Incipimus Iterum – Late Arrivals

It was a cool way to hide something. Chris had to admit it. He had been in the antiques game for over twenty years. There had been countless public record searches and he had found many hidden things, and even more mysteries. However, this one had him more intrigued than he’d been in years.

He had returned to his shop on the outskirts of town, after leaving the abandoned amusement park. He was feeling intrigued about the name plate, and the unusual words engraved on the back of the plate. After researching the words he found them to be interesting. “To begin again.”

Then, he researched the manufacturer of the Whirlwind roller coaster. What was it about this name plate that had his client so interested? After an hour of research his only useful information was that the coaster cars weren’t unusual except that they were handmade.

Incipimus Iterum – Late Arrivals

The Whirlwind had been specifically designed for that amusement park. Every car was assembled by hand. And each one had the same basic design. They were identical. Chris had taken a pause here. In all his experience many of the hidden things he had found were in the open. For example, an opening latch disguised as a name plate.

This is what led him back to the old amusement park. For another late night adventure. Fortunately he was already experienced with stealthy maneuvers in the park. It hadn’t taken him long to find his way back to the old coaster.

In the dark, the old coaster seems brooding and large. An ancient barebones relic, that settles and groans under the moon. Additionally, the scent of old pine, and old paint is strong. Chris makes his way to the front car, where he had removed the name plate.

As he shines his flashlight along the base of the old car he sees the craftsmanship in the old woodwork. Now that he knew the coaster car’s history, he was able to appreciate the workmanship more. His eyes follow the beam of light, as he searches the base of the car. And then he sees it. A small wooden panel at the rear of the car, and it’s slightly ajar.

Late Arrivals

He carefully opened the panel and an ornate and finely made wooden box, had slid out from the compartment. Chris smiles. He had known there was more to this. Furthermore, his hunches were still trustworthy. However, that was the start of another mystery.

Now as he exits the highway and stops at the light he wonders if maybe he’s lost his mind. He’s over four hours away from his home. He traveled half a day, over an ancient piece of paper, and an old key. In his many years in the antique business, he had never seen a wooden box so ornately carved. It had only taken a moment to find the mechanism that opened it.

The old key was indeed old. Likewise the paper was more a parchment, and very old. There was writing on it, but not in any language he had ever seen. The only legible words on the paper, were this address he was now seeking. He was still waiting for his client to pick up the name plate. However, in the meantime, he wanted to know more about the wooden box

All Together

He turns onto the street with the address. He is sure it exists. A quick GPS search revealed that the property was definitely real. As he pulls up to the large and imposing structure, he notices a rather nice looking couple talking together.

They turn to watch him park. Chris is now beyond curious, as he exits his car and greets the couple on the front lawn.