The Correspondance. . . . .

2005-07-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

WELCOME To my story.
This is a developing story. It has grown and changed over the years, yet in its various incarnations the central theme of personal growth has remained. I am placing it on the internet in hopes of gaining insighs and helpful criticism, advice, and ideas from published writers and the novice alike. Realizing I am placing a lot on the line, I am eager to hear your comments pro or con. - Thank you. . .

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FORBIDDEN

-A Saga from the Nephilim Age-

by D. DeLane Snow

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

I The Letters...

II The Journal...

III The Scrolls...

THE STORY PROPER

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___PROLOGUE___

During the first half of the twentieth century my grandfather, Christopher Townsend was a student of the Pennsylvanina State University, and a pioneer in anthropology. Many archelogical findings were being discovered throught the 1920s which encouraged my gradfather's own personal interest in the antediluvian era. It was his goal in life to discover proof that the biblical accout of Noah's Deluge actually occured. Yet, his interest was drawn toward learing of its people, and their mythologies.

In 1925 his studies allowed him to work under the leadership of Dr. Leonard Woolley. While there in the middle east, Christopher organized an informal study group called The Sifters. Among them my grandfather developed many friendships that would last throughout his career, and lifetime. Among the records that survived his was a persoanl journal that detailed his three years as an explorer, and struggling linguist. Certain documents were discovered, that had been kept secret and only alluded to in his scribbled decipering attempts.

My grandfather had never completed his translation of those ancient scroll; however, after several years of research, rewrites, and help from one of his closest colleges my grandfather's passion has now been realized in this volume of work.

Moran Lee Townsend

April 1982

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. . . THE CORRESPONDANCE . . .

20 March 1982

Dear Professor Scottsburg;

My name is Moran Townsend. It is my understanding that you and my grandfather, Chris Townsend were close friends. On behalf of his family I regret to inform you that after a long struggle with cancer my grandfather has passed away at the age of 87. For the last eight years he lived with Alzheimers. A year after my grandmother died, in 1979, grandfather suffered a major stroke.

I can still remember, that as a child my grandfather would tell the most fantastic stories about digging up ancient treasures in Egypt. Even today I can not help but to think of him as a pipe, smoking gentleman who loved to laugh and tell stories. He seemed to bring an air of excietment to those around him.

At the reading of his will, they gave me one of his favorite pipes, a long stemmed churchwarden; and his roll top desk. Hidden away in a locked drawer I found a package with your name and address on the outside cover with very explicit instructions to make sure you recieved the contents unopened upon the event of his death. Therefore, we invite you and your wife to grandfather's estate, on the twenty-sixth of this month for the exchange, and memorial serivce. Enclosed are directions to the address. We are looking forward to meeting you soon.

Sincerely,

Moran Lee Townsend, Jr.

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April 3, 1982
Dear Moran;
I thank you for such a warm reception, I am sure Christopher would have been extremely proud of his family, and of your loyalty to him. Even though we had not spoken to one another in years I am truely moved by his loss.
I opened the package when we returned home. It was your grandfather's personal journal. There was a note written inside the front cover which read, "Ralph, give the secret to 'MLT'." It appears as though you were the one he intended. Also, from inside the book a key dropped out. Did your grandfather have another desk or trunk anywhere?
Sincerely,
R.T. Scottsburg

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May 8, 1982
Dear Moran;
Thank you for authorizing my access into your grandfather's account. Yes, the key did in fact belong to his safe deposit drawer. I removed a wooden crate, about two feet long, and three by eight inches in diameter. After taking it home to my study I removed a small, leather quiver case from the box. This seems to be the "secret" Christopher mentioned. I knew nothing of this artifact until I read about it in his journal.
Somehow through the years following my departure from those Middle Eastern digs we lost contact with one another. Our responsibilities as teachers brought little social time our way. Although I am very glad that he did forgive me for leaving after these many years; I feel very honored to be included among his friends, and now a part of his "secret," even if it were after his death.
The quiver case was a dark brown, almost black color with tiny cracks showing that it was of considerable age. It had an interesting cover with a peg-and-strap latch at one end. Inside there were seven, tightly rolled leather, parchment scrolls bound with thin straps. After I carefully unrolled the sheets, I soon realized that they were written on both sides in a brilliantly colored script. The "letters" were unfamiliar, and quiet impressive in their spidery form. According to several notes in his journal it appears as if Christopher tried to decipher the language, without much success. Though I am quiet intrigued with all this it may prove to be more than I am able to handle with my present work load.
Sincerely,
R.T. Scottsburg

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April 27, 1982
Dear Moran;
Yes, my wife and I are doing very well, thank you. No - I have not heard from Allen Ward in years. The last I knew was that he lived in a lighthouse somewhere in Maine, with his second wife Ann. Yes, I would like his address.
I have been working on your grandfather's scrolls during the evening hours. They are in excelent condition, considering their age. However; if it is permissible with you, I would like to have a few colleagues of mine at the university examine them. They could provide us with a date as to when the scrolls were most likely written.
Also, Moran because the task of translating them promises to be very time consuming for me, I wish to offer you the job as my assistant linguist. Besides, an eighty two year old man like myself needs a fresh viewpoint. It would be like working alongside Christopher once again.
There is an old servant's quarter behind the main house. Martha has made it up quiet nicely for you already, and she wont take no for an answer. You may wish to come and go as you wish with no questions asked. I am also enclosing a blank check for whatever amount you need in order to secure any lose ends. As well as a round trip ticket for your air fare. I hope you can tell your presence here would be most welcomed. If for whatever reason you do not wish to stay, you may leave at anytime with no hurt feelings. Moran this may be just the "adventure" you are searching for. Please reply one way or the other.
Sincerely,
R.T. Scottsburg

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May 1982

Dear Professor,

YES! Thank you very much for the job offer. I will arrive two weeks from today, eager to learn.

M. Townsend

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17 October 1993

To my Loving Parents;

It has been well over eleven years now since I first came to the Scottsburg's estate to help in the translation of grandfather's Scrolls. And so, on this third year anniversary of the professor's death I have finally completed the manuscript. The publishers have given me the first edition copy of the finished work. Dad, I wanted you to have this. I thought it would be an appropriate gesture.

It is entitled after the time period in which the biblical "giants" lived. I hope you are as fasinated by its charm as I was in bringing it to light.

As always, with love

your son, MLT

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THIS STORY CONTINUES with The Journal...

FORBIDDEN: Letters

The Correspondance. . . . .