CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The Goose Chase
Copyright 2004, All Rights Reserved
Alexis awoke in the middle of the darkness from a nightmare. She looked at her watch resting on the bed-stand and lay back down once again. It was three in the morning. She couldn’t even remember what her nightmare was about. She stared at her stucco ceiling for quite some time before getting up and making her way to her computer terminal. She engaged her e-mail service and began to write a note addressed to bromberg@ucla.edu.
____________________________________________
Later that morning, Alexis entered the Antiquities building on the campus and was greeted by a secretary who appeared to have no neck.
“Yes, can I help you?”
“Yes. I have an appointment with Professor Bromberg,” stated Alexis.
“Alexis Walls?” asked the secretary.
“That’s me.”
“He’s in room 204A: Down the hall and to your right.”
After thanking the woman, Alexis headed down the echoing corridor and arrived at room 204A. She could see the professor reading a book through the glass pane door. She knocked and entered.
“Alex! Welcome,” exclaimed Professor Bromberg in his usual and boisterous fashion.
“Hello Professor,” said the little girl.
“My, you’re even more radiant then when I saw you at Veronica’s shindig. What a party, huh?” he nudged Alexis and began to laugh but couldn’t due to the overwhelming cough that overcame him.
“Thank you.”
“And how’s the real world treating you?” asked the professor.
“Not bad. Not bad at all. I miss working. That feeling of purpose is a little less apparent but I’m doing fine. My book is coming along. I’ve made some friends. All in all, things are working out for me,” she said with some vacillation.
“You were always a very persistent student, Alexis,” he said with an avuncular character, “My condolences, by the way, on your husband’s passing. I’m sure it was a major ordeal.”
“Thank you,” she replied and became fascinated with her right shoe.
“It’s a delightful pleasure indeed to have one’s students return to visit the old campus,” continued the amused educator, “I’ve seen them come and I’ve seen them go and so rarely do they return from where they came. I’ve been teaching at this University for twenty-eight years and so many times I’ve wondered what happened to all of those bright minds that fell through my way. Time seems to have a way of putting everything into perspective, don’t you think?”.
“’Time won’t heal the lost—just sweep away our bones,’” proclaimed Alexis.
“Well said, my dear. Now tell me: How may I be of assistance? Your e-mail was quite a startle. I thought I’d be the only one awake at that time of night,” he said with a smirk.
“Well, do you remember mentioning something about the Templar at Veronica’s party?” she asked.
“Oh no, not you too,” sighed the aging man.
“What do you mean?”
“The only reason I even alluded to it is because it’s been the main topic of inquiry from my students for the past several weeks. Apparently, another one of those damn treasure stories…I think this one is a movie…came out and all of a sudden, all the twenty-somethings of the world are interested in European history and middle-ages. I’ve got to work it into my shtick somehow. It’s quite effective. The Templar have a much more interesting story than their elusive treasure you know,” professed Bromberg.
“That’s just it: I don’t know,” retorted Alexis, “Could you tell me a bit more about it. They’re known as the Knight of the Templar, right?” “Were known--despite all the lore that came about in the 80’s. They were an order of knights entrusted to protect the Holy Grail,” began the great storyteller.
“Thee Holy Grail?” asked a bemused Alexis.
“Indeed.”
“I thought that stuff was all fantasy? I mean I know the whole King Arthur story and how you taught us in class that there probably was an Arthur but I specifically recall you associating the idea of the Holy Grail as fantasy,” continued Alexis.
“The idea of the Holy Grail has been depicted throughout the eons as a fanatical tale of the Christians for some eight hundred years now. However, figuratively speaking, there was indeed a Holy Grail but it’s all a matter of opinion and interpretation. It’s quite a controversial topic: Somewhat akin to the Kennedy assassination, if you will.”
As if he’d stepped into a lecture session, Professor Bromberg continued to spin his homily: “The thing that one must understand about the Grail is that it wasn’t a chalice that contained Christ’s blood. It was Christ’s blood. The Holy Grail is the bloodline of Christ’s family as it descends through history. I’m sure you’re aware of the Virgin Mary story correct?” asked Bromberg.
