Chapter 21. The Archeologist
The Chief of the Security service called the Functionary to account. After some insignificant questions he enquired as if incidentally:
“How is the Seer?”
“Not bad. Truth be told, he is a too closed-mouthed person to talk about himself,” the Functionary followed the principle: what can be checked cannot be disputed.
“Did he inquire about the matter?” the Chief made no bones about it.
“The Seer is not so curious,” the subordinate bit back politely.
“What is his interest in this affair?” the Chief stared at him.
The Functionary could stand the steely glance and answered calmly,
“He is interested in the Stranger. Nothing more.”
“Why?”
“I haven’t the slightest idea, but I’m sure that he has a reason for this.”
“OK. Make him help us to find with the Stranger, we have lost him once again. He has dropped the mob in the train. It is too expensive to make scale arrangements for detention of a former archeologist. We have enough on our plate, which is far more important than searching for the now tramp.”
“I have looked through his dossier. He is neither a mere archeologist nor a tramp,” the Functionary objected. “He has a number of papers on field archeology, major research in study of scriptures. He is an expert in ancient manuscripts and dead languages. A famous person in certain circles. He is a follower of the so called Prince. Eight years ago, the Stranger was squeezed out from the scientific environment after he published the results of his research into sacred book prophesies and lately found ancient manuscripts. The Stranger tried to prove that the ancient prophets of all times, who lived long before the Prince, had anticipated his advent. After that, the Stranger was hunted. He was accused of contacts with riots, the information wasn’t justified though. We could trace the thread leading to the Hermit: about thirty years ago, he was famous as much as the Seer. The Stranger often visited him, and the Hermit is not a man to welcome around. He is also an adept of the Prince, but in contrast to the riots, had never incited people to armed struggle. We have lost him out of sight for a long time, it was hasty of us: such people need thorough watch or care.
After all, the Stranger was brought to trial. Based on crime information, his house was searched. The items were revealed that were found at archeological diggings of purportedly great historical value, but no reported to the Institute of antiquities. He stated that went to the length of crime since he had wished to bring to public the importance of the discoveries. He accused the Institute of antiquities of hiding valuable information for the benefit of the established opinion. He got a term: two years of imprisonment. The public Prosecutor, now deceased, you know who, considered the archeologist to pose a threat to public because of his extreme views, so he suggested that the court sentenced the accused to solitary confinement. His wife did not wait for him. Hardly had he was imprisoned, she filed for divorce, forbade their children to meet with the father. By the way, they are three. After emerging from jail (just in a year, since the manuscripts revealed were recognized faked), he was engaged in day-labor, and to the date, he has not been found to do anything suspicious.”
“Why did the prosecutor think the Stranger dangerous for society?” the Chief got that the tides turned.
“Not clear,” the Functionary shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe, something happened at the proceedings. We should find those who were present there, for, thanks to the Seer, we cannot ask him directly. I think the Stranger to have been sentenced wrong. He has numerous merits in his field. He used to find jars filled with gold and silver coins, but gave in everything to the government, living plainly. Perhaps, he could not afford a lawyer; at least, a defense attorney was not present in the court. When in army, he was a male nurse, participated in military actions, extricated casualties. Awarded for heroism. Tell the truth, the guy rejected all the awards.”
“I wonder,” the Chief was thoughtful for a while. Suddenly, he turned pale, feeling dry in the mouth, his fingers numb, severe pain pierced his breast, but he strung himself up to utter: “find out what happened at the proceedings, talk to the Seer, make him help us to find them.”
The Functionary left the building, and walking down the square dialed the number.
“Hello,” the croaking voice was annoyed.
“We need your help with a matter that is of interest for you too.”
“I see. There is no point in talking too much,” the Seer interrupted him. “You don’t know where the Stranger is, and want me to point at his location.”
“Yes. My commander wishes you to do this.”
“I won’t help your service. My request was of personal nature, I just wanted not to let the Stranger in the City, where deadly danger is reserved for him. Yet, even that was too much, we had no right to do this. Now, you have conspired unfair game, I do not play such games. And you would rather not!”
The Medium was satisfied with the Seer’s refusing to help the dogs and his harsh tone. She came up to him, and gave him a hug.
“Can we take action at last?”
“Not yet, I’m not ready. Let’s wait.”
The Seer tiptoed to kiss her on the neck.