Chapter 58: Getting Somewhere

~ Jaden pressed close and peered over Esther's shoulder, trying to get a glimpse into the room that she had finally gotten around to escorting them to.

"Here is where you will work," she announced, confirming Jaden's theory that it was, at long last, time to get to the task of this level. As he stepped into the room with Andrew and Takyle right behind him, Jaden looked around for some indication of what that task might be, any clues as to its nature or form.

The room was sunny and open, containing a couple of high tables, wooden, serviceable. There were also a few shelves of tools, and a couple that held various other objects. The tables each contained a scattering of things as well. Other than that, the room was depressingly void of anything that would hint at what they might be asked to do.

Behind them Esther Barcelworth cleared her throat daintily. Jaden hated the sound.

"There are a few things here that need cleaning and cataloging. When you are done Samuels with check your work." She turned as if to leave the room. Andrew raised an eyebrow.

"Um, excuse me? Cataloging? Cleaning? Are you serious?" Esther looked back at him. She looked serious.

"Please don't be too long, there are other things to be attended to. You should find everything that you need here." And with that, she walked out, closing the door behind her.

"Ok, what the hell?" demanded Andrew. Takyle moved over to the first table and surveyed the objects on it.

"Apparently we are to clean and catalog these artifacts," she responded, calmly.

"Yeah, so I gathered. But why?" Takyle shrugged.

"Because she told us to. Either of you study archaeological methods much?"

"I've got a passing knowledge of techniques from what I've read, but I've never done any of it myself," offered Jaden. Takyle nodded.

"Well it looks like that's the best we've got. Tell us what we're supposed to do." Jaden moved to stand beside Takyle and looked over the items spread out on the table. Several pieces of pottery, a roll of papyrus, some metallic jewelry, coins, and goblets.

"Ok, for the pottery you're probably just going to use these brushes to clean the dirt off of them. After that, maybe a little water, unless there's painting or pigment of some kind. If that's the case I'd leave it alone for fear of messing it up. The jewelry could probably be cleaned like any other jewelry, and the scroll... That could be delicate. I'll take care of that one. Then if I mess it up she can just blame me and not you guys."

"We're in this together, Jay. We act as a team," Andrew reminded him.

"Yeah, but she already doesn't like me, so I've got no favor to lose. It might make a difference later, you never know." Takyle nodded thoughtfully.

"You do have a point."

"Thanks Takyle," said Jaden. "You know how I like positive affirmation."

"Yes, yes I do," she agreed, pulling a tarnished, silver circlet towards herself and picking up a cloth.

"Positive affirmation, my ass. You're an attention whore," Andrew laughed, just loud enough for Jaden to hear him. Jaden shook his head and tossed Andrew a soft, horsehair brush.

"The best kind. Get to work." ~