Albert Einstein History Class Age 16

History Class Fall 1894

                                          Albert 16 Years Old 

The room was filled with wooden desks. Students were seated in three regimented double rows facing the wall-to-wall blackboard at the front of the room.

Albert made his way to a seat at the end of one of the rows. Dropping his books on the desk he searched for Johann. He was surprised to see his friend sitting next to Wilhelm Von Wiesel. When Johann glanced up, Albert gestured for his friend to sit next to him. Johann shook his head and looked down, unable to meet Albert’s eyes. Frowning, Albert shrugged and sat as a blond boy took what was to have been Johann’s seat.

Teacher Dieter Hamlin spoke while he wrote on the blackboard, “What… does it… mean… to be… German?” Dressed in a simple dark green wool suit, the tall, white haired gentleman stood stiffly erect. He turned to face the class.” Today we will discuss the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 and its impact on the people of Germany. Can anyone tell the class how the war of 1870 changed Germany? ”

The boy in the desk next to Albert raised a hand.

Hamlin gestured with chalk, “Yes Herr Frederick?”

Ulrich Frederick stood, cleared his throat, and precisely stated his answer. “Prussian and German victory brought about the final unification of Germany. It was under King Wilhelm I of Prussia.”

Hamlin, facing the class, crossed his arms. “Who were the two military leaders who conducted the war?”

Werner Von Wiesel, the privileged class bully, shouted in a bored tone from his seat. “Napoleon III for France and Bismarck for Germany.”

Hamlin nodded, “Good.” Then he smiled. “You know, Herr Von Wiesel, I served under your father during the Franco-Prussian War.”

Werner puffed himself up as he stood.  “Yes, Herr Hamlin. When my father talks of the war he often mentions you and your bravery as a soldier.” All eyes on him, Werner smiled and straightened his waistcoat.” My father feels that all Germany should have helped the Prussians.”

In a strong voice, Hamlin stabbed the blackboard with his index finger. “The young of our nation need to be reminded of who we are. So, tell me, Herr Von Wiesel, what does it mean to be German?”

“Werner pulled his shoulders back, and thrust out his chest, saying, “To be German means to be STRONG!”

Hamlin nodded approvingly then turned to Albert’s seatmate. “Herr Frederick, what do you say it means to be a German.”

Herr Frederick said, “That one is brave and honorable,” then sat with near military precision.

All eyes turned to Albert. He stood to answer but before he could get a word out, Werner spat out, “You’re a Jew, not a German. You’re a foreigner who will disgrace the German army when you get drafted next year.”

Albert glared at Werner, putting his hands on his hips, “I only want to be a scientist. I will not serve in the Army; I do not believe in war.” Albert stood his ground, thinking to himself, “What an arrogant loudmouth.”

Werner turned and gave Johann a wicked wink. He pointed at Albert and taunted, “As you can see by his comment, Herr Hamlin, our Jew is a coward.”

Albert face reddened as his anger rose. “To my mind, compulsory military service is the prime cause of moral decay. It threatens not just the survival of our country, but of our very civilization!”

Hamlin removed his spectacles and polished them with a clean white handkerchief. In a stern voice he warned, “Careful Herr Einstein, you could face imprisonment if you do not serve.” Holding his glasses up to the light and approving of their cleanliness, he said, “After all, the German National Army and universal military service were organized after the Franco-Prussian war. Bismarck’s vision brought about the victory over Napoleon III that led to the unification of our nation. You wouldn’t challenge that, now would you?”

Albert clenched his jaw but held his tongue as Hamlin continued after a pause. “Napoleon III surrendered in January 1871 after being under siege from Sept 19, 1870. The treaty of Frankfurt was signed on May 10, 1871. France ceded Alsace, except Belfort and eastern Lorraine to Germany.” Hamlin put his spectacles back on, saying, “The German army could occupy northern France until we received payment of five billion Francs. Now, Germany has the strongest economy on the Continent thanks to this war.” Hamlin started to turn, then turned back. “And the strongest military!”

Once again turning his gaze from Albert, Hamlin said, “I am going to end our discussion of what it means to be German and move on to other topics. However, I want each of you to attend the Volkisch rally this evening. It is at the Englischer Garden.” Straightening the sparse items on his already meticulously neat desk, he instructed, “Be prepared to give your answer to my question in our next class.”

Albert frowned, thinking about the rally that was sure to be filled with anti-Semitic rhetoric. Those thoughts kept him distracted for the rest of the period. The nationalistic talk that promoted violence and hatred was becoming more prevalent by the day.

When Herr Hamlin dismissed class, Albert gathered his books then looked to where Johann had been sitting. His friend was no longer there. In fact, Albert did not see him anywhere in the rapidly emptying room. Leaving the classroom he resumed his search outside the building.

He eventually found Johann huddled under a tree facing away from the gymnasium. Walking up to his friend, Albert softly addressed him. “Johann?” The boy cringed at the sound.

Albert carefully sat on the ground next to Johann. “What’s the matter, my friend?” Johann would not look at Albert and only shook his head, nervously glancing around.” Puzzled, Albert tried again. “So, why did you sit with Werner today? You and I usually sit together.”

A forlorn whimper escaped Johann’s lips. With pain in his eyes he turned to his friend. “Albert I know we have been friends for years, but that can no longer be.”

Albert gasped as if he’d been hit in the stomach. Johann was more brother than friend. Johann looked down and said, “Things are changing in Germany. Bullies like Wilhelm…”

Albert nodded. “…are rising in popularity and influence. I know.”

“Yes,” said Johann bleakly. “It’s gotten to the point that harm will come to my family and me if I remain friends with you.”

Albert’s eyes began to fill with tears, but compassion and understanding also reflected from them. “You’re right. It’s getting that ugly.” Albert’s heart filled with resolve. “We cannot let anything happen to you or your family because of me and mine.” Albert gripped Johann’s arm. “We will not surrender to this type of hatred…but we will go along with what must be done to keep you safe. For now.”

Now tears spilled onto Johann’s cheeks. He looked into Albert’s eyes and said, “I knew you would understand. You are a better man than I am, Albert.” He squeezed Albert’s arm again as he made his way to his feet. “And…thank you, Albert. We will find a way through this. I know we will.”

Albert could only nod as he watched his friend walk away. “We will find a way.” But he sighed as he got back up. “But God only knows how long it will take and what will happen in the meantime.”

 Albert shook his head and walked back toward the school building, a cold feeling of dread filling his stomach and sadness weighing down his heart.

*     *      *

The German brass band played the National Anthem Das Deutchlandlied. The opening words called to all Germans to bond together. Tears streamed down many faces in the crowd of hundreds of the Volkisch North-German Confederation. Their voices rang out in the open-air amphitheater of the Englischer Garden.

Deutschland, Deutschland, Uber Alles -- Germany, Germany above everything.

Above everything in the world

When, for protection and defense,

it always takes a brotherly stand together.

From the Meuse to the Memel,

From the Adige to the Belt, 

Germany, Germany above everything, 

Above everything in the world! :

The song ended with a roaring cheer. Standing in the midst of the crowd Wilhelm Von Wiesel joined with his fellow history classmates in surrendering to the frenzy. Sweat ran down his pale face and steamed up his round wire-rimmed spectacles.

On the bandstand sat Wilhelm’s barrel-chested father. Gunter Von Wiesel, all five-feet-ten-inches of him, was practically vibrating with near-religious fervor. The aristocratic Prussian anti-Semite wore his blue regimental uniform. An officer in the Kaiser’s Army, Colonel Von Wiesel did not consider Jews to be Germans; he barely considered them to be human. He nodded to his former comrade, his son’s history teacher, Dieter Hamlin. Hamlin responded with a seated bow, awe for the colonel in his eyes.

