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THE LOST PROPHECY

The death of a professor of history at New York University during an expedition in Iraq triggers a chain of events that have been prophesied since biblical times of the flood, where The Book of Nimrod, the most powerful man, was hidden, and now the world is about to succumb to the power that God himself once feared. Gregory Evans, when investigating the death of a boy in a satanic ritual at Trinity Church, finds himself involved in a plot of global domination where everyone is suspect and guilty, including God and the devil himself.

Rafael_Zimichut · História
Classificações insuficientes
142 Chs

CHAPTER 40

CHAPTER 40

THE CHIEF LIBRARIAN of the New York Library was kind enough to recognize Victoria, the daughter of the famous Egyptologist Richard Hulmann, who had discovered the very rich tomb of Akhenaten. By determination of the librarian, a room was made available for her and Antoine.

— I can't take it anymore — said Antoine, as an auxiliary librarian brought in yet another cart filled with books on Russian and German artwork from the Imperial period.

Victoria smiled at him:

— Cheer up, my dear, this is the easiest way for us to find out what work of art the riddle refers to. Imagine how much time we would waste if we had to go through all the museums in Russia and Germany...

THE THREE WERE SILENT as they excitedly searched the internet.

— Well — concluded Gregory — we haven't found any statues of Moses commissioned by a Russian or a German emperor. Was there a second alternative?

— Couldn't it be a painting? — Roman asked.

— No, the riddle clearly says: eternalized in marble — said Greg, always attentive to detail.

— But we've looked through various books and websites about Russian and German art from the Imperial period and haven't come up with anything.

Nicole was frustrated.

— There has to be something we haven't considered! — he said as he returned to poring over the riddle. Eternalized in marble by the hands protected by a Caesar...

— The only statue of Moses I know of is here in Rome — said Roman — and it's by Michelangelo!

— And is it marble? — Nicole asked.

— Forget it, young lady, the Moses we're looking for was made by an artist at the behest of a 'Caesar.' As far as I know, Michelangelo's Moses was commissioned by a pope and not a Caesar. This possibility is ruled out!

Victoria brought them back to reality.

— Who was the Pope who commissioned the statue of Moses from Michelangelo? Nicole asked.

— Pope Julius II — replied the priest without much enthusiasm.

Nicole put the riddle aside and went to her computer.

— What are you doing, Nick? — Asked Gregory.

Without paying attention, the young woman turned on the computer until then forgotten in that room, and entered a search engine and then typed:

Julius II

— Several pages appeared with the name of Julius II. Nicole chose one in English and opened it. The page was illustrated with an image of the pope and the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. When the girl's eyes fixed on the text below, she gave a cry of joy:

— Look here!

The two immediately ran over to the computer. Nicole, pointing with the mouse cursor, spoke a few words:

Joseph Della Rovere, elected Pope Julius II, on November 1, 1503. Together with Pope Leo X, he was one of the greatest popes in history and the one who most promoted patronage, protecting artists such as Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. He caused an uproar when he chose the title of Julius II in his election, as there had never been a Pope Julius I in the history of the Church.

Tradition tells that Julius II chose this name because he thought he was a legitimate successor of Julius Caesar himself...

— Here's the key to the riddle: Michelangelo's Moses, commissioned by 'Caesar' Julius II — said Greg triumphantly.

Gregory Evans tried to hide his glee:

— What are we going to do now? The first part of this riddle still remains to be solved.

— One piece at a time, young lady — replied the priest — our mission is partially completed.

Greg called Victoria.

— We found out, Victoria.

Greg saw the butler look distinctly relieved. Victoria then smiled and said:

— It's like they say:

All roads lead to Rome!

— Good thing we're already here...

And everyone agreed.