Cracks in the Shell

Chapter 23

The scroll crackled as Henry unrolled it. He was half afraid the brittle parchment might disintegrate in his hands. Elaborate script and drawings shimmered in Jell’s torchlight. He peered closer at the text.

Aequam memento rebus in arduis servare mentem.

“The language of the ancients,” Jell said, peering over his shoulder.

“It’s Latin!” Henry couldn’t believe it. He adjusted his spectacles and started to translate. “Remember to keep an even mind in difficult situations.”

That sounded familiar. Then he remembered the source. “Horus, the Roman poet. Incredible.” He reached for another scroll and discovered a series of numerals; the next one had more text. The entire rack appeared filled with Roman documents. He let out a sigh. It’d been a while since his language courses in Seminary. 

“Do you speak Latin?” he asked Jell.

“No, but my horse does.” 

More possession nonsense. Jell’s condition hadn’t improved much. At least he’s imagined a friendly spirit, Henry thought. Then he shook his head. “How can something that posses you be friendly?” Speaking louder, he added, “I could use your help….there’s a lot to search through around here.”

That was an understatement. They faced an immense amount of information. It felt like he was drafting a sermon, overwhelmed with options. How long had that old man Riyal spent searching for the answers? Years, maybe. Jell watched as he shuffled from rack to rack. 

“The answers you seek are not hidden,” Jell said. “They lie in plain sight.”

Henry blew out an exasperated breath, hiding his anger behind the scrolls. “Well, could you give me a hint?” How long was Jell going to continue speaking in riddles? He’d just about had enough of this. Stepping out from behind the rack, Henry threw his hands in the air. “Look, I think it’s high time you dropped this act and helped out a bit here.” 

In response to his outburst, Jell simply grinned. Then his eyes rolled to the ceiling, legs buckled, and his whole body went limp. Henry hurried to catch him before his head hit the floor. 

“Where are we?” Jell asked, blinking as if he’d just woken from a nap. 

“The archives. Watch your step there, Azaka.”

Jell gazed around the room in amazement. “How long have we been here?”

“A few hours. You should rest…”

Jell’s face flashed excitement. “Why did you call me Azaka? Was I taken by the lwa?” His entire demeanor had changed, which Henry took as a good sign. He’d finally realized this whole possession charade was a huge waste of time. 

“Who am I talking to now?” Henry asked, dryly. 

“It’s me, Jell.”

“Well, thank God. That Zaka fellow was useless.”

What did he say?” Jell asked, ignoring Henry’s sarcasm. He rose to his feet and rubbed his head. 

“Honestly, you weren’t too helpful.”

“Did he mention anything about the baka?”

“No, all you did was lecture me and then faint,” Henry said. 

 “Azaka should have helped us.” Jell sighed. But his disappointment was soon replaced by awe as he took in his surroundings. 

Henry shrugged. “Perhaps you should ask the Lord for guidance, instead of all these spirits.”