Hans Torbiger, leader of the North-German Volkisch Confederation, waved his ebony top hat. His jet-black handlebar mustache and precisely trimmed beard gleamed in the amphitheater’s lights. He wore a formal waistcoat and pearled ascot. As the raucous crowd settled down, Torbiger shouted. “My friends, we face a terrible problem. We have an enemy within. That enemy is none other than the Jew!”

The crowd went wild with shouts of agreement. Torbiger gestured with his hands to quiet the crowd. “Jews are not like us!”

The crowd muttered in agreements, many heads nodding.

“Jews are not merely a different religious community, but are an altogether different race!” Torbiger stated flatly.

Murmurs of agreement could be heard throughout the crowd.

“The Jew is a stranger,” Torbiger continued, “who emigrated from Asia. He is a disease eating into the flesh of Germany.”

The rumblings of the crowd grew louder.

“Exploitation of the true people is his only aim. Selfishness and a lack of personal courage are his chief characteristics. Self-sacrifice and patriotism are altogether foreign to him.” Torbiger ended his speech with a warning. “Be wary of the Jew—he weakens the fatherland!”

Speaker after speaker spewed forth poisonous, inflammatory remarks and exhortations of hatred. Finally fervor began to cool. After the last speaker had made his anti-Semitic point, the crowd began to disperse. Wilhelm joined his father and they turned toward their home. 

“What did you think of the rally, Wilhelm?”

“It was wonderful! Inspiring. I could not agree more that the Jew is a scourge upon our nation,” Wilhelm said with a scowl.

The elder Von Wiesel nodded. “When your mother and I were first married I went to the Jew banker for a loan to buy a house. The Yid refused. Apparently we did not meet his Jew standard.”

Wilhelm shook his head. “Typical.” Gunter nodded. “When we fought the Franco-Prussian War I refused to allow a single Jew in my regimen. They are cowards all.”

The elder Von Wiesel paused, then said, “You know, Wilhelm, I named you after the Kaiser. I have hopes you will be a great leader.”

“I will do my very best, father,” the boy answered with resolve.

But, Gunter was not so sure. This fair-haired boy resembled his doe-eyed mother more than his stout, staunch father.

Wilhelm gazed up in awe of his papa. He felt small and weak in the shadow of his hero. He knew deep down his father would never see him as the strong German he knew himself to be. Somehow, he resolved, he would find a way to show his father just how strong he was.

Albert Einstein Meets Issac Newton

Albert loved to walk. Walking made his mind fresher and he would snap his fingers with the fast rhythm of each step. Humming a tune to keep pace with, he breathed in the cool, fall air. Before long, Albert found himself in Marienplatz, the heart of Munich.

Young couples and families milled through the streets of the city’s downtown. The crowds gathered to watch the Glockenspiel show.

Albert gazed up at the towering Gothic Clock, with its’ thirty-two carved figurines. They seemed to touch the sky. Every day at 11 a.m., the Glockenspiel chimed. It re-enacted the 16th century marriage and celebration of the local Duke, Wilhelm V, to Renata of Lorraine. The clock displayed a joust with life-sized knights on horseback resplendent in their local colors: white and blue for the Bavarians and red and white for the Lothringen champions. The Bavarian knight won every time. The clock’s dance lasted around 12 minutes, and at the end of the show, a tiny golden bird at the top of the Glockenspiel chirped three times.

As the marvelous spectacle came to an end and the people began to walk away, a small, almost hidden door at the clock tower’s base opened soundlessly. The movement caught Albert’s eye and he frowned. For all the times he’d walked past the clock tower, he’d never noticed a door. Noting that no one else seemed to be paying attention to it, he turned and walked toward the opening.

Gazing into the dark entryway, Albert saw an engraved metal sign, “No Entrance”. But the open door beckoned and he stepped over the threshold. Once inside, the door slowly swung shut. Albert reached out and pulled the gargoyle shaped wrought iron handle, but the door seemed firmly closed. He began to struggle with the door, but the tick…tock…tick…tock of the clock’s inner workings caught his attention and he stopped tugging. “What could be inside this magnificent timepiece?” he wondered, as the possibilities began running around in his mind.

Following the internal beating of the Clock Tower’s heart, Albert moved toward a spiral staircase. The only light in the hallway came from high above him. Tick…Tock…Tick…Tock. Albert stepped to the beat of the clock and round and round he rose. Time seemed to stand still as he climbed. He stopped at the top of the steps, then the shining light drew him to a massive, carved, wooden door and Albert approached it.

The door was partially opened and, peering into the room, Albert’s gaze landed on a large mahogany desk. Then Albert noticed the man seated at the desk. He looked to be around 50 years of age and had soft, silver, shoulder length hair. He was dressed in a white, long-sleeved peasant shirt and dark brown leather breeches. Arrayed on the desk in front of him were quill pens with pots of ink, stacks of paper and, on the right corner of the desk, an apple. The entire back wall of the room was lined with shelves stocked with ancient-looking volumes and a number of brass candlesticks holding candles that cast a soft glow into the room. In the ceiling of the room was some sort of skylight through which a beam of sunlight streamed.

The man at the desk held a triangular shaped crystal up to the beam of light and the refracted light of the polished crystal threw a rainbow of colors onto the wall. The man smiled with satisfaction.

Albert saw the rainbow and murmured to himself, “Sir Isaac Newton’s theory is that white light is a composite of all the colors of the spectrum.”

The man looked up from the rainbows and smiled at Albert. “Well said Albert, so glad you made your way in here to visit.” Albert’s jaw dropped. “How did you…?” The man held up his hand and smiled. “All in good time, my boy.” He rose from his chair and walked to Albert, holding out his hand. “My name is Isaac. And, please, sit down.” Speechless Albert stumbled into a chair in front of the desk as Isaac returned to his seat.

“I know who you are Albert,” Isaac said with a kind smile. “You must not concern yourself too deeply with what you are learning now. You have grasped The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. Let that be the foundation of your work that is to come.” Isaac picked up the apple on his desk and gently tossed it to Albert. “Gravity, the universe, space, distance, and motion are your future.” Catching the apple, Albert nodded as the ticking of the massive clock pulled at his awareness. Tick...tock…tick…tock….

Tick…tock…Ringgggggggg. The alarm clock next to Albert’s bed screamed at him. Albert sat bolt upright and struggled to reorient himself. Vacillating between the dream and waking reality, Albert let himself fall back onto his pillow. He turned his head to see what time it was. There on the table next to the alarm clock, sat an apple. “What the…?” Albert groaned.

Albert pulled himself from his bed and began dressing as he considered the implications of what he had dreamed. The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. Buttoning the last button of his shirt and throwing on his jacket, Albert dashed out of the house to investigate the Glockenspiel.

He jumped on his bike and pedaled as fast as he could to the Clock Tower. The sun met him as it rose in the early morning over the city. He raced to the scene of his dream, thinking, “I must be going crazy.” He found the center of Munich still asleep. He dismounted and walked to where he entered the tower in his dream. There was no door. Albert felt the cold stone with his hands seeking a crack or a hinge; anything that would reveal the presence of an entryway. He encountered nothing but the rough stone surface. He looked up and found no windows or radiating light other than the sunlight that glistened in the early dawn.

Disappointed, he turned away from the tower, went back to his bicycle, and slowly headed back to his home. As he rode away, the tiny golden bird at the top of the Glockenspiel chirped three times.

