Following the tour, I was then invited to see Redwood’s most unique feature. Behind a set of double doors, in keeping with the usual character of this opulent setting, the passage to what I initially assumed to be a wine cellar or basement was in truth, as it remains to this day, the most terrifying sight I have ever witnessed.
Descending the stairwell, I witnessed for the first time an area on first viewing somewhat reminiscent of a medieval dungeon. A large round table dominated the floor that seemed in keeping with a Masonic lodge. In the corner of the room a grotesque statue stood in the centre of what I am told was in fact an altar, protected by a tablecloth marked at the centre with a red cross in keeping with those used by the knights of chivalry in the days of the Crusades.
Unbeknown to me I was now introduced to the true nature of the Rite of Larmenius. Away from the flamboyant backdrop of the Alps and the swagger and the opulence of the magnates in suits, I sat around this circular table in between the oil magnate and the cabinet minister, opposite Alain Michalak. On this occasion Michalak’s demeanour was more serious than at any other time in my memory – also for that matter any other time I spent with him in his remaining years. The bearded man sat at the head of the table, where he dominated the proceedings throughout. The seat, impeccable in design, I learned in later years was a throne once located in Avignon and used by many Popes and antipopes, a reality not lost in irony as I began to learn the true nature of the order. These were the true masters of the Rite of Larmenius: the most important of the important. If the game of life was a game of chess then these men are the players: everyone else the chess pieces. This was the final piece of the puzzle. Not only was I Ricard’s successor as President of France, I was his successor in another way.
Of their purpose as yet I did not know, but following my forced acceptance to join this, the highest appendant body of the Masons, I was instructed to prove my worth. They removed a crucifix before me with the challenge to avoid renouncing the crucifixion – the ultimate test for a man of the Catholic faith. They whipped me, taunted me and choked me with a rope as they told me to spit, urinate and other things to the cross, something which I avoided with iron resolve. Every man present I assumed at the time to be Christian and this was the true test of faith. For my part, I was told I had passed yet the nightmare was only just beginning.
This peculiar ritual continued as I was introduced to the spectre of their worship. Many who attend lodges of the Rite of Larmenius and witness its statue, Asmodeus, demonic in appearance with angel’s wings and serpents crawling around its feet, see little more than a lost ritual of minimal significance, supposedly in tribute to the legendary Temple of Solomon, a location that holds great mystery to all Masons. Yet only now did I learn it was so much more. They refer to it as an angel, but its inclusion is out of place with any Christian worship or any other religion known to me. Following my final challenge reciting an oath, blindfolded, I was accepted as the new French Preceptor of this organisation known collectively as they were in their heyday: the Order of the Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon.
As time passed, my suspicions grew that these men were indeed none other than the continuation of that ancient order disbanded by His Holiness Clement V all those years ago, now returned in the curious surroundings of the mock cloisters over five thousand miles from where they once came. Its existence may remain hidden from the wider world yet now I understood that while the scattered elements of that organisation disintegrated, the survivors in turn became the founders of something bigger: a history, till now, untold.
While awaiting inevitable death in his cell, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, Jacques de Molay, passed over the reigns to Jean-Marc Larmenius who then took control of the fleeing order. They accurately foresaw that the accusations placed upon them by the King of France and weak Pope would leave Europe in a vacuum. Following the Templar demise with so little found, the key properties were passed to the Knights Hospitallers and Philip gained little. Yet the end result was less than any expected. The gap left by the Templars caused ripples. And those who had survived could take up root throughout the world. Many of them joined with the Rite of Stonemasonry, thus disguising their true identity. They saw their mission not only as survival, but also revenge on those who had caused their downfall. Even those who had aided it were not to be spared.
The new Templars took up the portents of the last of the original masters. The king who had betrayed them was murdered: as were his remaining kin: all within fourteen years. The first act came at Bannockburn where Templars fleeing France came to Scotland, a country itself excommunicated. The King of England was punished for his cowardice and the Scottish King rewarded.
The Hundred Years’ War was an inevitability following France’s delicate state and lust for power. The lasting conflict developed the vacuum and the Templars flexed their muscles. The new Swiss mercenaries would prove to be an invaluable asset taking on the skills of the old order by its new members untainted by the political allegiances of the past. And once the organisation had established its political and military foundations it spread its financial ones. In the secrecy of Switzerland, the order continued to use the banking knowledge and resources of their predecessors. They were successful, but they remained anonymous. Switzerland developed as its own nation incorporating the excellence of their banking and military under the guise of the order’s flag to opposite colours. It funded war, not for personal gain but to see its enemies fall.
In the coming years its wings touched all corners of the globe. They voyaged from Scotland to the New World and the new order in Portugal travelled to America and beyond using the knowledge of their predecessors. In time they put markers in place and the order slowly returned to the surface as affiliates of the Masons and its appendant bodies, notably the Rite of Larmenius.
Its corporations thrived, its founders profited. Yet was this the true nature of their being? I was assured it was not. The real motivation was unspeakable. Their demise was the ultimate betrayal.
