A Vestrisian Soldier sketchwork

The helmets are coated with blue, and are originally gray once produced in the factories.

Sketch of Vestrisian Soldier

Commando Part 4

Inside the sleeping quarter they rented were three beds. Two were ordinary twin beds and a double bed for couples or lovers. Hilastes and Amonif took the twin beds whereas Maurice shared the double bed with Brittany. As he laid on his back the Red Heart nestled up against him for warmth. She put her head on his shoulder wrapping herself around him. He out his arms around her and began to grab her butt cheeks while she fondled his manhood. His hands squeezed her breasts as one thing led to another. They got carried away and copulated until both grew tired.

      After an early morning meal and coffee the four fighters packed up their luggage and cargo. Once ready they set out towards the Crehx Heights a grouping of peaks shoved together to form one gigantic one in the Sarcagos. The Crehx Heights stretched for a good sixteen to seventeen miles northwest. Behind the Crehx Heights was the Dwarf Kingdom Mount Ayalim. For hours they journeyed through the Kherndaruhl valley where some trade posts scattered about the sides of the road. The road had a tall tower and a checkpoint with an outlook tower on top marking the borders of the Kherndaruhl realm. Kherndaruhl’s banner was of purple field flanked by a turquoise border. The emblem was a pair of white goat horns flanking a white sword in the shape of a rune letter. Far off in the distance to their left sat another tower with the purple banner flapping in the wind.

      Along the cobblestone road to the tower they came across multiple patches of bushes with berries, flowers, and spearhead fruits. At one of these berry bushes was a family of black bears having their meal. The bears left the four smugglers alone who happened to be fighters, commandos, and two ex-soldiers. Up ahead the commando-smuggler spotted what appeared to be a cage on a set of wheels. They progressed down the road running into the cage that contained a prisoner. This prisoner was an ex-Gargoyle of Death a notorious gang under the leash of the Dwarf warlords. He still wore the tan jacket with the black claw of the Gargoyles. It appeared roughened, torn, worn out, and dirty much like the prisoner himself. This cage prisoner was escorted by two Kherndaruhl guards, a sheriff, and a deputy/bounty hunter. From the looks of the guards’ armor there were more with the ex-Gargoyle indicating he was an outlaw to civilized communities.

      The two groups passed each other as the commando and his three companions made their way up to the border. At the checkpoint and tower sat and elderly looking dwarf monk dressed in brown robes wearing a silver amulet around his neck. The hood was pulled over his head and the old the dwarf wielded a long staff with a bronze compass for the staff head. He chanted continuously towards another group of travelers loaded with hiking, and climbing gear. This dwarf was chanting for safe travels to all who passed him. His chants went to the Deity of Journeys, Hazal.

      According to the religion of the Dwarves Creed Hazal was prayed to before going on the road. It was also customary for monks to chant along with the road praying on behalf of travelers for safe journeys. With this monk were several guards manning posts at the tower and the checkpoint. The four of them stopped so the guards can impact their cargo and the pass, which were papers that granted access through Dwarf lands. This procedure also required each traveler to show an ID or photo of themselves.

      Brittany handed the pass over to the leading Dwarf Guard who went inside the check point. All four had to wait for the main warden of this border check point. While they waited Maurice looked around checking out the tower and checkpoint. His attention was drawn to the monk’s feet where a Gantronese skull sat below the monk’s stool. The Gantronese skull still had the goblet shaped helmet with the jungle netting It showed the Gantronese did have a presence in the Sarcagos while it tried to occupy the Unknown lands. The Gantronese lost countless numbers of troops in the southern parts of the Unknown lands from fighting savage cannibalistic tribes along with the Vestrisian Union. Those who lived in the Sarcagos resisted quite heavily against the Gantronese occupation. However the Dwarves bid their time and struck around 1844 when the VAVR reached the Sarcagos.

      The warden came out of his post asked for their IDs as he handed their pass back to Brittany. Each of them pulled out their ID and photo to show to the warden. Lieutenant Maurice Viyamor took out his wallet with his VAVR military ID. It was issued in 1842 the very first year he began his service to his beloved VUVR. When all IDs were examined the warden let them on their way towards the Crehx Heights. The small caravan quickly strode on the Dwarf constructed cobblestone road.

      This cobblestone road went through a field of tall grass mixed with bushes, and trees scattered all over the place except the road. There was no doubt more skeletons of dead Gantronese soldiers strewn about the field from past fighting. That did not mean anything to the small caravan since they had to hustle before it turned dark. For two hours the caravan paced their way to the Crehx, which were getting bigger as they drew closer. Maurice looked to the left letting his Goat like steed follow the two large cats. Another range of Mountains flanked the Kherndaruhl called the Kafyg Range. This range stood about ten miles deep and stretched nine miles. It ended at the bases of two other mountains called the Vlyks Mountain and the nameless mountain. Rumors say the Nameless one is where dozens of vaults dot the face of the Mountain. However the Kafyg Range and the Vlyks host both Purple Beasts and one large confederacy of Beast Men tribes.

      When they came within a quarter of a mile of the Crehx base a stake in the road with several signs stood in their path. The road sign marked an intersection in the road. It split up into three different pathways. Here they stopped to read the signs briefly. One pointed to the Kherndaruhl, another pointed to the north, a third pointed to the Vlyks Mountain. The Crehx Heights and the fourth sign pointed at the Vlyks Mountain. The Crehx Heights sign had another one labelled “start of the Grik Pass”. It is a path through the Sarcagos that is infested with travelers, friars, outlaws, bandits, and Savage Beasts from the Vlyks Confederacy.

      All of them took a deep breath and proceeded on the Grik Path. The last time they were on the cobblestone road the caravan took the northern road which snaked around the Crehx. This time they took the more swift, direct, but dangerous path. As the small Caravan approached the base of the Crehx sounds of shooting could be heard in the distance up ahead. Whatever the shooting was about it must have involved bandits against outlaws, each other, the law or those Beasts of the Sarcagos. From the base they proceeded onward ignoring the constant shooting they heard. Along the way the caravan came across abandoned military outposts built by the Gantronese as well as skeletons of Gantronese dead. A few had spears in them while others appeared crushed or beheaded. It was apparent that the Gantronese were not welcome here.

