by R D Shah
‘Alex, wait.’
Harker stopped immediately and turned back to face the screen.
‘I am going to have the exact address sent to Captain Jones, so please take a seat. There’s something else you need to know.’
Both Brulet and Chloe’s synchronised calm suddenly made Harker feel like a bit of an idiot, and he made his way sheepishly back to the seat. ‘Is there a problem,’ he enquired in his most professional tone hoping it would absolve him of his embarrassing childlike excitement moments earlier.
Fortunately, Brulet continued without comment. ‘I took a look into this Captain McCray fellow you mentioned, and it seems we do have something on him – information we received some years ago from a Magi contact we managed to turn. His full name is Donald McCray and at one time he was being groomed to become the head of one of the Magi families, but something happened and his younger brother was promoted instead.’
‘Do you know what it was?’ Harker asked, glad to finally be getting some details on the man that had tried to kill him.
‘Some internal disagreements between the brothers regarding the direction the Magi was heading. All we know is that the younger brother, Dietrich, had him killed – or at least he thought he had – and then seized the position for himself … Strange though.’
‘Why?’ Harker asked.
‘Because, as I told you once before, the Magi families seek to cut off only the dead wood, as it were, and Dietrich was and is without a doubt the weaker of the two and, considering his family is the Magi’s branch associated with assassinations, it makes for an odd choice.’ Brulet paused for a moment and then put his curiosity to the back of his mind. ‘Anyway, with McCray back, I am working under the assumption that the Magi could well be in the midst of a civil war.’
‘That has to be a good thing,’ Harker replied happily and encouraged by the idea.
Brulet looked unconvinced and he pursed his lips. ‘That all depends on what McCray is seeking to achieve. Given Strasser’s own admission that they would soon have the child in their possession and if the Magi are not connected, then it could be McCray himself who is associated with Skoptsy in some way.’
‘So the Ukraine it is.’ Chloe announced, as if wanting to involve herself in the conversation in any way she could.
‘Yes, but we do have another problem though.’ Brulet was now looking concerned.
‘Why, what is it?’
‘The problem,’ Brulet replied, ‘is that for the time being you are both on your own.’
‘How so?’
‘The news channels have been awash with stories of the terrorist attacks since Notre Dame but with the Vatican and the unfolding crisis in Jerusalem there has been a near total clampdown across all of the major airlines, and I am embarrassed to say that, even with all my connections, I am well and truly stuck where I am for the moment … as are the majority of my operatives.’
The news that Chloe and he would be acting alone was not as unsettling for Harker as he might have expected. So far they had managed to track down the Secrets without any direct help from the Knights Templar. Still, the idea that they would be going truly solo, without any assistance from Brulet should they need it, was enough to induce a feeling of apprehension.
‘I’m sorry to do this to you, Alex, but rest assured I will be doing everything I can to resolve the situation. And, besides which, I do have some friends I can reach out to that may still be of help to you once you reach the Ukraine.’
‘I understand, Sebastian. I know you’ll do what you can,’ Harker offered, ‘and until then you count on us to find the child and do what is necessary to ensure his safety.’
Harker’s bold statement was meant to reassure the Grand Master but did not appear to have the desired effect.
‘I have no doubt of that, Alex, and for the record you have my total confidence but, should you locate the child, I want your word that you will not do anything until you have contacted me.’
In any other circumstance Harker would have agreed to Brulet’s request without hesitation but, given the importance Harker had himself placed from the outset upon the child’s wellbeing, he was reluctant, and Brulet detected this immediately.
‘That is, of course, unless you deem it absolutely necessary, then I will leave it to your own judgement but I urge you to remain cautious,’ Brulet said with a stern jab of his finger. ‘Remember we have absolutely no idea who or what these Skoptsy are or what they’re capable of, so play it safe.’
‘I will.’ Harker assured him glancing at Chloe who nodded in appreciation and gratitude for the inclusion. ‘You have our word.’
