The rain pounded hard against the ancient glass window pane. Sir Sterling sat by the dying embers in his library. A servant entered bearing the silver tray above his head. Sterling looked up and smiled warmly at the new guest. But the cold smile vanished from his pale face instantly. The servant held a knife hidden behind the silk sleeves. The rain tapped a frantic rhythm on the cold glass. Lord Blackwood smiled with cold, hungry eyes at the guest. Sir Sterling tried to scream but the silence consumed him.