37

The three guards knelt before Ragnar, their heads bowed in respect.

Ragnar looked down at them, his expression stern.

"You have been chosen for a very important mission," he said.

"You are to go to the Blood Moon Pack and find a secret black cave of Oints….or whatever that is. Anyway, you are to bring back whatever you find there. Do you understand?"

They were dressed in plain, commoner clothing to blend in with the crowds they would encounter on their mission to the Blood Moon Pack. Their clothes were simple and functional, with sturdy boots and dark-colored tunics that wouldn't draw attention.

The guards nodded, their faces serious. "We understand, your highness," one of them said.

"We will not fail you."

Ragnar narrowed his eyes, studying them.

"You had better not," he said.

"This is a dangerous mission. The land you are going to is that of my enemy. You must be very careful and move as discreetly as possible. You must not draw attention to yourselves."

The guards nodded agai