Pandora's Ark by Rick Jones Read Free Book Online

the Covenant?”
he asked.
    “I couldn’t give
a rat’s ass.”
    “Not a religious
man, I see.”
    “Not too many
people in Russia are,” he said curtly. “It kind of went to the wayside when
Stalin came aboard.”
    “Yes, of
course.”
    “So again: Why?”
    “The Ark,” he began, “is said to contain five items: the two tablets of the Ten Commandments, a
pot of gold Manna, the rod of Aaron, and one other item that cannot be seen or
heard until it’s too late.”
    There was a
lapse of time as the two men stared at each other.
    And then: “If
you haven’t noticed,” said Leonid, “I’m an old man who doesn’t have much time.
So get on with it!”
    “It is said that
once the lid of the Ark is opened, then those who are not selected by the God
of the Covenant will die by the demons who reside within.”
    Sakharov sighed.
And al-Ghazi could see that the old man was becoming taxed.
    “All I want you
to do, Leonid, is to do what you do best.”
    “Right now, it’s
getting drunk.”
    “You know what
I’m talking about.”
    “Actually, I
don’t.”
    Al-Ghazi leaned
forward. “A few days ago my group came in possession of the Ark of the Covenant
and the lid was opened.”
    “You’re saying
you found the Ark?”
    “The true Ark, yes.”
    “And let me
guess. There were no demons, right?”
    “No demons,” he
confirmed. “Another fallacy, I believe.”
    “And what do you
propose to do?” he asked. “Sell it to the highest bidder? Maybe to the
Catholics or the Jews or the Muslims, whoever has the deepest pockets so that
you can go on and continue to fund your terrorist campaigns?”
    Al-Ghazi’s smile
diminished. The old man was starting to get to him. “Nothing of the sort,” he
answered tautly. “I have another purpose for it.”
    “And that would
be?”
    “To fulfill a
biblical prophecy that so many richly believe in,” he said.
    “And what would
that be? Not that I care, mind you.”
    “Their prophecy
states that the Ark of the Covenant serves as a preamble to World War Three.
That the religious factions are willing to war over this box made of acacia
wood and gold, simply for the history it possesses.”
    “Doesn’t it bear
the same historical nostalgia for you? You’re Muslim?”
    “What Allah
wants first and foremost is for the infidels to be annihilated. This Ark can serve as the catalyst to get this done.”
    Leonid cocked
his head and squinted. “You want to start a war?”
    “Maybe not a
war,” he said, “but a means to destroy all those who do not support the
teachings of Allah. If a war starts, then it would be by Allah’s will.”  
    The old man
reared his head back, just a little. “You’re friggin’ nuts,” he finally said.
    “Religion is a
hot-button issue,” al-Ghazi returned. “People are so devoted to the concept of their god that when someone dares to speak against their god or religion, they then
become easily angered. But what would it be like, Leonid, if they cannot attain
what they believe belongs to them rightfully? Animosities rise, tempers flare,
and battles begin. And for what? A golden box?” Al-Ghazi studied the old man
momentarily before speaking again. “People die every day in the name of
religion,” he added. “And for a lot less.”
    In fluid motion
al-Ghazi parted the drapes, giving the old man a view of Moscow.
    Leonid nibbled
softly on his lower lip, and then looked out at Red Square, at the wide streets
and at the domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral. He missed his life—missed what he
had. And al-Ghazi picked up on this.
    “Come with me,”
he goaded. “Take back what Russia took away. Be someone who can make a
difference.”
    Make a
difference . This simple statement affected the old man greatly, the words
playing continuously in his mind the entire time he remained silent, obviously
debating.
    And then, after
looking at al-Ghazi with a sidelong glance, he asked, “What is it that you want
me to do?”
    Al-Ghazi’s