by Steve Berry
He crept from the bedroom.
WRITER’S NOTE
This book was a personal journey for both Malone and myself. While he found his father, I got married. Not necessarily something new for me, but definitely an adventure. As far as traveling, this story led me to Germany (Aachen and Bavaria), the French Pyrénées, and Asheville, North Carolina (the Biltmore Estate). Lots of cold, snowy places.
Now it’s time to separate speculation from reality.
The super-secret NR-1 submarine (prologue) is real, as are its history and its exploits. NR-1 continues to this day, after almost forty years, to serve our nation. NR-1A is my concoction. There are precious few written accounts of NR-1, but the one I drew upon is Dark Waters, by Lee Vyborny and Don Davis, which is a rare firsthand observation of what it was like to be aboard. The court of inquiry report on the sinking of NR-1A (chapter 5) is modeled on actual investigative reports regarding the sinking of Thresher and Scorpion.
The Zugspitze and Garmisch are faithfully described (chapter 1), as is the Posthotel. Holiday time in Bavaria is wonderful, and the Christmas markets detailed in chapters 13, 33, and 37 are, without question, part of the attraction. Ettal Abbey (chapter 7) is accurately described, save for the rooms beneath.
Charlemagne is, of course, pivotal to the story. His historical context, as presented, is accurate (chapter 36), as is his signature (chapter 10). He remains one of the world’s most enigmatic figures and still carries the title Father of Europe. The authenticity of the story of Otto III entering Charlemagne’s grave in 1000 CE is a matter of debate. The tale featured in chapter 10 has been repeated many times—though, of course, the strange book Otto finds is my addition. There are equally strong stories that say Charlemagne was buried lying down, inside a marble sarcophagus (chapter 34). No one knows for sure.
Einhard’s Life of Charlemagne continues to be regarded as one of the great works from that period. Einhard himself was a learned man, and his involvement with Charlemagne, as described, is accurate. Only their connection to the Holy Ones is my invention. Einhard’s accounts quoted in chapters 21 and 22 are loosely based on portions of the Book of Enoch—an ancient, enigmatic text.
Operations Highjump and Windmill happened as described (chapter 11). Both were extensive military operations. Much about them remained classified for decades and is still shrouded in mystery. Admiral Richard Byrd was co-leader of Highjump. My descriptions of the technological resources Byrd brought south with him (chapter 53) are accurate, as is the tale of his extensive exploration of the continent. His secret diary (chapter 77) is fictitious, as are his supposed findings of carved stones and ancient tomes. The German Antarctic expedition of 1938 (chapter 19) happened and is accurately detailed—including the dropping of little swastikas all over the icy surface. Only Hermann Oberhauser’s exploits are my creations.
The strange writing and manuscript pages (chapters 12 and 81) are reproduced from the Voynich manuscript. That book rests in the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University, and is generally regarded as the most mysterious writing on the planet. No one has ever been able to decipher its text. A good primer on this oddity is The Voynich Manuscript, by Gerry Kennedy and Rob Churchill. The symbol first seen in chapter 10—a monad—came from their book, an archetypal representation originally found in a sixteenth-century treatise. The strange Oberhauser family crest (chapter 25) also is from Kennedy and Churchill’s book and is actually the Voynich family coat of arms, created by Voynich himself.
The true explanation of the term Aryan (chapter 12) demonstrates how something so innocuous can become so lethal. The Ahnenerbe, of course, existed. Only in the past few years have historians begun to reveal both its pseudo-scientific chaos and its horrible atrocities (chapter 26). One of the best resources on the topic is The Master Plan, by Heather Pringle. The Ahnenerbe’s many international expeditions, detailed in chapter 31, happened and were used extensively to fashion its scientific fiction. Hermann Oberhauser’s involvement with the organization is my invention, but his efforts and discrediting are based on the experiences of actual participants.
The concept of a first civilization (chapter 22) is not mine. The idea has been the basis for many books, but Christopher Knight and Alan Butler’s Civilization One is excellent. All of the arguments Christl Falk and Douglas Scofield advance for the existence of this first civilization belong to Knight and Butler. Their theory is not all that farfetched, but the reaction to it is similar to how mainstream science once viewed continental drift (chapter 84). Of course, the most obvious question remains. If such a culture existed, why are there no remnants?