      Grik Pass grew more winding as they progressed. It also seemed to rise up a little forming a ramp like bridge up the Heights. The Crehx appeared to be like any other Mountains with large rocks, boulders, and trees covering parts of the mountains’ faces. Upon the Grik Pass the caravan came nearer the source of the shooting. Up ahead was another path trailing off the Grik Pass flanked by two large boulders. Next to this path were bandits shooting at foes attacking them. Through the spaces between trees and boulders Maurice spotted a gang of sixty to seventy bandits lined up in defensive positions. They appeared to be fighting off two groups of beasts. It as best to keep going since these bandits were all outlaws. There was no clear number of beasts attacking. Maurice calculated there were over a few hundred or more beasts. By the time they got a clear view of this battle more rocks and trees blocked their view as the path grew steeper.

      The steepness ended as the path became level after a few hundred feet or so. It soon turned into long stretched out switchbacks. These switchbacks made it easier to trek up the Crehx. Maurice counted up to four of these switchbacks before it became dark. In the middle of one switch back they came across an old abandoned mine. For one night they stayed inside the old mine taking their steeds and yakox inside. The following morning the caravan proceeded onward. Breakfast felt rushed since they had to push upward forcing them to eat on the road. As they progressed further up the mountains it grew colder and signs of frost could be seen upon the path.

      After four more hours of ascending the path the caravan reached the top of the Heights. There were more paths breaking off the Grik Pass snaking around the jagged peaks. Crehx’s peaks appeared numerous with the mountain roads winding around them. When the caravan made its way around a small peak they ran into some Tuxir. Fourteen Tuxir warriors rode upon the backs of the Jumbo cats which they actually called Cabrakan-Tadi. These Tuxir wielded rifles, pistols, war clubs, war axes, knives, iron spear tipped lances, and javelins. Each Tuxir wore decorative clothing from trading, looting bodies of dead Gantronese, and handmade hide clothing. The party of Tuxir was heading south back to the Tuxir confederacies. The two groups crossed paths letting the other go on about their own business.

      Maurice took the lead while preparing for the final push towards Mount Ayalim. He went for a pistol in the saddle sensing danger around them as they moved on the path between two peaks. His companions also went for their weapons almost sensing danger. In the shadows of the peaks lurked Purple Beasts and Beastmen that liked to pounce on anyone who took this path in between peaks. Behind the peaks and larger rocks many of these Beasts lay waiting to ambush them. The commando stopped in the middle of the road halting the caravan. All four of them slowly dismounted as an attempt to bait these creatures.

      Within moments of dismounting the Beasts fell for the bait. Approximately ten to twelve Beasts jumped out of the dark. Another group of Beasts attacked from their right flank. Each of them opened fire on both groups as their steeds went on the offensive. Their cats swung their claws striking down numerous Beasts as the goats rammed several to the ground. Plenty more beasts attacked them trying to overwhelm and surround the caravan. It would have worked if none of them had modernized guns and ferocious steeds.

      For some number of minutes the four smugglers fought off a large group of Beast Men and Purple Beasts. Scores upon scores of dead bodies encircled them. Hundreds of Beasts still surrounded them, but stayed clear of their cats and goats. Maurice and Brittany found themselves back to back killing as many Beasts as they could. Hilastes and Amonif fared as well as their own steeds did. From the looks of these beasts Maurice assumed these groups were the ones attacking the outlaws.

      Another score of Beasts fell to the caravan’s weapons when something scared them off. Maurice turned to his right and saw six Ayalim Green Rangers, Eight Militia and twelve Dwarf patrolmen firing on the two groups of Beasts. Each of them ceased firing once the last of the Beasts vanished back to their part of the Crehx. All the smugglers could actually relax and recover their steeds, which still stuck nearby.

      The four smugglers were relieved to see such a sight like this coming to bail them out. Maurice looked down at two dead Beasts a Beast Man and a Purple Beast. The Beast man appeared very savage like with long shanks, dirty fur all over his body and fangs along with a row of sharp teeth. On top of another Beast Man was a Purple Beast. The Purple looking creatures looked very ape like and almost orc like up close only with fur. He noticed those creatures dyed their furs in some purple powder from head to toe. Brittany pulled him away so they could get going on the road.

      With a larger group of escorts the caravan made their way to the other side of the peaks. From here Mount Ayalim could be seen standing high amongst a few mounds around it. Maurice felt that his mission was almost over. He descended the path heading towards Ayalim. The path down this side of the Crehx felt safer and quicker. It was mainly because they were going down instead of trekking upward. Along the way they stopped at an inn to rest as it grew dark again.

      While they stayed at the inn the patrols and Rangers left to attend to their own duties. The next morning all four of them got up for a hot meal before setting out with the militia. For six hours they made their way down the path passing towers, cottages, settlements, farms, and a few scattered mills. When they came to the base of one of the mounds a few Dwarf Cleavers halted them. A high ranking officer of the city stood at the mound with the Commander of the Guard, Prince Kulem, and the King himself come to exchange Maurice’s gathered cargo. 

Commando Part 3

Kherndaruhl towered over the cities Khern Darum and Narerum. It appeared more like a colossal citadel carved delicately to stand out amongst the mountains. Scores of statues and carvings of various faces dotted certain parts of the citadel like mountain. Amongst these statues were an array of towers and bastions jutting out. There were a number of battlements and turrets encircling the mountain like ornaments on a tree. To the tired commando Lieutenant Maurice Viyamor Kherndaruhl and it cities were only another stop. As they went out of the hills the city of Narerum was closest to them. Slowly Maurice, Brittany and the Unseen Bears Hilastes McKaw, Amonif Topaz made their way up to the gates of Narerum. There a group of sixteen guards halted their caravan twenty feet from the large baguette shaped gate to the city. Narerum was defended by a wall fifty foot high and eight feet thick of dwarf carved stone with guard towers. Each guard tower was placed about thirty feet away from the other as two larger towers flanked the gate. These Dwarf towers had a hexagonal shaped platform with four guards armed with crossbows and rifles.

