«Well, as I said, captain, the legend says that a dragon was living in the Ravine, both in the case of Saint Sylvester and in the case of Saint Michael…»
«You are not trying to tell me you believe in the dragon legend, are you?»
«No, but maybe someone thinks that a dragon might really be in the cave…»
«Marco Polo’s jade dragon!» exclaimed Letizia.
«Even better, my friend, even better! It seems that Marco Polo’s jade dragon is the most famous piece of what constitutes the Olgiati’s treasure.»
Alessandro smiled and went to take back Mrs. Rosa’s basket.
«My good mood is back and together with it my appetite. I think I really earned some good sandwiches with ham and cheese. And also a good piece of cake! Aren’t you hungry? With all these revelations I could eat a whole cow. Please, please, help yourselves!»
Palazzo Biraghi, 1.30 p.m.
«Can I also have a look?» asked the captain kindly when, after eating, Letizia showed Alessandro the sonnet.
«Of course. Here, I did a transcription» she answered giving him a paper.
«But this is a re-writing of Cecco Angiolieri’s sonnet!» exclaimed de’ Risis as soon as he had finished reading it.
«Right. But it is a very mysterious one. And it absolutely doesn’t have to do anything with Cecco’s ironic intentions. It seems to send the reader in a completely different direction. I believe it is a kind of riddle» commented Alessandro.
Actually, that had been Letizia’s first thought as well. Maybe, that very night, the papers she hid would give her some more hints and she might find a way to discover the true meaning of those verses.
They were absorbed in the reading of the mysterious sonnets and no one spoke. It was clear that, with those words, the entombed woman wanted to disclose her secret.
«If I were water, surely I would open up, / If I were God, I’d give him the Torrah…» repeated Alessandro to himself.
«14 and 20! – said the captain suddenly – yes, Exodus, chapters 14 and 20. It refers to Moses. Isn’t Moses the one in front of whom the Red Sea waters opened? Didn’t God give Moses the laws known in Hebrew as the Torah?»
Alessandro looked at de’ Risis. Never in his life would he have thought that a Royal Army captain could know the Bible that way. Letizia was smiling every minute more charmed by the man in uniform sitting near her.
«Don’t look at me that way, Mr. Romei. Under this uniform there is a man who studied things that might surprise you. In this very case the credit for it is not mine but it belongs to padre Ignazio, the Dominican friar who taught me logic and forced me to learn by heart some parts of the holy Bible.»
«I think the captain is right. It really looks like it refers to Moses. But why?» said Letizia.
«Maybe in the sense of liberation, exodus» answered Alessandro.
It made sense. The prisoner was looking for a way out, a possibility of being saved or, better, some kind of consolation.
«Maybe she was trying to communicate in code with someone outside, hoping to be saved. Maybe she wanted to try to throw this paper out of the circular hole in the wall in a desperate attempt to find some help.»
«If I were stone, from the marble I’d take it out seems to suggest that she has to be taken out from the stone because she is imprisoned behind a wall. And the iron to liquefy could be the one they have to break because she is chained. She maybe wanted to inform someone that to free her a tool to break the chains was needed» said de’ Risis.
Letizia was listening carefully. The explanation of the first four verses seemed quite plausible but, from what she knew from the first lines of the secret papers she had found with the skeleton, she had the clear impression that the woman did not think she had any chance of being saved. It was true, at a certain point she might have listened to her surviving instinct looking for some external help, without trying to damage the wall which she perfectly knew she would have not even be able to scratch. Maybe this was why she didn’t have a nail broken. But Letizia was not really convinced about it.
«Maybe you are right… But I am not sure, it seems too easy» said Letizia.
«14 and 20, 14 and 20» repeated the captain.
«Of course! 14 and 20 means 1420!» exclaimed Alessandro.
«What are you now talking about?» she asked.
«14 and 20 are the chapters to which the sonnet seems to refer. Now, if you read them in one number 1420, well, doesn’t it switch a light on?»
