CHAPTER 1
Carlisle was in his element when he was in the classroom lecturing to his students. He loved teaching as much as he loved archaeological fieldwork. His father was quite disappointed with him when he chose to become an archaeologist. So much so, that Carlisle had to put himself through school because his father wouldn't support that sort of blasphemy.
The late Reverend Cullen was a very devout Christian and missionary. He spent his life traveling the globe in hopes of bringing salvation to nonbelievers. Carlisle and his mother had followed him into the remote jungles of the Amazon, the sun soaked African savannahs and the lush green Asian lanscapes to help spread the word of the Lord.
From a very young age Carlisle had seen the wrongness in his father's missionary work. He had seen for himself the strong culture each village had. He loved the folklore the elders had shared with him, the traditions and care they all had, which were quickly destroyed because some pandemic swept through the village and the only way they could be helped was to accept Jesus Christ as their savior.
Carlisle wasn't a fool. He knew medicine would help them, not God. But he remained silent to respect his father and protect himself from any lashings he would receive if he wasn't a good Christian in his father's eyes.
Instead, he quietly studied each culture he encountered and kept a hidden journal. He vowed to record the tradition and beliefs of each village he lived in so they would never be forgotten, even if the villagers stopped practicing them.
Soon his anthropological observation wasn't enough for him anymore. He began questioning the cultures and tradition of people past. This drew him down the path to his future vocation of archaeologist and Professor.
"The information we have gathered concerning the weapons and armor of the Viking era is primarily based on a small amount of information gathered by archaeologists," Carlisle paused for a moment, smiling to himself as he watched his students furiously writing down their notes. He continued, "The remainder is from pictorial representation, along with Norse sagas and Norse law recorded in the thirteenth century."
Edward walked down the hall, following the articulate voice that would lead him to his father. As he approached the door, Edward saw through a small window his father leisurely pace the front of the lecture hall immersed in his work.
Edward checked his watched to see if he was a bit early, but it was a few minutes after the hour and his class should have ended. He heard Carlisle voice coming through the door, "According to custom, all Norse men were required to own weapons as well as permitted to carry them at all times."
Edward chuckled to himself as he saw not only his father, but his students as well, had lost track of time. He felt a little guilty for interrupting and rapping on the glass to get his father's attention, but he was sure some of the students would be late for other classes.
Carlisle's train of thought was broken when he looked up to see his son pointing to his watch indicating that his time was up. He was surprised to see Edward so soon. From the telephone conversation he had with him yesterday morning he wasn't expecting to see him until tomorrow.
Jasper had informed him of the trouble he had encountered with Laurent this morning. He was a little upset that Edward didn't mention it to him, but then again, he knew Edward was protecting him from worrying and all that mattered was that his son was back home safe, in one piece and smiling.
Every time he saw his son smile at him, Carlisle was always reminded of the last words his father said to him. 'You will be damned for eternity because of your disbelief and I will not save you when the path you chosen will lead you to failure in all your aspects of your life.' Nothing the Reverend stated came to pass. Carlisle had been happily married to the only woman he ever loved for the last twenty five years and saw with his own eyes the benefits of raising a child as he sought fit, which was nothing like his father.
He was proud of the man his son became and felt only honored that his son chose the same career for himself. He loved and respected his son and in return he got the same affection from Edward. Most importantly, his son's love was not ruled by obligation or fear, but by choice and admiration.
Carlisle quickly turned back and attended to his students, "Looks like we ran out of time."
Student began to pack up their belongs and Carlisle had to raise his voice over the loud shuffling, "As you know you have a three page assignment due next week regarding what the Vikings arms and armor were, along with what was indicative to social status."
Moans and sighs filled the room as students were reminded of their paper. "See you next week," Carlisle called out as his students began to trickle out of the classroom.
Once the last student left Edward entered the lecture hall.
"Congratulations again on retrieving the idol," Carlisle said to Edward, "Jasper was very pleased and informed me of everything this morning."
