SWNOVELXO Chapter 30: CHAPTER 29
— WHAT? — the Master said, certain that Balkis had lost his mind. — You think of recruiting a stranger just because he'll lead us to Iacobus's diary?
The rest of the group joined in the protest. Discordant voices mingled, but the woman dressed in a purple robe and a blue cloak that would make the Queen of Sheba envious came to the defense of her purpose.
— I must remind you that those who penetrate the mysteries of Freemasonry are entitled to a teaching through the divination of the key — she said solemnly. — We must sow the seed and hope it bears fruit in the field of knowledge. If he is one of God's children, he will benefit from his own inner work. If not, he will go his own way.
— That seems fair to me — Shimon nodded and accepted the proposal.
— But we will have to watch him closely. — We will do this with Azogue's help — promised the Master.
At that moment, an employee entered to remind them that, once the meeting was over, they should leave, as they had agreed with the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, which had agreed to rent them a space in the Velez castle for a few hours in exchange for a substantial sum of money.
They had declared themselves a guild of artists interested in the architectural values of the lines and figures that made up the magnificent fortress. The promise that their gargoyles would be featured on the cover of a nationally distributed art magazine encouraged the Secretary of Culture to allow them entry to a place that had remained closed to the public since the palace's recent acquisition by the Andalusian government.
AFTER THE MEETING, the members of the brotherhood left the castle and walked down the slope that led to the parking lot, located in front of a small inn. They said goodbye to each other and headed to their respective cars once their courtesy duties had been fulfilled. Balkis leaned in to kiss the Master of Masters Salomon, her platonic love in her youth, on the cheek. Then she gazed deeply into his eyes. It was clear that the man's gaze still provoked her.
— There's something that worries me — she confessed with some unease.
— There's no greater problem than not having a problem... Isn't that right? You'll never change — the master scolded, accusing her of being addicted to anxiety.
— Think what you will, but I think you should keep an eye on this Sephy. Professional killers are unscrupulous and sometimes very curious. If you ever found out about...
She didn't finish her sentence.
— Don't worry... — He wrapped his arms around her shoulders affectionately. — This woman will leave Spain as soon as she finishes her work. She poses no danger.
— I hope so, for everyone's sake — she whispered enigmatically. When she finished, Balkis left with Hiram. They would return together to the land where they carefully guarded the Testimony of God. There they would hope that the initiate would be able to solve the riddle. If he succeeded, Gregory Evans would have the opportunity to face the dangers that lurked on the neophyte's steps: the ladder.