Man what is UP with this place.

Francis Hickering belatedly realizes he was asked a question. "The Obelisk of Axum is one of the stelae of Axum. The stelae were originally erected between the third and fourth century AD. Some are rough-hewn stone blocks three feet in length; others are nearly a hundred feet tall."

Anemone is just going to take out her notes right now and start scribbling.

"The Obelisk of Axum is one of the Seven Kings, the largest stelae in Axum."

Obelisks. Obelisks obelisks obelisks. He read a book about this.

"A fascinating subject! They appear to depict buildings that are ten to thirteen stories tall although of course actual Aksumite buildings were never more than three stories tall."

"We were actually planning to visit Ethiopia immediately after our visit to Miskatonic University. We're investigating another professor who who left to do some excavations in Dallol, about ten years ago."

"That's a rather long expedition, isn't it? Wouldn't he lose his funding?"

"His superiors don't actually seem to believe that he's alive anymore. He's been out of contact with them for some years."

"How do they get the obelisks nearly a hundred feet tall but not the buildings?" This is mostly to himself because it is irrelevant probably.

Francis Hickering is too much of a teacher to ignore this sort of opening. "Excellent question!" Francis says to Oswald. "We have no idea. It is one reason why it's so fascinating!"

Oswald is startled to be addressed and nods abruptly.

Maybe it's not irrelevant. "Have you heard of a thing called the Black Stone? I saw a reference to it in one of the books we've found, but wasn't at all sure what it meant."

"Ah! In Hungary. Yes. I haven't had a chance to research it myself but it is a fascinating monolith, isn't it? Totally indestructible. At least it won't be destroyed by treasure hunters." He sounds satisfied about this fact.

Notes notes notes. "I'm afraid we only have somewhat cursory information on it, do you know anything else about it?"

"Ancient monolith. All manner of fascinating superstitions about it. Anyone who lays a hammer to it will die horribly, it is said. Anyone who sleeps nearby will suffer nightmares for the rest of their life. But as I said, it's not my area."

"I'm sorry, I'm not sure I'm entirely clear on what your area is?"

"Ancient history. Well, I suppose it is ancient history. But I have not taken an interest in it."

"You're interested in the Ethiopian monoliths, rather."

"At the moment, yes. And the legends of the Orkney Islands as well."

"What legends, in particular?" She doesn't think they have a connection there yet but maybe it's related.

"I've only scratched the surface of the ocean myths, mind you. There's material for an entire book there. You'll want to talk to Professor Sims if you're interested in the subject, I've been corresponding with him. There are legends of the finfolk. Sorcerers, half-fish and half-man, with power over storm and sea. Unparalleled swimmers."

"Thank you very much. Where does this Professor Sims live, is he here or at a different university?"

"Oh, he's at Lyness University in the Orkney Islands. Rather far away, unfortunately."

"Yes, I understand. Was there a reason you were interested in these finfolk, in particular? Moreso than other myths?"