A/N: Merry Christmas everyone! Really sorry for not updating sooner. I'll get better at that. Only seven more hours until school is over and I can write to my heart's content! In this chapter I'm going to be focusing on Karrod because he has the potential to become a good character and needs a little more screen time. Once again I got to give props to my Beta Reader Ravenwolfsbane.
Reviews: BloodAndDiamonds, Ravenwolfsbane, Baeowulf (via email)
Karrod came out of the forest and stood at the sandy banks of the river. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, taking in all the sounds and smells of the night. The water gurgled and rushed, splashing against rocks and sending foam into the air. The faint smell of pine and oak drifted faintly in the air. Nothing could ruin the rare moment of peace that he had found.
"Karrod!" Karrod sighed and rubbed his forehead wearily.
"I knew it was too good to last." Irbran ran up to him and leaned his hands against his knees, panting heavily. He looked up and raised a finger, and was about to speak when another wave of coughing and gasping for breath came over him. Karrod rolled his eyes and looked away. That man seriously needed to get a little more exercise.
"Yes, Irbran, what is it?" Karrod asked tiredly. Irbran finally seemed to regain his composure. He stood at his full height and looked Karrod in the eye, which was hard to due because Irbran only came up to Karrod's shoulder.
"You need to slow down. This pace is killing me. I need to take a rest." Karrod shook his head.
"Lives will be lost if they don't take this beast down!"
"My life will also be lost if we don't take a break," Irbran exclaimed. "I'm about to kneel over. Bretons just don't have the level of stamina you redguards have.
"We can't slow down! We're on the trail of a target. Every second we waste he gets farther and farther away. We can't afford to waste any more time." Irbran's heavy breathing finally slowed and became regular. He walked up to Karrod and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Why don't we compromise? We take a little break for me to rest up and you can plan out your strategy. This isn't something you want to rush into is it?" Irbran said appealing to Karrod's logic. The redguard frowned as he considered it. His old master had always said that fools rush in and wise men proceed with caution. Karrod sighed.
"I suppose we can stop for an hour." Irbran's face lit up and he was about to open his mouth when Karrod interrupted him. "But if we lose this vampire I'm blaming you. Understand?" Irbran nodded unperturbed.
"I think I'll be able to live with myself if that happens." The two of them sat down on the river bank. Irbran lay down on the soft ground with his hands behind his head and huge grin on his face. He looked up at the stars that dotted the sky. Karrod was looking over his maps. He had started a fire and used the faint light it provided to read his maps. The fire wasn't big; they didn't want to attract any attention. Irbran suddenly sat up and looked over at Karrod hunched over his maps.
"Karrod?"
"Hmmm?"
"What happened to you? You weren't always this cold and cavalier. Sure you were a little distant and silent but never to this extent." Karrod looked down at his map but wasn't really taking in the landscape it described.
"Are you asking about what happened eight years ago?" Irbran opened his mouth and closed it. He nodded slowly.
"I am."
"I'm sure you've heard the rumors that got spread around the Guild." Irbran looked uneasy and began to comb his hair with his fingers.
"Why yes, I suppose I have, but you know what they say about rumors: you can't trust them more than you can throw a Minotaur," Irbran babbled. "You don't have to tell me of course, but I'm hear if you want somebody to talk to-"
"Irbran." Karrod turned to face him, his face was grim and lines ran along his forehead. "I don't think you'd be a good listener, what with all your constant chatter. But if you want, I can tell you what happened."
"Karrod…" Irbran said softly
"I mean after all, what are friends for?" Karrod said with a hint of a smile upon his lips.
"Exactly!" Irbran said as he took a seat opposite of the fire Karrod sat by. Karrod sighed.
"I suppose it started when I received this message from the council…"
8 Years Ago…
Karrod walked up the well-worn path with a piece of parchment clenched in his hand. It was from the council. They wanted to speak to him, and he wondered what it could be about. Although he hadn't done anything wrong, Karrod began to feel guilty. Were they going to punish him? No that was ridiculous, unless Irbran had somehow dragged his name into that little incident that had happened a week ago.
Karrod had known Irbran since they were children. The thing about Irbran was that he had very mischievous streak. Whether it was belongings disappearing, ink bottles spilling over, or buckets of water or various other liquids being placed on top of doors, there was a good chance that Irbran had a hand in it. One of these days, the council was going to come down hard on that Irbran. Irbran's master certainly didn't seem to; he just let him run wild. Karrod could see the fort upon the hill slowly coming into view.