            The sixteen Dwarf guards were clad in banded plate armor that appeared very comfortable to wear in battle. There were armed with crossbows, axes at their sides, glaives, halberds and spears. Some had the modern Hillflayer J-47 rifle manufactured in Grussia around 1841 along with the Lorick Dancing Repeaters. These weapons made their way into Dwarf hands through the Eothian trade routes. His companions had the Vestrisian and Gantronese rifles of the day. As they stood with the Dwarf guards dusk turned to night. In the dark the guards had to light their lanterns to inspect the four smuggling fighters. Here in the Sarcagos using flashlights at night would only bring unwanted guests or worse to the settlements or to you.

            When they got to Maurice and his Yakox the Night watchman was strolling out if his shack looking post in the walls. He could only see the light of the lanterns and what the lights illuminated. For a brief few seconds the guards checked Maurice and the Yakox’s cargo. These guards apparently did not take their time since the night had come and no one wanted to mess with the large cats. One of them shouted up to the top of the wall for the gate to be opened for them.

            All sixteen of the guards left them alone as the gate to Narerum opened to the caravan granting them entrance inside Narerum. The entered the city leaving the guards to the dark night of the Sarcagos Mountains. Inside the walls of Narerum stood a Dwarf city full of different cultures, peoples, laborers, miners, lumberjacks, smiths, warriors, ranchers and Yakox herders. Despite being a Dwarf city Narerum was basically a melting pot. Through the dark streets the four of them passed blocks full of  various styled homes from Dwarf homes, lodges, stonework, craftsman style homes, sheds, and plenty of timbered homes.

            Although it was dark Maurice could still make out the number of stories these structures were. There were single story homes, two story houses, and even three story homes amongst stores, vendors, workshops-studios, carpenters, smithies, masons, miner equipment sheds, tailors, tanners, tanners for furs, and some local churches. Towards the center of the city was the city hall, market/exchange, barracks, armory, arsenal, and Governor’s Magistrate. Along the way were the taverns, inns, brothels, various guilds, pubs, and the local theatre. That was the part of Narerum they were looking for.

            Through the streets of Narerum the four companions came across miners, guards, drunkards, night watchmen, and thugs. These thugs of Narerum only came out at night except when the rains or storms came through. Approximately four different groups of thugs prowled the streets. Each group of thugs belonged to a different gang, faction or army such as the Gantronese. Maurice looked around them spotting two of these groups in lights of the street lights. One group belonged to the Behemoth Brigade and the other happened to be associated with the Omnir Raiders under the leash of a few dangerous warlords.  

            Both of these groups were still threats to them, especially the Behemoth Brigade Thugs whom worked for the Gantronese. The Omnir Raiders acted more like mercenaries, hired thugs doing dirty work or enforcing certain taxes owed to the dangerous circle of warlords called the Gargoyles of Sarcagos. They came across an inn-tavern called the Sudden Inn a large inn with a tavern/brothel across from the Typical Bone and Iron Pub. Just next to the Sudden Inn was a volley stand for steeds and any beasts of burdens. An elf, a strong looking dwarf and a tall Uwaux wearing a Tuxir fur cap lined with turquoise beads stood at the stand. Without a word Brittany reached into a satchel as they dismounted. She pulled out a bag full of Obsidian Triangles the currency of Kherndaruhl. The Dwarf stretched out his hand as she paid him forty Obsidian Triangles, ebony colored coins with a triangle in its center. These coins were worth hundred Mountain Coppers each, the originally main currency of the Sarcagos.

            Once the dwarf was paid the Uwaux grabbed the reins of the Jumbo Cat steeds while the Dwarf took the large goats and Yakox. Maurice handed the Dwarf a piece of gold moon ornament from a necklace he stumbled upon in the ruins. It was to ensure the Dwarf would not be nosy

            In the air was a mixed aroma of weeds, tobacco smoke along with smells of bread baking, stew cooking, and various meats roasting above the fires in the kitchens behind the fire places. It felt very warm from the furnaces and fires in the center of the inn. To their right stood the Innkeeper’s counter desk where the Innkeeper would be was a very fine looking half-elf clerk with nice breasts underneath the sweater she wore. Her auburn hair made appear more human save for the ears. She was known as “Nissa Redwood-Hart” since she did not favor anyone touching her or seducing her. Nissa’s real name was Saida Treestrider from Naatidra. It is still unknown why or how she came to be here, but patrons left her alone about her personal past. Nissa looked up from her book to check them in their rooms. This time each of them paid twenty five Obsidian Triangles for their room and meals. As soon as the clerk signed their names in and placed the money in the register a wench escorted them to a table.

            The four of them sat down at a table next to a working furnace that emitted heat to warm up the common area. Maurice sat down with the bar area to his right where the drunks, and some smokers sat. In front of him sat Hilastes as Brittany and Amonif sat on either side of him. All four ordered Mountain’s Dark Ale, rye bread, and a platter of cut up roast boar meat.

            Maurice observed the common area and the surrounding patrons. Behind Hilastes was the brothel section labelled as the “Oval Chamber” situated in the back of the inn. He spied miners, shopkeepers, lumberjacks that smelled like saw dust, and some travelers amongst the local patrons. One fluffy looking tapestry from a bear’s hide hind on the wall showing how large the beast was. It was clear the Innkeeper was a big game hunter. Near the kitchens sat a huge wolf like dog that just watched everyone. His gaze then turned to a support beam with a shelf with a dark brown yellowish cat perched upon it. This feline watched him with its blue eyes until another fuzzy tailed grey cat caught its attention.