“Vaguely,”, replied Alexis, “I know the basics: Christ was born due to immaculate conception…”
“Virgin birth, Alexis. Separate ideas. Here, let me explain: Thanks to the recent publications of the Dead Sea Scrolls, we find that Mary probably did not give birth to the baby Jesus by means of immaculate conception. You see,” he lectured, “it was a sin for nuns to indulge the flesh. Sex was intended for the reproduction of humans and nothing else. Sins of the flesh, as they were known, would condemn a nun to hell. Well, it is suggested that Joseph impregnated Mary and that the idea of Immaculate Conception was then brought on to cover up the dastardly deed. Silly prudes. It was a cover up, Alexis. There is an Australian doctor…what is her name…oh, I don’t remember. She is well known for these interpretations of the scrolls. I can’t remember her name though. Let me look at something,” said the Professor as he walked behind his desk and began looking through a file drawer.
“That’s alright professor. I’ll take your word for it. Tell me, though: How does all of this relate to the Templar?” solicited Alexis.
“The order of the Templar was created to protect the family of Christ for ever and ever. There is very little that accounts for Joseph and Mary after Jesus’ birth. So, let’s suppose that Mary and Joseph reproduced once again. This means that the new off springs will have the same blood of Jesus and thus the need to protect them from the evils of the world. Just the fact that the Templar was established would tend to suggest that this actually happened but there is documented proof that Jesus did, in fact, have a brother named James. Some believe that he also had a sister,” elucidated Bromberg.
“So what you’re telling me is that this isn’t the stuff of fables, right?”
“Not at all,” continued the Professor, “Quite the contrary: The Templar were indeed formed in 1099 anno domini and were extant historically throughout the 13th and 14th centuries. Just as a side note, there are several researchers and conspiracy theorists out there that claim that they’re still around and serve as a secret sect known as the Priory of Sion,” he continued.
“Is there some special meaning to the word ‘Templar’, Professor?” asked Alexis.
Bromberg enlightened Alexis: It meant “Poor Heart”. However, the Templars were far from being poor. The members consisted of the rich aristocratic types. As a matter of fact, they were the first international bankers. They ruled the economies of many countries during the middle Ages. Consequently, the many Monarchs rose against them and disbanded the Templar. Word of this got to the Templar and before anyone could take action, they hoarded all of their sacred belongings and riches and placed them on thirteen galleons that sailed out of La Rochelle, France.
“Where did they go?” asked Alexis, who felt as if she was a little girl again listening to her grandfather’s stories of World War II.
“That’s the problem, Alexis. And that’s why they’re always mentioned in treasure hunt stories,” averred the professor, “They were never seen or heard of again. No one except the high-ranking members of the Templar knew of their destination. It is assumed that they were subject to the winter currents of the Atlantic and that they must’ve sunk.”
“What about the high-ranking officials? What happened to them?”
“Philip II of France disbanded them. Anyone who claimed to be a Templar or even associated with the Templar was subject to charges of treason. King Phillip II began to systematically hunt them down and slaughtered them. Some escaped and, having lost all of their wealth and power, resorted to living in pigsties. Let’s not forget about famine and disease,” held Bromberg.
“That’s it?”
“That’s it. They were never heard of again. Throughout history, their names come up here and again. Some people claimed that they knew the whereabouts of the bloodline. Others claimed to have located the resting place of the galleons. Fable after fable: Nothing of significance. If you’re interested in the subject, you might want to reference some Sir Francis Bacon’s writings. He…” but Alexis stopped him.
“Francis Bacon?!” Alexis nearly shouted.
“Yes, Alexis. I wish my students would get so excited when I talk about him. He mentions the Templar in some of his chronicles and was widely rumored to be a member of the Priory of Sion,” he yawned. “Now, my dear, you’ll have to excuse me. As you know, I haven’t been sleeping well lately and am low on sugar.
A new hope had arisen in Alexis: You could see it in her eyes. “Professor, I want to thank you for giving me your time.” Bromberg got out of his chair and strolled over to Alexis. They hugged briefly as he said, “It’s not often that I get the privilege of a beautiful face in my life,”.
“C’mon now Professor. I’m sure Amanda wasn’t your niece,” she joked slyly.
“Amanda? A cheerful soul,” continued the lecturer, “A friend of my neighbors. You see Ms. Walls, when a man gets to my age, all he has to revel in are memories; memories of a day when I could court a delectable young woman such as Amanda. And although I realize that I was merely being humored, humility doesn’t play a factor for a lonely and elderly man. You live for the moments. Preserve your memories, Alex. They’re all that’s left to you.”