The fort commanded a view of many miles and surveyed the land around it like a protector. The stones were worn but serviceable. Repairs had to be constantly made, but other than that, it was a solid fort. Extending off of the fort were other buildings such as stables, farms, supply buildings, armories, and practice grounds. Karrod came upon the steel gate that surrounded the fort and its surrounding area. Karrod nodded to the sentry on duty looking down at him from the roof of the fort. Karrod whispered a few words under his breath and opened the gate. Anyone who didn't know the password and attempted to enter would be blasted back by enchanted fire, a necessary precaution.
Karrod opened the door of the fort and walked in. He was hit by the pleasant scent of something cooking. What was it? Roasted boar? Lamb perhaps? Several veterans sat in chairs by the fireplace, reading and discussing books.
"I'm telling you Vinnus, I just don't understand why they allow him to be the Count of Skingrad. He's a vampire and both you and I know it!" The other man nodded grimly. An eye patch covered his right eye and his grey hair was pulled back in a warrior's tail.
"It doesn't matter that we know it Tyronius. The damn Mages Guild is interfering. Why can't they mind their own business? They can burry their noses in spell books while we actually do something that needs to be done. I'd like to see one magician attempt half of what I've done and come back and say that an alliance with a vampire is a good idea." The other man nodded in agreement
"Strange times we're living in, ain't it?" Karrod bowed respectfully to the two veterans and continued on, stopping by the kitchens. There was a great commotion and bustle of activity as people rushed about preparing dinner. Steam rose from pots of hot curry and women skillfully prepared the salad. A chef turned a huge boar on the fire pit slowly, carefully gauging its process. It looked chaotic but there was a certain unity to it.
"Karrod! What are you doing here? Dinner isn't ready yet." Karrod whirled around and let out a sigh of relief as he saw it was Ondi. The nord was carrying a basket of potatoes and she set them aside to look down at Karrod. Karrod was tall but even he was dwarfed by Ondi. Ondi frowned down at him with her hands on her hips but Karrod didn't worry. Ondi may look intimidating but she had a big soft spot. She had been looking out for him ever since he came to headquarters. Whether it was slipping him snacks or mending his clothes, she was like a surrogate mother to him.
"I just wanted to stop by and say hello, that's all." Ondi's gaze softened. She glanced around discreetly and reached over to a basket of rolls. She pushed one Karrod's hand. It was still warm.
"Now get, I hear your master is looking for you and you don't want to be late." Karrod's eyes widened. It was never good to be late when it concerned his master. The first time he had been late Karrod had to do drills until his entire body ached. Karrod dashed out of the kitchen, popping a roll into his mouth as he went along. He had just finished eating his snack when he came to the training room. Karrod knocked before entering.
"Come in Karrod, we don't have all night." Karrod entered the room and bowed.
"I'm sorry for being late Master Artorius." Cassius Artorius looked down at his apprentice and shrugged.
"All that matters is that you're here now," the imperial said as he walked over to the wall and picked up a sword. He glanced after at Karrod and grinned. "Tonight I'll be examining your training and how far you've come." Karrod nodded solemnly. He had been training to become a hunter for several years now. Artorius tossed a sword to Karrod and he caught it easily and swung it around and grasped it in one hand. It was a silver short sword. Artorius picked up another sword and stepped forward.
"Alright, here's the objective. First one to draw blood wins. Karrod," Artorius said in a teacher like tone, "Make sure you utilize your surroundings to your full advantage. Be aware, because I might have a few surprise in store for you," his master said with a grin. Karrod nodded. In unison they both rushed forward and their swords collided.
Sparks were tossed up from the impact. Karrod stepped back and swung his sword in a wide arch at Artorius. His master easily sidestepped and brought down his sword with all of his force. Karrod was barely able to parry in time, and it took all of his strength to stop the cool metal from slicing through him. Artorius struck again, repeatedly forcing Karrod towards the wall. Karrod glanced behind him briefly out of the corner of his eye. It wouldn't do if he was trapped in the corner. His master continued to back him against the wall until he was nearly against it.
Karrod jumped back from a thrust and kicked off from the rule and swung forward. Artorius's eyes widened in surprise, and he was force to quickly block. Artorius was sent back several feet, his feet sliding against the stone floor and sending up dust. Artorius laughed.
