The Library of Shadows

32

'Egypt?' exclaimed Jon sceptically.

Remer smiled and threw out his arms. 'The realm of the Pharaohs, the cradle of civilization.'

Jon shifted his gaze from the man in the lightweight suit to the window behind him, where flowing white curtains fluttered gently in the breeze. Even though he felt as if he'd left his geographic sense behind in Denmark, he had to admit that all the pieces did seem to fit. The heat, Remer's attire, the strange aromas. He wasn't keen on trusting Remer about anything, but all indications were that he was telling the truth.

'We left the morning after our… meeting,' Remer explained. 'It wasn't exactly easy to arrange a medical transport on such short notice, but we managed to get space on a charter flight.' He uttered a grunt of displeasure. 'Yet another experience you should be glad you were spared.'

'But why?' Jon asked.

Remer smiled again, raising his hand in a reassuring gesture. 'I'm getting to that. Just relax.'

Since he was lying in a hospital bed with restraints after being abducted against his will, Jon had a very hard time relaxing. For him it was no more than minutes ago that he was in the basement of the Demetrius School, watching Katherina run away as he had ordered her to do. Even though at that moment Jon didn't care what might happen to himself, the whole situation was still an outrage that made him boil with fury inside. Several days had passed, he'd been flown to a foreign country and he had no idea where Katherina was, or even whether she'd managed to elude Remer's men.

'You realize I'm never going to help you, don't you?'

'As a businessman I've learned not to use the word "never",' said Remer casually. 'Even though "never" signifies something infinite, it tends to limit the imagination and any potential we may have. As a businessman I need to keep all doors open until the last possible moment, and even then I need to have a cat-flap to come back through.' He clasped his hands behind his back, unintentionally taking on the look of a professor. 'People who say "never" end up regretting it. Did you ever think that you'd give up your job to become a bookseller? Or that your father was the leader of a bunch of gullible, intellectual hippies with magical powers? No, you didn't. Right? "Never," you would have said.'

'That's a grotesque comparison.'

'Is it?' said Remer. 'You have to admit that's what has happened, all the same, and you've actually derived some benefits from it. You've become the owner of your father's fortune, and you've acquired powers that you had no idea existed. You've even found love.'

This reference to Katherina took Jon aback. He looked at Remer. Had the man made a slight nod towards the door, or was that just his imagination? His heart began to pound. If she was here, all would be lost.

Remer must have noticed Jon's reaction because he broke out in a devilish grin.

'See, youknow you've benefited from it. So much so that you're afraid of losing what you've gained. Just imagine what the future holds for you.'

Jon glanced down at his own body. 'At the moment I'm strapped to a bed,' he stated.

'I know, I know. But that's only for your own protection.'

'Protection from what?'

'From "never".'

Remer turned and strode resolutely out of the room, pulling the door shut behind him with a metallic clank.

Jon stared at the closed door, but it revealed no new information. He let his eyes pass over the empty room, but even though he now knew where he was in the world, it did him no good.

Egypt. What was he doing in Egypt?

Whether it was a side effect from the sedation or whether the light really did disappear as quickly as it seemed, Jon wasn't sure. For him it felt like he'd merely blinked his eyes and it was dark outside. The only lamp was on the bedside table, but the light wasn't strong enough to reach the far corners of the room. The temperature had become more tolerable, but it was still high enough that he felt hot, though he wasn't sweating.

The door opened and the woman in the lab coat came in carrying a tray. Behind her came Remer, and following him were three men who appeared to be of Mediterranean origin.

'Looks like it's about time for you to have some solid food, Campelli,' said Remer, stopping at the foot of the bed. He nodded to the men, two of whom took up position on either side of Jon, while the third remained at the door. At yet another signal from Remer, the straps on Jon's arms were unfastened and the woman placed the tray on his lap.

Jon discovered that he was hungry, but he hesitated to eat the food. He glanced at the guards, who were standing a foot away from the bed and staring straight ahead.

'They don't speak Danish,' said Remer. 'And even if they did, they're loyal to the Order.' He nodded at the bowl of rice and meat on the tray. 'Eat up, and I'll tell you a bedtime story.'

There was no cutlery, so Jon used his hands as he started to eat. He began cautiously, aware of every mouthful, but the spicy lamb and rice tasted so unexpectedly good that before long he was shovelling the food into his mouth as fast as he could.

