Betrayed Read online

  “But Oak Island is only one project we have in this new world. The other is the fulfillment of a dream. Jerusalem, as you know, has, for thousands of years, been a focal point for all of the world’s religions. Islam, Judaism and Christianity all worship the same Creator, the same Great Architect in Jerusalem. It is a travesty that all God-fearing people cannot share this great city. For a time, our Templar brothers were able to bridge the gap between Muslims, Christians and Jews, respecting the rights of all to worship freely within the great city’s walls. But that changed when the Pope and European kings demanded the Holy Lands be kept only for Christians. When they sent their own soldiers to Jerusalem and allowed them to commit unspeakable evil against our Muslim brothers and sisters, they created a rift of hatred between our two religions.”

  Prince Henry stepped forward. His blue eyes glistened with excitement and pride.

  “In this new land to the west, my engineers and I have taken the bold step of beginning the construction of a community that will exemplify all of the pillars of the Templar Order. We have begun construction of a new Jerusalem!”

  The words stunned the congregation into a silent stupor. A single knight began a slow applause. It was followed by a second and then a third. The applause grew into a crescendo of clapping and cheering until the entire chapel shook with cheers and celebration. Finally, the prince signalled for silence by once again raising his hands.

  “A New Jerusalem in a new land,” he continued. “To realize its significance, we must think back to the original Jacob, the founding father of the Israelites. He bore twelve sons who were the seeds for the twelve tribes of Israel. It took centuries before those sons brought forth a nation large enough to spread the word of God to the four corners of the Earth. Today, we must think of our project in a similar way. May I present to you my sister, Sarah Sinclair, a direct descendant of the Holy Rose herself, Mary Magdalene.”

  A young lady materialized from the centre of the gathering and stood up with her brother. She was tall and graceful, and her long golden hair fell over her beautiful full-length dress of purple trimmed in gold. Connor’s mouth fell open. Angus looked over at his gaping friend and couldn’t help but snort with laughter.

  As she took Prince Henry’s arm, the members of the Order crossed themselves and bowed their heads reverently. Amazed but confused, Connor followed the lead of those around him. The audience lifted their eyes as Prince Henry took her hand and smiled.

  “I am the Earl of Orkney, and with my title, I will have to eventually return from New Jerusalem to Scotland and fulfill my appointed duties. Sarah, however, has agreed to sail with the protected remains of our ancestor, Mary Magdalene, the Holy Rose, to properly inter the remains in the Oak Island Temple. She and her ladies in waiting will then be transported to New Jerusalem and remain there in order to supervise the beginning of God’s New Kingdom on Earth. We, in this room, have the power to start a new beginning not just for the Templar Order, but for all of humanity. We will build the first, truly free, God-fearing nation!”

  A tremendous roar of approval nearly toppled the roof of the chapel.

  “Finally, friends, I must share with you something that even the highest ranks of the Order have not been made aware. I make no apologies for this lack of communication. Too many people in too many lands have died to keep this object a secret from those who would abuse its powers. I personally watched the last Coptic king die on the beaches of Egypt in order to ensure this object’s transfer into Templar hands. There are no words to further describe this treasure, so let me now share with you the reason for our existence!”

  Prince Henry closed his eyes and whispered a silent prayer. Then, reaching behind, he allowed his hand to float just above the golden sheet. Connor straightened, his heart pounding in anticipation of whatever could be hiding beneath the cloth. With a sudden flick of his wrists, Prince Henry removed the sheet. Everyone gasped in disbelief as a flash of golden radiance filled the chapel.

  Angus, wide-eyed, elbowed Connor and eagerly pointed at the tapestry to their right. Connor glanced at the tapestry, then back to the altar. It was the same beautiful golden box that was portrayed in the Holy of Holies of Solomon’s Temple! The Ark of the Covenant! Two beautiful golden cherubs guarded God’s Word with their outspread wings. The box below the cherubs was intricately carved out of solid gold. In every way, it was identical to the image portrayed in the tapestry!