"Good, very good, you've been practicing."
"I try my best, Master."
"Good." Artorius threw his sword up in the air and caught it easily in his other hand. "Then you can stop holding back. Your old master won't fall apart if you breathe on him too hard." Karrod pointed his sword in his opponent's direction and closed his eyes. A small smile played across his face.
"Alright then," Karrod slowly walked forward, slowly circling his master. He charged forward, his sword cutting through the air like it was an extension of his arm. Artorius dodged each of Karrod's attacks and occasionally blocked them with his own sword. Sweat began to drip down the brows of the two men. Artorius ran over to a wall and pulled a small lever. A panel from the stone work appeared and shot out several arrows in Karrod's direction. The arrows were blunt and padded, but they still could leave painful bruises.
Karrod quickly squatted down and spun around as the arrows passed him by. He brought his sword down in a forward slash and sliced an arrow that was heading for his head in half. The pieces of arrow fell to the ground harmless. His master whistled in appreciation.
"I taught him everything he knows. He learned that from me." Karrod looked over and saw that his master was talking to several Veterans who were observing their training exercise. Veterans were the most experience vampire hunters. They were retired from field work and mostly oversaw Guild affairs. Veterans were often battle scarred and disfigured from their fights with vampires. Karrod noticed that some of the veterans sported false legs and wicked looking scars that never seemed to heal. There was superstition that vampire wounds took longer to heal. Those scars were proof.
"Ready yourself Karrod, because here I come!" Artorius sprinted forward, dragging his sword along the ground and tossing up sparks. He swung his sword up at Karrod and nearly knocked Karrod's sword out of his hand. Karrod compensated this by switching the sword from his right hand to his left hand and striking swiftly. His master blocked. Karrod went on the offensive firing a series of thrusts and swings at his master, who was forced to block every one. Karrod began to gain ground and momentum.
Karrod spun around and brought down all of his centrifugal force on his masters sword. Artorius brought up his sword and swung down at Karrod. Karrod quickly brought his sword over his shoulder and blocked it. He then quickly kicked out his master's feet out from underneath him and knocked the sword out of his hand which he caught. Karrod pointed his sword at Artorius's throat for a moment and then removed it. Artorius looked up at his apprentice.
"It looks like the student has surpassed the master," he said with pride in his voice.
"I guess," Karrod said, embarrassed, as he offered a hand to Artorius. Artorius gratefully accepted and got to his feet. He looked over to the veterans that were gathered.
"What did I tell you? This lad has great potential. I think he's ready."
"Yes, I can't remember the last time somebody knocked you on the ass like he did," one of the veterans spoke up. This got a round of laughter. Karrod looked at them curiously.
"Ready for what?" he asked. Artorius spoke up.
"Karrod, you got a message from the council telling you to meet here tonight, correct?"
"Yes master." Artorius laughed.
"You'll hardly be calling me that for much longer." Karrod's eyes widened at the insinuation. He couldn't possibly mean…
"Quiet Artorius, or you'll ruin the surprise," one veteran spoke up. His name was Galthragoth and he was the head of this particular branch of the Guild. "Let's head to the council room and discuss this in private." Karrod put the swords away and followed after them. Excited thoughts began to run through Karrod's mind and he tried to rein them in. He shouldn't jump to conclusions but he couldn't help it.
The Guild was dedicated to hunting down and exterminating vampires. The fort Karrod was at was but one of many spread across Tamriel. It had mages working on the latest enchantments and spells to combat vampires. Armories were stocked with enchanted, silver, and even a few daedric weapons. Scouts were sent out to follow rumors of vampire sightings. Once a report had been confirmed, a master, journeyman, or an accompanying apprentice would eliminate it. Karrod had been on some of these missions.
If an apprentice could survive his first couple encounters with vampires, his changes of survival increased significantly. Of course this line of work was very dangerous compared to other trades such as farming. The life expectancy was understandably much lower than a farmer or even a member of the Fighters Guild. The Guild made money by collecting the vampire dust of slain vampires. The dust was extremely valuable to alchemists due to its silencing capabilities. They also confiscated anything that the vampire might have kept in its lair, which was often a lot given due to their life spans.
Karrod walked into the room. The council stood in a semi circle with Artorius. Karrod stepped into the middle of them, his heart beating furiously.
