Viking Ships at Sunrise - Mary Pope Osborne [2]
“It’s good that you both came early,” said Morgan.
She reached into the folds of her robe and pulled out a piece of paper.
“Here’s the ancient story you must find today,” she said.
Morgan handed the paper to Jack. On it were the words:
The mysterious writing reminded Jack of the writing from their trip to the Roman town of Pompeii.
“That looks like Latin,” he said.
“Very good,” said Morgan. “It is Latin.”
“But I thought they spoke Latin in ancient Rome,” said Annie. “Aren’t we going to Ireland?”
“You are,” said Morgan. “But during the Dark Ages in Europe, educated people wrote in Latin.”
“The Dark Ages?” said Jack.
“Yes,” said Morgan. “The time after the fall of the Roman Empire.”
“Why is it called dark?” said Jack.
“It was a difficult time,” said Morgan. “People had to work very hard just to feed and clothe themselves. There was not a lot of time for playing, learning, or making art and music.”
Morgan pulled a book from her robe.
“Your research,” she said, handing it to Annie. The title read: Ireland Long Ago.
“Remember,” said Morgan. “Your research book will guide you. But in your darkest hour—”
“Only the ancient story can save us,” Jack and Annie said together.
“And remember this,” said Morgan. “It must be your darkest hour, when there is no hope left. If you ask for help too soon, it will not come.”
“And we have to find the story first,” said Annie.
“That is true,” said Morgan. “Do you have your secret library cards?”
Jack and Annie nodded.
“Show them to the wisest person you meet,” said Morgan.
“Don’t worry,” said Annie. “I think we’re ready now.”
Annie pointed at the cover of the Ireland book.
“I wish we could go there,” she said. She gave Morgan a little wave. “See you soon.”
“Good luck!” said Morgan.
The wind started to blow.
The tree house started to spin.
It spun faster and faster.
Then everything was still.
Absolutely still.
Jack opened his eyes.
The light was still gray, but the air was even damper and colder than in Frog Creek.
“Wow, I’m in a long dress,” said Annie. “It’s scratchy. Hey, I’ve got a little purse on my belt. It has my library card in it!”
Jack looked down at his own clothes.
He was wearing a shirt and trousers, made of heavy wool. He also wore leather slippers. And in place of his backpack was a leather bag.
“Wow,” said Annie, looking out the window. “This really looks like the Dark Ages.”
Jack looked out, too. He couldn’t see anything through the mist.
“It’s just because the sun’s not up yet,” he said. “I’d better check the book.”
Annie handed the Ireland book to Jack. He opened it and read aloud:
The early Middle Ages were once known as the “Dark Ages” because learning and culture nearly vanished throughout Europe. Scholars today praise the brave Irish monks who helped keep Western civilization alive.
“What do ‘civilization’ and ‘monks’ mean?” asked Annie.
“I think civilization is when people have books and art and good manners,” said Jack. “Monks are religious people who spend their time praying and reading and helping people.”
“Well, I don’t see any civilization or monks out there,” said Annie, pointing at the mist.
Jack pulled out his notebook. He wrote:
Then he looked at Annie. “If we find civilization, I think we’ll find the lost story,” he said.
“Let’s go,” said Annie. She lifted her skirt and climbed out the window.
Jack read more in the Ireland book.
The monks copied the ancient writings of the Western world. Before printing was invented, all books had to be written and copied by hand.
“Hey, we’re on a cliff!” Annie called from outside. “Above the ocean!”
“Be careful!” said Jack.
He stuffed the Ireland book and his notebook into his leather bag. Then he climbed out the window.
Annie was peering over the edge. Jack looked, too.
There was a rocky shore twenty feet below. Waves slapped against the rocks. Sea gulls swooped and glided above the sea.
“It doesn’t look like there’s any civilization down there,” said Jack.
“Maybe we should climb those,” said Annie. She pointed to steep steps cut into the cliff.
Jack looked