Section Thirty-Seven

Langdon and Vittoria were still looking for some kind of sign, they didn't know what, all they knew was that it was something that would not be written in Italian. Finally, Vittoria came across something on folio 5, it was a foot note, or so she thought, it said "The path of light is laid, the sacred test." The most interesting thing was that it was written in English, not Italian. Nobody in the 1600's spoke English in Italy, this is what made Langdon realize that this must be part of the clue. After examining the document many times, Vittoria realized that this was not the only hidden message on the page. She knew they were nearly out of time, and in a hurry she took the piece of paper and headed for the door before Langdon could stop her.

As the two of them rushed out the door, the fresh air filled their lungs immediately, giving them a head rush. As they ran out of the archives, headed for Olivetti's office, they discussed what the riddle meant. Langdon thought that he already had it figured out, and knew where the first killing was going to take place. The poem read as follows,

From Santi's earthly tomb with demons hole,

'Cross Rome the mystic elements unfold.

The path of light is laid, the sacred test,

Let angels guide you on your lofty quest.

They knew that the mystic elements were earth, air, fire and water, and they knew that the path started at Santi's tomb. Santi was the last name of the well known Renaissance artist Raphael. Langdon knew that Raphael was buried in the Pantheon, and they figured that this would be the place of the first killing.

As they got to Olivetti's office he was furious to find out that they were in the secret archives, but when Langdon explained that they had good news, his eyes narrowed, saying "It better be damn good."