{"id":3625,"date":"2026-01-03T23:37:03","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T23:37:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/sean-wyatt-11-the-excalibur-key-dempsey-ernest\/"},"modified":"2026-01-03T23:37:03","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T23:37:03","slug":"sean-wyatt-11-the-excalibur-key-dempsey-ernest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/sean-wyatt-11-the-excalibur-key-dempsey-ernest\/","title":{"rendered":"Sean Wyatt 11 – The Excalibur Key – Dempsey, Ernest"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Book Preview<\/h3>\n
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ERNEST DEMPSEY<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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ENCLAVE PUBLISHING<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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CONTENTS<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/blockquote>\n

\nGet Free Books<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\nPrologue<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n1.<\/span>
\nBellevaux, France<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n2.<\/span>
\nAachen, Germany<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n3.<\/span>
\nVenice, Italy<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n4.<\/span>
\nPyongyang, North Korea<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n5.<\/span>
\nAtlanta, Georgia<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n6.<\/span>
\nAtlanta<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n7.<\/span>
\nAachen<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n8.<\/span>
\nAachen<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n9.<\/span>
\nAachen<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n10.<\/span>
\nCologne, Germany<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n11.<\/span>
\nCologne<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n12.<\/span>
\nCologne<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n13.<\/span>
\nCologne<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n14.<\/span>
\nCologne<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n15.<\/span>
\nCologne<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n16.<\/span>
\nBrussels, Belgium<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n17.<\/span>
\nCologne<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n18.<\/span>
\nFrankfurt, Germany<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n19.<\/span>
\nBellevaux<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n20.<\/span>
\nThonon-les-Bains, France<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n21.<\/span>
\nThonon-les-Bains<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n22.<\/span>
\nGeneva, Switzerland<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n23.<\/span>
\nGlastonbury, England<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n24.<\/span>
\nGlastonbury<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n25.<\/span>
\nGlastonbury<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n26.<\/span>
\nLondon, England<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n27.<\/span>
\nGlastonbury<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n28.<\/span>
\nRome, Italy<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n29.<\/span>
\nVatican City<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n30.<\/span>
\nVatican City<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n31.<\/span>
\nVatican City<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n32.<\/span>
\nRome<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n33.<\/span>
\nMount Nebo, Jordan<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n34.<\/span>
\nMount Nebo<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n35.<\/span>
\nMount Nebo<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n36.<\/span>
\nPyongyang<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n37.<\/span>
\nMount Nebo<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\nThank You<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\nGet Some Free Books<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\nAuthor Notes<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\nOther Books by Ernest Dempsey<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\nDedication<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\nAcknowledgements<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

<\/blockquote>\n
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<\/sub><\/p>\n

<\/small><\/p>\n

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GET FREE BOOKS<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Get Ernest Dempsey\u2019s Original Best Selling Novel and two introductory novellas FREE.<\/span><\/p>\n

Become a VIP reader and get the free ebooks at ernestdempsey.net<\/span><\/span> or check out more details at the end of the book.<\/p>\n

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<\/sub><\/p>\n

<\/small><\/p>\n

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PROLOGUE<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0J<\/span>erusalem<\/span><\/p>\n

AD 1100<\/span><\/p>\n

The king\u2019s final orders began with a fit of coughing, as did nearly everything he\u2019d said in the last three days. A thin line of blood oozed from the corner of his mouth into the dark blond beard, his pale face the ghastly color of eminent death.<\/p>\n

Godfrey stared at the far wall, eyes bloodshot and sagging. He\u2019d been propped up on a stack of pillows to make him more comfortable, but the cushions did little to ease the pain from the illness ravaging his insides. Ever the warrior, Godfrey didn\u2019t give in. He hardened the muscles in his face so as to not show weakness to the others in the room.<\/p>\n

His younger brother, Baldwin, stood nearby with hands folded. He wore a solemn expression\u2014lips drawn into a frown, eyes sullen and full of pity.<\/p>\n

No one was sure what had happened.<\/p>\n

Godfrey was a relatively young man, only forty years of age. Up until the day he first noticed the symptoms, he\u2019d been in near-perfect health.<\/p>\n

Baldwin searched the eyes of every man and woman in the room, hoping to find a traitor in their midst on whom he could place the blame. He suspected poison, but there was no way to be certain. There was also the fact that he\u2019d never seen symptoms like this before from any poisoning. That didn\u2019t mean it could be ruled out. They were strangers in a strange land. The rules were different here.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrother,\u201d Godfrey said after the violent stretch of coughs ended. \u201cCome to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Baldwin gave a nod and stepped close to the bed. \u201cYes, my king.\u201d<\/p>\n

The line pried a dismissive snort from Godfrey\u2019s nose. He forced a feeble smile across his face and shook his head. \u201cI\u2019ve told you before, Brother, I do not deserve the title of king. There is only one king of Jerusalem, and that is Jesus Christ. I am merely an advocate and defender.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another series of coughs racked his body as soon as Godfrey finished the sentence. Baldwin reached out to steady his brother and give him comfort. When the fit subsided, Baldwin waited for a moment before he spoke again.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrother, what would you have me do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Godfrey looked into his brother\u2019s eyes and pinched his lips together. He was in a tremendous amount of pain, and it was all the great leader could do to not scream. \u201cLeave us,\u201d he said and waved to the others. \u201cI would like a moment with my brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Baldwin watched as the assistants, nurses, and military advisers filed through the door and disappeared into the hall, leaving the two brothers alone in silence.<\/p>\n

Godfrey swallowed. \u201cThere is something\u2026something I need you to do.\u201d He struggled to speak.<\/p>\n

\u201cName it, Brother, and by God it will be done.\u201d<\/p>\n

Godfrey admired his brother\u2019s loyalty, his fierce determination. He would make a great leader for Jerusalem. \u201cFor many years now, I have waged war on the Muslims, fighting for God and His kingdom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd fought well, you have.\u201d<\/p>\n

Godfrey raised a weakened hand, signaling that he wasn\u2019t finished. \u201cI believed in the war. I still do. And that is why you must do exactly as I say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cName the task.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst, I must make a confession to you, my brother. I\u2026I have kept a secret from you\u2026from everyone, all these years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Baldwin frowned, his eyebrows knitted together. \u201cA secret? What kind of secret?\u201d<\/p>\n

Godfrey grinned as best he could. \u201cA secret that bears enormous power.\u201d<\/p>\n

Baldwin wanted to ask what kind of power, but another string of coughs cut him off.<\/p>\n

Godfrey\u2019s body sagged, and for a moment Baldwin thought his brother\u2019s life had come to an end. A quiet whistle seeped out of Godfrey\u2019s nose and told Baldwin his brother was still alive, albeit barely.<\/p>\n

Godfrey drew in a deep breath and did his best to straighten up. \u201cThis power does not make one invincible, as you can see for yourself. At the end of this day, I will be dead. Nothing can stop that now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t talk like that, Brother. The nurses\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe nurses do not know what is wrong with me. My race is run. I accept that and look forward to meeting my God. There is something, however, you have to do for me. And there is something you must know.\u201d<\/p>\n

He paused for a moment, reflecting on something from the past. What it was, Baldwin didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n

\u201cJerusalem will fall to the Saracens again, Brother. No matter how strong our line, no matter our defenses, they will return, and they will overrun us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Baldwin started to refute the notion, but Godfrey went on. \u201cI do not wish that to be the case, but I know that is what the future holds. Things always change, Baldwin. They cannot stay the same forever. That is not the way of the universe, and certainly not the world of men.\u201d<\/p>\n

Baldwin\u2019s head bowed low. \u201cWill this happen in my lifetime?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDifficult to say. I think not, but it is possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can I do to stop this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Godfrey\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cYou must lead the people as best you can, Brother. Be true to God and to them. Let that be your guiding principle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Baldwin waited a minute before he spoke again. \u201cYou mentioned a power.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. It is the great secret. Eight others possessed it before me. It is a relic of incredible importance, and must never fall into the hands of the Saracens. Were that to happen, I fear the worst.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026I don\u2019t understand. If this relic is so powerful, why not use it to fend off the Muslims? We could destroy them forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt does not work that way, Brother. Its power is not infinite. It fades. I do not know how to describe it other than to say that this relic must be returned to its home until it calls to another.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCalls to another?\u201d<\/p>\n

Godfrey gave a slow nod. \u201cI never told you this. In fact, I never told anyone. You must promise to keep this information secret until the day you die. Is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

Baldwin hesitated and then nodded his agreement. \u201cI swear.\u201d<\/p>\n

The answer was good enough for Godfrey. \u201cI remember it as if it were yesterday. I was out for a ride on my horse\u2014you know, the path that runs through the forest on our family land.\u201d<\/p>\n

Baldwin\u2019s head rocked up and down. \u201cI do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe great leaders of Christianity were calling for soldiers to lead a Crusade against the Saracen hordes in Jerusalem. I was uncertain whether or not I should go. Of course, I knew the answer. It may surprise you to know that I had a good amount of fear in my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

That did surprise Baldwin. He\u2019d never known his brother to fear anything. On more than one occasion, Baldwin witnessed his brother overcoming incredible odds on the battlefield. One such occasion was during the main assault on Jerusalem. While many leaders would have stayed near the back of the lines, Godfrey led the men into battle, cutting down enemies from atop his steed. Even after losing his horse, Godfrey fought on, hacking his way through enemy lines as if some kind of divine power coursed through him, surging him forward without ever tiring. Baldwin recounted times when his brother had even fought off wild beasts with his bare hands, killing ravenous animals three times his size.<\/p>\n

\u201cFear is a natural thing, Baldwin. It is the point in the road in which men make a decision to be courageous, or cowards.\u201d He let the words sink in before he continued. \u201cDuring my ride through the forest, I decided to take a moment to pray. So I got off the horse and knelt by a large oak, one that has been on our land since long before we were born. I prayed that God would give me strength to do what is right, and to fight for Him in all things. When I arose and opened my eyes, I was surprised to see a man in gray robes standing less than twenty feet away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA man in gray robes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I drew my sword and demanded he tell me who he was and what he wanted. I told him he was on my land and that by rights I could cut him down for trespassing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe man drew back his hood and revealed an old face, worn with the wrinkles of time. His beard and hair were white like snow. But his eyes were full of peace. I knew he meant no ill will.\u201d<\/p>\n

Baldwin had been sucked into the story and leaned in close. \u201cWhat did you do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI lowered my sword and asked him what he wanted. The man told me he had a gift for me, and me alone. I asked what kind of gift, but he wouldn\u2019t answer. He merely stepped forward and produced a map from an inner pocket of his robe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA map?\u201d<\/p>\n

Godfrey nodded. \u201cYes. I asked what the map led to, what area it depicted, but he would not answer. When I took a moment to look over the map again, the man was gone, as if the forest had consumed him. I mounted my horse and looked everywhere, but the old man was nowhere to be found. He\u2019d vanished.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Godfrey\u2019s lungs wheezed like he might cough again, but the fits didn\u2019t return. \u201cI deciphered the map and used it to find something incredible, something that helped me during the Crusades. Without it, we would have surely lost.\u201d<\/p>\n

The buildup was tugging at Baldwin\u2019s curiosity. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA sword. But not just any sword. It is a sword that commands incredible power. For a time, the one who wields it cannot be destroyed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor a time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat power fades, remember? It needs to be returned to its home until the world needs another leader to rise against evil. That is the task I ask of you, my brother. You must return the sword to its home. Keep it hidden. Keep it safe. You must tell no other human about this. If evil were to find it, the world as we know it would end.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut how could evil use it if the power fades?\u201d<\/p>\n

Godfrey forced a smile across his lips. \u201cWhen it is returned to its home, the power renews itself. Then the sword becomes the ultimate weapon once more. Whoever wields it will be unstoppable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do I take it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Godfrey raised his hand to a golden necklace clinging to his chest. It was a circle, surrounded by five half circles. The jewelry gave the appearance of a golden sun. Godfrey ripped it from his neck and handed it to his brother.<\/p>\n

Baldwin stared at the object in his palm as Godfrey\u2019s cold, clammy fingers pulled away.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe location\u2026is inside. Remember, Brother\u2026you must never tell a soul. Only God can reveal the location to His sword. He chooses who will wield it next, not you or I.\u201d<\/p>\n

Godfrey\u2019s breaths came quicker. His face tightened, and Baldwin knew his brother was on death\u2019s doorstep.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe sword, Brother. Where is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is safe, in a place only you would know where to look. When we were children, remember the trick I played on you with your favorite toy?\u201d<\/p>\n

A tear formed in the corner of Baldwin\u2019s eye. He remembered the event well. Somehow, Godfrey had taken his favorite toy sword and put it in his own scabbard. Wearing it in plain sight, Baldwin never suspected. After allowing his younger brother to search the house for the faux weapon, Godfrey gave away the hiding place by tapping his finger on the hilt.<\/p>\n

Baldwin stood up straight and glanced down at the weapon. Then he looked back to his brother. In the rush to get to his brother\u2019s side, he\u2019d not even noticed the difference.<\/p>\n

Godfrey gave a weak nod. \u201cIt was the safest place for me to put it, Brother. Take it back to where it belongs. That is my last request for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Godfrey\u2019s body tensed. His lungs gurgled inside his chest. He shook violently for several seconds, fighting death\u2019s grip as long as he could. Then, as suddenly as it began, the fit ended, and Godfrey\u2019s eyes settled on a random spot on the ceiling.<\/p>\n

Baldwin stared at him for a second and then reached out his hand. He took Godfrey\u2019s in his own and held it tight. The skin was cold, like the stone of a wine cellar back in their homeland.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrother?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

There was no response.<\/p>\n

Baldwin leaned in and listened to Godfrey\u2019s chest. It was deathly silent.<\/p>\n

He straightened up, fighting back the tears. \u201cNurse!\u201d he yelled.<\/p>\n

People flooded the room once more. Wailing soon commenced. The military leaders paid their respects and then immediately began the discussion concerning Godfrey\u2019s successor.<\/p>\n

Baldwin heard his name more than once, but he didn\u2019t care about that at the moment. He had a mission to complete, the last request of his brother.<\/p>\n

He stepped out of the room and wandered down the hall until he found an empty room on the right. It was nothing more than a simple cell, a place where one of the maids slept. He stole a quick glance down both directions of the corridor and then slipped inside, closing the door behind.<\/p>\n

He stared down at the sword in the scabbard. How it had gone unnoticed to him was still a mystery. In hindsight, he had never given much thought to putting on his belt and scabbard. It had become second nature, an unconscious action in a multitude of routine things he did every day.<\/p>\n

