This mention of the Templars had Harker looking twitchy, but Wexler quelled that with a knowing smile. ‘Why do you think we chose to involve you in the first place?’
‘You involved me?’ Harker replied, highly doubtful about what he was hearing.
But it seemed Wexler was being deadly serious. ‘Once we heard that the Mithras had discovered the pyramid, we decided to infiltrate the site and attempt to put them off the path. I was chosen along with Dr Khan to offer our services, and because of our experience as Guardians, it was easy to offer our combined knowledge. But the Mithras hired others and after one of them, archaeologist Audrey Banford, uncovered the true meaning of the coins, she quickly discovered this location and used one coin, as you did, to gain access to the Ark we are now standing in. Unfortunately she took it upon herself to abscond with the youngster – not difficult really, because being only eight years old he possessed the mind of a child. Our Sentinelese protectors managed to stop her, but not soon enough I’m afraid. And by the time we Guardians even realised what was happening, the boat had been found drifting by the Indian military. And then the Mithras managed to use their connections within the government, and took it from there. The only concession Audrey Banford allowed us was that she undertook the journey without alerting Barbara Holtz directly. For if she had done so, then none of us would be standing here today. And if Avi Legrundy had not compounded the error, the Mithras would have had the child in their grasp, thus adding another piece of the puzzle which could lead them to the Ark’s location.’
Harker remained silent, his gaze drawn occasionally back to the spectacular sight of the cavern, but more than happy just to listen. But there was still something that he couldn’t figure out, and it finally emerged.
‘Why did the boy have the tattoos?’ he asked.
Wexler was pleased to enlighten him. ‘It is the age-old right of every Annunaki that those words are imprinted under their skin, using a unique device developed a very long time ago. It’s a religious rite that we honoured in accordance with their ancient traditions. It is a way of symbolising that wherever they go, the Ark goes with them. And that,’ Wexler added with a smile, ‘is where you came in. We knew of your ongoing trouble with Legrundy. And how do you think Templar security were able to pinpoint her location in the first place? We knew you would take care of her in order to protect the child. For that is in the Templars’ nature. When we learnt of Legrundy’s death you were already on the way to see Barbara Holtz, and unfortunately you were caught up in what we saw as the only way to stop them finding the Ark’s location. By that I mean we were the ones who blew it up, and I am sorry that you were almost killed. But no one was supposed to be there. Once we found out you’d acquired one of the coins, we knew it was just a matter of time before you discovered the Ark for yourself. So the Guardians then decided to use the Templars to do our dirty work for us, and take care of the Mithras yourselves – with a little guidance from us. I am sorry therefore to say that your involvement – along with that of the Templars – was simply to serve one purpose, and that was to rid us of the Mithras. What you might not yet be aware of is that earlier today they were all apprehended by your Grand Master at a party held for the elite at Neuschwanstein Castle. They even got the leader, a man named Milat Berger – a rather vile individual, I might add – and I heard most of their unsavoury band of henchmen were arrested by Interpol. And with that their interest in the Ark is at an end. I must say that Sebastian Brulet played this one beautifully.’
The notion of the Templars being used as pawns was not an attractive thought, but given the significance of the Ark’s true purpose, Harker felt no animosity. They were simply doing what they had to for the long-term benefit of mankind. He now turned away from Wexler and again stared out over this place that the guardians had so desperately and understandably sought to protect.
‘You could have just asked,’ he suggested, and Wexler joined him at the window.
‘Easier said than done, Alex, but is it not enough that we decided to place our trust in you to do the right thing? I could claim to you it’s because we value your integrity, or your morality, or your persistence in seeing things through to the end… Or perhaps, if I am being more honest, it is also simply because you are a Templar, and therefore know how to keep a secret.’
This final suggestion was unquestionably the real reason the Guardians had allowed Harker to make it this far, and he looked back and smiled. ‘I can’t tell anyone about this, can I?’
Wexler stroked his goatee and frowned. ‘I think it’s best for everyone on this planet if neither the Ark nor the Templars end up on the front pages of every major newspaper. Wouldn’t you agree?’
