Meanwhile, as everyone departed the Dining Hall, Vincent and Devin walked with their Father back to his chamber, and as they entered, Vincent began looking about for his Snow globe, and finally when he didn’t see it, he had to ask, “My Snow Globe Father, I know it was here yesterday before I took the children on their hike. Last night I told Devin the story behind the gift he had given me, and I wanted to show him the inscription on the bottom.”
Jacob, knowing Peter absconded the globe for repair, didn't quite know how to answer! And so he stammered a bit, as he cleared his throat and said, “Your snow globe you say? Hmm, it must be somewhere…”
But because Vincent was pressed for time, finally said, “Unfortunately, I haven't the time to look now, Mouse is waiting for me..."
Vincent then turned to Devin and regretfully said, "I will just have to show it to you when I find it Devin.”
To which Devin answered, "Yeah that's fine bud, you go, I can check it out later."
Meantime, Jacob who was thankful for the reprieve, also said, “Yes, so go, not to worry Vincent...it will turn up.”
Vincent then looked to them both, and with a sigh, he patted their shoulders, and said, “Enjoy your tea.”
And with that said, he bounded up the stairs, eager to finish the framing on Catherine’s Christmas gift.
As Jacob poured their tea, he chuckled as he told Devin about Vincent's snow globe which was in need of repair, and of how actually, Peter had taken it as per Catherine’s request, and added, "You see, she is hoping to have it repaired and fully restored in time for Christmas tomorrow."
Jacob then continued, “But I dare say, I’m not sure how long I can put Vincent off without him becoming too anxious about it.”
To which Devin said, “Yeah, I know what you mean, he really wanted to show it to me last night, broken or not. In fact he almost came back here to get it, but he figured you were asleep by then, and didn't want to disturb you."
Devin then added, "From everything Vincent told me though, the cryptic history of that globe is really awesome! I mean, to think I was the one who received the very globe Vincent's Catherine had donated! I mean I could have been handed any one of a hundred gifts, but I was given the globe, and because of what it symbolized, I gave it to my little brother...and though I hate to go there, but I shouldn't have even been in that line to begin with..."
To which Jacob raised his brow, and as he cleared his throat, he chuckled as he replied, "Yes, well perhaps we shant revisit that detail..."
But then Jacob profoundly continued, "...however it's true, all the details are quite awesome...but then...the emphatic connection or bond between Vincent and Catherine, at times has been quite, well as you say cryptic.”
Jacob then pensively questioned, “And I am not sure if it is possible to even chronicle the origin of their bond."
With an intense tone to his voice he concluded, "But I do know this, however you want to describe it, weird, uncanny, mysterious, or to use your word again...CRYPTIC...the globe’s history is really quite awe-inspiring.”
As Jacob handed Devin his tea, he asked, “Do you still take your tea with a stick of cinnamon?”
Feeling humbled his father remembered, Devin looked downward as he smiled and said, “Still do.”
And so Jacob reached into his pocket, and pulled out a folded linen envelope, and as he took out a stick of cinnamon from it, Jacob chuckled a bit as he said, "I ah, I asked William if he had any on hand this morning just in case you still took your tea that way, and as luck would have it..."
And so Jacob set the spiced twig, aside of Devin's tea cup, and as they shared a look over this nice gesture, Devin said, "Thanks Father..."
And with a warm refinement, Jacob said, "You are most welcome my son."
As Devin sat down with his cup of tea, he looked upon his Father’s desk, and as he took a closer look he guardedly noted, “Is this a King James Bible.”
Surprised, Devin could recognize what version the Bible was by a mere glance, Jacob answered, “Why yes…yes it is.” Jacob then went on to explain the whole story of how he and John Pater had found this relic during their migration to the tunnels, and of how they shared custody so to speak. But it was only last night, because of Paracelsus’ change of heart, he relinquished his claim, giving sole ownership to him.
Devin looked back to the antique tome, and in an awestruck manner exclaimed, “This one looks really old! And it looks like…”
Before lifting the relic, Devin asked, “May I?”
Thinking Devin was onto something, Jacob answered, “Of course, of course.”
As Devin opened the bible, he laughed as he nodded saying, “Hmm I thought so…”
He then excitedly told Jacob, this was a 1611 first addition of the Authorized Version!
As Jacob hobbled closer to look over his shoulder, he asked, “How can you tell?”
To which Devin knowingly pointed out, “Well because of the title page. You see, the 1611’s title page shows the Apostles Peter and Paul seated above the central text, which is flanked by Moses and Aaron. And then the rest of the Apostles are standing around them. And look, at the very top is the Tetragrammaton "יהוה"! It’s all right here, very very cool. Not to mention the print type!"
