The Gods' Gambit Read Online Free PDF Page A

and job done.”
    Lino’s glib patter irritated James. “For the love of God! Can’t
you speak normally?”
    “Yes, sorry. You remember that for quite some time now I’ve
been associating with different sects?”
    James nodded.
    “Well, I became a trusted member of one of them. That’s how
I managed to lay my hands on that secret manifesto,” Lino explained. “The name
of the sect is the Church of Angels.”
    James felt a tickle of professional curiosity. “I’ve never
heard of that one. Is it local or international?”
    “They have branches in Russia and in some other places,
mostly Eastern European countries. Their structure is a four-ranked one. The
levels are Guest, Apprentice, Master and Maestro. Now you are conversing with
one Apprentice Pietro. That’s the name I’m known by. My mentor is Master
Silvio.” Lino paused to give a cheeky wink.
    “So, this church must be part of that secret society of
societies you’ve been talking about.”
    “No. That one is hidden, nameless, out of reach. It’s as if
it doesn’t exist. The Church of Angels and many occult groups are its
creations. Long-established secret societies are under its influence, too. All
of them accept this manifesto as a prophetical cornerstone teaching. That’s why
my discovery is so important. You would know more if you actually read my
notes.”
    “You say this manifesto has been kept secret,” said James.
    “Absolutely.”
    “Well, it seems to me that you managed to acquire it far too
easily,” James challenged Lino’s reasoning.
    “I got it from the guy who recruited me. He thinks I’m a
trustworthy follower. One thing also helped, though. You may call it a bribe. I
paid him the equivalent of two of my months’ salary.”
    “Remind me about that when you next ask for a loan,” joked
James.
    “My dear friend, every cent was well spent. This time I’m
angling for the big fish. I might finally expose them. I intent to dig out
names, addresses, companies. My book will become a bestseller.” Lino spoke with
enthusiasm.
    “I sincerely hope it does, but you need to be careful. If I
understand you correctly, some people certainly won’t be happy about your book.
If I were you, I’d consider possible implications. Mostly, legal ones,” warned
James.
    “Don’t worry. I won’t point fingers at anybody without
supporting facts,” Lino leaned closer to the screen. “I’m going to push things
as far as I can. Now is the most opportune time. Those clandestine
organisations act more openly. This means they are becoming more accessible.”
    “From what I see, I think you’re enjoying yourself. That’s
good. But you keep your guard up, okay?” said James.
    “Yes, of course.”
    “Keep me up to date with the progress of your book,” James
saw that his interest visibly pleased Lino.
    “You be careful, too. Tonight I’ll send you some more pages
and the manifesto. My emails are for your eyes only,” cautioned Lino.
     
     
     

CHAPTER FIVE
     
    Russia
    1913
     
    At such a late hour, the town of Vladimir had usually sunk
into calm and darkness, but this evening was different. There were still many
people, horses and carriages out in the streets, including mounted and foot
patrols dressed in the uniforms of the Tsar’s guards. Music, singing and a
multi-voiced hubbub could be heard all over the town. The last of the February
snow had fallen, covering the streets and roofs with a thick, fluffy, crystal
white blanket that reflected the light of the street lamps and the moon that
hung in the clear, dark sky.
    In the large entertainment hall of the main government
building in the heart of the town, Tsar Nikolai Romanov was throwing a party
for local nobles and dignitaries to mark the occasion of the special jubilee commemorating
three hundred years of the Romanov dynasty. The celebration was part of the
national trip that had started in Moscow and was passing through Vladimir on
the way to Nizhny Novgorod, and from there the