"Karrod," Galthragoth began. "It is time for your apprenticeship to end and for you to join the ranks of the Guild as a full member." Galthragoth picked up the ceremonial blade. Karrod trembled and knelt on the ground. Galthragoth taped him on each shoulder once with the blade. "From this day forth, you will be a journeymen of the Vampire Hunter Guild."
"Thank you sir," Karrod said solemnly looking up. "I won't let you down." Galthragoth smiled down at him.
"I'm sure you won't. Now, I think it's almost time for dinner." The veterans slowly walked of the council room until it was just Karrod and Artorius. Karrod looked at his former master.
"You knew about this the whole time, didn't you?" The imperial yawned and scratched his head.
"I may have been informed ahead of time. I just wanted to make sure that you had a chance to show your abilities to the council and that you were ready. It looks like I was right, Journeyman." Karrod couldn't help the grin that spread across his face at that word. He and Artorius walked out of the council room and off to the dining hall.
"Karrod, I heard you got promoted!" Irbran said as he smacked Karrod on the back. Karrod began to choke on his food and was forced to spit it out and broke off coughing.
"Irbran," Karrod said annoyed. Irbran grinned impishly and sat down next to Karrod.
"Sorry about that. I'm just happy for you that's all." Karrod grunted and resumed his meal.
"You know you might get promoted too if you would stop fooling around and act serious once in a while."
"No thanks. I wouldn't want to risk turning into you," Irbran joked. Karrod shrugged the jibe off.
"So how is your training going?" Irbran smiled.
"I don't mean to brag…"
"But somehow I know you will," Karrod pointed out.
"I'm learning all kinds of useful magic."
"Any Destruction spells?" Irbran frowned and shook his head.
"No, not so much but I'm still learning other things. Despite what you may think there is more to magic than just shooting fire and lightning from your hands."
"Seems to be the only useful kind though," Karrod said as he ate another piece of roasted boar.
"You would think that." After dinner Karrod was heading off to the sleeping quarters when Artorius stopped him.
"Karrod, Galthragoth wants to speak with you privately. It's a discreet matter." Karrod went up to the veteran's chamber and knocked on the door.
"Come in." Karrod entered the chamber. The wood elf was sitting in a chair at a table. He gestured for Karrod to take a seat. Karrod sat down and took a moment to admire the room. On display on the mantle were some of the veteran's old swords, battle worn and soaked in vampire blood. Karrod turned to face Galthragoth. He noticed a necklace around his neck. It was made up of vampire fangs. Karrod marveled at how many vampires must have been slain to make it.
"Karrod, I know you've only just been promoted but you show great promise and potential. You have achieved the status of journeyman much faster than most apprentices. Artorius has said that on the missions you've gone on with him that you kept a cool and level head. These are qualities that all vampire hunters need." Karrod nodded.
"Is there some way I can be of service to you, Master Galthragoth?"
"Yes there is. Our forces have been stretched a bit thin as of late. We would like you to lead a team to root out a coven of vampires that has taken up lodging a cave about 50 miles west of here. They've been preying on a nearby village and their animals and we can't let it continue any longer." Karrod swallowed nervously. Lead a team. He couldn't possibly do it! He raised his hand.
"Master Galthragoth, I don't think I'm ready for this. I've just become a journeyman and-" Galthragoth cut him off.
"I know you're young and a little inexperienced, but you're the best we have. Just remember your training and you should do fine. Remove your fear. Look forward and run forward. Don't stand still. Turn back and you will age. Hesitate-"
"And you will die," Karrod finished. The old wood elf smiled.
"It appears that Artorius has taught you well. Here." Galthragoth handed Karrod a sealed envelope. "This contains the name of your team members and your instructions. You leave first thing tomorrow. Got and get some rest. You have a difficult journey ahead of you." Karrod waited until he got to his quarters before opening the envelope.
Scouts indicate that around eight to ten vampires have taken lodging in this cave. Stealth and caution are the advised paths due to the great number. These vampires must be congregating around a single leader. It is crucial that you and your team eliminate the leader otherwise he may live to stir up more trouble for us. You will have free range of the armory so feel free to take what you need. Your team consists of the following members:
Twice-Bitten- As his name suggests, he survived being bitten by a vampire twice, not an easy feat. The experience however has only increased his resolve and determination. He is a journeyman who is more experienced than you and he has a bit of a stubborn streak. Be prepared to butt heads with him because he probably won't be too keen on the idea of someone younger than him commanding this mission.