«No.»
«It is the date that symbolically marks the end of…»
«…the western Schism! You are right. On the 29th September 1420 pope Martin V solemnly entered in Rome!»
«And then maybe also the verse on the Jews refers to Martin V…»
«…who in 1418 accepted the requests of the Jewish delegation. They asked the pope to abolish the anti-Jewish laws promulgated by the antipope Benedict XIII. Alessandro, you are a genius!»
«Sorry – interrupted the captain – but what does the western Schism and a pope at the beginning of XV century have to do with our entombed body? A part from the fact that she was probably busy with a more dramatic problem to solve, she writes more or less a hundred years later.»
«Who are you? The devil’s advocate?» asked Letizia looking de’ Risis in the eyes. But as soon as she met his glaze she felt her cheeks blazing. He smiled such a sweet smile that she had the impression of honey on her lips.
Alessandro stood still, motionless, silent, trying not to breath and becoming as little as he could so as not to disturb that instant of intimacy.
Letizia lowered her eyes. She never felt that way before. It was like if she just realized that the world turns. It was a feeling she thought she might have not felt ever again. She was mistaking.
«I didn’t want to make you angry – the captain said kindly – I believe my pragmatic sense prevailed.»
She smiled. Then she got up, closed the notebook and put her coat on.
«Your pragmatic sense is contagious, captain. Let’s go.»
«And where, if I may?» asked Alessandro getting the jacket.
«To the Ravine of course. I don’t think today we’ll be able to find out the real meaning of the mysterious sonnet. And I don’t want to stay here with the risk that the two from Naples come back and ruin the rest of our afternoon. And in any case, I haven’t seen the Saint Michael cave yet and it is my duty…»
«Of course – Alessandro interrupted her – I will take you there but we have to hurry. Sunset isn’t late at this time of the year. Would you join us captain?»
«How could I refuse a tour to the mouth of hell?»
«You’ve already got into the right mood, I see. I guess we better take the bicycles, from here it’s quite a few kilometres ride and a few kilometres walking on woodland paths to get to the cave.»
«Let’s take my car instead. We’ll drive till the street ends and then we’ll walk in the woods» said the captain when they were already outside the Palazzo, crossing piazza Capizzucchi.
It was quite cold and they hadn’t a lot of hours of sun left so Alessandro and Letizia happily agreed to go with the car and followed the captain through the ruins of the ancient citadel. When they arrived at the plaza they couldn’t believe their eyes. The two art historians were expecting a car like the quite common Fiat Balilla 508 but it wasn’t. They stood amazed in front of a beautiful blue car. Some kids were admiring it as well and when they saw them coming they ran to hide but not far away, so they would be able to hear the car motor switching on.
«It isn’t a duty car. I don’t like to go around with cars that are not mine» explained the captain aware of the surprise of the others.
«It seems to be…» mumbled Alessandro.
«A Bugatti Type 44 of 1928 – answered de’ Risis opening the door to help Letizia to get in – I bought it used from my father’s cousin, Ettore… Ettore Bugatti.»
«It will be an honour to be accompanied to the mouth of he
ll in a car like this one. The devil himself will admire it and we will have plenty of time to go around in the cave undisturbed» said Alessandro with his usual sense of humour.
The captain laughed and Letizia let that laugh caress her.
The car was really fantastic. And de’ Risis, even if a bit too fast, was driving really well.
«Are you a professional pilot?» asked Alessandro checking the odometer.
«I am sorry if I am driving too fast. I think it is the fault of all the training I did for the Mille Miglia»
«You took part in the Mille Miglia?» asked Letizia.
«Yes, in June 1932, together with my cousin Angelo. I drove a Bugatti but it wasn’t this one. An unforgettable experience, I have to admit. That year of the first ten places, nine were taken by Alfa Romeo. Imagine that of the 88 cars participating only 42 finished it. And we were among them. Thinking back of it, the adrenaline starts to run into my veins again.»
