The Double-Edged Sword

by Amy Lignor

  EPILOGUE

  Standing up slowly, Leah studied the friendly faces of the icons one last time.

  As she readied herself to head out into the cool evening air to begin enjoying every second she had left with Gareth Lowery, Leah took a moment to speak to anyone who may possibly be listening.

  “I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m sure I won’t deserve it when all this is over.” She pictured Bauer’s face and felt the uncomfortable rage building inside of her. She was well aware that the choices she would make from here on out would be a great deal darker than the ones that came before. “But if you are what all those people outside believe you are—if you really have that kind of power—all I’m asking is for you to give me enough time to end this.”

  Her eyes set on the one who would supposedly raise his double-edged sword in front of her one day and cast the final judgment on her soul.

  “If I’m going to Hell, Bauer’s going first.”

  AFTERWORD

  Fact vs. Fiction

  “Ancient myths all have a base in reality. They begin as fact. Yet over time, lies and exaggerations are added in order to make them colorful enough to turn into unforgettable legends.”

  Above are words Leah Tallent speaks in this story, and she is absolutely right. Whether history buff, archaeologist, astrologist—or anyone who is intrigued by subjects ranging from ancient religions to long lost civilizations—it is important to always remember that there is truth in every legend out there.

  Tallent & Lowery are fictional characters; the puzzles they solve and the paths they follow are not real. But some of the locations they come upon, as well as some of the objects they discover and/or discuss, are very real. And I wish to share just a few that are highlighted in this tale:

  Pergamon (Pergamos, Pergamum)

  Known today as Bergama, Turkey, this is a location with a rich and interesting history. There was, in fact, an altar sitting atop the Pergamon Acropolis at one time referred to as the Altar of Zeus. An architectural triumph, the altar was created during the reign of King Eumenes II. The creators decorated the base with a stunning frieze that depicts the battle between the Giants and the Olympian gods.

  When referring to religious connotations, the altar did become known as “Satan’s Seat.” Ancient Pergamon was the center of pagan worship in Asia Minor, and received the title: “the place where Satan dwells.” It is in the Book of Revelation where you learn that Pergamon was also one of the seven churches of Asia. And in Revelation 2:12-13, you will find a statement that begins: In Pergamos where Satan’s Throne is…

  But do not travel to Bergama just to get a look at this wondrous altar, because another truth found in the Tallent & Lowery tale is that this astounding marvel of the ancient world was uprooted by Carl Humann, a German engineer who wished to preserve antiquities. Piece by piece, the altar was eventually relocated to Germany, which is where the Nazi link begins.

  Excavated from Pergamon, the altar was reassembled and placed in its own museum, now on display in Berlin. It was Albert Speer, the architect for Hitler, who found the altar inspiring for his own work. Speer had been commissioned to design the parade grounds for the party rallies that would occur in Nuremberg—the city that was going to end up being Hitler’s own modern marvel. The Führer wanted his home base for the Nazi party to be modeled after the gods, which is what Hitler saw himself as. It was because of the Pergamon Altar that Albert Speer created a colossal grandstand at the rally grounds in Nuremberg known as the Zeppelintribüne (a very important location that Tallent & Lowery utilize in Book 4 of the series: “The Charlatan’s Crown.”)

  Various other facts mentioned about Pergamon and the Acropolis, include:

  The Oak of Zeus: This tree does grow where the Altar of Zeus once sat. But a twisted tree made of black bark with green veins running through it does not.

  The Hellenistic Theatre of Pergamon: This immense structure has a seating capacity of 10,000, and is the steepest seating of any known theatre ever excavated in the ancient world. And the legend of the “God of the Mask” sitting over the “Gateway to Madness” is actually documented.

  The Library at Pergamon: Said to have held over 200,000 volumes, it was second only to the majestic Library at Alexandria. One of the most important libraries in the ancient world, there is a legend that states Marc Antony did give Cleopatra all of the volumes found in Pergamon as a wedding present; he emptied the shelves. Yet another legend states that Marc gave it all to her to make amends for her losing her own library in the horrible fire that Caesar brought down upon Alexandria.