Albert Einstein Physics Class - Age 16

Physics Class

Fall 1894 – Einstein age 16

As Albert secured his bicycle at the side entrance of the gymnasium and took his books from the basket mounted in front of the handlebars, he wondered what the Benedictine Monks would think of a Jewish boy attending their prestigious school.

Dressed in a stylish charcoal wool suit, Albert walked toward the front of the building. Mounting the steps, he took off his inky short brimmed felt bowler hat and smoothed back his unruly chestnut hair. He was late. Again. He didn’t care.

Dwarfed by the tall Doric columns, he kept his eyes on the ground. He didn’t even glance at the long wall scroll with the Bavarian monks’ black and gold coat of arms that hung above him. Albert’s pace slowed. “I am not looking forward to another day of painful coercion by these dullards.”

At sixteen and standing five feet nine, Albert was not an imposing figure. The mild expression on his face hid the firestorm of rage that brewed in his mind. “Day after day, the same thing. This rote memorizing hurts my brain.” Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Albert let his thoughts drift to his mother and father. He missed his family. A sadness came over him as he remembered their goodbyes in early summer when his parents left him with his aunt and uncle to pursue work in Italy. He had loved his life before they left. Now he was stuck in classes where the boys were studying things he had mastered years earlier, and his guardians did not offer the same understanding his parents had provided.

Albert stopped next to a column and leaned against it as he remembered discovering the magic of mathematics. He was only around twelve when a family friend, Max Talmud, gave Albert a gift that changed his life.

Max was a struggling medical student who would visit the Einsteins on Shabbat. The book, Simple Algebra, opened new worlds to Albert, who at the time was in Folkenshuler elementary school. Albert mastered the book by himself and would delight in surprising Max with how much he had learned since the previous Friday.

For Albert, Simple Algebra was like a prayer book. He remembered his wonderment as the book began stimulating questions in his mind. Each problem became a puzzle to solve. Life was a series of “Xs” he decided, a series of unknowns. The concept had fascinated him. “How am I to solve my need to get my diploma so I can teach? X + my efforts = Diploma. What is X?” he used to wonder.

Albert forced himself out of his reverie and reluctantly resumed his walk to class.

He entered the classroom and nodded at his friend, Johann. The teacher, Herr von Achen, was writing on the blackboard, his back to the class. Von Achen was a rigidly disciplined man on whom forty resembled sixty. His eyes were a bleak gray behind gold-rimmed spectacles and his features were pinched and seemed to be in a perpetual frown under his balding head.

“The “late” Herr Einstein,” taunted Werner von Wiesel as Albert made his way to his seat. Werner was being his usual obnoxious self. The boys in the class would have laughed at the play on words, but they had heard this particular phrase numerous times already from von Wiesel. His entourage did manage a weak guffaw as Albert slid into his seat, ignoring the bully.

Von Achen turned and frowned, “Enough, Herr von Wiesel,” he said in halfhearted admonishment. Albert, who often challenged him, was far from the teacher’s favorite student. And von Achen didn’t want to antagonize the son of Colonel von Wiesel, one of Munich’s solid citizens (though, privately, von Achen thought him a pompous ass).

With a disapproving glare at Albert, von Achen began the lesson. “Today we will discuss mathematical treatment of astronomy, Newton’s development of celestial mechanics and the laws of gravitation. Does everyone have their textbook? Several of the boys nodded, taking out their copies of Josef Krist’s Essentials of Natural Science?”

Albert raised his hand. “With all due respect Herr von Achen, what does astronomy have to do with physics?”

Murmurs and grumbles rippled through the classroom. Werner rolled his eyes moaning, “Not again… Einstein, do you have to do this?”

Albert stood his ground. “My interest is in learning physics. This astronomy seems to be a waste of my time.”

Herr von Achen turned to Albert. "As part of this course, we are covering the five branches of natural science: Astronomy, biology, chemistry, the Earth sciences, and physics. You are to learn a broad range of subjects, not just one or two.”

“I have already covered this,” Albert thought to himself. Frustrated, he shook his head in resignation.

Herr von Achen challenged Albert. “Herr Einstein, please stand and explain to the class Newton’s theory of celestial mechanics.”

“The Law of universal gravitation states that any two bodies in the universe attract each other with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them,” Albert rattled off from his seat.

Herr von Achen’s face reddened. “What are you talking about? Where in your textbook, did you see that?” His anger building, the older man spat, “And when I tell you to stand the young man, you will stand!”

Albert threw his hands up and stood beside his chair. “Herr von Achen, I learned Newton’s theory of celestial mechanics several years ago. I read the Peoples Books of Natural Science when I was twelve. All twenty-one volumes.”

A collective gasp of incredulity rippled through the classroom.

Herr von Achen, barely containing his fury, declared, “I don’t care what you read or when.” He grabbed the copy of the textbook from his desk and held it up. “We are working with this textbook and the information in it. So,” he said, his body quivering as he slammed the book back down onto the desk with a sharp crack, “you can shut up and sit down!”

Turning from Albert to the blackboard, the teacher began scribbling as he spoke in short staccato bursts of scientific jargon.

Albert shook his head again in frustration. He wished he were anywhere but here. As the other boys feverishly took notes, attempting to keep up with their still enraged teacher, Albert slumped into his chair and pulled his brass compass from his pants pocket. Albert found endless fascination studying his prized possession. He wondered as he pushed on the twelve gem stones like buttons how he could turn it on again … how could he get the number “33” to flash the way it had when he first opened it?

Pulled from his reverie by the clock striking the hour and marking the end of the class, Albert heaved a sigh of relief, put away his compass and gathered his books. As he headed for the door, Herr von Achen tersely motioned him over to his desk. Albert approached cautiously. Barely containing his frustration, von Achen pointed his right index finger at Albert and, through clenched teeth said, “Just who do you think you are, Herr Einstein?”

Albert took in a deep breath and replied, “What do you want me to say, Herr von Achen?”

A vein throbbing on his brow Von Achen spat out, “You come to class late, sit in the back row with your attention elsewhere, and argue with me whenever you can. Where is your respect?”

“I respect knowledge and critical thought, sir,” Albert replied, his patience at an end. “I find little of either in this class,” he said wearily.

Herr von Achen glared at the boy, “Well then, perhaps you would do better somewhere else.” He pulled an envelope from his inside jacket pocket and smacked it against Albert’s chest. “You are to meet with the Academik Committee in six weeks. The letter explains everything.” He turned from Albert to straighten some papers on his desk. “And, Herr Einstein,” he said with sarcasm, his attention on the papers, “be on time.”

Stunned by this unexpected development and not knowing what to say, Albert stepped back, staring blankly at the letter in his hand. As realization dawned, and the idea of being expelled from school and having his plans shattered thrust itself into his mind, his face turned scarlet. His thoughts raced. His teachers at the Folkenshuler and now Gymnasium tried to force him to conform and Albert found it suffocating. Suddenly the whole place felt like it was closing in on him and Albert bolted from the classroom and ran through the hall out the front door.

The biting near-winter wind met Albert as he burst out of the Gymnasium. Running until he was out of breath, he stopped near the museum, and bent over, hands on his knees. As he gasped the cold air into his lungs, Albert tried to calm himself and take stock. He needed to be alone. As his emotions calmed and rationality returned, Albert realized he needed his bicycle. Keeping his eyes down to avoid engaging with anyone, he made his way back to the side entrance of the Gymnasium.

No one paid any attention to Albert as he mounted his bicycle and pedaled away. His heavy wool suit barely kept Albert warm in the fall chill, but he hardly noticed. After a while, he took one hand off the handlebars to wipe the tears from his eyes. His inner north guided Albert to Gasteig Park and the bridge at the end of the Prinzregentenstrasse. He slowed before a bench in the formal gardens and set his bicycle on the grass.

