The Ark Approach Read online

  By Dan Arnold

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are a work of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance or reference to any actual locales, events or persons, living or dead is entirely fictional and is intended as entertainment only.

  THE ARK APPROACH

  COPYRIGHT © 2017

  DAN ARNOLD

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BOTH FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC. THIS BOOK OR ANY PORTION OF IT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR PRESENTED IN ANY MANNER WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR.

  Cover design by Dan Arnold

  Cover art © Dan Arnold

  To Lora

  Thank you for challenging me, encouraging me and being my biggest fan.

  To my children, grandchildren and theirs, and anyone else who happens to read this work of my… imagination?

  I hope you enjoy this book and learn something about our world, yourself, and maybe even just a little about the author.

  PROLOGUE

  Even this far under the city, Jeremiah ben Hilkiah could hear the trumpet calls and the clamor of battle echoing down the tunnel walls. The city of Jerusalem would soon be sacked and her inhabitants put to the sword. He had no intention of allowing the box or the sacred objects it contained to fall into Nebuchadnezzar II’s hands.

  Jeremiah had a God given gift, a gift that came with a curse. Jeremiah was a prophet, a spokesman for the Most High. He was given knowledge of the future for his people. Sometimes knowledge hurts. Knowing Jerusalem was doomed to destruction even before the siege began, Jeremiah conspired to secure a safe hiding place for the most important objects housed within the Holy of Holies.

  After one last, long look at the box, he nodded at the workmen to finish sealing the walls.

  Under cover of darkness the previous night, with the aid of faithful Temple guards, Jeremiah and his apprentice, Baruch ben Neriah, spirited the box away from the Temple into one of the myriad tunnels under the city. Now, just before the city fell, these tunnel walls would be sealed and concealed until such time as the city and the Temple saw restoration as a place where God would once again be glorified.

  It was a violation of Hebrew law for anyone other than the high priest to enter the Holy of Holies. Even the high priest only entered the inner sanctum once a year, at Yom Kippur, to conduct the sacrifice as an offering for sin. So holy was the place and its contents, the high priest wore a rope around his waist and bells on the edge of his garments when he went in there. If the bells stopped ringing, the other priests outside would realize the high priest was dead, killed by the shekinah glory of God, and they could pull on the rope to drag his lifeless corpse back out.

  Jeremiah, even in his capacity as the Prophet of the Most High, entered into the Holy of Holies knowing he risked his life and that of his apprentice. It was only by the grace of God they were not struck down.

  The corrupt high priest and his minions probably wouldn’t discover or dare reveal the sacred objects had disappeared from the Holy of Holies right under their very noses.

  Only five men including Jeremiah knew the hiding place of the box, and the battle conditions assured by the end of the day they would probably all be killed in combat.

  The sounds of battle grew louder and nearer now, punctuated with the screams of women and those falling before the onslaught of Nebuchadnezzar II’s Babylonian army. It meant the walls were breached. Now, the fighting would spread throughout the city until the last defender of Jerusalem fell.

  He warned his people many times, but they would not listen. Knowing what would transpire, Jeremiah’s heart was broken. For this reason Jeremiah ben Hilkiah became known as the weeping prophet.

  Chapter 1

  Looking up from the bottom of a pit on the inner edge of a stone walled circle on a South African hilltop, Dr. Jacob Walker tilted his straw cowboy hat back on his head. His view of the puffy clouds in the pale blue sky reminded him of the recent loss of his friend, Phillipe Robicheaux. He’d been killed in a helicopter crash as the result of gunfire from an unknown assailant.

  It wasn’t an odd thought to have while standing in a grave. The discolored soil at his feet and a few small items still half buried were all that remained of someone who’d been laid to rest inside this kraal, perhaps a thousand years before. Here he was, in a hole in the earth, standing above a person long dead, looking toward the heavens.

  His preoccupation with death and the afterlife passed as soon as he recognized it.

  He was alive. Yesterday was a memory and tomorrow was only a dream. Today was the only day he had. Today was a good day to live.

  “Well, Dr. Walker, what do you think?”

  Jake glanced up at his colleague, Professor Angus McPherson.

  “It’s difficult to tell, but it seems to support our earlier conclusion that this kraal is roughly a thousand years old. You’ll have to analyze soil samples as well as identify and catalogue these objects. The earth that’s been removed should be sieved for any bone fragments or other artifacts. Any further digging should wait until all that is finished. I’m disappointed of course. I’d hoped you’d find skeletal remains, but the acidity of the soil in this location makes that impossible. Pretty much all the biological evidence has dissolved.

  To answer your question, Professor McPherson, I think there was only one person buried in this grave. I suspect as you expand the excavation inside this stone walled circle you’ll find additional graves in similar condition.”

  “Yes, I agree. It is disappointing though.”

  “Most of the other kraals are located on more alkaline soils. It’s a shame this kraal is so recent. I’m convinced some of the others are at least ten thousand years old, even older. I’m confident you’ll make significant discoveries when you conduct your archeological research on one of them.”