Why would he have noticed?<\/p>\n

Now, as he stared down at the hilt, he could tell the difference. The silvery metal handle was shinier than his own weapon. The thing looked as if it had never seen the wear and tear of battle.<\/p>\n

With a twinge of fear in his heart, he wrapped his fingers around the handle and eased the blade out of its housing. Remarkably, the edges were still perfect, and the steel still gleamed as if it had just come out of the smith\u2019s polish.<\/p>\n

Baldwin held the sword at waist level and noticed something etched into the blade just above the hand guard. His eyes narrowed with curiosity, and he raised the weapon so he could read the lettering.<\/p>\n

There were three lines, one in Hebrew, one in Greek and one in Latin. The first two were languages Baldwin didn\u2019t speak. He had a feeling they all said the same thing. His eyes widened as he read the last line in Latin.<\/p>\n

Caliburnus.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/sub><\/p>\n

<\/small><\/p>\n

Chapter 1<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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BELLEVAUX, FRANCE<\/span><\/p>\n

T<\/span>ommy\u2019s wide eyes stared unblinking into the gaping hole in the rock. His team from the International Archaeological Agency had been working alongside teams from all over the world to uncover centuries-old ruins, buried just a few hundred yards from an eleventh-century castle, or what was left of it. The location was perched atop a steep mountain. It was framed by picturesque views of the Lac de Vallon and the surrounding hillsides covered in green coniferous trees.<\/p>\n

Their painstaking efforts had resulted in not only the discovery of structures that predated the castle but dozens of artifacts including pottery, glassware, and remnants of weapons. They\u2019d also found a section of rock in the basement of the ruins that had been carved out by human hands. Inside was a stone sarcophagus.<\/p>\n

Never had Tommy expected to find anything like this in an historically remote location. Sure, he\u2019d hoped there would be some artifacts or relics on site, but to find an actual sarcophagus was beyond anyone\u2019s wildest dreams.<\/p>\n

The team of workers cleared a path and set up a series of lights inside so Tommy and his assistants could see more easily. He moved down the temporary wooden steps onto the lower landing, followed closely by three others. Two were men from Oxford. A third was a female anthropologist from Switzerland.<\/p>\n

The buzz grew quickly and soon a daily crowd of onlookers arrived outside the roped area surrounding the site.<\/p>\n

Tommy wasn\u2019t accustomed to people watching as he and his team did their work. He preferred to take care of things in secret. This project, however, wasn\u2019t his baby. Most of them weren\u2019t, although the people who brought in his team typically let them operate however they wanted.<\/p>\n

Cameras flashed around the four as they entered the floodlights\u2019 pale glow coming from the corners of the cave. Only a few people from the media had come to cover the story. The number didn\u2019t matter. What mattered was the discovery itself.<\/p>\n

Tommy had already taken a look at the stone box, but that didn\u2019t keep the sight from stopping his breath as he stepped closer and beheld the shield engraved on the surface. A Templar cross was cut within the shield\u2019s borders, surrounded by four other, less elaborate equilateral crosses. It was a symbol synonymous with the legendary Crusader, Godfrey of Bouillon. Tommy thought it, though he didn\u2019t say it out loud. He didn\u2019t need to. The fact that the symbol was here in France made no sense. The great leader was purportedly buried within the confines of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

Then Tommy reminded himself of where he was. This land would have fallen squarely into the area that was considered part of Godfrey\u2019s property.<\/p>\n

Was this the true burial spot for one of the greatest leaders of the Crusades? Or was it one of his followers? Tommy had put off the answers until he had more time with the evidence. He was only seeing the tip of the iceberg at this point.<\/p>\n

The other three hadn\u2019t seen the surface of the sarcophagus yet and were unaware of the engraving. Tommy had kept that a secret to only be revealed by their own eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIncredible,\u201d said one of the men from Oxford. His gray hair and beard were badges of honor in a world where one\u2019s depth of knowledge was dependent on years of experience. This was Dr. Tim Hathaway, an anthropologist from London. He\u2019d been an expert in his field for more than 30 years.<\/p>\n

The other man\u2014one of similar age and manner\u2014was Dr. Nicholas Remming. He nodded in agreement. \u201cWell done, Tommy. Well done indeed. A Templar burial site. Astonishing.\u201d Remming had been a professor of medieval studies for 22 years and had taken part in more than a dozen digs across Europe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot just a Templar, Doctor. These perfectly align with images often associated with Godfrey of Bouillon.\u201d<\/p>\n

The older man raised an eyebrow and fired a suspicious look Tommy\u2019s way. \u201cWe\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n

The researcher, Dr. Cherie Sauvad, took a few pictures with her smartphone and then began putting on gloves she\u2019d brought in. Her graying brown hair was pulled back into a tight bun. The hairdo stretched the shallow wrinkles on her forehead, almost making them disappear.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you gents are ready for this,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The other three nodded, and she motioned for two of the workers outside to join them in the sepulcher. The men\u2014both of Asian descent\u2014hurried inside with crowbars and shovels.<\/p>\n

Sauvad motioned to the sarcophagus lid. \u201cBe very careful,\u201d she said. \u201cMake sure the lid doesn\u2019t fall into the box. The last thing we need is to crush the remains.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two Oxford men took a nervous breath as the workers wedged their tools into the seam between the top and the bottom of the box. When they were satisfied with the depth, they leveraged the iron, and the lid came off its housing. The workers nodded at each other and slid the top a few inches toward the far wall. Dust tumbled out and over the lip of the sarcophagus. The two older men covered their faces with handkerchiefs to ease their breathing.<\/p>\n

Once there was enough room for the workers to get their fingers under the lid, they set down their tools and took up positions opposite each other on either end. With a curt nod, they hefted the heavy object and slid it to where it was slightly less than half off the bottom. There, they held it in place, letting most of the weight rest on the sarcophagus\u2019s rim.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerfect,\u201d Sauvad said. \u201cJust hold it there for a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two workers pressed down on the lid\u2019s edge to keep it in place as she moved closer.<\/p>\n

When the dust settled, the cave\u2019s occupants all stared inside to see what secrets the stone box held. They all expected bones, probably wrapped in medieval clothing or armor.<\/p>\n

Instead, what they saw was a dusty shield. No skeleton. No armor. Just a shield.<\/p>\n

Everyone in the cave frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s the body?\u201d Sauvad asked. \u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Remming glanced over at Tommy. \u201cYou\u2019ve kept this area secure since its discovery, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Tommy stammered. \u201cWe\u2019ve had video surveillance and guards posted around the clock. If someone tried to get in here, we\u2019d have known about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sauvad continued gazing into the sarcophagus. She reached out and ran a gloved finger along the shield\u2019s edge, wiping a thin layer of dust from the surface. Her action revealed a pale yellow metal.<\/p>\n

\u201cGold leaf on the edge,\u201d she said. \u201cIf someone broke in here to steal something, they would have taken this with them.\u201d She looked closer and wiped her hand across the breadth of the shield. \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d<\/p>\n

She repeated the action three more times until everyone in the chamber could see clearly the image on the metal surface.<\/p>\n

It was a black eagle, a symbol used by one of the greatest kings to ever live: Charlemagne.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait a minute,\u201d Tommy said. \u201cThat can\u2019t be right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt must be a forgery,\u201d said Hathaway. \u201cCharlemagne is buried in Aachen. Everyone knows that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but there\u2019s no body here. Maybe this wasn\u2019t meant to be a burial chamber.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, then, is there a sarcophagus?\u201d Remming asked. \u201cAnd why is it on Bouillon land?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy put his hands on his hips and stared at the shield. \u201cDr. Sauvad, may I use your gloves for a moment?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d Hathaway asked, his voice full of uncertainty.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust having a look.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy lifted the shield from its resting place and stared into the shadow underneath. A yellowish object caught his attention. Propping the shield up with one hand, he used the other to reach under. A moment later, he laid the shield back down and held up the object he\u2019d removed.<\/p>\n

It was a circular medallion with five half circles surrounding it. Every eye in the room stared at the small treasure.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it? Who was the owner?\u201d Sauvad asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is the owner?\u201d Remming asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook,\u201d Tommy said. \u201cOn the back. There\u2019s something inscribed on the metal.\u201d He peered closer. \u201cIt looks like Latin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sauvad read the lines out loud before the others had a chance. \u201cIt says, All who draw the sword will die by the sword.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Why in heaven\u2019s name does it say that?\u201d Hathaway asked.<\/p>\n

The two workers suddenly drew pistols out of their jackets and pointed them at the other occupants.<\/p>\n

\u201cHand over the medallion,\u201d one of them said in heavily accented English. \u201cDo it now, and don\u2019t try anything stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two Englishmen took a moment to process what was happening.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is the meaning of this?\u201d Remming demanded.<\/p>\n

Tommy answered for them. \u201cThey\u2019re stealing this artifact. Which, I don\u2019t have to tell you two, is a bad idea. You won\u2019t get out of here with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see,\u201d the worker who\u2019d spoken before said. \u201cMedallion. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n

His voice grew louder but still not loud enough to be heard outside the cave.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two positioned yourselves perfectly,\u201d Tommy said. \u201cNobody can see you thanks to where the walls cut off. But they\u2019ll see you come out. Then what\u2019s your plan?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot your concern. Now give me the medallion, or I kill her.\u201d The worker pressed the muzzle to the side of Sauvad\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

She trembled but didn\u2019t dare move.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, just take it easy,\u201d Tommy said. He held out the object and moved his hand slowly toward the gunman. \u201cPoint the gun at me, not her. She\u2019s not the one holding what you want. I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up,\u201d the gunman snapped.<\/p>\n

When Tommy\u2019s hand was at full extension, the gunman shoved Sauvad out of the way and snatched it from the American.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow all of you step back into the corner.\u201d He waved his gun. His partner sidestepped toward the entrance, circling around the sarcophagus.<\/p>\n

Tommy watched the second man\u2019s movement and instantly recognized an opportunity. As the silent partner neared the other gunman, Tommy slid his hand on top of the sarcophagus lid as if to brace himself. When the other three researchers were safely behind him, he pressed down hard on the lid\u2019s corner and stepped back.<\/p>\n

The heavy object immediately slipped off its housing and crashed to the floor, crushing the second gunman\u2019s foot in the process. He howled in agony. His trigger finger instinctively pulled and fired off a shot that ricocheted around the room.<\/p>\n

Ironically, it struck the shooter in the side of the head, and within seconds he slumped to the floor. Tommy clambered over the lid and twisted the weapon out of the dead man\u2019s hand. He spun around to aim at the other guy, but all he saw was the man\u2019s feet as he sprinted up the stairs.<\/p>\n

Tommy shook his head like a dog. \u201cI usually have a guy for this.\u201d<\/p>\n

He jumped over the dead man\u2019s left leg and took off.<\/p>\n

People gasped, and one person shrieked.<\/p>\n

Tommy imagined the gunman wielding his weapon to clear a path. He burst from the cave and charged after the thief. Another woman in the crowd of onlookers screamed at the sight of Tommy running with a gun.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay,\u201d he said, putting up a dismissive hand as he ran by. \u201cI\u2019m one of the good guys.\u201d<\/p>\n

His disclaimer did little to ease any minds. People still ducked and scattered.<\/p>\n

Tommy didn\u2019t have time to worry about that.<\/p>\n

He had a thief to catch.<\/p>\n

Running up another section of steps sent his heart rate to its max capacity as he reached the third and final tier.<\/p>\n

Tommy gasped for breath, forcing himself to keep going. His legs felt like bags of sand, growing heavier and heavier with every step. The thief appeared to be unaffected by the stair sprint. He\u2019d lengthened the gap to nearly twenty yards, and it wasn\u2019t getting any better for Tommy.<\/p>\n

The only way down from the dig site was a narrow one-lane road that wound around the mountain, circling it until arriving at the bottom, and a slightly wider road leading out of the rural village.<\/p>\n

The thief was making his way toward one of the few cars parked nearby. If he got in, stopping him would be nearly impossible.<\/p>\n

Tommy took a few more steps as the thief skidded to a stop at the driver\u2019s side of a red sedan. He reached for the door handle but was halted by a loud pop. The bullet smashed into the front quarter panel. Another gunshot sent a round through the windshield.<\/p>\n

The thief took cover behind the next vehicle in line and waited. Tommy was crouched on one knee, aiming carefully with his weapon. Now that the other guy was behind another car, he didn\u2019t have a clear shot. And Tommy was out in the open, completely exposed.<\/p>\n

Without warning, the thief rose quickly and fired four successive shots. Tommy did the only thing he could. He dove and rolled as the dirt erupted around him. As he tumbled sideways, he managed to extend his weapon and squeeze the trigger five times.<\/p>\n

The shots were wildly inaccurate, most sailing off into the ether, or wherever errant bullets go. Two, however, made themselves useful.<\/p>\n

One found its way into the front left tire of the red sedan, rendering the getaway car useless. The second round snuck under the vehicle the thief was using for cover and struck the man in the shin.<\/p>\n

He instantly dropped to the ground, howling in agony. The fingers on his free hand wrapped around the bloody wound. He didn\u2019t release his weapon, though.<\/p>\n

Tommy seized the moment. He dragged himself up and ran as hard as he could toward the car on the far end of the row. Gunfire erupted again from the thief\u2019s weapon, but Tommy dove for cover before any of the bullets even came close.<\/p>\n

Safe for the moment, Tommy tucked in behind the front tire of an SUV and waited a second.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. Stay on the offensive,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

He took a deep breath and peeked around the vehicle\u2019s front end. Instead of seeing the man writhing on the ground from the bullet wound, Tommy was shocked to see the guy hobbling desperately toward the curve in the road.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeriously?\u201d<\/p>\n

If the situation hadn\u2019t been so dangerous, he would have thought it a hilarious sight.<\/p>\n

Tommy crept out from behind his hiding place with his pistol held waist high. He still panted for air, but the run had been a short one and in the time he\u2019d been hiding, his legs had mostly recovered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have got to start working out more,\u201d he said and took off after the thief once again.<\/p>\n

In spite of the wound to his leg, the thief had picked up speed and was already nearing the bend in the road. He looked back over his shoulder and saw Tommy bearing down on him. He raised his weapon and fired a salvo at the big American.<\/p>\n

Tommy\u2019s reaction was almost catlike. He\u2019d seen the guy\u2019s intent when he turned around. The only place Tommy could take cover was a large boulder on the side of the drive. Bullets splashed into the gravel and pinged off the boulder until no more shots rang out. Tommy wasn\u2019t as good at counting enemy rounds as his friend Sean, but he was pretty sure the thief\u2019s gun was empty.<\/p>\n

