‘I also need to point out that in certain occult societies the two fingers raised in this way are symbolic of the false messiah, and is almost always shown in modern statues and pictures of Baphomet, who the Templars were accused of worshipping. Make of that what you will.’
‘Well, you’ve stolen my thunder, that’s for sure. Be thankful I’m not a murderous lunatic like Harcourt, or I would be chasing you up the stairs with your own rifle! We’ve been searching since we were children, and yet we’re still only beginning to see what Saunière and his colleagues left.’
‘I almost didn’t say… I knew you’d get there in the end…’
‘I’m glad you did.’
‘It’s just a theory, Caro, and it needs a hell of a lot more research, which I’ll leave to you. I’ve got other things I want to do, like going to Lithuania, for a start. But there’s more. I can hardly believe it myself, but there is. Like your discoveries, it was right in front of us all the time.’
‘Tell me, Ben… tell me, I can’t bear the suspense.’
* * *
‘OK. We’ve both held the opinion that Jesus wasn’t crucified and came to France, and as far as I’m concerned that’s still true. I also believe that he died in England, before Joseph, his brother-in-law and companion. What I don’t believe is that he died from natural causes. He was killed… not on the cross, but was killed nonetheless, and by the Romans too.’
‘I think I’m going to have a heart attack in a minute… quick, tell me more.’
‘Well, it’s clearest in Brenac, but once you know, you can see the clues everywhere.’
‘Ben, if you don’t just get on with it and tell me, I’ll give you the biggest thump you’ve ever had!’
‘Be quiet, and I’ll tell you. In Brenac church, along with the others, is a statue of St Cecelia. The truth of her story is much argued, but many believe that her existence is historical fact. The first early Roman/Christian church dedicated to her was in the fourth century, in the Trastevere district of Rome supposedly on the site of her house. Her feast day is the 22nd November, which should interest you. That’s a 22 and a pair of ‘II’ for the twins if you include November. She’s the patron saint of music and apparently sang to God during her marriage to the pagan Valerian. She refused his advances, and eventually he, and his brother, Tibertius, went about saving martyrs from death by the Romans. Eventually, they became martyrs themselves, after being slain under the emperor Marcus Aurelius in the second century, although the actual emperor involved is argued about.’
‘Well, it was an awfully long time ago,’ said Caro.
‘True enough. The Romans then tried to behead Cecelia, only to find they couldn’t cut her head off, despite three blows with a sword, and she eventually died three days after. Note the 3s and their symbolism. The Roman meaning of the name Cecelia is blind. In The Second Nun’s Tale, written by Chaucer about St Cecelia, he put forward other meanings, including “the way for the blind” and “the lily of heaven,” both of which are rather appropriate for what is, in this context, another allegorical tale told by Courtade, even more so when you remember that Jesus and John’s father, Joseph, is so often portrayed with a lily.
‘Given the dates, I might even suggest that the story of Cecelia is a Romanised rendition of an actual account of Mary Magdalene, John the Baptist, and Jesus. It wasn’t that long after their existence, after all. Mary wasn’t beheaded, of course, but it was a good way to get rid of her, especially by making her a martyr after Constantine had done his deed of conversion at Nicaea. There are a few fantastic paintings of the three of them together, including one by Botticini, with a small female child in the corner. He also painted one of the supposed Virgin and child, but she’s wearing a bright red dress, which is much more likely to be Mary Magdalene. I know one can only read so much into this type of thing, but as part of an overall trail its reasonably convincing.’
‘You’re a dark horse, Ben – maybe downright sneaky. If there’s anything else you want to shock me with, spit it out now.’
* * *
‘There’s just one small thing left. It’s still at Brenac; the cartouche on the wall of the Ark.’
‘I know it, I’ve got a photo here.’
