His two companions, looking chastened, sat quietly while he turned a problem over in his mind. Then he swiveled toward them with a jubilant smile.
“I know that look!” Cassie exclaimed. Nudging Erik, she asked, “How about you?”
The security coordinator replied, “That’s his, ‘By George, I’ve got it!’ look.”
Ignoring the comment, Griffin directed his attention to Ochanda. “Might I trouble you for a ball of twine and something to cut it with?”
The etxekoandre nodded in surprise and went to find the items.
Meanwhile, Griffin got up to search his back pack. Rummaging through its contents, he retrieved the golden bee.
“You brought the relic with us?” Cassie gasped. “That should be back at the vault under lock and key!”
The scrivener smiled. “Calm yourself; it’s only a replica. I thought we might need it at some point.”
By this time, Ochanda had returned with the string and a pair of scissors which she placed on the table in front of Griffin.
He began muttering to himself. “Let’s see. What was it now? ‘Four bees from the dragon’s wing’?”
Without waiting for confirmation, he measured off a piece of twine approximately three feet in length and cut it. He then laid it straight on the table and placed a knot a few inches from the top of the string. Next, he laid the bee beside the twine, being careful to align the bee’s head with the knot in the string. He placed another knot in the string where the bee’s tail ended. Moving the bee down so that its head now lined up with the last knot he’d made, he tied a second knot at the position of the bee’s tail. He repeated this process two more times. Giving a start, he looked out the window and asked, “Is it going to be a clear night tonight?”
His Basque hosts glanced at one another as if he’d lost his mind. Cautiously, Ortzi replied, “Yes, the weather is supposed to be good tonight.”
“Excellent!” Griffin replied. “Ochanda said we’re close to the sea here. Precisely how close?”
“The nearest town on the water would be Deba,” Iker answered. “It is not very far. Maybe a half hour away.”
“Right then!” Griffin stood decisively. “Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to tell you that tonight we may solve the missing line of the riddle. I don’t wish to say anything else until I’ve verified my measurements, but all will be revealed soon.” Focusing on Ochanda again, he asked, “If I might beg your indulgence once more. I’ll need two sticks, each cut to approximately eighteen inches—that’s half a meter.”
“What is this, a scavenger hunt?” Cassie asked suspiciously.
“No, my dear girl,” Griffin replied happily. “I can say with some confidence that the hunt for the meaning of the riddle is over.”
Chapter 33 – Son Rise
Joshua Metcalf studied his reflection in the mirror with deep satisfaction. Although he looked nothing like his father, he thought the diviner would be pleased nonetheless. His coloring was dark, like his mother, Deborah. God rest her soul. His features were sharp—eyebrows like black wings over deep-set brown eyes, a long, straight nose and thin lips which Joshua believed gave him an air of determination. One of his wives, he couldn’t remember which, was fluttering about brushing the lint off of his black suit jacket.
“You’ll want to look your best for your interview with your father,” she burbled.
Joshua made no reply though he secretly agreed. Given how many sons the diviner had fathered, it was a rare occasion for any of them to receive his undivided attention. The last time the diviner had spoken a word to Joshua was at his most recent marriage. They exchanged the usual pleasantries on such an occasion. His father exhorted him to continue to build his celestial kingdom through the bride he’d just acquired. He replied with a respectful, “Yes, sir.”
He ran a comb through his hair and wondered for the hundredth time what his father wanted. He knew there was no reprimand involved. The note requesting his presence had been kindly worded. What could it mean? Perhaps his father had some sort of preferment in mind for him, just as had happened to his brother Daniel. The thought of his sibling made him momentarily clench his fists. He and Daniel were full brothers. Their mother had borne five children to the diviner—three girls and two boys. It became clear from the start who the favorite was. Daniel and their mother would huddle together for hours, whispering confidences. Try as he might, Joshua could never infiltrate their private world.
Still, among the Nephilim, a mother’s partiality was of little consequence. Only the father’s favor mattered. And here, once again, Daniel had preempted him even though Joshua was the elder of the two. How that weakling had ever attracted the diviner’s notice was unfathomable. To add insult to injury, the diviner had chosen Daniel to be his successor and named him scion. Why Daniel and not Joshua? Daniel, who could barely lead his family in prayer, would one day lead the Blessed Nephilim. The thought rankled.
Joshua commanded himself to bury such notions. It would be years before the diviner was ready to relinquish control of his flock. Many things could change during that time. He glanced behind him. His wife had finished primping and tidying him and had unobtrusively let herself out of the chamber. He turned back to his reflection and straightened his tie.
***
“Come in!” a voice commanded from the other side of the office door.
“You wished to see me, sir?” Joshua asked mildly, standing before his father’s desk.
The diviner glanced up as if remembering the appointment for the first time. He looked haggard and care-worn. However, the sight of Joshua brought a smile. That was a good sign.
“Yes, sit down. I have something important to tell you.”
Joshua silently did as he was told.
The old man scrutinized him for several seconds. “I’ve heard some good reports about you from Mr.
