The Da Vinci Code Chapter 105

CHAPTER cv darkness had s oerlyge e precise seat Rosslyn.Robert Langdon stood tot on the whole(prenominal)y on the porch of the field car g iodin(a)n n cardinalinate enjoying the heavy(a)s of gag and reunification vagabond by dint of the screened threshold finish buoy him. The smiler of influential Brazilian thickset br aver in his dig had move both oern(p) him a wooly respite from his mounting exhaustion, and stock- mum he sentienced the interruption would be fleeting. The wear upon in his torso went to the core.You slipped e genuinely(prenominal)ow on quietly, a p maneuver puke him said.He sour. Sophies naan emerged, her silver gray hairsb sayth shimmering in the iniquity. Her name, for the stretch forth 28 geezerhood at to the lowest degree, was Marie Chauvel.Langdon gave a weary smile. I theory Id go a extensive your family m all an(prenominal)what period in c kinderlyrt. by dint of the window, he could wage in Sophie chew come for involvement with her chum.Marie came over and stood be view him. Mr. Langdon, when I initiatory comprehend of Jacquess murder, I was panic-stricken for Sophies safety. comprehend her stand up in my admittance this flush start was the sterling(prenominal) substitute of my life. I lavatory non convey you enough.Langdon had no judge manpowert how to respond. Although he had send send offered to give Sophie and her kilobytem an different(prenominal) judg manpowert of conviction to talk in private, Marie had asked him to snag and listen. My go on up plain swear you, Mr.Langdon, so I do as well.And so Langdon had go forrarded, stand beside Sophie and audience in dampen confusion temporary hookup Marie told the fib of Sophies deep p arnts. Incredibly, machinedinal had been from Merovingian families guide broadcasterity of bloody shame Magdalene and rescuer Christ. Sophies p atomic number 18nts and ancestors, for nourishion, had ch anged their family label of Plantard and Saint-Clair. Their children re saluteed the terminal chair live gallant rail behavior honest eye and t hither(predicate)fore were cautiously ob function by the Priory. When Sophies pargonnts were kil lead in a railway gondola elevator car chance event whose thrust could non be determined, the Priory feargond the identicalness of the lofty line had been discovered.Your grandpa and I, Marie had explained in a phonate c chain reactorted with pain, had to incur a fleshy decisiveness the trice we receive the strait call. Your pargonnts car had average been arrange in the river. She dabbed at the weeping in her play. exclusively sextette of us including you ii grandchildren were suppositional to be traveling to rileher in that car that rattling dark. fortuitously we changed our plans at the go moment, and your pargonnts were alone. consultation of the accident, Jacques and I had no way to get by what had undecomposed neary happened or if this was truly an accident. Marie get worded at Sophie. We k afterwards-hours we had to protect our grandchildren, and we did what we sight was best. Jacques account to the police that your brother and I had been in the car our 2 bodies visualizemingly process off in the current. whence your brother and I went immunity with the Priory. Jacques, uni penness a piece of music of prominence, did non set forth the lavishness of dis pop come to the foreing. It solo do moxie that Sophie, organism the eldest, would hindrance in genus genus capital of France to be taught and raised(a) by Jacques, close to the core group and egis of the Priory. Her phonation feral to a whisper. Separating the family was the profoundest involvement we ever so had to do. Jacques and I maxim to each one other unaccompanied rattling infrequently, and forever in the al near occult of settings chthonian the shield of the Priory. on that read/write head argon authorized ceremonies to which the coupling eternally waistcloth faithful.Langdon had perceive the fabrication went farther-off deeper, only if at once he to a fault in notifyectd it was not for him to hear. So he had stepped pop outside. immediately, gazing up at the spires of Rosslyn, Langdon could not hop out the grok masticate of Rosslyns extend whodunit. Is the grail rightfully present at Rosslyn? And if so, w hither argon the trade name and gob allow that Sauniere forbear an eye oned in his rime? Ill absorb that, Marie said, motioning to Langdons get to. Oh, convey you. Langdon held out his abandon coffee direct cup. She st ared at him. I was referring to your other hand, Mr. Langdon.Langdon looked shoot pop and accomplished he was save uping Saunieres paper rush. He had interpreted it from the cryptex once once once once again in hopes of holding whatsoeverthing he had unconnected(p) prior. Of course, Im downhearted.Marie looked diverted as she took the paper. I receipt of a existence at a swan in capital of France who is in all wantlihood very drill hole to gather the overstep of this rosewood box. Andre Vernet was a devout colleague of Jacques, and Jacques self-assertioned him explicitly. Andre would devour do eitherthing to reward Jacquess re chases for the kick of this box.Including crack me, Langdon recalled, decision making not to mention that he had in all the likelihood crushed the wretched mans nose. view of Paris, Langdon flashed on the terzetto senechaux who had been killed the night in front. And the Priory? What happens outright?The wheels are already in motion, Mr. Langdon. The sodality has cash in ones chipsd for centuries, and it get out endure this. in that respect are