There was dust everywhere and the entire room wreaked of sweat. Countless books lay haphazardly across the room and some seemed to have been ripped apart. A lantern had been knocked over, as if someone was in a real rush to find something.
   A young man was moving steadily through the room, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He had tied his long auburn hair in a knot at the back of his head to keep it from falling into his face. In his left hand, he was holding a candle. Hot candle wax was dripping on his fingers, leaving Didius muttering profanities under his breath. This was his first assignment, and he did not want to mess it up.
   For a young historian, Didius was exceptionally well prepared for whatever challenges would cross his path. As far as his memory went back, an old eccentric man who had been a renowned historian in his early days had taught him. He had shown Didius the ways of research and writing, but the occasional drops of sweat dripping from his master's forehead made writing a difficult process.
   Didius had always found himself to be overly protected. He was not to leave his village until he was ready. However, after many years, he had finally been given a task, which was to hunt for facts in Paris. He did not know the real reason he was sent was because his master started to have trouble walking.
   He could not suppress a grin when he thought of the last piece of advice his master had given him. "Patience and curiosity are key elements to revealing well hidden secrets. Use these tools wisely. Oh, and try to keep a record of your actions. An historian without parchment is like a cart without wheels. Off you go!"

   That was two months ago. The trip to Paris had been a true nightmare. Without having money to spare for a carriage, he had to walk and camp out in the bushes for a few weeks. Yet it worked in his favour, for he had seen a most curious cloaked figure in the road. The man travelled very slowly and Didius had been following him until now. He could not think of a reason for doing this, but a tingling feeling in the back of his head was reason enough. It had paid off.
   A sudden noise jerked his attention away from his thoughts on how he ended up in this Crypt. Didius traced the room for a sign of movement and spotted a rat scurrying about. He looked at it for a while, chuckling to himself that he had been startled by it. As he turned, he saw the rat enter a hole he had not spotted before. He walked over to it, and lowered his candle. He saw a small piece of parchment with stained writing on it. It read "Always follow your instincts. You have done well."

Galerie de Paris © Copyright 2002 TRG Creations