The Ayana Regassa Adventures

Chapter 1: Ayana

London – United Kingdom

Black coffee... little bit of cream. Ayana smiled when she heard the lyrics belted out by Canadian rocker Bryan Adams, Black Pearl."

Of course he was singing about a Deep South Creole girl but the description suited her Ethiopian complexion equally well.

I'll have to remember that for when I get back home. she told herself in the hotel mirror as she combed the nights kinks from her thick black hair.

She was enjoying her short stay in London but home called. Ethiopia, the ground zero for her research. She had been ruffling a few feathers with her ideas and flying in the face of accepted theories but her belief remained strong, she knew she was on the right track regardless of what the experts and scholars said to her face, and often behind her back.

At the age of twenty nine Ayana was considered too young to be a historian, she hadn't collected enough dust, or at least that was the general opinion in her field. History had never been her favourite subject in school until the day she had been introduced to aspects of her own countries ancient past, the legends and myths. A past that could be traced in a virtually unbroken linage of Emperors for almost three thousand years.

It had all started from the boy child borne to Queen Makeda and King Solomon the Judean Monarch…

Menelik I.

Emperor Menelik the First of Ethiopia.

Son of the House of David and the Queen of Sheba.

Controversy surrounded her legend - Had Makeda really existed?

Some said there existed no documented evidence. Yet she featured in both the Holy Scriptures and the Quran, surely it was a heresy to question the accuracy of the sacred literature of the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths?

Yet doubts to her existence did just that.

And Saba, the Kingdom of Sheba which incorporated parts of Ethiopia, Eritrea and the Arabian Peninsula, yet again Saba was disputed.

How could a Solomonic Dynasty exist if the origin was in debate? In her mind it was clear, Solomon and Makeda had produced a son, the first of the Solomonic line, a line recorded through history, Makeda had to exist or the Ethiopian Empire had simply been a sham through the ages; a conclusion that Ayana simply couldn't accept.

Despite being a devout Orthodox Christian Ayana didn't mind sharing Makeda with Islam, in her mind the duality simply corroborated her own convictions and drove her ever forward to discover the truth. She held a driven determined to uncover the evidence that would once and for all end the debates and scepticism.

For years Ayana had worked on her thesis presenting evidence, best guesses and several hypothesis that raised eyebrows for some, but fed the dreams of others. Her thinking - radical and unorthodox, essentially based on the belief that certain historical events had been reality rather than speculation or hoax. To prove her theories correct she knew she had to discover the truth behind a mystery and myth that had driven ambitions and dreams for three millennia. A daunting task, but she had three powerful tools at her disposal… youth, self-belief and a vastly wealthy benefactor.

Far to the north, industrialist Hans Meisner had made his billions in pharmaceuticals patents and controlled his corporate empire with an iron hand, he had led from the front tirelessly and in some cases ruthlessly, expanding his empire before quietly fading into the background to explore the more obscure interests that fed his imagination. His wealth permitted extravagant flights of fancy and no-one within his privileged inner circle would dare to contradict their eccentric patriarch as he poured resources into ever more fanciful quests. As the years rolled by and his health deteriorated his pursuits became ever more focused on the ultimate secret, a quest he shared with a dedicated and driven young Ethiopian researcher.

Ayana would become his most valued tool, and his last great hope to achieve the impossible dream.

In the beginning Ayana had harboured little hope for serious funding to explore her hypothesis and understood her ideas were considered unlikely (by the polite), and deluded, bordering on downright ridiculous by her more open and forthright peers. But one organization had picked up her thesis and run with the vision she presented by issuing a generous grant to enable her research to continue. The Novachem Foundation had requested only one thing as the resources began to flow into her ideas, they wanted a plan of action, a detailed outline of her strategy to reveal the secrets hidden by time and the shrouds of myth, and when she had unveiled the ultimate discovery, she was compelled to an oath of secrecy.

Not forever. she had been assured as the full impact of the oath registered, limitless funding would be pointless if she could never reveal the physical evidence that her theories were founded on fact.

The foundation is only suggesting that the secret be maintained until a strategy can be put in place to protect the discovery, it will be for the good of all mankind. she had been assured, and she could see their reasoning... wars had started for much less.

***

Returning to her reflection Ayana smiled, although her refined features clearly displayed the mixed heritage of her people, her hair was decidedly African, but she had it under control now and she felt prepared for her breakfast meeting with the man she hoped would form the backbone of her exploration team.

It had irritated her that Novachem had imposed their own team members for the expedition but she knew better than to bite the hand that feeds.

Yes but Dr. James Preston will still be my lead archaeologist. she had declared stubbornly as she watched eyebrows rise.

You know him? they had asked sceptically as she nodded.

He had replied to her email so he wasn't a complete stranger she excused herself her white lie.

And he's agreed to take part?

Practically. she conceded. That was her purpose for the breakfast meeting, lay out the plan, convince him of the hidden truth, excite him with the power of such a discovery… and if all else failed, play to his ego and highlight the potential for self-promotion.

What had made her think of him?

Backed into a corner she had felt overpowered by the steam roller that had tried to take complete ownership of her project.

Wait. she had called as she stood firm against the corporate might that threatened her autonomy, I will select my team, I accept that you also want to appoint your own members, but I decide on the professional assets.

A slow smile had spread around the trustees, And who is your lead archaeologist? they had questioned, in hindsight an unprepared Ayana had spoken the first name that entered her head.

Why him? she had questioned herself as the trustees had huddled to discuss her choice, he represented the glamorous face of the world of antiquities, more movie star than academic, he hunted for celebrity and fame more than ancient hidden truths.