A satisfied smile crossed Brulet’s face even as his image on the monitor began to fuzz.
‘We’re starting to lose you, Sebastian.’ Harker began tapping at the screen. ‘I’ll contact you once we learn more.’
‘Wait!’ Brulet said urgently, moving closer to the screen and realising they were running out of time. ‘Two final things. Firstly to you, Doctor Stanton. Even though you are now involved in all this, let me tell you that I am appreciative of your help but I must make it clear that Alex is in charge, and I expect you to defer to his judgement at all times and without exception. Agreed?’
‘Agreed.’ Chloe replied unwaveringly and without any hint of resistance.
‘And secondly, Alex, I need to bring you up to speed regarding …’ Brulet paused looking somewhat uncomfortable at what he was about to disclose. ‘Claire Dwyer.’
The name hit Harker like a swift punch to the stomach and he stiffened in his seat. ‘What is it? Have you found her?’
‘No, not yet. Not exactly,’ Brulet continued as the monitor’s reception became increasingly worse, so only fragments of the Grand Master’s voice crackled through the speakers. ‘But there … something you need … know. I tried … you see she’s …’
The audio abruptly cut out, as did the picture and Harker was left staring at a blank screen. He shook his head in frustration at this lousy timing. ‘Damn it,’ he muttered angrily. Not a day had passed that Harker’s thoughts had not strayed to Claire Dwyer and her supreme betrayal back at the Vatican months earlier.
‘Who’s Claire Dwyer?’ Chloe asked, as Harker folded the monitor back into the armrest.
‘Just someone I once knew,’ Harker replied, not really wanting to pick at an old wound. He took in a deep breath and began to get comfortable in his seat, when Chloe reached over and lightly placed her hand on his forearm.
‘Alex,’ she uttered softly, ‘isn’t it about time you told me what’s going on?’
Harker looked up and, seeing the placid inquisitiveness in her eyes, he offered a slow nod. It was indeed about time he gave her all the details and, considering they were going into another potentially life-threating situation, she at least deserved to know. Not to mention that Brulet’s recent blessing on the partnership meant he didn’t have to hold back any more. ‘Of course. What would you like to know?’
‘For starters, who is Sebastian Brulet and why was he wearing those weird contact lenses?’
Her misguided observation made Harker laugh and he took a final deep breath so as to prepare. ‘Firstly, those are not contact lenses and, secondly, Sebastian Brulet is the Grand Master of the Knights Templar.’
‘What, like the Knights of Malta that Tony Blair belongs to?’
‘No. I mean like the original Knights Templars from medieval times.’
His answer caused Chloe to drop her head in disbelief. ‘Please,’ she replied sarcastically, sinking back into the leather-cushioned seat next to him. ‘You must think I’m a moron!’
‘I don’t think you’re a moron, Chloe.’ Harker replied smiling at the thought of his own disbelief upon learning of the Templar’s survival from the lips of Brulet himself. ‘I actually think you are remarkably smart.’
Chloe’s eyes brightened at the comment, even though she continued to stare at him suspiciously.
‘Sit back and relax, Doctor Stanton,’
Harker instructed as he began to enjoy the feeling of being at the enlightened end of things for once, ‘and prepare to have your view of the world turned on its head.’
Chapter 25
A hushed silence fell across the waiting onlookers crowding the walls of the twenty-metre-high domed rotunda as the initiate was led in through a side passage carved into the rock and then on towards the three thick wooden posts arranged in a triangle protruding from the floor. Accompanied by two heavily built male escorts garbed in white ceremonial gowns, the initiate – barefoot and clothed in nothing but a black woollen robe – struggled against the yellow rope binding the wrists. The black canvas hood secured tightly around the prisoner’s head was held in place by a noose around the neck made from natural fibre, its loose ends hanging down behind like a braid of hair.
