GREGORY EVANS HAD TO ADMIT that Alissa's uncle was a practical man. Taking advantage of the terrain's topography to build a house was a brilliant idea. The interior temperature remained around twenty degrees, despite the changing seasons, which saved a lot of electricity.
It was also silent, and its walls could stand for the next ten thousand years, barring earthquakes, a feat only a great architect could envision. That's why, when they introduced him, he felt like he was shaking hands with the genius who had transformed Ali Baba's tomb into Scheherazade's palace, for it was like living in a tale from One Thousand and One Nights.
— It's a pleasure to meet you — said Umbert Monroe, without letting go of his guest's hand.
— Geovanna called me this afternoon to say she was coming to spend a few days with a work colleague. I just didn't imagine it would be Alissa's husband, so forgive me if you find the house upside down — I have to organize everything myself until my maid arrives next week.
— Don't worry. I recognize that my office also experiences equally chaotic situations.
The architect took a liking to his niece's husband. He had a sense of humor.
— I suppose you'll let us stay despite everything... am I right? — Geovanna added, planting two kisses on her uncle's cheeks.
— I hope you're not mad at me for forgetting you these past three years.
Umbert let out a shrewd grunt.
— That's what happens when you're old... they forget you — he said with a hint of disapproval, though happy to have her back in Santonera. "But come on... come in.
The architect stepped aside, allowing them to enter directly into a spacious foyer, where the rocky walls were outlined with a designer's care. So much so that on one side of the room, the ceiling height was nearly five meters, and on the other, it barely reached five feet.
There, taking advantage of this corner, which some would consider useless, a built-in bookcase with drawers and glass doors was built in. In front, a table and two wicker armchairs on a Persian rug gave the space a particular touch of elegance. Further on, after passing under a natural arch carved into the rock itself, they entered the living room, a very spacious space with a huge glass window overlooking the outdoor garden.
The floor was rustic ceramic. The rocks delimited the different spaces, painted white to maintain the temperature and Mediterranean aesthetic. And to allow the furniture to fit into the gaps in the cave, tile walls were erected — in certain parts of this amazing house — to serve as support.
They sat on the sofa, while Umbert went to the kitchen to make coffee. He returned a few minutes later, with the coffee pot, sugar bowl, and cups, all carefully arranged on a tray. He placed it on the table, so everyone could help themselves.
— Well... now tell me what's so important you have to tell me.
Umbert Monroe looked at his niece complacently, waiting for her to explain why she'd left Madrid to see him. The only thing he knew was that she and a work friend had to ask him certain questions. The nature of the interview remained a mystery.
— I'm sorry to have to involve you in this matter, but only you can help us... — Geovanna leaned forward. — Besides being a great architect, you also know the history of Freemasonry better than anyone. The truth is, we're in a real pickle!
— We need information — Greg added bluntly.
— What kind of information? — Monroe asked, surprised both by the solicitude and by the expressions on the faces he was gazing at, their brows furrowed.
Geovanna handed him a copy of the manuscript. The architect put on his glasses to read. After a few seconds, he removed the lenses to look at them.
— Where did you get this from? — His tone was very serious.
— It would be better if I told you everything, from the beginning — Geovanna said.
— I think you're crazy to continue investigating when you know what these people are capable of," Umbert opined, after listening attentively to his niece's account. — On the other hand, I must thank you for your trust. It means you value this poor old man's knowledge.
Geovanna approached to hug him. She knew it was unfair to appear, after three years, to ask him for a favor that could involve him in this unpleasant matter. She loved her uncle. If at one point in her life she had forgotten him, it was because it was part of the cycle of generations. She had her own problems, which ended up distancing her from the issues that once surrounded her. It was as if her family were fragmented into particles of memories. And now she came to him, when she needed him most.
— If I came, it's because I missed you and because I know you're the only person who knows, like no one else, the enigmatic world of Freemasonry — she said He gave her an affectionate kiss on the cheek. — I remember when you came to visit us at Christmas... remember? You always regaled us with one of those old stories about the Cathars and the Templars, and the relics they hid in inaccessible fortresses, fearing the power of the Church of Rome.
The old man stroked his niece's hair, kissing her tenderly. Then they parted.
— In a way, this manuscript of yours confirms one of my theories... — he commented softly. Geovanna and Greg looked at each other in surprise. They had no idea what he was talking about.
— Don't worry — he told them. — It's another mystery, mine... — He inhaled with difficulty through his nose. — I have a bit of a cold... but now it would be better if we focused on yours. — To begin with, I'll tell you one thing: you're right, the Freemasons try to prevent one of their greatest secrets from spreading, but I don't know why you find it strange, if it's been this way for centuries..." He shook his head. — That maxim you mentioned, written in blood on the wall, is in the Regius Manuscript and is one of the priority duties of a Freemason, even a newly initiated one.