Edward recognized the emphasis Carlisle had put on the word 'everything'. He was hoping to keep that to himself and take the incident with Laurent as a lesson learned and never be unprepared again. "I'm sorry I didn't mention it earlier dad," he quickly apologized, "I didn't want to…"
"…Worry me," Carlisle finished for him. Carlisle didn't want to reprimand his son so soon after his return, but it was Edward's life. "I'll always worry, it's my job. I should have given you this before you left, it should come in handy for next time." Carlisle took out a small black address book from his briefcase and carefully handed it to Edward.
Edward recognized it right away. He always teased his father about the little black book he took along on his travels for times when he got lonely. He knew that wasn't the case, Carlisle adored his mother so much that the thought never crossed his mind.
Carlisle was a very handsome man. He was blond, tall and slim, but had muscular physique. He was very similar in appearance to Edward, but was much more distinguished.
Edward remembered the times at faculty functions where women tried to gain his father's attention, shamelessly flirting with him, but he never seemed to notice any of their advances to even ignore them. He usually spent the time at these functions eyeing his mother hoping to get a dance or two with her before they left.
Edward flipped through the book. All the contacts in there were conveniently listed under a city. The book had saved Carlisle on numerous occasions. It was filled with acquaintances Carlisle had made during his travels abroad. What was significant about this book was that each contact had access to weapons whether they were legitimate or not. Edward was only too pleased to accept it as it showed that Carlisle had faith in him and his chosen career.
Edward silently thanked him and put the book safely into his messenger bag. "Are you ready to go?" Edward asked, bringing them out of a scared father and son moment.
It was customary for Edward and Carlisle to finish off their week with a pint of beer at the local pub before they went home for dinner.
Carlisle went to his desk and began shuffling papers, "Yeah, I just need to pass by my office and pick up more papers." He picked up one big stack and handed it over to Edward before he took another large stack and stuffed it into his briefcase.
Edward looked over the stack he took out of his father's hands. He noticed that they were article responses and was fully aware of what his weekend would now revolve around. "You know it's customary to pay a teacher's assistant to grade papers," he said with jest, but was serious when it came to payment, as it was a lot of work for him.
Carlisle motioned for Edward to follow him before he replied. Edward never needed to worry about money. He just had to focus on his studies and everything would be provided for him, but Edward, much like Carlisle, strived for independence. Every summer, Edward managed to find himself a decent paying job so he wouldn't have to rely on his parents' generosity.
Carlisle was looking forward to have Edward as a T.A., but for the time being he couldn't do anything about it. "Be patient, in two years you'll be a grad student then I'll be able to hire you," Carlisle reassured.
Edward looked down at the papers he held with contempt as he followed his dad. "And until then?" he asked.
"You are a helpful son," Carlisle replied.
Edward wasn't pleased with Carlisle answer. Carlisle knew that Edward would help him out whenever he needed, but his father's presumption in doing so annoyed him. "Fine, just don't expect me to mark all of them like last time."
Carlisle was disappointed as he had a very long weekend ahead of him. "Fine," he muttered to himself.
They reached Carlisle's office and after fumbling a few times to find the right key they stepped inside.
Carlisle's office was a small museum in itself, but it lacked the organization of a real one. Books were piled precariously all over, scattered scraps of paper covered artifacts that he had retrieved over the years.
The only thing that was in place and free of dust in the small office was a picture of Carlisle's wife and Edward's mom, Esme, on his oak desk.
Edward had always considered his dad's office as a second home and treated it as such. He quickly set the stack of papers he'd been carrying haphazardly on a winged chair that was placed near a built in bookcase, and began perusing Carlisle's collection. He knew it might be a while for his father to gather up his things.
Carlisle set his briefcase on his chair; his desk was too cluttered to use. He rummaged through papers, collecting the ones he needed and setting aside the ones he didn't in a disorganized heap. He piled a few books onto the swaying pile of others and was pleased that they didn't topple.
"Dad," Edward called out. "Can I borrow this?" He held out a book as he continued to look through the other ones on the shelf.
"Sure," Carlisle replied without looking up. Edward didn't even have to ask.
Carlisle finally found the missing term papers he had misplaced a few weeks ago and had yet to mark them when a knock sounded on his door. "Come in," Carlisle called out in a clear and authoritative voice.
Aro Volturi, the chairman of the Anthropology department, walked in. He was much older than Carlisle and had very stern features. If it weren't for his kind eyes and gentle demeanor, he would have seemed very intimidating.
