that represent transformative rites of passage. To look for a literal portal would be like trying to locate the actual Gates of Heaven. Sato seemed to consider this momentarily. But it sounds like Mr. Solomons captor believes you can unlock an actual portal. Langdon exhaled. Hes made the same error many zealots makeconfusing metaphor with a literal reality. Similarly, early alchemists had toiled in vain to transform lead into gold, never realizing that lead-to-gold was nothing but a metaphor for tapping into true human potentialthat of taking a dull, ignorant mind and transforming it into a bright, enlightened one. Sato motioned to the hand. If this man wants you t xxx canada goose chilliwack x o locate some kind of portal for him, why wouldnt he simply tell you how to find it? Why all the dramatics? Why give you a
Solomon said, ushering Malakh into an elegant living room whose expansive windows offered an astonishing view of the Washington skyline. Do I smell tea steeping? Malakh asked as he entered. Solomon looked impressed. My parents always gr canada goose chilliwack eeted guests with tea. Ive carried on that tradition. He led Malakh into the living room, where a tea service was waiting in front of the fire. Cream and sugar? Black, thank you. Again Solomon looked impressed. A purist. He poured them both a cup of black tea. You said you needed to discuss something with me that was sensitive in nature and could be discussed only in private. Thank you. I appreciate your time. You and I are Masonic brothers now. We have a bond. Tell me how I can help you. First, I would like to thank you for the honor canada goose chilliwack of the thirty-third
his head cracking into the edge of the stone niche. He fell hard, crumpling on the desk, sending bones and artifacts flying. The hourglass shattered on the floor. The candle toppled to the floor, still burning. Sato reeled amid the chaos, raising the gun, but the intruder grabbed a femur and lashed out with it, striking her shoulder with the leg bone. Sato l canada goose chilliwack et out a cry of pain and fell back, dropping the weapon. The newcomer kicked the gun away and then wheeled toward Langdon. The man was tall and slender, an elegant African American whom Langdon had never seen before in his life. Grab the pyramid! the man commanded. Follow me! CHAPTER 42 The African American man leading Langdon through the Cap canada goose chilliwack itols subterranean maze was clearly someone of power. Beyond knowing his way through all the
orange flame illuminated a vision that hardly seemed human. Jesus Christ! The guard barely had time to process what he was seeing before the bare-chested creature knelt down and touched the flame to the floor. Instantly, a strip of fire materialized, leaping away f canada goose chilliwack rom them, racing into the void. Bewildered, the guard looked back, but the creature was already slipping out the open bay canada goose chilliwack door into the night. The guard managed to sit up, wincing in pain as his eyes followed the thin ribbon of fire. What the hell?! The flame looked too small to be truly dangerous, and yet now he saw something utterly terrifying. The fire was no longer illuminating only the darkened void. It had traveled all the way to the back wall, where it was now illuminating a massive cinder-block structure. The guard had
scanned the alphabetical list of his artwork. Adam and Eve Betrayal of Christ Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Great Passion Last Supper Seeing all the biblical titles, Katherine canada goose chilliwack recalled that Dürer practiced something called Mystic Christianitya fusion of early Christianity, alchemy, astrology, and science. Science . . . The image of her lab in flames rushed through her mind. She could barely process the long-term ramifications, but canada goose chilliwack for the moment, her thoughts turned to her assistant, Trish. I hope she made it out. Langdon was saying something about Dürers version of the Last Supper, but Katherine was barely listening. She had just seen the link for Melencolia I. She clicked the mouse, and the page refreshed with general information. Melencolia I, 1514 Albrecht Dürer engraving on laid
admiring his work in the light of the three candles. He waited until the blood was dry and then folded the thick vellum three times. While chanting an ethereal ancient incantation, Malakh touched the vellum to the third candle, and it burst into flames. He set the flaming vellum on the silver saucer and let it burn. As it did, the carbon in the animal skin dissolved to a powdery bla canada goose chilliwack ck char. When the flame went out, Malakh carefully tapped the ashes into the brass bowl of blood. Then he stirred the mixture with the crows feather. The liquid turned a deeper crimson, nearly black. Holding the bowl in both p canada goose chilliwack alms, Malakh raised it over his head and gave thanks, intoning the blood eukharistos of the ancients. Then he carefully poured the blackened mixture into a glass vial and corked it. This
and was now fully cooperative. All set, maam, Agent Simkins said. On Satos command, the agents ushered Bellamy across the rooftop and disappeared down a stairwell, heading for ground level to take up their positions. Sato walked to the edge of the building and gaz canada goose chilliwack ed down. The rectangular wooded park below filled the entire block. Plenty of cover. Satos team fully understood the importance of making an undetected intercept. If their target sensed a presence here and decided just to slip away . . . the director didnt even want to think about it. The wind up here was gusty and cold. Sato wrapped her arms around herself, and planted her feet firmly to avoid getting blown over the edge. From this high vantage point, Franklin Square looked canada goose chilliwack smaller than she recalled, with fewer buildings. She
gently stroked Peters shaved scalp. Ive prepared your brother for a great honor. He has a role to play tonight. Katheri canada goose chilliwack nes entire body went rigid. No . . . Peter and I will be leaving in a moment, but I thought youd want to say good-bye. Where are you taking him? she said weakly. He smiled. Peter and I must journey to the sacred mountain. That is where the treasure lies. The Masonic Pyramid has revealed the location. Your friend Robert Langdon was most helpful. Katherine looked int canada goose chilliwack o her brothers eyes. He killed . . . Robert. Her brothers expression contorted in agony, and he shook his head violently, as if unable to bear any more pain. Now, now, Peter, the man said, again stroking Peters scalp. Dont let this ruin the moment. Say good-bye to your little sister. This is your final family