— Did you know it? — Geovanna showed interest in knowing the document's origin.
— Of course! — he stated categorically. — The Regius Manuscript dates back to the late 13th century, but was published in 1840 by James O. Halliwell... — He looked away to a corner at the back of the cave. — I must have a copy somewhere in the library, although I don't need to consult it to know what it says. I memorized it years ago... — He pointed to his head with his right index finger. — It's the Freemasons' bible. It mentions the founding of the brotherhood in Egypt by Euclid, and there's a brief introduction to the works attributed to King Adelstonus. Next come the fifteen articles and fifteen points of the statute, precisely where the maxim you mentioned is included. There's also the account of the so-called Sancti Quattro Coronatti, the story of the Tower of Babel, the necessity of the Seven Liberal Arts, and an exhortation on proper conduct within the church, as well as a preface to good manners.
— What is the meaning of the anathema to these criminals? — asked Gregory, his curiosity growing as the conversation progressed.
— To protect the mysteries surrounding the art of construction and the science of numbers — the veteran architect replied bluntly. — The first Freemasons were more than simple stonemasons. — Their working methods had to remain secret within the brotherhood, because their knowledge was received directly from the Great Architect of the Universe.
— You mean God? — Gregory Evans asked again.
— That's right! — the elder replied. — The art of construction is closely related to geometry, the mother of the Seven Liberal Sciences. The golden ratio and other divine proportions that regulated the Universe are part of a knowledge that was used by Freemasonry to erect cathedrals. Pythagoras said that everything is arranged according to the golden ratio and that God geometrized it when He created. And when Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, protector of the Templars, was asked:
— What is God?
— He answered according to Saint Paul's letter to the Ephesians:
"It is length, width, height, and depth..."
— This means that whoever knows the mysteries of geometry places themselves on God's level and can converse directly with him.
— In what context of the Regius Manuscript does the maxim of warning appear? — Geovanna asked, this time picking up the thread of that passionate conversation. — Perhaps this detail can help us... I don't know...
— Within the third point of the statute, which reads something like this:
— Apprentice, you know very well that you must willingly conceal and guard the advice of your master, and also that of your companions. You shall speak to no one about the secrets of the chamber and the lodge, no matter what; even if it seems necessary to do so, do not tell anyone where you are going. Keep the words spoken in the hall and in the woods safe, for your honor, otherwise punishment will befall you and you will bring great shame to your profession...
— That's how I remember it...
He paused for a moment, to observe the effect his words had produced. And he continued his speech:
— Freemasonry is the most hermetic brotherhood known. — Its secrets can cost the life of anyone who breaks the oath enshrined in the Code of Edinburgh, as you already know very well. Because the Mysteries, which is what Freemasons call the Liberal Arts, must be kept in perfect, inviolable silence. Many saints were Masonic martyrs, who preferred death to dishonoring the lodge's rules. Among them are the so-called Sancti Quattro Coronatti, who, as I told you before, are mentioned in the Regius Manuscript. These sculptors were condemned by Diocletian because they refused to reveal the secret of the perfection of their works. They were cruelly tortured,
They were to be enclosed, still alive, in lead sarcophagi. Then, the coffins were thrown into the sea.
— That's horrible! — Geovanna shuddered, just thinking about it.
— With their death and sacrifice, those men reaffirmed the lodge's conduct regarding the protection of their knowledge. They would rather lose their lives than betray the trust of their fellow members.
Gregory Evans had to admit that the idea of visiting Alissa's uncle promised to be quite instructive.
— I observe that you know the history of Freemasonry in depth — he said gratefully. — I was wondering if you wouldn't mind giving us a brief summary of their customs and rites over the years... — he clicked his tongue. — Actually, what we want to find out is whether there is any connection between Freemasonry and the biblical passages referring to Solomon's Temple and the descendants of Cain.
— I don't know if you noticed that the manuscript mentions the names given to the entrance columns of the Temple of Jerusalem and also that of Tubal-cain, father of the iron and copper smiths — Geovanna added, supporting her companion's comment.
The experienced architect nodded silently.
— Yes, of course, all of this is part of the chronicles of Freemasonry — he finally said after a pause. — But it takes a long time to explain... — he concluded.
— There's no rush, Uncle... — Geovanna stood up. — We have the whole weekend, but now it would be best if you showed us the house and told us where we could stay. It's very late, we're exhausted. We need a few hours of rest.
— I'm sure you'll be delighted... — Umbert imitated his niece, rising from the armchair. — Each room expresses a new, different... even ambiguous... feeling. — Gregory Evans agreed to be part of the small group, willing to tour the various rooms, with their whimsical geometry, that made up the astonishing home of a man who claimed to be happy living inside the earth. He was certain it would be something unique, an unparalleled experience.
The television programming held little interest for her, but the announcer's voice filled the empty feeling she felt at that late hour. The city was plunged into its deepest slumber.