Ancient Passages by Joanne Pence

Author:Joanne Pence [Pence, Joanne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-06-04T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 32

The next morning, as Michael walked into the coffee shop, Eden stood. He had a strained, weary look as their gazes met. They gave their usual nod of greeting, then she sat as he bought an espresso. He didn’t bother with food.

“I’m sorry about yesterday,” he said as he joined her. “I had no idea⁠—”

“You couldn’t,” she said. “So much happened. All afternoon, all night, it played over and over in my mind, as I’m sure it did in yours and Zoe’s. How is she doing?”

He gave a quick shake of his head. “She doesn’t remember a thing. Nothing from the time the litany of the saints ended until I carried her into the house and put her in her bed.”

“That’s probably good,” Eden said. “Any after effects?”

“None that I could see. But I’m more worried than ever, Eden. I never imagined anything like what we saw. I was expecting, at worse, Giustino to say something had been afflicting her, and it was now gone. But what happened… Clearly, something demonic made her sound that way and speak such words. It wasn’t her voice or her thoughts.”

“I reached the same conclusion. Honestly, I never would have believed what happened if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes. I tried to convince myself Zoe was acting, but in the end, I was lying to myself! That was no act,” Eden whispered. “So, does this mean you’ll try again?”

“I don’t want to! Seeing her that way, it was so hard, too hard. She’s just a kid! There’s got to be some other way.”

Eden wanted to offer advice, but it wasn’t her place. She simply nodded.

He glanced at her and then shut his eyes. “I’m sure you’re wondering, but she doesn’t remember repeating the Voynich words, or the translation she gave to them.”

Her brow furrowed. “How⁠—”

“I let her read them aloud to see if she recognized the language. I guess she has a better memory than I thought,” he said.

“But the language? The way she spoke it, it sounded almost beautiful, as if she understood what she was saying. And then, I’m guessing when she spoke of calling the gods, the Titans, Kronos, and then saying that they’re here. It made my blood turned to ice.”

He nodded. “I know. I felt the same way.”

“She also spoke of alchemy, your area, Michael. The sun, moon, and philosopher’s stone. Do you think she was translating the Voynich manuscript?”

“I took it as a translation, but who knows?” He rubbed his forehead. “I’m keeping her home today, letting her rest. Filomena is watching her right now, but I’d better get back. My assistant and good friend, Jianjun, is flying in to help. I’m afraid you’ll have to work on the Voynich on your own this morning.”

“I understand. I phoned Father Giustino this morning. He has a headache, but he’s doing all right.”

“Thank you. I should have checked in with him. I’m glad you did. He did call me last night, and we talked. He confirmed that he believes she is oppressed, but not possessed.

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