ELITE The Zebra Damascus Set

There! His light flashed over a dark shape entwined in the massive roots of the black walnut that towered over the Hall of Knights, fifty feet above. Legends said the old tree had grown from the very foundations of the castle itself, fighting its way upward until the branches spread wide under the canopy of Heaven. Hours of careful excavation secured the prize. Yet, as the archaic book rested its surprising weight in his dusty hands, there was still one more challenge: an old but still imposing lock. This would have to wait. His investors wanted to witness the book’s opening….

The historian addressed the small gathering. “It’s not a book at all, but a cleverly designed box, albeit one that resembles an oversized book to the casual observer.” Pulling a discolored iron skeleton key from the pocket of his tuxedo, the historian noticed the eyes of his audience followed intently as he inserted it into the intricate lock. None of them had ever seen one quite like it. The lock’s round, metal body fell free with a metallic click and hung there, swinging gently from the specially fitted iron clasp. With a whisper, the box’s lid opened to his touch, revealing the treasure within.