Chapter 17: Dark Verses

"It’s truly astonishing," Lenah remarked, her amazement evident.

"As I said, the original Rubaiyat became a gateway to satanism, a way to commune with Satan. Followers of Satan gained wealth and power, enticing others toward their beliefs. Aiden understood he couldn’t protect the Rubaiyat alone. So, he selected ten individuals who had intelligence, strength, unwavering beliefs, and influence in their fields."

"He shared all he knew about the Rubaiyat with them and bound them to a solemn oath to protect it and keep it hidden. This group of ten, led by a designated head, was named 'The Watchers,'" Jira explained, glancing at Lenah.

"Oh, The Watchers have been around since the 19th century!" Lenah exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes, my dear. The Watchers have been safeguarding the world for over a century. Aiden founded the group and trained its members to combat satanic forces and keep the Rubaiyat out of their reach," Jira elaborated.

"The ten members of The Watchers were tasked with protecting the Rubaiyat and mentoring successors, ensuring the group’s mission continued beyond their lifetimes," he continued.

"After years of vigilance, The Watchers successfully kept the original Rubaiyat hidden. But tragically, someone killed Aiden in a rage for withholding its location. His brother, Akama, became the new leader and took the Rubaiyat with him to Australia, where it eventually vanished without a trace," Jira recounted.

"Fifty-five years ago, Akama was murdered, and the book was stolen from him, disappearing before The Watchers could intervene. Since then, the original Rubaiyat has remained lost—until now. The person who has it has reignited the cycle of life and death," Jira concluded, leaning back in his chair, the weight of the story heavy on his shoulders.

"Jira, how do you know all this about the Rubaiyat and The Watchers?" Lenah asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Because, Lenah," Jira began, lifting his head to meet her inquisitive gaze, "A member of the Yarrabura Tribe of Australia journeyed to Iran to read the original Rubaiyat and later helped establish The Watchers. It was also a member of the Yarrabura who brought the Rubaiyat to Australia after the murder of the former leader."

"What are you saying?" Lenah asked, astonishment filling her voice. "Are you saying Aiden and Akama were members of our Yarrabura Tribe?"

"Yes," Jira confirmed. "Aiden and Akama were indeed part of our Yarrabura Tribe, which has lived in Australia for thousands of years."

"I had no idea," Lenah said, taken aback. "But Jira, how do you know all this about events that happened before you were born?"

Jira's voice grew heavy with sadness. "I know these facts because Aiden was my uncle, and Akama—his younger brother—was my father."

Lenah’s eyes widened in shock. "I never imagined that your ancestors discovered the hidden powers of the Rubaiyat and formed The Watchers to protect it from falling into the wrong hands."

"Yes," Jira replied. "A wise man from the Yarrabura Tribe uncovered the Rubaiyat's hidden truths and devised a plan for its protection. He met his end while safeguarding it. Then my father, chosen as the new leader of The Watchers, also fell victim in his attempt to protect the cursed Rubaiyat."

"That's why I've always sensed your deep attachment to The Watchers and the Rubaiyat," Lenah observed.

"I understand you have conflicting feelings about the Rubaiyat. Part of you appreciates its beauty and messages, while another part despises its dark meanings and the tragedies it has caused."

"Lenah, there are still many things you don’t know about the Rubaiyat," Jira said, taking a deep breath before continuing.

"The Rubaiyat took my father from me, and in the attempt to save him, I also lost my two older brothers to slaughter," he revealed, his voice thick with emotion.

"But my losses didn’t end there. When I received news of my father and brothers' murders, I rushed to see their bodies and perform their last rites. You know, Lenah, at that time, you were expecting our first child."

"While I was away, you fell down the stairs, and we lost our baby girl. If only I had been there during those crucial days, I might have saved her. But the Rubaiyat and its dark powers took her from us, and we never had another child," Jira confessed, a tear escaping his eye.

"Yes, I remember it all now, and I finally understand how your father and brothers met their tragic end. You never shared the full story before," Lenah acknowledged.

"Jira, I can’t help but wonder how the Rubaiyat created such chaos in the past. What was in it that blinded people and led to the murder of so many innocents?" Lenah pondered.

"You see, whenever someone misinterpreted the Rubaiyat and drew the wrong meaning, it set off a chain of unforeseen consequences. This often resulted in mysterious deaths and inexplicable phenomena. As the reader struggled to control the malevolent force unleashed by the Rubaiyat, they became haunted by visions of the past and tormented by the spirits of those they had wronged. Eventually, they were consumed by darkness," Jira explained solemnly.

As the truth behind the artifact's power unfolds, they find themselves caught in a web of intrigue and danger, where each revelation pushes them toward the brink of madness. The Rubaiyat's symbolic imagery evokes primal fears and desires, leading them to unravel its cryptic messages. They are thrust into a nightmarish realm of distorted visions and supernatural terrors, where the fabric of reality begins to fray.

"It’s all quite complex indeed. Now I finally understand why you’ve always been so preoccupied with the Rubaiyat and The Watchers," Lenah remarked.

"Yes, I am the current leader. I took this position the day my father and brothers were killed. Now, I need to find someone to take my place, but first, I have to locate the Rubaiyat and rein it in," Jira confirmed, rising from his chair. He headed inside, knowing that tomorrow he had an important meeting with someone he had longed to see.