Siltta- This high elf is only an apprentice but has a keen ability for swordplay and magic. She has a bit of fiery temper so do your best not offend her.
Shug gro-Shat- A master with many years under his belt. His ability to make light of any situation and to always pull through has made him popular among the Guild. If you ever need guidance, he should be the first one to ask.
Report back to headquarters as soon as you've completed the mission. The council wishes you the best of luck.
Galthragoth
Karrod walked to the sleeping quarters and settled down in his bed. He had an important day and had better get some sleep. He tossed the dossier onto the nightstand by his bed. Karrod closed his eyes and attempted to get some sleep. Sleep wasn't possible. Thoughts kept swirling around in his head like a wilo wisp. Karrod would never admit it, but he was scared. Scared that he would let everybody down and lead them all to their deaths. Who was he kidding? He was still just a boy, a boy being sent off to do a man's work. Karrod rolled over in his bed and threw off his sheets. He needed to get some air.
Several minutes later found Karrod outside in the training yard going through his sword exercises. The repetitive movements were soothing, and Karrod just let his muscle memory guide him. He could have done it in his sleep.
"It looks like you still train when you can't sleep, eh Karrod?" Karrod whirled around to see his master leaning against the fence.
"Master Artorius!" The imperial just shrugged.
"I'm not your master anymore. You can just call me Artorius." Karrod blushed.
"Sorry."
"No need to apologize," he said as he walked over to stand beside his former pupil. "I had the same problem when I first became a journeyman. Now," he said changing the subject, "What seems to be the problem?" Karrod sighed and looked down at the ground. He hesitated before answering.
"Everyone, you, the council, Galthragoth, you all think that I'm ready for this. The thing is that I'm not. Sure I can hold my own when it's just me but now there will be others involved. I'll be responsible for people's lives and getting out alive and I… I just can't do it," Karrod finished quietly. Artorius looked down at him.
"I'm not going to lie; this mission is very dangerous and all of you could end up dead." Karrod snorted.
"Thanks, I feel so much better now. You really know how to give a pep talk." Artorius shook his head.
"My point is that you have to remember why you're doing this. You're doing this to help those people. Never let any other petty emotions like greed or vengeance get in the way of that. If you do die, there is honor dying to protect somebody who can't protect themselves."
"I suppose," Karrod said as he pondered over what his former mentor had said. Artorius gave Karrod a clap on the shoulder and headed back to the fort.
"Don't stay up to late," he called over his shoulder. "You'll need your strength. Oh and good luck," he added. Karrod nodded and stared down at the blade that he held in his hand. He put it back in his sheath. There was no use worrying about things that had yet to happen. He would just deal with them as they came and hope that he could get through it. Karrod entered his quarters and was finally able to get some sleep.
Dawn came oh too early for Karrod. He rolled out of bed and immediately regretted staying up late training. He rubbed his eyes and began to get dressed. He fitted his leather armor and gauntlets on. Karrod reached for the amulet that lay on his dresser. It was enchanted to help protect him from disease. It had been a gift from Artorius and was an invaluable tool for any vampire hunter. Karrod entered the armory and began looking at the stores. He grabbed a short sword of embers, a silver longsword, and several daggers both enchanted and regular ones.
Karrod walked out to the gates and saw his team for the first time in the lightening sky. The first one he noticed was Shug gro-Shat. The orc was massive, standing close to seven feet tall. He was encased in steel armor and an enchanted battle axe hung from his shoulder. An argonian was saddling up his horse. His scales were a reddish orange color and he wore chainmail. Siltta had already mounted her horse and was staring down impatiently at the other two. Some of her long silver hair leaked out of the elven helmet that she wore. Shug gro-Shat was the first one to notice Karrod.
"You must be the one leading this mission. You don't look like much but you know what they say about looks…" Siltta sighed and rolled her eyes.
"That they can be deceiving," she said tiredly.
"No, that they can kill," the orc laughed loudly at his own joke and Karrod allowed a cautious smile to spread across his face. They didn't seem too bad.
"Um, hello," Karrod began awkwardly. "I'm Karrod and I'll be leading this mission so-"
"Yes, why are you leading this mission again?" The argonian interjected. Karrod frowned and turned his attention to the argonian that had finished saddling his horse.
"You must be Twice-Bitten." Twice-Bitten walked up to Karrod and looked him straight in the eye.