He popped around the corner, fired a reply of his own, and caught the thief in the middle of checking his pockets for a fresh magazine. Startled, the man took off again, running down the road.<\/p>\n

Tommy dashed after him, like the worlds slowest 100-meter sprinter coming out of the blocks. His lack of speed didn\u2019t matter now. His prey was injured, and that tilted the odds in Tommy\u2019s favor.<\/p>\n

The thief panicked as Tommy closed the gap to less than ten yards. Then he did something unexpected. He spun to the right and veered toward the cliff\u2019s edge as if he planned to jump.<\/p>\n

Tommy\u2019s eyes widened as he saw the man draw closer to the ledge. There was no time to lose. If the guy jumped, the medallion could be lost forever to the depths of the lake below.<\/p>\n

With only two yards between Tommy and the thief, and only one yard between the thief and the precipice, Tommy pushed all his weight onto his left foot and leaped forward with arms outstretched. The thief looked back in time to see the big American flying at him. He tried to jump away, but it was too late. Tommy\u2019s right arm struck the man\u2019s heel. The heavy force tripped him and sent him tumbling toward the precipice.<\/p>\n

Tommy kept his head up as he hit the gravel. The thief rolled toward the ledge only a few feet away. Without a second to lose, Tommy reached out and grabbed a handful of the thief\u2019s jacket just as the man\u2019s momentum carried him over the steep drop-off.<\/p>\n

For a second, the thief\u2019s dead weight pulled Tommy downward. Tommy kicked his toes hard into the gravel as he was dragged toward the edge. Luckily, his foot caught on a rock embedded in the ground. With his upper chest hanging over the precipice, he was faced with a six-hundred-foot drop down an 80-degree slope. Even though it wasn\u2019t straight down, the odds of surviving such a fall were slim to none.<\/p>\n

The thief\u2019s good foot was planted on a narrow ledge about six feet down. Apparently, he was having second thoughts about jumping.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrab my arms,\u201d Tommy said. \u201cI\u2019ll pull you up.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man\u2019s narrow eyes were full of angry determination. He said nothing in response.<\/p>\n

Tommy\u2019s fingers and forearms strained to keep the man\u2019s weight up even though the guy had a fragile foothold.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t hold you like this forever. Let me pull you up. Then we\u2019ll talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is nothing to talk about, American dog. Soon, the world will bow to us and the Dear Leader.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDear leader? Listen, you can tell me all about it. Just take my hand, and let me pull you up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy twisted one hand, trying to get a better grip on the inside of the man\u2019s jacket. He grunted and felt his foot sliding off the rock that was the only thing keeping him from going over the edge as well.<\/p>\n

The thief\u2019s eyes blazed as he stared into Tommy\u2019s. \u201cFor the leader,\u201d he said in a menacing tone. He reached up with both hands to grab Tommy and pull him down, but his foot slipped off the ledge below.<\/p>\n

Tommy\u2019s fingers instinctively let go. For a bizarre second, the thief hung in limbo as gravity wrapped its hands around him. His eyes went wide as he suddenly felt himself being dragged downward.<\/p>\n

For a second, Tommy watched as the man tumbled through the air until he saw the man\u2019s head violently crack against the rocky slope. Then the thief\u2019s somersault instantly sped up as he plummeted to the water below.<\/p>\n

Tommy shimmied back to safe ground before the man hit the lake. There was a faint splash in the distance, signaling the thief\u2019s fate. Tommy breathed hard for a minute. Then he propped himself up with one hand on the ground.<\/p>\n

His eyes caught a glimpse of something on the gravel a few feet away. It was yellowish and glimmered in the sunlight peeking out from behind white fluffy clouds above. He crawled the short distance over to the medallion and picked it up, holding it to the light. Underneath the engraved words was one number: a nine.<\/p>\n

When he spoke, it was in a whisper. \u201cWhat secret are you hiding?\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

<\/sub><\/p>\n

<\/small><\/p>\n

Chapter 2<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

AACHEN, GERMANY<\/span><\/p>\n

D<\/span>r. Jann Heimrich stared at the screen in disbelief.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d been working on the DNA sequencing project for more than two years. It had begun with getting the appropriate paperwork and permissions, and wading through miles of other red tape.<\/p>\n

That was to be expected when dealing with the remains of one of the greatest kings who ever lived. Getting access to tissue and bone samples of Charlemagne was one of the most ambitious things Heimrich had ever taken on. After months of interviews and appeals, he\u2019d finally gotten permission to examine a small portion of the king\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

The Aachen Cathedral had been roped off one evening, which wasn\u2019t a huge problem since few parishioners visited after dark. Under careful supervision, Heimrich had taken the samples from the remains, stored them in the appropriate containers, and then transported them to his lab on the other side of town.<\/p>\n

The process, the years of waiting, had all led to this, this incredible revelation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat can\u2019t be right,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He adjusted the view on the screen by zooming in closer.<\/p>\n

The adjustment didn\u2019t change what he already knew to be correct. \u201cThat\u2019s impossible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s impossible, Doctor?\u201d<\/p>\n

The voice startled Heimrich, and he instinctively spun around to make sure it was his assistant.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Michael. You frightened me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe if you weren\u2019t working alone in the dark in an old laboratory after nightfall….\u201d<\/p>\n

Heimrich snickered. \u201cGood point. What are you doing here so late? I thought you would have gone home for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just had a few things to clean up before I left for the night. What are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome, come. You must have a look at this.\u201d He beckoned his Korean assistant to the computer.<\/p>\n

Michael obliged and padded from the doorway over to the workstation. Heimrich scooted his rolling chair to the side so his assistant could get a better view.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee?\u201d He pointed at the screen as Michael leaned over and examined the display. \u201cThe DNA, it\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not human.\u201d<\/p>\n

Heimrich shrugged his head to one side. \u201cWell, not exactly what I was going to say. It definitely is<\/span> human.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot like any human DNA I\u2019ve ever seen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCorrect. You\u2019re correct on that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael leaned in closer to the computer. His face was less than a foot away from it now. \u201cAre you talking about some kind of evolutionary mutation, Doctor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know me better than that.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was true. Heimrich didn\u2019t subscribe to the theory of evolution. He\u2019d studied the evidence on both sides of the argument and chosen the side with an architect.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, then?\u201d Michael asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure. Whatever this is will be a big discovery for us.\u201d He pointed at some of the dots on the screen. \u201cThis could prove that certain people from history were more than just ordinary humans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you saying that Charlemagne was more than a man?\u201d<\/p>\n

Heimrich stared at the screen. \u201cWhat I\u2019m saying is that he was no normal man. With these additions to the sequence, it\u2019s possible he could have been smarter, maybe even stronger, than an average man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would certainly account for his military prowess. How did this happen?\u201d<\/p>\n

Heimrich absently rubbed the scruff on his chin as he considered the question. He\u2019d been thinking on it long before Michael entered the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever heard stories about relics that gave human beings incredible powers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Michael said, standing up straight again. He tweaked his neck to the left and right to get the kinks out. \u201cIt\u2019s one of the reasons people are searching for the Holy Grail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. An excellent example. There are people who believe that if they find those relics, the objects can give them some kind of power. What if the power a person receives is actually a genetic transformation, something that makes them\u2014as you said\u2014more than human?\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael raised a dubious eyebrow. \u201cDoctor, you don\u2019t actually think there is something out there that could cause this sort of mutation in a human being, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll I\u2019m saying is that something changed Charlemagne\u2019s DNA. And like you said, that could<\/span> account for his incredible success as a warrior.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but he died.\u201d<\/p>\n

Heimrich raised a finger. \u201cAha. I had the same thought.\u201d He maneuvered the mouse and clicked it a few times to zoom in on the image. \u201cYou see here how some components are somewhat smaller than the regular pieces of code?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt appears they deteriorated, probably over time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what does that mean, exactly?\u201d<\/p>\n

Heimrich fell back in his chair and put his thumb to his chin once more. \u201cI\u2019m afraid I have no idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

They lapsed into silence as Michael considered the doctor\u2019s theory. \u201cAll of the samples had this same result?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery single one,\u201d Heimrich said, nodding. \u201cThey\u2019re all consistent. The mutation happened throughout the entire code. What I wouldn\u2019t give to have taken a blood sample from Charlemagne himself. Then we could have confirmed what was going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael sidetracked the conversation to public relations. \u201cAre you going to announce this discovery?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm? Oh, yes. Yes, of course. We\u2019ll set up a press conference, get all the appropriate people involved. The scientific journals will be extremely interested in this find. Obviously, it will stir up a good amount of wild theories, but that is to be expected. At least the officials who gave us access to the remains will be glad to see something incredible came out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael listened, keeping his face emotionless, like stone. When Heimrich finished, Michael crossed his arms and gave a nod. \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll be world famous as a result of this find, Doctor. This is going to be huge.\u201d<\/p>\n

Heimrich blushed. \u201cWell, thank you, Michael. I don\u2019t seek to be famous, although some of the money that may come with fame would be nice. Have to pay the bills. But yes, I should think the news of this discovery will go far and wide.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael unfolded his arms and in doing so revealed a black pistol with a lengthened round barrel.<\/p>\n

Heimrich frowned at the sight of the weapon.<\/p>\n

Michael spoke before the doctor could say anything. \u201cWe can\u2019t have the world knowing about this little secret, now can we, Doctor?\u201d<\/p>\n

The muzzle flashed four times, brightening the laboratory for a half second with each squeeze of the trigger. Michael lowered the weapon and stared at his handiwork. Three rounds to the chest and one to the head made sure Heimrich was dead.<\/p>\n

Michael glanced back into the corner near the door. He\u2019d disabled the camera earlier. The little red light on the side no longer glowed. There would be no evidence, no witnesses as to what just happened.<\/p>\n

Hurriedly, he put away his gun and set about collecting the samples of mutated DNA. He found a medical cooler he\u2019d placed in the room under one of the tables and put the samples inside. It was still very cold in the box, which would protect the DNA long enough for him to get to the drop-off point.<\/p>\n

Next, he deleted all the computer files that contained anything about the Charlemagne DNA. The last thing he needed was for the police to accidentally find what the doctor had been investigating.<\/p>\n

Satisfied the information was secure and all the samples taken, he grabbed the cooler and strolled out the door into the hallway. All the cameras in that wing of the building had been disabled so he\u2019d have a clear path to his getaway car.<\/p>\n

Soon, he would return to North Korea a hero.<\/p>\n

\n

<\/sub><\/p>\n

<\/small><\/p>\n

Chapter 3<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

VENICE, ITALY<\/span><\/p>\n

A<\/span> small section of the building\u2019s corner exploded in a burst of debris and dust as the bullet smashed into the decades-old brick. Sean ducked his head and jumped into the alley as his pursuer fired another round\u2014this one sailing wide of the corner and into the fa\u00e7ade of the building next door.<\/p>\n

He drove his legs harder, pounding the concrete with the balls of his feet as he approached the next intersection of the sidewalks.<\/p>\n

Sean had visited Venice several times in the past. That didn\u2019t change the fact that the mazes of causeways, sidewalks, and canals were extremely confusing\u2014even for Venetians. Based on his previous tack, another canal would be up ahead on the right. That or he\u2019d find himself\u2014quite literally\u2014in a dead end.<\/p>\n

He clutched the brown paper package tight in his right hand and tucked it under his armpit like a football as he darted toward the next turn.<\/p>\n

The gunman behind him fired again. The bullet ricocheted loudly off the concrete close to Sean\u2019s right foot. Another bounced off the windowsill near his left elbow.<\/p>\n

He reached the turn and ran ahead, finding a bridge that spanned one of the old city\u2019s many canals. A few tourists stood on it with their elbows on the railing, probably talking about how romantic the city was or how they\u2019d like to stay another day if they could.<\/p>\n

Other than for its historical value, Sean didn\u2019t feel the same way about the old city on the water. It smelled in the morning and\u2014as mentioned before\u2014was extraordinarily confusing to navigate. He didn\u2019t particularly care for the people either, noting that the Italians farther to the south seemed to be much friendlier.<\/p>\n

Maybe he\u2019d just been to Venice for the wrong reasons. Like the one under his arm.<\/p>\n

He cut to the left and found himself staring at steps that descended into the water. No sidewalks lined this canal.<\/p>\n

\u201cCrap.\u201d<\/p>\n

He heard the footsteps of the gunman approaching the bridge. The guy was running at a furious pace.<\/p>\n

Sean stuffed the package into his jacket pocket and pressed his back against the building nearest him, and waited. He didn\u2019t have to wait long. As soon as Sean felt the pursuer was close enough, he spun around the corner, extended his arm, and clotheslined the guy squarely across the throat.<\/p>\n

The gunman flipped 90 degrees, his face smacking the ground as he landed. His weapon tumbled through the air, struck one of the steps leading into the water, and plopped into the murky liquid.<\/p>\n

Disoriented and desperate, the gunman grasped at his throat. Sean knew he\u2019d crushed the man\u2019s larynx. Without immediate medical attention, he would be dead in less than ninety seconds.<\/p>\n

Apparently, the gunman didn\u2019t care.<\/p>\n

He kicked his leg and caught Sean off guard, squarely in the ankle. Sean fell to one knee. Alertly, he sensed the next attack and raised his elbow in time to deflect the man\u2019s downward punch. The momentum brought the attacker too close. Sean instantly twisted his body, getting as much force behind the counter as possible, and drove his fist into the man\u2019s gut.<\/p>\n

The two tourists on the bridge stood in awe for a moment and then took off running in the other direction, the woman yelling something in Serbian.<\/p>\n

Sean rose quickly and swung with his right fist. His target was hunched over yet still managed to deflect the first punch. He couldn\u2019t stop the second one. Sean\u2019s left fist snapped like lightning, striking the man\u2019s jaw. His head rocked back, and he staggered toward the bridge rail. Sean pressed the attack, landing a second and third blow until the man could barely stand.<\/p>\n

Sean stared at him for a second with fists still up and ready. The guy\u2019s nose bled, his right eye already swelling. He wavered\u2014gasping for breath\u2014and then collapsed, prostrate, onto the sidewalk.<\/p>\n

A nudge with his shoe against the man\u2019s side told Sean the guy was dead. Sean took in a deep breath and sighed. He picked up the object he\u2019d dropped during the fight and stared at the wrapping.<\/p>\n