This was one of the politest veiled threats that Harker had ever received, and he couldn’t help but grin as he replied, ‘Is that a warning?’
Wexler shook his head. ‘Not a threat, Alex, just a request that benefits us mutually.’
Yeah, it was a threat all right, but Harker understood why, and besides, he agreed with it. In two thousand years, humankind would be colonising other planets and using technologies he could only dream of – unless they blew themselves up meanwhile. Either way, the Ark would still be there to kickstart civilisation, if required. Like Wexler had said, it was an insurance policy for the species.
‘But I’ll have to inform Sebastian, and Xavier and Tom are already here. It would be hard to pretend this whole web of conspiracy doesn’t exist.’
Wexler looked unconcerned by that. ‘I have full confidence that the Grand Master of the Knights Templar can be trusted, and I will leave you to straighten things out with Xavier Botha. I would also suggest to you that describing these events as a conspiracy is less than accurate. It is a shadow conspiracy and, as such, more easily covered over.’
It was the first time Harker had heard the term and his nose wrinkled in curiosity. ‘And what’s the difference?’
Wexler emitted a chuckle and then shrugged his shoulders. ‘In the modern age a conspiracy is usually a shadowy plan that most people believe to be untrue but that everyone knows about. A shadow conspiracy, on the other hand, is a very real truth that no one knows even exists. And regarding Dean Lercher, well, he was proving a bit unruly when our Sentinelese brothers captured him.’
‘Is he OK?’ Harker asked, wondering what Wexler meant by ‘unruly’.
‘He’s fine but unconscious. Our Sentinelese protectors are quiet adept at such things and you should know they have been here since the Ark was first built. Apart from vaccinations and the medicines we provide, the tribe’s religion, founded around the Annunaki, has remained pure for tens of thousands of years and they trust the Guardians in all things. I very much hope you’ll provide Dean Lercher with a story that does not include the Ark but rather focuses on this uncontacted tribe.’
Up above them a rumbling sound could now be heard, and Wexler raised his hands in a placating gesture. ‘That will be Mr Botha. I thought it best he saw this place for himself, and thus douse any nagging curiosity he might have in the future. He’ll see with his own eyes what you would be telling him anyway. Curiosity, after all, can be a potent allure.’
Indeed, curiosity was something Botha had in spades. He could be like a dog with a bone, and always needed to be right at the centre of any discovery.
‘Sensible decision,’ Harker observed, hearing the sound of footsteps getting closer.
‘I thought so,’ Wexler replied. He then took a deep breath and expelled it in relief, as if physically releasing all the pent-up concern and anxiety he had stored up during the previous months of toil and worry that had confronted the Guardians. ‘With the Mithras out of the picture and the Ark remaining a secret, I am happy to say that between us we killed two birds with one stone.’
‘Oh, I wouldn’t say that,’ a voice interrupted from the doorway.
Harker looked across to see someone he didn’t recognise pointing the barrel of a Walther P99 at him.
Herbert Pelosi grimaced
at the two men and then took a step inside, just as Xavier Botha was hauled in after him, bound by a rope. ‘So finally I get to meet you, Alex Harker. My name is Herbert Pelosi and I have been very much looking forward to our meeting.’ The assassin’s face began to drop at the sight of the pyramid beyond the observation window. ‘The Ark of Knowledge,’ he muttered, momentarily transfixed by the view. Then he grinned. ‘Well, then, let’s get this party started.’
Chapter 26
‘Magnificent,’ Pelosi exclaimed, pushing Botha forcefully over towards Harker, with his gun still aimed at them all. ‘I had my doubts but… just look at it.’
‘Sorry, Alex,’ Botha apologised through gritted teeth as Pelosi continued to gaze out at what he believed to be potential riches. ‘There’s a lot of dead Sentinelese up there now. The rest took off into the forest and there was nothing I could have done.’ The Templar looked down at his rope bonds. ‘They already had me tied up.’
‘Where’s Doggie?’ Harker asked anxiously.