  “Aye!” shouted the prince over the waves of commotion, “It is the Ark of the Covenant! And just like Moses, after having wandered aimlessly in faith for forty years then staring across the Jordan River, we also are within reach of our new home that truly overflows with milk and honey. Our Lord’s Ark of the Covenant will be the cornerstone of New Jerusalem!”

  He held up his hands to calm the euphoria. “Friends, how I wish we could celebrate this moment with feasts and merriment. Unfortunately, we do not have the time. As you have witnessed firsthand, the English are becoming ever bolder in their attacks against our homeland and my northern earldom. Therefore, we must complete this mission as quickly as possible. But let this good news help fuel your efforts for a speedy departure. The Holy Ark and the Holy Rose will finally be united!”

  Black Douglas, nodding approvingly in front of the prince, straightened his intimidating bulk and stepped up onto the platform until he stood beside Prince Henry, Princess Sarah and Antonio Zeno. His voice boomed from beneath his thick black mustache like a crack of thunder. “Brothers, Prince Henry has shared with us one miracle after another tonight! This gathering will forever be remembered as the defining moment of the Templar Order. Almost single-handedly, he has brought the Order’s seemingly unattainable goals within reach.” He turned to Prince Henry. “Are you sure you’re not an angel in disguise?”

  He pulled on the back of Prince Henry’s tunic and peered downwards. “Och, no wings . . . he’s human after all!”

  A burst of laughter rocked the chapel. Prince Henry smiled as Black Douglas took over the ceremony.

  “Remember this moment, my Templar brothers! We have been bestowed with the greatest honour of all, being part of history in the making! Cheers for Prince Henry, Grand Master of the Templar Order!”

  Overwhelmed, the crowd burst into an earsplitting roar of approval. The meeting was over. Everyone swarmed up to the Ark for a closer look at its beauty and also to warmly embrace the four Templar heroes who stepped down into the crushing crowd of admirers.

  Ten

  The North Sea air was unusually still, as if the entire ocean were holding its breath. Light wisps of fog ebbed across a cold bed of water, soaking within the violet shower of morning. From the top of the rectangular keep, the breakers rumbled onto the rocky shoreline.

  Prince Henry sighed heavily as he stared southward from Kirkwall’s highest perch. He leaned his weight on the handle of a massive broadsword that bore the family crest.

  “Careful, my Earl. A sigh like that might give away our position to the English.”

  Surprised, Prince Henry spun around. A hooded apparition stoodbeforehim. Two slender hands materialized from beneath the cloak and lowered the hood. The warm smile of his sister brought a glow to the crisp morning air.

  “Sarah, what are you doing up at this hour?”

  “Oh, the same as you . . . wondering about the future and what it might hold.”

  Concerned, he searched her face. “Are you worried?”

  She shook her head and strolled up to the wall, joining his gaze southward.

  “No. I’ve been waiting for this moment my entire life. We are building a New Jerusalem; a place for God-fearing people to begin anew without worry of danger or persecution. It’s what our family has wanted since our ancestor Mary Magdalene made her escape to France from the Promised Land. This is a blessed moment, a year that people will remember for all eternity.”

  They stood quietly in the early morning breeze and revelled in all of the possible ramifications. Quietly, she turned to him and took h
is hand.

  “I’m just so proud, Henry. You are the one who is making the dream of our parents and our ancestors become reality.”

  Prince Henry chuckled and shook his head. “I wish I could take all the credit, Sarah. This has been the dream of the Templar Order for centuries. Since the betrayal, we knew that Europe could never again be home to our faith.”

  She turned her gaze to the dark western horizon. “Is it wonderful, our new home?”

  He smiled and stretched his arms wide. “Forests as far as the eye can see. There are luscious fruits and vegetables grown by the peoples who inhabit the area. Even they do not know how far west their land extends. The land is so rich, it’s almost indescribable! You really won’t believe it until you see it for yourself.”

  “It sounds wonderful,” she whispered, releasing his hand. “Then tell me why your brow is so furrowed with worry?”