He considered opening it but knew he should wait.<\/p>\n

Sudden movement in the corner of his eye confirmed his caution. He ducked back for cover as another pursuer fired a pistol. The bullet thumped into the building on the left across the bridge.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese guys just don\u2019t give up.\u201d<\/p>\n

He drew his weapon and whipped around the corner. His finger squeezed the trigger three times, unleashing a deadly metallic volley at the second gunman. Sean didn\u2019t wait for the man to return fire. The second he saw the guy duck for cover, Sean sprinted across the bridge and into the next alley.<\/p>\n

More gunfire erupted behind him, but the shooter was too far away to be accurate. No doubt the man was trying to chase while shooting, which would only make it worse.<\/p>\n

Sirens whined from somewhere beyond the buildings. The tourists must have alerted the police. Of course, it could have been the gunshots that alerted the citizenry to trouble.<\/p>\n

Either way, Sean had no desire to deal with the authorities. He had to get away.<\/p>\n

He ducked down a pathway running alongside one of the canals and then turned right into another parallel alley. He didn\u2019t need to check what time it was. Sean knew he was at least five minutes late. Fortunately, there was no way his ride was going to leave him.<\/p>\n

He burst through one of the archways of Saint Mark\u2019s Square and into the crowded plaza. Dozens of pigeons sprang to life, startled by his sudden appearance. The flocks of birds flapped their wings furiously as they climbed into the air and swirled over the piazza.<\/p>\n

Sean kept running, now leery of an attack from above and<\/span> behind.<\/p>\n

Tourists pointed at the mass of birds as they took flight. But some continued taking pictures or drinking their morning coffee. Only one or two people noticed the American running at full stretch as he turned toward the harbor.<\/p>\n

Another gunshot echoed from the square as Sean cleared the last pillars and crossed over the main thoroughfare on the edge of the city. A woman screamed from behind him, but he didn\u2019t turn around to see what happened. His focus was straight ahead, on a brown speedboat waiting at one of the docks.<\/p>\n

A man off to his left yelled something in Italian. Sean knew what the word meant, but he didn\u2019t care. He wasn\u2019t going to stop. His eyes stayed locked on the boat less than forty yards away. He sensed the police rushing toward him. Fortunately, the gunman fired again, and their attention immediately turned his way.<\/p>\n

Sean didn\u2019t see the bullet strike an innocent tourist in the leg just a few feet away from him. With the police now on his side, Sean pumped his muscles faster.<\/p>\n

The tapping of his feet on concrete and stone changed to thumping as his shoes repeatedly pounded on the wooden dock. In the boat, he could see Adriana was looking his way.<\/p>\n

\u201cStart the boat!\u201d he yelled.<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t need to be told twice. Adriana twisted the key in the ignition and the motor roared to life. She\u2019d only tied off the back end. She stepped over and loosened the rope, dropping it on the deck. Then she stepped back to the wheel and wrapped her fingers around the knob to the side.<\/p>\n

The sirens grew louder. Sean noted the police boats splashing through the waves as they drew close to the docks. The spotters were pointing at the crowd of people near the piazza.<\/p>\n

He took two last steps and then dove from the dock into the boat, rolling to a crashing halt against the gunwale.<\/p>\n

Adriana didn\u2019t wait for an order. She shifted the knob forward and eased the boat out of its slip. The motor groaned and lifted the bow several feet. Adriana guided the craft out into the open water, keeping her eyes forward just in case the police had noticed her escape. Looking casual was the first step in remaining anonymous.<\/p>\n

Her dark brown hair was pulled back tight into a ponytail, but a few loose strands had pulled free and flapped around in the wind.<\/p>\n

When they were clear of the busy channels, she turned the wheel and steered toward the backside of the nearest island across the way. She glanced down at Sean and flashed him a bright smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cHad some trouble back there?\u201d she asked in her Spanish accent.<\/p>\n

Sean was still catching his breath. He sat up enough to look out behind them at the chaos surrounding San Marco Square. \u201cA little. It wasn\u2019t easy; I\u2019ll say that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it ever?\u201d<\/p>\n

He shook his head. \u201cAlmost never.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gazed out over the water as the bow rose and fell in the two-foot swells. \u201cI\u2019m assuming it\u2019s in your jacket. That or you dropped it in your mad dash for the boat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean chuckled and reached into his jacket. He produced the object, still wrapped in its brown paper. He held it up triumphantly and shook it with a flick of the wrist.<\/p>\n

\u201cAww, that was nice of you to gift wrap it for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought he\u2019d think it was a nice touch,\u201d Sean said, continuing her sarcasm. \u201cA brown bag was the best I could do. Thought it might help to disguise it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot even close.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adriana snorted. \u201cWell, Tommy should be happy. I imagine he\u2019ll get a good amount of press for this one. Not to mention some powerful friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. And enemies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

<\/sub><\/p>\n

<\/small><\/p>\n

Chapter 4<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\n

PYONGYANG, NORTH KOREA<\/span><\/p>\n

H<\/span>an-Jae Pak strode through the dark corridor, wearing the smile of a triumphant warrior. He carried a small metallic case in his right hand, locked to his wrist by a thin chain and cuff.<\/p>\n

None of the soldiers saluted as he walked by. He wasn\u2019t an officer, not that they knew of. Pak\u2019s job was entirely undercover, only known to the highest of officials in the North Korean government. Not even the Chairman knew who he was or what he did.<\/p>\n

His boss made sure of that.<\/p>\n

Pak stopped at the pair of elevators and pressed the button. It didn\u2019t surprise him that the door to the right opened immediately. Due to the lateness of the hour, he doubted anyone would be out and about. Curfews made certain that the city\u2019s citizens were off the streets well before midnight.<\/p>\n

After a slow ride up to the penthouse, Pak stepped off and turned to his left. One of the guards\u2014a low-level soldier in the North Korean army\u2014greeted him with a nod and moved aside to allow Pak to pass.<\/p>\n

Pak recognized the man but didn\u2019t say anything to him. There was no time for chitchat. He had something of extreme importance to share.<\/p>\n

At the last door on the right, Pak stopped and knocked three times. A moment later, an older man in a gray shirt and pants opened the door. His black hair was slicked back. The cheeks below his eyes were slightly swollen and his neck a tad pudgy.<\/p>\n

Pak wasn\u2019t surprised. The only people in the country who tended to eat well were the ones who ran it. General Ku Min-Woo was one of those. When the general had first approached Pak about a secret mission, the younger man had been wary. After a little convincing, however, Pak started to see things the general\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

What they were doing wasn\u2019t some piddly little thing, either. It was clear-cut treason. If the Chairman found out about it, they\u2019d both be dead men, along with at least a dozen or so others who\u2019d been in on the conspiracy. For most of those involved, it was worth it, including Han-Jae Pak.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d worked as a spy for nearly a decade. The general knew he was one of their best operatives, but that wasn\u2019t the only reason he\u2019d chosen Pak. He knew that Pak had a desperate family who was\u2014at this very moment\u2014probably starving to death. A promise of extra rations would make people do things they\u2019d normally scoff at. Especially in North Korea. The rules here were different.<\/p>\n

Since Dear Leader had done nothing to assist Pak\u2019s family, he figured it didn\u2019t matter if what he was doing was treason or not. In reality, the Chairman had betrayed his people. Now it was time to set things straight.<\/p>\n

Han-Jae wasn\u2019t anti-government. He was proud of his heritage and believed North Korea should assert its power on a global stage, but in the pursuit of vainglory, the government had forgotten its most important responsibility: its people.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve done well,\u201d the general said. He moved aside and motioned for Pak to enter.<\/p>\n

Once he was inside, the general closed the door and led the way to a dining room table in a corner just beyond the kitchen. The condo was minimally decorated, as were those of most officials who worked in government. General Min-Woo, however, had a much larger living space than the average citizen. The condo featured three bedrooms, two baths, and a living room that was the size of most apartments in Pyongyang.<\/p>\n

Pak set the metal case on the table and pulled a small key out of his right pocket. He loosened the cuff from his wrist first and then inserted the key into the hole on top of the case.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing dangerous in there, correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not, sir. All of the samples are currently in our labs under safe watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Min-Woo gave an approving nod.<\/p>\n

Pak flipped the snaps holding the two halves of the case together and lifted the top. Inside was a stack of printed images and papers.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe reports you asked for,\u201d Pak said. \u201cAlong with images of the DNA samples, straight from the German\u2019s lab.\u201d<\/p>\n

Min-Woo picked up the documents and pored over them. He set them down after a rudimentary glance and pinched the corner of one of the images. He held it up to the light and stared at the genetic sequence.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe mutated blocks are smaller than the others.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust as you predicted, sir. Your theory about the source of the mutation fits perfectly with this evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Min-Woo\u2019s head rocked back and forth absentmindedly. He was mesmerized by the picture. \u201cI knew it. And even so, I couldn\u2019t believe it was real until now, having seen it with my own eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis will make us a world superpower, General. No one will be able to stand in our way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn time, Han-Jae. In time. There is much work to be done before that can happen. And we must operate with the utmost secrecy. If the Chairman were to find out about our clandestine operations, he would have us both shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

No other person in the city would dare speak of performing secret operations outside the scope of the Chairman\u2019s knowledge. But Min-Woo was not an average citizen. He personally swept his condo for bugs every other day, making sure no one was listening in on his schemes. Of course, he\u2019d found devices. It was easy enough to remove them, place them somewhere quiet when he needed to, and then put them back where he found them. That way, whoever put them there would find them upon checking in every now and then.<\/p>\n

He knew exactly how things worked. After all, he\u2019d been running similar operations to catch traitors for nearly thirty years. It wasn\u2019t his primary job, but it was certainly part of it. Because of that, Pak trusted the general implicitly and knew better than to ask whether the room was clean or not.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny word from the others?\u201d<\/p>\n

Min-Woo\u2019s face lengthened into a troubled scowl. \u201cUnfortunately, they were not able to complete their part of the mission.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is that possible?\u201d Pak\u2019s eyebrows knit together, wrinkling his forehead.<\/p>\n

The general set the image back in the case and put his hands behind his back. \u201cThey\u2019d been working the site with the archaeologists from America. It seems when the sarcophagus was opened, somehow the Americans seized control. One of our men was shot and killed immediately. The other made it out of the cave with the medallion, but he fell to his death off a cliff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWere the French authorities able to identify them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s unclear at this juncture. All I know is that they\u2019re dead and the Americans have the medallion. Their leader, a man named Tommy Schultz, was the one responsible. We believe he\u2019s received permission from the French government to do further research on the object before turning it over to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pak crossed his arms over his chest. \u201cSounds like I need to pay them a visit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have others I can send. You just got back. You need to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pak knew what the older man was saying was a test. He\u2019d seen it before, hundreds of times. Weakness was never rewarded in their culture.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be ready to leave within the hour, General.\u201d<\/p>\n

Min-Woo feigned considering his operative\u2019s offer. \u201cVery well,\u201d he said after a moment. \u201cTake your best three assets with you. This research is extremely important, but none of it matters without that medallion. Understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cClearly, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d Min-Woo pointed at a folder on the edge of the counter in the kitchen. \u201cYou\u2019ll find everything you need to know about Schultz in that file. He\u2019s had a history of encounters with dangerous people. So don\u2019t let his appearance fool you. Schultz is a problem. Once you have the medallion, kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith pleasure, General.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

<\/sub><\/p>\n

<\/small><\/p>\n

Chapter 5<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\n

ATLANTA, GEORGIA<\/span><\/p>\n

T<\/span>ommy stared out the window of the seventeenth-floor office window. The city bustled below, like it did nearly all hours of the day. Atlanta had turned into a sprawling epicenter of capitalism over the last few decades. The city had grown so much that all the peripheral towns became monstrosities in their own right. Buckhead had been nothing more than a cool hangout when Tommy was in college. Now it had its own downtown area.<\/p>\n

He looked over to the left where the rubble of the old IAA building was being transformed into what would be their new headquarters. The foundation had already been laid. With that done, things would progress rapidly.<\/p>\n

The doorknob clicked and Tommy spun around, wrested from his thoughts. He was surprised to see Sean at the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere in the world have you been?\u201d Tommy asked as he stood up.<\/p>\n

Sean\u2019s eyes danced over the room before settling on his friend. He gave Tommy a short hug and then sat down in one of the guest chairs. \u201cI already told you; we were in Italy, working on a project.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy raised a suspicious eyebrow. \u201cOne of Adriana\u2019s Nazi art things?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Sean\u2019s head moved side to side. \u201cThis was something different.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy\u2019s eyes went to the black leather-bound box under his friend\u2019s arm. \u201cIs that it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean ignored the question for a moment. \u201cI have to say, I like the new digs.\u201d His eyes wandered again, taking in Tommy\u2019s temporary office and the view of the city. He pointed at the construction site a few blocks away. \u201cKeeping an eye on things from above?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy snickered and glanced back over his shoulder out the window. \u201cThat\u2019s not why I rented this space.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t hurt either.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy\u2019s lips cracked a thin smile. \u201cTrue.\u201d He decided to change the subject. \u201cSo, I found something interesting while I was in France.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I saw your text.\u201d Sean had received the text message from Tommy before returning to the United States. \u201cYou were a little vague as to what you found. And by a little, I mean you gave me nothing to go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy\u2019s grin widened as he raised both eyebrows. \u201cSeems like we both have something interesting to share. That reminds me, by the way, I could have used you in France.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Turns out two of our assistants on the dig weren\u2019t vetted very well. They tried to steal the artifact we found in a sarcophagus.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSarcophagus? What sarcophagus?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the part of the story you\u2019re interested in? Not the fact that I was almost killed, along with several other people? What about a priceless and mysterious artifact almost being lost to antiquity?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean snorted and bowed his head. \u201cYes, I apologize. Go on. Tell me what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy hesitated and motioned at the object on the desk, his curiosity getting the better of him. \u201cNo, I\u2019d rather see what you brought me first. The box is nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stared at the leather-bound box, analyzing its shape and size.<\/p>\n

Sean smirked. His friend had always struggled with patience. They\u2019d known each other since childhood, their bonds tested through Tommy\u2019s parents\u2019 mysterious death when they were younger.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, go ahead,\u201d Sean said. \u201cOpen it. Just stop making it weird. I\u2019m not asking you to marry me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy\u2019s eyebrow twitched upward. \u201cYou sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Sean could reach out and take back the box, Tommy snatched it off the table. Sean crossed his arms and watched with a smug grin on his face.<\/p>\n

