The Alexandria Link: A Novel by Steve Berry

Author:Steve Berry [Berry, Steve]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Political Thriller
ISBN: 9780345485762
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Published: 2014-10-02T04:00:00+00:00

SIXTY

VIENNA

11:20 PM

THORVALDSEN LED GARY FROM THE CHTEAU'S SECOND FLOOR down to

ground level. He'd heard nothing more from Alfred Hermann since their brief conversation earlier. Gary had spent the evening with a few of the other guests. Two members had brought their teenage children, and Hermann had arranged for them to dine in the greenhouse at the rear of the mansion.

“That was neat,” Gary said. “Butterflies land right on your plate.”

Thorvaldsen had visited the schmetterlinghaus several times and also found it fascinating. He'd even thought of adding one to Christiangade.

“They're remarkable creatures that require great care.”

“Place was like a tropical forest.”

Neither one of them could sleep. Gary was apparently a night person, too. So they made their way into Hermann's library.

Thorvaldsen had heard earlier that the Blue Chair intended to meet with the Economic Committee. Those discussions should go on for a while, which would give him time to read and prepare. Tomorrow's Assembly would be one of decision. Debate needed to be to the point and accurate. Everyone would leave on Sunday. The Assembly was never a prolonged affair. Staff and committees narrowed issues to only the ones that required a collective vote. These were then presented, discussed, and resolved–the Order's course set for the coming months until spring.

So he needed to be ready.

The cavernous library was two stories tall and encased with shiny walnut paneling. A black marble fireplace flanked by baroque figurines and a French tapestry dominated one wall. Built-in shelves sheathed the remaining three top-to-bottom, the room crowned with a dramatic ceiling painting that made it appear open to the sky.

A spiral staircase corkscrewed a path to the upper shelves. He clung to a slick iron rail and slowly climbed the narrow risers.

“What are we doing here?” Gary asked when they reached the top.

“I want to read something.”

He knew of the podium in Hermann's library, upon which was displayed a magnificent Bible. Hermann had boasted that the edition was one of the earliest printed. Thorvaldsen approached the ancient tome and admired its elaborate cover.

“The Bible was the first book created when printing was finally perfected in the fifteenth century. Gutenberg produced many Bibles. This is one. As I told you earlier, you should read it.” Gary stared at the book and Thorvaldsen knew the lad could not appreciate the significance. So he said, “These words changed the course of human history. They altered humankind's social development and forged political systems. This and the Koran may be the two most important books on the planet.”

“How can words be that important?”

“It's not simply words, Gary. It's what we do with them. After Gutenberg began mass printing, books quickly spread. They weren't cheap, but by 1500 they were common. More access to information meant more dissent, more informed discussion, more widespread criticism of authority. Information changed the world. Made it a different place.” He motioned at the Bible. “And this book changed everything.”

He carefully opened the front cover.

“What language is that?” Gary asked.

“Latin.” He scanned the index.

“You can read it?”

He smiled at the incredulous tone.

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