Let's face facts. she admitted to herself, "They put me on the spot, and he has agreed to meet… and besides. she added with a small grin, Months of virtually living in the pocket of a septuagenarian as dry as the fossils he digs, or, in the company of the indisputably handsome and charismatic Doctor Preston, well, there wasn't much of a choice to be made!"

Now all that she had to do was convince him!

***

Her first impression of James Preston came as a surprise, behind the gloss hid a true professional. She witnessed a methodical and experienced mind working on the data presented rather than her first assumption that he would only concentrate on the ratings such a project could generate.

The Prester John Letter is accepted as a fake. he had stated as he held her eye with an intensity that made her shiver, not a feeling of arousal or anything so base, more a reaction to the realization that he was taking her theory seriously.

That's the current opinion. she admitted, But I prefer to think it's an exaggerated version of an actual historical document. True it has been added to over the centuries and I'm convinced much of its hidden meaning has been lost in countless translations, but... she returned his gaze with conviction, I believe that it's the first clue to unravelling one of history's greatest secrets.

He nodded slowly, And evidence would suggest that he was located in the East or India, not Ethiopia?

This had also been one of Ayana's original concerns but her evidence and convictions pointed squarely to the land of her birth.

Marco Polo couldn't find the Prester John in his travels to the East, The Crusaders couldn't find him in the Middle East... but, the Portuguese did discover a mighty Christian Ruler in Ethiopia. Don't forget. she added quickly before he could reply, His Kingdom encompassed the Three India's for a long time the Indian Ocean was little known, and the cartographers of the time considered India, Arabia and Ethiopia to be separated by only a thin strait of water, why then should the seat of power for such an empire not be in Ethiopia?

He smiled, the young woman had eloquence and passion, he saw the deep conviction in her eyes and with a feeling of wicked guilt he tested her knowledge further.

Yes, but Prester is simply a variation of Presbyter or Priest. he teased, Not a mighty Emperor… and as you should well know, the title was unknown and caused confusion in the Ethiopian court when Emperor Zara Yaqob was first addressed as Prester?

And Dr Preston. she responded; indignant, I can also see that your knowledge of this subject is far deeper than I had imagined and that all you wish to do is mock me, of course there was confusion, Prester John was a name coined by the Europeans and never used in Ethiopia… as you should also know well!

A feisty girl, he liked that, and began to regret his good natured taunting.

Please accept my apologies… Ayana. he grinned, I hope you don't mind the informality but I prefer first name terms... considering we are going to be all alone in the Ethiopian highlands for heaven knows how long.

His grin widened as he watched her expression of indignation soften into disbelief and finally relief.

Please feel free to call me Jim. he added with a wink.

Seriously? she replied.

Sure. he laughed quietly and shrugged, I prefer Jim.

No. she replied in frustration, Seriously… You're agreeing to come?

Try and stop me. he replied before offering his hand to shake on the deal.

***

Anyway, you understand we're not searching for Prester John. she continued now the relief had finally sunk in that he was on board and committed, He's just providing the clues.

Sketchy clues. replied Jim, Hints more than clues.

She nodded agreement, Yes but it's a place to start. and brimming with excitement she began to lay out her theory.

Consider this, he claims that Paradise on Earth is situated within his kingdom, the original Garden of Eden and that a river flows around it. The Indus many propose, yet according to the letter Paradise is only three days travel to Mount Olympus and the Fountain of Eternal Youth… India to Greece in three days?

He also speaks of a waterless sea of sand and a waterless river that rolls precious stones to the same sea where they disappear, an underground river that can only be found by chance that is also loaded with gems, a magical mirror that allows the viewer to see all of the provinces within the Kingdom… and all within a few days journey of each other.

True. agreed Jim, But none of this seriously points to Ethiopia.

Agreed, but consider the list of animals within his kingdom, lion, elephant, hippopotamus, hyena.

Jim shook his head, There were Lions in the Middle East, Indian Elephants?

True. she agreed reluctantly before continuing, "But there is an African theme emerging."

Now also consider the mention of the Ten Tribes of Israel living within his northern borders?

Jim shrugged, he couldn't connect any significance. Israel. he replied, Surely that places him outside Africa.

Ayana's smile was wide as he fell into her trap.

"But you are thinking like everyone else… if he referred to Israel then why the Ten Tribes, surely he would mention the Twelve Tribes of Israel!"

Jim… I believe he was talking about the Beta Israel, a recognized Lost Tribe of Israel… who just so happen to live in…?

Northern Ethiopia. James replied as a glint of excitement registered in his eyes, OK, I'm buying that theory. he nodded as he ran the possibilities through his shrewd mind, So where do you suggest the search should start?

Quickly Ayana produced a map of Ethiopia from her briefcase and spread it across the table as Jim shuffled his seat around alongside hers.

Now Menelik I was the first of the recognized Axumite Kings and he succeeded his mother, agreed?

He nodded as he followed her slim finger while she pointed to Aksum on the map, So Aksum would be a logical place to start because that's where the Axumite kingdom was based, even in the time before the official line was established, except. she paused for effect, Aksum was not the seat of Makeda's power, her palace was here. she moved her finger south west.

It states in the Book of Aksum that Makeda established a new capital here at Azeba, Debre Tabor, and that started me wondering Jim, why move the seat of power without need? She moved it away from Aksum, then Menelik moved it back when he took over, why did she move it? she paused for a moment gathering her thoughts.

I mean, it would be like moving the palace and government structure here in Britain from London to say Manchester or Birmingham, there's just no logic behind it… unless she wanted to be closer to something, something important.

OK, I'm following you so far. he nodded, But the letter tells of three days journey, that's a huge amount of land to search, so, say there is a site of importance close to her palace, we don't even know which direction to start searching first.