In the 1500s their hatred of the Church they once served escalated into a bitter feud, bringing about both Reformation and the power struggle that followed. After Scotland’s return to England’s rule they put down the Jacobite Rebellion, cementing the establishment of a united kingdom. They had discovered America and now set about freeing it. The Founding Fathers were all inducted into the ways of the Templars and the new nation was born. Next came their oldest enemy. Secretly financing and dictating the rise of Napoleon I, the Templars eliminated every remaining descendent of Philip IV.
Their revolution brought about the true end to those who had betrayed them. France still carried the aura of its past and it was decided a new direction was needed. France had to be rid of its tainted past and the fickleness of the aristos make way for the hardened and the prudent. Under the guidance of the Templars, Napoleon was triumphant. Louis XVI was deposed, de Molay was avenged. Now the new government began with Templar control.
Yet of their other rivals only the ally of the king who led to their demise remained. Napoleon marched on the Papal States with success. Other attempts followed. The power of the Church was weakened, but Rome, for the time being, survived.
Throughout the 19th century the Templars, under the guise of others, continued. The New Order has seen to it that the world would be safe for those with the correct knowledge and this continued over the next century. But they were not without enemies. Adolf Hitler may be revered as history’s greatest villain, yet for the Templars he was their biggest threat. His attempts to wipe out the order failed, and fascism, a dogma that failed to uphold their values of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, was destroyed.
In the years that followed their attentions returned to religion. In the 1980s Banco Ambrosiano fell under Templar control and the biggest enemy of the order was wounded. The murder of John Paul I was agreed by these men long before and the attempt on the life of his successor swiftly followed.
To s
omeone who has lived his entire political career in the shadow of the Templars, the signs of history are now obvious. And even during my short time their mission for total autonomy has moved forward. Over time the cast has changed, even in my time, and while I was once the apprentice, I am soon to be a master. Former President of the New France: first in command of the New World.
The Templars sought to remodel the world so that the errors of the past, which led to their demise, would be replaced. And they have stopped at nothing. They will stop at nothing. Their tentacles touch every great organisation and bank across the globe, and have significant influence for every major religion. For years they have attempted to infiltrate the Vatican, their methods, even to those close, not obvious.
Now, at last, it is done.
44
Nobody spoke for quite some time. The clock on the wall suggested it was approaching eight-thirty in the evening and visiting hours were nearly over. At around eight-fifteen, a pretty nurse in her early thirties came by to check Gabrielle’s temperature, followed soon after by an experienced doctor for a follow-up test. He checked her eyes, nose, ears and blood pressure and confirmed she was mildly concussed. He suggested they keep her in one night for observation but all being well she could go first thing in the morning.
Despite the late hour it was still light out in Newport. The sun burned yellow and orange as it faded behind the horizon, forming shadows in the faraway distance, and reflecting its light off the calm blue ocean like a gigantic mirror.
Gabrielle’s hands shook, causing some of the pages to fall across the floor. She had read it once, then again, then several more times and still it failed to sink in. She attempted to focus once more on the words she had just read, but the more she did so the more her vision became hazy: not through tiredness or as a result of any medical condition: this simply could not be real.
She opened her mouth, struggling to speak. ‘What exactly does this mean?’
Mark looked at Mike but neither spoke straightaway.
‘It means you were right,’ Mike said eventually. ‘These Templars are real. And they have orchestrated every one of these murders.’
Gabrielle nodded. In many ways it was a relief: a strange feeling of peace of mind that the long weeks of uncertainty in blind pursuit of the murderers of her father had come to fruition. Yet in succeeding she now faced a different fear. Twice she had nearly been killed; twice the Vatican had saved her. She felt tears inside her but controlled breathing maintained outward composure.
‘Why?’ she asked. ‘Why have they done this?’
Mark looked at her. ‘It seems there are many powerful men who want proof of the organisation buried. Looking at Devére, the order’s motives were survival and revenge, yet that has now changed. According to this they have already brought about the French Revolution. Revenge has ultimately eliminated their enemies but given them control as an outcome. Devére was, in many ways, a bi-product of their success. Even from an early age he was lined up to be president.’
Gabrielle: ‘But this was over two hundred years ago. The order ended over seven hundred years ago. How can any of this be significant? How can they still be concerned with avenging the past…’
‘I don’t know,’ Mark said. ‘Yesterday I was unaware they even existed. But let’s face facts: the Vatican and the Templars have a long history. I’ve investigated things I never knew existed: that the world doesn’t know exists. This order has been active throughout history, operating from under a cloak. Can you possibly imagine the reaction of the wider world if they knew?’
‘Oh, my God, this can’t be happening…’
‘Think about it this way. If the Templars do exist, as Mikael Devére claimed, then they have so much at stake. After all, they have practically become a conglomerate claiming government of every major country in the world. Their foundations have been in place for so long, to remove it would have major knock-on effects across the entire world.’ Mark grimaced. ‘Worryingly still, it sounds as though key figures at the Vatican could be in league with this group.’