Botha was already shaking his head. ‘He’s still up there, but don’t worry. He’s sleeping like a baby.’
This reply was at least of some comfort, and Harker now turned his attention back to Pelosi, who was still taking in the awe-inspiring sight while keeping everyone in his peripheral vision.
‘It’s not what you think it is,’ Harker said loudly, but Pelosi looked undeterred.
‘It’s exactly what I think it is – and it’s beautiful.’
As Pelosi remained preoccupied by the prize he and the Mithras had been chasing, Wexler began slowly edging back towards the wall as he gently tugged at Botha’s shirt. The Templar acknowledged the gesture and also took a careful step backwards.
‘How did you get in here?’ Wexler demanded, and without looking away from the viewing window, Pelosi pulled a familiar gold coin from his pocket and raised it up in the air. ‘You’re not the only ones with an invitation,’ he snarled with a brief glance in their direction. ‘Even took a spare from the pyramid to keep for a souvenir. But now I’ve seen this lot, I’m sure I can find something better.’
It was now that Wexler caught Harker’s eye, and he gestured towards a small square button just above his hand.
Harker assumed from this that something was about to happen, but exactly what, he had no idea. So he followed the others and slowly took a step backwards, nearer to the wall.
‘This place is going to deliver a new future for the Mithras,’ Pelosi boasted, still entranced by the sight. ‘But first it’s time we separated the wheat from the chaff, I think.’
Before he could turn back to face them, Wexler hit the button and a security wall with a small window at its centre slammed down to separate the room in half. On Pelosi’s side a billow of white gas instantly began filling that part of the room. At the same time a concealed door on Harker’s side of the room flipped open and, with Wexler heading through first, Harker dragged Botha along and the two men joined the Guardian on a narrow metal walkway directly beyond the door and inside the cavern itself.
‘What was that?’ Harker yelled as he and Wexler loosened Botha’s ropes.
‘It’s a decontamination process for anyone entering or leaving the Ark,’ Wexler explained. Having untied the last of the knots, he then took off along the gangway, with the other two close behind. ‘It’s to make sure we keep this place as sterile as possible… you know, from germs and infections.’
‘How about us?’ Harker asked as they reached a bend in the gangway, where steps led down to the cavern floor below.
‘We don’t really have much choice, do we?’ Wexler called back, picking up the pace. ‘It only takes thirty seconds to cycle through the decontamination process, then that security door releases – so get a move on.’
The atmosphere inside the cavern was cool and after they had raced down the steps and on to the rock floor below, Harker stopped to gaze up at the enormous pyramid before him, which looked even bigger and more impressive from this new vantage point. The stone slabs used to construct it were gigantic and he marvelled at the craftmanship – till Wexler reached back and dragged him forcibly forwards.
‘We don’t have time to dawdle. Just get moving.’
Wexler sped ahead, taking the lead, as back at the observation booth the cloud of white gas seemed to be clearing. As Harker glanced that way, he caught sight of Pelosi, red-faced and furiously banging at the window.
‘In here,’ Wexler called out on reaching a rectangular opening in the pyramid’s base. By the time the others had got there the Guardian was already inside and scuttling along a dark passage.
‘This is amazing.’ Botha paused briefly to scope out the stone buildings lining the cavern as far as the eye could see. ‘What is it all for?’
Before Harker could reply, a small section of the entrance’s stonework exploded in a plume of dust. He snapped his head around to see Pelosi standing up on the gangway, with his pistol trained on the both of them.
‘Move,’ Botha yelled, grabbing Harker’s arm and yanking them both inside the huge passageway, just as a second bullet skimmed off the stonework behind them with a ping. They hurried further inside the base of the pyramid, and then Wexler popped his head out from around a corner and beckoned them urgently.