Tommy carefully pulled the lid off the box and set it to the side. He stared into the container for a second and then looked up at his friend. \u201cSo, seriously, you\u2019re not asking me to marry you, right? Because this looks like a yellow diamond.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis can\u2019t be a real diamond,\u201d Tommy said, shaking his head. \u201cI mean, I\u2019m no gem expert, but something like this would be incredibly expensive. Which, again, I\u2019m just curious why you\u2019re giving it to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean\u2019s smirk broadened. \u201cYou don\u2019t recognize that rock, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy held the box closer to his face. He tilted his head one direction and then another, trying to get a better angle to analyze the precious stone. He gave up after less than a minute.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d he said with a shake of the head. \u201cI mean, if this is real\u2014and I\u2019m still not sure about that\u2014it\u2019s probably one of the biggest diamonds I\u2019ve ever seen. Where on earth did you find it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFunny you should ask,\u201d Sean said as his friend continued staring at the yellow-hued gem. \u201cI tracked it down to some guys in Venice. They run a crime syndicate there. Jewelry isn\u2019t really their thing, but I guess for this one they made an exception. Normally, they deal in paintings, which is how Adriana and I found them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you used your girlfriend\u2019s connections.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t hate the player,\u201d Sean said with a shrug. \u201cDo what you have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still confused. Why should I know what this is, and why did you go looking for it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean crossed his arms. \u201cHonestly, I\u2019m disappointed in you, Schultzie. I really thought you\u2019d recognize the Florentine Diamond right away. It\u2019s one of the more famous missing jewels in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy looked up from the box and gazed at his friend, appraising him to see if Sean was lying or not. \u201cThe Florentine Diamond? You can\u2019t be serious.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean\u2019s stare never wavered; his pressed lips gave no sign of dishonesty.<\/p>\n

Tommy\u2019s eyes returned to the diamond, then to Sean, then back to the diamond once more. \u201cIt can\u2019t be. No one has known where this thing is for\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost a hundred years,\u201d Sean finished the thought. \u201cYeah, I know. I thought you\u2019d be a little more excited about it than this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. I just\u2026is this for real?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean burst out laughing. \u201cYes, buddy. It\u2019s real. Promise. You\u2019re not on some television practical joke show.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis\u2026this is incredible. We\u2019ll have to set up a press conference, contact the Austrian government to make sure it\u2019s returned safely\u2026this is a huge get, Sean. Well done.\u201d Tommy\u2019s face beamed with delight. Anytime his agency could deliver something of incredible historical value to the world, he got as giddy as a little boy on Christmas morning.<\/p>\n

Tommy Schultz had built the International Archaeological Agency with the money his parents left him upon their untimely deaths. With shrewd investments and good public relations, he\u2019d grown that amount into the hundreds of millions in a relatively short time, though most of that growth had been in the last year or so.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just so excited. Thank you, Sean. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t mention it. Seriously, don\u2019t mention my name when you announce this. Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs always.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean Wyatt preferred to remain anonymous. He\u2019d made enemies all over the globe during his time with Axis, a small government agency now based in Atlanta. While most of his enemies were either terminated or in jail, some were still hiding in the shadows, waiting for him to reveal himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow,\u201d Sean said, interrupting his friend\u2019s excitement, \u201cdidn\u2019t you have something you wanted to show me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy shook his head, snapping back to reality. \u201cRight. I almost forgot. I mean, it pales in comparison. The kids are working on getting more details right now, but we don\u2019t have some of the resources yet that we had in the old building. New hardware will be here later in the month.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stood up, sidled over to the center of his desk, and pulled out the middle drawer. Next, he removed a plastic bag with a golden medallion stuffed inside. \u201cHere,\u201d he said, extending the baggie to Sean. \u201cHave a look.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean\u2019s eyebrows lowered as he took the bag and held it to the light. \u201cLooks pretty old. Five, maybe six hundred years? Where\u2019d you find it? That dig in France?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy nodded. \u201cYep. Found it up on the mountain above the lake. And it\u2019s older than six hundred years. We think it belonged to Godfrey of Bouillon. The sarcophagus had an eagle on it that looks remarkably similar to Godfrey\u2019s crest. Plus, it was on old Bouillon land. No body in the crypt, though. Very strange.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean listened as he continued inspecting the medallion. When Tommy was done, Sean pointed out the writing on the back. \u201cI assume you already translated this Latin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d Tommy said. \u201cIt\u2019s a reference to a verse from the Bible<\/span>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMatthew 26:52. But why is it on this medallion? And what does the nine mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood questions. We don\u2019t have all the answers yet, but we\u2019re working on it. Godfrey of Bouillon was a Crusader. Actually, he was the C<\/span>rusader. He led a massive siege and subsequent assault on Jerusalem and captured it. Then he was named king. Godfrey was a religious man and didn\u2019t want to be called king. He said the only king of Jerusalem could be Jesus. That medallion,\u201d Tommy pointed at the object, \u201cwas included in several portraits of Godfrey. What you\u2019re holding in your hand is something that belonged to one of the greatest military figures in history.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean gazed at the object with his mouth agape. \u201cI have to say, Schultzie, I thought I brought you something nice. This, though. This is incredible.\u201d He paused a second to think. \u201cThat story still doesn\u2019t explain the engraving on the back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. We had to do a little connect-the-dots work on that. As it turns out, Godfrey is part of a group of men referred to as the Nine Worthies or sometimes called the Nine Good Heroes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy slid into his desk chair and pecked away on the computer. Then he clicked the mouse twice and turned the laptop screen around so Sean could see it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is a picture of a thirteenth-century sculpture in the rathaus in Cologne, Germany. It features the Nine Heroes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean stared at the image for a long minute before speaking. \u201cWho are all the others? And why haven\u2019t I heard of this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you know of most of them. The other eight men are Joshua, King David, Judas Maccabeus\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Jewish rebel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe very same. The carving features three Jews, three pagans, and three Christians.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDogs and cats living together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy snorted. \u201cAnyway, Hector, Julius Caesar, and Alexander the Great make up the pagans. The three Christians are Charlemagne, King Arthur, and our friend Godfrey. Best we can figure, that is the nine the medallion refers to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean frowned. He rubbed his chin. \u201cYeah, but two of those guys are fictional. I mean, maybe Hector was real, but King Arthur? Come on. That whole Merlin story is a fairy tale.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy rolled his shoulders. \u201cI\u2019m just telling you who they are. It certainly accounts for the number on the back of that medallion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. I get that. It\u2019s just hard for me to get past the fact that King Arthur\u2014and probably Hector\u2014weren\u2019t real.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor now, that\u2019s irrelevant. Each of these nine men exhibited chivalrous qualities of one kind or another. That\u2019s why they\u2019re called good heroes and not just heroes. Some were kind to women, others were very generous, some were merciful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean set the medallion down carefully on Tommy\u2019s desk. He pondered the information and then crossed his arms. \u201cWell, that\u2019s a nice story. And congrats on getting two incredibly important artifacts in a single week. That\u2019s gotta be some kind of record for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Tommy said. He sounded crestfallen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. It just seems like there\u2019s more than meets the eye to this thing. The riddle on the back of that medallion\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, hold on. There\u2019s no way we know that\u2019s a riddle. It\u2019s probably just a way of honoring those other eight guys, you know? I wouldn\u2019t look too much into it, buddy. Be happy you made another historic discovery. I can\u2019t wait to see you on the History Channel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy let out a half-sincere laugh. \u201cYeah, but something doesn\u2019t feel right. I told you about the guys who tried to steal this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were Korean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo?\u201d Sean shrugged. \u201cWho cares where they were from? A thief\u2019s a thief, right? They probably just wanted to sell it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were North Korean,\u201d Tommy said.<\/p>\n

That changed things. \u201cNorth Korean? Are you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy nodded slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow sure?\u201d Sean double checked.<\/p>\n

Tommy opened a side drawer of his desk and pulled out a folder. There were pictures inside along with files on both thieves. \u201cThey were North Korean spies. Interpol had been watching them for some time. CIA, too. Not sure how the two men slipped by all those eyeballs, but they did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we hired them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t beat yourself up over it. I paid them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean\u2019s head twisted back and forth. \u201cI don\u2019t understand. Since when did Pyongyang care about archaeology?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd since when did they use some of their highly trained spies to attempt to steal artifacts? I\u2019m afraid right now we have more questions than answers. I\u2019ve been talking back and forth with my connections in Europe. They can\u2019t seem to piece together a motivation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you call Emily?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I thought maybe you\u2019d be better suited for that phone call, seeing how you two were partners and all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emily Starks was the director of Axis. She\u2019d worked her way up through the years as a field agent. Sean and Emily had worked several assignments together. When Emily became the director, Sean walked away. He always maintained the two occurrences were coincidental. She knew him well enough to know he wasn\u2019t lying. He\u2019d had enough of the spy game. She saw it in his eyes the day he resigned.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I\u2019ll give her a call and see what she knows. If the CIA has them on a list, Emily probably does, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

The phone on Tommy\u2019s desk started ringing.<\/p>\n

He reached over and picked it up. \u201cHello.\u201d After a second he said, \u201cHold on, Tara, I\u2019ll put you on speaker.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy hit the speakerphone button and set the receiver back in its housing. \u201cI\u2019ve got Sean here with me, Tara.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tara Watson and her research partner, Alex Simms, were among the best in the business when it came to digging up hard-to-find facts and evidence. They almost never left the lab, except to get coffee\u2014something that had saved their lives in one instance.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hi, Sean. Glad to see you made it back from Venice safely.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy glanced over at his friend. \u201cShe knew?\u201d<\/p>\n

One of Sean\u2019s shoulders raised for a second. He pouted his lips. \u201cI had some questions along the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tara interrupted. \u201cSo, Tommy, we\u2019ve been working on this thing with the Nine Worthies, like you asked.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s it coming?\u201d Tommy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSlow. We started by digging into each character in the Cologne carving. There\u2019s a good bit of information on most of them, except Hector and Arthur, which is what we expected. That\u2019s not why I\u2019m calling, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet online, and do a search for Charlemagne.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy waited for a few seconds to see where she was going with the conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you doing it?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, sorry. Yeah. I thought you were going to say something else.\u201d He spun his monitor back around and set to work typing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am.\u201d She paused and listened as Tommy pecked away at the keyboard. \u201cSee anything unusual in the headlines?\u201d<\/p>\n

The screen flickered and produced the search results. Two of the top links were articles about a murder in Aachen, Germany.<\/p>\n

\u201cA couple of news outlets are reporting a murder in Germany. There\u2019s an article about Charlemagne\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStop,\u201d she said, sounding a tad more commanding than intended. \u201cClick on one of the articles about the murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay\u2026\u201d He clicked the blue link and a second later was taken to the news site. After scanning the article, Tommy said, \u201cThat\u2019s terrible. Why would someone kill that poor guy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it\u2019s tragic. I know. But take a look lower down in the article. The killer switched off all the cameras in the building. He even went so far as to delete any footage that could possibly have him in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me guess,\u201d Tommy said, \u201cnow he\u2019s disappeared, and the police don\u2019t know who they\u2019re looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes and no. He was able to take out the cameras in the research building. However, he didn\u2019t know there was one across the street that happened to catch a full view of him. The image is lower down in the article. It\u2019s a little fuzzy, but the cops know he\u2019s Asian. They\u2019re looking for him now. He\u2019s the prime suspect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy\u2019s interest piqued. \u201cAsian?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably Korean descent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tara might as well have run a truck through the office. The room fell into a somber silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think?\u201d Sean said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat there\u2019s a connection between the guys who tried to steal that medallion and the death of a scientist in Aachen? I know. If it\u2019s a coincidence, it\u2019s a creepy one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis article says the scientist was doing research on Charlemagne\u2019s DNA,\u201d Tommy said. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t say anything about the results of his work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlex did some digging around. The reason the article doesn\u2019t mention results is because almost everything related to the study was stolen from the lab. The killer took all the specimens and data.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo we don\u2019t know what he might have found.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActually,\u201d Sean interrupted, \u201cTara said almost everything was taken. Tell me this guy slipped up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways so astute, Sean. Correct. Investigators swept the entire place. They found something underneath the dead man\u2019s workstation. He\u2019d taped a slide underneath his desk\u2014they assume for safekeeping.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe must have known someone might try to kill him,\u201d Tommy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt certainly appears that way. Or maybe he was paranoid. In any case, the authorities confiscated the specimen and are holding it as evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean thought for a moment before speaking again. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose they bothered checking to see what was so special about that particular slide.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure at this point. They may have, but if they did, it\u2019s being kept extremely quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Tara. Thank you, and tell Alex I said thanks, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem, and will do. I\u2019ll let you know if I find anything else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy hung up the phone and looked across the desk at his friend. It was a look Sean had seen many times during the course of their friendship.<\/p>\n

Sean spoke before Tommy could. \u201cI know what you\u2019re thinking, and it\u2019s not a good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? I was just going to see what you had planned the next few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Schultzie. Just because a scientist was killed researching Charlemagne\u2019s DNA and Charlemagne happens to be on this sculpture doesn\u2019t mean there is any sort of connection to your medallion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t mean there\u2019s not. Plus, if the killer was North Korean, that makes the connection way stronger. It can\u2019t be a coincidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe. But then you have to ask yourself, why? Why kill that guy and take his research? And what does he or his research have to do with that medallion? One was dealing with Godfrey of Bouillon and the other Charlemagne. It feels a little like you\u2019re reaching on this one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, buddy,\u201d Tommy said. \u201cWhat else do you have going on right now? Huh? We go to Germany, have a look around, and if there\u2019s no connection, then we spend a few days taking in the sights and then leave. What\u2019s the big deal?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean sighed. \u201cI\u2019ll talk to Adriana.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

<\/sub><\/p>\n

<\/small><\/p>\n

Chapter 6<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\n

ATLANTA<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span><\/small><\/sup>S<\/span>ure, sounds like fun,\u201d Adriana said in a cool voice.<\/p>\n

Sean raised a dubious eyebrow at the comment. \u201cUm\u2026first off, I thought we were going to try to take a little time off from danger and adventure. You know, do some normal people stuff. And second, it wasn\u2019t an invitation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adriana put a hand on each hip and slowly shook her head. \u201cYou\u2019ve been singing that song since we met. We both know you and I aren\u2019t cut out for normal life. Remember your kayak shop in Florida?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Sean sighed. \u201cHow can I forget?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou thought moving to the beach and running that place would be relaxing. The whole time you were there, all you could do was pace around waiting for something to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d His head drooped. \u201cBut this time, I\u2019m serious. I don\u2019t like the idea of you getting shot again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so this is about me?\u201d<\/p>\n

