Markus reached down and placed his fingers in the flowing blood, rubbing it along his thumb to test the texture. He thought he could tell what it would have belong to. He had performed plenty of tracking and scouting on the continent, and you tend to pick up a few things. But the water had diluted it a bit too much. He supposed there was only one way to find out what was wounded, or worse yet, what brought a kill into the keep. 

He looked up at the entryway, satisfied they would not be attacked from behind or the sides. Even undead like skeletons and zombies leave a putrid stink, so none were down here lying in wait. "Keep in mind that whatever is in the keep isn't necessarily what drove men out. There could be many things in there." He said. Grimney watched him as he drew his sword, amazed at how calm and professional he seemed. 

Sron unsheathed his massive two-hander, the blade notched but still feral-y sharp. The Captain signaled for his crew to get in formation. He up front, then Sron, then Calliope, followed by Grimney. The Gnome followed the orders quickly, and Calliope and Sron went into position without much delay. At that, Markus made his way into the two great oak doors of the keep, pushing one open slowly. It creaked far too loudly for his liking, echoing off the walls. 

He stepped in through the filtered light, sword in front at a low guard to keep his blade between he and whatever lurked within. The swordmage was suddenly overwhelmed with an overwhelming stench. He felt as if he had stumbled drunk into a pig pen again like he had back in Port Marrowmere. As Sron entered behind him, Markus saw just what had caused the stink. Inside, the foyer was larger than most well to do living rooms. There were three short stairways leading to the main level, and a small area of lower ground in the 'first foyer' where they stood. The central stairway, only six steps, was the largest that led to two other large doors that no doubt guarded the main hall. 

Atop the central stairway was the body of a decapitated horse, its legs shattered and broken in various different ways. 

Markus shook his head. A fine steed deserved better than this. He had images of his old Destrier in his head, and it soured his current mood even more. "What could have done that?" Markus mouthed, confused. It would have taken a monster of immense strength to break something as large as a horse and drag it in here. He would have contemplated further, if not for the sudden rush of wind and his survival instincts kicking in. 

Markus ducked and dived to the left, Sron already moving as well due to his darkvision. The great doors leading outside slammed shut as a stone slab the size of a man hit it, leaving Calliope and Grimney out in the courtyard suddenly, viciously separated from them for the moment. "Troll beast!" Sron roared, and Markus moved his hair out of his eyes to see he was right. In the dark corridor, a massive beast stepped into the faint light of the room. 

A troll. Fully nine feet in height and seven feet across, with simian and muscled arms that could spread wide like a bird's wingspan. It's skin was grey and rocklike, and its maw was filled with gap-toothed fangs it showcased as it roared, spittle flying onto the once immaculate carpet. "Where's Calliope?" Markus asked aloud. Sron spoke up. "Outside, with the appetizer." 

"The what!?" 

The troll didn't stop to take in the humorous moment, gathering another chunk of masonry to throw from its higher position. 
[@Penny]