'The powers you possess know no national boundaries,' Remer began, nodding at the woman, who immediately left the room. 'That's something you may have surmised. Of course there are others besides you and me in the world, but a text still has a certain limitation because of language. There's no doubt that you could do quite a good job with a text in English, and maybe even Italian, but the effect will always be stronger in your native tongue. In order to charge the text, we need to know the language, and the better we know it, the better the instrument to achieve our goal.'

The woman came back with a tall stool that she placed behind Remer before leaving again. Remer sat down and straightened his jacket before he went on. 'It's a bit different for receivers. They're more able to use their abilities even if they don't understand the text being read. The emotions and images the text evokes are universal, independent of language, but the finer details of influencing still demands knowledge of the language.'

'So you've brought me here to Egypt to neutralize me?' asked Jon between mouthfuls of food.

Remer laughed. 'Certainly not,' he replied. 'First of all, those physical energy discharges of yours are not restricted by whether the listener understands the text or not.' He paused. 'Which is very interesting and without precedent. In fact, we think the phenomenon is simply connected to the reading because it provides a necessary catalyst.' He shook his head. 'But that's something we're going to find out over the course of the next few days.'

Jon snorted.

'Secondly,' Remer went on, ignoring Jon's reaction. 'Alexandria has always been a central location for our organization.'

'Alexandria?' Jon interjected. He tried to associate the name with something familiar, but the only thing he recalled was that it was a city on the north coast of Africa.

Remer nodded. 'It was here in Alexandria that our organization originated,' he explained. 'According to tradition, it was here that the powers that you and I possess were discovered for the very first time.'

Jon finished eating and pushed his plate aside. It was immediately removed by one of the guards, who then offered him a glass of water. Jon took it and drank.

Remer waited patiently for him to finish and then nodded to the guards. They fastened Jon's arms to the bed frame again and left the room without saying a word. When they were gone, Remer clapped his hands and rubbed them together with a look of anticipation on his face.

'Well, Campelli,' he said. 'Are you ready for your history lesson?'

Jon didn't feel the need to answer. He had no choice, after all.

'Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great around 330 BC,' Remer began. 'The city was intended to be no less than the world centre of learning and scholarship. For that reason, the world's most famous library was built here – Bibliotheca Alexandrina. In addition to being a library, it was a mecca for scholarly studies and intellectual endeavours. Many of the individuals whom we today credit with founding various fields of study worked there, including Euclid, Heron and Archimedes.' Remer cleared his throat. 'The collection of parchments and codices grew, since arriving ships were required by law to leave behind a copy of all the written materials they had on board, as a sort of toll payment. It's thought that there were as many as 750,000 volumes, until a series of wars, plundering raids and fires destroyed this great treasure trove of books. But for more than seven hundred years Bibliotheca Alexandrina was the centre of the world for literature and learning.'

'But it burned down?' said Jon.

'Yes, several times,' replied Remer, lowering his eyes. 'The demise of the library extended over several hundred years, starting with the Battle of Alexandria in the year 48 BC, in which Caesar himself was involved. It had something to do with Cleopatra. The fire ravaged large sections of the library, and countless codices and scrolls were lost. Later the Roman Empire fell, and during the following centuries plundering raids completely emptied the library.'

'And it was in the library that the powers originated?'

Remer raised his index finger. 'Were discovered, not originated. The powers have most likely always existed, but it was only with Demetrius that they were investigated.'

Jon frowned. He'd heard that name recently.

'The school you broke into was named after him,' said Remer, as if he'd noticed Jon's puzzled look. 'He was also the idea man behind the original Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and in addition to being a philosopher, statesman and advisor, he was probably the first head librarian.'

Jon thought back to the meeting with the transmitters at Шsterbro Library when the librarian, with a certain amount of envy, had described the influence that librarians once had enjoyed during antiquity.

'Fortunately Demetrius was also a cautious man,' Remer continued. 'He quickly realized what he was on to, and he kept his knowledge of the powers a deep secret. That was how he founded our organization. Back then it was a secret society for those who had been specially initiated, which meant those who possessed the powers and held influential positions. At that time, and for centuries afterwards, there was a virtual thicket of religious and philosophical sects in Alexandria that were more or less secret. Most learned men were members of one or more societies – it must have been the fashionable thing to do back then – and it was probably easy for Demetrius to recruit the right people.'

'Is this what you call recruiting?' asked Jon, tugging at the straps that held him captive.