He collapsed onto the bench and reached into his jacket pocket for a cigarette. Sitting back, he closed his eyes and inhaled. He exhaled his anger with Herr Von Achen in a stream of smoke and took another drag. By the time Albert had finished and crushed the cigarette with his shoe, he was more in control of himself. He gazed across the terraces. Rising above in the axis of the Prinzregentenstrasse was the "Angel of Peace", a statue of the ancient Greek goddess of victory, Athena Nike. Albert stared at the towering, golden statue. “My only god is mathematics.”

The sun began to set and Albert shivered in the chill. “I need to be somewhere where I can think,” Albert decided. He didn’t want to discuss this with Johann and his aunt and uncle would be of no assistance. Then he realized he had the perfect place.

It was full dark by the time Albert found himself riding past candle-lit houses of middle class families. A short time later he arrived at his destination. He quietly walked his bike to the back of the house and left it under a small canopy made for the family vehicles. He opened the back door and entered a quiet house. He was alone. Since his parents had taken his younger sister Mara to Italy, he had the family home all to himself.

He turned on the hall light and climbed the stairs two at a time. He opened the door to find his bed, dresser and armoire had accumulated only a light coat of dust since he’d left them in the summer. Just being back in the familiar room helped to calm him. Taking a deep breath, Albert reached under the bed and pulled out his violin case. He opened it and carefully picked up his friend, Violina.

Standing in the middle of the room, Albert closed his eyes and remembered playing the Mozart lullaby, “I See the Moon” with his mother, Pauline accompanying him on the piano. Deeply missing his family, Albert began playing. As the sweet notes emerged from Violina, Albert started walking, then gently waltzing, around the room. He could almost hear his mother singing the melody. The folksy love song lifted his heart and he heard her laugh. Lost in his dreams, Albert let the song fill him.

Bowing the last strains of the beautiful melody, Albert found the memory of his ordeal with Herr Von Achen intruding into his awareness. The warm Violina still in his hands, he opened his eyes to a dim lit bedroom, abandoned. He sighed and settled Violina into her case. Feeling forlorn, Albert collapsed onto his bed fully clothed and fell into a deep sleep.

Albert Einstein Age 16 Attends Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest 1894

Albert – Age 16

It was the last days of September 1894, and the crisp west wind hailed the 16-day annual folk festival known as Oktoberfest. The first Oktoberfest began on October 12, 1810 when all the citizens of Munich were invited to attend the wedding party of King Ludwig I, as he married PrincessTherese Charlotte Luise of Saxony-Hildburghausen . It was such a success that the idea stuck and was still a favorite event 84 years later.

Wearing lederhosen and his favorite hat, emerald green and made of alpine wool, sixteen-year-old Albert strolled into the fairgrounds. He’d been saving his appetite for the afternoon feast, and his stomach was growling in protest. Colorful tent-like canopies dotted the grounds and Albert inhaled the enticing scents of baked dumplings, chickens roasting on spits, and sausages. Albert’s eyes widened at the abundance of Bavarian delicacies and his stomach rumbled again in anticipation.

Twilight was slowly descending across the sea of striped blue and white tents which were lit with the still novel electric light bulbs. A week before, as an assistant in the family-owned electrical company Elektrotechnische Fabrik J. Einstein & Cie., Albert had mounted the light bulbs in the Schottenhamel marquee. 

The excited teenager made his way past the Hippodrome where usually horse races were held but now was transformed into a dance hall. The air was filled with the excited chatter of the revelers underscored by the joyous sounds of a sprightly polka band. Outside the large, ornate building men in their festive best chatted animatedly with the families in the line with them. Their wives in their dirndl’s, braids tied with ribbons on top of their heads, held the hands of their children as all eagerly awaited their turn to go inside to dance.

Albert whistled under his breath as he made his way to the far west end of the fairground. A new exhibit hosted by Munich Brau held a competition for the best crossbowman. Near the Munich Brau beer wagon, Albert found Johann setting up the targets for the crossbow competition.  “Hey, Johann, do you need any help?” Albert shouted above the loud music.

Johann in a sweaty white peasant shirt and lederhosen turned around. “Albert! You made it!” he said, giving his friend a brotherly hug.

“Wouldn’t miss Oktoberfest,” Albert replied mock indignantly.

“Well, thank you for coming to our tent. My father has invested a lot of money in the crossbow competition and I’m just finishing setting up the targets. You go on inside. I’ll catch up with you in a while.”

Albert nodded and headed into the Munich Brau pavilion. A wooden dance floor covered the center of the Pagoda style tent that measured fifty feet square with rows of tables and benches lining the sides. On planks at the far south side of the party room plate after plate of fresh bratwurst and mugs of frosty beer beckoned.

 “I’m starved,” Albert, said to himself as he turned and strode purposefully toward the food table. In his enthusiastic rush, Albert did not see the foot that thrust its way into his path and sent him sprawling into the straw on the floor. Amid derisive laughter, Albert hoisted himself up. Brushing the straw from his clothing he found himself face to face with Werner Von Wiesel.

 “Walk much, clumsy? And look at that stupid hat,” the bully sneered, backhanding Albert’s goat-hair cap from his head.

Dressed in a white apron, the stout Frederick Thomas angrily marched up to the boys nearly forgetting he was holding a platter brimming with sausage. “That’s enough Werner,” he said sternly as he picked up Albert’s hat. “This is not sportsmanlike conduct. I will pull you from the Crossbow competition if you continue to behave like this.”

Albert glared at the bully as he brushed sawdust from the wooly cap. Werner, all innocence, looked hurt. "Me? I didn't do anything." He glanced at a nearby table for support from his father a retired Prussian Colonial who served in the German Army under Bismarck. But between bites of bratwurst and sips of cold beer, the senior Von Wiesel was chatting with friends and missed his son's performance. Werner shrugged and ambled away toward the food table as if Albert was beneath his notice.

Shaking his head at Werner’s audacity, Frederick turned to Albert. "I'm sorry for that, Albert." Then, remembering he was holding a dish of treats, he smiled and handed Albert the plate piled high with sausages. “You did an excellent job installing the electric lights. Now enjoy what we do best.” Albert’s mouth watered as he inhaled the savory scent of the steaming sausages and he accepted the plate gratefully.

Careful to avoid spilling the contents of the platter, Albert ambled to a table near the six-piece band, snagging a frosty mug of beer from a beer table along the way. The musicians were tuning their instruments as a group of dancers waited for the music to start. At a nearby table a pretty young blond girl smiled at Albert. Albert blushed a little and nodded, smiling back.

The encounter with Werner had not diminished Albert’s appetite and he turned his attention to the steaming   sausages in front of him. Before long, the plate was clean and the mug empty. Sated, Albert relaxed back into his chair and closed his eyes wondering, Should I stay or go? There are many tents in which to enjoy the festivities. If I open my eyes, will Werner be gone?” Then he grimaced. “If I leave, will he follow me?”

The accordion wheezed into life and the drum began beating the tempo for a lively Polka. Albert felt the music, opened his eyes, and joined in singing with the enthusiastic crowd. He clapped his hands and watched the band.

Johann’s mother Christine, her ginger hair tucked under a white cap, tapped Albert’s shoulder and pointed to the young Fraulein who had smiled at Albert earlier. “Albert, please dance with Anna. She is Johann’s cousin visiting from Berlin.”

Shy, Albert gazed at the golden-haired beauty at the next table.  She smiled demurely and then looked down. Albert plucked up a bit of courage from somewhere and hesitantly asked, “Um, hi. Would you like to, uh, dance?”

