The Hunt - First Chapter

 

The Hunt

Episode 1 :

“It’s no secret that there are hidden treasures of immeasurable wealth within the walls of Meenakshi Amman Temple” Professor Marc said in his indifferent tone.

Dev was listening carefully.

“Why didn’t anyone bring them out all these years then?” Dev questioned the professor.

“Two things - first, the jewels and gold buried beneath the temple are considered sacred and it is believed that an unimaginable plague would engulf anyone who tries to even touch the wealth. Second, No one knew how to reach the treasure and retrieve it back. The paths leading to the treasure were all lost for long.” Marc finished his lecture.

“Like in any other treasure hunt story! Well, how are we going to take it out, then?” Dev asked.

“With your help of course” Marc winked.

Marcus Procter was a professor of history in Madurai Thiyagaraja College. He was in his 50s, sported a French beard and was known for smoking a pipe all the time. He was of Anglo Indian Origin and all his hair had turned grey. He was a native of Madurai, where his forefathers had settled down several years ago.

Devendren, was a well-built athlete, in his early twenties. He was a student of history, having got his degree from the Madurai Thyagaraja College. He was not that good with his studies but had an eidetic memory that helped him clear his exams and get a decent score. He had a knack for history and was the favourite student of prof. Marc.

Marcus was born and brought up in Madurai and the majesty of the city had always bewildered him. The symmetry and the way it was constructed around the Madurai temple several hundred years ago, always had him in awe. He had done an extensive research on the temple and the city.

“How could I help sir?” Dev was quizzical.

“Your photographic memory is going to help us” Marcus smiled for the first time in the entire conversation.

“How?”

“Fifteen years of research my boy, and I found the place where the treasures are hidden”.

“Sir?”

“This will be the greatest treasure hunt in India.. The wealth beneath the Madurai temple is far much more than those found at the Padmanabhan temple in Kerala.. Are you game?” The Professor made an offer Dev couldn’t refuse.

 

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