The Quest: A Novel

Colonel Sir Edmund Gann again, up north with Prince Joshua.”
    Vivian pointed out, “They know what you look like now.”
    “You, Miss Smith, will not know what I look like when I see you in Ethiopia.”
    Purcell inquired, “What is your motivation, Colonel, in risking your life?”
    “I believe we had this discussion on a hilltop.” He informed everyone, “I
am
being well paid by the Ethie expat community, but even if I weren’t, I’d do this because I believe in it.”
    “And what is it that you believe in?”
    “The restoration of the monarchy and the liberation of the Ethiopian people from Communism, tyranny, and terror.”
    “Do you get paid for trying? Or only for success?”
    “Both.” He admitted, “The princely payment comes when the emperor or his successor is back on the throne.”
    “Do you get a palace?”
    “I get the satisfaction of a job well done—and the honor of having changed history.”
    Vivian asked Gann, “Will you be coming to Sicily with us?”
    “I’m afraid not. As I explained to Mr. Mercado earlier, I have related business here in Rome.”
    Mercado informed Gann, “Neither the Vatican nor the Ministry of War nor the Franciscans seem to have any record of Father Giuseppe Armano, which is why we need to go to Berini—to establish his existence. And also to notify next of kin of his fate.”
    Gann thought about that, then replied, “Well, I suppose his name could have been lost.” He added, “But if the Vatican
wants
his name lost, then they’ve been to Berini before you.”
    That thought had briefly crossed Purcell’s mind, but it seemed outlandish to believe that Father Giuseppe Armano was disappearing into an Orwellian black hole. But maybe not so outlandish. They’d find out in Berini.

Chapter 27
    M ercado said, “In 1868, the Ethiopian emperor Theodore wrote a letter to Queen Victoria. She did not respond, and Theodore, to avenge the insult, imprisoned a number of British nationals, including the consul. The British then landed an expeditionary force on the African coast and marched on Ethiopia to rescue these people.”
    Colonel Gann said, half jokingly, “Now we’ve got to pay the bloody beggars to get her majesty’s subjects released.”
    Purcell didn’t know if he was actually back in the reading room of the Vatican Library, or if this was a recurring nightmare. Vivian, however, seemed fascinated by the library and impressed with all the documents that Henry had assembled.
    Mercado had assured Purcell that this would be a quick visit, to wrap up his background briefing. Next stop was the Ethiopian College, and if they weren’t kicked out again, he, Mercado, and Gann had been allowed one hour in the college library. Vivian, because of her gender, was not welcome.
    Mercado continued, “The British Expeditionary Force was led by Sir Robert Napier, and they advanced on the new Ethiopian capital of Magdala. Theodore was beaten in battle and committed suicide on Easter Day 1868.”
    Purcell glanced at his watch. Vivian had volunteered to stay in this room and read through Henry’s notes. She’d also brought her camera with her, a brand-new Canon F-1, to begin her photographic documentation of their story, starting with this reading room, and ending, Purcell hoped, with cocktails in the papal reception hall, with everyone holding up the Holy Grail like it was the Stanley Cup.
    Vivian saw Purcell smiling and took his picture.
    Mercado continued, “Napier, in good imperial tradition, sackedthe emperor’s palace and the imperial library at Magdala, carrying off a trove of ancient documents. He took four hundred or so of the most promising of them back to England. He also took the ancient imperial crown that wound up in the British Museum.”
    Gann said, “I believe we gave it back.”
    “You did,” said Mercado. “And now it’s probably in the hands of the Marxists—or it’s been sold or melted down for the gold and gems.”
    Purcell said, “We get the point, Henry.”
    Mercado continued, “Inside the rim of the crown is engraved, in Geez, the ancient language of Ethiopia, which remains the language of the Coptic Church, these words”—he glanced at his notes—“King of Kings, Conquering Lion of Judah, Descendant of the House of David, Keeper of the Ark of the Covenant, and Keeper of the Holy Vessel.” Mercado looked at his audience and said, “We can assume that is the Holy Grail.”
    No one argued with that translation, but everyone