The escorts dragged their inductee to the designated position and untied the constraints before each taking a wrist and securing it to the metal rings which were attached to the posts on either side with thick iron screws. With arms splayed out either side, the initiate continued to struggle furiously in an attempt to break free, but after a few feeble attempts the captive’s body went limp and seemingly resigned to the fate awaiting it. The escorts now grasped the two pieces of rope dangling down the initiate’s back and tied both ends tightly around a third post fixed directly behind, so the noose pulled the victim’s head firmly upright until no slack remained.
With a few short tugs, and satisfied that all the ropes were fixed correctly, the two escorts made their way to the edge of the rotunda and took their place silently amongst the other spectators.
Somewhere high above, the low monotone of a blown horn rang out to signal for one of the spectators to make his way towards the captive. Dressed in a dark purple robe secured around the waist with a gold tassel, the man approached the initiate and outlined the sign of the cross with both his index and middle finger before turning to address the audience lining the edges of the room.
‘Once again we have in our midst a person plucked the depths of sin and seeking reconciliation,’ the man announced in Russian, his tone gruff and raspy. ‘Many times before have we seen one of our own undertake the right of passage: the hard path… the righteous path. The path to enlightenment.’
A soft murmuring of agreement rippled around the arena as the master of ceremonies raised his hands and smiled. ‘And now we are blessed with this opportunity to save yet another soul from the clutches of a world that seeks to wallow in the foulness of Lucifer’s bile … A world that takes gluttonous pride in the filth and debasement that only false gods can offer … A bleak world that has been raped of its last vestiges of salvation and now stands on the precipice of destruction. A destruction that will finally cast out the sinful and raise up the righteous to bask in the Lord’s warmth for all eternity.’
The murmurings now amplified into a louder chorus of appreciation, until their leader raised his hands once again and brought the whole room to silence.
‘Here and now we shall allow a lost soul to escape the torment that is to come and grant instead an opportunity to join our ranks. But that path is arduous,’ the speaker turned to face the initiate and grasped the tip of the hood firmly, ‘and only those possessing the sturdiest of faith may know the wonders that it can provide.’
The speaker swiftly whipped off the black hood and threw it down on to the floor. ‘So, outsider,’ the man exclaimed, now in English, ‘are you prepared to be judged by God almighty and withstand the purging of those demons that you have so readily lain down with – for now is the time to decide.’
Claire Dwyer stared back at the speaker with sweat pouring down her face, and her eyes darted around the rotunda at the many faces all now focused upon her. She tried to speak but only a gurgling could be heard through the thick gag wedged firmly in her mouth.
The speaker listened to the muffled sounds emanating from Claire’s throat before deciding for himself what her answer was, and with that he offered an approving nod. ‘Good, my child, you have made the right decision.’ He reached into his cassock and retrieved a foot-long, curved flaying knife with an intricately carved wooden handle, and raised it in front of him as Claire’s eyes widened in panic. ‘Rejoice,’ he cried out, ‘and let the fiery baptism begin.’
Chapter 26
‘So they’ve been around for almost a thousand years, then?’
‘Well, the Templar organisation has, but Brulet’s family go back much further to a time even before the pyramids at Giza were built,’ Harker explained to Chloe, who was still looking highly sceptical.
‘Can we put that whole Templar thing to one side for a moment,’ Chloe requested with a frown, ‘and clarify who the Magi are exactly?’
‘You’ve already met one of their illustrious members back at the Temple Mount.’
‘You mean Avi – the man who turned into a drooling psychotic and tried to eat us?’
‘Yes, that’s the one and, for the record, he tried to eat me not you.’ Harker gave a smile in acknowledging the comical nature of Chloe’s description of his brush with death. ‘Maybe it’s best I give you a short history lesson, but let me finish it before you ask any more questions.’
Chloe gave a nod in assent and then, with the teacher in him now taking charge, Harker set about explaining the illustrious chronicle that was the Brulet’s family tree and with it the history of the Order of the Templars and its ascension to the position it held today, and the shadowy power and influence it commanded.