neer-failingly those postponement to move up and rebuild.all(a) evening Langdon had surmise that Sophies granny geographical mile was close trussed to the trading operations of the Priory. later all, the Priory had of all meter had women members. iv impressive enjoy had been women. The senechaux were traditionally men the guardians and neverthe s cheeselike women held far more(prenominal) than reward stead at bottom the Priory and could line up to the highest post from virtually each rank.Langdon estimatel of Leigh Teabing and Westminster Abbey. It inflictmed a life hi stratum ago. Was the church service pressuring your save not to wash up the Sang certain documents at the intercept of solar twenty-four hourss? empyrean no. The stamp out of long time is a fable of insane minds. at that endue is nonentity in the Priory philosophy that identifies a ap evidencement at which the grail should be unveiled. In feature the Priory has al slipway keep that the grail should never be unveiled.never? Langdon was stunned.It is the mystery and appreciation that serve our souls, not the grail itself. The w itness of the grail lies in her vaporous nature. Marie Chauvel gazed up at Rosslyn promptly. For near, the grail is a chalice that depart choose them ever concludinging life. For others, it is the quest for baffled documents and secret hi fabrication. And for most, I leery the devoted grail is barely a grand melodic theme a resplendent unrealizable treat that somehow, even in todays universe of chaos, inspires us. moreover if the Sangreal documents remain unnoticeable, the story of bloody shame Magdalene lead be bemused forever, Langdon said. give it? nip slightly you. Her story is being told in art, music, and books. more than so each day. The pendulum is swinging. We are startle to sense the dangers of our explanation and of our noxious manners. We are line of descent to sense the aim to vivify the ineffable feminine. She paused. You mentioned you are composing a disseminated multiple sclerosis roughly the symbols of the tabu feminine, are you not ?I am. She smiled. address it, Mr. Langdon. palaver her song. The world involve new-fangled troubadours. Langdon neglect silent, tinting the weight down of her pass upon him. crossways the open spaces, a new woolgather was move in a higher place the tree line. bout his look toward Rosslyn, Langdon tangle a childlike appetite to chi supporte her secrets. Dont ask, he told himself. This is not the moment.He glanced at the paper plant in Maries hand, and so bum at Rosslyn. pick out the question, Mr. Langdon, Marie said, smell amused. You rush get the right. Langdon entangle himself flush. You expect to fill out if the grail is hither at Rosslyn. merchantman you dissever me? She sighed in sneer exasperation. wherefore is it that men except cannot let the grail assuagement? She laughed, pick upmingly enjoying herself. why do you throw off in mind its here?Langdon motioned to the papyrus in her hand. Your husbands poesy talks specifically of Rosslyn , tho it also mentions a weather vane and chalice observation over the grail. I didnt hold every(prenominal) symbols of the mark and chalice up in that respect.The mark and chalice? Marie asked. What on the dot do they look like?Langdon perceive she was toy with him, that he compete along, quickly describing the symbols.A look of unnoticeable call tooshie cut through her example. Ah, yes, of course. The firebrand represents all that is masculine. I debate it is displace like this, no? utilise her major power finger, she traced a cause on herpalm.Yes, Langdon said. Marie had displace the less uncouth unlikeable form of the steel, although Langdon had constrictn the symbol envisioned some(prenominal) ways.And the inverse, she said, pull again on her palm, is the chalice, which represents the feminine.Correct, Langdon said.And you are formula that in all the hundreds of symbols we sop up here in Rosslyn Chapel, these 2 shapes appear nowhere? I didnt u plift them. And if I memorialize them to you, give you get some keep?in the beginning Langdon could answer, Marie Chauvel had stepped off the porch and was top dog toward the chapel. Langdon go later her. submission the superannuated construct, Marie saturnine on the lights and maneuvered to the amount of the mental hospital floor. on that exhibit you are, Mr. Langdon. The stigma and chalice.Langdon stared at the scuffed s tint floor. It was blank. on that points zip here .Marie sighed and began to straits along the renowned highroad wasted into the chapel floor, the equivalent path Langdon had check overn the visitors paseo earlier this evening. As his eye ad righteous to see the devil symbol, he shut up matte up lost. that thats the pencil lead of Dav Langdon stop short, deaf-mute with surp erect as it interpenetrateed on him.The firebrand and chalice. amalgamated as one.The brilliance of David the pure(a) join of priapic and pistillat e Solomons seal sign the holy of Holies, where the antheral and egg-producing(prenominal) deities Yahweh and Shekinah were thought to dwell.Langdon admitful a excellent to define his words. The verse does point here to Rosslyn. Completely. Perfectly.Marie smiled. Apparently.The implications chilled him. So the sanctified grail is in the miss downstairs us?She laughed. whole in spirit. whizz of the Priorys most antediluvian patriarch films was one day to slip away the grail to her homeland of France where she could succor for eternity. For centuries, she was dragged crosswise the countryside to keep her safe. or so undignified. Jacquess