The Atlantis Idol by Joe Topliffe

Author:Joe Topliffe [Topliffe, Joe]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-06-07T00:00:00+00:00

SIXTEEN

The Belvedere Courtyard was renowned for its beauty, history, and stunning Renaissance design. As Quinn stepped into the expansive open space, she felt the grandeur of it wash over her. This part of Vatican City, much like the wider city of Rome, felt like a time capsule of art and culture.

Taking in the magnificent buildings surrounding the courtyard, she admired their splendid frescoes and decorative motifs. The elaborate balustrades, arches, and columns, each adorned with an intricate design, added to the wonder of the place.

“Quite a sight, isn’t it,” said Magda, catching the look of wonder on Quinn’s face.

“I’ve always wanted to come here,” she replied. “Just, well…”

“Under different circumstances,” Magda finished for her. “I get it.”

Truth be told, the courtyard was one of the lesser sights Quinn had witnessed in the last hour. On entering Vatican City, she had found the looming presence of Saint Peter’s Basilica stunning. That spectacle was topped only by the walk through the Sistine Chapel, where even Ted had looked awestruck at the masterful work of Michelangelo.

Those had been the heavy hitters, but there was something about this courtyard that really took Quinn by surprise. It was not the surrounding buildings, the marble sculpture that sat as the focal point, or even the sound of gently flowing water from the ornate fountains that did it. It took her a while to come to the conclusion, but it hit the moment she reached the far end and turned back to take in the view from the other side. The symmetrical layout of the courtyard was what made it so interesting. The view was spectacular from every angle.

Crucially, the Belvedere Courtyard served as the entrance to the Vatican Apostolic Library, which played host to the real purpose of their visit.

Approaching the entrance, Quinn felt a sense of reverence carried in the air, mixed with a deep-rooted anxiety that chewed her up from the inside. By the time they had stepped inside, her palms had become sweaty. The doorway itself, adorned with intricate carvings and symbols, stood tall and imposing. It was a testament to the institution’s significance, and a cruel reminder of the weight of the decision each of them would make inside the archives. Morally, Quinn felt as though what Natalia had planned for them was on the tamer end of the scale—the woman’s decisions to this point had resulted in the deaths of three innocent people, after all. However, for some reason, within this historic hall, the magnitude of the crime that would shortly follow seemed especially great.

She took a deep breath. Ted had reminded her not to blame herself for anything that was happening with this group. It hadn’t stopped her from doing so, however.

Quinn was acutely aware that the atmosphere had changed the moment she had stepped foot inside the building. The ambient noise from outside had diminished, replaced by a subdued hush that echoed within the high-ceilinged halls. The architecture itself was awe-inspiring. Ornate vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes depicted scenes of religious and scholarly significance.

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