Chapter 33: The Spider Syndicate
The scene changes, moving far away from the royal palace and its tense meetings. We are now in Crestport City, the place Sir Karlos used to rule as its mayor. This was the heart of his family’s power and influence before he betrayed the King and fled.
Inside the city, on a narrow, cobblestone street lined with tightly packed buildings, stood an old structure. It was mostly made of dark, weathered wood, two stories tall, looking like it had seen better days.
Inside, on the second floor, sat a man. He was bald, with a rough scar cutting across his left eyebrow down towards his cheek. He wore tough-looking clothes made of dark leather and leaned back comfortably in a sturdy wooden chair.
Opposite him, standing stiffly, was a young man dressed in very fine, expensive clothes – the kind a wealthy nobleman would wear. A knight, clad in polished armor, stood silently just behind this young nobleman.
The young nobleman, whose name was William, held a delicate porcelain cup in his hand. He carefully took a sip of tea, his movements smooth.
He was about 24 years old, the son of the mayor from a nearby city. The bald man sitting across from him was named Bryan. He wasn’t a noble; he was a captain in a international Criminal group known as the Spider Syndicate.
The Spider Syndicate was a secret criminal organization known across many kingdoms. They were involved in smuggling, theft, kidnapping, and even assassination. No one knew who started the Syndicate, where their main base was hidden.
They were like shadows, operating everywhere but belonging nowhere. Bryan had been working for the Syndicate for many years, slowly climbing the ranks through dangerous jobs until he reached the position of captain, in charge of the Syndicate’s operations in Crestport City.
William finished his sip of tea and lowered the cup slightly, looking directly at Bryan. "We’ve done our part," William said.
"We provided you with the weapons, the money, and the information Karlos promised before he left. Everything you asked for." He paused, his eyes meeting Bryan’s gaze. "Now, it’s your turn. Karlos expected you to act. It’s time for your people to make their move."
Bryan, who had been sitting relaxed, leaning back in his chair with his arms resting on the armrests, slowly shifted his gaze to William. He didn’t look impressed. A small, knowing smile touched his lips.