A dangerous expedition. A precious artifact. A race
against time.
Museum curator and expert in antiquities AnaRose
Preston accepts the challenge to find one of Christianity’s holy relics
concealed in the hilt of a legendary dagger. Traveling throughout contemporary
France, she rushes to solve a historical mystery. But members of a secret
society stand in her way. AnaRose risks her life to locate the weapon before it
falls into the wrong hands.
Purchase
AnaRose thanked Jeffrey for his
generosity, promising to keep in touch as she entered the rented car. Frankie
sat behind the wheel, chatting with Jo, who claimed the passenger seat. Smiles,
waves, and more smiles ensued before Frankie stepped on the gas and drove out
of the medieval village.
Having the rear seat all to
herself suited AnaRose, preferring the solitude as she reviewed her emails and
research material. She FaceTimed a call with Dr. Boucher, observing Damien in
the background, taking notes of the discussion, documenting every detail, and
highlighting inquiries needing immediate answers.
“We are in possession of a map,
which may prove useful,” Dr. Boucher said. “Damien is sending a copy to your
phone, but we sent the original via FedEx yesterday. It is waiting for you at
your hotel in Richerenches.”
“To me, a map suggests
something is buried. But it could also refer to the location of a chapel that
probably no longer exists. In this case, it might lead us to the ruins,”
AnaRose said.
“My thoughts exactly,” Dr.
Boucher told her. “However, I don’t believe the dagger is in Richerenches. If I
am right, the Templar knight headed to Bar-sur-Seine, where the trail ends.
Something happened there, and my guess is the courier fell ill and died but not
before making a map of his location.”
“We have a dozen or so
commanderies to choose from. How did you narrow the playing field?”
“We have Damien to thank. A
reference in the Annals of the Twelfth Century cited a Bishop of Langres
visiting the Commandery of Avalleur and mentioned a Templar knight returning
from Jerusalem after its fall.”
“An artist painted the portrait
of Lord Balian sometime much later,” Damien interjected.
“If your premise is correct,
the painting should verify your hypothesis,” AnaRose told him.
“Monsieur Travers’ request to
see the original canvas is quite clever. It would seem the Templar knight
hadn’t taken his secret to the grave after all,” Dr. Boucher said. “I have
arranged for you to appraise the image tomorrow. You will solve the puzzle,
AnaRose. But tread carefully. Others are interested, and your safety might be
in peril.”
Mary Ann Bernal attended Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY, where
she received a degree in Business Administration. Her literary aspirations were
ultimately realized when the first book of The Briton and the Dane novels was
published in 2009. In addition to writing historical fiction, Mary Ann has also
authored a collection of contemporary short stories in the Scribbler Tales
series and a science fiction/fantasy novel entitled Planetary Wars Rise of an
Empire. Her recent work includes Crusader’s Path, a redemption story set
against the backdrop of the First Crusade, Forgiving Nero, a novel of Ancient
Rome, and AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest, a historical mystery adventure.
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