Impressed with Devin’s deciphering of the information before him, Jacob noted, “You sound very learned in this area.”
Humbly, Devin answered, “Well you learn a few things while working for the acquisitions department at the University of Manitoba, whether you mean to or not.”
Astonished, Jacob inquired, “Way up in Winnipeg? Canada?”
Expecting a scolding or a remark of sorts, with a nod, Devin guardedly said, “Yeah, way up in Canada.”
But instead of a disapproving comment, Jacob instead impressively said, “Hmm, imagine that!”
Meantime, Devin was relieved by his father’s reaction, and privately thought one day, he would reveal the full extent of his travels to him, places so far and remote, it truly would stun him. But for now, he left it at this, and then warmly conveyed, “I have traveled far Father, its funny, I guess I needed to go away, just to find my way back home.”
Affected by Devin’s reply, Jacob put his arm about his son and said, “Yes, sometimes we do have to step back to recognize where we are happiest.”
They both fell silent for a moment reflecting on the association between them. They were both from this underground civilization, Jacob, an unconventional father who had developed this place, and Devin, his wayward son who had left, but chosen to come back. Both feeling connected once more, because they each called the Tunnels, home.
Changing the subject back to the subject of his King James Bible, Jacob lightened the tone as he cleared his throat, and excitedly asked; “Now Devin, tell me more of what you know about my acquisition here.”
Grateful for the transition, Devin thoughtfully said, “Well let me see, it’s been awhile since my tenure there, but, well I DO recall, that most of the remaining First Editions at the time, were either owned by The British Museum, The Biblical Museum in Jerusalem, some in university libraries here in the United States, and then the remainder, were owned by wealthy collectors."
Devin then added, "But an intact King James First Edition Bible almost never goes up for sale, but I do remember hearing one sold at a Sotheby's auction for a staggering $143,000.00.”
Upon hearing the rarity of his Bible, Jacob whispered, “Staggering, staggering indeed!”
As Devin recalled some more appealing facts, he amusedly pointed out, “Here's something I know will be of interest to you Father, it is said that Shakespeare translated psalm 46. Some of the clues or hints were that in 1611, Shakespeare was 46 years of age. And realize the number 46 is important, cuz if we take Psalm 46, the 46th word from the beginning is ‘shake’ and the 46th word from the end is ‘spear’! Ahh it is all supposition, and then again, many believed it was Francis Bacon who did much of the translation anyhow, and Shakespeare got the credit. But who knows, so much is in dispute.”
To which Jacob picked up the Bible, and flipping through the Psalms, Jacob asked, "Psalm 46 you say?"
And so as they leafed through together, they found the Chapter, and read:
1 [To the chiefe Musician for the sonnes of Korah, a song vpon Alamoth.] "God is our refuge and strength: a very present helpe in trouble.
2 Therfore will not we feare, though the earth be remoued: and though the mountaines be caried into the midst of the sea.
3 Though the waters thereof roare, and be troubled, though the mountaines SHAKE with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a riuer, the streames wherof shall make glad the citie of God: the holy place of the Tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her: she shal not be moued; God shall helpe her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdomes were mooued: he vttered his voyce, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with vs; the God of Iacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the workes of the Lord, what desolations hee hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh warres to cease vnto the end of the earth: hee breaketh the bow, and cutteth the SPEARE in sunder, he burneth the chariot in the fire.
Jacob was quite taken aback, to hear these facts from Devin about his beloved Shakespeare and Bacon, and as they became immersed in their conversation about theology and such, much time had passed, and their tea had grown cold before them.
And when Jacob realized he should be checking on the preparations for the Christmas Eve Celebration, they both agreed to revisit this subject, and continue their conversation later.
So as they set out into the tunnel main, this time it was Devin who considerately slipped his arm through his father’s, aiding him in his walk as they made Jacob’s desired rounds.
One stop would be, to Vincent’s chamber to see how he and Mouse were doing.
And so as they walked along, Jacob chuckled a bit as he noted, “Listen to me saying Vincent’s chamber, I suppose I should be saying your and Vincent's chamber now shouldn't I?”
Jacob then thought to offer, “Unless you would like to lay claim to a chamber of your own? Kanin’s previous chamber before he married Olivia is still vacant…”
But then Jacob thoughtfully scratched his chin as he recalled, “…but then there may be a reason for that, there is a protruding stone in the middle of the threshold’s floor, which either you trip on, or you have to walk around it as you enter! Very annoying very annoying in deed.”
Devin was about to reply, when Jacob optimistically added, “Ah yes, and I nearly forgot about Winslow’s empty chamber. May he rest in peace.”
To which Jacob sadly surmised, “Ahh, but I suppose Winslow’s old chamber may be difficult for you to...”