‘Good. You see, Moses apparently said that under no circumstances were the staves that the Ark was carried by supposed to be removed… not ever, in fact, no one was ever to touch it at all, or the power of the Ark would kill them. The staves probably acted as some sort of seal to the chest, but anyway, look at the picture, Caro… the staves are off and are shown in a cross behind the Ark. What do you make of it?’
‘It’s obviously deliberate, since Courtade would undoubtedly have known about the staves. It must be another clue, but what? Considering what Hortense said in her letter, it’s doubtful that the Ark has been found, but the map might have been, I suppose. She strongly warned us off, though. I’ve no doubt that she knew more than she let on, about both the Ark and the map, but if she said it would bring nothing but misery she was probably right. I must admit, though, despite the warnings I’m beginning to find the whole idea of the Ark exciting.’
‘I don’t. She was as wise as they come, and we would be idiots not to listen to her. Forget all about maps and treasure.’
‘OK, Ben. You’re right of course.’
‘I know I am. It’s probably not worth mentioning, but rather than risk another accusation of being secretive there’s another tiny detail I noted at Brenac.’
CHAPTER SEVENTY-THREE
‘There’s more?’
‘I started to go through my photos. I’ve nowhere near as many as you, but I remembered one that interested me at the time, and then I forgot all about it. Still in Brenac, it’s the base of the statue of Joan of Arc. Her name is quite obviously not painted on properly, and is over to one side. I thought little of it, but it wasn’t until I went over the photos that I could see that the base had possibly been reused for Joan. Perhaps they smashed her original one looking for something? Anyway, in the photo you can clearly see the word meus meaning mine, a letter B, and two children’s heads. Look, I’ve got it here.’ I pushed my laptop over to her.
‘How bizarre. Even if they did reuse the base, why not paint Joan’s name correctly? It’s like it’s been deliberately left as some sort of clue. The plot thickens. It reminds me of the painters from the Middle Ages, leaving their messages whenever they could, just like Saunière. I wonder how they knew?’
‘Maybe they didn’t know for sure but, like us, had other clues that had been passed down and theories that they could incorporate into their paintings? Or maybe they copied older ones? It certainly gives more credence to a group of Gnostics of some kind, and why not? Like Giotto, and others who weren’t artists, they all knew what had happened to the Cathars and Templars and maybe were secret supporters of them and their beliefs, or their powerful patrons were? Quite unlike our parents, I might add, who spent their lives suppressing the truth, and getting paid for it!’
Caro looked at me, her face showing concern and her eyes full of tears.
‘I know, Ben, but let’s not judge them, not now anyway. We know so little about their work and we’ve got quite enough to be getting on with without any more upset.’
I nodded. ‘I’m struggling to be as forgiving as you, but I definitely agree that we have enough to be going on with!’
* * *
‘There are a few more observations I’ve made. One of the most recognisable Templar symbols is of two men on one horse. Is that deliberate symbolism of the twins, Jesus and John? Then I remembered going into the Templar church at Serres, on the road to Arques. Have you seen the medieval wall paintings that have been uncovered?’
‘Yes, they’re amazing and very early; twelfth or thirteenth century, I think.’
‘Then you’ll have seen the two huge crosses on the ceiling. And
the wall paintings of two men, one holding a globe-like object with one finger raised, and the other some documents, with two fingers very obviously placed at its front. Even that far back, they were trying to pass the message on about Jesus and John, the twins. Possibly of no relevance at all, but the name Serres is spelt the same both forward and backwards.’
‘I’d noticed that. It’s odd.’
‘I think so, but symbolically it’s the same in two parts, like twins. Oh, I almost forgot. Back at Brenac again, it seems to keep its service book permanently open on the 22nd September. I looked it up, and it’s the beginning of the Autumn equinox, and is sometimes associated with John the Baptist. Some consider it to be a satanic feast day. That’s another 22 for your list, anyway. Given that Brenac has quite a few Masonic symbols painted on the walls and ceiling, it might be worth mentioning that the Scottish Rite Masonic order, also known as Rose Croix, is sometimes thought of as having Satanic beliefs, although I’ve no idea if that’s true or not. And do you remember when I said to note the 3s in Cecelia’s story?’
