The Voice, by Paul Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Gould
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- 37 -
"You see that building," Gilbert said, his face to the
sun in such a way that Rick saw no more of him than a shock
of red hair hidden in shadow. "That is the Templar Church,
dedicated by the Patriarch of Jerusalem himself, in the year
1185. Under its vaulted dome lie the original Crusaders. Men
whose dream of a golden future for mankind sanctified
England's destiny."
"I see," said Rick, unimpressed with the historical
lecture.
"No, you don't." Gilbert said, annoyed with Rick's casual
interest. "Had it not been for the Templar's exploration of
Jerusalem and the East, none of what you see around you
would be here today. Law, banking, finance, the very basis
of trade itself can all be laid to their discipline, their
sacrifice and their sacred rule. They made this world a
reality my dear Richard. Nothing less than reality."