The Secret of Secrets: A Novel
by Dan Brown
Contents
Chapter 89
Overview
Langdon and Katherine reconnoiter the Folimanka Shelter “renovation” site and confirm it is guarded like a covert facility, with soldiers and fortified tunnel access beneath the park. Despite the heavy security, the lack of visible activity suggests Threshold may be dormant, strengthening their urgency to act while conditions are favorable. In parallel, the Golěm is already inside Threshold, preparing to strike as the Ether begins to gather, raising the immediate danger of another attack.
Summary
Langdon drives Katherine to the supposed “renovation project” entrance for the Folimanka Shelter at Ostrčilovo Square, a fenced-off triangular lot bordered by train tracks, a busy street, and Folimanka Park. Warning signs forbid entry, reinforcing Katherine’s unease.
They pass an official placard describing the “Folimanka Park Recovery Project” and spot a fortified access gate. Through a narrow sightline, they see two soldiers in black fatigues patrolling a paved road descending into a wide arched tunnel under the park, protected by retractable steel bollards.
Langdon notes the security seems excessive for mere restoration, and Katherine observes there are no trucks or visible activity, suggesting Ambassador Nagel may have been right that Threshold is currently inactive.
As Langdon continues along the perimeter by the park, Katherine reflects on Langdon’s entry plan: Threshold has a second access point, cleverly disguised, and Langdon has deduced both its location and how to use it.
Elsewhere, the Golěm stands inside Threshold itself in a chamber that overwhelms him, fueled by the belief it was built through victims like Sasha. Determined to end Threshold in retribution, he senses the Ether gathering as a fog descends, and he reaches into his cloak for his metal wand while urging it to wait.
Who Appears
- Robert LangdonDrives Katherine to Folimanka; notes security and advances a plan using Threshold’s hidden second entrance.
- Katherine SolomonScouts the guarded site with Langdon; gauges inactivity and clings to the hidden-entrance strategy.
- The GolěmInside Threshold’s chamber; vows retribution, senses Ether gathering, and retrieves his metal wand.
- Brigita GessnerPreviously coerced; her detailed directions enabled the Golěm to reach Threshold.
- Ambassador Heide NagelHer intelligence about the site’s status influences Katherine’s belief Threshold may be inactive.
- SashaReferenced victim whose death the Golěm links to Threshold’s creation and his motive for revenge.