A young Bosmer stood trembling before Blood-Breath who watched angrily as the Wood Elf repeatedly missed the target. "I thought Bosmer were supposed to be good archers," Blood-Breath said in disbelief. "You're the worst I've ever seen." The Bosmer pulled back and released. Miss. All 6 arrows had missed the central circle. 3 of them failed to hit the target completely.

"I'm... I'm ever so sorry," apologised the panicking Elf.

"Balthazar! Fetch me my sword.," demanded the angry Argonian. Balthazar entered and placed the Ebony Claymore in Blood-Breath's hands. Blood-Breath clasped onto the sword and raised it above his head.

"No," gasped the terrified Elf, horror written straight across his pointy face. The sword came down quickly, obliterating the Wood-Elf's skull on the way down. Blood sprayed everywhere, splattering across Blood-Breath's clean Ebony armour and onto his face. The sword sliced through the neck and got stuck half way down, blood trickling down onto the dead Bosmer's Iron Armour. Blood-Breath yanked the sword out of the carcass and watched satisfyingly as the body slumped over on to the floor. The headless body stood lifeless, covered in blood and fragments of skull. The spine was exposed, jutting out the top, smeared in gristle and bloody flesh.

"Had it coming," smiled Blood-Breath who handed the bloodied sword to his Red Guard apprentice.

"Was that really necessary?" Asked Balthazar.

"It was good fun," said Blood-Breath triumphantly. "Damn it Balthazar, why are these assassins so useless? Haven't you found any decent recruits?"

"I am trying you know."

"No! You are not trying! If you were trying then we wouldn't be washing our feet in a bath of blood!"

Balthazar made his way out the room, leaving red footprints on the way. "Yeah, that's right, turn your back on me." Blood-Breath muttered in disgust.

Everyone was clearly numbed by Lucien's departure the week before. The twins were beginning to get over it but Scar-Tail was still visibly distraught. "What's wrong?" Asked Rha'Jast, the Khajiiti guard who had taken over Lucien's duties of training the hatchlings, "has someone stolen your sweet roll?"

Scar-Tail looked up from where he was sitting and began to sob. "Urghh, why are you so pathetic?" Moaned Rha'Jast as he backed away in disdain.

Balthazar paced around absent-mindedly looking at the various interpretations of Sithis that hung on the brick walls. One was a painting that was painted black. Another was a statue of a shrouded skeletal figure. "Sithis," murmured the swordsman, "Sithis save us."

Late at night, when the hatchlings were fast asleep, and when the only sound was that of Rha'Jast snoring, there came an unwelcome disturbance. Argonian warriors, clad in enchanted Ebony Armour and red painted helmets piled into the facility. Nine of them fanned out and drew their swords, preparing themselves for potential resistance. The leader of the group approached the bed in Blood-Breath's office and prodded him gently with a sword. No response. He tried again this time slightly harder. "Ouch!" Cried Blood-Breath in alarm. Blood Breath peered beyond the door and saw the other soldiers moving around in the other rooms. "What in the name of Sithis is going on Hides-in-Shadows?"

"It's Captain now, remember?" Replied the fellow Argonian. "We're taking over the facility, from now on we do things my way."

"This facillity is becoming increasingly inefficiant," barked the Captain as he inspected the small cadre of assassins that stood before him. He paced up and down inspecting each one as he walked past. "A Khajiit eh?" The Captain looked Rha'Jast up and down, "what's a kitty cat like you doing in a place like this?" Next to be inspected was Balthazar. "A Red Guard. Young too. You have potential soldier. Make the most of it." The Captain stopped and stared directly into Blood-Breath's eyes. "Interesting." The Captain narrowed his eyes. " You are a big chap aren't you?"

"THIS IS MY FACILLITY," blasted Blood-Breath, anger bursting out of his eyes.

"Hahahaha!" Cackled the senior Argonian with unbridled glee. "Not nice is it? Eh? Being the subordinate?" Hides-in-Shadows leant forward and spat as he spoke, "I'm in charge Beebee. I'm in charge."

Blood-Breath took a step back. He sniffed and blushed. Clearly unnerved by this blatant put-down. It was unlike Blood-Breath, the steely lizard from the swamps of Helstrom, to show any signs of sadness. But alas, Blood-Breath was on the very verge of shedding a tear.

"Watch!" Proclaimed Hides-in-Shadows, "as the mighty Blood-Breath stands defeated!" The others watched as the Captain and his henchmen withdrew from the main chamber, laughing gloatfully as they strided along, victorious.