Crispy Critters

72,600 words is where the story stands. Two chapters of really terrible things just passed, and now we come to the pivotal moment in the story. Pivotal moments are the best. It's too bad some readers (for instance, my wife, when she reads the first draft) will hate what came immediately before the pivotal moment. But, folks, it had to happen, elsewise the pivotal moment ne'er would've come. Can't you see that? Rivers, waterfalls, more skinless dogs, wretched people, various showdowns and King Helathius are all waiting in the wings.