You held your breath as you turned the door knob of the secret Revolutionary stronghold, the famous "34/138". Two men stood arguing in the room, looking as if they were a step away from a physical scuffle.
“Oh, Danton,” the slimmer man yelled, “Our differences bind us together, but I also feel they are what will lead us to the guillotine.”
You knocked on the side of the door, to let them know you were there, before stepping in. The heavier man turned as you walked in, squinted, put down a glass of wine and nodded his head.
“My child, it is me, Danton, champion of the people!” He welcomed, rubbing his stomach.
You gazed at him, puzzled. He laughed as he realised that you may need a reminder.
“The great Danton, Who wants a republic based on tradition, nobility and domestic peace”
The slimmer man pushed in front of him.
“Surely you are here to see me, child,” He interrupted, “Robespierre: Founder of the republic based on virtue, philosophy and justice!”
You took a step backwards, and stated that you are were there for the Heart of Paris.
“Ah yes,” Robespierre laughed, “The heart, I know where it is!”
Danton scoffed audibly, “He does not! This cretin could not help a winefly find a grapevine! I shall tell you where it is, child.”
Robespierre held his hand up, Danton turned away and went to his seat. Robespierre continued.
“The Heart of Paris requires 3 pieces, or numbers, of information to find.”
As an inquisitive being, you asked what the 3 pieces were.
“The numbers. Well, no fool would argue that the 34/138 is where you’d find the first numbers.”
He turned to Danton, who nodded in agreeance, if only begrudgingly .
“And to start the search for the second numbers, visit the corner of cinquante-six and trente-deux.”
Danton burst in front of him.
“My child he has mislead you already, the corner of cinquante-cinq and trente-troi, is the corner you need."
You looked at the pair blankly, knowing not which revolutionary legend to believe. Robespierre and Danton, sensing that you were unaligned, devolved into a screaming match, which encompassed a multitude of philosophical, economical and social differences, as well as a small degree of childish name calling. After several minutes, you let out a small cough.
“Oh, yes,” Danton said, as if awoken from a trance, “Dear, child. The third numbers.”
He sipped from his wine glass.
"To know where the heart of Paris is, you need only to search the South and the East for the third numbers,” Danton advised.
Robespierre rolled his eyes, “But, of course.”
Danton let out a hollow laugh before adding, “You fool, you know not where or how to find the heart of Paris.”
Danton turned to you and opened his book as Robespierre retrieved his own wine glass.
“My dear child,” He began, opening the first page, “to find the Heart of the south, you must search Opera, and then Temple, and failing that, nothing.”
“Lies! In the south, searching Entrepôt and then Opera will help you find what you need.”
Danton and Robespierre took a step toward one another, before retreating backwards.
“Listen not to this ogre,” Danton said to you, pointing at his adversary, “Now, when you look east, go easy, at first do nothing, then proceed to the Elysee, and failing that, finally the Pantheon.”
Robespierre tilted his head back and let out a cackle.
“Child,” He began, wiping his eye, “I agree, that at first you should do nothing, and yes, you must visit Elysee. But at the final point you must be in Louvre.”
Danton and Robespierre placed their books on the desk scowled at each other, and then turned to you.
“Go now,” Robespierre encouraged, “I have given you what you need.”
“This man is deranged,” Danton interrupted, “He is sending you to a completely different point. Follow my advice and the heart of Paris is yours.”
Listening to their advice, you gazed upon Danton’s stern brow, and Robespierre’s posture of assurance. You thanked them, and slowly departed the room.
“One thing, child!” Robespierre shouted as you left.
You turn back to face the pair.
“The Heart is not at the Bastille.” Robespierre advised.
Danton nodded lifting his wine glass to the sky, “Well, at least we can both agree on that.”
You then turned back again, descended the staircase and entered the busy Parisian street, searching for the Heart of Paris. Now who did you believe, Danton or Robespierre?