Ayana smiled, The clues are in the letter, a dry river leading to a waterless sea, three days from the mountains, let's face facts, dry rivers abound but not with moving rocks, so we have to take this reference with a pinch of salt. So we're looking for a river that leads into either a desert and disappears, or a lake!

Jim grinned as he studied the map, Lake Tana and the Blue Nile. Ayana. he spoke seriously as he turned to look her in the eye, This really is a long shot and an awful lot of guesswork, it could be any of the rivers that drain into Lake Tana.

She nodded but the grin remained.

I've got the resources if you've got the time for a wild goose chase.

***

Doctor of Archaeology James Preston was a worried man, the reluctant television star had lost ratings.

In the beginning his Time Travellers series of documentaries had aimed to bring the distant past into people's homes, solve riddles on prime time, open modern eyes to ancient wonders, but it had become a tedious merry go round and he wasn't sure how to get off.

It was a question of credibility, and he had to face facts, his had worn thin.

He remembered a time when he had been accepted as a respected professional, but with the fame had come superficiality, he had become the handsome rugged face on the small screen, the bored housewife's fantasy, he had become the real Indiana Jones.

The television series had been a phenomenon, an overnight hit that pulled in millions of viewers but all things must come to an end and his manager had called him with the bad news, the production company weren't going to pick up his contract for another season… and there lay his dilemma.

Archaeology is a world inhabited by the introvert, men and women who shunned publicity and happily disappeared for months or years on end into remote deserts or jungles, driven only by discovery and the unending desire to answer history's riddles, he had become a different breed, the public face, accepted as an expert by the masses but regarded by his peers as simply gloss without substance.

James Preston sat at a crossroads in his professional life, the route he had been on; now closed, and all other directions were controlled by the dedicated who doubted his sincerity. With a dark depression lurking ever in the back of his mind his future in the field that he loved looked uncertain.

The strange email from an unknown Ethiopian researcher had appeared a hoax at first and he had almost deleted the message before he had finished reading. Her ideas were radical possibly even delusional, but something deep inside had given him pause.

What's the harm in meeting her? he had thought as he dug into the background of her sponsors, maybe her thinking seemed unconventional, but her backing was very real, and for a man stuck in limbo the prospect of spending a well-paid year chasing myth and shadows didn't seem so bad.

She had been early for their breakfast meeting and he found her waiting in the reception of her London hotel clutching a briefcase with a look of trepidation on her face. A very pretty face he realised as he studied her across the table as she arranged her presentation, he had already decided to commit himself to the project but he had no intention of simply saying yes, she would have to convince him, but already he knew that simply the sight of her daily would be some compensation for the months of hardships ahead. She would certainly be a beautiful distraction.

He placed her age at around thirty, not so far behind his advanced thirty eight, but he quickly deleted the images that were creeping into his mind. Purely professional, he had chided himself. A year to find myself and figure out my path, no distractions, no attachments, no complications.

Despite his good intentions he found he had spent more time concentrating on her than the project, she had spirit and conviction, and she knew her subject matter inside and out. That was to be expected of course, but more and more he felt drawn to the woman herself.

His taste in women had never been for the exotic and he had always pictured himself eventually settling down with the traditional English Rose, yet the more he studied her the more his interest stirred, she had a refinement to her features that he hadn't expected in an African woman.

He admitted he had no deep knowledge of African people as his time had been spent discovering the secrets of British archaeology with only a couple of digs in Central America to broaden his horizons, yet she was opening his eyes to a whole new world of possibilities.

She had slender fingers, long and shapely he noted as she directed him around the map indicating possible sites, and no ring he realized with a feeling of unexplainable relief, yet all of her other attributes paled beside her eyes, they were hypnotic, he couldn't find the words to describe them, so deep and sensitive, so expressive.

Non-disclosure agreement? he had eyed the document suspiciously as she pushed it across the table, We are in the business of discovery, to expand mankind's knowledge of the past… Not bury it again under a secrecy contract.

She had nodded and again held him with those incredible eyes, I agree completely. she replied, But if you check again you will notice that it is a limited restriction on disclosure, six months from the end of the dig, after that we can publish our findings freely. his scepticism must have been clear as she added.

The Novachem Foundation just want a little time to secure the discovery, to put a system in place to protect it.

James had not bought the explanation she had been fed by her backers, but what did it matter, as far as he was concerned there would be little to protect at the end of the twelve month project, he expected to discover nothing.

With his signature he sensed their meeting drawing to a close, and felt a strange sensation of loss as she began to fold the map.

Can I invite you to diner this evening? he smiled, So that we can discuss the expedition further. he added quickly trying to maintain a purely professional footing.

She smiled but shook her head, I'm sorry, that's not possible… I leave for Germany this evening.

It heartened him to see that she did genuinely appear to be sorry.

But over the next year we will have plenty of time… to discuss. she added quickly to cover her own regret at not being able to meet him again.

So when do we start? he asked, I need time to prepare.

That I can tell you in a few days, I hope everything will be in place within a month or so, but I won't know for sure until I've had my meeting tomorrow with the Novachem Trustees, they're paying for this so the timing is entirely up to them.

OK. he nodded, But please let me know as soon as you can.

Her grin had been wide as she replied, Oh believe me Jim, you will be the first to know.

Chapter 2 - Novachem

Dresden – Germany

The Novachem Foundations offices were deep in the heart of Hans Meisner's corporate headquarters, a building of steel and acres of mirrored glass, they could see out, but no-one would ever be permitted to look in, the offices reflected the company; secret.

Important research took place in the bowels of the shining fortress, break through's in medical science were being developed, tested, patented, so secrecy was paramount.