‘Yes?’
‘Well, the Scottish Rite is the 33rd degree. I have little doubt that Courtade used the story to reveal his connection to them, as well as the general 3 symbolism, and the allegorical tale. Some believe that the 33rd degree masons are the keepers of the holy bloodline of Jesus, or of Satan. Take your pick. And the ladders he uses with other masonic symbols around the walls? Well, they are most commonly used for the 32nd degree York Masonic order, or the Order of the Knights Templar. It’s complex stuff and needs to be researched properly, but a tiny snippet to add weight to it back at Rennes-le-Château, are the thirty-three postcards that Saunière had made for sale.’
Caro looked worried for a moment. ‘I’ll second all of that, but the satanic possibilities? What a scary idea. I don’t like the sound of it at all.’
‘My belief, right now anyway, is that it isn’t satanic in the way we think of it. Certainly, Baphomet, who the Templars were supposed to revere, is now thought of as satanic, but was only brought into those circles much more recently. And the pictures that are everywhere of a horned, devil-like creature, were only put together in the nineteenth century. I favour the view that they did indeed idolise a skull, quite likely that of John the Baptist, found in one of their raids along with various other things, that convinced them enough to revere him in this way.’
‘It makes sense, doesn’t it?’
I nodded. ‘The name Baphomet is interesting, and was first recorded in the late eleventh century. I don’t hold with the suggestion that it’s a version of Muhammad. Assuming that the language used is Latin, my view is that the Bap at the beginning quite literally refers to Baptist, or Baptiste; the hom in the middle refers to homine, which means man, and the met at the end, if looked at backwards and reusing the m, is tem for Templar or templum, meaning temple or church. I played around with it for ages, and using Latin abbreviations it could also translate to something like “father of the temple.” Using my version, too, that places John the Baptist as the father and, quite literally, the head of the temple or church, so it’s most likely a combination of the both with joint meaning. I especially like the “man” bit. They knew he was a man, not a divine being, and that was important to them.’
‘I think you’re right. That’s amazing. Another code broken.’
‘Maybe. Here’s another thought, perhaps all the twos are symbolic of the twins, as well as other things?’
‘And all the II symbols in Peter’s church, is that the twins too? Poor Peter, what a waste…’
‘Isn’t it just? And even more smokescreens and mirrors – it’s admirable really. And is this it, or is there more to discover?’
‘Let’s come back into the present, sum up, and decide our next move.’
‘Right. Harcourt wants the journal, because it connects Rennes-le-Château and Antugnac to the village in England. He wants the Roman parchments because they are integral to the story, and for their potential worth in both money and power. Franco has the originals, but we have copies. Presumably Franco has his well-hidden, but they’re obviously after him, as well. He may also want information about the codes in Saunière’s church, hence his visit to Hortense. He can’t possibly know about the cellar room or the parchments that were there, nor about the gold discs and cube. The only treasure map we know of for sure is the one that was left in the cellar, and surely Charles, Hortense, and our parents took all that gold years ago. Maybe he knows that there is a map, but assumes it was one that Saunière found?’
‘Let’s look at the worst-case scenario. Peter’s dead, so he isn’t a threat to us anymore. Harcourt’s not going to kill us without speaking to us first. If he managed to get one of us, say me, for instance, then he could blackmail you into handing over what we know or he’ll threaten to kill me. I found some old court and press details about him on the internet. He was very violent when he was married and put his wife in hospital several times. He sounds like a misogynist. He served time in prison for one of the assaults, although he was living in another part of the country then. He’ll have enemies too, and a weak spot. Everyone has; ours is each other. Here’s another thought. What about trying Bill from your village for more information? He seems to know everything that’s going on. You do as a teacher… I found that myself. Why don’t you give him a ring?’
