The lights in Sylvester's study danced off the marble wars as he studied the slip of paper before him. Galel had copied the crypted address address somewhere and handed back the original to him before setting out to decipher the text and trace the address. “I've seen this somewehere before but I just can't seem to remember where…” he muttered thoughtfully to himself, his sharp eyes focused on the paper. It was smooth and and a big moist, with bits of blood and mud clinging to it but even the paper texture itself was unique. It wasn't your standard run in the mill paper. This was made of human skin. Human skin, Sylvester thought to himself, a mounting suspicion beginning to grow in his mind. There was only one place that was ruthless and cold enough to use the skin of their enemies and offenders as papers. “The underground.” He said aloud, everything suddenly clicking into place. That had to be it. He frowned at the paper, as a new question took hold of his mind. Why had they

“What is this place?” Emily asked, repulsed at the sight before her. “Welcome to the Underground, a place where all exiles find a home and join a clan. If you want an odd job, this is the place to come to.” Sylvester explained to her. “How do you know the secret entrance to the Underground master?” Galel asked. Sylvester was quiet for a while before answering. “I have been here before… almost lost my life too.” he laughed at that and the others all echoed him. It was hard to imagine him almost losing his life when he had been the Grandmaster back then. “Infact, I even have a friend or two down here.” he chuckled, recalling an old memory only he knew of. “What's funny?” Emily asked, wondering. The others were gawking at him also. It was a rare sight to see him laugh or chuckle, much less smile. “Nevermind. Anyway, that's our destination.” Sylvester said, pointing at a tall building painted in black just like most of the buildings in the Underground. “Follow my lead, and tr

Sylvester didn't know what he was feeling. Hurt, anger, disappointment, betrayal, hatred. They were jumbled together inside of him as he listened to her tell the clans his plans and how to ambush his own clan. “They are getting ready to crack down on the underground as we speak so you all need to act fast. Just don't forget our deal.” Verity was saying and Sylvester felt like someone had twisted a knife in his heart. To think the mole was none other than Verity. But why? Every part of him was itching to crawl out from beneath the floor boards and shake her violently or even wring her slender neck as he asked her what he had done to deserve this betrayal. “I remember your request all too well, young lady.” the same old cracked voice as before said. “What request did she make? We are all in this together so I believe we all have a right to know what she requested, right guys?” another voice challenged and there was a general murmur of agreement. “Silence.” yet another voice

Back in the Underground… “Did you come back with everyone you left with?” Emily asked as soon as Sylvester stepped in through the door. “I know you left with your team who was on standby here in the Underground. Where are they? Where's Gerald?”Sylvester explained. “They are investigating something else. I got done with my investigation before them but we will meeting up later. I left Gerald in charge.” “What about Verity?” Katrina asked anxiously before realizing herself. She gradually recollected herself. Sylvester smiled thinly. “I don't blame you. She was like a sister to you. She is safe and sound. It's thanks to her we will be taking certain actions few minutes from now.”She breathed out in relief and left husband and wife together. “So what's the plan?” she asked as soon as they were alone. “We attack tonight here in the Underground.” Emily's eyes took on a stubborn look. “This time__” Sylvester interrupted her. “This time you are coming along.”The words died in Emi

“Have you heard from the men we sent out to Jasper's place?” Drake asked Viktor who shook his head. “That's weird. Those men are highly trained. Jasper shouldn't be a problem.” he said thoughtfully rubbing the tip of his dreads between his finger tips. “Sylvester too hasnt shown up for the duel. We can't give the order to the recon team to proceed as planned.” Viktor pointed out. “Hey you… contact the team. Tell them to hold. That anyone who moves without orders will lose his head.” Drake ordered and the person spoken to raced off. Few minutes he returned breathless. “Sir… I can't connect to them.” he said,gaspijg for breath. “What do you mean?” Viktor demanded. “It's either turned off or has bad connectivity.” the man explained. Drake's brow furrowed. “That's new… anyway keep trying.”The man hurried off. “Something doesn't feel right.” Viktor muttered to himself. He looked at the time. It was morning already. Maybe Sylvester got cold feet. ****“We hit at once. Each duo w