  The Sanctuary of Athena: Although having a place of her own, it is also said that a statue of Athena, in her role as the Goddess of Wisdom, supposedly stood in the main reading room of the Pergamon Library. The people of Pergamon are also credited with finding an alternative source of parchment, which led to them creating the very first book. (Something all writers and readers thank them for.)

  The Asklepion: This is the “Healing Center” that sits at the base of the Pergamon Acropolis. The god, Asclepius, is said to watch over the ruins of the Asklepion, which was created around the 4th century BC. It has been documented that magi visited the site to observe the healers’ work. And, yes, it is documented that snakes were sent through small doors carved in the baseboards of “dream temples” to crawl over someone while they slept. The healers would then use dream interpretations to cure their patients. As far as being horned vipers, however, that is fiction. The Horned Viper is one of the smallest, most deadly snakes ever found on Earth; thus required for this tale. They can fit in the palm of your hand, and their anatomy does include a tiny set of horns attached to their heads.

  Cairo

  The Hanging Church: One of the oldest churches in Egypt, it is also one of the most famous. It has been stated that the First Family did stay in the Hanging Church when fleeing from Herod. And in modern times, there have been sightings of the Virgin Mary reported there. Over 110 icons are inside, and the main altar screen that Leah speaks of is made up of ebony and ivory stones. Over the altar screen sits a long row of seven large icons, with one being the Archangel Michael.

  The Coptic Museum/Coptic Cairo: Cairo has played a big role in other Tallent & Lowery books, so you can find out more information in past adventures. But for this particular tale, the patriarchal throne built of bronze and copper can be found there, as well as many other incredible objects.

  Kissamos

  The Rotunda of Michael Archangelos: This is the bishopric church of Kissamos. The shape is unique, having a dome as a roof that was built in a ‘step’ structure; some say it was meant to look like a spiral staircase leading the faithful to Heaven. The floor inside the rotunda is a mosaic created with white and black pebbles, often depicting heart-shaped leaves. Inside, there are various pictures on the walls, including one of the Archangel Michael. The graveyard/garden where the character of Alexandros works, also exists.

  The Michaelmas daisy: The flower Alexandros gives to Leah is said to bloom in honor of the Archangel Michael’s valorous deeds. Being a member of the aster family, this flower is referred to as a “star” and is said to drive out serpents from a (or “the”) garden.

  Artaban (The fourth magi): The story of Artaban can be found in many religious texts. This tale focuses on the existence of the “Gem of Heaven,” which is said to be a “piece of God’s sapphire throne” that fell when Lucifer was cast out by Michael.

  Heraklion

  The Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Known as the best in the world when it comes to housing Minoan art, this museum contains the most complete collection of artifacts left behind by the Minoan civilization of Crete. Built from 1902 to 1912, the building went on to face Mother Nature’s wrath, experiencing three earthquakes (1926, 1930, and 1935)—the last caused the building to nearly collapse. Then, in 1941, the Germans invaded (stories regarding religious relics that Hitler desperately wanted to find on the island are numerous). Although the museum was damaged
during WWII, the artifacts were not, and the public was allowed to view them once again in 1952. The Hall of Frescoes (or, The Hall of the Frescoes) is one of the collections the museum has, which offers a variety of original frescoes from Knossos, as well as the Hagia Triada sarcophagus. The Snake Goddess, as well, has a home within the collection.

  The Phaistos Disc: A disc of fired clay, this object came from the Minoan Palace of Phaistos located on the Greek island of Crete. Covered on both sides with a spiral of carved symbols, archaeologists still debate this day over the actual meaning and purpose of the object. Discovered in 1908, there are over forty-five symbols which were made by pressing hieroglyphic “seals” into a disc of soft clay in a clockwise sequence; starting at the outer edge, the path of pictures spiral toward the disc’s center. Whether or not the mystery will ever be made clear, it is a true work of art that the Minoan civilization left behind.