Anna nodded and the two stood so Albert could lead the dainty Fraulein to the dance floor. “What a beautiful girl,” he thought as he glanced sideways to take a surreptitious look. Taking their positions on the dance floor, and despite the energetic dance, Albert held Anna like a porcelain doll. Despite his shyness, he was a fairly accomplished dancer and was able to navigate through many pairs of dancers. Anna’s shoulder-length flaxen hair flew with every turn as the sprightly tempo of the polka carried them. Her bright blue eyes twinkled with delight when Albert twirled her. The crinoline under her ankle length, red polka dot skirt floated as she spun.

Close to winded after a few dances, Albert returned his partner to her seat. As he turned to go back to his table Anna put her hand on his arm. “Please join me,” she said, looking up into his eyes.

Albert gulped and nodded, settling into a chair next to Anna. He motioned to a passing hostess carrying a tray with mugs of beer. “Anna would you like something to drink?”

Anna smiled and nodded. “After that workout I can use one.”

As the hostess set two mugs on the table, she knocked a cardboard coaster to the ground. When Albert bent to pick it up, from out of nowhere an arrow streaked past her, flying through the feather at the top of Albert’s hat, knocking it off his head. Startled, Albert flinched, jarring the table and knocking the mug over. The frothy brew spilled over the edge of the table right into his overturned hat.

Unaware of the assault that had just taken place, the polka band continued playing at its joyously frantic pace. In the midst of the pandemonium and gaiety, Anna and the server were the only ones who noticed what had happened. Albert leaned over and picked up his hat and the arrow that had embedded itself in the straw covered dirt floor nearby.

With a horrified expression Anna exclaimed, “Who would do something like this?”

Albert considered whether to tell her his suspicions. He put on a brave smile and shook his head, ruefully emptying the beer out of his hat and shaking the last wisps of foam out of it. “I’m sure it’s nothing. Just a prank.” Laying his hat on the table, he looked at Anna and smiled. “Or maybe Cupid has shot his arrow.”

Anna blushed prettily and looked down at the table.

Albert’s expression turned more somber. “But, seriously, please don’t say anything to your family about this.”

“I won’t if you don’t want me to,” Anna agreed.

Nodding in appreciation, Albert scanned the crowd for Werner. But the boy was nowhere to be seen. With Anna watching quietly, Albert studied the arrow. It was small, as if from a child’s bow. Turning it in his fingers, he noticed a “WvW” burnished on the wood. Albert grimaced and shook his head, wondering how anyone could be so stupid as to shoot an arrow at someone with their initials carved into it. But then, Werner had never been the brightest bulb on the string, so to speak, Albert thought to himself.

Scanning the room again, Albert found Frederick Thomas on the far side of the tent, pouring a seemingly endless supply of his frothy beer into the mugs of the revelers. Albert’s eyes narrowed as he considered, Should he take him the arrow? If he did, Werner would be expelled from the crossbow competition and possibly arrested for malicious assault. 

Beer soaked hat in his left hand, with a slight bow Albert held out his right hand and said, “I’m sorry, Anna, but I think I need to tend to something.”

Unable to hide her disappointment, Anna clasped his hand. “I’m sorry you have to leave so soon.”

“Me, too.” Albert said, his natural shyness coming to the fore. “I…um… really enjoyed dancing with you.”

Anna brightened a little. “Me too. Maybe I’ll see you again while I’m here?” she said tilting her head quizzically.

“I…I’d really like that,” Albert said, then turned, slipped the arrow under his jacket, and made his way through the crowd and out of the tent.

Revised Chapter Albert's Magical Compass on Mary Magdalene's Feast Day

Chapter 9

Albert and Johann in Bavarian Alps

 Age 16

Deep in thought, Johann watched the twilight sky all but oblivious to the cookie he was slowly munching on.

The fresh summer breeze fluttered across the azure canopy of the Bavarian Alps. It was that ethereal moment when day transformed into night. Space and time seemed to expand as the sun made its steady, stately descent. Purple pastel clouds gave way to gray against the darkening skies. Like diamonds, thousands upon thousands of tiny sparkles—planets and stars—slowly made their evening appearance, emerging with the fading light.

From the bright field of stars, Johann’e eyes sought the constellations in the Milky Way. He spotted the belt of Orion overhead and then he found the Big Dipper, which led him to the North Star. Brightest of the lights, Polaris pointed the way to true north. On the gas lantern-lit porch of the inn, the dreamy young sky watcher, lost in the vast night, slowly put his cookie to his mouth and took another barely noticed bite.

Two monks walked by on their way to evening mass at The Andechs Monastery and Brewery. Summer was a favorite time for the people of Munich to visit the hermitage. They would hike or take an hour’s train ride up the mountain. The tenth-century beer garden was a wonderful destination in the warm weather. A liter of beer and a lunch of roast pork with sauerkraut gave visitors an added something to talk about when they got back home. 

The door of the inn slammed behind Johann jarring him out of his reverie. Albert had an inquiring look on his face as he strode over to his friend. “Are you going to the church service with your parents?”

“Um, No…I don’t know. Maybe. Do you want to go?” replied Johann, who struggled to gather his thoughts.

Albert frowned, sensing something was going on with his friend. “What’s wrong Johann?”

Johann brushed cookie crumbs from his chin. “Nothing,” he said as he examined his shoes.

Albert kept his mouth shut and just stared at Johann, patiently waiting.

Johann squirmed for a moment, then sighed. “When a boy in the Thomas family reaches sixteen, he has to do a month-long apprenticeship at the brewery in this monastery. The monks have been brewing beer for centuries, so I guess the idea is that we can learn a lot.” He paused and looked up at his friend. “And you know I turned sixteen last month.”

Albert thought for a moment; then he got the picture. “Oh, it’s like when Jewish boys turn thirteen and have a Bar Mitzvah. It’s a rite of passage into manhood.”

Johann looked away into the distance as if he was looking for his future. “Yeah, but what if I don’t want to work for my father in the brewery? What if I wish to do something different?” Realizing what he’d just revealed, Johann quickly turned to Albert. “You won’t tell anyone will you? I mean, I feel I have to do this apprenticeship for my family, but...”

Albert shook his head, “Of course not.” He plopped himself onto the bench next to Johann. “You never said you didn't want to work in the family business before. What’s changed?”

Johann turned away from his friend, searching for another cookie in his pockets. Food made him feel better when he was anxious. Actually, food made him feel better on almost any occasion. “I don’t know,” he mumbled around the new cookie he was stuffing into his mouth. Albert’s gaze is hardened.

“It’s just that…well…I’ve been thinking…”

Albert nodded encouragingly, and Johann blurted out his dilemma. “I think I might want to pursue religious studies.” Johann waited expectantly as Albert digested the surprise revelation.

After a moment, Albert smiled. “If that’s what is calling to you, I think you should talk to your parents about it.”

“Really?” Johann said, visibly relieved. “You don’t think it’s crazy?”

Albert shook his head, a serious look on his face. “I don’t know what I’d do if my parents insisted I go into the family electronics business. I mean, I know they’d like me to do that, but they are very tolerant of my curiosity.”

“Well, you’re sure lucky. I don’t think my parents are ready to hear that I may not want to get involved with the brewery.”

Albert gave Johann’s arm a, encouraging squeeze. “The good news is, you don’t have to make a final decision now. I’d say just to go ahead with your apprenticeship so you get a really good taste of what being in the business will involve.”

Johann considered his friend’s advice as Albert continued. “You might find you learn something that captures your interest. But at least, you’ll know from your experience and not just what you think it might be like.”