            Their meals and drinks came carried by a curvy, short, but strong looking woman with brown locks of hair tied in four braids. She set them down revealing her wench’s collar-necklace and melon sized breasts. Other women had the normal features, but this woman aroused the three men. Hilastes smiled at her causing her to point him towards the brothel area in case he desired pleasurable company. When she left all four of them gorged down upon the boar hungrily and gulped down their ales as five or more figures entered the Sudden Inn. Sounds of patrons standing up to leave could be heard behind them. Others started to leave when more entered. The brothel doors opened and out came six prostitutes with the patrons leaving. Hilastes finished his portion of the meal and got up to join the prostitutes. Amonif left as well for more beer at the half empty bar, leaving Brittany and Maurice alone. The two of them stared into each other’s eyes feeling something was up as more patrons shuffled in.

            Out of the corner of his eye the commando spotted two figures at a table two tables away from the bar eyeing them. Another figure appeared that appeared thuggish went for a prostitute and forced his body on her humping away while looking over his shoulder at him. He noticed Brittany was transfixed upon something or someone behind him. She had one hand on a hidden weapon and reached over to nudge him a little. Maurice heard four sets of footsteps come up to them from behind. At the bar area three thugs in rough leathery military parkas cornered Amonif unawares that he was a Forsythan.

            The atmosphere grew tense inside the common room even though the rest of the patrons were merry and oblivious. Slowly Maurice put his hand on the two pronged fork left on the table when one of them put a hand on his shoulder. He gripped the fork getting ready to stab him as he and Brittany waited for an opportunity to strike. Just seconds passed before anything happened. It felt like an eternity was passing by as they just sat still. Loud screaming came from the brothel followed by sounds of a struggle. The other prostitutes went to flirt with patrons in the far corner when gunshots were heard from the brothel. About four prostitutes came screaming out of the brothel half naked. It scared the entire common room drawing everyone’s attention to the Oval Chamber. A shirtless man with four tattoos came flying out and crashed onto the floor. In the doorway stood Hilastes holding another tattooed figure in a half-nelson under his armpit. He was wielding a brand new modern day eight chambered revolver in the other hand. The big Unseen Bear squeezed the life out of his captive then shot the other one five times.

            Maurice stabbed the arm of the hand on his shoulder then pulled the owner tossing him to the floor. Brittany pulled out a knife then used a fork to stab the nearest thug in the gut. She used her knife to stab the second thug in the throat’s base. At the bar Amonif kicked the middle one like a mule would forcing the thug into a table of miners. He grabbed another thug by the head then slammed his skull into the bar six times. Amonif elbowed the third one in the stomach instantly dropping him. Maurice saw this and shot up kicking his chair into the last one behind him. He just heard the sounds of the thug being thrown back by the force of the chair kicked into him. This thug foolishly grabbed the hottest part of the furnace burning his own hand upon impact. A hissing sound came from the contact with the furnace alongside a shriek of pain from the thug before someone knocked him out.

            The two figures sitting down sprung up to attack Maurice and Brittany, but Hilastes fired two shots hitting both of them. Amonif went to the thug he kicked into the miners grabbed him by the throat and lifted him up. Maurice witnessed the sheriff and three guards arrest the one he tossed to the floor after stabbing him with a fork.

            Without warning the thug Amonif elbowed earlier regained himself and attacked a guard. He instantly killed the dwarf guard. The other two guards shot him with their rifles. Patrons fled the inn as others cowered in corners, behind the bar, and against the wall on the other side of the common  room. When the violence seemed to end and everything quieted down Amonif’s captive tried fumbling in his pockets for something else. That only infuriated the Forsythan who squeezed harder strangling him to death. He dropped the dead thug to the floor as the sheriff and guards rounded up the survivors. After the lethal brawl was done patrons returned to their seats and carried on like nothing happened. The sheriff showed them a Behemoth Brigade’s emblem of a red horned troll skull flanked by Gantronese tentacles on a thug’s coat. It showed them who was behind the attack. All four of them paid five more Obsidian Triangles to the Innkeeper for the fighting, damages, and the deaths. While the sheriff and the guards took the two thugs away the four victors retired to their rented quarter. They only wished to rest before another day of trekking through the Sarcagos. 

Completed Nazdar Slaver Sketchwork

The Nazdar sketchwork

Captain Degrast Griffin-Spear

(Aboard Shark Class U-boat 019 aka The Hidden Sorrow)

[Winter of 1842 A.N. Iwodian seas]

For two years Captain Griffin-Spear and his crew sunk ship after ship. His class U-boat had a set record, which equaled ten other U-boats of the Vestrisian Navy. Four of those were already lost, one to a storm, another sank and the rest destroyed by Gantronese depth charges. In a fleet of hundreds of U-boats Griffin-Spear’s Hidden Sorrow had more luck against depth charges and mines than any other U-boat.

            His luck was not about to change nor did the luck of the Vestrisian fleets in the Valde ocean. With a navy of 801 vessels the VUVR was able to defeat the combined fleets of Vullan and her allies. In a mere four months the glorified navies of the Vullanese Empire, and Gontrella lost over sixty seven vessels. That was nothing compared to the hundreds of sailed ships Vullan lost in 1841 during the attempts to reclaim their half of some of the border islands. Months after losing the first few Vullan’s Maesters sent their frigates, bombard ships, and manowars. They sunk within the first few hours of the assault.

            Griffin-Spear and other U-boat Captains chose not to shoot at those. They thought it best to leave that job to the destroyers, and frigates. In early 1842 his superiors ground down on them to take them out and save any survivors. It was the navy’s duty to take out any vessels and pick up the surviving crew members. He recalled sinking nine vessels within the first three weeks of their involvement in the war. As Captain he had a log of the vessels the U-boat sunk. By the middle of 1841 the Sorrow was ordered to move ahead with a hundred others sinking Gantronese and Nazdar vessels while they fought for control over Vullan. Once they had sunk a certain number of vessels they were to slip past enemy lines to Al-Dadoria or return home. Their strategy was to give their forces supremacy across the seas between the Vullanese Islands. This cut the southern half of the Vullanese Empire in half and severed some supply lines.