Gabrielle put her hands to her mouth. She looked briefly at the clock and saw that less than three minutes had passed since the last time she had looked. The unknown Vatican policeman still guarded the door with military efficiency yet in the light of recent events she struggled to see him as ample security. Mikael Devére, the greatest President of the New France, under the thumb of these nameless men.
‘I just can’t believe it. It just doesn’t make sense.’
Mark nodded. ‘If it wasn’t for you, we’d never have found them.’
She looked at Mark, for now remaining silent. Was this a gesture of appreciation? If so, its significance was nonexistent. Her mind flashed back to Rosslyn, Newport, and the Vatican. Visions turned into blurs.
Mark: ‘Now, Ms. Leoni, we have something very important to deal with. Please answer as best you can, your answer could be vital.’
Gabrielle nodded. Without realising it, she was holding Mike’s arm again. She looked at him awkwardly and put her hand to her hair.
‘What was your father’s relationship with Mikael Devére?’
Gabrielle looked back blankly. ‘None. I mean they were friends but…’
Mark nodded, his expression neutral. ‘Did your father have any regular business arrangements with Devére?’
Suddenly Gabrielle’s facial expression hardened. ‘My father was not a Templar…how dare you…’
‘He never suggested he was,’ Mike said.
‘Yeah, I bet he wasn’t.’
‘Alright, I’m not prepared to rule anything out,’ Mark said. He held her gaze for several seconds and inhaled with difficulty. ‘But Mike told me that this Zeno diary was found in a Leoni et Cie safe deposit box, registered in the name of Mikael Devére, and its details had been entrusted to your father. And, it just so happens, the diary all but clarifies the order’s existence.’
Gabrielle hesitated. ‘They were friends; that’s all I know.’
‘Your father never spoke of them?’
‘No,’ she held her head in her hands. ‘Devére came to the château a couple of times.’
‘Alone?’
‘No. Like the night Mike came for the first time – when you were there.’
Mark nodded. No surprises. ‘Did your father ever discuss banking with Mikael Devére?’
‘How the hell should I know?’
A further pause followed, this time more awkward in nature. Gabrielle looked at both men with contempt, her frustration continuing to heighten. Somehow she managed to control her emotions. After all, she told herself, they were the ones trying to help her.
‘As far as I’m aware they didn’t,’ Gabrielle said. ‘I was never party to their conversations.’
Mark rubbed his chin. He looked at Mike but remained silent.
Gabrielle eyed them both, now increasingly annoyed. ‘Do you wanna tell me what this is all about?’
Mark hesitated momentarily. ‘There were other things in Devére’s safe. There were three letters from people who we now believe to be senior Templars. They refer to them as preceptors. What’s more, at least two had a direct link to your father and Leoni et Cie.’
Gabrielle’s expression was one of worry. ‘You’ve known all this time? Come on, tell me.’
Mike remained silent.
‘Does the name Danny D’Amato ring any bells?’ Mark asked.
‘Vaguely.’
‘How about Lord Parker?’
She grimaced. ‘I think Mike may have mentioned him.’
Mark’s tone hardened. ‘Well I’m sure you’re quite familiar with Gilbert de Bois.’
A look of horror crossed her face. Mike grimaced uncomfortably.
‘And perhaps another you’ll also recall?’ Mark said.
Gabrielle looked forward with stiff tenacity as Mark removed a further sheet from his pocket. It was simply a list of names.
‘Also found within Mikael Devére’s safe in Maurit
ius. It is a list. According to Mike, your uncle coincidentally referred to it as a Larmenius Charter: named after the man who replaced de Molay. Devére has listed every Grand Master in history.’
Gabrielle scanned the list. She had seen a previous list to the early 1800s but this one went further. This included famous names right through to the present day. She recognised the famous name of Ricard, the former French President. She also noticed Prince Henry St. Clair in the 1300s, presumably Zichmni. Then she looked with shock at the name of the current master.
‘You recognise that name?’ Mark asked.
Gabrielle nodded. She certainly knew.
‘Another man associated with the legendary Starvel Group and also a known member of the Rite of Larmenius. A man Mike so happened to spill wine over the night you met.’
Mike frowned uncomfortably as he reminded him.
Gabrielle nodded coldly at the list. Written in capital letters at the bottom of the sheet.
Grand Master of the Knights Templar 1996-present. The Chief Executive of Starvel.
Louis Velis.
The multi-storey car park was largely deserted by ten. Luxury motors, ranging in age from eight years to a few days, lined the parking bays of all nine levels like a trader’s forecourt, providing an air of respectability in keeping with the smart hotel to which it was joined. Small groups of newly arrived guests walked with purpose in the direction of the doors that led to the hotel, heavy suitcases trailing behind them, their wheels echoing. Outside, the sky was overcast, rain falling heavily against the concrete, forming puddles on the streets below. The streets were quiet, the few people who walked its sidewalks did so with grim tenacity, wrapped up in heavy coats, hoods covering their heads, and armed with umbrellas to protect themselves from the rain. Despite the rain it was not particularly cold yet there was wind in the air, its sudden outbursts bouncing off the concrete surroundings, causing an unappealing whistling noise to echo throughout the car park.
The Templar Agenda Page 43