Johann started nodding. “You’re the best, Albert. That really makes sense,” he said, smiling for the first time in the entire day. Relieved of his worry, at least for the present, Johann perked up.  “Hey, did you bring your compass?”

Albert brightened at the question. “Of course, I have my compass. Why?”

“The monks at the brewery have their annual treasure hunt tomorrow. Guys, our age will be competing, and I signed us up. There’ll be a lunch buffet afterward, too,” he added, never one to pass up a good meal. “I bet your compass will give us an edge!”

“Could be,” Albert said thoughtfully. “A treasure hunt, eh? Interesting.”

* * *

A crowd gathered on the east side of the Ammer Lake Holy Mountain. The early morning sun broke over the summit. Five Benedictine Monks passed out papers with instructions to the hunters. The scavenger hunt would begin at nine a.m.

The dark-haired, blue-eyed, thirtyish monk, Dr. Peter Collins, stood on a step stool in his brown monk’s habit. Looking out over the crowd, he cleared his throat, and in a loud, enthusiastic voice shouted, “Good morning everyone! Welcome to our annual scavenger hunt commemorating the feast day of Mary Magdalene. Today you will be seeking replicas of ancient relics in our Monastery, one of which is that of the venerable saint herself.”

Johann surveyed the crowd from the middle of the pack and guessed there were about thirty or so; 15 teams of two boys each, like him and Albert. Albert held the piece of paper they’d been given when they registered.

Johann noticed that the bully, Werner von Wiesel, was at the center of a group of his toadies—boys who sucked up to him because his father, a retired Prussian Army colonel, was considered an “important citizen” of Munich. From Johann’s perspective, Werner was just a spoiled rich kid. But for some reason, he seemed to have it in for Albert. He rarely passed up an opportunity to give Albert a hard time.

As Johann reflected on Werner, the brother continued. “Each team has an instruction sheet with a map of the area. At the bottom of the map, you will see that there is a list of map coordinates and clues that relate to some of the monastery’s the relics.” Then he looked up with a mischievous smirk. “However, to make things interesting, not all coordinates or clues apply to the relics we have placed out for this hunt.”

“How many relics are there, Brother Peter?” Werner wanted to know.

“The monk’s smirk broadened into a grin. “Well, if we told you that, Werner, it would take away some of the fun.” The boys groaned.

“When you find a relic, we want you to write what that relic is next to the clue that hints at it. Do not touch or remove what you find. We want everyone to have a chance to complete the hunt.”

The monk looked down and consulted his notes, then continued his spiel. “When you have located all the relics you can find and noted their locations on your map, bring your entry form to the dining hall. One of our brothers will take it and record the time.”

The abbot  looking very serious said, “Since I’m sure you will have built up quite an appetite on your quest, your team will then proceed to the dining room for a hearty lunch.” He smiled and nodded, allowing the resulting cheer to dissipate.

“The winner will be based on the number of relics you find, the accuracy of your notes on the relics you have identified, and the speed with which you found them.”

“What will I be winning this year, Brother Peter?” Werner haughtily called out.

The monk waited for the catcalls and jeering to stop, then said, “We’re not revealing the prize in advance, Werner, so you’ll just have to wait to find out.”

After the predictable grumbling, the monk asked, “Okay, any questions?”

“Enough talking! Let’s get started!” Werner hollered impatiently. The monk held up his hands and frowned at Werner. “Hold your horses, Werner. We want to make sure everyone knows what they need to know.

Werner scowled and glared, looking threateningly around the room. Many of the boys cringed at Werner’s anger, and no one dared ask a question.

The monk waited, then, hearing no questions, nodded, “Okay then. Gentlemen, you may begin!”

Most of the boys rushed off on the hunt. Werner managed to bump into Albert as he rushed by, nearly knocking him over. “Oops, sorry Einstein,” he sneered insincerely as Albert regained his balance.

Though they were as eager as the rest of the boys to start their search, instead of rushing off aimlessly, Albert and Johann trotted over to the green lawn next to the Monastery’s central walkway and sat down. Albert wanted to approach the hunt rationally. He laid the map on the grass and took out his precious compass.

“What are you going to do with the compass, Albert?” Johann wanted to know.

“I’m not sure, but I felt like it might help us focus on the clues and where we want to go,” he replied as Johann settled himself next to him, watching with interest.  

Albert opened the top of the gem-encrusted compass and set it on the map as he considered the layout. The morning rays were reflecting on the device’s face. Looking at the map and then the topography of the surroundings, Albert tried to determine where they needed to go. He pointed to the map and said, “The first set of coordinates is 47.58 North 11.118 East, but it’s not clear exactly where that is.”

As Albert spoke the coordinates, a beam of violet light suddenly shot out of the compass extending to a point on the map. Both boys gasped in shock. They could not believe what they saw.

Johann gulped and whispered, “What was that?!”

Albert could only stare as the light disappeared. Then he closed his eyes and rubbed his temples as if he was trying to ease an ache. “I have no idea. It’s scientifically not possible.”

Johann regained his wits and grabbed Albert’s arm. “Yeah, but it happened. If it’s scientifically impossible, then it must be magic!”

Albert shook his head as if to clear the thought from his mind. “I can’t say its magic…” Then Albert brightened. “But whatever it is, it’s given us a destination. Let’s go.” He scooped up the compass and the map and scrambled to his feet.

Spurred by their desire to win the competition, the two adventurers scampered down from the mountain church into a grove of fir trees. As they walked, Albert’s gaze was drawn to a young woman dressed in a red cloak near the edge of the trees. Her dark eyes radiated friendly warmth as she beckoned him to follow her. For a moment, Albert’s eyes met hers, and Albert jerked as if he had been jolted by a bolt of electricity. The woman smiled and motioned again.

Albert could only stare for a moment, speechless. Then, gathering his wits, he pointed and said to Johann, “I…I think that woman wants us to follow her!”

“What woman?” replied Johann looking around.

To Albert, Johann was looking right at the woman. He paused, and then said, “Never mind. Just follow me,” as he started off after the woman.

“Uh, right,” Johann agreed a very puzzled look on his face.

They boys hiked through a meadow of brightly colored flowers and thick wild grasses. Their mysterious guide glided ahead of them, then stopped at a whitewashed picket fence. She pointed to a cluster of white, purple and red roses inside the enclosure. “She wants us to go in there,” Albert said. His heart seemed to swell as her gaze crossed over him.

Frowning in bewilderment, Johann swung open the garden gate and stepped onto a pathway that led to the center of the rose garden. There was a red flag on a narrow pole that reached over the rose bushes. Near the marker was a single gold rose lying on a mahogany bench, the sun’s rays glistening off its metal petals.

Albert approached it making sure he didn’t disturb it. “Looks like we’ve found our first relic,” he said, handing the map to Johann. “Which of the clues does the gold rose go with?”

Johann scanned the clues. “Hmm. I’ve been studying the relics of the Monastery, so let’s see if my work was worth it.” Moving his finger down the clue list, Johann suddenly stopped. “Here!” he said poking the paper. The clue read, “The founder’s prize.” Johann nodded to himself. “The gold rose belonged to the founder of the Monastery, Duke Albrecht,” he said, writing Albrecht’s gold rose in rose garden next to the clue.

“Good work, Johann!” Albert said approvingly.

Johann nodded and looked up from the map. “Thanks. But your compass sure played its part. Have you used it for directions before today?”

Albert shook his head. “I don’t need a compass to get around Munich, so there’s been no need. That’s one of the reasons I was looking forward to this trip–to test it out. Uh, and of course, to spend some time with my best friend,” he added with a grin. “This treasure hunt is a fantastic exercise. A real experiment in a controlled environment.” Albert scratched his head. “But I have to say, I was as surprised as you were when I went to show you how to work the compass and that beam of light shot out of it.”