The captain was a very interesting man. He was clearly from a wealthy family; he had received an impeccable education and surely attended the best schools. And he was used to comfort and luxury.
«You are a constant surprise, captain. The only thing that puzzles me is why a noble soul like yours is wearing that uniform» observed Alessandro.
Letizia touched his shoulder. Why did he say that!
«I mean… I am sorry, I didn’t want to offend you, it is only…»
«This uniform is a family heritage – the captain answered mysteriously – Isn’t that the wooden bridge that leads to the path to the Ravine?»
Saint Michael sanctuary, 3.00 p.m.
After parking the captain’s car, Letizia, Alessandro and de’ Risis took the path climbing towards the mountain. They walked in silence, everyone lost in his own reflections. Some sun rays filtered through the woods and the noise of the nearby brook accompanied them like music. The woodland noises were the only ones to be heard.
«I think I am a little bit anxious – Alessandro admitted suddenly – this whole thing is making me really nervous. And the worst of it all is that I lost my appetite.»
Another one of his jokes.
He exactly knew when they were most needed.
«I don’t believe it till I see you dieting» answered Letizia laughing.
As soon as she finished the sentence the woods opened in front of her showing a very steep rocky wall.
«Here we are. Now we just need to climb it and then we have arrived» said Alessandro.
Letizia and the captain fixed their eyes on the steep calcareous rock.
«In the time you study and think how to climb it, I’ll take the stairs. I’ll see you there.»
They laughed and Alessandro showed them the bottom of the rocky stairs that reached up to the cave. It was just hidden by the wild vegetation.
In a few minutes they arrived in front of the opening of the sanctuary.
«I hope you are not afraid of bats» said Alessandro entering first.
«It is not exactly my favourite animal…»
Letizia entered without finishing the sentence. The captain had taken one of her hands to help her. She breathed in deeply and tried to focus on her friend’s echoing voice.
«Look, here there is the altar. Above it you can see the ciborium and the frescos. It represents Christ with the four evangelists and the symbols of the Apocalypse. Nearby you can see the lunette with the fresco of the Holy Mary and the Christ child. On this wall is Saint Michael with his shiny golden armour. And, on this side – continued Alessandro indicating a reduced space on the left of the altar – you can finally see the mouth of hell.»
Letizia shivered.
Her more than vivid imagination in an instant took her to the middle of the apocalypse and now she couldn’t move a step in the direction of what seemed a hole in the rock. On the other hand, the captain leaned out in its direction noticing a little primitive sculpture.
«On that stalactite the goddess Vacuna is carved, a Sabina goddess linked to the cults of woods and waters. It seems it has been made during the Iron Age. Some researchers think it’s somehow related to the fertility and fecundity cults that were very widespread at that time around here. There is another similar image not far from this cave. They call it the Monte Borbona Madonna» explained Alessandro.
The captain was very curious about the cave’s darkest part.
«I don’t think it is safe to walk in that direction – said Letizia without being able to hide a certain anxiety – the floor is slippery because of the moss. Moreover without a torch you won’t see a lot.»
«It seems that the cave ends where there the statue is – observed the captain throwing a little stone in the darkness – but you don’t hear the noise of the stone hitting the floor. Quite unusual. It is a pity we don’t have a torch.»
He went back to Letizia smiling; his hand touched hers lightly. Then, together, they followed Alessandro out of the rocky sanctuary.
The sun was setting and the sky was quite cloudy.
«I wonder if somewhere here in this wood the legendary Olgiati treasure is really hidden.»
«That at least would justify the interest of the regime and the Royal family in our researches.»
«And all the secrecy around it. I don’t believe the treasure would be then shown in some Italian museum.»
«What do you mean, captain?» asked Letizia.