‘If we head up to the top tier,’ he explained, ‘there are steps leading back down on the far side. And so long as he follows us, we can then double back and head for the observation room. Then we can lock him inside the cavern and he’ll be trapped with nowhere to go.’ It seemed a sound plan and, with a nod from both Harker and Botha, Wexler took off again, leading them deeper into the structure’s base, until they reached a flight of oversized stone steps leading upwards. On the other side there was a gloomy passageway running in the opposite direction, and a few metres along it there was a huge gong made with some kind of thin, bronze-coloured metal. The section of wall here had been cut back creating an alcove, and the instrument dangled from two hooks, beside which hung a wooden rod on a brown leather strap. Wexler gestured for them to pause by the steps, then hurried over to it, unhooked the rod and proceeded to smash the gong twice in quick succession, before scuttling back to them.
‘What are you doing?’ Harker whispered to the Guardian.
Botha’s expression suggested that he already knew. ‘Deliberate misdirection, Alex. Without that rod in view, he’ll assume we slammed into the gong whilst scrambling past it.’
Wexler nodded in agreement, then slapped the thick wooden rod against the palm of his hand. ‘And now we at least have one weapon – which is better than nothing.’
Against a 9mm bullet it really wasn’t much, but there came no complaint from Harker. They then charged up the steps in single file, one stairwell after another. In the walls deep slits had been cut to allow light in, and the higher they climbed, the more peculiar to Harker it all seemed. Every one of the stone walls was starkly bare, devoid of any decoration, like a newly built house with foundations, walls and a roof, but no plasterwork, paint or flooring. Of course, this was a massive pyramid, hidden deep in a cavern underneath one of the few uncharted places in the world, but that fact aside, Harker couldn’t shake off the feeling that this place did not feel old at all.
After five minutes of climbing, they approached what appeared to be the final leg of their journey. On Wexler’s lead, they came to an abrupt halt. The Guardian placed a cupped hand to his ear, and they remained totally silent as they now listened for any noise coming from below. Nothing.
Through short breathless gasps, Harker took the opportunity to question Wexler about what had been bothering him.
‘Why are all the walls empty? Where’s the writing, the hieroglyphics?’
Wexler himself was the most exhausted of all and he waved a finger and sucked in a few much needed breaths before replying. ‘Everything had to be removed… Cuneiform and hieroglyphics were designed for their own time, but two thousand years from now, who knows what dialects and languages may exist? The Ark must be r
eady for the day that will come, not the days that have passed, if the assembled knowledge is to be understood and passed on.’
That seemed like a sensible precaution, Harker thought, even though it must have taken the Guardians forever to eradicate all the symbols and ancient words. But Wexler was right, how could anyone predict who would survive?
After a final puff, Wexler began climbing the steps again and was soon up and out on the top level of the pyramid.
The first thing that struck Harker was the sheer size of it all. It was absolutely huge and, at all four corners, other great staircases led downwards, and in each of the walls a few of the stone blocks had been removed to allow a bird’s-eye view of the vast underground cavern from every angle, so that for the first time Harker was able to realise its full scale. Beyond the pyramid, a long, cavernous tunnel stretched back a long way. And judging by its cylindrical shape, he suspected a tremendous lava flow had created it at some point in the distant past. More incredible still were the towering stone buildings and the network of wide pathways and cobblestone roads which ran for the cavern’s entire length, as far as the eye could see. Every five hundred metres there were holes in the ceiling, and through one of these water fell, presumably from some large stream up on the surface, into a stone-built fountain, covered in mosaics, which stood some fifteen metres high. There was little sign of vegetation anywhere nearby, but in the distance he could make out vast patches of green surrounding an expanse of blue which might have been a lake or underground reservoir. It was hard to believe he was looking here at the remnants of an entire people, the Annunaki – an extinct giant humanoid species that had existed in this place for thousands of years, simply waiting for the timetable of planetary cataclysm to occur once again.
Harker was still absorbing this spectacular sight and reflecting on its history when Botha called out to him. He turned to see the other two men now standing over in one corner, staring down at a large white marble table. As Harker approached, he could see a body lying on top of it, and one that was sadly familiar. The motionless corpse of the Annunaki child that had set off the whole affair.
The Shadow Conspiracy Page 24