“So, um, that’s not what usually happens with compasses?” Johann asked, pretty sure he knew the answer.

“Not by a long shot,” Albert said, rolling his eyes.

“Well, let’s open the map and see if the compass helps with the next clue,” Johann suggested.

“Right,” Albert agreed, his curiosity now in high gear. This time, he was ready to observe the phenomenon. If it happened again.

Albert carefully opened the map on the opposite end of the mahogany bench from where the golden rose sat. He laid the compass on it and picked another set of coordinates at random, “47.964 North, 11.202 East.” For a moment, nothing happened, and Albert thought the first instance must have been a fluke. But then the compass lit up and projected a thin beam of violet light to a point on the map.

“Oh. My. Gosh.” Albert said reverently.

Johann just shook his head in awe. “How does it do that, Albert?” he asked, genuinely puzzled.

“I have no idea,” Albert said shaking his head. “There isn’t a power source, yet the light radiates out when I say the coordinates. That’s…not possible.”

“Yeah, but it happened. Again,” said Johann, tugging on Albert’s arm. “Come on. We’ve got a scavenger hunt to win!”

Carefully closing the compass, Albert let his friend lead him toward where the compass had indicated the next relic would be.

As the two adventurers made their way through the countryside, Albert saw the woman in red nearby. She appeared to be waiting for them. Albert closed his eyes and shook his head. He opened them to find her still smiling, inviting them to follow her. Again Albert felt…something. He realized that he felt joyful just seeing her.

Albert said to Johann, “There’s that woman in red again. She wants us to follow her.”

Johann turned left, then right, “Really? Where?”

Albert pointed to where the woman waited. “Over there.”

“If you say so,” Johann said heading in the direction Albert indicated.

“When we get back to the hall I’m going to ask one of the monks if there’s a woman that looks like her living around here.”

Johann nodded, “Good idea. Whoever she is, she sure seems to know about the treasure hunt and where the relics are.”

Johann stuck with Albert as he followed the woman through wheat fields and lush green grounds until they came to a pristine, crystal pond. Tall, willowy pine trees and wild blueberry bushes lined the shore on its far side. Johann pointed to a blue flag near one of the trees. “There!” he said excitedly.

“I see it,” Albert said, nodding his head and picking up his pace, not registering that the woman in red was now nowhere to be seen.

Next to the flag they found a miniature pine decorated like Christmas tree. Albert scratched his head, “A Christmas tree in July?”

Johann pointed to the clue on the treasure map. “What did St. Nicholas add to the celebration of Christmas?” he read. Looking at Albert with a smirk, he said, “That’s easy: St. Nicholas started using a tree in the holiday festivities. There are several relics of his in the monastery.”

“Hmm, interesting,” Albert said with a nod as Johann wrote the answer, “St. Nicholas’s tree near pond,’” next to the clue.

“Thanks to the compass and your invisible lady, we’re two for two,” Johann said, reaching for a piece of cake he had wrapped in a cloth napkin and stuffed into a pocket in his lederhosen “So, what do you say we stop for a minute and rest?”

Albert firmly grasped Johann’s wrist and shook his head. “Not until we’ve got all the relics spotted. You can ‘rest’,” Albert added, putting quotes around the word with his voice, “when we have completed the course and beaten everyone back to the hall.”

Laying the map on a boulder near the sandy shore, Albert then carefully set the compass on it. Picking another set of coordinates, he spoke them aloud. This time, nothing happened. He said them again and waited. The compass did nothing.

I guess we’ve lost our edge,” Johann observed, not at all happy with this development.

Albert thought for a moment. “The abbot said not all the clues were useful. Let’s give the compass another chance.” He again scanned the map and clues and picked another set of coordinates. “47.968 North, 11.194 East,” he said aloud.

After only a brief pause, the compass beamed a tiny light to a point on the map. Johann’s face lit up with a smile. “You were right! Come on,” He grabbed Albert’s sleeve and it was all Albert could do to snatch up the compass and the map before Johann had him hurrying off in the new direction.

As the boys marched past the tree line, Albert saw the woman in red a short distance away. When Albert started toward her, she pointed to a farmhouse in the distance. This time, Albert did not mention that he saw her. As Albert and Johann stepped closer to where she stood, the mysterious guide seemed to evaporate into thin air. Albert shook his head and blinked, but Johann kept walking as if nothing had happened. Of course, for him, nothing had.

The boys walked for what seemed like quite a while down a narrow, dusty road toward the farmhouse. It was a long, red brick and timber-framed house about 15 meters long. Behind the house, several chickens scratched in the yard. A green flag stood next to the chicken coop. As the boys approached the flag, they saw a short, wooden stool. On the stool, in a woven basket trimmed with fresh moss sat a single red egg.

Albert smiled to see the flag, “Okay, this must be it.” He paused and wrinkled his brow, “But what kind of relic is a red egg?”

Johann smirked. He liked knowing things Albert did not. It certainly happened rarely enough. “The red egg was a present Mary Magdalene gave Emperor Tiberius. She brought him a white egg to signify the birth of Christ. When he saw the egg, he laughed and said, ‘I will believe it represents the Christ when the egg turns red.’

“As Mary Magdalene extended the egg to the Emperor,” Johann continued, “It turned red.”

“Really?” said Albert, not quite sure what to make of this story.

“Uh-huh,” Johann nodded, taking the map and writing “Mary Magdalene’s red egg in farmyard” next to a clue that said, “What convinced Tiberius.”

“Well, I don’t know about the story,” Albert said, “but I’m sure glad your secret studies included the relics of the monastery. I would have had no idea which relic matched what clue.”

Johann blushed at the praise, then became serious. “Thanks for saying so, Albert. But let’s keep going with the hunt.”

Albert nodded as he spread open the map and placed the compass on it. “Good idea.”

Johann pointed to one of the other coordinates, and Albert read the numbers aloud. Nothing emitted from the compass. Albert repeated the coordinates, and when there was no response again, he quickly read through the few remaining coordinates. Each time the compass remained unresponsive.

Johann frowned in puzzlement. “Do you think the compass is broken, Albert?”

Albert slowly shook his head. “Could be, but I think it’s more likely that we have found all the clues.”

“That sort of makes more sense, I guess,” Johann conceded. “If that’s the case, then let’s head back to the dining hall.”

“Right,” Albert agreed carefully folding the map. “We did this together, and I want us to win.”

“Right,” Johann nodded. “We did it together. And your compass sure helped!”

*    *    *

As they peered into the dining hall, Albert’s heart sank. The place was bustling with the boys who had been on the treasure hunt. To him, it looked like he and Johann were the last to return. Being competitive by nature, he had really wanted to win. As they entered, from across the hall Werner looked up from his lunch. “About time you finally made it back, losers,” he sneered.

Johann grimaced and started to respond, but Albert put his hand on Johann’s shoulder. “Don’t pay any attention to him, Johann. He’s just a jerk.”

A smiling monk near the door greeted Albert & Johann. “Congratulations for completing the hunt.” He lifted a silver chain and checked his pocket watch. Nodding at the time, he recorded it next to Johann & Albert’s name.

Albert asked the monk, “Um, brother, I was wondering if you could answer a question for me.”

His kind hazel eyes sparkling, the monk replied, “Of course my friend, what would you like to know?”

Albert’s thoughts raced as he tried to make sense of what he had seen. He cocked his head to one side and said, “I saw a young woman. She had dark hair and brown eyes. She might have been in her twenties. My friend didn’t see her, but I want to thank her. It was kind of her to help us find the relics.”