‘Brulet’s ancestors were amongst the first followers of Jesus Christ, and then later on became part of St Peter’s devotees following the crucifixion. They actually witnessed Jesus perform the feeding of the five thousand near the Lake of Galilee.’
It was obvious that Chloe was already entertaining doubts from the way she raised her eyebrows, but she remained politely quiet as he resumed the story. It was weird somehow because he had expected to feel like a total idiot on giving this account of Brulet’s family background but, after everything he had experienced recently he felt no awkwardness whatsoever, as if the truth itself offered a protective shield against any embarrassment he might have otherwise felt.
‘Anyway, the family remained loyal to the newly founded church for hundreds of years, surviving the hostility of the Roman Empire until finally Emperor Constantine declared Catholicism to be the one true faith. ‘Now,’ Harker instinctively raised his index finger towards the ceiling, ‘this is where the Magi come into the picture. A council was established to decide upon how best this new religion should operate; how and where people would worship, and what the edicts and rules would be. It was known as the First Council of Nicaea, and Brulet’s family were part of its ruling body. They preached freedom and respect for all men but there was another powerful family on the council who believed that the church should be used as a tool to dominate and enslave the populace … the Magi.’
Harker paused as Chloe politely raised one hand. ‘Sorry to interrupt but why are they called the Magi?’ she asked curiously.
‘That’s a reasonable question,’ Harker assessed, still in teacher mode. ‘The Magi believe they are direct descendants of the three kings that paid homage to Jesus at the time of his birth. Those three kings were known as the Magi, so they took this designation for their own’
Satisfied with this explanation, Chloe resumed her role as pupil, even resting her head in her palm like an enthralled schoolgirl.
‘After a lot of debate, the Council of Nicaea found a middle ground regarding the mechanics of the Church, but with serious opposition from the Magi who were ultimately ostracized for their extreme views. Nevertheless they continued on the periphery, gathering power and money with the aim of influencing the Church at any opportunity. Brulet’s family, on the other hand, grew along with the Church and were eventually instrumental in the formation of the Knights Templars, which has been their role ever since.’
Chloe once again raised a hand. ‘But, if my memory of second
-year history serves me correctly, aren’t I right in saying that the Templars were disbanded centuries ago?’
‘That’s true, they were, but the reasons for that are far darker than the word ‘disbanded’ implies. Over the centuries the Templars had become extremely wealthy and the French King Philip IV, who, as luck would have it was a childhood friend of the reigning pope, wanted to acquire their assets for himself. So a plan was hatched to destroy the Templars, under the pretence that they had turned their back on the Church. Many of the Templars were subsequently arrested and tortured but when King Philip raided the Templar’s treasure vaults, he found them completely empty. Led by Brulet’s family, the remaining Templars had escaped to Scotland on a fleet of ships, with all the Order’s wealth on board.’
‘Why Scotland?’ Chloe now asked, now not even bothering to raise a hand.
‘Because back then Scotland was well out of papal reach. The Scots had been considered savages ever since Hadrian built his famous wall cutting off their country from the English mainland. It was the perfect place for wealthy crooks – as the Templars were unfairly labelled – to hide out in. A little bit like Switzerland today,’ Harker added with a smile. ‘And so, from that day onwards, the Templars used their money and expertise to guide the Church, albeit from a distance, along a different path. A path that was guided by their own agenda.’
‘Their own agenda!’ Chloe blurted out. ‘That’s terrible, not to mention completely immoral.’
‘It would be,’ Harker replied, ‘if that was the whole story, but I left out one very important fact.’
‘Go on.’ Chloe said suspiciously.
‘After the battle for Jerusalem AD 1123 towards the end of the Second Crusade, the surviving Templars set about excavating the area believed to have housed the temple of Solomon. The temple was said to hold secrets that could prove devastating to the Church, and to Catholicism at large. Now, the Templars believed it was their sworn duty to prevent these secrets from ever seeing the light of day and, in doing so, protect the Church and the faith. What they discovered, however, would begin the process of the Templar’s reformation that changed it into the secret organisation that it has since become.’