'It was necessary in order to get your undivided attention,' he said. 'Most likely Demetrius didn't have to resort to such drastic measures. He was a respected man, and I'm sure that everyone he invited to join would have felt honoured, and above all loyal.' Remer's face took on a disappointed expression. 'You should feel that way too, Campelli. Not many are found worthy to join our organization.'

Jon was about to protest when Remer raised his voice to cut him off.

'But I'm convinced you'll come to see things our way. Just wait.'

There was no doubt in Jon's mind that this was meant to be a threat, not a promise, and his thoughts turned again to Katherina. Was she too in Alexandria? Why was Remer so confident of Jon's cooperation?

'With the final destruction of the library, Alexandria also lost its status as a centre of scholarship, and since it was necessary for the organization to be in the place where advances were being made, the group was split up. The members went out into the world to start up local chapters.' Remer raised one eyebrow and gave Jon a curt nod. 'Some of them went to Italy.'

Jon had been counting on hearing at some point what the connection was with himself. There was something that Remer was planning to use to win Jon over to his side.

'Are you saying that my ancestors belonged to Demetrius's sect?'

'There's a good chance they did,' Remer confirmed. 'There are no complete family trees or any surviving lists of members, but all indications are that the pockets of organized Lectors that are found around the world all stem from the original order, established here in Alexandria almost two thousand four hundred years ago.'

'What went wrong?' asked Jon. 'Why haven't you conquered the world?'

Remer grimaced. 'There are lots of reasons,' he replied. 'The decentralization that occurred weakened the organization. Factions arose that had a different agenda, and the various splinter groups wasted a lot of energy waging war on each other. There was also a long period when it was downright dangerous to be a learned person. Scholars were summarily denounced as witches or sorcerers and burned at the stake. That's why it was important to keep a low profile, which didn't make it any easier to find or recruit new members.' He got up to stretch his legs. 'It wasn't until the Renaissance that the organization began gaining ground once again, but it took years before the lost knowledge was reclaimed.'

Even though he was in the presence of his enemy, Jon felt himself drawn into the story he was hearing, but it made him even more surprised that the Bibliophile Society back home hadn't told him about his roots. Maybe they didn't know about the origin of the group; maybe they were keeping it secret until he was ready to hear the truth.

'The Renaissance was a long time ago,' said Jon. 'But again, why haven't you taken over the world by now?'

'Who says we haven't?' asked Remer with a mischievous smile. 'No, you're right. It's only in the last few decades that we've acquired the essential instrument.' He paused.

Jon raised his eyebrows. 'Are you waiting for me to guess what you mean by that?'

Remer laughed. 'Democracy. That's what we've been waiting for.'

'Democracy?' repeated Jon, surprised.

'Democracy is the best thing that's ever happened to the Order. Of course, the monarchy provided a number of opportunities too, but it was much too vulnerable. For one thing, it was difficult to get individuals placed close to the seat of power. And for another, it became dangerous for them every time the power shifted. Most often their heads rolled along with the king's. No, democracy is perfect.' Remer held up his index finger. 'It's relatively easy to get close to those in power, and it's much more effective when everyone thinks they can personally influence the decisions. In reality, they believe whatever we allow them to believe. On top of that, most of our people are able to keep their positions when governments change.'

'They're civil servants?' Jon asked.

Remer nodded. 'Among other things. Remember that we only need to be in the vicinity when those we want to influence are reading. They surround themselves with secretaries, assistants and legal consultants. Even messengers, cafeteria staff and cleaning personnel can be used.'

'So that explains why we can't tell the difference between the various governments,' Jon remarked dryly.

'We're not interested in politics,' said Remer. 'Make no mistake about that. We're just trying to create the optimal conditions for our organization in as many places in the world as possible.'

'You still haven't told me why we're in Alexandria,' Jon pointed out. 'If the organization has spread all over the globe and there's no longer just one centre, then why here?'

'It's true that the original Bibliotheca Alexandrina no longer exists,' said Remer. 'But we've built a new one.'

'We?' asked Jon in surprise.

Remer smiled secretively. 'The Egyptian government, in cooperation with UNESCO, has built a sumptuous new library on the very same site – or at least close to the site – where the original Bibliotheca Alexandrina once stood. It opened in 2002 after twelve or thirteen years of effort, and at a cost of nearly 400 million dollars. An enormous project that has put Alexandria back on the map for information science. The stated goal behind the re-establishment of the library is to restore the region to its previous glory days as the focal point for knowledge and scholarship.'

'And what's your role in the creation of the new library?'

