Letter of Piri Reis

Dear Grandson,

Many moons ago, I tragically bid farewell to my uncle, the valiant Kemal Reis. Every voyage, each exploration, and every battle we waged together became chapters of an illustrious tale, stories of honour and glory into the fabric of my being. I am writing this letter to you, my child, so that when you read it, you will understand why I distanced myself and why I trust you. This letter is my testament, a chronicle of my adventures and the enigma that now binds us.

Kemal Reis and I, comrades on the vast seas, led the Ottoman Navy with aspirations grand and ambitions vast. In the heat of battle, we witnessed enemy ships vanishing into the endless expanse of the ocean and fled. At the age of forty-six, my ambition was to command the Ottoman Navy, while Kemal Reis aspired to conquer not just seas but the very essence of time itself. He was a man ahead of his era, speaking languages unknown, understanding the hearts of men, and teaching me a lot.

Our pursuit of the fleeing ships led us to a new continent, a land we named Vilayet-i Antilia. Yet, it was the untouched forests that captivated us, drawing us into hot and humid embrace. Little did we know that our exploration would not go unnoticed, as the locals captured us.

Against all odds, Kemal Reis managed to convey his intentions to these dark-skinned, naked people. The world is a very interesting place, my child. In return for the food we offered, they gifted us treasures. Gold was worthless to them, like a stone. However, one object, made up of elliptical layers of bronze plates and toothed rings, caught our attention. We decided to return to our lands with this mysterious object.

Upon our return, the mystery unfolded. When we touched it with water to clean it, the gears inside began to turn. So, we decided to put it in a bucket of water. When my uncle dropped it into the bucket, he vanished— It didn't walk away, come out, or hide; yes, it disappeared! For the first time in years, I'm expressing how he left us.

We waited, but Kemal Reis did not return. The ocean didn't make our task any easier. I, burdened with leadership, spun a tale of his severe illness due to a local microbe to keep the crew at bay.

Weeks passed, hope dwindled, and a decision was made. The object remained in the bucket, and I, aware of the risk, before reached into it, I prepared a emergency bag for myself. Right after I reached fort he object and open my eyes, I found myself amidst tropical trees, a scene reminiscent of where we discovered the mysterious object.

The object possessed a divine power; it was creating miracles. It had travelled with me because I never let it go off my hand. So, my uncle might be looking for the object here.

As long as I found water anywhere, I could restart the object. With water and food in my bag, I managed to survive for about two days. I encountered many lakes and unknown animals. But eventually I stood by a familiar sea, I understood where I was. This was the Sahara Desert as we know it. However, my timeframe was different. Instead of sand, there was an untouched forest stretching in the place of the dunes. Days later, when I lost hope, I decided to return. Believing the machine could transport me back, I focused my thoughts. My belief was not in vain; the machine, intertwined with my mind, brought me back. I assume the machine had a connection with my mind. It could access anywhere I thought of or could visualize. It could be a specific timeframe or place I focused on.

Now, I'm going to Egypt today, and my current situation is not very bright. Who can stand by the fire without getting burned? Working under the orders of the Sultan and managing a fleet are like that. You, don't confuse gaining power with freedom. Power comes with responsibilities and impositions.

Now, as I entrust you with this object and my map. A power beyond imagination, stretching across the realms of time and space. You must protect it, not give it to anyone's protection, and not misuse it. However, this is still your decision, my time in this world is over.

The map and the object, concealed in Gallipoli degree 30°, hold the key to a world of wonders.

May the winds guide you, my grandson, as you unravel the mysteries that lie ahead.

Farewell and blessings,

Ahmed Muhiddin Pîrî