The Earliest Shrine - 5. Chapter 5

**
That night, in their room and after a make-out session with just a little "accidental" grinding, James asked.
"Winston, will you go with me?"
"Where are you going, James?"
"Wherever the map leads me."
"Of course, I'll go with you."
**
"Where do we start?" asked Winston.

James sat up, got up from Winston's bed, and retrieved a high-definition image of the disk. Barbara told them that significant finds like the disk were usually named after the location where they were found. It would probably be called the Augsburg Disk.

"The disk has a lot of the information that we need, but my inner voice tells me not everything," said James. "The symbols on the disk reference another disk several times. I think they work together."

"My mom said the disk was similar to another disk discovered in the late nineties."

"Yeah, she did. What's it called?"

"The Nebra Sky Disk," replied Winston.

James grabbed his iPad. "Let's look it up."

James clicked on an image. They sat together on the bed shoulder to shoulder.

"They do look similar," said Winston.

"You're right. Most symbols are different, but a few are almost exactly the same. I wonder if they were crafted at the same time?" Asked James. "The website says the Nebra Sky Disk was found in Ziegelrodaer Forst." Referencing Google Maps, he added. "Hmm, that's about sixty miles from Leipzig and, according to the website, about thirty-six miles from Halle State Museum of Prehistory, where the Nebra Sky Disk is displayed. It's a long way from here."

"I wonder if there is anything on the back of the Nebra Sky Disk?" Asked James. "According to the Augsburg disk, there should be."

"It might be time for a field trip," said Winston.

"I doubt our parents will let us go by ourselves," said James.

"I have an idea."

They put the plan into action at dinner that night.

"Dad, I know we've been doing a lot of archeology stuff this vacation, but I was wondering if we could go see the Nebra Sky Disk. We looked it up, and it looks similar to the one James found."

"That's at the State Museum of Prehistory in Halle, isn't it?" asked Paul.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," said Christine.

"It might be better to give ourselves some space from Bronze Age artifacts for a while." Added Barbara.

"It's not far from Leipzig, and it's the Johann Sebastian Bach Festival this month." Said Winston.

"Bach!" Exclaimed Barbara. "Since when do you like classical music?"

"I've always liked classical music. I just don't talk about it a lot."

"What about you, James? Are you suddenly a classical music fan now, too?" asked Christine.

"Yes, I am, mom."

"I'm suspicious," said Christine skeptically. "Name two of Bach's compositions?"

"There is uh …, uh …, St. Matthew Passion, Mass in B minor, the Goldberg Variations, the Brandenburg Concertos, particularly No. 3 in G major, Concerto for Tw …"

"Okay, okay, I believe you. I had no idea you were into highbrow music."

"Can we go?!" Asked James.

"To Leipzig?" Asked Christine. "What do you think Barbara?"

"We have a week and a half until the sponsors arrive, and we announce the Mithraeum and tumulus excavations. What do you think, Paul? Vincent?"

"Sure, we've got some time," said Vincent.

"I've wanted to visit the Halle Museum for years. Let's go!" Said Paul.

Winston asked as they left the restaurant, "James, good cover. How did you know all that Bach stuff?"

"What can I say? I like Bach."

Vincent was in his element. He booked them hotel rooms and scored tickets for a production of the St. Matthew Passion performed at St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche).

Benjamin wasn't happy. He made it clear to everyone that he didn't want to sit around listening to some stupid old music. They assured him there were other things to do. James thought, 'Maybe it's time to bring Benjamin and Amelia in on the plan.'

Two days later, they checked into the hotel in Leipzig. James, Winston, and Benjamin were to share a room. There were two beds available.

"I suppose you two want to share a bed?" Said Benjamin.

James and Winston looked at each other and then back at Benjamin.

"You know?" asked Winston.

"It's obvious. It's okay with me as long as you don't make a lot of noise," said Benjamin. "Can we convince Amelia to share the room too?"

"I don't think so, Benjamin," answered Winston. "But nice try."

Winston and James laughed along with Benjamin.

Winston and James had never spent the night in the same bed together. They were both a little nervous.

After a bullshitting session, it was time to turn the lights off and try to get some sleep.

Just before extinguishing his light, Benjamin said. "I don't care if you fool around. Just let me know so I can leave the room. No offense, but I don't need to see or hear that. After all, I'm an "innocent" twelve-year-old. I can sleep in the bathtub until you're finished."

James and Winston were both surprised and impressed with the maturity of James' younger brother. "Thanks, but I don't think that will be necessary," said Winston.

"At least not tonight," added James.

Winston elbowed him, and they cracked up.

The next morning, they woke up to Benjamin flushing the toilet. They awoke to find themselves embracing each other. They could each feel the other's excitement. Neither wanted to break the spell, and they remained half pretending they were still asleep and half staring longingly into each other's eyes until they heard Benjamin enter the room.