He stepped toward her and wrapped an arm around her waist. \u201cYeah. A big part of it is.\u201d He pulled her close and felt her breath against his skin.<\/p>\n

She looked up into his cool blue eyes. \u201cWhen you put it that way, you almost sound like a nice guy.\u201d<\/p>\n

His grip on her lower back tightened at the joke. He snorted a quick laugh. \u201cI can be nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you need to go with Tommy. It\u2019s been a few months since you did anything with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so you\u2019re trying to get rid of me?\u201d he asked, pretending to be offended.<\/p>\n

She put her hands on his chest and pushed him playfully. He didn\u2019t budge. \u201cNo. I\u2019ll come along for the ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s up to you. I\u2019d prefer you stay somewhere safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs sweet as that is, we both know that\u2019s not going to happen. And besides, how unsafe can it be? Aachen is a nice place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA safe place where a scientist was murdered in his lab.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was Adriana\u2019s turn to sigh. \u201cI know. Honestly, maybe I need to be there to have your back. I know Tommy will be there, but you can never have too many allies.\u201d<\/p>\n

He knew she was going to get her way no matter what he said. If he was honest, he\u2019d rather she be with him than off doing her own thing. She\u2019d been looking into a new mystery lately, a painting that went missing during the early years of World War II. Adriana had made quite a name for herself in the art underground. She\u2019d successfully discovered and returned more priceless works of art than any other single investigator in history. As a result, she\u2019d also picked up a few enemies of her own.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo when do we leave?\u201d she asked before he could fire off another protest.<\/p>\n

Sean sighed. \u201cTommy\u2019s getting the details sorted out on our end. He\u2019d like to get access to the crime scene. That\u2019s not going to happen. I spoke with Emily about the North Koreans. They\u2019re trying to get more information on the case, but right now it\u2019s coming at a trickle. Hard to get any real intel on that country since they\u2019re so closed off from the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook at it this way: we\u2019ll have time to pack.\u201d He offered a weak smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI already packed.\u201d<\/p>\n

The front door opened, and a moment later Tommy entered the room. \u201cWell, it looks like everything\u2019s all set on my end. Heard anything new out of Emily yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet,\u201d Sean said, giving a quick shake of the head. \u201cShe\u2019ll keep me in the loop.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ve got some news. Under tight security, some scientists at the university near Aachen have analyzed the remaining sample. The results should be ready by the time we get there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell done, Schultzie. What does that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt means we can find out what that scientist was learning about Charlemagne. By doing that, we can try to draw a connection between his murder and the North Koreans at the dig site in France.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adriana cocked her head sideways and passed Tommy a dubious, narrow-eyed glare. \u201cDid you<\/span> order the sample analysis, or were they already doing that and you\u2019re just taking credit?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean giggled. His friend was busted.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, yes,\u201d Tommy confessed. \u201cThey were doing it independently. But I did have to request access to the analysis. I would love to be able to get into that scientist\u2019s lab.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t happen,\u201d Sean said. \u201cWith a full-on murder investigation, I doubt the German authorities will be happy to have us poking our noses around. It would be best if we get in with your friend, get what we need, and get out of there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it we need, anyway?\u201d Adriana said.<\/p>\n

Tommy fumbled for an explanation. \u201cWell\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t know,\u201d Sean answered for his friend. He turned to Tommy and shook his head. \u201cHonestly, this feels like a wild goose chase. If you think you\u2019re going to find any connection between your medallion and some DNA samples from a guy who\u2019s been dead for a thousand years, you\u2019re drifting toward the crazy side of the river.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, I know it\u2019s a stretch, but let\u2019s see where it goes. I mean, Germany is nice this time of year. Maybe we can relax, get out and see the sights.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou found a girl!\u201d Adriana said out of the blue.<\/p>\n

Tommy was taken back by the sudden comment. \u201cWhat? That\u2019s silly. Me? A girl? Come on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean crossed his arms and stared at his friend with disbelieving eyes. \u201cSeriously, you\u2019re an awful liar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s her name?\u201d Adriana asked.<\/p>\n

Tommy sighed. \u201cWhat? No. You know what? Just\u2026no, I\u2019m not doing this. We\u2019re going to Germany to investigate a potential connection with a probably priceless artifact. This has nothing to do with a woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so there is<\/span> a woman?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy\u2019s face flushed red. \u201cLook, can we just get back on task? We\u2019re going to Germany to investigate why an innocent man was killed and a possible connection to the medallion I found in France. End of story.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other two remained silent for a moment, so he continued. \u201cWith any luck, the university will have already come up with some answers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo she\u2019s a professor at the university,\u201d Sean said with confidence.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, I don\u2019t have to listen to this. We\u2019re dealing with a very serious matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, buddy. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe both are,\u201d Adriana added, desperately fighting back the smile that was trying to escape.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Sean agreed. \u201cWe both are. You\u2019re right. Let\u2019s just go over there and figure out what\u2019s going on with this medallion thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Tommy said, exasperated. He was visibly relieved they\u2019d finally dropped the subject.<\/p>\n

Sean\u2019s eyes narrowed and his lips curled in a mischievous smirk. \u201cAnd while we\u2019re there, if we happen to bump into a lady friend of yours, that\u2019s just a bonus.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, you know what? Yes. Yes, there\u2019s a woman at the university who happens to be a friend of mine. No, I wouldn\u2019t mind seeing her again. Okay? But nothing ever happened between us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adriana turned sympathetic. \u201cOh, why? Why didn\u2019t it work out?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy put his hands out wide. \u201cIsn\u2019t it obvious? We live a few thousand miles apart. I can\u2019t just drop what I\u2019m doing, hop in the car, and drive out to meet her for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean understood. Distance had strained things with him and Adriana. Not to mention the fact that Adriana\u2019s hobbies were extremely dangerous. Fortunately, she\u2019d been spending most of her time with him in the States lately. They went a few weeks without seeing each other, but those times usually happened after long stretches together.<\/p>\n

Still, Sean was curious how Tommy had been able to keep this a secret. He decided not to press the issue for now even though it itched his mind like a flea on a dog.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d get to the bottom of it sooner or later.<\/p>\n

Tommy struggled to get them back on topic. \u201cCan we please focus?\u201d<\/p>\n

His guests nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease continue,\u201d Sean said, fighting back the urge to giggle.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. What we know is that the verse on the back of the medallion is from Matthew 26. It\u2019s a quote from Jesus when Peter cut off a man\u2019s ear in Gethsemane.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen they were about to arrest Jesus,\u201d Adriana said.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. The guy who lost the ear was Malchus. Of course, Jesus reattached it for him. It was one of the last miracles He performed. Anyway, that\u2019s beside the point. The thing is; why was Peter carrying a sword?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy let the question hang in the air for a moment while his friends considered it.<\/p>\n

Sean and Adriana exchanged a questioning glance.<\/p>\n

\u201cFunny,\u201d Sean said. \u201cI never really thought about that before. I mean, I\u2019ve known that story since I was a kid, but it never dawned on me that Peter was armed. Of course, I knew he was. Just never bothered to ask why.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly!\u201d Tommy exclaimed. \u201cHe was armed, carrying a weapon right there on his belt. Why? Up until then, the entire mission of Jesus had been about peace and healing and hope for eternity. Why would one of His closest followers be carrying a weapon?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome of the disciples were zealots,\u201d Adriana offered. \u201cThey were ready for a rebellion against Rome. At least in their minds they were.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good thought,\u201d Tommy said, \u201cand we know that a few of them were zealots, for sure. Peter had all the makings of one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean interrupted. \u201cI feel like you\u2019re about to refute that theory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAm I that transparent?\u201d Tommy asked. \u201cOkay, fine. Yes, the zealot thing is a good theory. The verses, however, don\u2019t suggest that any of the other men were armed. If they had been, wouldn\u2019t they have tried to fight off the authorities for their messiah? You have to figure the brothers known as the sons of thunder would have done something about it had they been armed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJames and John, right?\u201d Sean said.<\/p>\n

\u201cCorrect. They were known to have a temper, as was their father. It would seem much of their angst was against the empire.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo it would follow that they would have been armed, or at least tried to fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly,\u201d Tommy said. \u201cIf they were carrying weapons, seems likely someone else would have been hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Adriana interrupted. \u201cWhat are you getting at? Peter was the only one carrying a sword. Fine. So? What does any of this have to do with Charlemagne and your medallion?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo we come back full circle to the mission of the messiah. See, most of the disciples believed that Jesus was here to set up an earthly kingdom. They were hoping He was going to overthrow the Romans and set up the new Jewish empire. He had to correct them on that belief constantly. Even when He did, they wouldn\u2019t accept it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re saying Peter was ready to be the first soldier for the new Jewish nation?\u201d Sean asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt first, I thought maybe that was the answer. Now, I\u2019m not so sure. He would have talked with the others. The entire group would have been carrying weapons if that was the consensus.\u201d Tommy shook his head. \u201cNo, Peter was the only one. That makes things interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLooking forward to seeing where you\u2019re going with this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy raised a finger. \u201cI thought you might be. Remember how I told you about the sculpture in Cologne?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean gave a nod. \u201cYeah. The nine heroes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. The Nine Worthies. There is something peculiar about that sculpture. Before you ask, I\u2019ll just go ahead and tell you. Every single man depicted is carrying a sword. While the clothing and facial hair are all somewhat skewed to the era in which each of the heroes lived, their swords are all the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adriana raised an eyebrow. \u201cYou mean they all look the same?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean they all are<\/span> the same,\u201d Tommy said. \u201cThat makes no sense. The sword that Joshua carried had to be different than the one Charlemagne took into battle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe it\u2019s just an artist error,\u201d Sean said. \u201cThat sort of thing happens all the time. Much quicker to keep it uniform. Plus, Charlemagne\u2019s sword is on display in the Louvre.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA valid explanation,\u201d Tommy admitted. \u201cI thought the same thing at first. Sidebar, I\u2019m impressed you know where his sword is. Then I started analyzing the rest of the sculpture. The clothing, while somewhat similar, does have unique traits that date it to the appropriate time frame. Same with the shields, the crowns, even the hair on their heads. Why then, if the artist was so meticulous about everything else, would he make the swords identical?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean\u2019s mind connected the dots rapidly. \u201cWait a minute. You\u2019re telling me that all of those guys carried the same sword?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s possible. Or does that sound crazy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKind of. You\u2019re talking about a sword that would have been passed down through millennia. Not only would it have had difficulty surviving the hundreds and thousands of years, but how would it have been passed down from generation to generation without eventually getting lost? Not to mention it would have worn down over time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy smirked as if he knew Sean was going to out all those things. \u201cI\u2019m not saying it\u2019s correct. All I\u2019m saying is that it\u2019s interesting to consider. Look at the facts. Every man in the sculpture experienced incredible military success. They were nigh unbeatable in battle. What if their abilities were something more than human?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean and Adriana were both taken back by the question.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, more than human?\u201d Adriana asked. \u201cYou don\u2019t mean they were extraterrestrials or something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Tommy said, shaking his head. \u201cI\u2019m not saying those men in the sculpture were from outer space. The sword on the other hand\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re suggesting that the sword\u2014the one Peter had\u2014was the same sword used by all those guys from the Nine Worthies? Not only that, you\u2019re saying it had some kind of power?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy could see the doubt on his friends\u2019 faces. He\u2019d doubted the theory himself when he first made the connection. Now, he wasn\u2019t so sure he was wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere can be no denying the facts. These men were all men of incredible military prowess. They were nearly unbeatable in battle, in spite of overwhelming odds. It was almost as if they had an unfair advantage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adriana said, \u201cbut let\u2019s say that sword does have some kind of otherworldly power. How does that transfer to one person\u2019s entire army?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t have to do much,\u201d Tommy said. \u201cLook at the story of the three hundred Spartans at the battle of Thermopylae. Those three hundred soldiers held off tens of thousands from the Persian army.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey had a tactical advantage with the bottleneck in that spot, though,\u201d Sean argued.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. But fighting all day, every day? Had to be exhausting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you saying Leonidas had the sword, too?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Tommy said. \u201cBut I\u2019m saying it wouldn\u2019t take much\u2014if there were something that could help a small group of troops\u2014to turn the tides of battle.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others considered his point, and the room fell into a long silence.<\/p>\n

Tommy\u2019s phone rang in his pocket, interrupting the quiet moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello. Tommy here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean and Adriana watched and listened as their friend went through the motions of his phone conversation. When he ended the call, Tommy\u2019s eyes burned with a grave intensity.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was Helen and Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean grinned. \u201cMac and Helen? How are they?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re good,\u201d Tommy said in a serious tone. \u201cI put them in charge of the dig site in France. They said they found something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Sean asked.<\/p>\n

Tommy stared blankly beyond his two friends. \u201cIt was in a stone cylinder.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was?\u201d Adriana said.<\/p>\n

\u201cA vellum codex. The writing had faded, but was still visible due to the way it had been completely sealed in wax. They said they\u2019re still working on the entire translation, but it references all nine of the heroes from the sculpture by name. It was stamped with a Templar cross. And it mentioned the sword.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adriana broke the stillness after a minute of contemplation. \u201cOkay, just so I understand what you\u2019re saying, this codex mentioned Templars. Does that mean we\u2019re looking for the Holy Grail now? Or a sword?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy shook his head. \u201cNot the grail. I think we\u2019re looking for Excalibur.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

<\/sub><\/p>\n

<\/small><\/p>\n

Chapter 7<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\n

AACHEN<\/span><\/p>\n

T<\/span>he dramatic church spires soared above the rest of the old city. Wet cobblestone streets curved in and out between the buildings. Cafes made of brick stood across from taverns built from stone. In spite of the rain that fell earlier, the cafes still had their outdoor sitting areas open, though no one took the offer. The empty chairs were a permanent fixture, something that probably couldn\u2019t be done in an American town. The seats would have been stolen long ago.<\/p>\n

Europe had its share of thieves, but they were too busy picking pockets or targeting items that would fetch a higher price than simple street chairs.<\/p>\n

Inside the tavern, a group of revelers laughed and shouted, sharing stories from the day or maybe from long ago.<\/p>\n

Sean kept his eyes alert as he and the other two made their way down the street toward a cafe where they\u2019d meet their German contact. Thing was, she wasn\u2019t actually German.<\/p>\n

June Holiday was Tommy\u2019s friend, the woman he\u2019d kept secret from Sean and Adriana for the better part of the year. She\u2019d grown up in the United States but had attended university in Germany. Identifying more with the culture there, she\u2019d remained in Germany ever since.<\/p>\n