  “I’m not worried.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Henry, it’s me, your sister. Stop playing the part of the fearless leader and tell me what’s wrong.”

  He stared into her concerned face for a moment, then looked away. “It’s just a feeling I have.”

  “Like there is something not quite right?”

  He turned to her, surprised. “Do you feel it, too?”

  She took a deep breath. “It started with a dream I’ve been having . . . the same one, over and over again. I’m running from enormous tongues of flames brought forth from the skies of heaven. The Earth and everything on it is scorched by the touch of God’s disappointment and fury. Thanks to his mercy, however, I somehow manage to stay a step ahead of the destruction and find refuge, but watch with grief as the rest of the Earth is transformed into smouldering dust.”

  Prince Henry looked into her eyes, concerned. “That’s not the dream you would expect from someone who is about to head off to her new and beautiful home. I trust your instincts, Sarah. What do you reckon He is trying to tell us?”

  “I wish I could say that it means we are escaping just in time from Europe before it gets consumed by some horrific fate . . . But in my heart I know it means something more than that. At the very least, I think ’tis a warning.”

  Prince Henry frowned. “A warning. Any idea as to what kind of warning it might be?”

  She shook her head. “I do not know. All I know is that I think whatever is going to happen will happen soon.”

  Prince Henry clenched his jaw. “I have been burned once already for throwing caution to the wind when I went to deal with the Bishop. As the leader of the Scottish Templar Order and Earl of Orkney, I cannot be that careless again. Sarah, do you remember our father’s favourite saying?”

  Sarah smiled warmly at the memory. She put her arm through his, and they turned and strolled towards the staircase that led down into the castle. “How can I forget? He always said, ‘Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.’ Make sure you learn from your mistakes. I wouldn’t worry, Henry. You are as smart as they come.”

  Henry smiled. “Come on, sister. Let’s ring the bell together and bring in the new day.” As they descended the stairs, she stole one last glance south towards Scotland.

  “And a new beginning.”

  Eleven

  Connor gazed over the wooden rail with delight, praying that what his eyes beheld was not an elaborate mirage. Beyond the bow of the ship lay an approaching bay filled with islands and emerald green forests. He was thankful that the steady northwest wind would push the flotilla of ships into the protected waters without further changes in heading.

  “I never thought I would see a sight so lovely . . .” he sang to the wind.

  An elbow caught him in the ribs, cutting the serenade short.

  “Aye, be careful of your words, my friend,” chided Angus, playfully. “If the crew hears you talk of the princess like that, they’ll have you tied up and lashed for uttering such sinful thoughts.”

  Connor scowled at his grinning friend. “I’m talking about getting off this cursed boat and finally setting foot on dry land. Prince Henry was right about everything. This distant land is so beautiful. We’re so close now, I feel I can almost reach out and touch it!”

  “And leave our cozy floating home away from home? You have got to be joking.”

  Connor managed a half-grin and returned his gaze to the distant shoreline.

  “Fresh water, warm shelter and solid ground . . . If I never step on another wooden deck, I will be forever happy.”

  Angus chuckled. “What do you reckon of Prince Henry’s choice of name for this land?”

  Despite his exhaustion, Connor chuckled. “New Scotland? Not much for originality, is he?”

  Together, they gazed at the approaching coastline. The usually boisterous crew also took pause and joined with the boys in silently watching the approach of solid land.

  Connor suddenly straightened, his eyes narrowing curiously. “Whoa . . . Look, Angus. What’s that?”

  Angus shook his head in amazement. “Whatever it is, it’s massive!”

  Among the collection of velvety green islands, a smaller one had been stripped clean of almost all of its vegetation. Only a small glade of trees in the centre remained, making it resemble a giant turnip growing in a lush saltwater garden. The island had a small rocky point which extended into a manmade breakwater, large enough to protect an oceangoing ship from the swells of an Atlantic storm.