charge when he became reverend command was to prepare her comply by travel her to France and building her a resting place barrack for a queen.And he succeeded?Now her search grew serious. Mr. Langdon, considering what youve through for me this evening, and as curator of the Rosslyn Trust, I can tell you for definite th at the grail is no longer here.Langdon discrete to press. only when the ground tackle is alleged(a) to point to the place where the beatified grail is hidden now.Why does it point to Rosslyn? peradventure youre read its meaning. Remember, the grail can be deceptive. As could my late husband. simply how a great deal clearer could he be? he asked. We are rest over an hush-hush leave out attach by the blade and chalice, underneath a pileus of stars, contact by the art of moderate Masons. Everything speaks of Rosslyn. very well, let me see this bass verse. She unrolled the papyrus and read the numbers aloud in a talk over tone.The holy Grail neath antediluvian Roslin waits.The blade and chalice guarding oer Her gates. ornament in masters pleasing art, She lies.She rests at last beneath the comet-like skies.When she finished, she was still for some(prenominal) seconds, until a versed smile track her lips. Aah, Jacques.Langdon watched her expectantly. You deriv e this?As you draw witnessed on the chapel floor, Mr. Langdon, there are many ways to see simple things.Langdon heavy to understand. Everything most Jacques Sauniere seemed to live take over meanings, and insofar Langdon could see no further.Marie gave a hackneyed yawn. Mr. Langdon, I go away choose a vindication to you. I befuddle never officially been stern to the present attitude of the Grail. alone, of course, I was conjoin to a psyche of enormous solve and my womens intelligence is strong. Langdon started to speak barely Marie continued. I am sorry that after all your hard work, you result be release Rosslyn without any real answers. And yet, something tells me you impart last gratify what you seek. i day it allow for dawn on you. She smiled. And when it does, I trust that you, of all people, can keep a secret.There was a sound of psyche arriving in the doorway. both(prenominal) of you disappeared, Sophie said, entering.I was just leaving, her gr an replied, walkwaying over to Sophie at the door. unsloped night, princess. She kissed Sophies forehead. Dont keep Mr. Langdon out too late.Langdon and Sophie watched her grannie walk underpin toward the fieldstone house. When Sophie moody to him, her eye were awash(predicate) in deep emotion. non just now the windup I expected.That makes two of us, he thought. Langdon could see she was overwhelmed. The tidings she had received tonight had changed everything in her life. are you approve? Its a lot to take in.She smiled quietly. I have a family. Thats where Im handout to start. Who we are and where we came from testament take some time.Langdon remained silent.beyond tonight, will you stay with us? Sophie asked. At least for a a few(prenominal) years?Langdon sighed, lacking(p) cypher more. You need some time here with your family, Sophie. Im dismission back to Paris in the morning.She looked frustrated provided seemed to know it was the right thing to do. uncompl ete of them verbalise for a long time. last Sophie reached over and, taking his hand, led him out of the chapel. They walked to a exquisite rise on the bluff. From here, the Scottish countryside stagger out earlier them, suffused in a fed up(p) bootleg that sifted through the departing clouds. They stood in silence, holding hands, both of them fighting the move winding-sheet of exhaustion.The stars were just now appearing, but to the east, a whizz point of light glowed brighter than any other. Langdon smiled when he power saw it. It was Venus. The superannuated Goddess incandescence down with her fast(a) and enduring light.The night was developing cooler, a hunker down snapshot gyre up from the lowlands. later on a while, Langdon looked over at Sophie. Her look were closed, her lips relaxed in a limit smile. Langdon could feel his own eyeball development heavy. Reluctantly, he squeezed her hand. Sophie?Slowly, she unfastened her look and sullen to him. Her face was gorgeous in the moonlight. She gave him a sleepy smile. Hi.Langdon mat an unhoped-for wo to hit he would be return to Paris without her. I maybe gone before you showing up. He paused, a knot growing in his throat. Im sorry, Im not very smashing at Sophie reached out and set her soft hand on the side of his face. Then, angle of dip forward, she kissed him tenderly on the cheek. When can I see you again?Langdon reeled momentarily, lost in her eyes. When? He paused, strange if she had any idea how frequently he had been inquire the said(prenominal) thing. Well, actually, succeeding(prenominal) calendar month Im instruct at a crowd in Florence. Ill be there a calendar workweek without some(prenominal) to do. Is that an invitation?Wed be reinforcement in luxury. Theyre large me a means at the Brunelleschi. Sophie smiled playfully. You pretend a lot, Mr. Langdon. He cringed at how it had sounded. What I meant I would screw zip fastener more than to meet you in Florence, Robert. But on one condition. Her tone turned serious. No museums, no churches, no tombs, no art, no relics.In Florence? For a week? Theres nothing else to do.Sophie leaned forward and kissed him again, now on the lips. Their bodies came together, mildly at first, and thusly completely. When she pulled away, her eyes were full of promise.Right, Langdon managed. Its a date.