A simple construction project in the rural German countryside unearths a deadly collection of World War II ordnance. The recovery process leads to the finding of iconic treasures, hidden centuries before the destructive conflict began.

Due to the find’s significance, secular and religious authorities reach out to Dr. Athania “Ania” Socratatos, a world-renowned expert on the origins of Western Civilization. Ania is invited to the archeological dig, already aware it could reveal ancient secrets—hers included.

Accompanied by Ben Airaldi, she travels to the site, under the guise of providing historical perspective. Ania never planned to tell all her secrets, especially to one person—but Ben was well on his way to figuring things out for himself.

Unbeknownst to all, however, a literal and proverbial Prince of Darkness seeks to find the hidden secret first.

About the author

J. Peter Barragan, a retired, specialized investigator, spent the last thirty years writing “just the facts.” Athania is drawn from his lifelong devotion to the Roman Catholic Faith, coupled with a vivid imagination and a family tradition of storytelling. His current writing project, Alma Mater, is near completion. Barragan lives in Southern California with his wife, daughter, and son.