Kurtz, Katherine Adept 03 The Templar Treasure

[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

The scarlet cord of the Initiate, Adam said, nodding. That s common to a number of
esoteric traditions. You don t look too happy about it. I think it s the black robe,
actually, Peregrine admitted. Adam, is this all right? To wear black, I mean.
Adam smiled. Christian priests wear black cassocks all the time. Is that all right?
Well, of course, but -
Relax, Peregrine. I promise you, we aren t violating any taboos in departing from our
usual working regalia. Think of the robes we wear as frames around a picture. They don t
change the picture itself, but different frames can enhance the picture in different ways.
What really matters in any ritual is the reality that underlies the symbolism.
I realize that, Peregrine said somewhat ruefully. I suppose I m just feeling a bit out of
my depth here.
Don t worry, you aren t going to get in over your head, Adam said. This is mainly
Noel s show tonight. I don t expect that your part will be that different from what you ve
done dozens of times.
As Peregrine finished running a comb through his damp hair, they were joined by a
black-robed McLeod, who seemed to have recovered his customary sang-froid. Sorry I
barked at you earlier, he rumbled, hands thrust deep into the pockets of his robe. It s
the premeditation. I cope a lot better when I don t get to think about it ahead of time.
He knows that, Adam murmured, laying a reassuring hand on the inspector s shoulder.
ABC Amber LIT Converter
http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
a
a
T
T
n
n
s
s
F
F
f
f
o
o
D
D
r
r
P
P
m
m
Y
Y
e
e
Y
Y
r
r
B
B
2
2
.
.
B
B
A
A
Click here to buy
Click here to buy
w
w
m
m
w
w
o
o
w
w
c
c
.
.
.
.
A
A
Y
Y
B
B
Y
Y
B
B
r r
ABC Amber LIT Converter
http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
Leaving the door slightly ajar, he then bade them sit to either side of him on the edge of
the bed and close their eyes while he talked them through a short centering exercise. The
sound of soft footsteps approaching in the hall ended the exercise, bringing them to their
feet as the door swung wider and Caitlin appeared in the opening, candlelight spilling
from her hand to light her face and the dark cloud of her hair falling loose around her
shoulders. Like them she was clothed in black, with the scarlet cord.
Oh, good, I see you re ready, she said quietly. Come with me, please. Together the
three men followed her down to the library, Peregrine bringing along his art satchel. As
they entered, Sir John rose from a wing-back leather chair that gave almost the
impression of a throne, his walking stick resting between his bare feet. Bright moonlight
spilled through the French doors that led out to the garden, so brightly illuminating the
library that Caitlin was able to put out her candle.
Unless anyone has any questions, I think we can proceed to the temple, Sir John said,
his gaze sweeping the three of them. Here at Oakwood, we ordinarily use temple names
when we work, but in this instance, if no one has any objection, I suggest we simply use
first names. Incidentally, my close friends generally call me Gray rather than John.
Please feel free to do the same. So saying, he gestured for Caitlin to lead out into the
moonlight, allowing his guests to fall in behind her before following.
They required no additional light to make their way across the lawns, heading once again
toward the entrance to the maze. The close-clipped grass under their feet was cool and
smooth; the night was balmy and almost warm. Beyond the darker bulk of the maze s
hedges, the roof of the gazebo gleamed silver in the moonlight.
You ll notice a difference in the maze when you walk it this time, Caitlin said, turning
to face them as she set one hand on the gate. We can change the pattern by changing the
configurations of the gates inside. Tonight s pattern is for warding and protection, and to
contain whatever power we may raise in the course of our work. You ll utilize it best -
and contribute most - if you simply maintain an inner stillness and let yourselves be
carried along by the pattern as it builds. When we reach the center, Gray and I will enter
the temple first. The three of you will follow when called, in order of seniority. The
ritual framework will be quite clear. All you have to do is follow. Without further ado,
she turned and opened the gate, herself leading their small procession through the twining
corridors of leaves. The gravel underfoot was smooth, but necessitated going more slowly
than when shod. And the feel was, indeed, different from when they had walked the maze
in the afternoon. Changing the pattern had the effect of opening a set of floodgates.
Power seemed to be flowing out of the very ground, rising up in a mounting tide to gather
in a shimmering cone high above their heads. With every step they proceeded deeper into
the maze, the sense of power grew more intense. Peregrine waited for the sense of
bepuzzlement to recur - though all three of them wore their rings - but there was no such
effect. Instead, linked in as he and his companions were with the keepers of the maze,
Peregrine found his will creatively at one with theirs. His mind was clear, and his heart
was at ease. By the time they reached the final turning, he was feeling ready, even eager,
for the night s work.
ABC Amber LIT Converter
http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
a
a
T
T
n
n
s
s
F
F
f
f
o
o
D
D
r
r
P
P
m
m
Y
Y
e
e
Y
Y
r
r
B
B
2
2
.
.
B
B
A
A
Click here to buy
Click here to buy
w
w
m
m
w
w
o
o
w
w
c
c
.
.
.
.
A
A
Y
Y
B
B
Y
Y
B
B
r r
ABC Amber LIT Converter
http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
They emerged into the bright moonlight of the maze s flagstoned center, Adam and his
companions pausing just inside as Caitlin and Sir John proceeded up the steps into the
gazebo. The moonlight set the white trellising aglow and silvered the rose leaves twined
over it. The gazebo inside was lit by lanterns set along the inner perimeter at the four
quarters. The table had been covered with a white cloth upon which burned two candles,
one white and the other black, to either side of a red votive light set slightly back from [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

Archiwum