            It had been predicted that Vullan would fall to Vestrisia by 1843, but the countless Nazdar and Gantronese troops pushed that back to 1845. Now it was the year 1842 a month later and it would be 1843. He and a squadron of fifteen other U-boats were sent to the southern seas of the Iwodian Ocean. His squadron along with eight other Submarine squadrons sailed through the two mile wide Tulehp River.

            The winter of 1842 was coming to a close in the ports of Evusian city Abiros Ecallor. U-boat 019 aka The Hidden Sorrow was just now leaving the U-boat base where Captain Griffin-Spear received his orders to intercept and destroy a small convoy holding a Gantronese envoy. He sat in wardroom reading his orders to himself. His superiors told him to use any of the bases set up in the neutral islands. Even though the Evusian Empire was playing a neutral role its empress was determined to sink any Gantronese vessel. Her shrill attitude towards the Gantronese told them to stay out of her waters.

            As he read through the orders Captain Degrast Griffin-Spear heard someone enter the wardroom. He looked up to see who it was. First Mate Omar Zangi-Alamut stood in the room with his hands folded behind his back. The first mate was a dark skinned son of Badraan who joined the naval Academy of Geverine. He was immediately assigned to serve as First Mate for five years aboard the Hidden Sorrow.

            “Captain we have reached the seventh reef. Should we begin our dive now?” Omar Zangi Alamut asked the Captain.

            Captain Griffin-Spear nodded at the First Mate. “Yes First Mate prepare the sub to dive. I will be in the control room shortly.”

            “Yes sir, Captain. Should I give the orders or wait for you?” First Mate Zangi-Alamut asked him.

            “No I shall give the word once I am there. You are dismissed Lieutenant First Mate.” Captain Griffin-Spear dismissed his first mate and glanced over the orders one more time before he joined his crew in the control room. He got up and went straight to the control room. There he witnessed his crew preparing themselves for the dive. Half the crew members were new and the other half was experienced with submarine warfare.

            “Lieutenant Grab-Harpoon prepares the sub for diving. Ensure all hatches are securely shut. I need pressure valves tightened or loosened. Get the engine room prepared for the dive.” Captain Griffin-Spear commanded.

            He watched as his commands were taken and the crew did their assigned jobs. His main concern was how long before they reached their destination. Degrast had the tendency to check the time numerous times a day. It was a habit his succubus like concubine and younger sister would fuss and gripe at him about on a daily basis. Now his concubine had given him two daughters and his own family fussed at him whenever he came home. The duty to his country not only defended the citizens of the Republics but his family as well.

            “Captain we are ready to dive.” A crew man said as the diving alarms sounded.

            “Take her down 400 feet below sea level.” Griffin-Spear commanded.

            “Aye, Captain! Are we taking her deeper?” one of the crewmen asked Griffin-Spear.

            “No not today private. On another day we will test the Hidden Sorrow.” Captain Griffin-Spear answered. He stood next to the periscope as the Sorrow began her dive into the ocean. Degrast held on to the handle hanging from the ceiling on a strong chain. Other crewmen held on to whatever they could grab as they felt the floor vibrated underneath them. The Hidden Sorrow’s hull started to groan and creak as it went further into the ocean. Various other noises joined the hull’s groaning and grumbling. He listened to the beeping sounds of the monitors and the loud sirens of the diving alarms. There were also the squeaky sounds of the valves and Manifolds turning. The Officer On Deck was Lieutenant Janir Velkonoy held on to a dangling handle as the Sorrow made her dive.

            For several minutes the Hidden Sorrow dove into the Iwodian Sea. Crew member Seaman Leslie Miant-Rose counted the depths aloud in the control room. It was only four hundred feet, but she still counted them aloud anyways.

            “We are hitting fifty feet sir…one hundred feet…one hundred and fifty feet…two hundred feet sir…two hundred and fifty feet sir…three hundred feet sir…three hundred and fifty feet…four hundred feet sir!” she counted as the Sorrow reached a depth of four hundred feet.

            Captain Griffin-Spear raised his hand to stop her counting. Four hundred feet may have been shallow for a submarine, but it was enough for now. They still had to surface once they were parallel with the borders of Meze and Naem. It was so Naem would know it was them and not the Gantronese attacking from a north eastern route.

            “That will be all Mian-Rose, diving crews that will be fine four hundred feet is a good depth for now!” he ordered the crew members at their stations. He turned his gaze towards the steering hands at the steering station with the OOD behind them. Lieutenant Velkonoy still clung to the handle when the vessel stopped its dive. Once she settled at four hundred feet OOD Lieutenant Velkonoy took his usual position behind the steer hands.

            “Lieutenant Velkonoy have the Hidden Sorrow steer to the north west at 293 degrees.” Griffin-Spear ordered as Lieutenant First Mate Omar Zangi-Alamut took his position next to him.

            “Aye, aye Captain!” the OOD cried happy to receive orders from his Captain.

            Griffin-Spear turned to his First Mate and nodded to him who nodded back in return. For about three and a half days they sailed at thirty four knots to their intended mark, which was parallel with the borders of Nahem and Meze. There the submarine resurfaced so the Captain and his First Mate staff could observe the seas. When Griffin-Spear got up to the conning tower he discovered other Vestrisian submarines floating along the sea’s currents. He counted at least fifteen other submarines heading in the same direction as the Hidden Sorrow was headed. For three more days the squadron of submarines trekked up to the waters of the Tante Republic and Borvados.

            All sixteen or so submarines made a pit stop at a Borvadosian platform in the middle of the Sanguine circle. It was a set of reefs and small cluster of islands with a large structure with the appearance of a port and oil rig combined. Here the submarines refueled and resupplied on need provisions and supplies. A former Ivodran Royal Guards woman offered the crew two hundred and forty extra blankets. Griffin-Spear allowed his crew to take this offer in exchange for a large dwarf crafted clock inside the radio room. Three of his crew men took it apart and gave it to the woman.

