by Mina Carter
“You see, I had longed for revenge for so long, and in the end, I became a killer. I may have been able to justify it, but the fact was I had become what I had hated for so long. Each time I used that amulet to kill an enemy, I felt the bitter residue of revenge and hatred grow inside of me. I was trying to redeem myself by helping those children, but it wasn’t enough. I don’t think you can redeem yourself, especially when you continue to carry that much hate and guilt around. As the time went by I could no longer bear it any more. I wanted it all to stop.
Some years later, I was on a special assignment with Mossad in Syria near the Turkish border. I heard rumors from the local people in the area. Rumors about a very old man that people suspected was a sorcerer. As soon as I heard about him, I wanted nothing more than to track him down. I wanted to know how to stop this nightmare I created, and I hoped he could help me. Once I finally met him, I showed him the amulet. He recognized the symbols and said they were related to an ancient witchcraft cult. I was told that the amulet itself was a source of black magic. He insisted it needed to be buried at some ancient temple that only he knew about. I was happy to be rid of it, and I begged him to take it and bury it. That was the last time I saw it.”
Lexi’s expression was one of astonishment and bewilderment as she pointed at the amulet. “Well, that doesn’t make any sense at all, does it? I have it now. And I brought it from Kate’s house.”
Lexi noticed that Ryan’s arms were crossed over his chest. He had leaned back in his chair. His body language told her that he wasn’t buying much of what Jakub told them so far. Ryan leaned forward and slowly clapped his hands a few times in a mock applause for Jakub. His words were heavily coated in sarcasm as he finally spoke.
“Jakub, before you answer her I want to thank you personally for the very entertaining and spooky story. Now, I have heard my share of good war stories, but that whopper takes first place.”
Completely caught off guard by Ryan’s comment, Lexi turned to him. “Ryan? What do you think is going on here? You think he made all of this up?”
“Lex, I’m not sure what is going on. With all due respect for Jakub’s history of helping people and serving his country, I don’t believe in all the supernatural powers of this hunk of metal.” Ryan picked up the amulet and dropped it back on the table.
“Alright Jakub, I am sensing that you are leading up to putting this whole story together for us. I see pieces of a puzzle here. We know about Kurt’s interest in you and your so-called powers. There is Kate’s interest in you and now, Lexi happens to be here. You say you left the coin in the desert and yet here it is. Please dispense with the bullshit about demons and spirits and tell us exactly what happened from here on out. You said that you compelled Kate to write to Lexi and ask her to come here. Exactly how did you compel Kate to write that letter? And why?” Ryan asked Jakub forcefully, but softened his voice when he addressed Lexi. “Lex, I’ve been around every intelligence agency you can name and they all have the same motto...”
Lexi’s eyes looked off into the room as she remembered something Kurt said once and she finished Ryan’s sentence. “If you can’t tell someone the truth, bedazzle them with bullshit.”
“Exactly right, Lexi.” Ryan looked at Jakub, while holding one fist out and pointing toward Abraham with his thumb. “Nice prop, having the old demonology Rabbi here to help make this all somehow seem more believable. Now, I want to know the REAL reason why this amulet is so damn important, and why there seems to be such interest in it. Don’t tell me it’s because it’s covered in pixie dust and dipped in unicorn shit or any other story. If you can’t tell me about a state secret regarding some truth serum or torture technique, I understand. Believe me, I know all about those little tricks, but save the spooky tales for your next campfire story time.”
Jakub took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his brow before he answered in very direct sentences. “Kurt had heard of my work here and with the Mossad. He became obsessed with being able to use the power that I had. He found out that I had an amulet that held a great power, and so he came to me. I told him what I told you, I left it in the desert on the Syrian and Turkish border.
According to the Mossad reports that I read later, after his visit with me, he went to the same place I told him I left it. While he was there, he found out a small group of archaeologists excavating the site at Gobekli Tepe. They had uncovered something very unique and powerful. He knew they had found the amulet. He also learned there were a few very dangerous people from the area who were intent on getting their hands on it. That was all the report said. I never knew if Kurt had found the amulet, until Kate came to visit me.”