The brother stared for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. Albert could only squirm, wondering if there was a problem.

“Dark hair, you say?” the monk asked, almost brusquely.

Albert nodded. “Yes. Oh, and she was wearing a red cloak.”

Hearing that, the monk frowned. “Dark hair, brown eyes, and a red cloak. Perhaps olive skin?”

Albert nodded. “Uh, right. Like she was really tan.”

The monk nodded, his brow furrowing. Kneeling down to Albert’s level, the monk said, “Please tell me your name. The abbot will want to hear of this.”

Albert became concerned. Had he done something wrong? “My name is Albert Einstein.” He pointed toward Johann whose attention was riveted on the table generously laden with food. “I am visiting with my friend Johann and the Thomas family.”

Reluctantly, Johan pulled his attention back to the conversation and nodded at the monk.

“Of course, I know the Thomas family.” Putting his hand on Johann’s shoulder, he said, “I understand you will be doing your internship here soon.”

Johann nodded. “Uh, right,” he replied.

The gentle brother directed the boys toward the enormous table at the head of the room near a podium. Nearby, two long tables with benches on either side of them were filled with the boys from the treasure hunt. “Enjoy the lunch we’ve put out for you. You’ve earned it.”

Eyeing the spread, Johann began to cheer up. “In the meantime,” the monk continued, “we will check each of the maps and announce the winners of the hunt in just a little while.”

Albert’s mouth turned down into a hint of a frown. He had really wanted to win the competition. But he didn’t think he had much of a chance if they were among the last to arrive back at the hall.

Johann dragged Albert to the food table and the boys filled their plates. Albert had to admit that covering all that ground in the treasure hunt had given him an appetite. Johann ate with gusto but Albert’s enthusiasm was dampened by his disappointment at returning so late. He was also a little concerned at the monk’s suspicious and puzzling response to his question about the woman who had helped him and Johann find the relics. Glancing down the length of the long table, he saw Werner holding court with many of the other boys. Albert shook his head, noting how the other boys were playing up to the loudmouth.

Lifting a bite of sausage to his lips, Albert considered the woman in red. He could not deny that he felt…something…when his eyes met hers. It was as if a recognition passed between them and his heart was lifted. Albert munched on the cheeses and sausage, lost in thought.

Just as the boys were finishing the last of their lunch, a hush fell over the room. Looking up, Albert and Johann saw the smiling monk and another man who had a more ornate necklace hanging in front of his robe. “The abbot?” Johann muttered. “He doesn’t usually come to these events.”

The abbot stepped to the front of the hall and looked out over the room. His kind eyes seemed to meet Albert’s as they swept the crowd. Then he smiled and said, “Well, this has been some scavenger hunt.” All the boys chuckled or murmured in agreement. The abbot raised his hands for silence.

“I’m sure you’re all eager to know who won this year’s prize,” the abbot said. “But before we get to that, I am curious to know if any of you noticed a woman on the grounds during your hunt. The question was answered with puzzled looks and many of the boys shook their heads or murmured “no”. A self-conscious Albert hesitantly raised his hand.

The abbot nodded and looked at Albert. “Can you describe the woman you saw?” Albert squirmed, uncomfortable with all the boys watching him, and stood.

“Um, well, she had sort of dark hair. And, uh, she was wearing a red cloak.”

“Anything else?” the abbot asked, stroking his jaw.

“She looked really tan.” The abbot nodded. “Albert closed his eyes remembering the woman. “Oh, and her eyes.” Now the abbot nodded encouragingly. “What about her eyes?”

“They were…I don’t know,” Albert’s tone became wistful. “They were…beautiful and filled with this sort of…something. I don’t know. I felt kind of warm when I looked at them.”

The abbot waited as Albert moved deeper into his recollection. “It was really amazing. I almost felt like she was hugging me when I saw her eyes.”

Johann was staring at Albert in bafflement. “Wow, how did I miss that?” he wondered in a whisper.

The abbot did not seem baffled at all. In fact, happiness radiated from the smile on his face. “Gentlemen, we have been blessed.” He beckoned to one of the monks who had just entered the room carrying a package wrapped in cloth. Holding it up for the abbot, the older man began removing the wrapping. This is a painting that has been in a storage room in our cellar. I don’t believe anyone has looked at it in years.”

As the last of the wrapping was removed, Albert gasped and plopped back down in his seat. It was her. It was the woman who had led him and Johann to the relics. The abbot continued, “This, my friends, is a painting of Mary Magdalene, whose feast day, July 22^nd, we are celebrating today with our scavenger hunt.” Albert’s jaw dropped.

Smiling again at Albert, the abbot continued. “It is rare, but not unheard of, that someone with a very special heart will see Mary Magdalene on the grounds here. I honestly can’t remember the last time it happened, but apparently we have been honored by her presence today.” Turning to face Albert directly, the abbot said, “You, young sir, are very fortunate. Seeing her can only bode well for you, and I congratulate you on this very great blessing you have been given.”

Albert closed his mouth and nodded his head sheepishly as the other boys in the hall whispered among themselves. Albert noticed that Werner was unusually silent, his eyes narrowing as is he didn’t believe what Albert had said. He turned to the boy next to him.” How could that scrawny little Jew see Mary Magdalene?” he spat out in a whisper.

The room quieted again and the abbot spoke, this time with a chuckle in his voice. “While I’m sure you’re all very pleased for young Herr Einstein, I’ll bet you’re just a little bit curious about who won the scavenger hunt.” The room, that had become hushed, now became raucous again, with hoots and hollers and shouts of, “You’re right about that!” and “Yeah, get to it!”

Gesturing for silence, the abbot said, “The team of Werner von Wiesel and Ulli Schmidt were the first to make it back to the dining hall with their map and two correct relics identified.” The room erupted in chatter and Werner made a big show of strutting around, pumping his arm in a victory salute. Albert’s hear sank, but he forced a smile onto his face in support of the boys’ success. Johann had a more expectant look on his face. Albert gave him a puzzled glance. Johann just held up two fingers. Albert frowned trying to understand what his friend was telling him.

The abbot held up his hands and the room quieted. “I commend you young men on your speed and cleverness.” Werner and Ulli nodded smugly. However, the abbot was not yet finished. “But, as you may recall, speed was only one of the criteria.” Albert was listening intently. “Only one team correctly found and identified all three relics we placed out.” A hush fell over the room as the boys all looked around. Each team knew they had found only two relics.

The abbot turned his gaze to Albert and Johann and smiled, “Apparently Mary Magdalene smiled upon these two young men,” he said pointing to Albert and Johann. “For discovering and correctly identifying all the relics in this hunt,” the abbot held up a smaller version of the red egg the boys had found in the farmyard, “this replica of Mary Magdalene’s red egg, which was hand carved and painted by one of our fine artisans here at the monastery, goes to… Johann Thomas and Albert Einstein!”

The room went quiet. Albert gulped, hoping the boys were not angry at not winning the prize. Then Werner stood and glared at Albert. With an angry wave, Werner summoned the half dozen boys in his entourage and stormed out of the dining hall amidst stunned silence.

The silence lasted a moment longer, then was shattered as all the boys in the hall burst into enthusiastic cheers and applause. The boys around them thumped Albert  and Johann on the back and shook their hands. The two boys stood and shyly nodded their thanks at the warm approval of their accomplishment.

As they sat back down, Johann leaned over and whispered, “I think it’s great that we won. But I don’t think Werner’s going to be happy about losing. Especially to you.”

Albert nodded with a frown. “I know.” Then he forced himself to relax. “But so what? I mean, what can he do?”

Johann shrugged. “Yeah, what can he do?”