"Aro, you're just in time," Carlisle greeted him. "Edward and I are heading out to the Kings Arms, you should join us."
Edward looked up to see Aro acknowledge him with a tentative smile before he replied, "Perhaps," Aro said, "I was wondering if I could spare you for a few moments before you leave?"
Carlisle picked upped on the unusual hesitancy in Aro's Voice. "You don't mind do you Edward?"
Edward shook his head, he was already preparing himself to leave so his father and Aro could talk privately, but Aro stopped him.
"Please stay Edward. I would like to introduce someone to both of you."
As Aro left the office to fetch the mystery person Edward and Carlisle gave each other questioning looks. Aro returned seconds later clearing his throat to get their attention.
Edward looked to the door and spotted a brown haired angel with sad chocolate eyes hesitantly scanning the space. He hadn't noticed how small she was until Aro stood next to her to formally introduce her to Edward and Carlisle. Aro, himself was a slight man, but compared to her, he hovered over her fidgeting figure.
"I'd like you to meet Isabella Swan. She'll be staying with Heidi and I for a…" Aro trailed off trying to find the right word before he finally settled on a less than appropriate one, " …while." Aro knew it wasn't his story to tell and respected Isabella's privacy. He simply hoped that this meeting with Carlisle would knock some sense into his goddaughter.
"Nice to meet you Professor Cullen," Isabella said as she reached out a hand in order to shake the Professor's.
"Likewise, Isabella," Carlisle said casually. "Please call me Carlisle. This is my son…"
"Edward," Edward finished for his dad and stuck out his hand.
Isabella looked up and locked her eyes with Edward's piercing green ones, she slowly reached out her hand to take his and shake it. "Bella," she stated and took a hold of his hand. She was surprised to feel an electrical current pass through her from his hand. Bella's eyes were still locked with Edward's and she noticed them widen, confirming that he must have felt the same current run through him.
As they released hands, Edward saw the small smile spread on Bella's lips, but it never reached her eyes. In fact, he noticed that she must have been crying for they were red and a little swollen. Edward resolved himself to helping her if she required it.
Aro quickly continued, he was sure that Carlisle wanted to spend time with his son and didn't want to take anymore of it away. "Isabella has flown in from Kenya two days ago. She's the daughter of a good friend of mine, Professor Charles Swan."
Carlisle recognized the name right away and was aware of the importance of cultural study Professor Swan contributed to his field of work. "The anthropologist," He said nodding his head in acknowledgement. "Plan on following in his footsteps?"
Edward noticed Bella tense at his father's question, and instantly made him aware that something awful must have happened to her.
Bella composed herself hoping no one noticed her reaction. "Not quite," She replied, putting on her bravest face to the only man she thought could possibly help her.
Bella looked over to Aro and silently asked for his assistance.
Aro took control of the conversation without further prompting, "You see Carlisle, Bella's in need of some assistance and with your area of expertise you may be able to help her."
Edward smiled to himself. He knew his father couldn't say no, he would help her and if Carlisle couldn't, Edward would. After all, they were in the same line of work, or at least Edward was planning on being in the same line of work.
"Shoot," Carlisle said with a reassuring smile. He would never be able to turn down the daughter of the legendary Charles Swan, nor would he want to disappoint his friend and mentor.
Bella knew that the next few words that would come out of her mouth and Carlisle's reaction to those words would determine her future. "It's in regards to the tablets of destiny," she said quickly.
Edward laughed to himself at the thought of tablets carrying destiny. He was sure his father would quickly dismiss this as a legend that he assumed it to be. But it took a while for his father to respond and he noticed that his breathing became labored.
Edward followed Bella's and Aro's gaze and found himself looking at a paled and panicked version of his father.
S-Sorry, I can't help you," Carlisle stuttered on his words, but they were final.
Carlisle wished he could help Bella, but he promised himself to give up that fantasy, that legend, a long time ago.
Before she approached Aro for help, Bella told herself not to beg, but it looked like her only hope now in order to change his mind. "Please," she pleaded. "You need to help me." She struggled to keep her emotions to a minimum, but was failing miserably.
