7:03 p.m. Passion Ministry

The voice screamed again. He leapt at the shrine, only to be struck aside by a bellowing knight.

Dropped, bleeding, onto the stone floor. The tongue compelled him into action.

Electrified, he dove at the reliquary, dodging hands and weapons. Snatched the precious object. For a fleeting instant, he cradled it. Soft.

With a roar, two crusaders ripped the burial cloth away. A boot rammed his head.

Into darkness he plunged, unconsciously clutching a tiny remnant. The voice fell silent. Though De la Jacob had failed to safeguard the sacred artifact, he held the destiny of his family and of the world in his grasp...