CHAPTER 104
GIOVANNA THREW HER CIGARETTE on the ground, tired of waiting. She was sitting beneath the obelisk of Ramses II in the center of Piazza del Popolo. Her uncle was late, and that was because he had insisted she be punctual, which demonstrated Umbert's intention to test her patience.
She had heard the first-order brothers comment that the Master Builders instilled in their disciples the need to stop the rush in which human beings live, and to deepen within them the basic knowledge of wisdom and silence. She was able to see for herself, some time later, when her uncle explained the riddle of personal initiation to her:
Speech belongs to men, music to angels, and silence to the gods... — warning her that as she gradually advanced in level, she would fall deeper and deeper into the abyss of solitude. She then imagined that this was not a game and that, therefore, her life would change remarkably after deeply analyzing the true meaning of that phrase.
He accepted the theory willingly, although ensuring absolute silence of thought was much more difficult for a woman as extroverted as she was than for a man accustomed to living without anyone around him, but the mason's discipline was maintained thanks to everyone's efforts, and this served as a consolation to him.
Since joining the lodge three years ago, her way of being had taken an unexpected turn, as she discovered the true meaning of life in the mysteries of knowledge and the knowledge of God. What she hadn't expected was to fall in love with a man who would bring her back to the real world — even if they were sporadic moments of feminine weakness; after all, he was married to her cousin because she had abandoned him.
After having participated in meetings of great spiritual significance, with people whose sole commitment was to listen, without saying anything, to the Master's sermon, which meant learning the mysteries of life and preparing for the silence of death, her relationship with Gregory Evans was watched with some trepidation by the lodge's high hierarchy, and also harshly criticized, according to her uncle. However, when Viana purchased the Toledo manuscript and fate would have it that she learn of its existence, they decided to involve her in the matter, so that she would gradually inform them of everything related to the document. Although she initially refused to do so, she eventually found herself compelled by the blood ties that united her to the Master of Masters.
The truth is that the idea of visiting his uncle had been Gregory Evans's own, when he learned of the architect's Murcian origins. Thus, he killed two birds with one stone by accepting the shop's new instructions and implicating Monroe as punishment for his cruel decision, for he truly didn't understand why they had to murder the good Jorge or the upright Clarice, who, despite her rebellious nature, was a person like any other. Nor did he lack for words when he had the opportunity to speak with him alone, taking advantage of Gregory Evans's retirement for the night, carrying a Bible.
Another flaw in all that madness was putting the world's greatest detective into the game. At some point, Gregory Evans would suspect something, a single detail would be enough, but in his desperation, he needed the only person he trusted in the world.
That was Sunday night, when they learned of Clarice's death. It was the straw that broke the camel's back. Now she had to face the facts and accept that she had lost her boyfriend forever. Her sacrifice was for the benefit of the lodge, and she brooked no rebuttal. In return, she expected more than pleasant gestures of gratitude from them. She wanted to know if the story that was being spread by word of mouth among the initiates was true, what they fearfully called the Scalarum, and which was nothing more than the final test of definitive entry into the order. She had the right to demand compensation from them for her renunciation, as well as to instruct herself in the Wisdom, something the Guardian Masters must have already considered for her when she fulfilled her vows of silence.
She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't notice Monroe's presence until he appeared before her.
— I just hope you're not upset about the delay — Umbert said, sitting down beside him. — I'm sure your conscience must have been tormenting you with its relentless nagging as you awaited my return.
He was referring to each individual's inner thoughts, the rebellious murmur of the brain while it's at rest. Giovanna felt much calmer when he approached, for, without knowing how, she felt her uncle's presence exalting her imagination, stimulating her curious spirit.
— I wanted to know what was going to happen... — In reality, no one had told her how she would reorganize her life now that she couldn't return to Madrid. — I lost my job and cheated on the only man I ever loved for a second time... — She sighed deeply. — I need someone to explain to me how I'm going to face my future.