I thought for a moment. ‘That’s not a bad idea. I’ll do it now.’
* * *
Caro went into the kitchen to make coffee, and I looked up Bill’s number and put on the speakerphone. He answered after a few rings and seemed delighted to hear my voice, which made me feel guilty, since I was only calling to pump him for information.
‘Hello Bill, how are you?’
‘Padre, what a surprise. I’m very well. A few twinges of pain, but getting about with more ease every day. I’ve been by your cottage several times. I’ve even stuck my nose against the window, and everything looks fine. Is there anything you want doing? I don’t mind at all, just say the word.’
‘To be honest, I wanted to ask you something. I can’t fully explain why, so if you feel you would rather not answer, I understand, but I was wondering what you know about Adrian Harcourt?’
‘Ah, Harcourt… a nasty piece of work. I never understood why the church let him get involved. I just assumed they didn’t know about him. Bit of a psychopath, I’d say; can charm the birds from the trees, but it doesn’t do to cross him. He’s got a nasty temper, and has been in court several times for violence, I believe, and was banged up once, some years back. I never believed all that stuff about an accident either. It strikes me that he ran up against someone who didn’t like him, and that wouldn’t be hard. Rumour says he’s involved in various shady dealings. And those icons he paints? I heard that they weren’t entirely kosher either, and he uses them as a front for something else. He’s got a couple of children. Did you know that? I taught them very briefly, and they were terrified of him. I believe there’s a court order preventing him from seeing them now. All local gossip, which is amazingly effective, as you know.’
‘I thought you’d be the best person to ask. Caro said teachers hear a lot of things. Once again, I’m sorry I can’t explain myself right now, but does he have any weaknesses that you know of? Fears? I know that’s a strange question to ask.’
‘Don’t worry… I don’t mind. The only thing I can say, is that I once saw one of the mums lay into him by the school gates. He’d been yelling at one of his children about something. He totally caved in, apologised, and crawled off like a worm, whilst all the other parents cheered. He’s like any bully, psychopath or not. They prey on the weak and vulnerable. Look, Benoît, I hope it’s OK to call you that… I sense you’re in a bit of trouble. That break-in wasn’t the work of the usual brainless criminal – they were after something. Do let me help. I know I’ve had this hip thing, but I’m no wimp. I was in t
he TA for years.’
‘Thank you so much Bill. I may be coming back in the next day or so, and you’d be the first person I would call if I needed help. Do let me know if you think of anything else.’ We rang off.
‘You were right, Caro. The worm, as Bill called him, has most definitely got a weakness: women. He may detest them, but he’s also scared of them. That’s certainly something to remember. Perhaps you should become a dominatrix. You know… slap him about a bit.’
She laughed. ‘Yes, I’d certainly like to do that. Hit him with big stick, more like. I always thought I missed my vocation.’
‘Perhaps we should just wear masks and try to frighten him to death. What about booing him as he walks around the corner, like we used to do to each other, and give him a heart attack. Much more our style, and you were especially good at it.’ We were soon both convulsed with laughter at the absurdity of my suggestion and the images that it raised. Hysteria or not, after a time of so much stress and unhappiness it was a huge relief to give in to it. We had just begun to calm down when the phone rang.
CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR
‘Benoît, it’s Bishop August. I’ve managed to find out a bit more about Harcourt. He was in France… well, Rennes-le-Château to be precise. It was he that your aunt shot. Jesus; that was one wonderful woman. He’s back in England now, though. Too many police crawling around for him to stay there, so he got a private jet back, and as far as we know he’s back in his lair. Look, I shall be home tomorrow and I’ll phone you as soon as I get there. Or you phone me if you decide to make a move. If I know always know where you are, I can charge in if needs be. I know I’m a decrepit old fool, but I can swing a cricket bat as well as the rest of them. Safely in numbers, Benoît, and watch your back at all times. There’s none so mad as a wounded animal.’
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