"Yes, that's me," he hissed. "Now let's get one thing straight," he said as he poked Karrod in the chest. Karrod bristled but held his tongue. He had always had a little trouble talking to people so of course an obnoxious ass was assigned to his team. The Gods just worked like that. "I am way more experienced than you, and I shouldn't be taking orders from a hatchling. In fact, I should be the one leading this expedition not you!" Karrod removed the finger from his chest and didn't back down.
"Be that as it may, I'm still a member of this guild and as such I will be treated with respect." The argonian snorted.
"You're green. You haven't seen half of the things I've seen." Twice-Bitten pulled down the chainmail around his collar and exposed his neck. Karrod winced as he saw two sets of deep puncture wounds on the argonian's neck. "That is how I got my name," he said wickedly. "When you have a scar to match I might consider you as an equal."
"That's enough Twice-Bitten," Shug gro-Shat said. "If you could keep that up I'll have to start showing off some of my own scars, and not all them are exactly in public areas."
"Please there is a lady present," Siltta complained. Shug gro-Shat turned to the altmer and grinned.
"How you remain regal and dignified while fighting with blood splattered all over you I'll never figure out." Siltta laughed and turned her eyes back on the road.
"It's just a gift I suppose." The high elf glanced over at Karrod. She placed a hand on her chest. "I'm Siltta, that argonian over there has proven that he is Twice-Bitten, and this charmer over here is Shug gro-Shat."
"It's nice to meet you all," Karrod said as he walked over the stables and began to saddle his horse. Karrod got on his horse and trotted over to where the others were. He hesitated for a moment.
"Go on then. If you're leading this mission you should take the point," Shug gro-Shat pointed out. Karrod nodded wordlessly and took at the point of their group. The others all looked at him expectantly, even Twice-Bitten although his look had a lot of scorn in disdain in it.
"Alright, this cave is located about 50 miles from here. If we set a brisk pace we should be able to reach there in about two and a half days."
"That would be around noon wouldn't it?" Siltta asked. "In case we have to make hasty retreat."
"Yes, let's hope for sunny weather in case we get in over our heads." Twice-Bitten snorted and clenched the reigns of his horse.
"Please," he said arrogantly. "I could handle way more than the three of you put together." Siltta gasped and glared at the argonian.
"What did you just say lizard slime?" Karrod began to have a bad feeling about where this was going. Twice-Bitten hissed at her.
"What would you know? You're just an apprentice, and a woman at that." Before Karrod had time to blink, Siltta dismounted her horse and ran over to Twice-Bitten. She threw him off his mount and onto the ground. She then proceeded to punch him in a very un-lady like manner. Shug gro-Shat just rubbed his head tiredly.
"She has to reign in her temper of her's. She'll never be good hunter if she can't control her emotions." The argonian began to fight back and grabbed Siltta by the hair and pulled it with his claws. She cried out in pain and elbowed him in the jaw. Karrod walked over to them and separated them. The two of them began to protest, yelling accusations at each other, but Karrod had had enough.
"Stop it both of you!" The two became quiet at the anger in Karrod's voice. He looked them both in the eye and kept his voice steady as he spoke.
"You two are comrades now. I don't care whether you can't stand each other or the sight of the other. We are on mission. If we can't work together, we will die. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. As soon as this mission is over you can go back to hating each other. Until then, deal with it and get over your pride. Understand?" They both nodded silently with wide eyes. "Good." Karrod turned to get on back on his horse when he bumped into Shug gro-Shat. The Orc looked down at him and smiled.
"Well, it looks like you've got some fire in you. You might make a good leader yet."
"T-Thanks," Karrod mumbled retreating back into his shell now that the conflict was over. He mounted his horse and looked over his shoulder at his team. "Let's go. We're riding out." He began to gallop off down the road. Shug gro-Shat mounted his horse and glanced over at Siltta and Twice-Bitten.
"You heard the man. We're leaving. Get a move on." They hastily mounted their horse and followed after Karrod and Shug gro-Shat. They couldn't have imagined what was in store for them. None of them could have.
A/N: Ominous ending right? As you might have guessed, things are going to go very wrong on this mission. You just don't know the how, why, and where. I'm deviating a little away from the M'Dargo and Chirranirr but they already have had a bunch of chapters. Karrod needs the spotlight now. Tell me what you think, did I portray Karrod okay? Was it different from other chapters? Review and tell me what you think.