            Once every submarine was loaded up, refueled, and resupplied the squadron set out again. Degrast felt very confident in this mission for it would be a huge blow to the Gantronese forces once this envoy was dead. His target was the reasons why the Gantronese had so many island continents for bases and landings. Their empire began from those large islands through the accursed unknown lands, around some nations and to the Valde Ocean. It was even at the borders of the Vestrisian Union of the Vestrisian Republics after consuming the Zekmar Empire. His target’s name was Minister-Inquisitor-Daimyo Iseri Begopa Tatsui a very shrewd and strict Gantronese ruler. He was also responsible for the massacres and persecutions of various peoples. With him out of the picture the Gantronese hold over the unknown lands would slip.

            Within a day and a fortnight the squadron arrived at the spot. This particular area of the southern seas was at the edges of an entire sea of reefs, islets, and platforms built on the ocean surface. These platforms were constructed by the Gantronese and some other races. Stories tell of an alien race that came down from the skies. To locals they are angels of knowledge and to others deities. This alien race is still unknown and mysterious. Rumors say the Gantronese wiped them out and forced their slaves to finish the platforms. That was most likely a century ago and the rumors were all exaggeration.

            Degrast decided to take a look through the periscope as they slowly made their way to destination A. He scanned the surface of the seas in search of the convoy. On the surface were the reefs standing above the surface among the islets and platforms. Each one appeared to be abandoned and deserted despite the raggedy and torn up banners. Several torn up Gantronese flags could be seen dangling over the towers and small forts built on the islets. His thoughts went straight to his daughter Atheer who always wanted to travel the world and explore the southern islands with her three friends. He recalled a night when he spoke to them after dinner. As a father, guardian, and god father to Atheer’s friends Irine, Marjie, and Estelle, Degrast warned them to steer clear of the current warzones, frontlines, and especially the unknown lands.

            The Captain hoped they heeded his warnings and imagined his daughter was likely on the beaches of Evusia. His next thought was towards Irine’s damned boyfriend named Corteres when he spotted a small convoy emerging out of the cluster of structures. This Corteres fellow was some naïve, obnoxious, upbeat, carefree, and childish athlete. Corteres had a reputation as a star athlete in the southern seas. As he watched this small convoy move out into the open Degrast prayed to Al-Hana that Irine would just find another mate.

            “Lieutenant Zangi-Alamut go to the radio room and tell Ensign Menelson to contact the other subs.” Degrast ordered with his eyes fixed on the convoy.

            “Aye, aye Captain!” Zangi-Alamut shouted.

            “Lieutenant Velkonoy, diving crews be ready to move on my mark. Get into position of firing torpedoes!” Degrasted commanded as he felt his beard itch slightly. “Jailbitter go get the torpedoes loaded and ready to be launched!”

            His orders were obeyed as he quietly spied on the convoy like a buzzard or predator waiting for the moment to attack. This convoy seemed to be going slow as though it were hauling or carrying something extremely heavy. It could also mean they did not expect any attacks out here in neutral waters. However the neutral nations granted the Vestrisian Army and Navy access to their zones.

            Unfortunately the neutral nations put a time limit on how long they could operate in their waters. They were limited to duration of two years, which was not very long at all. Despite the ever looming threat of the Gantronese Empire they still wanted their neutral zones left alone by the year 1843.

            “Captain, the torpedoes are loaded and ready to launch!” a crew member informed him.

            “We are not in range yet Velkonoy have the steersmen turn two degrees to the right and we shall fire torpedoes!” Degrast ordered his crew while transfixed on the small convoy of only seven ships. Their sights were now aligned perfectly for a direct hit.

            “FIRE TORPEDOES!” Degrast yelled with excitement as the orders were repeated to the torpedo launch crews.

            He could only see the bubbles rising up from where the torpedoes left the Submarine. The two projectiles were like invisible hounds going after the hunted game. Degrast watched the convoy waiting for torpedoes to hit home and sink a vessel. Within minutes of their launch the deadly projectiles hit one vessel in the center. The vessel that was hit immediately caught fire and slowly sank into the ocean. Apparently the second torpedo hit an escort vessel in the nose. It caused a large fiery explosion that tore the escort vessel’s bow off creating a hole in its hull.

            “We have two hits and two ships are going to the bottom!” Degrast cried with joy telling his whole crew. Every crew member aboard the Hidden Sorrow cheered, threw their hat in the air and let out an “Ura” in response. Degrast smiled at this accomplishment as he watched the vessels sink more of the convoy came under attack. All five were hit with torpedoes causing each one to explode and catch fire.

            It was quite a splendor for a sight to see the flames rise up and dance with smoke emitting from the damaged ships. The Captain took his eyes away from the periscope and it down. His crew were still celebrating the two kills of the day. Degrast watched them jump around and cheer like fans at a stadium. The Captain turned his gaze to Lieutenant Velkonoy feeling very confident Envoy Minister Inquisitor Daimyo Tatsui was dead from possible drowning.

            “Lieutenant Velkonoy set course for the Kingdom of Alagen. Our mission here is complete.” 

Attempted Assassantion

[Autumn 1845, Eshan city, Eusvame]

Celebrations of Zampar thrived within the city of Eshan. Zampar was the memorial day for the Zhenrai Crusades over the Boathrin Kingdom. The Zhenrai Order rallied multiple nations against the Vullanese in a series of religious wars. Boathrin Kingdom was where mages practiced their sorcery. The Zhenrai fought to protect the Lovely kingdom from the claws of the Vullanese temples who wanted these sorcerers under their skills and power. The Zhenrai Order was victorious over Vullan numerous times. Crowds in the streets cheered, laughed and played on this glorious day of peace.

            On one side of the great palace were the leaders of the Vestriisian Union. The leaders were King-Aedile Orion of Naatidra, Councilor Koras of Ezonel, King Taran III of Zedarkand who was just arriving with his five sons. There was Ephor- Consulate Alon of Geverine, Chief Mowan of Nochania, Grand-Duke Drasta of Boathria, Chancellor of Lheobethe, Sheikh Villa of Gaskouth Ladai, Minister-Consul Qallin of Castaria, King-Doge Bardouth of New Valorum and in the center was Furd Antalace Greymir, leader of the entire Vestrisian Army. Leaders of other nations were also present. Taran Kyshar III ascended the stairs followed by his five sons Tanar, Tidrith, Tioban, Tidus, and Trubin. Two scores of armored soldiers trailed at their heels. The old monarch greeted each fellow leader and walked up to Antalace.