Edward interrupted before his father could refuse Bella again. He was afraid that she would fall to pieces. "What are the are the Tablets of Destiny? he asked. Although he thought it ludicrous to be asking that type of question, his father's reaction made him curious.
Carlisle sighed heavily, he didn't want to explain and put further ideas in Bella's or Edward's head, but he had no choice. "In Mesopotamian mythology they are said to be inscribed clay tablets. The tablets recorded the fate of the living and decrees of the gods. Supposedly, whoever possessed the tablets ruled the universe. And most importantly they do not exist."
"That's not true," Bella, whispered in defense. She knew her father was a little eccentric, but he was a smart man and he wasn't blinded by folklore.
"I'm sorry, Bella, there's nothing more to it," Carlisle said.
Aro felt awful for Bella. She had been through a lot these past few weeks. However, he was pleased the way Carlisle responded to her, maybe now she would be able to collect herself and move on with the help of Heidi and him. "Bella dear, Carlisle is right. It's like I said, the tablets are only a myth."
Edward watched as tears welled in Bella's eyes. He wanted to shout at his father for not helping her and urge him to reconsider, but one look at Carlisle said it all. He was conflicted. Carlisle wanted to help Bella, but something was stopping him.
Bella's tears finally spilled over as she confessed her desperate need for help. "My father obsessed over those tablets for ten years. When we relocated to Kenya he never mentioned them again until eight days ago. That same night my home was raided and my father was murdered," Bella, choked on a sob, "Then they burned everything to the ground."
Edward's heart broke for her and Carlisle fell into an uncomfortable state of Mind. Carlisle didn't want to reveal any more information, but was it possible that Charles Swan knew more about the tablets then he did? A million scenarios played out in Carlisle's head of what possibly happened to Bella's father.
Carlisle came to only one conclusion on how to deal with this. If Charles Swan cared for his daughter as much as he cared for Edward, it was upon him to stop her from doing anything foolish and possibly getting herself killed.
"Please believe me Bella, I'm really sorry about your father," Carlisle said sympathetically, "but I'm sure his death and what he mentioned was a coincidence. There could be numerous reasons as to what happened to your father. Bella, the last thing your father would want is for you to try and solve his murder and getting killed yourself in the process."
Edward was appalled with his father. The nerve he had to dismiss the murder of Bella's father so quickly made his stomach turn. This wasn't the father Edward knew. Carlisle was always there to help others. It was in his nature. On a few occasions he not only risked his career, but his life and now he was backing away like a cold heartless man. Something was amiss.
Bella knew truth. She knew that Carlisle could help, she even had the proof, but he chose not to. There was nothing more she could do other than to go back to Africa on her own and find out what happened to her father, even if she put her life in danger.
Knowing she wouldn't get anywhere if Aro had a single suspicion of her plan, she feigned defeat. "That is exactly what Aro said. I'm sorry to have taken up your time."
"There is nothing to apologize for," Carlisle said.
Aro was relieved that Bella finally had some sense knocked into her. He knew how stubborn she could be and he only hoped that wanting to find out what happened to her father ended here.
As for Edward, he knew better. He recognized the determined glint in Bella's eyes. She might have fooled Carlisle and Aro into believing that she had given up, but it would only be a matter of time that Aro would be calling Carlisle and informing him that she ran away. He wouldn't let her do that on her own. Bella didn't get the help she needed from his dad, but she would get it from Edward.
Bella took a deep breath and gathered her emotions. "Aro, is it fine with you if I walk home on my own?"
"Not at all," Aro answered with a sigh.
"It was nice meeting you," She said to Carlisle and Edward. "Again, I'm sorry for putting you in this awkward position."
Bella looked at Edward one final time, and was disappointed that she wouldn't be seeing those green eyes again, because she knew where the possible outcome of her decision would take her. She left the office in a hurry, before her emotions overcame her again.
An unbearable silence filled the room as the men stood quietly mulling around in their thoughts. Aro had no idea in how to deal with this new situation he found himself in. Carlisle had his thoughts on the tablets, trying to figure out how much Charles Swan knew and if in fact his knowledge did lead to his murder. Edward realized that this was far from being over and the angel that walked out the door was walking straight into the lion's den.
Edward was the first one to break the silence. "Dad?"
"Yes, Edward?"
