Undercover

Clockwork Nessie, Part 17

“This is a map of the inner caverns of the mountains around the loch that separate us from the ocean. Hundreds of years ago, the water level in the loch was much lower. Dog Island would have been at least ten times its current size. The entrance to the caves was at water level, allowing easy passage for a small vessel. The hidden chambers attracted seafaring types of a less than scrupulous nature.”

My brows shot up. “You mean like pirates?”

“Aye, those too, but mostly Vikings. The men were a bad lot who amassed a great fortune in their raids. They hid it and themselves in the caves. But, as thieves often do, they eventually turned upon each other. The last of the notorious marauders of the Northeastern Scottish coast, a man named Rathburn, hid his treasure in these caves so well it was presumed lost forever.” He tapped his finger on a point on the map. “This is where we are.” He traced a line to the upper right side of the map. “This is the North Sea and to the east is Norway. Following the Scottish coast south before crossing the sea, we arrive at Germany, Belgium and France. Plus tis always wise to have clandestine escape routes should we ever find ourselves at war.”

“So you and my father have been hunting for Rathburn’s treasure?”

(To Be Continued)