But maybe there are.
The stories detailed by Scofield in chapter 60 about “god-like” people interacting with cultures around the world are true, as are the inexplicable artifacts found and the story of what Columbus was shown. Even more amazing are the image and inscription from Hathor Temple in Egypt (chapter 84), which clearly show something extraordinary. Sadly, though, Scofield’s observation that 90 percent of the ancient world’s knowledge will never be known is potentially true. Which means we may never have a definitive answer to this fascinating inquiry.
Locating the first civilization in Antarctica (chapters 72, 85, and 86) was my idea, as are the civilization’s knowledge and limited technology (chapters 72 and 81). I didn’t visit Antarctica (it’s definitely at the top of my Must-See list), but its beauty and danger are faithfully reported using firsthand accounts. Halvorsen Base (chapter 62) is fictitious, but the cold-weather gear Malone and company don is real (chapter 76). The politics of the Antarctic continent (chapter 76), with its various international treaties and unique cooperative rules, remains complex. The area where Malone explores (chapter 84) is indeed controlled by Norway, and some texts note that it is designated as off limits for supposed environmental reasons. The underwater sequences with Ramsey are taken from those who have dove those pristine waters. The dry valleys (chapter 84) exist, though they’re generally confined to the southern portion of the continent. The preserving and destructive effects of absolute cold on human bodies are accurately portrayed (chapters 90 and 91). Ice, by Mariana Gosnell, is an excellent account of these phenomena.
Aachen cathedral (chapters 34, 36, 38, and 42) is well worth a visit. The Book of Revelation played a key role in its design, and the building remains one of the last from Charlemagne’s time still standing. Of course, my interjection of the Holy Ones into its history is simply part of this story.
The Latin inscription inside the chapel (chapter 38) is from Charlemagne’s time and is reproduced exactly. While counting every twelfth word I discovered that only three words would be revealed, the last count stopping at number eleven. Then, amazingly, the three words formed a recognizable phrase—Brightness of God.
Charlemagne’s throne does indeed have a Nine Men’s Morris board etched into its side (chapter 38). How and why it’s there, nobody knows. The game was played in Roman and Carolingian times, and is still played today.
The Charlemagne pursuit, with all of its various clues, including Einhard’s will, are my invention. Ossau, France (chapter 51), and the abbey (chapter 54) are concocted, but Bertrand is based on a real abbot who lived in that area.
Fort Lee (chapter 45) is real, though the warehouse and refrigerated compartment are not. I’ve recently acquired an iPhone, so Malone had to have one, too. All of the peculiar investigations conducted by the US government during the Cold War into paranormal and extraterrestrial phenomena (chapter 26) happened. I simply added one more.
Biltmore Estate (chapters 58, 59, and 66) is one of my favorite places, especially at Christmastime. The inn, mansion, village, hotel, and grounds are accurately portrayed. Of course, the Ancient Mysteries Revealed Conference does not exist, but it is based on a variety of real gatherings.
The Piri Reis map and other portolans (chapter 41) are real, and each one raises a host of perplexing questions. Maps of the Ancient Sea Kings, by Charles Hapgood, is regarded as the definitive wo
rk on this subject. The prime meridian debate happened as described (chapter 41), and Greenwich was arbitrarily chosen. Using the Giza pyramid as zero longitude (chapter 71), though, does produce some fascinating connections with sacred sites around the globe. The megalithic yard (chapter 71) is another interesting concept that rationally explains similarities engineers have long noticed at ancient construction sites. But proof of its existence has not, as yet, been established.
This story poses some interesting possibilities. Not of a mythical Atlantis with surreal engineering and fantastic technology, but instead the simple idea that we may not have been the first to achieve intellectual consciousness. Perhaps there were others whose existence is simply unknown, their history and fate extinguished, lost among the 90 percent of ancient knowledge we may never recover.
Far-fetched? Impossible?
How many times have the so-called experts been proven wrong?