She waved goodbye to her old mentor and sat in the driver’s seat of her car. Once underway, she quickly pulled out a notepad from her purse and wrote:
F.B. = FRANCIS BACON = POPPY
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Chapters
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 & 22, 23, 24, 25, Epilogue
The Goose Chase
Copyright 2004, All Rights Reserved
Alexis awoke in the middle of the darkness from a nightmare. She looked at her watch resting on the bed-stand and lay back down once again. It was three in the morning. She couldn’t even remember what her nightmare was about. She stared at her stucco ceiling for quite some time before getting up and making her way to her computer terminal. She engaged her e-mail service and began to write a note addressed to bromberg@ucla.edu.
____________________________________________
Later that morning, Alexis entered the Antiquities building on the campus and was greeted by a secretary who appeared to have no neck.
“Yes, can I help you?”
“Yes. I have an appointment with Professor Bromberg,” stated Alexis.
“Alexis Walls?” asked the secretary.
“That’s me.”
“He’s in room 204A: Down the hall and to your right.”
After thanking the woman, Alexis headed down the echoing corridor and arrived at room 204A. She could see the professor reading a book through the glass pane door. She knocked and entered.
“Alex! Welcome,” exclaimed Professor Bromberg in his usual and boisterous fashion.
“Hello Professor,” said the little girl.
“My, you’re even more radiant then when I saw you at Veronica’s shindig. What a party, huh?” he nudged Alexis and began to laugh but couldn’t due to the overwhelming cough that overcame him.
“Thank you.”
“And how’s the real world treating you?” asked the professor.
“Not bad. Not bad at all. I miss working. That feeling of purpose is a little less apparent but I’m doing fine. My book is coming along. I’ve made some friends. All in all, things are working out for me,” she said with some vacillation.
“You were always a very persistent student, Alexis,” he said with an avuncular character, “My condolences, by the way, on your husband’s passing. I’m sure it was a major ordeal.”
“Thank you,” she replied and became fascinated with her right shoe.
“It’s a delightful pleasure indeed to have one’s students return to visit the old campus,” continued the amused educator, “I’ve seen them come and I’ve seen them go and so rarely do they return from where they came. I’ve been teaching at this University for twenty-eight years and so many times I’ve wondered what happened to all of those bright minds that fell through my way. Time seems to have a way of putting everything into perspective, don’t you think?”.
“’Time won’t heal the lost—just sweep away our bones,’” proclaimed Alexis.
“Well said, my dear. Now tell me: How may I be of assistance? Your e-mail was quite a startle. I thought I’d be the only one awake at that time of night,” he said with a smirk.
“Well, do you remember mentioning something about the Templar at Veronica’s party?” she asked.
“Oh no, not you too,” sighed the aging man.
“What do you mean?”
“The only reason I even alluded to it is because it’s been the main topic of inquiry from my students for the past several weeks. Apparently, another one of those damn treasure stories…I think this one is a movie…came out and all of a sudden, all the twenty-somethings of the world are interested in European history and middle-ages. I’ve got to work it into my shtick somehow. It’s quite effective. The Templar have a much more interesting story than their elusive treasure you know,” professed Bromberg.
“That’s just it: I don’t know,” retorted Alexis, “Could you tell me a bit more about it. They’re known as the Knight of the Templar, right?” “Were known--despite all the lore that came about in the 80’s. They were an order of knights entrusted to protect the Holy Grail,” began the great storyteller.
“Thee Holy Grail?” asked a bemused Alexis.
“Indeed.”
“I thought that stuff was all fantasy? I mean I know the whole King Arthur story and how you taught us in class that there probably was an Arthur but I specifically recall you associating the idea of the Holy Grail as fantasy,” continued Alexis.
“The idea of the Holy Grail has been depicted throughout the eons as a fanatical tale of the Christians for some eight hundred years now. However, figuratively speaking, there was indeed a Holy Grail but it’s all a matter of opinion and interpretation. It’s quite a controversial topic: Somewhat akin to the Kennedy assassination, if you will.”
As if he’d stepped into a lecture session, Professor Bromberg continued to spin his homily: “The thing that one must understand about the Grail is that it wasn’t a chalice that contained Christ’s blood. It was Christ’s blood. The Holy Grail is the bloodline of Christ’s family as it descends through history. I’m sure you’re aware of the Virgin Mary story correct?” asked Bromberg.
