Chapter 22

My Visit with Hypatia

The next day at breakfast Yarrl announced he’d be at the docks for a while helping his assistant with a large set of scrolls received last week from India.

“If you have no other plans Artemus,” Hypatia turned to me with a smile. “I’d like to show you a recent acquisition. It’s an exceptional pair of maps of the western Mediterranean area with Hispania as a prominent feature. You might find them interesting.” I didn’t care much about maps, but was delighted to be invited to Hypatia’s office.

When I arrived she was at her work table. Scrolls were piled on shelves, and an apparatus that must have been used for mathematical demonstrations was on a small table in one corner.

“Hello John Newton, welcome to the fifth century, as I believe it is called in your time.” She looked up, grinning, and held out her hand for me to shake. “What do you think of our library?”

I was startled, flabbergasted, speechless for a moment. It felt good to be recognized by this important historical figure; but how and why does she know me? Does Punky know that she knows? Would he be upset about it?

“How long have you known who I am?” I babbled a little.

“From the beginning. I’ve been expecting you for a while.”

“How could that be?”

“Your arrival was foretold in a dream. That’s how the spirit world communicates with us. Then later a cat, crocodile, and vulture spoke to me in a series of dreams. They told me about you and your work as a librarian in the future; and that you would arrive at the library with Yarrl.

“They said Yarrl would call you Artemus, and I should call you John Newton. They explained how together we could accomplish much good.”

“That’s strange,” I frowned as I pulled my weird dream up from my unconscious. “I had a wacky dream with creatures, but there were only two, no cat. They said I had to pay them a visit; but I didn’t think that dream meant anything at all.”

“For us, dreams are an ordinary, accepted way to communicate.” Hypatia raised an eyebrow. “Maybe you haven’t had those kinds of dreams because you don’t expect them in your culture.

“John, the reason for our dreams and this meeting is important. We don’t have much time and there will be much to do. Please, sit down and relax.” She shifted slightly in her seat and her mood turned pensive.

For an instant I wondered whether these librarians and Punky were real, this was all so far out. Still, I felt like the same person I’d always been and I couldn’t turn away from her steady gaze.

“You’re here because we need your help.”

I sat down on a bench across from her, ready to listen and somewhat relieved I would finally find out why I was here.

“John, as you must have realized by now, the Library and my family are being threatened by Bishop Cyril and members of his Church.” She spoke fast, then paused for a breath.”

“Cyril has recently labeled me a witch, which puts me and my family on a watch list that might soon become a death list. I know you have much knowledge of the history of our time and what happens to me. I know my life will soon be over.” She stopped again to calm herself.

“Knowing that was hard to accept at first, but there’s nothing I can do to change it. So I’ve been preparing for the inevitable. I mean to save as much of the Library’s collections as I can and secure Yarrl’s safety. When Theon and I are gone, there’s no other family he can turn to.” She paused and looked down at her hands with a sigh.

“For some time, Theon, Synesius and I studied the desert to locate a safe haven for Yarrl and the Library collections. Last year we traveled to Baramus Monastery and met with Abba Arsenius. We believe it’s far enough from the Nitrian desert that Cyril’s monks will not be a threat.

“A small part of the duplicate core collection of scrolls and codices has already been moved and is now stored more than fifty miles south of here in the care of Arsenius in the Scetis Desert. There are a few monasteries nearby and it’s considered to be a holy place by Christians. The Library’s collection of sacred religious texts from the past and present are there also and should be well cared for in area monasteries. We plan to have many more of the core scrolls transported there soon.”

That sounded like a good plan, but I wasn’t sure how I could help.

“Over time, much information about these years, including the beliefs and worship of pagans and early Christians, will be lost. Right now the Church is busy changing the rules. Christians are being told what they must believe, and lies are spread about the pagans. Bishop Cyril’s threats against the Library grow harsher and more militant every week. It’s a scary time for many citizens of Alexandria.

“Theon and I are saddened by all this violence incited in the name of religion, as we realize that many people may die and our historic records may be lost. We hope this cache of library scrolls and codices will be preserved until a future time when people are ready to read with understanding about our different cultures, religions and truths about the spirit world as it relates to each individual.

“John, I believe that you, as a librarian, understand the value of these documents. Please say you’ll help us.” Surprised and overwhelmed, my words came in a rush.

“Of course, of course I will. I believe completely in what you and the other librarians are doing here and want to help.”

“Thank you so much, it will put our minds at rest. And please, you must go with Yarrl to Baramus Monastery.”

Overcome by emotion, I couldn’t speak. I was honored by her trust of my knowledge and belief that I could be of help to Yarrl. I nodded.

“As this Library and University will soon be no more, I fear the coming age will be a dark one. It has been foretold that much of the knowledge and wisdom now stored in the minds of people will no longer be passed from generation to generation. A prophecy from the Oracle of Amun has warned of this coming apocalypse.

“Yarrl will need someone with your knowledge and life experience to help him find a new path through this troubled time. Because you understand what lies ahead, you can help him adjust to changes in his life and work. Will you do that for us?” With that final plea, she sank back into her chair.

“Of course, Hypatia, I’m glad I can go with Yarrl to the desert and honored to have your trust. I’ll do whatever I can to help smooth the way for him.” Now that I knew why I’d been called here, I began to feel some confidence I could help this historic Library and these good people.

Hypatia looked relieved. Deep in thought, we both remained quiet for a few moments as that serious conversation settled. I realized I’d become a trusted member of the family and now had sizable responsibilities. A bit overwhelmed, I imagined Yarrl and I would soon leave for the desert.

After a few moments of reflection, realizing we might not meet again in private, I got brave and asked her about something personal.

“Hypatia, may I ask you about something that has never been made clear in my time?”

“John you may ask me anything.”

“Thank you. I have read a lot of history about this time, but I’ve found only a few ambiguous remarks about you and your beliefs concerning the Divine. I’ve always wondered whether or not you were a Christian. Would you tell me?”

“Are you asking if I belong to the Christian Church? Or are you asking if I believe in an ultimate Divine Source?” She paused as if to consider those two possibilities; then without waiting for clarification, continued. “I believe we all come from a Divine source. And if you choose to call that ultimate source God, then yes, I believe in God. Throughout history there have been many names for the Divine; which Christians now choose to call God.

“I believe we are all Divine. There is a spark of the Divine deep within. Each of us must look for it and bring it forth into the world in our own way.

“Ask yourself: Why wouldn’t we be Divine? We know of Divine intervention, do we not? Couldn’t that be possible for everyone? It’s been said that there are many paths, many ways to the divine realm. I agree with that, and believe that Christianity is only one of the ways. No one should tell another what path to take. Each of us must determine that for ourselves.

“For me, it will be a relief to transcend the limitations of this physical body.” She gave me a faint smile and we remained still and quiet for a time. I wondered if Hypatia also knew the coming dark age would be even more terrible than these troubles of her own time.

 NEXT.....Chapter 23
Prepared to Leave