Arthur begins his journey in March 1872, crossing the vast English Channel with a sense of determination but also an underlying anxiety about what awaits him. He is driven by a desire to unearth the long-forgotten artifacts of Mesopotamia, but also by a deep-seated worry that public interest in the region’s history might dwindle over time. As the ship sails through the murky, cold waters, Arthur reflects on his motivations and the personal toll of leaving London behind, especially at a time when his mother’s illness continues to weigh heavily on his heart. The feeling of guilt gnaws at him, knowing that his decision to leave, despite his mother’s condition, might be seen as abandoning her in a time of need. A fierce hailstorm strikes as the ship battles the elements, heightening his unease, but a chatty merchant aboard offers him some comfort, urging him to embrace the uncertainty of the journey, and find solace in its unpredictability.

Upon reaching Paris, Arthur is swept away by the city’s vibrant energy, the blossoming flora, and the rich history that he has always admired from afar. The streets of Paris seem alive with possibility, offering Arthur a sense of liberation that contrasts sharply with the rigid constraints he had left behind in London. However, his initial awe begins to fade as he explores the more impoverished areas of the city, where poverty clings to the streets and survival is a daily struggle. The stark contrast between the wealth of the city’s elite and the despair of its underprivileged residents shocks Arthur, forcing him to confront the broader implications of economic disparity. As he reflects on this juxtaposition, he realizes how deeply rooted the inequality is in society, and how wealth allows for a life of leisure while the poor fight a continuous battle just to get by.

Arthur’s time in Paris brings him to the Louvre, where he is once again reminded of his deep connection to Mesopotamian history through the many artifacts housed there. He spends hours marveling at the ancient relics, reinforcing his sense of purpose and fueling his passion for uncovering more of the past. After his time in Paris, Arthur boards a steamer bound for the Mediterranean, eager to continue his journey. Onboard, he encounters a diverse group of fellow travelers, including a plant hunter who is headed to Bhutan, which sparks Arthur’s curiosity about the unknown and the natural world. Despite bouts of seasickness, Arthur is captivated by the vastness of the ocean, which seems to offer endless possibilities. His fascination with the missing lines of the Epic of Gilgamesh grows stronger, and as he gazes out at the endless horizon, the journey feels even more significant, a path toward unraveling ancient mysteries and discovering new truths.

Although Arthur begins his journey with some uncertainty, doubts creep in as the voyage continues. The weight of responsibility and the fear of failure make him question whether he is truly capable of achieving his ambitions. But as the days at sea unfold, his apprehensions are slowly replaced by anticipation, and the excitement of the unknown grows. The three syllables—Ni-ne-veh—resonate with him, becoming a mantra that fuels his drive to pursue his dreams. When the ship finally nears Constantinople, Arthur is struck by the beauty of the landscape, which stirs both awe and a sense of foreboding. The captain warns him about the seductive nature of the city, cautioning him to be wary of what lies ahead. Yet, Arthur steps off the ship and into the bustling streets of Constantinople, where his sense of unease is palpable. Searching for the British Embassy, he feels like a foreigner in a strange world, filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The journey ahead holds many unknowns, but Arthur is determined to face them head-on, embracing whatever comes his way, while reflecting on how his past experiences are intertwined with this new chapter of his life.