  Knossos (Cnossus)

  The Palace of Knossos: This is one of the most extraordinary sites in the world; the bevy of facts and legends—Megaron to Minotaur—are endless. Discovered in 1878, by Minos Kalokairinos (Greek: Μίνως Καλοκαιρινός), excavations of Knossos began circa 1900, led by the famous British archaeologist, Sir Arthur Evans. He and his team continued to work at Knossos for over thirty-five years. Evans excavated and, wrongly for some, partially restored the palace, removing original frescoes to then have the walls repainted with copies of what he had removed. It is considered the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, a time period which is supported by Roman coins that were found in the fields surrounding the site and on a large mound named, Kephala Hill. The coins were inscribed with Knosion (Knos) on one side and a very clear image of a Minotaur or labyrinth on the other. Both stem from the “myth” of King Minos who supposedly reigned there.

  What is clearer in the minds of archaeologists and scientists is what the purpose of the palace was during its time—it served as the political center of the Minoan civilization. The maze of porticos and porches, living quarters, royal chambers, east and west wings, staircases, workrooms, archways, as well as the central courtyard, shows clearly that the palace was an active one.

  The Legend of the Minotaur: Legend states that the half-bull/half-human was thrust on King Minos by the angry sea god, Poseidon. Another tale regarding how the Minotaur came to be, however, was that Queen Minos slept with a bull sent by Zeus, becoming pregnant and giving birth to the Minotaur. The King was embarrassed by this—but so terrified of the gods that he would not risk killing the Minotaur. Instead, he hid the creature in a labyrinth said to have been constructed by an architect named Daedalus.

  A son of King Minos, Androgeus, went to Athens to participate in the Panathenaic Games, only to be killed during the Marathon by the bull that supposedly ‘impregnated’ the queen. From then on, Minos demanded that Athens send seven young men and seven young women every year to Knossos to serve as the Minotaur’s dinner. The legend says that it was Theseus, son of Aegeus, who decided to be one of the seven young men that would go to Crete. When there, he announced to King Minos that he was going to kill the monster, but Minos knew that even if he did manage to kill the Minotaur, Theseus would never be able to find his way out of the labyrinth. Falling in love with Princess Ariadne, daughter of Minos, Theseus formed a definite ally. She gave him a thread to unravel as he walked deeper and deeper into the labyrinth, so that he could find his way back out once the Minotaur was dead.

  Killing the creature, saving all Athenians, and sailing away from Crete with his future wife became one legend that has lasted the test of time.

  ___

  In regards to the cave of astrological signs, more can be found in Book 1 of the Tallent & Lowery series titled, “13.”

  When speaking of the famous gemstones, Cleopatra’s Mines, Glastonbury, and even a mysterious house created by a disturbed soul who went by the name of Winchester, they, too, were introduced in Books 1-4 of the series. If you missed an adventure, you’re welcome to go back and have a whole lot of fun discovering these objects. You can even walk the famous streets of Jack the Ripper.

  ___

  We conclude with the famous weapon that is the crux (and title) of this particular tale.

  The Double-Edged Sword: Used to defeat Lucifer and cast him out of Heaven, the sword was held by the Defender of Man, the Archangel Michael. The sword is said to shine with “a sapphire glow” in some teachings, and be “swathed in flames” in others.

  In the end, the real meaning of the sword is truth and justice. The justice comes in the form of either punishment or forgiveness; the latter allowing souls entrance into Paradise. But as you read, Leah and Gareth did not just focus on the weapon, they focused on the entire concept of the “double-edged” world we live in: how everything and everyone has an opposite. They make clear the fact that a good person also has a not-so-good power inside them. The balance must be found or both will forever remain at war.

  I hope you enjoyed this journey and look forward to the grand finale of the series: “The Mad Race.” As this tale hinted, the darker side of the duo may come into play for them to get to the end of their journey, and the historic locations coming up will hopefully thrill. So get ready to embark on the next trip, where Tallent & Lowery must follow the path of a madman who once made an entire country shiver.