  “Cursed luck, out of all the thousands available, we picked the wrong kraal to dig first.”

  “I wouldn’t say that. Confirming this is an ancient burial site is still an important contribution to the knowledge base. It proves the kraals in this location were more than just a bunch of old cattle pens. As other South African circles of stone are excavated, there’s no telling what you’ll find.”

  “I suppose you’re right, but…”

  “Help me out of here, will you? I’m still a little stove up.”

  Leaning down to give his colleague a hand, Professor McPherson asked, “What’s it been now, six weeks?”

  “Six weeks and three days. I was in hospital for the first two.”

  “Do the authorities have any new leads?”

  “No. Whoever shot down our chopper knew what they were doing.”

  “Why? Why would anyone want to do such a thing?”

  “There is evil in the world, Professor McPherson. Someone wanted to kill us. They killed my friend Phillipe and the geologist, Dr. Adrienne Whitaker, is still in a coma. I’m the only one who walked away. Well, I crawled away, but you know what I mean.”

  “What’s next for you, Dr. Walker?”

  “I’m going to Israel. A friend contacted me with a very intriguing proposal. When I’m through with that project maybe I’ll come back to help decipher the cultural relevance of whatever artifacts and other discoveries you make.”

  “Let’s hope that happens.”

  “Which part, that I’ll come back?”

  Professor McPherson laughed.

  “Both. I especially like the part about making meaningful discoveries.”

  “I’m sure you will. There’re enough of these stonewalled circles, just here in South Africa, to keep you busy for the rest of your life. I believe what you discover could change history and science textbooks forever. ”

  “I hope so, from your mo
uth to God’s ear. Good hunting in Israel, Dr. Walker.”

  “Thank you, the same to you.”

  Chapter 2

  Because Israeli security at Ben Gurion airport was so tight, Dr. Jacob Walker had to meet his ride outside. There was some congestion, but due to his height and ubiquitous cowboy hat, his Uber driver found him.

  As they drove past Beit Rikva College, the energetic young Palestinian man struck up a conversation.

  “Is this your first trip to Israel, Dr. Walker?”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “What brings you to the holy land?”

  “I guess you’d say I’m a tourist.”

  “Terrific, I know everything about Tel Aviv. You will love the beach and the night life is superb.”

  “So I hear.”

  “You have me taking you to Tel Aviv University. It isn’t exactly a popular tourist destination.”

  The statement, accompanied by an expectant expression was framed as a question.

  “It’s the primary international studies University in Israel. I imagine there are a lot of foreign visitors.”

  The highway traffic flow brought them toward the glitteringly modern Tel Aviv skyline more quickly than Jake would’ve expected.

  The young Palestinian driver glanced at him in the rearview mirror.

  “Sure, lots of students and their families go there, but not tourists. Why are you going there?”

  “I have a friend on the faculty.”

  “How long will you be staying?

  “Not long. Tomorrow, we’re going to Jerusalem.”

  “Of course, everyone goes to Jerusalem. Why are you going there?”

  Jake found the questions a bit too pointed.

  “Like you said, everyone goes to Jerusalem.”

  “Is there some special connection, or are you just a history buff?”

  “I’m a history buff. As you know, Jerusalem has been pivotal in much of human history, and it’s an important city to Christians, Jews and Muslims.”

  “Which are you?”

  “I’m a Christian.”

  “Listen, if you’ll tell me where you’re staying tonight, I can arrange to be your Uber driver tomorrow. I’d be delighted to drive you over there.”

  “I think my friend will be driving.”

  The young man shrugged.

  “Oh well, you can’t blame a guy for trying.”

  Jake grinned.

  “In my line of work we have a saying. If you want to succeed, you have to start digging.”

  “Do you mean that literally or figuratively?”

  “…As often as not, both.”

  “What line of work are you in?”

  “I’m an anthropologist.”

  “Wow, that’s a broad field of study. What’s your specialty?”

  Jake chuckled.

  “I’m particularly interested in lost ancient civilizations and how they influence modern humanity.”

  “Oh, you mean like the lost continent of Atlantis and stuff like that?”

  “Right, stuff like that.”

  “Huh, what’s the connection to Jerusalem?”

  Jake decided that was one too many questions to be trusted.

  “None that I’m aware of,” Jake said. “Like I told you, I’m just a tourist.”

  What was up with this guy? The young man’s level of interest in his plans and reasons exceeded that of casual curiosity. Had word of Jake’s coming to Israel reached someone’s ear? If so, whose ear, and why did they care?

  Chapter 3

  To Dr. Jacob Walker’s delight, Tel Aviv University proved to be as modern and attractive as any he’d ever seen. He slowed as he walked through the hall of the Institute of Archeology at TAU. There were glass display cases lining both sides. Beautifully lighted amphorae, cuneiform tablets and other artifacts attracted his attention.

