We sat around sipping the wine, which I didn't much like, while the girls did most of the talking. Chuck, Chris and I mostly just said things like, 'Y...ah, ' when we had to.We had all had most of a glass of wine when Chuck broke into the conversation. "Why don't we play a game?"Sydney and Leslie exchanged a look. "What game?" How about strip poker?" he asked.Chris glanced at his sister and I could tell he didn't like the idea. She looked back at him and smiled. "I think that's a great idea.". "C'mon, let's get going."Will had a reservation, and the hostess led us towards the back cornerof the restaurant. There was a long table, and much to my surprise, Isaw four familiar faces sitting there."Happy birthday Bethany!"I was surprised to see my friends Rachel, Julie, Leona and Stacyshuffling their way towards me. We erupted into a squealing, gigglingfit as there were hugs and air kisses all around. Rachel was thetypical party girl, blond hair and blue eyes, and she loved to dress. "I don't know how we got here, but it seems like we are actually in a worse position. I guess I didn't choose very well. I just hope help arrives soon enough, but we seem to be cut off. Radios, cell phones, none of them are working." He looked at me sadly. "The odds don't look good, Patrick." I smiled back at him."You're right. The odds are not good. I really should send Megan and Amy home. Then the other guys would at least have a chance. Oh well, they started it. They deserve what they're. The task athand was a difficult one and he had his doubts whether it would besuccessful - if he didn't worry about the assassins mucking it up, thenfor sure his own experience would be insufficient. He was a young man ofonly 31 years, however the position of head Templar was thrust upon himso early, for his father had died recently - no doubt the assassins' workagain. Now he was giving the operation all his attention, nothing was togo awry, if power was to be regained.On this particular.