  Until Next Time, Everybody,

  Amy

  “13”

  TALLENT & LOWERY: BOOK 1

  “Snappy dialogue, fast pacing and attention to detail complete the formula for this successful novel!!”

  —Romantic Times (4 ½ Stars)

  In 1902, in a dark room on the fifth floor of Carnegie Hall, thirteen people came together to continue a tradition that had been set in stone thousands of years before.

  In 2012, Leah Tallent is Head of Research at the New York Public Library. Stoic and stable, brilliant and cynical, she has forever enjoyed her existence among the book stacks. But even with her unparalleled intellect, there was no way to know that on the historic steps between America's famous lions, she would become involved with a crazy man on a fanatical quest.

  Gareth Lowery has spent his life searching for the ultimate artifact that he is certain exists. His life's pursuit has been to retrieve twelve keys hidden by men whose job it was to protect the single biggest secret ever kept. To find the keys he must enlist the help of an unwilling guide who, unfortunately, knows much more than he bargained for.

  From the first page to the last word, this fantastic duo become immersed in a whirlwind treasure hunt with historical and passionate repercussions. From the strange and eerie Winchester House to the blustery darkness of Loch Ness, Gareth and Leah will quickly learn that the theory of duality is correct: For every bad there is a good and, for Heaven, there most assuredly exists...Hell.

  “THE SAPPHIRE STORM”

  TALLENT & LOWERY: BOOK 2

  “A flat-out, slam-dunk, no-questions-asked-terrific-adventure. Try not to turn the pages too fast because the wonderfully complex characters deserve your time! This is truly a magical story that had me in its thrall from the very first page. It’s so exciting to discover a new talent like Lignor and have more books to look forward to.”

  —International bestseller, M.J. Rose

  After going up against a man who believed he was the Devil, himself, Leah Tallent and Gareth Lowery are exhausted. Now they are about to embark on the most terrifying journey imaginable . . . a trip to meet Leah’s parents.

  When Leah arrives where the ‘home fires burn,’ her sarcasm burns even brighter, while Gareth Lowery—the handsome adventurer—uses his charm to sway the ‘odd’ Tallent clan. But when a frightening call from Gareth’s sister arrives telling him that her love has disappeared, the daring duo is soon running away from one horrific situation directly into another.

  A new puzzle from the past has come to life. Following clues left behind, the courageous couple become embedded in a world filled with liars, killers and greed. And whe
n the riddle of a famous ‘Bard’ is solved, a strange woman appears who has far more in common with Leah than she can possibly imagine.

  The heart-stopping suspense of this new quest takes them from Coptic Cairo to the magical world of Petra, in search of a cave deep underground that once housed a true ‘Illuminator.’ Yet again, they must find the answers and stay one step ahead of true villains who are determined to make sure that—this time—Tallent & Lowery do not survive.

  “THE HERO’S COMPANION”

  TALLENT & LOWERY: BOOK 3

  “Right from the start, my heart was pounding in my chest from all the intrigue and adventure that awaited me.”

  —Tammie King, Night Owl Reviews

  With their second battle behind them, Leah Tallent and Gareth Lowery find themselves still knee-deep in hell. What should’ve ended with a celebration becomes a nightmare once more, as a mysterious man demands Leah to return home, or else her beloved father will be found at the bottom of the sea.

  Scrambling to figure out what’s happened, Tallent & Lowery walk in on a family that has literally gone insane: A mother filled with accusations, three sisters who wish them nothing but certain death, and a frightening story of a blood-red eye that leads to a puzzle with immense repercussions. The woman named Anippe who readers questioned in “The Sapphire Storm” is back, with an item in her possession that will have Tallent & Lowery heading out on an adventure based on pure emotion and ultimate fear—where victory may just depend on their willingness to sacrifice each other.

  They have only seven days to travel to Athens where the original ‘Hero’s Companion’ awaits. From the stage atop the Acropolis where the most brilliant minds once performed to the discovery of a location that was never even proven to exist, ‘Great Mysteries’ come to life as Leah and Gareth work against time in order to stop a man from attaining the power he so desperately wants.