Ayana felt a wave of nervousness as she pushed open the broad glass door and walked across to a wide and curving steel and smoked glass reception, she had never been in the nerve centre before as all of her previous meetings had been on her home ground back in Addis Ababa, now she felt small and out of place. The receptionist addressed her in German before switching seamlessly to fluent English as she saw the young woman's confusion.

Please take a seat. she had been directed to a comfortable seating area, I will arrange for someone to escort you to the Foundation's offices. and with typical German efficiency Ayana had barely had chance to scan the first page of a trade magazine on the low coffee table before she being greeted by a petite and greying woman. with a smile she was invited to follow, and so began an impromptu tour of the facilities.

Here to the left is our legal department. she proudly announced. They handle all of our patents and copyright issues, our products are very vulnerable to the small generic manufacturers so it's a busy department. she grinned, And down below are research labs where all the magic happens.

I'm sorry. replied Ayana, I'm not very familiar with your company.

Her escort gave a small and pitying smile, "Novachem is amongst the world's largest pharmaceutical companies and we produce many products that you may be familiar with, for example, have you ever taken Ease-Away, I believe they are distributed in Ethiopia?"

Ayana nodded, she had a pack in her bag, one of the few pain killers she had found that actually worked on her migraines.

You make those? she asked in surprise.

The woman nodded.

Manufactured under licence, we hold the patents, but that is just one of our basic products, we manufacture much more vital medication for heart disease, diabetes, cancer to name just a few.

Before Ayana could reply she was led into another reception area, Please take a seat for a moment, I will let the board know you have arrived. and with a warm smile Ayana found herself directed to another stack of magazines, this reception proved more to her taste, less clinical, less glass, more greenery and the choice of publication had changed from Pharma Today to National Geographic, much better she had thought as she flipped through the glossy pages.

Miss Regassa. a voice called breaking her concentration on a piece about the secret lives of Amazonian tribes, Please follow me, the board are ready now.

Ayana saw some familiar faces awaiting her, and some new, she smiled warmly as she shook hands over introductions.

And this is Dries Fourie, he will be accompanying you on the expedition. she was told as she shook hands with the one person in the room who appeared as out of place as herself. She had noticed the tie around his neck, it obviously irritated by the way he subconsciously ran his finger around his shirt collar, a man unaccustomed to the restraint, and his suit hung awkwardly, not tailored to his build, off the rack or possibly even borrowed for the event. She had met his type before, Afrikaner, a true bred Boer, more comfortable in khaki shirt and shorts, a real South African bushman. She hoped that he didn't carry the heavy baggage of racism so typical with his kind, that would make for a very uncomfortable expedition.

Pleased to meet you… Ayana. he smiled as he engulfed her diminutive hand in his double handed grasp, the accent; heavy and unmistakable, but the smile appeared genuine.

Don't always judge the book by its cover, she rebuked herself silently and returned his smile.

I'm sorry we haven't had chance to meet before, I've always been unavailable when the other guys have been out to visit you.

What's your specialist field? she asked with interest and saw his grin widen.

Let's say I specialise in security, I know we're going to be in some pretty remote places, my job is to keep everyone safe.

Ayana considered she already had the issue covered, her local guides were more than capable of protecting the group from petty crime and the occasional bandit, but if Novachem wanted their own expert, so be it, they were paying after all.

That's reassuring to know. she smiled as she tried to extricate her hand from his meaty paws, But I think it will be a very quiet trip for you, I really don't envision any serious problems.

Better safe than sorry. he grinned in reply.

And this is Johann Kline, he is from our legal department, I'm afraid we can't spare him for very long but he will be flying out with you tomorrow to make sure that all of the necessary permits and permissions are in place for you, he has very close relations with your government so I'm sure he can get some strings pulled from the highest levels, Herr Meisner is most anxious that nothing should interfere with your work.

Do I get to meet Herr Meisner? asked Ayana as she shook Johann's soft manicured hand.

But of course. replied her escort, You have been invited to take luncheon with him in his private suite, I know he has a great deal to discuss with you.

Ayana's meeting with the board of trustees turned into yet another presentation of her theories, questions were asked by the new faces and she found herself repeating the answers to the same old enquiries.

And you seriously expect to discover a river that flows with precious stones? she was asked sceptically.

That is very doubtful. she laughed, If such a river existed I'm sure it would have been discovered long before now. What I am seeking is physical evidence, maybe some carved Sabaean text that will prove once and for all the validity of Makeda, and to do that I have to track down the mythical sites.

And the Fountain of Eternal Youth? another voice asked, again Ayana shrugged.

Who knows, I'm sure there will be a fountain or spring somewhere, but magical? Again, very doubtful. she added with a grin.

The looks of dismay baffled her.

"Seriously, this isn't a treasure hunt, it's the search for proof to confirm a legend and validate an entire dynasty. she asserted, I've never claimed I will find any of these mythological artefacts, a mirror that sees all the provinces of the kingdom, a magical fountain, a subterranean river filled with gems, these are purely myth, but the sites probably do exist, and these sites are my clues, the only actual treasure it will be conceivable to find is the original gold mine, or mines that were the basis of Makeda's power and wealth. But I can't promise even that, as I have stated, this is an expedition to prove the existence of Makeda, The Queen of Sheba beyond any doubt… Not a treasure hunt."

With the meeting concluded Ayana felt herself being drawn aside by Dries.

Can I offer you a word of advice? he spoke quietly not wishing to be over heard by the departing trustees, When you meet the old man, Herr Meisner, try not to sound so negative about the chances of finding something more tangible than just proof of her existence, maybe hint that more exciting discoveries are at least possible if not probable… He has more riding on this expedition than you imagine. he added softly with a look of sadness in his eyes.

I can't lie. Ayana replied quickly.

