Give me back my violin!

Twenty minutes have passed since she had her light breakfast and took her medication for seasickness. Finally, she felt better and the nausea was almost gone. That was good, however, she felt a bit ashamed of the state she fall into yesterday... when she thought that Professor Carlo Giuliani, the strong man with the beard kidnapped her. He had a lot of understanding and assured her that it was fine, it was not her fault. A physical condition that led almost to a state of hallucination because of the big waves on the sea... But who cares about that ridiculous situation? - they had an important mission and these little inconveniences were just a part of the big adventure. Now she felt good enough to meet the rest of the investigation team.

-Miss Smith, let me introduce you to Cecilio Falcone and his assistant, Isabella Esposito. - Carlo helped to break the ice.

Cecilio and Isabella were document examiners with more than twenty years of experience. They urgently came from Milan, interrupting another forensic investigation about the authenticity of a letter that could be connected to a homicide. Many times they discover forged documents but this manuscript from the basement was promising good results.

-Nice to meet you. I am Miriam Smith, from the University of Sidney. As you might know, I am doing a doctoral dissertation on Paganini's work and hope to be of help here. - she said and continued with a twinkle in her eyes - And your job is so exciting! Mine is not as awesome as yours but I will try to give my best.

-Don't underestimate your importance, Miriam. Each of us plays an essential role in the research! We are bringing our knowledge to help this project which can open so many possibilities. - concluded Isabella with affection.

-Yes, that's great. I am just so happy to be part of this investigation. Paganini's compositions are so difficult, but that is the beauty that can't stay hidden. We can add a grain of happiness to the world. Well, if our work gives positive results, of course. - added Miriam with a smile.

They all agreed about the greatness of this possible discovery. International non-governmental organizations promised to support new music centres, and many young talents in Italy and all over the world could spread their love for violin music, especially Paganini's music to the next generations. That's why a renowned musicologist from Oxford was also there to help, Miss Walker and a historian from Germany, Herr Fischer.

The entrance to the basement could be reached just by the water that surrounds this stone palace, so a team of divers from Genoa also had to be involved in this still secret activity. They helped to bring the wooden chest up. That was a miracle it was intact, in a perfect state.

The team was standing around that treasure, the manuscripts that Professor Giuliani took out from the wooden chest with much caution. He slowly placed a large format book with a leather cover on the table. It was tied with several ropes, and sealed with wax. A signature could be seen in one corner... It resembled a lot to Niccolo Paganini's autograph but that was the job of document examiners to investigate it later. At that moment almost no one was breathing and it seemed that time didn't exist. The whole team was just standing and looking at that leather book as if it would be an enchanted relic. Paralyzed by uncertainty, not wanting to break the spell of hope...

The ropes were cut and Carlo opened the thick leather cover. He stared for a few seconds at that yellow sheet, the first page, swallowed his saliva and read the title:

Already on the next page, there were hundreds of musical notes, written by hand. The ink was almost shining, as well as the eyes of Cecilio and Isabella. They immediately started to analyze the paper and the inscriptions. The work also consisted in comparing the ink and shape of the letters appearing in this manuscript with the documents they had about Paganini's handwriting and way of composing. His autograph was already giving some hope and the excitement was growing! On the other hand, they knew they had to stay objective and calm, taking into account every suspicious detail.

Miss Walker and Herr Fischer were also doing their meticulous research. They were comparing all the historical data about Niccolo they gathered over the years and possible inspiration that this musician could have to write this piece and hide it so well. What would trigger him to do such craziness and withhold a masterpiece from the public? Until now it seemed they were dealing with a great work, maybe one of his best writings ever...

Miriam was already impatient to get the manuscript into her hands. It was now her turn to analyze well the technical details of the composition, the phrases and the dynamics and all the notes that the composer left. She had to compare the music with the other pieces she already played by this composer and find similarities or differences. She started to play but it was so complicated... she needed more time to practice.

The whole day passed and the evening was bringing fresh air from the sea into the room. Miriam was so determined to get it there, to play the whole piece on her violin that she didn't feel tired at all. The scores were slowly getting more sense. It was like learning a piece that her boyfriend, Michael used to write for her, but much more complicated. Oh, Michael, she forgot to call him. And her parents! But they would understand! She was on the doorstep of an important discovery and they would be proud of her. That thought gave her even more strength and elan.

The composition showed fast passages followed by broad melodies, accents and pizzicato notes. This technically and expressively transcendental music which consisted of many alternations of long and short phrases, chords and octaves, made her violin sing more vividly. Everyone was already sleeping in the stone palace but the music didn't stop. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the playing although her violin was getting heavier with each note and more difficult to hold it. It became so heavy that she fell under the weight of it.

Miriam was not sure if she was sleeping for a moment or for hours, but she was shocked at the moment when she opened her eyes. She couldn't believe it...

Who the hell are you? - screamed the violinist. - And give me back my violin. Now!

Ow, easy... You don't have to mention the word hell, ok? - said a silver-haired creature, dressed in something that looked like sheets of yellowish paper. I am Angela, and here you have your violin.

But... how? I mean... what the h..., sorry, what happened here?

It's so funny - laughed the silver girl seeing Miriam's reaction - Look, you woke me up from a deep sleep that lasted, it seems to me, two hundred years. I will tell you everything, as Luigi wanted.

Luigi? - Miriam didn't stop asking questions.

Yes, Luigi Paganini.

note: all the names, characters and happenings in this story are fictitious. The photo is taken in one place in Italy a month ago, a real place but not on this mysterious island from my story. Also, this is the continuation of my previous story. And you guess, maybe this will be continued ;)