"You are going to reconsider this?"
"I'm sorry Edward, but I can't. It's only a myth," Carlisle said his last sentence more so to convince himself, rather than to convince Edward.
Edward looked straight into his father's eyes, his voice saturated with a controlled anger, "Dad, don't lie to me. I can read it on your face. I know that this isn't a myth to you." Edward stormed out of the office unable to control himself any longer.
Carlisle called out to him as he left, "Edward, there's no use in helping."
Carlisle was disappointed with himself for lying to his son. He promised himself that he never would. Carlisle knew the tablets would eventually come back to haunt him. His only reason for lying to Edward today was to protect him and if people were getting killed in knowing the possible whereabouts of the tablets, Edward would have the same fate if he got himself involved.
Aro broke him out of his thoughts, "Carlisle, I apologize for putting you in this difficult position. It was never my intention. Isabella was being very insistent to speak with you. She left me no choice."
"Please Aro, don't apologize. The poor girl suffered a severe loss. There is no one to blame but the man who killed him."
Aro was aware of the trouble Carlisle had gotten into when he started research on the tablets two decades ago, but the only detail he knew in regards to it was about the man that caused the trouble for him, Felix Hunter. "Do you think it was…" Aro didn't want to say the name, as it still was a sensitive subject for him.
Carlisle barely came out of the situation alive all those years ago. When he returned home to his wife after the incident he found out she was pregnant with Edward. Carlisle dismissed any evidence that may have proved the existence of the tablets. He buried that portion of his life and never regretted it. Until today that is, because he didn't bury that part of his life deep enough.
"I'm almost sure of it," Carlisle answered back.
Carlisle went back to his desk to continue what he was doing before the weight of his past came crashing down on him. He stuffed as many papers left by Edward in to his briefcase and he shoved the rest in a white plastic bag.
"Need any help with that?" Aro asked.
"No, but you're joining me for a pint at the Kings Arms. I need a drink and I lost my drinking buddy," he gave Aro a strained smile as he collected the last few things he needed for the weekend.
"I suppose I can join you," Aro replied.
Aro noticed the conflict and sorrow in Carlisle's eyes. Edward and Carlisle rarely got into arguments, so when they did happen the odd time it deeply troubled Carlisle. "Edward holds a great deal of respect for you," Aro said out of the blue, which shocked Carlisle, especially after how it was left between them.
"Aro, did you see the way he looked at me before he left? I lied to him for the first time and he hates me for it."
"He doesn't hate you, he upset with you, because he has faith that you can help Isabella and you chose not to."
"Do you think I made the right decision?" Carlisle asked, second-guessing himself.
"Do you really think I would want you, Edward and Bella gallivanting around Kenya with a sadistic bastard hunting you? You made the right decision Carlisle," Aro said with certainty.
"Maybe this is the beginning of fate dealing me the repercussions for treating my father the way I did."
Aro knew that Carlisle was disappointed with himself. He was typically proud of the relationship he had with Edward, but Aro was aware of the intricacies of Carlisle's upbringing and past with his father. Esme was the only other person that knew the guilt that he harbored on how he treated his father later in life.
When Reverend Cullen was on his deathbed he requested Carlisle's presence. Carlisle flew out to Rio when Edward was barely a year old. He hoped to patch things up with him and let bygones be bygones. That wasn't the case for Carlisle. When he got to his father's bedside, the reverend cursed him for his blasphemous ways and dismissed him. Carlisle left Rio a broken man and when he got home, Esme along with Edward mended the pieces back together.
The reverend requested to see his son a few more times and each time Carlisle refused. When the mission finally informed him of his death, he simply wired a donation and signed his father's rights away to the them. Carlisle doubted his decision to this day.
"Never think like that Carlisle," Aro said with as much conviction as possible. "He was an ill-tempered man and it was fate getting back for how he treated you. Focus on how you raised Edward and the relationship you built. That alone is perhaps your greatest achievement and I only wish I had children of my own to raise half as well as you raised your son."
Carlisle gave Aro a genuine smile, "Thank you, Aro." He was grateful to have a friend like him. With his final words, Carlisle managed to put his negative thoughts and feelings behind him. He led the way out of the office and locked up, hoping that when he got home things would have settled down.