            "I feel that this is some sort of diversion to get rid of Queen Lizan." he murmured to the other leaders.

            "So do we all Taran!" replied Chancellor Tilla. "So do we all!"

            Taran raised his eyebrows, smiling slightly. He was happy to know he wasn't the only one to feel the ceasefire was just part of a conspiracy to murder the queen.

            "I wonder. Who called for a ceasefire on this day?" asked Bardouth.

"Who else?" growled Antalace, he pointed at the opposite side of the palace court yard. On the other side of the palace were the Maesters and Praetors of Vullan. The Vullanese looked to see the Union leaders talking and looking their way.

            "They're on to us! They know what we're planning!" Praetor Miske whispered to Silos. Silos gave him a strange look.

            "Are you sure they know? We have none our allies with us. So they shouldn't suspect anything rash against us." The Maester said. Silos turned to the Union leaders, smiled and waved.

             "May peace be with us all for we do not wish to do any harm or battle in front of the Queen!" he yelled to them and waved again. He received the middle finger from all Union leaders. Only Taran’s sons laughed at this. They then drew their attention to watch a parade of troops marching down the streets. The elf Chancellor Tilla sighed as she watched the parade.

            "It's too bad Arctice was unable to come. Since his father was assassinated." The Chancellor said as she shed one tear.

            "Yes it is a pity. The poor lad must be devastated by his father, Argrithe being murdered!" Antalace muttered, calming the female elf.

            "Where is he anyway?" asked Drasta.

            "He's safely getting out of Vrec Ren Vieth." replied Antalace.

Trubin tapped Antalace on the shoulder. "Yes. What is it Trubin?"

            "I was wondering. Why-?" Trumpets blew and the crowd cheered even more and louder.

            "Another time boy!" Antalace yelled above the trumpets. They drew their attention to the Palace. Queen Lizan exited the palace with her eight maidens. She was escorted by her husband Lord General Mysdran Arden Omas, in his Vestrisian uniform. The group was guarded by 16 Zhenrai Knights, encircled by four dozen armored guards, surrounded by a hundred and twenty Vestrisian soldiers. In her arms she carried her two year old daughter, Cerinne. Clinging to her violet dress was her four year old son, Kozen. The large group descended the steps, then stopped when little Kozen had fallen. Arden picked him up with one arm and held him. Lizan kissed her son's forehead to calm him down. The group resumed down the steps. Once the group was at the  bottom of the steps Lizan handed her daughter a maiden on her right. The thick line of guards and soldiers broke off creating a path for the Queen. She walked through this path to greet her people, the excited crowds.

            "She is such as beautiful woman." Ilara declared.

             "Indeed she is." said Antalace taking swig of champagne. She turned with a smile which changed to a disgusted look.

            "Oh dear Gaivos! You're drunk again!" she spat scowling over Antalace having a bottle of alcohol in his possession.

            "It's only my first one!" Antalace replied. He leaned towards Tidrith asking. "Why didn't you marry her? You had about eight years or so! But you blew it!"

            "I would, but I am already in love with another." Tidrith muttered aloud. They watched as Lizan embraced her people, holding hands in hers, kissing in the head and cheeks.

            "She's a fabulous wonder, don't you think?"  a familiar voice asked out of nowhere. They turned around to see who it was.

            "ARCTICE!" Each of them greeted the fifteen year old Forsythan with great praise and embraced him. Silos watched Queen Lizan then looked up at a tall building in the shadows of its second level and nodded. He received a blinking red dot in return.

            "There's our sniper." he whispered in Miske's ear.

            In the shadows of a tall building sat a Nazdar sniper setting up to assassinate the young Queen. He took aim at her through the scope and followed her movement. He grinned. He was unaware of a Union soldier coming up the stairs for a better view. The Nazdar took perfect aim when she stopped and started to squeeze the trigger. Coming up the stairs to the roof was Corporal Jorel Ascin. He walked over to where the sniper was. He didn't see him the shadows until he came closer to the spot. Jorel was aghast to see the sniper up here on the roof aiming at Queen Lizen squeezing the trigger. Jorel had to act fast, desperately he draws out a dagger running after him. Jorel jumps the sniper. He shoves him against the pillar. The shot was fired, 'Oh no!' he thought wresting the Nazdar. 'I'm too late!' He grew angry and stabbed the Nazdar in the shoulder with the dagger.

            "You bastard!" Jorel growled at him as he heard screaming from the crowd bellow. He looked over the edge and let out a sigh of relief. The bullet had only skimmed the Queen's shoulder leaving a bloody scratch on her bare shoulder.

            Seeing the assassin had just failed to kill Lizan, Silos took this opportunity to spring plan B into action. Since she was unprotected, her bodyguard struggling to get to her through the swarming, panicked crowd.

             "Hurry before those soldiers get to her first!" Silos yelled. The group of Maesters and Praetors made their way through the tight crowd like mice through a crack in the wall. When they got to her she was holding a piece of cloth over her bleeding shoulder. Lizan looked frightened and confused.

            "No fear my queen, we will escort you to safety!" Silos said taking her hand.

            "What about my husband, my children?" she cried eagerly.

            "They are fine. If you allow it, please let us take you to safety." They slipped away down an alley way. Other Maesters and Praetors surrounded them, knives drawn as if to protect the queen.

            It took some time for the crowd to calm down. When General Omas saw his wife shot he drew his sword and ran to her. To prevent anyone else from getting to her, he was followed by his troops and guardsmen. The Union leaders watched in alarm. Ilara covered her mouth and gasped in terror.

            "Oh my!" when she saw Lizan get shot by some unseen assassin. Arctice looked up and saw two men wrestling.