Lao-tzu, the great Chinese philosopher who lived 2,700 years ago and is still regarded as one of humankind’s most brilliant thinkers, may have known best when he wrote:
The Ancient Masters were subtle, mysterious, profound, responsive.
The depth of their knowledge is unfathomable.
Because it is unfathomable, all we can do is describe their appearance. Watchful, like men crossing a winter stream. Alert, like men aware of danger. Courteous, like visiting guests. Yielding, like ice about to melt. Simple, like uncarved blocks of wood.
Personal and Confidential
Magellan Billet Dossier
For Internal Use Only
Not for Public Dissemination
Born: Harold Earl Malone, Thomasville, Georgia. Acquired the nickname “Cotton,” origin undisclosed.
Physical Traits: 6’0”. 195 lbs. Burnished blond hair. Green eyes.
Parents: Forrest and Peggy Jean Malone. Father, served United States Navy, final rank, Commander, lost at sea aboard USS Blazek. Mother still alive, living in Georgia.
Psychological Note: Though Malone loved and respected his father, he remained angry for years after his father’s death. Their time together had been limited to three years, from the time Malone was seven until he was ten, and those memories are vague and scattered. He related that there is never a day he doesn’t think about his father. He never questioned him either. He also remarked that, though he never knew the man well, he has unwittingly emulated his father many times. Forrest Malone was the last captain of NR-1A (a highly classified submersible), a career military man, and an Annapolis graduate. The NR-1A’s existence and disappearance remains classified. Malone mentioned twice the fact that there had been no cemetery for him to visit. No remains. Nothing but a classified stamp on a file. Throughout his adult life he wondered what actually happened to his father. Eventually, he conducted an independent investigation, all of which is detailed in a file titled The Charlemagne Pursuit. Malone remains angry with the Navy over its handling of his father’s disappearance.
His mother, a native Georgian, worshipped her husband. Malone related that he’s never seen his mother cry, which probably explains his own reluctance to show emotion. Being atypical, Malone and his mother did not relocate as his father’s duty stations changed. Instead, she maintained a steady home environment in Georgia. At the memorial service for his father (held after the loss of the Blazek), when the Navy honor guard presented her a folded flag, she refused it. She never remarried, and still refers to herself as Mrs. Forrest Malone.
Religious Affiliation: Malone was born and raised Catholic, though he no longer actively practices the faith.
Special Traits: At the age of 12 Malone realized he had an eidetic memory—the ability to remember objects, images, words, and numbers with extraordinary accuracy. He also, early on, developed a love of books and reading. This translated, as an adult, into book collecting and eventually to him opening (after his early retirement) his own rare bookshop. He is prone to extreme self-motivation and obsessive dedication. He exudes physical confidence and an extraordinary command of his surroundings. He is tough, gutsy, decisive. He accepts any situation thrown at him, and exhibits exceptional courage under fire. He often uses humor to mock reality, dodge an issue, twist an argument, or escape involvement.
Psychological Note: Team sports never interested Malone, but he loved to swim. He recalls how he and his father spent time swimming together. Horses were another interest; he taught himself to ride as a teenager. He learned early in life to never hurry anything, as that simply bred mistakes. He believes deeply that skepticism is fundamental to survival, but loyalty is essential.
Education: Malone graduated second in his class from Thomasville High School. He was accepted to the Naval Academy where he graduated in the top third of his class. He acquired an unusual ability for foreign languages and is now fluent in at least a dozen, including Arabic.
Psychological Note: Has a dislike of enclosed spaces, so he shied away from the submarine service, opting instead for Navy flight school. He earned the required marks for fighter pilot training but declined, opting for the Judge Advocate General’s corps. His father’s contemporaries, many of whom had risen to high naval rank, thought that the better course. Out of respect for his father he followed their advice and was accepted at Georgetown University Law School. He earned a Juris Doctorate degree while stationed with the Judge Advocate General’s Corps at the Pentagon. He still holds an aircraft pilot’s license and an underwater diving certification.