“Why did Kate come here?” Ryan asked directly.
“Kate came to me because she found out that her husband had visited me years ago when he was searching for the amulet.”
“How long ago did Kurt visit with you?” Lexi asked.
“I don’t recall exactly when that was. I know it was before he met Kate because she made a comment to that effect.” Jakub answered.
“Okay, so he had the amulet before they got married. Please finish telling us about Kate’s visit with you.” Lexi said.
“Kate told me about how Kurt had passed away and she was trying to find answers about his life and death. While looking through his office she apparently came across the amulet. From there she began doing research on it because it seemed to fit into other studies she had done on Sumerian archaeology. She knew that Kurt had visited me and she wanted to find out why he came here. I never told her any of the things I told you today. I don’t think that she knew anything about the magic powers it held and I didn’t tell her either. I was very nervous when I found out that Kurt had indeed taken the amulet from its proper place. Of course, I asked her where it was and she told me it was locked away in her safe at home. That was about all she told me, other than she was on her way to the site at Gobekli Tepe to continue her research. After all, that is where Kurt found the amulet.”
Jakub rubbed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Now I confess, once she had told me that she had the amulet at home, I knew it needed to be brought back. It needs to be buried away in the desert. It never should have been found. So I hypnotized her.”
“What?” Lexi asked incredulously. “Why would you do that to my sister?”
Ryan became more sarcastic. “Now Jakub, how did you pull that trick without the amulet? You’re not keeping your story straight.”
“Oh! No, No. Not with magic, just the traditional method. I did my best to get her to write a letter to Lexi to bring her here safely with the amulet. Under hypnosis I had her tell me all about the location of the amulet. I had her describe the contents of Kurt’s desk to me because I thought perhaps it was in there. She recalled that Kurt had an arrangement with a security agency to assist her in any emergency, and so I told her to include that in her letter to Lexi. I figured it would be good for Lexi to have whatever protection was available. Then she told me about the amulet and its actual location in the safe. I admit that it wasn’t a perfect letter, but I hoped that it was enough to get you to come and bring it here. Now, it must be returned to where it can never cause harm.”
“I knew it. You guys are all alike. You actually hypnotized Kate into writing a letter to bring us and the amulet here?”
“Yes, because it is tremendously important.”
“Did you know that we haven’t been able to reach Kate? Or that my intelligence observations tell us that she is likely involved with some dangerous people up there? You put her in danger, Jakub!”
“No. I tried to persuade Kate not to go. I couldn’t stop her even though I tried to persuade her while she was under hypnosis. She is very stubborn.”
“Yeah, that’s very true.” Lexi said. “And it runs in the family.”
“If I had proof all of this would be more convincing. So Kurt actually believed this thing has magic powers?” Ryan’s voiced dripped with disbelief as he pointed to the amulet.
“Yes, he believed it. He believed it because it’s true.” Jakub answered.
Ryan leaned down and slapped the palms of his hands on the table. “Now Jakub, I knew Kurt Karnstein for many years and he was not the type of person to believe in magic or witchcraft. No way!”
Abraham interjected. “Ryan, I am a lifelong student of archaeology and anthropology. I believe in science. We can dismiss most of myth and legend to people with over-active imaginations trying to make sense of something that can be explained by science.” Abraham put a hand over his heart and was waving his other hand up as if he were giving them a testimony. “I will say this and I say it with my deepest conviction for the truth. After a lifetime of research there are things that none of us understand. I have seen the evidence of a spirit world that exists all around us. Do not discount Jakub’s story so quickly.”
Ryan looked at Lexi, who seemed to be convinced by Abraham’s words, “Lex, we talked about this and I do think there is some sort of spirit world that exists. I just don’t believe that a man can use a simple metal disc to conjure demons and control someone’s mind. So this is what I want to do. I want Jakub to prove it.”
