The Wailing Piano
It all started as a routine excavation in Palestine. But soon you find yourself racing across the desert on a mission to track down a legendary ancient relic before the Nazis can get their hands on it. And that's just the beginning. The Third Reich is mobilizing across the world in search of mysterious ancient Hallows of Power, objects that could put unimaginable supernatural forces into the hands of the armies of darkness. And the only thing standing in their way is you. Put on the worn boots of a 1930s braggart archaeologist and prepare for a wild journey around the world, encountering adventure, romance and mystery at every step. Do you have what it takes to locate the relics, defeat your enemies and save the world from a thousand years of darkness?
2
You zigzag through the streets of East Jerusalem, making for the old city walls. You dare not look back, but you hear the clamor of hotel patrons fleeing the American Colony, the barked orders in German and tramping feet. No doubt word is already being sent to the undercover Nazi patrols in the Old City, and the hunt is already on for you and for Sam and for this wretched manuscript that you haven't even looked at yet.
You press on, running hard past startled shopkeepers and cafeteria patrons, hoping Sam has evaded their pursuers. As you come out into the broad plaza in front of the Damascus Gate, you slow your sprint to a brisk stride. You are conscious of the British soldiers at the checkpoint and hope the Germans won't risk provoking a conflict with them.
Marching through the ancient gate, you avoid British eyes and find yourself immersed in the bustle and noise of the medina, buffeted by a dense crowd of pilgrims, tourists, and shoppers. As soon as you can, you duck into a quiet, shady alley, leaning against the wall and taking a long breath. You have a moment to think. But only a moment.
What did Sam say? Find me in Paradise. The Paradise is an illegal poker den over a cheap restaurant in the Armenian Quarter. You took Sam there last night. It's a clever choice for a rendezvous, its existence a well-guarded secret and so unlikely to be known to the Nazis. But the problem is that it's on the far side of the Old City, and you have no doubt Nazi patrols are already scouring the streets and alleys for you. So you must decide how best to proceed.