Personal Relationships: Married Pam Gauldin shortly after joining Judge Advocate General’s Corps. They divorced after nearly twenty years of marriage. One child—a boy named Gary—was born seven years into the relationship. Following the divorce, Malone learned that Gary was the product of an affair his wife had during the marriage. This was in retaliation for affairs Malone himself engaged in early in their relationship. His were discovered at the time of their occurrence, hers remained concealed until much later. This conflict played a key role in a recent encounter between the two (see file: The Alexandria Link). Gary, though not genetically linked, is a lot like Malone. Athletic, smart, and fond of travel, he spends the summer months with Malone in Denmark. Currently, Malone is involved with Cassiopeia Vitt, a woman of Spanish/Moorish descent, who resides in France (see files: The Venetian Betrayal and The Emperor’s Tomb).
Psychological Note: Malone openly states that he’s not good at dealing with women, and seems drawn to those with deep contradictions. He acknowledges the mistakes made in his marriage and makes no excuses for them.
Professional Career: He spent six years with Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Excelled as a litigator, receiving eight commendations for meritorious service, all of which were refused. Was promoted twice, achieving the rank of commander before retiring from active naval service. Left Judge Advocate General’s Corps after being transferred to the Justice Department as one of the original twelve lawyer/agents for The Magellan Billet. Director Stephanie Nell personally selected Malone. Worked 12 years as a Magellan Billet agent and was awarded nine commendations, all of which were refused. Suffered three serious injuries while on assignment; a fourth serious injury came in Mexico City during the assassination of a public prosecutor. Malone brought down three of the assailants and received another commendation, which was also refused (see file: The Paris Vendetta folder). After that incident, he retired from the Navy and quit the Justice Department, citing ever-increasing risks and a desire for a change in his life. He refused an exit interview. He sold his residence in Georgia and moved to Copenhagen, Denmark.
Post-Career Activities: Malone purchased an old bookshop from Danish billionaire, Henrik Thorvaldsen, the acquisition made possible by the net proceeds from the sale of his Georgia residence. The business is located in Hojbro Plads. Malone lives on the fourth floor, above the shop, in a small apartment. His Danish residence is on a temporary work visa as a shopkeeper (which Thorvaldsen arranged) and he is a member of the Danish Antiquarian Booksellers Society. Though no longer an active agent,
he continues to keep a knapsack beneath his bed that contains his Magellan Billet-issued Beretta automatic (which he was allowed to retain), his passport, a thousand Euros, spare identification, and a change of clothes. He has twice encountered the local police over possession of a firearm (which is not allowed in Denmark).
Director Nelle involved Malone with a personal incident soon after he retired (see file: The Templar Legacy) which demonstrates his continued loyalty toward her. Beyond that incident he has been involved with other investigations, some at the request of Director Nelle (see files: The Templar Legacy, The Paris Vendetta, and The Emperor’s Tomb) and others more personal (see files: The Alexandria Link, The Venetian Betrayal, and The Charlemagne Pursuit.). There is no reason to assume that this pattern will not continue.
For Pam Ahearn and Mark Tavani,
Dream makers
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
With each book I’ve recognized all of the wonderful folks at Random House. I make no exception now. So to Gina Centrello, Libby McGuire, Cindy Murray, Kim Hovey, Christine Cabello, Beck Stvan, Carole Lowenstein, and everyone in Promotions and Sales—a heartfelt and sincere thanks. Also, a bow to Laura Jorstad, who has copyedited all of my novels. No writer could ask for a better group of professionals to work with. You’re all, without question, the best.
A special thanks to the friendly people in Aachen, who answered my persistent questions with great patience. With long-overdue thanks, I want to mention Ron Chamblin who owns the Chamblin Bookmine in Jacksonville, Florida, where, for years, I’ve performed the majority of my research. It’s an amazing place. Thanks, Ron, for creating it. And a nod to our Aussie Mum, Kate Taperell, who offered her keen insight into how folks talk Down Under.
Finally, this book is dedicated to my agent, Pam Ahearn, and my editor, Mark Tavani. In 1995 Pam signed me as a client, then endured 7 years and 85 rejections before finding us a home. What patience. Then there’s Mark. Such a chance he took on a crazy lawyer who wanted to write books.