“Prove it? Prove it how?” Lexi asked perplexed.
Ryan picked up the amulet and handed it to Jakub. “On me. Go ahead Jakub. See this scar here?” Ryan pointed to an old jagged scar on his left forearm. “Nobody in this room knows how I got that scar. Use your magic coin to make me tell everyone in this room how I got the scar. I want Lexi to record a video with her phone at the same time.”
“Ryan, No!” Lexi interrupted. “You don’t need to do that. What does it matter if it’s a magic amulet or not?”
“Because, we—I need to know. I have to know if we are really dealing with black magic and demons or if this is something else.”
Jakub took the amulet from Ryan. “I agree with him, Lexi. I would be just as skeptical if I were him. Let me show you some of its magic.”
“Ryan, I don’t know about this. Why mess around with this sort of thing. Jakub, tell me, you’ve said you have done this with those survivors those children from the war. Is this some kind of hypnosis?”
“I believe that it’s very much like hypnosis. In a standard hypnosis therapy results are widely varied. At best standard hypnosis can help a patient to remember something that they have suppressed, but they really have to be willing participants and it may take a long time. It often takes multiple sessions. It’s easier for me at least to get a willing participant to perform some simple task or partially do so. That is the standard type that Shandor taught me first. It was street magic, parlor magic if you will. The power of the amulet is instant. I have never observed any residual effects in the children and I promise Ryan will not feel any pain.”
“Well, I am familiar with hypnosis and I know that for even the most skilled person it takes time to put somebody in a state like that. If this is real, he should be able to just use the little spell and quickly.” Lexi got her phone out to record the event. Abraham took his phone out to record it as well.
“One more thing, Lexi.” Jakub looked at her and then to the others. “There will be an apparition.”
Ryan laughed. “Okay, now you are trying to scare us out of this because you know damn well you are on the spot.”
“You will see.”
Chapter Eleven
“LEXI RECORD NOW.” Jakub placed the amulet flat against Ryan’s forehead and quietly whispered. Immediately his hand seemed to be immersed in a green and blue light. Abraham, who had been seated next to Jakub scrambled out of his chair and quickly moved closer to the door. The light spread between Jakub and Ryan. It grew larger, spreading above their heads. The light appeared to have sweeping lines that slowly rolled and spun around. It was as if there were gossamer sheets, rolling in the supernatural haze. The muscles on Ryan’s face quickly became completely relaxed and he had a blank stare. Lexi covered her mouth, to prevent herself from calling out to Ryan. Jakub then commanded Ryan. “You will go over to Lexi and tell us how you received the scar on your left forearm. When you are done you will kiss Lexi and then you will be awake.”
Ryan stood up and pointed to the scar on his arm. “I got this scar while trying to escape Nicaraguan border agents last year. I fell while climbing on a rock cliff. He gently pushed Lexi’s phone aside. As he walked away from Jakub, the glowing lightshow subsided and stopped. Ryan put his hands on her face as he lightly kissed her mouth. Suddenly Ryan looked alert but confused. “What? How did I get over here?”
“You are not going to believe this.” Lexi played the video clip on the phone to Ryan.
“What the hell? What is that glowing thing? Is that a ghost or something?” Ryan’s eyebrows were furrowed and he leaned toward the phone’s little screen. “I can’t believe it. You were telling me the truth, Jakub.” Ryan’s previous sarcastic tone had been completely washed away. “Uh, why did I go over and kiss Lexi?”
“I really don’t know what it is. I’ve come to the conclusion that it is some sort of magic energy, or perhaps an actual entity of some kind. And you kissed her because I commanded you to. I wanted to show you that I could completely control you.”
Jakub smiled gently at the pair. “Besides, it doesn’t take any special powers to see you two are in love. Now listen, I am growing tired and I must finish. Please forgive me for hypnotizing your sister into telling you to come here with the amulet, but I need you to take the amulet to the site at Gobekli Tepe and bury it.”