  He stopped at one case, studying a terra cotta, three thousand year old plaque depicting a naked female figure. It reminded him of the deity known as, Qadesh. She was standing on the back of a lion holding a lotus plant in one hand and a cobra in the other. The tablet was from just before the time of King Solomon. Jake was reminded of how Solomon was led astray, having married women who were not Hebrews, and followed after other gods. He was seeing a graven image of one of those foreign gods often worshipped in ancient Israel.

  “We found that at Tel Beth-Shemesh”, Professor Mordechai Horowitz said, as he stepped up beside the tall American.

  “Morty! How are you?” Jake shook hands with the man who held the highest position in the Department of Archeology at TAU. Jake Walker was nearly a foot taller than his friend.

  “Even though you’re supposed to meet me in my office, Jake, I figured you’d get hung up out here.”

  “Yep, you know me. I’m a sucker for a pretty lady.”

  “Come along with me. We’ll talk in my office.”

  Once the two men were seated in the glass enclosed office adjacent to and overlooking the research and preservation laboratory, Mordechai got straight to the point.

  “Jake, what I’m about to tell you must be kept in the strictest confidence. Can I count on you?”

  “Of course you can.”

  “I mean it, Jake. This is such a serious matter, what we discuss today must never be mentioned to anyone, and I mean not anyone outside this room. Is that clear?”

  “Tell me, Morty, why are you so concerned?”

  “As you are no doubt aware, archeology in this part of the world is fraught with political and social implications. Jerusalem is an important city to three religions.”

  Jake nodded, so Mordechai continued.

  “There is considerable conflict between the Arab and Jewish authorities whenever there is any kind of archeological research conducted in the nation of Israel. This makes some research impossible.”

  “What type of research are you talking about?”

  “The principle conflict centers in Jerusalem, on the Temple Mount.The Jews believe the ancient site of Solomon’s Temple should, at the very least, be shared and protected.A great deal of destruction has already occurred there. The Muslims claim that according to Islamic law, it all belongs to them because of theAl-Masjid al-Aqsa Mosque being situated there.”

  “Do you mean The Dome of the Rock?”

  “Correct. Any time we tried to conduct research on the Temple Mount they claimed we were destroying Islamic property. Rioting ensued. The last time it happened, three people died and hundreds were injured. Our government has stopped all archeological research on that site.”

  “Didn’t some Arab gunmen bring guns to the Mosque and kill two Israeli policemen?”

  “Yes, and now we’ve installed metal detectors at the approaches to the Temple Mount to prevent that from happening again. As a result, the Palestinian government has broken all contact with the Israeli government.”

  “So, it’s a powder keg. What does that have to do with me?”

  Mordechai looked away, thoughtful for a moment.

  “Listen, Jake, you know I’m not a religious man…Here’s the thing, this situation is religious in nature. There’s no getting around it. We can’t pretend there isn’t a connection to all three of the major world religions. No matter what we do or what we find, there will be tremendous fallout. The University can’t be seen as being involved. The Israeli government wouldn’t touch this with a ten foot pole. In fact, if they knew ‘officially’ what we’re about to do, they would have to stop us. There are militant Muslims who would kill to stop us.”

  “That’s not very encouraging. Why even bother?”

  “It’s about timing. I’m told there is a credible threat to the site. Unless we locate certain artifacts and remove them to a safer location, they will be stolen or destroyed.”

  “Where did you hear this?”

  Mordechai looked down at the faux marble Formica desktop. He pinched the bridge of his nose and rubbed his eyes with his fingers before replying.

  “I can�
��t tell you that, Jake. Let me just say there are many layers and multiple players behind the scenes.”

  “OK, I think I understand, but how did you become involved?”

  “Actually, I’m not involved. I’m just a go-between. All I’m doing is giving you some direction. Officially, the University has no knowledge of your actual intended task. As far as we know you’re a highly respected anthropologist who will be doing some exploratory research about half a mile from the Temple Mount. You’ve asked us to secure the required permits and provide our imprimatur on anything you find or publish. In addition, we’ll arrange for workers and security. There is no connection to the Temple Mount.”

  “You haven’t told me what I’m supposed to find, and I haven’t told you I’ll do it”

  “We need you to do this, Jake. As an outsider, you will not be seen as a threat. We’ve gone to some trouble to set this up so you won’t be implicated.”

  “Implicated in what? What are these artifacts you want me to find?”

  Professor Horowitz looked him in the eye and said, “Jake, we want you to recover the Ark of the Covenant.”

  Chapter 4

  Dr. Jacob Walker leapt to his feet, stunned by what his friend was telling him.

  “…The Ark of the Covenant! Are you insane? That’s one of the most elusive artifacts in human history. Some say it never existed. Others believe it was stolen by the Babylonians. There’s even the story about it being in Ethiopia. Everyone saw those Indiana Jones movies, you know, where it ended up being stored in an underground federal vault in the United States. The only thing certain is that no one knows where it is.”

  Dr. Mordechai Horowitz shook his head.

  “That is the prevailing opinion. Are you aware there are stories about it having been located, right here in Jerusalem?”

  “Sure, stories, there’s no end to the stories. That’s my point, rumors and speculation is unending. What’s your point?”