Dries nodded, I understand, then maybe don't speak as much of the truth. he added with a hopeful look.

OK. she smiled and gave a small nod, I will do my best.

***

Hans Meisner was a very sick man, Ayana realised at a glance he wasn't destined for the world much longer, he looked frail, and so thin it appeared that a strong gust of wind would break him. Yet despite the frailty his eyes were alert and very much alive. She sensed an iron will and great intelligence in those piercing eyes, eyes that didn't appear to soften even though he smiled as he spoke to her.

I am delighted you could join me for lunch Miss Regassa. he spoke with the breathlessness of age, Please do sit down. I must say I really enjoyed your thesis, very controversial, I'm sure you raised a few eyebrows back in Addis, and elsewhere?

She smiled in reply, A few.

He chuckled softly, The old guard, men set in their ways, you rocked the boat my dear, and they don't like that.

On the other hand, I found your ideas very refreshing. You see I have the luxury of both the time and money to pursue such dreams and fantasies, I can indulge my own theories, and in this instance our ideas match, like you I also believe that Makeda was a real figure in history, I also firmly believe that she bore King Solomon's son and founded a dynasty… and I also believe against all the speculation that she was Ethiopian.

Ayana smiled, before her sat a kindred spirit, and it explained the willingness of his Foundation to underwrite her expedition expenses so comprehensively.

I have a frustration. he admitted between gasps of oxygen from the face mask that never left his wrinkled hand, I am frustrated that I cannot go with you myself, how I would dearly love to stand at your side as the proof of her existence is revealed… but, as you can see my exploring days are over, I can only journey in here now. he grinned as he tapped a crooked finger against his temple.

Please help yourself. he gestured towards a buffet table laid out with an assortment of different dishes, I had my chef prepare Injera Bread and Wat if you prefer to eat your own cuisine, I hope he managed to get it right, he's usually very good, but please rest assured none of the dishes offered contain any pork or shellfish… I'm presuming you're Orthodox?

Ayana paused, stunned at the consideration that he showed for her culture.

I don't know what to say. she replied, Yes I am Orthodox Christian and it is very considerate to cater for my beliefs.

He smiled, I have an eye for detail and I insist that every detail is adhered to, that is part of the reason behind my success in business, I look after the small details.

Are you not eating? she questioned as she scooped lamb Wat with a piece of the flat Injera.

He shook his head sadly, Unfortunately my constitution will no-longer cope with such spicy foods, I will not be joining you but please, enjoy your meal.

My compliments to the chef. Ayana sighed as she finished the small stainless bowl of spicy lamb stew, Very authentic.

Hans smiled, Now my dear… To business. Would you mind? he indicated that she push his wheelchair to a long desk laid out with a variety of documents, photographs and maps.

Based on the information that you have supplied I have taken the liberty of arranging for some high resolution aerial photographs to be taken of the region. he shuffled a few papers until he discovered the print out he was seeking. I agree the Blue Nile looks most probable, however, if I may make a suggestion, my people have identified another river system that could be a possibility. he slid the detailed map towards Ayana and pointed to a small wandering line snaking down from the mountains towards Lake Tana ringed with yellow highlighter.

I am led to believe that this river is seasonal and only flows during the rainy seasons. he paused and studied her face with a small smile, Is it not possible, as you have indicated in your thesis, that translation issues over the years may have clouded the information, I recall Prester John stating that it is possible to cross the river on only four days each week?

Ayana nodded slowly at first and then a broad smile spread across her lips.

"What if he originally wrote that it was only possible to cross for four months each year."

Hans coughed as he fought for breath, Exactly my thinking, the Blue Nile is never dry, not even in the worst years of drought, so it could never be a waterless river.

Herr Meisner, this is a stroke of genius. she announced happily, My own maps are nowhere near as detailed as this.

You would have discovered for yourself given time I am sure. he added graciously, But maybe my meddling has saved us both a little time.

It's wonderful. she admitted, To be honest I was a little daunted as to how my team could tackle the huge task of mapping the section of the Nile that's inside our target zone, but now we have a much easier start.

Herr Meisner, do you mind my asking how you became interested in Makeda?

For Ayana the legend existed as a very Ethiopian issue, maybe most of the world had an awareness of the legend of the Queen of Sheba, but she doubted many were as driven as herself to reveal the truths behind the mystery.

She saw a distance in his eyes almost as though he was deep in thought or a fond memory.

It is a story from my youth. he sighed, And almost a fairy tale in itself. he indicated that she should draw up a chair.

Many years ago when I was a young man, much younger than you are, I met a most extraordinary man. A time long before all of this. he waved his hand vaguely around the room, indicating his business empire she presumed.

I worked in India, researching tuberculosis for the major chemical company of the day and my research was leading nowhere. Eventually I ended up in conversation with a local deacon and he suggested I meet a foreigner who had lived in the region for many years, an ordinary enough man by all accounts except for the fact that he never appeared to age, and he was never sick. he chuckled, For a foreigner not to get sick in India was unthinkable, and still is I believe, so I arranged to meet.

He introduced himself as Johannes, and at first I mistook him for an Arab, only when I studied him more closely did I notice that his features were as yours my dear, definitely African in origin, but he had the refined look of an Egyptian… or an Ethiopian.

Ayana nodded but wondered where his tale was leading.

Well I hoped that he had some kind of natural immunity in his blood, or maybe something that he took on a regular basis, some herb or mineral that boosted his immunity, I sought the reason for his resistance to disease and an explanation for his lack of ageing, maybe the two conditions were linked to a single substance.

He chuckled, You can only imagine the kudos the discovery of a drug that kept you both healthy and young would bring to a young and hungry chemist.

