30. Given the Illuminati theme, it is only natural that the four elements of antiquity - air, earth, fire and water - play a role. In fact, each one is used to kill one of the four abductees, but in which order?
From Quiz "Angels and Demons" - the plot thickens
Answer:
Earth - Air - Fire - Water
The first cardinal to be found murdered had soil stuffed down his throat (earth), then the next one was located with punctured lungs (air), the third burned alive (fire) and the last one drowned (water).
The order is unusual as it does not correspond to a traditional alchemical order - it was chosen to drive the plot as, in this order, the protagonists have a chance to locate and save the later victims. None of the four however survives, although for the last two, the investigators still arrive in time to witness the actual act of murder.