Endymion Spring

The story is set in present-day Oxford and in 1450s Germany, at the dawn of printing. A young printer's apprentice discovers a mysterious chest with clasps that look like snakes heads -- with fangs that are rumored to be poisoned. When he touches it, the fangs pierce his fingers, drawing blood, and the chest opens. It contains a secret that will endure for more than 500 years until one lonely boy accidentally discovers it, beginning a quest for knowledge and power that puts him and humanity in grave danger.