> |
| | >>"You know why, Master Kelley? The Emperor," he leans close to Papa's ear. "He is weak! He gives the people too much freedom!"<br><br> |
| | >>"I heard that a killer runs amok, targeting noblemen— and alchemists!" There is a tremor in the old man's voice. "They say he is a monster. A giant!"<br><br> |
| | >>"Some say he is not even human." Papa declares. I squeeze his hand, wishing Uncle John could be here to banish the monsters of Prague. |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-TOIL.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M03.02--TOIL-<br><br> |
| | >>\\For my tenth birthday, Papa will show me his workshop! I will finally have a chance to see where he spends his days... and many of his nights!<br><br> |
| | >>Most people we encounter ignore me as I follow Papa through the corridors of Prague Castle, but some scowl or roll their eyes when they see me.<br><br> |
| | >>The windows in this part of the castle have been sealed off with bricks and mortar. Papa carefully locks every door we pass through.<br><br> |
| | >>Papa's workshop is a treasure trove! There is a myriad of items here, each more wondrous than the next: colored powers, ancient scrolls, amulets...<br><br> |
| | >>Papa works all day, reading formulas, mixing powers, boiling liquids... I watch from afar, afraid to disturb him. His work is so important!<br><br> |
| | >>Papa constantly mutters to himself. He blinks a lot and often glances over his shoulder. He makes me nervous, especially when he barks strange words.<br><br> |
| | >>"I cannot do it!" Howling, Papa throws a glass beaker to the floor. It explodes in a thousand tiny shards. I cover my face. "I need the book!" |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-ALCHEMISTS.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M03.03--ALCHEMISTS--<br><br> |
| | >>\\Night has fallen when a young visitor interrupts Papa's work. He enters the workshop and announces that the Emperor has summoned his alchemists.<br><br> |
| | >>Papa tells me to wait, and warns me not to touch a thing. Then, frowning, he takes my hand and drags me along. "You must remain quiet."<br><br> |
| | >>We enter a dark room where a score of old men gather around a long table. Papa motions me to stay behind, with the assistants and apprentices.<br><br> |
| | >>A large man in black clothes with white ruff and fur hat enters. Everyone bows. I take a step back, hiding behind a lanky youth.<br><br> |
| | >>The man (the Emperor?) sits at the end of the table, scrutinizing everyone in the room. When he raises an eyebrow, one of the alchemists jumps to his feet.<br><br> |
| | >>"My brother has seen the monster!" The man squeaks like a mouse. "It is wholly black! A demon!" The alchemists discuss at length.<br><br> |
| | >>Many alchemists agree: this killer, this monster, cannot be human. "What if it is a homunculus?" Papa suggests. A deathly silence falls upon the room. |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-GOLEM.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M03.04--GOLEM-<br><br> |
| | >>\\We leave Prague Castle before dawn. A score of guards escort us, and other alchemists. "For our safety." Why are there so many monsters in the world?<br><br> |
| | >>Dawn creeps over the Vltava. Finally! We arrive at the house of the last alchemist. We will soon be home! No, no, no! Papa will not stop talking to him!<br><br> |
| | >>I walk into the alley next to the man's house. Two steps into it and— "Ouch!" I bump into an invisible wall! White eyes appear in the darkness!<br><br> |
| | >>I see it! The silhouette of a giant! Marks cover the monster's pitch black forehead. No, letters: "EMET." I stare at the white eyes. "What are you?"<br><br> |
| | >>"I have been called many names." The monster's voice is strange, guttural. "Here, they call me [[Golem]]." Papa shouts! Guards run toward us!<br><br> |
| | >>"You have just saved your father's life, Little One," it rasps. Golem runs toward the river. I see it clearly now: a gigantic body, black and sinewy.<br><br> |
| | >>The monster jumps in the river. I follow, Papa and the guards behind me. I observe the water: perfectly still. Not a hint of Golem! |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br> |
| | MD:S03.S03|M4 --GHOSTS-<br><br> |
| | We have never discussed Papa's imprisonment. Not one word about it in over three years. Now that John Francis is away, I alone must care for Mama.<br><br> |
| | Prague 1587 1608 CE Elizabeth Jane Weston |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-NIGHTMARES.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M04.01--NIGHTMARES-<br><br> |