  Crowning the bizarre island was a massive wooden structure that thrust skyward like an Egyptian pyramid. Supporting timbers zigzagged down the sides to its base. Even from this distance, Connor and Angus could see men scrambling over and under it like a colony of termites.

  From the stern, Antonio broke the silence with a series of orders. Connor and Angus scrambled to their stations among the ship’s complex rigging. After five weeks at sea, a change in heading was now completed with machine-like precision.

  Turning the ships to a northward heading, they sailed past the strange island and approached the forested mainland. The ships then drifted in to a large wooden pier that jutted out from the shoreline. Connor was about to fling himself over the railing and onto the firm wooden planks of the pier until Angus grabbed his shoulders from behind.

  “Easy, laddie. Protocol, remember? We’re just lowly crew. We leave in order of rank.”

  Connor backed away from the edge and sighed, unable to tear his eyes away from the firmness of solid ground. “Aye, I forgot.”

  As their ships were lashed to the pier, the boys spent their time examining the strange gathering at the end of the pier. There was a line of knights, dressed in full battle gear, standing at attention with weapons at their side. Behind them stood a row of masons and engineers, their hands still holding squares, levels and other instruments of measurement. Finally, there was a gathering of what Connor guessed were the local native people.

  A spontaneous cheer erupted from the gathering as Prince Henry, in full battle gear, marched down the gangplank and walked into the waiting throng. Other knights and crew then followed suit, with the two boys pulling up the rear, finally being allowed to take that delicious first step onto solid land. Each knight from the ships was greeted with an introduction by Prince Henry, and a chance to share a handshake and a slap on the shoulder with the Templar welcoming party.

  Prince Henry stepped forward and greeted an old skeleton of a man who stood wrapped in elaborate robes as if he had just arrived from ancient Rome. His withered hand shook as he reached out and clasped the prince’s firm grip.

  Prince Henry smiled warmly. “You look well, Master Giovanni.”

  “You lie, as always, Henry. This body, I doubt, will see me back to my villa in Italy.”

  “Then how,” asked Prince Henry, “will you ever be able to spend the small fortune you and the other well-deserving masons and sappers here will receive upon your return to Scotland?”

  “I did this project for one reason only, Henry, and you know that. My reward is in glorifying our Father. This
is my labour of love. And with the help of my fellow masters, we did it.”

  Prince Henry eyes widened. “You mean it’s finished?”

  The prince glanced at the surrounding workers, who were bubbling with huge grins. Prince Henry shook his head in disbelief. The old man opened his palm and pointed towards the strange island the ships had passed earlier.

  “Indeed, it is finished and ready for your inspection. We are disassembling the scaffolding and machinery as we speak.”

  Prince Henry warmly wrapped his arm around the fragile old man. “Master Giovanni, I don’t know what to say . . . In only two years, you have fulfilled the dream of every Templar who has ever walked the Earth!”

  “It’s not just my men and I that you should thank,” Master Giovanni chuckled. “Also thank these beautiful people behind me who kept us well fed and sheltered throughout the past two years. It was their generosity that allowed us to focus on the task at hand.”

  Prince Henry beamed at his native friends, turned to Giovanni, and lowered his voice to a whisper. “Did the project’s purpose stay contained within the Templar community?”

  The old man leaned his wrinkled temple against the golden hair of the prince. “Yes, your highness. As you ordered, only Na’gu’set, your Gaelic-speaking native friend, was allowed near the worksite. We posted sentries around the entire perimeter to prevent any possible trespassing, but that was only precautionary. The Mi’kmaq seemed quite uninterested in our project. In fact, I think they thought we were crazy, always coming back to their village exhausted and covered in muddy debris.”

  “They truly have been a blessing to us all,” the prince commented.

  “I have learned to trust these people implicitly,” agreed Giovanni. “To us, they were always kind and honest. I will sincerely miss their company. Lord knows we Europeans could learn a thing or two from them about a caring community.”

  Prince Henry nodded. “You speak the truth, old friend, hence one of our reasons for being here in the first place.”