Page 4191

The representative from the Venerators, Karrigo Marda, stepped forward to grab one of the items on the table and hold it up for inspection. "You've been quite prolific recently, Lozaro. And working with new materials, too? I've never known you to do much with metal."

Karrigo was, for once, not covered in the decorative streaks of blood that his sect was so well-known for.

Karkash might've wondered why that was, if he'd cared.

The Venerators had been trying to court him for months now, but he had no interest; and thankfully, neither did Hoyohté. The last thing Karkash wanted was to become beholden to some new group of fools, regardless of how much new status or influence might be promised.

He much preferred the current path of forming his own sect. The only problem was finding worthy members.

"Yes," said Lozaro. "Working under Jercash has been quite inspirational for me. I must push toward new horizons."

Karrigo returned a sharp smile. "As must we all." The man's pallid complexion could hardly have looked more different from Karkash's bronzey one. Many of the Mardas were like that, apparently, though not all. "But I must say, I do so enjoy your biologic work. I can't help but feel that we are missing a trick by not deploying any of the diseases you've concocted."

"What nonsense are you spewing?" came another voice, drawing everyone's gaze. It belonged to Jarin Soltan, representative of the Gatherers. He was a square, stocky man with more beard than face. "We've no time for such ineffectual strategies. Indulge in your sick delights after we've won, Marda."

Karrigo was the only one who hadn't turned to look at him. "The objective here is to do as much damage as possible, not defeat the enemy. Surely, even your feeble mind is capable of grasping that, yes?"

Jarin scoffed. "Ever the words of a retreating loser. Is that how you raise your sad, pale children to think, too? It would explain much."

A thick silence fell over the small crowd as everyone waited for the response.

And perhaps it was fortunate that it never arrived, because Karkash could sense the burning vitriol within the Venerator. In a different time and place, a fight would have already broken out.

Yet another reason why Karkash had no interest in joining any of these other sects. He would have to inherit their messy feuds, too.

But then again, continuing to refuse them would probably bring some of that to him, regardless.