When I actually met the man I was astounded, he had no physical defect whatsoever but what surprised me most were his eyes, he had the strangest eyes. he drew again on his oxygen before continuing.

I have always found this difficult to explain, but… his eyes were ancient, his body appeared in the prime of life but his eyes showed the memories of an old man. he shook his head again, "I'm sorry my dear, I find myself getting emotional when I think about that time. I questioned him many times and he claimed to be a traveller who did Gods work, he also claimed to have wandered throughout India, the Near East and Africa for more years than I could imagine. When I asked him where he was from originally I saw deep pain in his eyes, he had merely said, far to the west of here, which at the time I presumed meant he had been born in western India."

"When I pressed him about his agelessness he was closed to me, he always maintained, because of God's blessing, but would reveal no more for many months."

One day I despaired at my lowest ebb. My research. he shook his head, leading nowhere, and my company were screaming for results. He visited me to say goodbye, he was wandering again, and admitted to me he had been in that same region of India for over twenty years and the time had come to move on.

Hans looked seriously into Ayana's eyes, He looked no older than thirty, so I pressed him again about his stalled ageing, eventually he admitted to me that in his home country he had drunk from a fountain and from that day forward he had not aged or been sick, but also assured me that the water was simply God's blessing, he filled my head with dreams of finding that fountain.

"He left me with a parting gift, I will always remember his words, he told me that I had a destiny and that destiny was to cure mankind. And he then gave me a plant. Analyse this, he told me, and without another word he left and was never seen in the region again."

What was the plant? asked Ayana.

The base of my fortune. Hans smiled, I discovered qualities in that humble plant that laid the foundations of this empire of mine.

But none of this story explains your interest in Makeda? Ayana tried to get him back on track.

But it is obvious. he replied, "I deduced that from his appearance he was Ethiopian, and when I first read the Prester John Letter everything fell into place… The Fountain of Eternal Youth, or as I prefer to call it, the Fountain of Saba."

Sheba's Fountain.

Find Makeda and you are only a short step from finding her fountain.

Ayana resisted the urge to shake her head in pity and merely smiled, before her sat a sad and desperate old man, clutching at impossible straws, he had deluded himself into believing the myth, now she understood the advice Dries had given her. Sympathy overruled her urge to correct him and assure him that the fountain presented nothing more than legend, she didn't have the right to shatter his dream, maybe it was only the dream that kept his tired heart beating.

When you have nothing good to say… Then say nothing, that was advice given to her by her late mother, sage advice she admitted and very pertinent to the current situation.

Maybe he sensed her discomfort, and she felt relief as he changed the direction of the conversation with a question.

What are your views on the legend concerning Makeda's hairy legs and cloven feet? he asked with a sudden seriousness that caught Ayana momentarily off balance.

Legend told of how King Solomon had been warned that Makeda could be a Jinn, a desert demon, and the proof would be revealed by her cloven feet and hairy legs. Unsure, but determined to discover the truth rather than listen to rumour Solomon had a glass floor laid in his palace so that her feet and legs would be revealed in the reflection as she approached his throne. Ayana always smiled when she read the tale, if she had been proven as demonic, then why had Solomon tricked her into his bed?

Well cloven feet would indicate that she was indeed demonic, a Jinn as the Arabs like to think, which is of course preposterous.

He nodded, And the hairy legs?

Ayana thought for a moment, Yes, I suppose that is entirely possible, I'm pretty sure the safety razor hadn't been invented in 900BC. she laughed.

Are you shaven Miss Regassa?

His question killed her mirth, here was a man so secure in his position and wealth he didn't consider his words before he spoke, even the most personal questions required an instant and honest answer.

That's rather personal. she replied.

Your legs Miss Regassa, are your legs shaven?

Ayana saw no real harm in answering, Yes, my legs are always shaven. she saw his face drop slightly.

You see my dear, when I look at you I see the vision of Makeda, you are exactly as I picture her in my mind. he chuckled now, Hairy legs would have completed my illusion… such a pity.

Ayana smiled, despite the direct question she felt a little flattered that the old man could picture her as the all-powerful and mighty queen.

I am honoured that you should think that. she replied as he clasped the oxygen mask to his face and drew deeply.

Emphysema. he informed her as he controlled his breathing, My mind is so young and active, but I'm afraid my body has almost given up. and with a pleading expression in his eyes he beckoned her to come closer.

Please find the fountain. he whispered as he held her slender hand in his wasted and gnarled fingers.

Chapter 3 - Arrivals

Addis Ababa – Ethiopia

Ayana had been back in Addis Ababa for over a week as she waved farewell to Johann Kline as the taxi whisked him away to the airport. She heaved a huge sigh of relief, he had been tedious company.

His departure signalled that her real life could begin again. Johann had eaten into her precious time by insisting that she accompany him to all of the boring meetings and functions he had to attend... and there had been many, and although she truly appreciated the doors he had opened for the expedition she deeply resented his wandering hands. With a small shudder at the recent memories, and a smile that it was all over, the taxi disappeared into the distance.

Only three weeks before they begin to arrive. she reminded herself, And still so much to arrange.

***

Ayana began to run through her team.

Dr James Preston. Jim. He was due to arrive within the week, it had been a surprise that he had been so willing to arrive early, almost as if he had no real life back in Britain to organise. Her other senior people had begged time to make preparations, households to prepare for long absence, pets in need of sitters, lives to put on hold, yet Jim had said he had little to arrange and would appreciate the extra time to acclimatise. Only then did she realise that he represented an Africa Virgin, but consoled herself that archaeology would the same discipline regardless of continent. She needed him to ensure the exploration and discoveries were handled with subjective care and diligence, she couldn't trust herself not to rush past vital clues in her enthusiasm to achieve her ultimate goal. Jim was to be her advisor, and professional braking system.