«I am only saying that the treasure could be divided and sold to museums or collectors all over the world transforming itself to cash for the fascist or the Royals. I am supposed to observe your work and inform them if you find something interesting. But nobody told me what they think you might find. Now I finally know.»
They went on walking without speaking. Letizia and Alessandro already considered the captain one of them. Instinct told both of them that they could trust him even without any guarantee that he was not playing some kind of double game.
When they arrived at the car there was almost no light anymore and an icy wind coming from the mountain seemed to want to drive them away.
«I am cold. Let’s go back to the hotel. I’d like to rest a bit before dinner» said Letizia.
Hotel “Da Rosa”, 6.15 p. m.
Once back in Poggio Catino the captain said to Letizia and Alessandro that, that evening, he wouldn’t be able to enjoy their company because he was supposed to go to Rieti to the military headquarters.
«Two of my soldiers will stay here to protect you. Don’t worry; they won’t take orders from Musone. Please Alessandro, never leave Miss Cantarini alone to avoid any unpleasant encounters. I’ll be back tomorrow morning.»
The two art historians parted from him affectionately as they would have done with a friend. Then they went to the hotel.
They arrived that it was nearly dinner time and doctor Tucci was waiting for them. They all sat at their regular table and Alessandro took away the fourth chair so as not to risk someone having the idea of sitting with them. After a few minutes Musone and Boriello arrived.
«Good evening. I see that you are already comfortable. Why don’t we eat all together to make this dinner even nicer?» suggested Musone.
Letizia looked at Alessandro without speaking.
Luckily Mrs. Rosa arrived with the pasta.
«Here it is – she said putting the dishes on the table – Eat the pasta. It’s nice when it’s warm.»
«You are right. Good appetite» said Alessandro starting eating.
Letizia and doctor Tucci followed Mrs. Rosa’s advice and started eating as well. The two unwanted guests understood.
«Come on Gennaro, let’s sit at the other table. As the proverb says: don’t go in the house where you know you’ll be thrown out. Even so we are going to see who will be the last to be thrown out of here» said Musone.
The evening went on without any other unpleasant events. The conversation with doctor Tucci was so agreeable and interesting that Letizia forgot, at least for the moment, the hostile eyes looking at her from the other t
able.
After eating some almond sweets Tucci said that his day had been very long and he needed to rest. Alessandro and Letizia agreed and followed him upstairs.
Letizia couldn’t wait to be alone.
After the afternoon search, her clothes and wardrobe were all upside down and many of her papers were on the floor. She was still very angry about it but then she caressed her stomach and smiled. Whatever they were looking for, they didn’t find it.
Her secret was still safe and now she finally could go on reading those papers. She locked her bedroom door leaving the key in the lock; she closed the windows and undressed, slipped under the covers and started reading by the light of the lamp on her side table.
«I remember perfectly when my mother taught me how to touch a man. I was fourteen years old.
The young man she had chosen to teach me how to give pleasure to a man was twenty years old. And good looking, and clean so I was not disgusted by his body. It was more difficult the first time I lay under a man. My virginity was sold at a high price but my mother was clever. The gentlemen who paid for it, was handsome and virile. On many other nights I learned from his experience and he took pleasure from my young body.
The memoir went on to describe how the entombed woman had lived with her mother and two brothers in a beautiful house on the Esquilino hill, exactly on the vicus sceleratus where the daughter of one of the Kings of Rome, Servio Tullio, had deliberately driven a coach over her father’s corpse who had been killed by her own husband: Tarquinio il superbo. In the memoir the writer confessed that many times she wished to do the same with her father.
He used to come when he wanted and oblivious of servants and children he took possession of my mother. She was his Jewish courtesan, a beautiful woman with deep eyes, always adorned with pearls. He had completely lost his mind to her. She used to sleep in black sheets so that her ivory skin would look, if possible, even more magnificent. He was the father of three of us: two boys sent to Spain to be soldiers and me.
The scarlet Lady Page 6