Thoughtfully, Devin interjected, “Father, I will think about those options, but for now though, until I feel I am crowding my little brother, it’s kinda nice staying there with him. It’s giving us some time to reconnect ya know?”
Softly, Jacob replied, “I understand, we will leave it at that then.”
Meanwhile, Vincent stepped back to admire the completed project and appreciatively said, “Thank you Mouse, once again, your help has been immeasurable!”
Proudly Mouse replied, “Looks good. Devin will like it.”
Vincent then urgently said, “Now I must find a place to conceal my brothers gift so he won't accidentally stumble upon it.”
Vincent then wrapped the sphere shaped object in cloth, and carefully placed it into his trunk, when just then, Jacob and Devin entered, causing Mouse to clear his throat coughing in warning to Vincent!
To which Jacob commented, “Mouse your cough sounds terrible! Shall I have a look at you?”
In reply Mouse answered, “I’m good FATHER and DEVIN. Must be the dust!”
Stealthily, Vincent rose up from the trunk, and with an appreciative nod to Mouse, he then graciously greeted Jacob and Devin, and asked, “How was your tea?”
“Tea?” Chuckled Jacob, “I dare say, I nary had a sip!”
Jacob then went on to explain of how he and Devin lost complete track of time talking ethics, and of how Devin was a fount of information about his King James!
Then Devin spoke up too, and excitedly shared with Vincent and Mouse, “When I realized what Father had, I couldn’t believe it! I mean scholars and dealers of religious artifacts claim there are less than a hundred of those First Editions!”
Vincent listened to his Father and brother as they eagerly relayed their time together. And as he looked from one illuminated face to the other, he was so pleased and thankful they seemed to have found some common ground. And he thought perhaps, this shall turn out to be what he had wished for them, which was a chance to find their one thing that shall bind them together.
As they wound up the recap, with interest, Devin asked Vincent and Mouse, “Did you finish your soldering project?”
To which Vincent proudly said, "Yes,we finished the framing on both of the stained glass designs.”
Vincent then splayed his hand toward the table where they were cooling, and asked them, “Would you like to see how they turned out?”
Eagerly Jacob replied, “Indubitably! Yes, yes indeed!”
As they looked at the designs, Jacob and Devin both marveled at the artisan-ship involved.
To which Jacob curiously questioned, “How did you manage to do this without electricity?”
In response, Vincent turned to Mouse, wanting to give him the much deserved kudos, and asked him to explain the process.
And so Mouse proudly showed off his piece of machinery, and said, “Used this!”
Defensively, Mouse looked to Jacob, and quickly added, “Found it Father, not stole it!”
Raising a brow, Jacob said, “Yes yes, well WHERE it was found, IS the question!”
He then waved his hand, as he vehemently stated, “And I do NOT want an answer to that question Mouse!”
As Mouse stammered out an explanation anyhow, they all chuckled at the uncertainty, the junk pile he said he found it on, was in fact, a legit free-for-all!
So in an attempt to get his friend off the hook, Vincent put his arm around his pixilated buddy, and conveyed, “What I can tell you for certain is this, without my friend Mouse’s aid, and his knowledge of machinery, I wouldn’t have been able to bring my idea for Catherine’s gift to fruition.”
Beaming with pride, Mouse modestly inserted, "Machines are easy to understand!"
Full of pride, Jacob complimented Mouse too, as he said, "I must admit, there have been times your knowledge and acquisitions of said machines, have, shall we say, saved our bacon!"
Vincent totally agreed, and then turning to Devin, he sited different examples to highlight Mouse's expertise!
After expressing how genuinely impressed he was with Mouse's talent, Devin, interested in the little machine before them, transgressed, and asked, “Hmm, so how does this one work?”
To which Mouse happily explained, “Turn the handle here and it stores power for the soldering gun.”
With caution Vincent added, "However, because of the fact it perseveres the electricity just so long, soldering is a timely process. So Mouse and I did a little each day.”
Impressed with the work involved, in an awestruck manner, Jacob commented, “Imagine that! The soldering task aside, I must say, these depictions are really beautiful, Catherine will be truly delighted with her gift!”
Proudly, Vincent relayed, “That is my wish Father.”
Devin agreed, and then asked Mouse, “Hey maybe you could show me how to use that thing uh? This is great! Imagine the things you could do with it!”
In a Barney Phiffe like manner, Mouse protectively said, “Only I know how to use, but I will help you if you want!”
Realizing he overstepped his bounds with Mouse a bit, Devin respectfully said, “That’s a deal! I will let you know if I come up with a project Mouse.”
Just then a message from William sounded through the pipes asking for all hands on deck in the Great Hall! Final reparations for Christmas Eve are about to begin!