| | >>\\Papa will be released from prison today, but Mama worries. She says he has one last chance to satisfy the emperor's expectations.<br><br> |
| | >>Standing in front of the house, I hold Mama's hand. My heart beats quickly as I behold Papa's carriage. I forget to breathe when it stops, two paces before us.<br><br> |
| | >>Mama trembles when the carriage door opens. A pale, emaciated man with a long, grizzled beard steps out. "Papa!" He walks by us, as if we were ghosts.<br><br> |
| | >>Mama has prepared roasted lamb, Papa's favorite, to celebrate his return, but he does not eat. He simply stares at his plate, silent.<br><br> |
| | >>Mama makes idle conversation, pretending— without much success— that nothing is wrong. Papa suddenly stands up. His chair hits the floor with a loud thud.<br><br> |
| | >>Papa storms out of the dining room, pushing invisible spirits out of his way. He shouts in a strange tongue; the same language I once heard him speak, when I was little.<br><br> |
| | >>My heart is in a knot, but I hold back my tears. I take Mama's hand, but nothing I can do or say will ease her sorrow. What will we do now? |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-FAILURE.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M04.02--FAILURE-<br><br> |
| | >>\\The Emperor has restored Papa's status, but soldiers guard our house. They are not here to protect us, but to make sure Papa does not leave Prague.<br><br> |
| | >>A month has passed since Papa's return. He remains distant, but at least he does not completely ignore us— though he works ceaselessly.<br><br> |
| | >>I walk through the open doorway of Papa's study, the platter Mama has prepared for him in my hands, and stop. Papa sits on the floor, and begins to howl!<br><br> |
| | >>I drop the platter and its content spatters across the room. I run to Papa and kneel next to him. He grasps my hand and immediately falls silent.<br><br> |
| | >>Papa's nails dig into the flesh of my hand. I bite my lip to suppress a cry. He suddenly raises a tight fist in front of my face! I close my eyes.<br><br> |
| | >>"I cannot do it!" Papa's voice is bleak, desperate. "Not enough... Not even a handful left!" I look at him. Tears run down his ashen face.<br><br> |
| | >>Slowly, as if revealing a priceless treasure, he opens his fist. In the palm of his wrinkled hand is a tiny bit of red dust. "Curse you, Dee!" |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-CONFINEMENT.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M04.03--CONFINEMENT-<br><br> |
| | >>\\Papa works without rest, even though he keeps saying he has already failed us. He has not slept in weeks and he barely eats. He is but a shell of the man I once knew.<br><br> |
| | >>Mama shakes me out of my dreams. "Elizabeth! Soldiers are coming!" I do not react immediately, for I am used to soldiers guarding our house.<br><br> |
| | >>I look outside. There is a column of young men in uniform in our yard. Their torches cast dancing shadows upon their faces. "Monsters of Prague."<br><br> |
| | >>I open the front door. An officer and six stern-faced men step inside. The officer clears his throat. "By order of—"<br><br> |
| | >>"No!" Mama darts forward, tears streaming down her cheeks. I hold her back. "You cannot take him away! You cannot! Not again!"<br><br> |
| | >>The soldiers' eyes widen. Papa walks toward us, his face twisted in a demonic grimace. He murmurs a prayer in the strange tongue only he seems to understand.<br><br> |
| | >>The officer tries to reason with Papa. Howling, Papa jumps on him, clawing at his face. A soldier strikes his head and he falls. Mama wails as they take him away. |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-TUMBLE.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M04.04--TUMBLE-<br><br> |
| | >>\\I am sixteen years old, and some of the guards in {{Wiki|Hněvín Castle}} have taken an interest in me. They insist on making conversation every time I visit Papa.<br><br> |
| | >>None of them interest me. Most are boorish cretins; others are more bedraggled than hogs in mud-filled sties. But I always smile and remain courteous.<br><br> |
| | >>I take a deep breath when, in the distance, I spot Hněvín's tower. I try not to think of the babbling louse I will have to confront before seeing Papa.<br><br> |
| | >>What is this? A cross at the top of the tower? I walk more briskly, then my heart stops. Papa! He stands on the edge of the tower, arms wide open.<br><br> |
| | >>I run toward the castle. I see Papa clearly now: a skeleton in tattered robes. He stares at me— no, not at me, but beyond! "You have come!"<br><br> |