Professor Ira Goldblum from the Hebrew Institute in Jerusalem presented quite a catch in her opinion, and it had taken considerable persuasion before he agreed to apply for a sabbatical to join her team. His specialist field centred on ancient languages, and he was the foremost expert in early Semitic scripts. Of course the link to the House of David had fed his interest and Makeda promised a potential path to King Solomon, he had also hinted that he would anticipate a little time to visit and study the remaining Ethiopian Jewish Community, the Beta Israel, and Ayana had been more than willing to confirm that he wouldn't be required to do any actual digging so he could spend as much time as he liked in the north. A convenient compromise had been reached and he was securely part of the team even if on an as needed consultancy basis.

Before her much publicised conversion to Judaism Makeda led a nation of pagans, devout worshippers of the sun and the moon and Ayana knew deep in her heart that a pagan religions expert would be vital to the success of the mission, to unlock the secrets of Makeda she would have to seek clues from the pre conversion days.

Helen Ross had come very highly recommended... by Helen Ross. Not only am I the leading expert on all things pagan. she had stated, I am also a practising Wiccan. An addition that according Ms Ross' tone appeared to be qualification enough, and to emphasis further, she continued to explain during a long telephone conversation. You won't find anyone with a deeper understanding of ancient pagan worship than me. Having been turned down by a long list of respected exerts in the field, Ayana had reluctantly invited the decidedly strange woman onto her growing team.

Misfits. Ayana had conceded, A TV star, an earth worshipping weirdo, a part timer who is using me to get a deeper knowledge of his own religion, and Me.

Me? she sighed, Hopeless dreamer or a woman on a quest? and with the day fast approaching Ayana had beginning to doubt her theories, could it really be a delusional wild goose chase?

Quietly she rebuked herself, years of hard work and painstaking research had led to this final moment of truth, the culmination of all her dreams and ambitions.

First night jitters. she grinned uncomfortably to dismiss her own doubts, and focussed her mind on the task ahead.

Dries Fourie, now there is a misfit if ever I saw one. And she still couldn't understand the need for his presence, true, he was the member imposed on her by the Foundation, but Security?

He had arrived in Addis only hours after herself, but other than a brief meeting to discuss her proposed itinerary their contact had been minimal. Quickly he had disappeared towards the highlands in a small fleet of rented 4x4"s with his own team.

Ayana had never met a mercenary before, but if she had to guess, Dries's team would fit her mental image for soldiers of fortune.

Do you really think that all of this is necessary? she questioned with alarm as his men loaded rifle cases into the beige Toyota's.

Again he grinned, Better safe than sorry. Ayana was beginning to tire of the statement, this is the 21st century and the bad old days of insecurity are long past, she prepared for a journey of discovery, yet he appeared to be preparing for a war.

I agree. she replied, But guns? I don't know what you're expecting, but we will all be quite safe.

What you need to understand Miss Regassa. Ayana noted the more formal address, Is that you are being paid to lead the expedition, and I do not question your methods or commitment... I however, am being paid to ensure the safety of your expedition, and all of its members, so I would appreciate if you would extend to me the same courtesy, please do not question my decisions on how best to complete my task.

With a nod and a smile she conceded his point graciously, she didn't need to start a year in the highlands with feelings of animosity.

Despite their truce she still harboured concerns, even for an organisation as secretive and paranoid as Novachem the security provision seemed overkill, but with a shake of the head she buried her doubts and concentrated on her own team.

Teka Benti had been her first choice for the national contingent of the team, she had studied with him in university and couldn't question his dedication and integrity.

He had always viewed her ideas with scepticism, but not open hostility and she knew that she could rely on Teka to provide the voice of reason if her enthusiasm overruled her sense and she stretched reasoning beyond the bounds of credibility. After a few days of searching she found him working in a library, and over strong Ethiopian coffee listened to his story of woes since their graduation.

We all thought your crazy thesis would be the end of your career even before it started. he grinned, Yet look at us now, I play by the book, keep it conservative and safe and I haven't had a meaningful job since graduation, but you, you write almost fiction and the money and offers pour in. he shook his head, You should have added the possibility of finding a few alien artefacts as well, now that would have generated some serious funding.

Please don't be bitter Teka. she had pleaded, I know you all thought I was crazy… but I only followed my convictions.

Teka smiled, a warm smile, I'm not bitter at you Ayana, I'm disappointed in myself, why hadn't I the courage and conviction to think in such a radical way, I played it safe... and look what it got me!

You can still be a part of it, even if we don't find any alien remains. she laughed.

The core of my team. she smiled as she looked at the names written on her list.

Teka had instantly left his library job and appointed himself as her official aide, before enthusiastically sinking his teeth into the logistical challenges.

Base camp. he had reminded her, Where we're going we can't rely on local services.

Ayana nodded, You need to liaise with Dries, he says his team will establish our camps, so I'm leaving all of that in your capable hands. she grinned, relieved that she had found someone who relished the opportunity to put the foundations of the expedition in place, and a buffer between herself and the over-powering South African.

***

Now will you permit me to take you to dinner? Jim Preston winked as they rode in the taxi towards his hotel, Or are you flying away again?

Ayana sighed heavily, I'm sorry… it's still not possible. she watched his expression fall again before playfully adding, Because I will be taking you to dinner.

He caught the glint in her eye and relaxed, she was flirting with him.

In the days following their early morning meeting he had buried himself in research, not just the legends of Makeda and Prester John, he had immersed himself in Ethiopia, Africa had filled his nocturnal dreams, but he had been shocked to find that her eyes haunted his day dreaming, now he stared into them again, just as deep and mysterious as before, so passionate, he could drown in those deep brown eyes.

