Michael Falkes - Leather Travel Bag
The Michael Falkes
Tapping the cobbled streets with his silver jeweled walking stick, Michael Falkes could sense he was very close to having in his possession the final key that would prove imperative to unlocking a peculiar inheritance of the Falkes estate. As fate and legend converge, Falkes must complete the cycle of the dark past his name reflects. The quest for this inescapable piece of his families blood line has lent itself toward a series of countless travels - some of which lead to dangerous situations and troublesome dead ends. These last years especially, have been a maniacal rush of following every lead. Finally the documents are within his reach.
Turning a narrow corner the path abruptly opened onto a small circular courtyard, quaintly dressed as a secret garden of delicate canopied trees and potted plants filling the space with a riot of colour and scents. Neatly tucked away within this cul-de-sac, stood an entrance to a secluded book shop. Falkes grinned and shook his head, puzzled as to how his travels ended in this small town of no consequence and yet in it’s possession a jewel of discovery, the key to his past. His hand dropped down reflectively to the weathered travel bag slung on his shoulder -- always reassuring the safety of it’s contents, a book of ancient indecipherable script -- until now.
As the door opened to the shop, a rush of warm dry air burst forth, diffusing the atmosphere with the intoxicating scent of musk from old leather and ancient leaves of vellum. Michael Falkes, gentleman traveler, announced his desire to access a certain collection of fine manuscripts. Olivia quickly studied this mysterious guest taking in his sharp intelligent eyes, clean angular features, impeccable yet casual dress, and his time-worn leather bag slung across his chest that he firmly clutched with one hand. Curious as to how this stranger would know about her newest acquisition - she offered a brief greeting of introduction instead.
“Madam, have you not purchased of late a selection of fine manuscripts at a recent auction? I would like to extend a counter offer.”
“Mr. Falkes, I know not to what you are referring.”
Falkes paused indecisively, he knew he was running out of time, could he trust this woman, and did he have a choice? Reaching into his leather travel bag, Falkes slowly drew out the book and placed it on the counter. Olivia touched the soft vellum cover and read the title sheet with mounting interest. Pulling her black leather brief from under the counter, she withdrew the manuscripts hidden inside.
