Howard Marks is the ideal choice to present this epic tale of intrigue, which centres around an ancient artifact steeped in myth and mystery. As Marks draws us in to this multi-faceted tale of a precious cargo smuggled from country to country, he turns out to be something of an authority on the subject.
He explains how the Lance of Destiny, the weapon used to pierce the side of Christ on the cross, was closely guarded by members of secret societies like the Templars and Masons, both branches of an even older sect, the Brotherhood of the Snake.
After a long and arduous journey from Jerusalem to Rome, then French Aquitaine, the lance, sometimes known as the "Spear of Destiny", finally ended up on the Island of Jersey. Hitler sought the spear for its supposedly occult powers, but the Nazis failed to find its hiding place.
At some point in his chequered career, Marks used his persuasive charm to acquire a map claiming to show the location of the lance. Rumour has it that part of the map, containing the words "the spot" was torn away, leaving only "X Marks", and that a fake passport in the name of Xavier Marks was produced to claim ownership of the map. This rumour is entirely untrue.
Following the map's directions, the trail leads to a field where a festival is being held. Revellers party on, heedless of the priceless treasure which lies beneath their feet, having little interest in unearthing anything which can't be made into a potato salad.
Amid a sea of blank stares and shaken heads, only one man shows a glimmer of recognition when asked about the lance, then hurries away, fearing the wrath of the Brotherhood of the Snake.
After an unfortunate misunderstanding, due to intoxication, a group of women wonder if the lance is located in the dance tent. The rumour spreads like wildfire, and one young Lothario can be heard trying out his chat-up line: "Fancy a glance at my lance?"
Interviewer Tim Bonner then turns treasure hunter, and follows the directions on the map. As he nears the final destination, suddenly the tables are turned, and in a dark and claustrophobic climax, we begin to question whether the lance is within reach. Can anyone grasp this elusive spear? Perhaps the story is simply a metaphor for the inner journey, and the eternal quest for enlightenment.