Tommy had met her when he first arrived in the border town before he began work at the dig site in France. He\u2019d been in Aachen for a day, touring the university, when the person giving the tour introduced them.<\/p>\n

June worked at the university as a researcher. Her specialty was in genetics, which intrigued Tommy. His initial thoughts were how he could get June to help with some of his own projects at IAA. There were many times they had to outsource genetic testing of samples. She could be his connection in Europe.<\/p>\n

Of course, it wasn\u2019t just work that endeared Tommy to June. Her locks of golden blonde hair trickling down past her shoulders, her bright smile, the radiant blue eyes, and her enthusiastic personality made her impossible to resist.<\/p>\n

Tommy just hoped he didn\u2019t screw it up.<\/p>\n

When he was in France, he\u2019d slipped across the border several times on weekends to take her out for dinner or coffee. They talked mostly about work, which turned out to be fine since they had a mutual interest in each other\u2019s careers. After the third date, however, things got more personal. During one conversation, the time passed so quickly they didn\u2019t realize they\u2019d been talking for nearly six hours\u2014until two o\u2019clock in the morning.<\/p>\n

Their connection was unlike any Tommy had ever felt with a woman. Part of that was due to the fact he didn\u2019t have much time to date since he was busy most of the time or out of town.<\/p>\n

Being on the eastern border of France had opened the door to opportunity, and Tommy had walked right on through.<\/p>\n

The three visitors rounded a corner and turned right down another street. A collection of black and white umbrellas sat over more chairs and tables in front of a cafe on the left a few dozen yards away.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere it is,\u201d Tommy said with a hint of excitement in his voice.<\/p>\n

His traveling companions knew his exuberance wasn\u2019t due to the meal they were about to have. It was the blonde woman sitting with her legs crossed, wearing a navy-blue sundress, tortoiseshell sunglasses, and a smile that seemed permanently stuck on her face.<\/p>\n

She waved to the group and stood up from her chair in the corner. Tommy\u2019s smile broadened as they approached. He ignored the hostess at the podium just outside the black railing surrounding the outdoor sitting area, and walked straight over to June.<\/p>\n

Sean and Adriana paused and watched as the two hugged each other. There was a quick exchange of pleasantries before Tommy turned to his two friends lingering a few yards away.<\/p>\n

He motioned them over and turned back to June. \u201cJune, these are my friends, Sean and Adriana.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled pleasantly to both of them and shook their hands. \u201cIt\u2019s a pleasure to meet you both. I\u2019ve heard so much about you. Especially you, Sean. Tommy says you two have been friends since childhood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m sure that\u2019s not all he\u2019s told you,\u201d Sean said.<\/p>\n

Her teeth gleamed in spite of the overcast sky. \u201cHe said you have a penchant for getting into trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean raised an eyebrow. \u201cDid he tell you that he\u2019s the one dragging me into trouble more often than not?\u201d<\/p>\n

June cast a sidelong glance at Tommy, who blushed and put on his best Who me?<\/span> face.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe omitted that part.\u201d She turned to Adriana. \u201cYou, he wasn\u2019t so forthcoming about. But he did have some complimentary things to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adriana nodded at Tommy. \u201cAww. You\u2019re so sweet.\u201d She reached out and squeezed his cheek with finger and thumb.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. Enough with the introductions. Can we please sit down?\u201d Tommy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he always this testy with you?\u201d Sean asked June.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways,\u201d she said, taking a cue from Sean.<\/p>\n

Tommy gasped, but before he could defend himself the server came by and asked for their drink order. Everyone ordered coffee. Tommy got his with a little extra milk.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re here to take a look at the Charlemagne DNA,\u201d June said while the others looked at the menus.<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t beat around the bush. There less than two minutes and straight to business. Sean appreciated that.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Your friend here,\u201d he motioned to Tommy, \u201cthinks there might be a connection to an ancient weapon of untold power.\u201d Sean ended the sentence with his best monster truck announcer voice.<\/p>\n

Tommy scrunched his face at the comment. \u201cWhat? I have no idea what you\u2019re talking about.\u201d<\/p>\n

June\u2019s eyebrows shot up, and she twisted her head slowly until she faced Tommy. \u201cYou didn\u2019t mention anything about an ancient weapon. Something you forgot to say to me?\u201d<\/p>\n

He tried to shake off the question, but her gaze was going nowhere.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait,\u201d Adriana interrupted. \u201cYou didn\u2019t tell her your theory?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTheory?\u201d June said. \u201cWhat theory? Yes, please. Tell me your theory, Thomas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy was cornered. And all three of his companions were enjoying watching him writhe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it\u2019s just a theory. Okay? Probably incorrect,\u201d he said finally.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sounded pretty sure about it when you told us back in the States,\u201d Sean said.<\/p>\n

Tommy\u2019s face turned deep red. \u201cOkay. Fine. You guys just love giving me a hard time, don\u2019t you? Yes, June. I\u2019m sorry. I do think there might be a connection between the DNA sample you checked out and a very old sword.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot just any sword,\u201d Sean added.<\/p>\n

Tommy flashed him an irritated look. \u201cWould you let me finish?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean put up his hands in surrender.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike I was saying, I did some research, and there are some really interesting bits of information that coincide with one very specific sword from history.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcalibur?\u201d June asked.<\/p>\n

Tommy\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cHow did you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

She snorted a laugh. \u201cSeriously? I\u2019m no historian, but how many famous swords are there? Can\u2019t be that many. I just guessed the one that sticks out most. What did I win?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy shook off his disbelief and scooted closer to her, more smitten than he\u2019d been a moment before. \u201cI\u2019m impressed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean chuckled at the way she\u2019d phrased it as a question. \u201cI like this one, Tommy. Try not to screw it up. Otherwise, we might have to ditch you for her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy tried to ignore his friend\u2019s joke. \u201cAnyway, I didn\u2019t mention it because I didn\u2019t want to sound crazy, but yes, I think there might be a connection between Charlemagne\u2019s DNA and Excalibur.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting. At some point, you\u2019ll have to tell me where you came up with this theory. For now, you may as well have a look at the results from the testing we did on that sample.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good. We\u2019ll just get something to eat and then head over to the university.\u201d<\/p>\n

June\u2019s lips curled. \u201cActually, I took the liberty of bringing the results to you. Thought it might be best if we didn\u2019t interrupt a murder investigation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could hug you,\u201d Tommy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can,\u201d she said. \u201cAfter you look at these.\u201d<\/p>\n

She reached down and pulled a green folder out of her laptop bag next to her chair. She laid the folder on the table in front of Tommy and nudged it toward him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead,\u201d she said. \u201cBe my guest.\u201d<\/p>\n

He paused for a second, apprehensive about opening the folder, partly because he was afraid the results inside might prove him wrong. When he finally got up the courage to flip it open, he was dismayed at what he found.<\/p>\n

It was mostly a bunch of numbers, columns, and data points he didn\u2019t understand.<\/p>\n

Before he could ask what he was looking at, June spoke up. \u201cThe sample we analyzed was definitely different than anything else we\u2019ve investigated. This data shows that whatever Charlemagne had going on genetically was certainly something special.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpecial?\u201d Adriana asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep. We\u2019re not entirely sure what to make of it. However, it does seem to be some kind of mutation. I\u2019ve never seen anything like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis mutation,\u201d Sean said, \u201cit kept him human, though. Right? I mean, he didn\u2019t become a monster or anything like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all,\u201d June said. \u201cIt is definitely human DNA. If I had to guess, it just made him stronger, possibly a little quicker with his mind as well. Again, that\u2019s only a guess at this point. As it pertains to the legend of King Arthur and his fabled sword, Excalibur, are you suggesting that the sword may have caused Arthur to be stronger and smarter than other humans?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s only one of them,\u201d Tommy said. \u201cThere were others who also had incredible abilities when it came to combat.\u201d He hesitated a moment and then went on. \u201cYou know the sculpture of the Nine Good Heroes in the Cologne rathaus?\u201d<\/p>\n

June had to think for a second. \u201cSeems to ring a bell. I only went in there to do the touristy thing. This country has so many rathauses, it starts to feel like if you\u2019ve seen one you\u2019ve seen them all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis sculpture has nine men\u2014three Christians, three Jews, and three pagans.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smirked. \u201cSounds like the beginning of an epic joke.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy was thrown off by the comment and then pushed through his laughter to continue. \u201cTrue. Anyway, you know the names.\u201d He rattled off all nine of the men in the sculpture and the similarities of the swords they carried.<\/p>\n

Then he took a plastic bag out of his jacket and placed it on the table. June\u2019s eyes were drawn to the golden object inside. \u201cWhat is that?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cA medallion I found in France when I was here last. I think it belonged to Godfrey of Bouillon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean cut in. \u201cExcept that Godfrey is buried in a tomb at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Tommy agreed. \u201cSo the tomb I found couldn\u2019t have been his.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was probably a relative then, right?\u201d June said, looking up from the medallion as she pulled it closer.<\/p>\n

\u201cPossibly,\u201d Tommy said. \u201cWe\u2019re not sure. I\u2019ve still got people on site in France looking around for more clues.\u201d<\/p>\n

June squinted her eyes as she tried to process the information. \u201cOkay, so let me get this straight. You wanted to know about Charlemagne\u2019s DNA, which I could have just told you over the phone or via email. Yet you flew all the way here to find out in person? On top of that, it\u2019s not just Charlemagne you\u2019re investigating. It\u2019s a whole series of ancient kings?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo be fair, Judah Maccabee wasn\u2019t a king,\u201d Sean offered. \u201cAnd Joshua was more of a guide than anything. A ruler of sorts, but not a king.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy ignored his friend\u2019s cynical comment. \u201cWe\u2019re also here to have a closer look at the sculpture in Cologne. I\u2019m hoping there could be a lead there, a clue that could help us figure out the next place to look.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo look for what? Excalibur?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it sounds crazy, but yes. I have reason\u2014we have reason\u2014to believe it might actually exist. Think about it. Every man in that sculpture had a similar sword. From what we know about the Arthur legend, it gave the one who carried it incredible power. If those leaders were able to get their hands on it, they would have wielded the same power.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I may,\u201d Adriana said, \u201cI\u2019m as skeptical as anyone when it comes to this sort of thing. Tommy makes a good argument, though. And I have to say, I\u2019m definitely curious.\u201d<\/p>\n

June sighed after taking it all in. \u201cI have to say, this is pretty overwhelming. You three do this sort of thing all the time, running all over the world, chasing leads to old legends?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Tommy said, \u201cit\u2019s not the only reason I came to Europe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo?\u201d<\/p>\n

A sly grin crept across his face. \u201cNo. It was a perfect excuse to see you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was June\u2019s turn to blush.<\/p>\n

She reached over and touched Tommy on the arm. \u201cThat is so sweet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean rolled his eyes. Adriana noticed and nudged him with her knee.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop it,\u201d she mouthed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo do you want to come to Cologne with us?\u201d Tommy asked.<\/p>\n

June considered the offer. Before she answered, Tommy already knew what she was going to say. \u201cI do. I really do. It sounds fun, but I have to work. If you\u2019re still here this weekend, maybe we could spend some time together?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy hid his disappointment well. \u201cIt\u2019s okay. And yes, I would definitely like to stick around over the weekend. I look forward to it. One of the perks of having a company jet is we can decide how long our stay will be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean fought off the urge to remind his friend that he and Adriana would still need a ride home. Instead, he decided to let Tommy have his moment.<\/p>\n

His friend hadn\u2019t had a significant love interest since college. And even then, Tommy was so absorbed in his studies that he didn\u2019t make time for dating. Those habits carried over into adulthood. By the time he\u2019d started feeling lonely, the time he could have used to hone his social skills had passed him by, leaving him a bit awkward when it came to engaging with members of the opposite sex.<\/p>\n

He still wasn\u2019t very smooth, but with June it didn\u2019t seem like he had to be. Deep down, Sean hoped his friend had finally found the right girl.<\/p>\n

A different server approached wearing a black button-up shirt and matching pants. He appeared to be in his late twenties, maybe early thirties, with dark blond hair. \u201cHas anyone helped you yet?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d June replied in almost-perfect German. \u201cThe girl with the short brown hair took our drink order.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean\u2019s eyes had drifted to the people passing by on the street before the server began speaking. When he turned his attention to the younger man, it was already too late.<\/p>\n

Sean saw the towel draped over the server\u2019s right hand. More importantly, he saw what it covered: a subcompact 9mm pistol.<\/p>\n

Before Sean could warn the others, the server pulled the towel back so everyone at the table could see the tip of the weapon. The few passersby going about their morning routine or visiting touristy spots didn\u2019t notice.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow if you don\u2019t mind,\u201d the man switched to English, \u201cslide the medallion over to me, as well as the folder. I\u2019d prefer not to kill anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd yet you\u2019re pointing a gun at us,\u201d Sean said through clenched teeth.<\/p>\n

Tommy eased toward June to keep between her and the weapon.<\/p>\n

The server shrugged and tilted his head to the side. \u201cI do what is necessary, Mr. Wyatt. If you want to protect your friends, you\u2019ll do what I say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Tommy said. \u201cDo you two know each other? Sean, who is your friend here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Wyatt does not know me, Mr. Schultz. Nor do you. Again, give me the medallion, and no one gets hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not going to use that gun here,\u201d Sean said, his voice cool as the other side of the pillow. \u201cYou\u2019re bluffing or bullying, but you\u2019re not shooting. Not with this many people around. And if you know me, you know that if you pull that trigger, you\u2019d better put one through my skull. If you shoot one of my friends, you\u2019ll be dead before you hit the ground. I can promise you that. But my money says that you have no intention of squeezing that trigger. Too many witnesses who\u2019ve seen your face. So I think maybe you should put that peashooter away and walk on.\u201d<\/p>\n

The gunman swallowed hard. His eyes turned to slits. Sean knew at that moment he was spot on. Whoever this guy was, he didn\u2019t want attention. Thieves rarely did.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere are your drinks,\u201d a familiar voice interrupted the standoff. The female server returned with a tray full of beverages and began setting them on the table. She noticed the man dressed like one of the restaurant workers. At the sound of her voice, he\u2019d concealed the weapon once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like a menu?\u201d the girl asked the gunman.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d he replied in German. \u201cI was just leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Sean said. \u201cOur friend here was just leaving. Although he might be interested in filling out a job application. He\u2019s already dressing the part. Isn\u2019t that right?\u201d<\/p>\n