“Vaguely,”, replied Alexis, “I know the basics: Christ was born due to immaculate conception…”
“Virgin birth, Alexis. Separate ideas. Here, let me explain: Thanks to the recent publications of the Dead Sea Scrolls, we find that Mary probably did not give birth to the baby Jesus by means of immaculate conception. You see,” he lectured, “it was a sin for nuns to indulge the flesh. Sex was intended for the reproduction of humans and nothing else. Sins of the flesh, as they were known, would condemn a nun to hell. Well, it is suggested that Joseph impregnated Mary and that the idea of Immaculate Conception was then brought on to cover up the dastardly deed. Silly prudes. It was a cover up, Alexis. There is an Australian doctor…what is her name…oh, I don’t remember. She is well known for these interpretations of the scrolls. I can’t remember her name though. Let me look at something,” said the Professor as he walked behind his desk and began looking through a file drawer.
“That’s alright professor. I’ll take your word for it. Tell me, though: How does all of this relate to the Templar?” solicited Alexis.
“The order of the Templar was created to protect the family of Christ for ever and ever. There is very little that accounts for Joseph and Mary after Jesus’ birth. So, let’s suppose that Mary and Joseph reproduced once again. This means that the new off springs will have the same blood of Jesus and thus the need to protect them from the evils of the world. Just the fact that the Templar was established would tend to suggest that this actually happened but there is documented proof that Jesus did, in fact, have a brother named James. Some believe that he also had a sister,” elucidated Bromberg.
“So what you’re telling me is that this isn’t the stuff of fables, right?”
“Not at all,” continued the Professor, “Quite the contrary: The Templar were indeed formed in 1099 anno domini and were extant historically throughout the 13th and 14th centuries. Just as a side note, there are several researchers and conspiracy theorists out there that claim that they’re still around and serve as a secret sect known as the Priory of Sion,” he continued.
“Is there some special meaning to the word ‘Templar’, Professor?” asked Alexis.
Bromberg enlightened Alexis: It meant “Poor Heart”. However, the Templars were far from being poor. The members consisted of the rich aristocratic types. As a matter of fact, they were the first international bankers. They ruled the economies of many countries during the middle Ages. Consequently, the many Monarchs rose against them and disbanded the Templar. Word of this got to the Templar and before anyone could take action, they hoarded all of their sacred belongings and riches and placed them on thirteen galleons that sailed out of La Rochelle, France.
“Where did they go?” asked Alexis, who felt as if she was a little girl again listening to her grandfather’s stories of World War II.
“That’s the problem, Alexis. And that’s why they’re always mentioned in treasure hunt stories,” averred the professor, “They were never seen or heard of again. No one except the high-ranking members of the Templar knew of their destination. It is assumed that they were subject to the winter currents of the Atlantic and that they must’ve sunk.”
“What about the high-ranking officials? What happened to them?”
“Philip II of France disbanded them. Anyone who claimed to be a Templar or even associated with the Templar was subject to charges of treason. King Phillip II began to systematically hunt them down and slaughtered them. Some escaped and, having lost all of their wealth and power, resorted to living in pigsties. Let’s not forget about famine and disease,” held Bromberg.
“That’s it?”
“That’s it. They were never heard of again. Throughout history, their names come up here and again. Some people claimed that they knew the whereabouts of the bloodline. Others claimed to have located the resting place of the galleons. Fable after fable: Nothing of significance. If you’re interested in the subject, you might want to reference some Sir Francis Bacon’s writings. He…” but Alexis stopped him.
“Francis Bacon?!” Alexis nearly shouted.
“Yes, Alexis. I wish my students would get so excited when I talk about him. He mentions the Templar in some of his chronicles and was widely rumored to be a member of the Priory of Sion,” he yawned. “Now, my dear, you’ll have to excuse me. As you know, I haven’t been sleeping well lately and am low on sugar.
A new hope had arisen in Alexis: You could see it in her eyes. “Professor, I want to thank you for giving me your time.” Bromberg got out of his chair and strolled over to Alexis. They hugged briefly as he said, “It’s not often that I get the privilege of a beautiful face in my life,”.
“C’mon now Professor. I’m sure Amanda wasn’t your niece,” she joked slyly.
“Amanda? A cheerful soul,” continued the lecturer, “A friend of my neighbors. You see Ms. Walls, when a man gets to my age, all he has to revel in are memories; memories of a day when I could court a delectable young woman such as Amanda. And although I realize that I was merely being humored, humility doesn’t play a factor for a lonely and elderly man. You live for the moments. Preserve your memories, Alex. They’re all that’s left to you.”
She waved goodbye to her old mentor and sat in the driver’s seat of her car. Once underway, she quickly pulled out a notepad from her purse and wrote:
F.B. = FRANCIS BACON = POPPY
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Chapters
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 & 22, 23, 24, 25, Epilogue
posted by Emil Ahangarzadeh | 7:45 PM
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