Robert Langdon, #2
The Da Vinci Code
by Dan Brown
Contents
CHAPTER 48
Overview
Langdon concludes that Saunière's cryptex is likely the Priory keystone: an encoded object meant to reveal the hiding place of the Holy Grail. This reframes Saunière as a figure of enormous power within the Priory, possibly its Grand Master, and makes his decision to involve Sophie and Langdon even more mysterious. The chapter ends with Vernet abruptly betraying or threatening them at gunpoint, cutting short their attempt to escape.
Summary
Inside Vernet's armored truck, Langdon studies the cryptex and its rosewood box and reaches a startling conclusion: the object may be the Priory keystone, the encoded stone said to lie beneath the sign of the Rose. Sophie asks what he means, and Langdon explains that clef de voûte literally means “key to the vault,” but architecturally refers to the keystone at the top of an arch.
Langdon explains that the Priory keystone is believed to be an encoded map revealing the hiding place of the Holy Grail. Although Sophie objects that her grandfather clearly made the cryptex and that it is not ancient, Langdon says the keystone itself is rumored to have been created only within the past few decades. The Da Vinci design of the cryptex and the rose symbol strengthen Langdon's belief that Saunière entrusted them with the legendary object.
Langdon then outlines the keystone's purpose within Priory tradition. Because the location of the Grail was too dangerous to speak aloud, the Priory allegedly created a test for any new rising sénéchal: solving the keystone would prove the candidate worthy of learning the secret. Sophie recognizes this as similar to her grandfather's treasure hunts and to the cryptological idea of a self-authorizing language.
The conversation leads Langdon to a deeper implication: if Saunière had access to the keystone, he must have been one of the Priory's four highest members. Sophie admits she knew her grandfather belonged to a secret society and believes he was not just a ranking member but the Grand Master. Though Sophie refuses to explain what she saw ten years ago, Langdon realizes the idea fits the Priory's history of prominent artistic Grand Masters and makes Saunière's planned meeting with him seem far more significant.
Langdon struggles to understand why Saunière would give the keystone to Sophie, from whom he was estranged, and direct her to find Langdon, a stranger to the family. Before Langdon can resolve the missing piece, the truck slows and leaves the road. Vernet stops in a wooded area, opens the rear doors, and appears with a pistol, apologizing and saying he has no choice.
Who Appears
- Robert LangdonInterprets the cryptex as the Priory keystone and explains its Grail significance.
- Sophie NeveuQuestions Langdon's theory and reveals Saunière may have been the Priory Grand Master.
- Jacques SaunièrePosthumously reframed as a likely high-ranking Priory leader who entrusted Sophie with the keystone.
- André VernetStops the armored truck in the woods and confronts Langdon and Sophie with a pistol.