Balthazar's dark eyes widened in disbelief. He rose from his chair and reached out for the scabbard, cradling it with both hands as if it were made of glass. With shaking fingers, he slid the sword from the scabbard and held it high above his head as if he were rallying Charlemagne's legions to battle.

His lips formed a single whispered word. “Durendal.1) ”The horn will arrive in a few days, along with the remains of your

ancestor,“ Sandecker said. ”I thought you might be able to put these priceless relics together with their rightful owner."

Balthazar slid the sword back into the scabbard and passed it on to his sons.

“The rightful owners are the Basque people. I will use the sword and horn of Roland to ensure that the Basques finally attain their sov- ereignty.” He smiled. “But in a peaceful manner.”

The glee at the success of his theatrical gesture was evident in Sandecker's clear blue eyes. He raised his glass high. “Let's drink to that,” he said.

Ryan called Austin later that day and said he was back in Washing- ton. He asked Austin to meet him at the “usual place.” Austin arrived at Roosevelt Island a few minutes early, and was waiting in front of the statue, when he saw Ryan coming his way. Austin noticed that Ryan was still pale and gaunt from his wound. There was something else. The arrogant tilt of the chin and the boyish know-it-all grin that had flawed Ryan's good looks and irritated Austin were gone. Ryan seemed more serious and mature.

He smiled and extended his hand. “Thanks for coming, Kurt.”

“How do you feel?”

“Like I've been used for target practice.”

“I wish I could say you get used to it,” Austin said, recalling the bullet and knife scars that marked his own body. “Knowing that you drove a spike into Barker's plans must help ease the pain. Congrat- ulations.”

“Couldn't have done it without the help of Ben and Chuck, and Diego Aguirrez.”

“Don't be modest.”

“You're the one who's being modest. I heard about your adventures aboard the zeppelin.”

“I hope this isn't turning into a mutual admiration society,” Austin said. “I wouldn't want to ruin a wonderful relationship.”

Ryan laughed. “I asked you here so I could apologize. I know I've been more than a little overbearing and self-righteous.”

“Happens to the best of us.”

“There's something else. I tried to use Therri to leverage your help.”

“I know. I also know that Therri is too independent-minded to be used.”

“I had to apologize, anyhow, before I leave.”

“You sound as if you're heading off into the sunset.”