“He got what he deserved.” Sylvester shrugged and pried the scrolls from Sinlar’s fingers

Uncle Nathan, Baruch, and Shimshon followed Sinlar to the outskirts of the city. Sinlar disappeared into a cave, one of the many leading into the mountains shrouded in darkness. As they began to follow the pirate inside, they were startled to hear hoofbeats behind them.

Sylvester was charging at them on horseback, flanked by two bodyguards. His massive black dogs ran alongside his horse.

“Surprise!” Sylvester said with glee, pulling up in front of Shimshon. “I told you there’s no escaping my grasp. My reach is everywhere, and I have eyes and ears everywhere.”

“How did you find us?”

“More important question… where are my scrolls?”

“Your scrolls? They’re not yours!”

“Do you really want to argue with me, boy? Look at my men, my dogs… Just give me the scrolls and I’ll leave, and you’ll go unharmed.”

Sylvester let out a low, soft whistle, and the dogs began to move toward Shimshon.

“Threaten us, will you?” Uncle Nathan pulled out a whistle and blew it hard.

When nothing happened after a few moments, Sylvester laughed loudly. “And what was that supposed to accomplish, old man?”

“That.” Uncle Nathan pointed. Several men on horseback were galloping to Uncle Nathan’s aid, bearing the symbol of his royal family on their sleeves.

“All right then, now things are starting to get exciting!” Sylvester was breathing a bit faster now. His men drew their swords, as did Uncle Nathan’s men. “Let’s see which side will win, shall we?”