powerful information could truly exist? Langdon was not sure how to respond. The Ancient Mysteries had always been the greatest paradox of his academic career. Virtually every mystical tradition on earth revolved around the idea that there existed arcane knowledge capable of imbuing humans with mystical, almost godlike, powers: tarot and I Ching gave men the ability to see the future; alchemy gave men immortality through the fabled Philosophers Stone; Wicca permitted advanced practitioners to cast powerful spells. The list went on and on. As an academic, Langdon could not deny the h canada goose vancouver istorical record of these traditionstroves of documents, artifacts, and artwork that, indeed, clearly suggested the ancients had a canada goose vancouver powerful wisdom that they shared only through allegory, myths, and symbols,
tonight was the second time in twenty-four hours that Malakh had broken into one of Solomons private spaces. Last night, a similar visit had been made to Solomons home. Although Peter Solomon had a magnificent country estate in Potomac, he spent much of his time in the city at his penthouse apartment at the exclusive Dorchester Arms. His building, like most that catered to the super-rich, was a veritable fortress. High walls. Guard gates. Guest lists. Secured underground parking. Malakh had driven this very limousine up to the buildings guardhouse, doffed his chauffeurs cap from his shaved head, and proclaimed, I have Dr canada goose vancouver canada goose vancouver . Christopher Abaddon. He is an invited guest of Mr. Peter Solomon. Malakh spoke the words as if he were announcing the Duke of York. The guard checked a log and then
felt an eerie convergence that forced him to accept one very strange truth: with the exception of its size, the stone pyramid in Peters Chamber of Reflection seemed to be transforming itself, bit by bit, into something vaguely resembling the Masonic Pyramid of legend. From the brightness with which the capstone shone on the X-ray, Langdon suspected it was made of metal . . . a very dense metal. Whether or not it was solid gold, he had no way of knowing, and he was not about to let his mind start playing tricks on him. This canada goose vancouver pyramid is too small. The codes too easy to read. And . . canada goose vancouver . its a myth, for heavens sake! Sato was watching him. For a bright man, Professor, youve made some dumb choices tonight. Lying to an intelligence director? Intentionally obstructing a CIA investigation? I can
but it is our duty to ensure this pyramid is not assembled. Langdon found Bellamys sense of drama to be somewhat overwrought. Is he describing the capstone and pyramid . . . or a detonator and nuclear bomb? He still couldnt quite accept Bellamys claims, but it hardly seemed to matter. Even if this is the Masonic Pyramid, and even if this inscription does somehow reveal the location of ancient knowledge, how could that knowledge possibly impart the kind of power it is said to impart? Peter always told canada goose vancouver me you were a hard man to convincean academic who prefers proof to speculation. Youre saying you do believe that? Langdon demanded, feeling impatient now. Respectfully . . . you are a modern, educated man. How could you believe such a thing? B canada goose vancouver ellamy gave a patient smile. The craft of
understands the messages hidden in Dürers art. That may be true, she said. But how does ‘1514 Albrecht Dürer explain how to decipher the pyramid? They reached a locked door, and Langdon used Bellamys key card to get through. The number 1514, Langdon said as they hurried up the stairs, is pointing us to canada goose vancouver a very specific piece of Dürers work. They came into a huge corridor. Langdon glanced around and then pointed left. This way. They moved quickly again. Albrecht Dürer actually hid the number 1514 in his most mysterious piece of artMelencolia Iwhich he completed in the year 1514. Its considered the seminal work of the Norther canada goose vancouver n European Renaissance. Peter had once shown Katherine Melencolia I in an old book on ancient mysticism, but she didnt recall any hidden number 1514. As you may know,
Tonight, this blade would again taste the power of the sacrifice for which it was honed. Malakh gently lifte canada goose vancouver d the knife from its cushioned compartment and reverently polished the blade with a silk cloth soaked in purified water. His skills had progressed greatly since his first rudimentary experiments in New York. The dark Art that Malakh practiced had been known by many names in many languages, but by any name, it was a precise s canada goose vancouver cience. This primeval technology had once held the key to the portals of power, but it had been banished long ago, relegated to the shadows of occultism and magic. Those few who still practiced this Art were considered madmen, but Malakh knew better. This is not work for those with dull faculties. The ancient dark Art, like modern science, was a discipline
in front of him. The old man was running his hands over the stones warm surface. Langdon said, Father, are you coming to see Peter? Id just slow you down. Galloway removed his hands from the bag and zipped it up around the pyramid. Ill stay right here and pray for Peters recovery. We can all speak later. But when you show Peter the pyramid, would you please tell him something for me? canada goose vancouver Of course. Langdon hoisted the bag onto his shoulder. Tell him this. Galloway cleared his throat. The Masonic Pyramid has always kept her secret . . . sincerely. I dont understand. The old man winked. Just tell Peter that. He will understand. With that, Dean Galloway bowed his head and began praying. Perplexed, Langdon left him there and hurried outside. Katherine was already in the front seat canada goose vancouver of the SUV
or life force could move outside the realm of the bodythen a startling new light had just been shed on countless mystical questions: transmigration, cosmic consciousness, near-death experiences, astral projection, remote viewing, lucid dreaming, and on and on. Medical journals were filled with stories of patients who had died on the operating ta canada goose vancouver ble, viewed their bodies from above, and then been brought back to life. Peter was silent, and Katherine now saw he had tears in his eyes. She understood. She had cried, canada goose vancouver too. Peter and Katherine had lost loved ones, and for anyone in that position, the faintest hint of the human spirit continuing after death brought a glimmer of hope. Hes thinking of Zachary, Katherine thought, recognizing the deep melancholy in her brothers eyes. For years Peter