             "Up there!" he yelled pointing up to where Jorel and the Nazdar were fighting. The leaders looked up and saw this brawl. Antalace whistled and twenty soldiers came forward. He ordered them to fire at the men who were fighting.

            "Wait!" yelled Qallin."One of them could be the one who saved Lizan!"

            "You may be right! MEN! Go up there and help the man who saved the queen!"

            "SIR, YES, SIR!" The troops went forth to the building where the two men fought. Villas spotted the Vullanese Leaders taking Lizan away. "Look! Those Vullanese bastards have the Queen!"

            "What! Where?" replied Taran looking around with his hand over his brow.

            "Over there father!" Tanar cried, pointing where the Maesters were sneaking off with Queen Lizan.

            "My sons, quickly assemble your men and any other soldiers you come across and muster. Hurry now, go!" The five Kyshar brothers rushed to assemble their troops. Antalace sent troops to the top of the building where the fight between Jorel and the assassin raged on. The Nazdar shoved him back, but Jorel had his sniper rifle. Jorel tried to shoot but this one was a single shot load.

             "What a useless piece of crap this is!" growled Jorel tossing it aside. The Nazdar yanked Jorel's dagger from his shoulder. He looks at the blade covered in blood. He licks it clean and chunks it at Jorel. He luckily dodges the blade and draws his short sword. The Nazdar reached from behind his back and draws out his own sword in response.

            "So, want to fight with blades huh? Well I can show you how difficult it was for the Gantronese to fight us!" Jorel put a smile on his face. The Nazdar charged and a sword fight began. They parried blows going in circles, side to side, backwards, and forwards. The entire crowd watched them in awe. They all wondered who would win. Jorel swiftly swung his sword cutting the Nazdar in the ribs, arms and legs, but they kept fighting until they both grew tired. The fighters paused taking a break. To his surprise Jorel found himself on the edge of the second level. He would have to move to the side dodging the Nazdar's charge or take a defensive stance with his bade pointed at his adversary. 'I hope this guy doesn't have a pistol.' he thought to himself. Then the Nazdar charged him with his sword raised up. Jorel waited until he was close enough and raised his sword pointing it at the enemy. The fool ran straight into the blade. The speed of the attack forced the blade to go through his body. This attack caused Jorel to fall backwards with a corpse on top. He falls the very moment the troops arrive to aid him. Jorel landed in a wagon of wool, soft enough to cushion his landing.

            At a hurried pace the Vullanese leaders got as far away from the palace their feet could take them. They came to a dark alley with the Queen in their possession. Silos looked around hoping to kill the queen somewhere they couldn’t be seen. Unfortunetaly they were running out of time and had to find another location.

                        "Aigul." Silos pointed to a Praetor. "You stay behind in the shadows and let us know if somebody comes!"

             "Yes, Lord Silos." he bowed and hid in the shadows of at thin space on the side of a theatre. He was to whistle when he heard soldiers coming. Little did he know that a Union Elite was sneaking up behind him with his blade out.  When he turned around the Praetor could only let out a surprised gasp before he was struck down.

            In the middle of their getaway the Maesters and Praetors stopped at a town square that was dark and silent. Their stop had brought them over to the entrance of a stadium with a large cover shading the entire town square. Several other towering buildings also contributed to the shading of the town square. To some of the Leaders it looked perfect for a chance to kill Lizan.

            "Let's get this over with already!" A Praetor angrily yelled drawing out a knife, grabbing the Queen by the arm.

            "Hold on! I think I heard footsteps!" Miske said stopping the group. "Psst Aigul is that you?" he whispered into the darkness.

            "Wouldn't you like to know?" said a deep voice in the shadows. They were all aghast at the sound of this voice. Out of the shadows came Prince Tidus Kyshar a Mysdran in the Vestrisian's Army. The scar on the right cheek made him look horrifying as he appeared into the light that seeped through some gaps of the taller buildings. As the young, scar faced prince moved in closer more of the Kyshar brothers arrived with twenty to forty soldiers following them. The incoming warriors drew their swords.

            "Now, now, gentlemen please put down your weapons!" Silos nervously chuckled. "Let's not do anything rash or spill blood before the Queen!"

            "Why not?" replied Tanar drawing his sword and closing in. About two scores of heavily armored riflemen rushed from the shadows and surrounded the abductors.

            "Stop, you might kill the Queen as well!" Tioban ordered breathlessly, worried for Lizan's safety. The soldiers lowered their rifles standing down. Then the Kyshars and their troops in a flash moved in killing Maesters and Praetors alike missing the Queen. The warriors slaughtered all these monsters until only Silos, Miske and Vasce remained. The three Maesters were pinned down by the valiant men, blades pressed against their necks. Tanar walked over to Lizan took off his cloak and placed it over her shoulders.

            "It's alright your highness. You're safe now!" He said wrapping his arms protectively around the beloved Queen. Seconds later the eleven main leaders of the Union arrived along with Arctice.

            "So your own plans backfired once again, Maesters!" Drasta smirked.

            "What....Where....How....What about that sniper we hired to kill this bitch!" Silos stumbled for words until he found them. He was confused and taken aback.

            "Why don't you ask him!" Arctice said, pointing to the soldier next to him. Jorel appeared from the shadows into the light.

            "I thought I could serve Vullan, but now see you're not to be trusted along with the teachings!"

            Speechless, and awestruck, Maester Silos stared at him with a betrayed expression. He stammered the words out.

            "How...How- how ...could you betray the Teachings of Vullan?" The second he finished the sentence Maester Silos was beheaded by Tioban's cold, steel sword. The remaining Maesters were hung in public. It was a display for all to see the ones who attempted to murder Queen Lizan of the Boathrin Kingdom.

            There were no more Maesters left to rule the Vullanese Empire. Their neighboring Nazdar allies took control over the remnants of the Vullanese Empire. To most it seemed as if a whole new war began. To others the Vollante war continued. The Vullanese allies, Nymres, Gontrella, and many others fought on.