Benjamin, catching them separating, said, "Get a room ... I guess this is your room." He said with a smirk.

The Kunsters and Crawfords walked to St. Thomas to attend the evening concert.

James had spent hours listening to Bach's compositions and reading about his life and works. He was thrilled to attend a performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion at St. Thomas Church, where Bach had served as the Kapellmeister (leader of musical activities) from 1723 until he died in 1750. He was excited at the prospect of attending the performance and experiencing the music in the very place where it was first performed on Good Friday in 1727.

The St. Matthew Passion is an oratorio that sets to music chapters of St. Matthew's Gospel from the German Lutheran Bible. It tells the story of Jesus' final days on earth, from his betrayal by Judas to his crucifixion and burial. The work is divided into two parts and features solo voices, a double orchestra, and a double chorus. Today, it is considered one of the greatest works of Western classical music.

Benjamin was surprised to learn that one of the choruses comprised boys around his age. He suddenly became more interested in the performance and intently observed the talented choristers.

James took his seat in the church and waited eagerly for the music to begin. As the first notes of the St. Matthew Passion filled the air, he felt a sense of awe and wonder. The music was even more beautiful than he had imagined, and he was nearly moved to tears by its power and majesty.

They all enjoyed the concert. Maybe not as much as James, but even Benjamin was impressed by the talent of the performers.

That night, James and Winston asked Amelia to stop by their room to discuss something important.

James started, "You've probably noticed that Winston and I have been a little preoccupied by the excavations."

"Really?" said Amelia, "I thought you two were busy 'boinking.'"

"Not yet, but I'm working on it." Said James. Winston blushed, and James, Amelia, and Benjamin cracked up.

"The disk that I found, the Augsburg Disk, is a map." Said James.

"A map? What kind of map?" Asked Amelia.

"It's a four-thousand-year-old map."

"Where's it lead?" Asked Benjamin.

"We don't know," said Winston. "We need your help finding out."

James continued, "We don't know where the map will take us, but we know wherever it is is important. The makers of this disk went to a lot of trouble and expense to craft it."

"What can we do to help you?" Asked Amelia.

"Yeah, what can we do?" Asked Benjamin.

"You're both smart, and we can always use other sets of eyes to help us figure this out. We also need help distracting our parents. They've made it clear they don't want James obsessing about this stuff anymore." Said Winston.

"Sounds like fun. I'll help." Said Amelia.

"What's in it for me? Will there be treasure?" Asked Benjamin. "Just kidding, I'll help. It sounds like an adventure, like Indiana Jones."

Handing Amelia and Benjamin an image of the Augsburg Disk, James began. "Let me update you on what we have so far. The Augsburg disk is similar to one found in a mound near Nebra almost thirty years ago. Nebra is only sixty miles from here."

Winston handed them an image of the Nebra Sky Disk and continued. "The disks are the same size and crafted the same way. The dating is about the same. We think they were made at the same time and place."

"A few of the images are almost identical," said James, pointing to the 'sun boats' and 'Pleiades star clusters.' The Augsburg disk has what appears to be mountains around the outside of two-thirds of the disk and what might be a river that snakes down from the hills and around the star cluster. These markings, which seem like decorative elements, are an ancient form of writing. For some reason, I'm the only one who can read it."

"Why do you think it's a map?" Asked Amelia.

"The symbols say it's a map. When used together, the two disks may lead to the destination."

"Does it say anything about what the destination is?" Asked Benjamin.

"It's kind of cryptic. The symbols on the Augsburg Disk don't translate directly to English, so this is a little rough. It's something like 'beyond is now.' No … that's can’t be it. I'm going to have to think about it some more."

"The Nebra Sky Disk, besides the 'star cluster' and 'sun boat' displays the sun and a crescent moon." Said Winston. "There are two gold strips on either side of the disk and other stars randomly scattered over the disk's surface."

"The Augsburg disk hints that there is something on the back of the Nebra Disk that will help us start our journey. That's why we want to get a better look at it. I know our trip needs to start at sunrise on the summer solstice." Said James.

"When's that?" Asked Benjamin.

Amelia was already checking her phone. "It's on June 20th. That's only three days from now!"

James, Winston, Vincent, and Paul visited the State Museum of Prehistory in Halle the next day. Benjamin and Amelia kept their mothers distracted by playing tourist.

The State Museum of Prehistory in Halle is one of the major archaeological museum in Germany. The museum moved to Halle in 1825, and its current location in 1918. The museum's collection comprises more than 15 million items, making it one of Germany's most extensive and important archaeological collections.

The museum's permanent exhibition is divided into several sections. Besides the Hall of the Nebra Sky Disk, other notable exhibits include the Eulau family graves dating back to the Corded Ware culture and the Hornhausen rider stele from Francia.

There are also workshops on bronze casting and ancient textile production. It was all interesting, but the boys focused on getting a better look at the Sky Disk.

