trees growing in the area.

"There is the presence of evil here Templar. I have kept to my part of the bargain. All I ask is to be allowed to leave now. The man you seek down there is well known to the local people Templar. He is cruel with terrible powers. Do you not think the camp would have been attacked already if the people did not fear him as they do the devils of the sands?" He held out his hand peering anxiously toward the camp.

"Go if you feel you must, here is your payment." Steele threw a couple of gold coins into their guide's outstretched hand.

"May your gods be with you Templar because I will not be here any longer in this place where evil lurks."his men to throw more logs onto the fire. Screaming in pain and terror, the guide fought in vain to free himself. Blisters began erupting on his legs and feet. Intense pain coursed through his body. Struggling to draw breath due to the smoke and the pressure exerted on his lungs by the position on the cross he slumped forward.

"Take him off the fire now! We have not got the answers yet." Four monks pushed the wooden cross from one side with long poles toppling it forward. Slamming into the ground, the guide lost consciousness under the weight of the cross.

### A bucket of cold water shocked him back to the reality of his ordeal.

"Who sent you, tell me and I promise you a quick death. Remain silent