Abraham broke his long silence. “I will go with you. I’m familiar with the site and Sumerian mythology as well. I’m convinced that Jakub is correct. The amulet is very powerful and none of us can know what evil spirits might be conjured up with it. It needs to be neutralized, buried again.”
Ryan and Lexi were both astounded by what had just happened. Now, there was no doubt in their minds that everything Jakub said was true. “Of course, we are going to get Kate and we will bury this as deep as we can up there.” They both walked toward the door next to Abraham.
Jakub called out one last warning. “Whatever happens, do not try to use the amulet in the manner I just did. Bury it! Bury that thing deep in the ground where it belongs.” Jakub stood up and said, “go now please, I am very tired.”
The three silently walked out into the blinding afternoon sunlight. Everything that Jakub had shown them left them utterly speechless. It was one thing to hear fantastic stories of a supernatural nature, but it was something else entirely to witness it firsthand.
“Wow. Just wow.” Lexi said.
Ryan stopped and looked at her “Wow is right. I still can’t comprehend how that worked. I don’t think I ever will, but I’m convinced now that Jakub is right. Kate is getting herself into a world that is very dangerous. The people that she has been seen with are probably looking for the amulet. She probably told them it’s buried out there still.”
“Yes, I think so too. Now that we have all seen just one of the powers of the amulet.” Abraham paused, taking in the sights around him. “Ryan, please contact your friends from Mossad and let them know where we are headed. I think they can help in getting us into the area. I’ll stop by your hotel this evening and then we can discuss our plans over a meal.”
Chapter Twelve
RYAN LOOKED OVER into the bedroom of the suite and saw that Lexi was sound asleep on the bed. He had brought the locked cases up from the vehicle and went through the items. One case held the pieces for a complete M-16, two semi-automatic pistols, his revolver, a very large sniper rifle, and plenty of ammunition.
The other case contained a complete first aid kit as well as hand-held GPS units. He tried to come up with a plan to gain entrance into the area of the site with all of his equipment. If they were to go into the country as tourists they might not get permission to cross into that province, due to the conflict unfolding across the border. A quick call to Ben for help with insertion gave him few resources. Mossad wouldn’t be of any help to him
, but Ben provided Ryan with a contact in the border region that would be traveling close enough to observe Kate for a short while.
Lexi stood in the bedroom doorway, stretching her arms out. When she saw the array of weapons spread out on the floor in front of Ryan, her stretch came to an abrupt end. “Holy cats, Ryan! What are you expecting?” Except for the brief rescue in Colombia Lexi had only gotten to know the relaxed and gentle Ryan. Though, she knew that sooner or later she would get to know his other side.
“Anything. Everything. You have to prepare for the worst. That’s the only way to approach this situation. There are way too many unknowns, Lexi. My focus is keeping you safe while getting your sister the hell out of there.”
“Okay, Ryan I understand your reasoning, but I thought you said the area wasn’t dangerous. Is there something I ought to know about?”
“No it WASN’T that dangerous, but now I really don’t know what to expect. You’ve got Kate wandering around some archaeological dig, poking for spooky magic, not to mention spirits and a pissed off night demoness. Listen, I have no idea if I could even kill one of those things if it came to that, but I sure as hell would want to give it my best fight. I’m hoping that Abraham will have some answers on all this when he gets here.”
Lexi watched two ships out on the horizon slip away from the edge of the world from the balcony doorway. “I hope he does too. At this point I’m desperate to just take all this information and come up with a plan to get Kate.”
“I made a few calls. I contacted someone that Ben hooked me up with in the area. He plans to be going through the region today. I asked him to see if he can locate exactly where Kate is and give us a general idea of her activity. We should hear back pretty soon.” Ryan started packing away his gear while Lexi went to get ready for Abraham’s visit.