— Come on... — Monroe said, as soon as he got up, taking his niece's hand — ...let's go for a walk.
The architect felt uncomfortable with the presence of the people milling around him, so he walked away silently, heading toward the church of Santa Maria de Popolo, accompanied by Giovanna. He didn't know how to ask her to make a final sacrifice and accept Balkis's decision, unless he mentioned Greg, but first, he needed to get ahead with his preparations.
— There's something we need to talk about... — He stopped halfway across the square, looking at Giovanna seriously. — ...I'm teaching you the virtue of silence and the original knowledge of the seven Sciences, and I've told you countless stories about the art of building, as well as the mysteries hidden beneath the secret language of alchemical hieroglyphics. Although you don't know the true meaning of the initiation ceremony.
She knew that when a Master spoke to an adept about matters related to the lodge, the listener was expected to remain silent. Therefore, she remained silent.
— It's time we had a conversation that will allow you to understand the power of the ladder and the magic of those who protect it — Umbert continued, — as well as the responsibility that comes with renouncing everything to live as free men. But first, I must tell you that you have been elected to the position of Balkis, which represents the Widow's Wisdom. This means you must accept certain changes, whether you like it or not. It also has its advantages. You will be able to experience firsthand the mysteries of knowledge and gain access to the power that only the Custodians possess, a power that will amaze you to the point of making you forget you were ever a woman... — she wrinkled her nose for a moment — ...it has its dark side, I know, but I warn you of one thing: you will not make this journey alone. You will have Hiram Abif by your side. And in this case — he looked at her intently — the Widow has decided to bestow his position on Gregory Evans, though not even he knows it.
Giovanna was about to say something, but held back to avoid breaking the precept of silence. The fact that she would have another opportunity to be with Evans increased her personal satisfaction.
— I suppose that will cheer you up — he said, seeing his niece's smiling expression. — However, just because he keeps you company doesn't mean everything will go back to the way it was before.
She started walking again, but this time in the opposite direction. Giovanna followed the Master of Masters, also heading to the parking lot beyond the obelisk, but first she wanted to know more about the consolidation ritual.
— Uncle... what is the ladder, actually?
— Athanasius Kircher said in his Musurgia Universalis that, just as God descends to us through the hierarchy of angels, so we must ascend to Him by the same route: Jacob's ladder... — he cleared his voice — ...and the ladder is divided into seven steps that lead from Hell to Paradise. The seventh and final one leads us to the understanding of the divine concept through silence. The ladder goes no higher, for God is inconceivable. Jacob truly climbed the ladder that leads to Heaven, and upon returning, he could only say: "This place is terrible...! And it is nothing other than the house of God and the gate of Heaven."
— I know the story — she argued weakly.
— But you don't know that many other free men climbed that ladder, like Moses and Jesus of Nazareth.
— Did Christ have to go through the initiation ritual? — She seemed perplexed, as it was the first time she had heard anything like it.
Monroe silently confirmed. Then he added:
— He was the most distinguished student the Brotherhood of Builders ever had. Jesus's trade, according to Hebrew texts, was that of tekton, which means: one who works stone and wood, that is, a mason or builder. But that's not all, for in the Apocrypha of St. Thomas it is said that when Herod went to seek Jesus to be killed, the angel warned Joseph to take Mary and her son and flee to Egypt, away from those who wanted to murder the child. Christ was two years old when he entered the land of the pharaohs accompanied by his family. They were welcomed into the house of a widow. In truth, the story is merely a metaphor for his entry into the secret society of ancient Egyptian builders, then known as the Companions of Horus. I believe the rest you already know.
— I only know that they inherited from Tubal-cain the talent for building enormous temples, like the pyramid of Cheops. Some brothers I've spoken to claim that this is the place where initiation actually takes place... is that true?
— Yes, it is, although I haven't yet told you what's hidden inside. — The builder stopped next to a burgundy Fiat, remotely activating the alarm so the doors could be opened. — Get in! Let's take a ride.