OK, so where are you taking me, somewhere authentically Ethiopian I hope?

Of course... McDonald's! she giggled.

James rolled his eyes and placing two fingers in his mouth pretended to gag raising a chuckle.

No, actually I'm taking you to a little place I know away from the city centre... it's not fancy. she added quickly, But you won't be disappointed.

James smiled, he couldn't think of a better way to spend his first evening in Addis Ababa.

***

Have you ever had Ethiopian food before? she asked as they studied the menu.

James shook his head, Do you think they have a menu with pictures? he joked as he scanned the Amharic script before closing and placing the menu beside his beer.

She laughed, Maybe I should order for both of us... is there anything you don't eat? again he shook his head.

I'm a real omnivore. he confessed, I eat just about everything.

With that settled Ayana quickly ordered and they toasted the expedition with cold beer.

I know it's still a few weeks before everything's organised but I just can't wait to get started. she grinned, her enthusiasm over flowing.

So what's left to do? he questioned.

Well, to be honest since Dries and Teka took over the day to day stuff there really isn't much for me to do, I've just been compiling my notes and hunting for any clues I might have missed.

James nodded, Well if you want any help... you know where I am, a fresh pair of eyes, a different perspective? she held him with her hypnotic eyes.

Thank you for believing in me Jim. she replied quietly, again he felt a strong connection with the beautiful young woman, and swallowing the lump of guilt in his throat he nodded, he really did want to believe in her hopeless quest with all of his heart.

***

James relaxed back onto his hotel bed and closed his eyes. His first meal in Ethiopia had been amazing, almost as intoxication as the company. The vision of Ayana drifted into his consciousness, but it was not so much her beauty that fascinated him, although he admitted that was indisputable, it was her passion. The zeal she displayed when they discussed the clues in Prester John's letter. Her enthusiasm and commitment; complete, total belief and dedication, and he began to feel serious pangs of guilt.

I can't really be taking this seriously? he said to himself.

To begin he had regarded his future work in Ethiopia to be nothing more than a well paid holiday, but his mind was torn between facts and dreams, his brain told him no possibility existed of discovering mythical and mystical artefacts and locations, yet his heart tugged him away from cold hard facts and rationality and daring him to believe in the improbable.

Her deductions are simply flights of fancy. he warned himself. All of her theories, the answers to the clues she's found can be more easily explained logically. he repeated over and over in his mind, yet he began to tilt to the same windmills.

But what if she really is on the right track? what if she's right? It's a remote possibility. he admitted.

Open your closed mind Jim. he commanded himself, Open up to the possibility.

Hell, I'm here now anyway. he sighed, And seeing as I have very little else to do tonight, it won't hurt to take another look.

He convinced himself that he chose merely to explore a remote theory, Call it diligence. he remarked quietly. Yet he felt a buzz of anticipation as he began to carefully re-read one of the many versions of the Prester John document.

For a man who spent his life in search of antiquity and clues to a more simple world, he hated print. In the digital age he resented the amount of paper he carried everywhere but he was seasoned enough to understand that his laptop proved frequently to be only as useful as it's battery, and when that battery died in a remote region his preferred computer was only good as a paper weight to hold his reams of printed reference documents in place.

James looked past the pomp and bragging of the dialogue, the version he read could easily have been written under the influence of some psychedelic substance, griffon, phoenix, cyclopes and giants, the list went on from fanciful to downright ridiculous.

I wish I could see the original and unadulterated version. he sighed, Even the unabridged edition is beyond ridiculous. How much is addition and hoax?

OK, scrap the impossible. he told himself, And keep the improbable. it felt like a good place to start.

Beyond the stone river are the ten tribes of Israel which, though subject to their own kings, are, for all that, tributary to our Majesty.

Ayana's most convincing clue to the actual geographical location. he nodded, of all the gleanings from the ancient document, this one sentence pointed to Ethiopia, he had researched the lost Hebrew tribes and confirmed their existence in the north of the country. But that one line battled against so many other references which placed their goal in India or the Near East.

OK, just accept it's Ethiopia. he told himself and tried to read the meanings behind the written word.

Gog and Magog as satraps! James laughed at the braggart, Yet. he paused for a moment, "Didn't the Greeks refer to the land of Aethiopia, the land of Gog and

Magog as being possibly in Northern Africa or the Horn of Africa?"

Aethiopia... Ethiopia?

It might fit. he smiled as he felt himself drawn into Ayana's world, jump to a conclusion and pursue it to the bitter end!

OK. he rubbed his eyes, So we've got the Lost Tribes of Israel which are a positive link, and Aethiopia, land of Gog and Magog, coincidence yes... but it fits, he does say they are to the north so it's possible that they are in Libya as the documented facts state.

There's also Ayana's animals theory, it's true that a few of the beasties John mentions are only found in Africa, and the empire did extend into India and beyond so that would explain a wider reference to tigers and the like, so on that evidence, Ethiopia is still a possibility.

White Lions and Bears! unusual in the region, White Merules meaning White Blackbirds in one version, White Merlin's in another, yet another way of saying his empire is out of the ordinary.

Centaurs, Fauns, Satyrs... all Greek mythology. he pondered, But that might tie in with the Aethiopia reference, maybe these creatures were added by a Greek prankster?

A-ha... Phoenix, Cyclops, and even a mention of Mount Olympus, all Greek. he paused, Surely these things point more towards Greece as the centre of his kingdom, yet, Greek history is well recorded and there's no real mention of Prester John. he smiled, A prankster for sure... so we can rule out all clues that point to Hellenic areas. They must be later additions.

James stretched and rubbed his eyes again,