'Let's just say that we've nudged the process a bit,' replied Remer with a smile. 'Ensured that the necessary permits went through, inspired the right people and made sure that our people are among the employees. The sort of minor details that allow us access to the library whenever we like.'

Jon pondered how many other similar projects the Shadow Organization might be behind. The Black Diamond library in Copenhagen? The central library in New York? He pictured monuments going up all over the world like radio towers to disseminate the message of the organization. Even worse was the fact he knew that the goal of the Shadow Organization was not to construct buildings around the world. That was only an administrative manoeuvre along the lines of establishing local offices.

'The Egyptian government, you said? And UNESCO?'

'Trivial matters.'

'So what do you need me for?' asked Jon, raising his arms as high as the straps allowed.

'As you know, you have extraordinary powers,' Remer began. 'Even aside from the physical phenomena, you're much stronger than any Lector we've ever measured. We think that the combination of your powers and this place should be able to take us to the next level.'

'What's the next level?'

'Initially up to your level,' replied Remer. 'After that… who knows?'

Jon didn't want to betray his ignorance, but he couldn't quite follow Remer's train of thought. Iversen had told him that all Lectors had their limitations, a certain potential that couldn't be exceeded no matter how intensive the training. Remer was apparently of a different opinion.

'The time is right,' Remer went on. 'More and more countries are choosing the democratic model, and we've never been in a better position. UNESCO and the Egyptian government are small fry. Do the EU, NATO, G8 and the UN say anything to you? Not to mention the FBI, CIA, NSA and most of the other intelligence agencies around the world? Within the next year there are going to be five parliamentary elections in Europe, countless numbers of votes and an endless series of EU meetings, governmental conferences and top symposia.'

'And your people will be sitting at the table?'

'Either at the table or behind those seated there.' Remer pointed at Jon. 'You should feel honoured. They're all here in Alexandria to meet you. You're the one who's going to give them the last push upwards so they can carry out their missions with the greatest possible effect.'

Jon had grown dizzy from what Remer was saying. He felt sick and closed his eyes.

'So what do you say, Campelli?' said Remer, raising his voice. 'Will you join us and have your wildest ambitions fulfilled, or do you want to be a slave for the rest of your life, and know it?'

Jon looked down at the straps holding his arms. He didn't know what was in store for him if he said no, but he couldn't possibly join forces with Remer. He had no intention of helping this man, who had probably murdered his parents and might be holding Katherina captive. He clenched his fists and shifted his gaze to Remer.

'I'll never help you,' he said, putting extra emphasis on the word 'never'.

Remer looked at the floor in disappointment.

'I'm genuinely sorry to hear that, Campelli,' he said. 'But I suppose I didn't really expect any other answer from you.' He got up and went over to open the door. 'Come on in,' he called.

Jon's heart began pounding hard. He'd give anything to see Katherina again, just not right now. If she came through the door, everything would have been in vain. He knew that Remer could make him do anything if they used Katherina as blackmail.

Jon heard footsteps outside the door. He held his breath.

In came a short, thin man wearing sandals, a light-coloured jogging suit and a pair of classic round steel-rimmed spectacles. He was bald and sunburnt, which made him look like a sporty version of Gandhi. He was carrying a small aluminium suitcase.

'Jon Campelli,' the man exclaimed in a voice that was surprisingly deep for his body type. 'I'm pleased to meet you at last, sir.' From behind his spectacles a pair of blue eyes fixed a piercing gaze on Jon.

'Forgive me for not shaking hands,' said Jon. There was something disquieting about the short man, but Jon was so relieved Katherina wasn't there that he regained some of his self-confidence.

'That's all right,' replied the man, placing the suitcase on the foot of the bed. He opened it and took out an object that he handed to Remer. 'I think we might as well start with this.'

Remer went over to the head of the bed and showed Jon a roll of grey duct tape. He tore off a piece and pressed it over Jon's mouth. Jon gave him a hostile glare, but Remer didn't react.

'You'd better leave us now,' the man said to Remer, who obeyed, closing the door behind him.

From his position in the bed, Jon couldn't see what was in the suitcase, but he was prepared for the worst type of torture instruments he could imagine. In a strange way he felt relieved. The pain of seeing Katherina subjected to something similar seemed to him far worse than having to experience it himself.

But when he saw what was taken out of the case, he was seized with panic.

The short man with the steel-rimmed spectacles slowly reached both hands into the suitcase and pulled out an object with the greatest of care.

It was a book.