The Lost Symbol

Peter lowered his voice to a whisper. «The Buddha said, ‘You are God yourself.’ Jesus taught that ‘the kingdom of God is within you’ and even promised us, ‘The works I do, you can do. . and greater.’ Even the first antipope — Hippolytus of Rome — quoted the same message, first uttered by the gnostic teacher Monoimus: ‘Abandon the search for God. . instead, take yourself as the starting place.’ »

Langdon flashed on the House of the Temple, where the Masonic Tyler’s chair bore two words of guidance carved across its back: KNOW THYSELF.

«A wise man once told me,» Peter said, his voice faint now, «the only difference between you and God is that you have forgotten you are divine.»

«Peter, I hear you — I do. And I’d love to believe we are gods, but I see no gods walking our earth. I see no superhumans.You can point to the alleged miracles of the Bible, or any other religious text, but they are nothing but old stories fabricated by man and then exaggerated over time.» «perhaps,» peter said. «or perhaps we simply need our science to catch up with the wisdom of the ancients.» he paused. «funny thing is. . i believe katherine’s research may be poised to do just that.»

Langdon suddenly remembered that Katherine had dashed off from the House of the Temple earlier. «Hey, where did she go, anyway?»

«She’ll be here shortly,» Peter said, grinning. «She went to confirm a wonderful bit of good fortune.»

Outside, at the base of the monument, Peter Solomon felt invigorated as he inhaled the cold night air. He watched in amusement as Langdon stared intently at the ground, scratching his head and looking around at the foot of the obelisk.

«Professor,» Peter joked, «the cornerstone that contains the Bible is underground. You can’t actually access the book, but I assure you it’s there.»

«I believe you,» Langdon said, appearing lost in thought. «It’s just. . I noticed something.»

Langdon stepped back now and surveyed the giant plaza on which the Washington Monument stood. The circular concourse was made entirely of white stone. . except for two decorative courses of dark stone, which formed two concentric circles around the monument.

«A circle within a circle,» Langdon said. «I never realized the Washington Monument stands at the center of a circle within a circle.»

Peter had to laugh. He misses nothing. «Yes, the great circumpunct. . the universal symbol for God. . at the crossroads of America.» He gave a coy shrug. «I’m sure it’s just a coincidence.»

Langdon seemed far off, gazing skyward now, his eyes ascending the illuminated spire, which shone stark white against the black winter sky.

Peter sensed Langdon was beginning to see this creation for what it truly was. . a silent reminder of ancient wisdom. . an icon of enlightened man at the heart of a great nation. Even though Peter could not see the tiny aluminum tip at the top, he knew it was there, man’s enlightened mind straining toward heaven.

Laus Deo.

«Peter?» Langdon approached, looking like a man who’d endured some kind of mystical initiation. «I almost forgot,» he said, reaching into his pocket and producing Peter’s gold Masonic ring. «I’ve been wanting to return this to you all night.»

«Thank you, Robert.» Peter held out his left hand and took the ring, admiring it. «You know, all the secrecy and mystery surrounding this ring and the masonic pyramid. . it had an enormous effect on my life. when i was a young man, the pyramid was given to me with the promise that it hid mystical secrets. its mere existence made me believe there were great mysteries in the world. It piqued my curiosity, fueled my sense of wonder, and inspired me to open my mind to the Ancient Mysteries.» He smiled quietly and slipped the ring into his pocket. «I now realize that the Masonic Pyramid’s true purpose was not to reveal the answers, but rather to inspire a fascination with them.»

The two men stood in silence for a long while at the foot of the monument.

When Langdon finally spoke, his tone was serious. «I need to ask you a favor, Peter. . as a friend.»

«Of course. Anything.»

Langdon made his request. . firmly.

Solomon nodded, knowing he was right. «I will.»

«Right away,» Langdon added, motioning to the waiting Escalade.

«Okay. . but one caveat.»

Langdon rolled his eyes, chuckling. «Somehow you always get the last word.»

«Yes, and there is one final thing I want you and Katherine to see.»

«At this hour?» Langdon checked his watch.

Solomon smiled warmly at his old friend. «It is Washington’s most spectacular treasure. . and something very, very few people have ever seen.»

CHAPTER 132

Katherine Solomon’s heart felt light as she hurried up the hill toward the base of the washington monument. she had endured great shock and tragedy tonight, and yet her thoughts were refocused now, if only temporarily, on the wonderful news peter had shared with her earlier. . news she had just confirmed with her very own eyes.