Assassination (6)

The Calculator's hands trembled uncontrollably, but he was unsure what emotion was causing it.

The mission had failed. That had never been part of the plan. Though he and the others in the team were not of one mind, the power he served sought the same thing as those mortals.

Guk had to die!

Yet the precisely calculated steps had gone wrong. Where was the problem? Who was the traitor?

He shook his head. This was not the time to lose himself in confusion.

The bond that had once held him and the others together had long since broken. There was no point lingering here.

His hand slipped beneath his traveling robe and found the communicator hidden in a secret pocket of his white coat. With it, he could contact that person and leave safely.

The Calculator wondered whether he should turn on the others if he encountered them.

This tense moment came to an abrupt end when a figure appeared through the swirling sand at the entrance to the cave, walking up from the foothills.

He recognized the man's steady stride. Beside him was a dark-skinned man whose long gray hair was whipped behind him by the gale, writhing like a tangle of venomous snakes.

The newcomer wore neither mask nor goggles. Clearly, he paid no heed to the scorching wind and sand around him.

"Who is this?" Sinop asked.

"A... new companion. You may call him Zha-Lasha."

Grakas answered loudly with a smile, while the man gave a deep bow.

"You must be Mr. Astinno, envoy of the Holy Church."

His voice was low and steady.

"My lord will surely be greatly relieved to know that you are safe. Once we learned of the situation, we prepared for the worst."

"Hannibal... sent you?"

The Calculator looked surprised.

"Of