Winston and James led their fathers through the museum the best they could. Both Vincent and Paul wanted to stop and read up at every display. Finally, they arrived at the Hall of the Nebra Sky Disk. Their goal was in sight. As they approached the display, it wasn't very reassuring to realize the back of the disk wasn't visible. It was an impressive display, with the disk silhouetted against a rock background with the two bronze knives found at the same time displayed in the front of the disk. As hard as they tried, there wasn't an angle that allowed them to see any part of the back of the disk.

Their fathers finally caught up. As Vincent and Paul observed the display, they heard an accented voice. "Dr. Kunster, is that you?"

Vincent turned and replied, "Dr. Schwartzman, it's a pleasure to see you after so many years. This is my colleague Dr. Paul Crawford and our sons, Winston and James."

They exchanged greetings and caught up on things. "One of the reasons we're here is because the boys want to see the Nebra Sky Disk. We haven't made it public yet, but James was instrumental in discovering a similar disk. We're announcing the discovery next week, but I'd happily offer you a preview." Said Vincent.

"Oh yes, oh yes, I'd like nothing better," said Dr. Schwartzman.

They all went to the doctor's office. Vincent and Paul shared photos from their phone, and the three men had a cordial yet animated discussion. After half an hour, Dr. Schwartzman asked James and Winston whether they had seen everything they hoped to see.

James said, "Almost. We hoped the display would allow us to see the back of the disk."

"There's not much to see on the back of the disk. A little more of the workmanship is visible, but most of our visitors aren't interested in that kind of detail."

"Yes, I understand", said James. "The disk is amazingly displayed."

"The museum closes in fifteen minutes. Would you like an up-close private viewing?"

Excited, both boys affirmed they would love an up-close viewing of the Nebra Sky Disk.

The disk was carefully removed from the display case and brought to the museum lab. The boys were provided with gloves and allowed to handle the disk carefully. After ten minutes, the disk was securely locked away, and they said their thank yous and goodbyes and returned to the hotel in Leipzig.

Winston and James met Amelia and Benjamin back in their room.

"What did you find out?" Asked Benjamin.

"It was a good tour, and the curator even let us handle the disk. Unfortunately, the only thing on the back of the disk was corroded bronze." said Winston.

"You couldn't see it?" Asked James

"No, see what?"

"There was writing." James said, "The back of the disk reads something like, 'one day's light to before the séles dip.'"

"What does that mean?" asked Winston.

The four of them sat in silence. Finally, Benjamin said, "Let's google it."

Amelia typed 'séles 'into her phone. "It says Monica Seles was a tennis player in the 80's and 90's."

"I doubt that's going to help us." Said Winston.

"How about this? There's a site about the Proto-Indo-European language."

Winston perked up. "That might be something! The Proto-Indo-European language is associated with the Corded-Ware and Bell-Beaker cultures. They predate the Únětice Culture by only a few hundred years!"

"Not 'cultures' again." Said James. "But I think you might be onto something. "Is there anything else in the article, Amelia?"

“It does say a Proto-Germanic descendent of the word séles is saale.”

"Like the river?" asked Winston.

"What river?"

"It goes right through Halle. It's only a couple of blocks from the museum."

James typed 'Saale' into Google Maps. "Here it is."

They all gathered around to study the map.

"Tell us what the back of the Nebra disk says again James," asked Amelia.

"'One days' light to before the séles dip'"

"One days' light must mean the distance traveled in a day. How long is daylight this time of year?" Asked Amelia.

"It's about fourteen hours." Said Winston.

"How far do you think Bronze Age people could travel in fourteen hours?" Asked Amelia.

"Depends on the terrain, but I'd estimate between twenty and thirty miles." Said Winston.

"Let's follow the river from Halle for twenty-five miles," said Benjamin.

"What direction?" Asked Amelia.

"South," replied James. Noticing the questioning expressions on their faces, he clarified. "I don't know whether it's something about how it's written on the back of the Nebra Disk or it's one of my 'visions,' but I'm certain it's south."

They traced the river's path, estimating the distance as they went. They dropped a pen at twenty-five miles.

"That takes us to the city of Naumburg." Said James.

"That's not particularly helpful. Zoom out." Said Winston.

Benjamin excitedly exclaimed. "There it is! The river dips. A dip like it says on the back of the disk!"

"You're right, Benjamin! Naumburg is on one side of the dip. What's on the other side?" asked Winston.

James expectantly zoomed in on the area on the upriver portion of the dip.

"Benjamin pointed. "What is that? What's that? Hurry up and click on it!"

The link on the map read, 'Sonnenobservatorium Goseck.'

James clicked on it. It was the Goseck Circle, a seven thousand-year-old Neolithic observatory noted for precise winter and summer solstice observations. Everything was falling into place.

"I guess we know where we'll be on the summer solstice,” said Amelia.