| | >>"Free me, Divine Messenger, free me!" Papa raises his hands to the sky, as if praying. "Heavenly Guardian, guide my fall!" He jumps off the tower!<br><br> |
| | >>I support Papa's broken body. He bleeds profusely, but holds my gaze. His demons no longer haunt him. "Dee... was... wise..." He exhales his last breath. |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br> |
| | MD:S03.S03|M05 --DIVINITIES-<br><br> |
| | News of [[Elizabeth I of England|Queen Elizabeth]]'s death reaches Prague. The Virgin Queen, after which I have been named, has passed away, one month after my wedding.<br><br> |
| | Prague 1587 1608 CE Elizabeth Jane Weston |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-TRIBUTE.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M05.01--TRIBUTE-<br><br> |
| | >>\\A knock at the door disturbs my thoughts. I lift my head from the blank page on my desk and put my quill down. "Come in."<br><br> |
| | >>[[Johannes Leo|Johannes]], my husband, steps into my study. A tussock of raven hair brushes his face as he lowers his head. How remarkably formal of him!<br><br> |
| | >>He apologizes for disturbing me while I work. I frown, feigning annoyance, but fail to suppress a thin smile. I seem incapable of writing today.<br><br> |
| | >>Johannes' face lights up. His thumb absently caresses the [[ivory]] handle of his cane. "A package has arrived. It is addressed to Lady Beth."<br><br> |
| | >>"Lady Beth?" Only Uncle John calls me thus! I have not heard from him in years. I run out of the room and hurry down the stairs, as I used to, when I was little.<br><br> |
| | >>Ignoring the letter accompanying the package, I quickly peel off the layers of cloth covering what I assume to be a framed painting.<br><br> |
| | >>The painting depicts the Virgin Queen, two ladies in waiting behind her, standing in front of three goddesses. "How thoughtful of Uncle John!" |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-THREE GODDESSES.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M05.02--THREE GODDESSES-<br><br> |
| | >>\\Johannes and I stare at the painting, mesmerized. "Magnificent!" My eyes then fixate on the verse engraved upon its frame.<br><br> |
| | >>Johannes contemplates every last detail, every tiny stroke, every subtle hue. Master Johannes Leo: Husband, Jurist, and Connoisseur.<br><br> |
| | >>"See what lies on the ground?" Johannes points a finger, first at a golden scepter, then at a quiver of arrows, and finally at fallen roses.<br><br> |
| | >>"[[Juno]], [[Minerva]], and [[Aphrodite|Venus]]!" Johannes shakes his head, laughing quietly. He had not expected me to answer. He should know better.<br><br> |
| | >>"Or Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite." Johannes' nose is two inches from the painting. "The three goddesses whose beauty {{Wiki|Paris (mythology)|Paris}} judged!"<br><br> |
| | >>I remember the story well, having read it several times. "This painting is an allegory," my husband says. I suspect otherwise, but do not contradict him.<br><br> |
| | >>There is something familiar about the painting. Is this? Yes! The golden orb! Identical to the one I found in Uncle John's room when I was a child! |
| | {{-}} |
| | <nowiki>----</nowiki><br>[[File:PL-FAERIE QUEENE.jpg|250px|right]] |
| | MD:S03.S03|M05.03--FAERIE QUEENE-<br><br> |
| | >>\\I sit in my study, alone, staring at the painting Uncle John has given me. My hands tremble as my fingers brush the edge of the dry wax sealing his scroll.<br><br> |
| | >>I carefully break the scroll's seal and unroll it. I immediately recognize Uncle John's penmanship.<br><br> |
| | >>"Lady Beth," it begins. I smile, for I am still fond of the private name Uncle John used to address me. "Fairest and most noble of poetesses..."<br><br> |
| | >>"Please accept this humble gift, from your not so humble friend and mentor." Uncle John is much more than that! He is family; a second father to me.<br><br> |
| | >>"I hope you will find it a fitting tribute for your betrothal." I laugh quietly. I had never expected to receive such a splendid gift.<br><br> |
| | >>"If you observe the composition, you will surely recognize the trinket you once unearthed in my chamber." The golden orb! I knew it!<br><br> |
| | >>"You may think this picture a riddle, an allegory, an artist's fancy. It is not. [[Apple of Eden 2|The object]] in the hand of the Faerie Queen is real. So is its power. And so are the goddesses."<br> |
| | <nowiki><<</nowiki>DATA STREAM TERMINATED<nowiki>>></nowiki> |
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| |-|Crypto-History: Artifacts= | | |-|Crypto-History: Artifacts= |