The gunman\u2019s nostrils flared, and his jaw tightened.<\/p>\n

He spun around and marched away without looking back.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess he wasn\u2019t interested,\u201d Tommy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess not,\u201d Sean said as he watched the gunman disappear into the pedestrian traffic. \u201cBut, I doubt we\u2019ve seen the last of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

<\/sub><\/p>\n

<\/small><\/p>\n

Chapter 8<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\n

AACHEN<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span><\/small><\/sup>W<\/span>ho was that guy?\u201d June asked with a tremor in her voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Tommy answered. \u201cBut we\u2019ll find out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe had a gun, Tommy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI realize that.\u201d<\/p>\n

June gasped. \u201cYou say that as if you deal with this sort of thing all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean raised an eyebrow at his friend but didn\u2019t need to say anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt happens from time to time,\u201d Tommy said. \u201cThat\u2019s the risk involved with recovering artifacts of this nature.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRisk? He had a gun, Tommy. He pointed it right at us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Tommy said, putting his arm around her.<\/p>\n

She slid to the side to get out from under his attempt at soothing. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I need to go. I don\u2019t know what you all are involved with, but I\u2019d prefer to not have guns aimed at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stood up and collected her things.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t do that,\u201d Sean said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSean, it\u2019s been nice to meet you. Adriana, you as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still watching us,\u201d Sean added.<\/p>\n

June\u2019s eyes widened. She glanced around the pedestrian street to see if she could find the man\u2019s face. He was nowhere to be seen.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook,\u201d she said. \u201cWhatever that guy wants, he wants from you two\u2026three. I don\u2019t want to have anything to do with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy stood up and tried to put his hand on her shoulder again. She shrugged it off.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you decide to get into a career that doesn\u2019t involve deadly weapons, feel free to give me a call.\u201d<\/p>\n

She started to walk toward the cafe\u2019s entrance.<\/p>\n

\u201cSecond floor. Red building across the street,\u201d Sean said.<\/p>\n

His words froze June in place. \u201cWhat? What did you say?\u201d She looked back over her shoulder at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not the guy we just met. He\u2019s waiting for us around the corner. Doesn\u2019t need to be in sight because he\u2019s got a pair of eyes watching us from that red building over there.\u201d<\/p>\n

She started to divert her gaze to the building he was referring to, but he stopped her.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make it obvious you\u2019re looking,\u201d Sean said. \u201cBe casual. Second-story window, second one over from the white door below it.\u201d<\/p>\n

June twisted her head slowly. Tommy and Adriana waited a moment before they stole a quick look. All three saw the same thing. A dark silhouette standing in the window moved suddenly, causing the cream-colored curtains to ripple in the window.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe ducked out of sight, didn\u2019t he?\u201d Sean said, staring into his cup.<\/p>\n

June nodded absently.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese guys rarely work alone,\u201d Sean said. \u201cCome back over here, and have a seat. They\u2019re not going to hurt us. If they were, they\u2019d have done it by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr they would have waited,\u201d Tommy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. Which means these guys wanted us to know they\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would they want that?\u201d June asked, still held in place by fear.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho knows? Typically, they\u2019ll do that to make a statement. In this case, it\u2019s probably a warning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA warning?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adriana jumped in. \u201cTo get off the trail we\u2019re following.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean nodded in agreement. \u201cThat\u2019s a good thing. Means we\u2019re heading in the right direction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA good thing?\u201d June blurted. \u201cIt\u2019s a good thing to have a gun pointed at you?\u201d Her voice rose with her level of anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not what he meant,\u201d Tommy said.<\/p>\n

Before she could protest further, Sean urged her to return to her seat. \u201cPlease. Sit down, June. You\u2019re much safer with us than on your own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I don\u2019t think so. I think I was safer before I met you three. I\u2019m going back to the lab. Please don\u2019t call me or follow me or whatever it is you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

She walked toward the entrance to the outdoor eating area. Tommy stood up to stop her, but Sean kept him in place. \u201cHold on, buddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on?\u201d Tommy said. \u201cShe\u2019s in danger if she leaves here alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. Just give her a head start.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA head start? I\u2019m not using her as bait, Sean. She\u2019s a woman, a woman I happen to have feelings for. So I\u2019m sorry if I don\u2019t agree with the whole give-her-a-head-start plan.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stormed by Sean and hurried after June. She\u2019d already merged into the increasing current of people walking down the cobblestone street.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you use me as bait?\u201d Adriana said, curling her bottom lip.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot unless I was sure you\u2019d be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t seem surprised. \u201cSo you think June will be okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe would have been if Tommy had stayed here. Now they\u2019re both in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe going after them?\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded. \u201cYep. Just as soon as that guy across the street steps out the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean reached across the table and picked up the folder. He stuffed it and the medallion into his rucksack.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you think that guy was bluffing?\u201d Adriana asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone who intended to hurt us wouldn\u2019t have shown their face. They wouldn\u2019t have come after us in broad daylight. And they wouldn\u2019t have been so polite.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPolite?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep. He clearly said he didn\u2019t want to hurt us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you believed him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean\u2019s lips pressed together in a grin. \u201cI\u2019ve played cards long enough and been in this game long enough to know when a person is lying and when they\u2019re telling the truth. That guy wasn\u2019t lying.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich means what, exactly?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he said, staring across the street through the passing bodies. \u201cBut it looks like the spotter is on the move.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adriana followed his eyes across the street to the white door in the red building. A man dressed in black pants, and a matching pea coat stepped out onto the street. His gaze was aimed in the direction Tommy and June went. The guy slipped on a pair of sunglasses and started after them, careful to stay close to the buildings to keep out of sight.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre we going after them now?\u201d Adriana asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d Sean said with a nod.<\/p>\n

He fished some euros out of his pocket and put enough on the table to cover their bill.<\/p>\n

\u201cShall we?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d she answered with a cute smirk.<\/p>\n

They made their way out of the cafe and onto the street, keeping a careful eye on the spotter across the way. He was dipping in and out of sight between the other people walking along. Occasionally, he paused to pretend to look at fruit or some other items in the outdoor marketplace, probably because he thought his quarry had noticed him. All the while he never realized he was being followed. At least that\u2019s what Sean hoped.<\/p>\n

From Sean and Adriana\u2019s vantage point, it appeared Tommy was trying to convince June not to leave as the two made their way toward the next street, where Sean was 99 percent certain the gunman was waiting. More than once, June spun around and waved her hand at Tommy. Sean read her lips as she told his friend to go away and leave her alone.<\/p>\n

June turned right and started down an alley. The man across the street made a corresponding directional change and hurried to stay in pursuit.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, what are you doing?\u201d Sean said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoing into an alley like that definitely isn\u2019t a good idea,\u201d Adriana voiced Sean\u2019s concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. What do you think we should do?\u201d he asked as he twisted sideways to avoid a rather plump man in a gray suit and tie.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re asking me?\u201d She sounded surprised.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways open to good ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou go in behind this guy. I\u2019ll go up to the next street, run around, and cut them off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure you\u2019re fast enough?\u201d<\/p>\n

She lowered her head and gave him a playfully irritated look.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. I\u2019m fast enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before he could question her, she took off, ducking and weaving through the pedestrians. It didn\u2019t take her long to reach the next corner, where she disappeared behind the row of buildings. Meanwhile, Sean peeled off into the alley behind the spotter as he pursued Tommy and June.<\/p>\n

Now, in between the buildings on either side, June\u2019s voice resonated louder than it had on the main street.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you, Tommy, I\u2019m going back to work. Leave me alone. I don\u2019t want to get involved with whatever you all are up to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJune, please. Just listen to me. I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Tommy said. \u201cPlease. We really need to get back on the main street.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy turned around and saw the man in the pea coat behind them. Sean ducked behind a garbage bin before his friend could see him.<\/p>\n

Seeing the spotter following them, Tommy knew they were in trouble. \u201cJune, sweetie. I think it would be a good idea if we go back to the cafe and chill out for a bit. Just let me explain things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is there to explain? You and your friends are obviously involved with something dangerous. I\u2019d prefer to keep that kind of danger out of my life. My car is just around the corner, so I\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

She\u2019d no sooner gotten the words out of her mouth than the gunman from the cafe stepped out from behind the corner ahead. His towel was gone, and now he held the weapon in plain sight in front of his waist, aiming it right at the approaching couple.<\/p>\n

June stumbled to a stop. Tommy saw the threat and stepped in front of her.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would have been easier if you had given me the medallion at the cafe, Mr. Schultz. Now you\u2019ve put yourself and your girlfriend in a bad situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not his girlfriend,\u201d June said.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s not my girlfriend,\u201d Tommy said almost simultaneously, though he sounded a tad hurt.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care,\u201d the gunman said. \u201cGive me the medallion and the folder.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy shook his head. \u201cLike my buddy said, you won\u2019t fire that weapon here. Too many people will hear it. Police will be all over you within minutes. Then what will you do?\u201d<\/p>\n

The gunman flashed a toothy grin. \u201cWell, we can\u2019t have that.\u201d<\/p>\n

He reached around his back and produced a black cylinder. His fingers made quick work of the sound suppressor, and within twenty seconds it was attached to his weapon\u2019s muzzle.<\/p>\n

Tommy swallowed.<\/p>\n

The spotter stepped up from behind and grabbed June\u2019s arms. She shrieked for a second, but the spotter covered her mouth with a gloved hand. She struggled for a moment, until she felt something press hard into her lower back. Tommy spun around to rush to her aid, but there was nothing he could do. He saw the gun in the spotter\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make this harder than it has to be,\u201d the first gunman said. He put out his hand with palm up. \u201cMedallion. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have it,\u201d Tommy said. \u201cIt\u2019s at the cafe with my friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must think we\u2019re stupid. You would never let something as valuable as that medallion leave your sight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want with it anyway?\u201d Tommy asked. \u201cI guess a two-bit criminal like you plans to sell it on the black market. No one even knows what it is. I doubt you could get more than a few hundred bucks for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe aren\u2019t interested in money, Mr. Schultz. You have no idea what you\u2019re dealing with.\u201d<\/p>\n

Out of nowhere, a can of tomato sauce zipped through the air and struck the gunman on the side of the head. As he toppled sideways, the gun in his hand went off, sending the bullet into one of the wooden support beams of the building to his left.<\/p>\n

The spotter shoved June aside and took aim at the corner from where the can had been thrown.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s there?\u201d<\/p>\n

He heard rapid footsteps behind him and spun around in time to see Sean charging at full speed. Before the spotter could react, Sean plowed his shoulder into the man\u2019s midsection and drove him backward toward Tommy.<\/p>\n

Sean let out a growl as he forklifted the guy an inch off the ground.<\/p>\n

Tommy stepped out of the way as Sean drove the guy into the ground. The spotter\u2019s head smacked against the hard surface, knocking him out instantly.<\/p>\n

The original gunman recovered from the can striking his head. After a few seconds of staggering, he regained his balance and took aim at the new threat.<\/p>\n

He only heard two footsteps from his right before a foot snapped up and kicked the gun out of his hand. The gunman ignored the sharp pain in his hand and turned to face the adversary who dared interfere.<\/p>\n

\u201cMs. Villa,\u201d he said, assuming a fighting stance.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you are?\u201d<\/p>\n

He swung a fast kick at her midsection. She knocked it down with a swipe of her fist. The kick was just a decoy to lower her defenses. He faked a jab, which she tried to block, and then sent a roundhouse into her right cheek.<\/p>\n

Her head whipped to the side, and she stumbled backward. The man didn\u2019t relent. He jumped through the air and kicked hard with his right foot, landing the blow on the same cheek he\u2019d just struck.<\/p>\n

Adriana tripped and fell backward, crashing into three garbage cans next to the corner.<\/p>\n

Sean and Tommy saw what happened and rushed to help. The gunman glanced over his shoulder and saw them approaching. He reached down, grabbed Adriana by the jacket, and yanked her up onto her feet. She winced in pain but was still conscious.<\/p>\n

The man produced a knife and pressed the sharp edge against her neck. \u201cStay back,\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n

Sean and Tommy skidded to a stop just ten feet away.<\/p>\n

The man shuffled his feet backward. \u201cI\u2019m warning all of you. Leave this place. You do not know the power you\u2019re meddling with. Those who raise the sword will die by it.\u201d<\/p>\n

His hands moved suddenly, and he threw something onto the ground. He shoved Adriana forward and dashed down the adjacent alley just as the little metal disk erupted in a searing white flash.<\/p>\n

Sean grabbed her and dove clear of the blast radius. Tommy tackled June and covered her to keep any shrapnel from hitting her.<\/p>\n

\u201cTommy, you guys okay?\u201d Sean asked, unable to see anything as his eyes started the slow progression of adjusting back to normal light.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, we\u2019re okay. You guys?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. It was just a flash bang.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tommy sat up and waited for the world around him to slowly change back from bright white. \u201cIt looked like one of those disks you got from your buddy at DARPA.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was thinking the same thing,\u201d Sean said. The white light had already started fading. He helped Adriana to her feet and then half felt his way over to the unconscious man on the ground. \u201cYou hear what he said about raising the sword?\u201d<\/p>\n

He felt around in the guy\u2019s pockets, but found no identification, money, or credit cards. The only thing he discovered was a single key. It was certainly old, since keys like that were rarely used anymore except for historical buildings. At the end of the stem, an interesting design had been carved out of the metal: a sword and a crescent moon.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. That verse from Matthew again.\u201d Tommy said. His eyes had begun adjusting, and he could see Sean was holding something. \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA key.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKey? To what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure. But our friend here probably won\u2019t tell us anything until he wakes up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean noticed something on the spotter\u2019s wrist and lifted the limp hand to get a better view. \u201cNow that\u2019s interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adriana moved closer and looked over his shoulder. Then she saw what he was examining. \u201cThe other guy had one of those, too. It was on the same wrist.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Read the full book by downloading it below.<\/p>\n

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Book Preview ERNEST DEMPSEY ENCLAVE PUBLISHING CONTENTS Get Free Books Prologue 1. Bellevaux, France 2. Aachen, Germany 3. Venice, Italy 4. Pyongyang, North Korea 5. Atlanta, Georgia 6. Atlanta 7. Aachen 8. Aachen 9. Aachen 10. Cologne, Germany 11. Cologne 12. Cologne 13. Cologne 14. Cologne 15. Cologne 16. Brussels, Belgium 17. Cologne 18. Frankfurt, … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3624,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[198],"class_list":["post-3625","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-ernest-dempsey"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3625","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3625"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3625\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3624"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3625"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3625"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3625"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}