Inside the commando and his companions made
themselves at home. The vast chamber held enough furniture for thirty or more
people. What used to be the torpedo room, and hold or storage area had been
converted into a large lounge area. Seventeen new allies settled in the lounge
area. Every one of them set their packs and weapons down in a spot along the
wall. The eleven new arrivals took a seat with their new friends who seemed
relaxed and well rested. Maurice and the leader sat in comfortable armchairs as
a sixth and seventh occupant of this submarine like base fixed drinks for their
guests. While their companions conversed among each other the leaders
discussed what lay beyond this base down the roads.
Maphai
told Maurice about the origins of these roads, and how this submarine even got
here. An expedition of explorers, scientists, biologists, zoologists, and
students from a university in Lybesan came to the unknown lands in search of
discoveries and for research. They constructed this submarine like base out of
parts they scavenged and found from Gantronese equipment and bases they were
abandoned. For several years they did research, and little experiments until
the team were forced to leave the area a few times. The first time was due to
conflict between the city states, the second was due to threats from gangs, and
the third had more to do with the lack of funding for the expeditions. Maphai
went on about how the native locals here began a series of roads all the way up
to the Sarcagos Mountains and as far east and west as possible. It originated
from the roads connecting the larger cities to the south. When she finished the
tale Maurice contemplated this late in the night before heading towards the
showers after his companions.
He
retired to the main living quarters where bunks and cots lined both walls. Feeling
tired from the journey Maurice Viyamor climbed into an empty cot letting sleep
take over. On the next day he awoke to the sounds of his companions getting up.
Feet landing on the metal flooring added to the creaking of the cots from the
movement of those waking up to a new day.
Breakfast
was native rice bread and crocodile meat. For the cat steeds swamp fish and
meat from certain herds in the southwest. Only half of them drank coffee while
the others drank tea or a strange hot substance called Vooska. Not many of them
wanted to know where this drink comes from or had the time since they needed to
get on the road as soon as possible. All twelve Sarcagosee fighters mounted
their steeds once the large cats were prepared for the journey down the wooden
road to the swamps of the Unknown Lands. Maurice Viyamor pocketed the hand radio
Maphai gave to him. Behind him rode his eleven warriors, soldiers, goons, and
trackers. The line was as followed Brittany, Amonif, Hilastes, Jode, Loaket,
Flede, Macon, Eyanosa, Taregan, and the Ranger Oraceth covering the end of the convoy.
The
swamps still appeared to be miles away down this wooden road. Under the paws of
their steeds the planks and boards creaked from the slight pressure. Each large
feline steed weighed between 730-940 pounds, which was heavy enough to hold
rider and cargo. Combining the weight of all the steeds and riders would cause
the planks to crack then break. As the steeds and riders progressed further on
the wooden road the planks creaked and moaned from each step taken. Underneath
them this road felt very sturdy as though it was recently built or the pieces
replaced with new wood. On either side of the road was the marshy waters filled
with patches of small islands, grass, fallen trees, rocks, bulrushes, vast
amounts of lily pads, duck weeds, reeds, and cattails scattered all over the
wetland. The only animals they could see stirring were crocodiles, turtles,
snakes, frogs, toads, some flocks of birds, and various types of fish that
would surface now and then. At a trot the convoy of warriors and goons
proceeded onward with the landscape appearing almost the same for miles around.
Fifty
miles away from the mercenaries’ base they began to see the landscape transform
a little into patches of land with trees, bushes, and long weeds growing. This
patch of land appeared too muddy for structures to be built on it despite the
foliage growing on it. Maurice noticed the movement of crocodiles in large
groups on this patch of land that was surrounded by the wetlands. For another
twenty miles the line of warriors mounted on Jumbo Cats passed the same patches
of land that seemed to extended and spread out like islands in the marshy
landscape. It was growing dark again and they had to make camp seventy four
miles away from the mercenary base. Using the flashlights the mercenaries gave
to them the warriors went further in the dark a few more miles until they found
a suitable camping ground. A fork appeared in the wooden road veering to the
left. Trailing it with a flashlight the party of warriors discovered a platform
attaching the road to an island stable enough to walk on. In minutes they
rushed over to the island dismounted and set up camp. Looking around this
island the party discovered some type of barrier with spikes, jutting out of
the ground facing outward. A few skeletons of some humanoid monsters were discovered
caught in this fence showing there was something else in this vast marshlands.
A few feet from their campsite was a stable built for steeds, but no other
structure. Once they settled down the party slept in campsite while the Jumbo
Cats slept under the shelter of the stable. Rain clouds emerged over the area
showering the wetlands with water from the skies.
Maurice
could not sleep for a while since he was too wary of what other dangers lurked
in this marsh other than the crocodiles. Whatever that skeleton belonged to
there were most likely more of its kind. His eyes studied the darkness around
the camp hoping to get a glimpse of movement. The only light he got was the
campfire, and some lamps they set up. He felt on edge from this darkness over
the marshlands that held some hidden dangers aside from the usual predators. Despite
the constant battles, brawls, and the dangers he faced Maurice did not feel
very comfortable here. Rolling around in his sleeping bag Maurice found the
radio and contacted Maphai. After a few tries he finally got through and she
picked up. Both leaders received good connection for their radios and
conversed. Maurice asked Maphai about what other creatures lurked in these
marshes.
Over
the radio Maurice described the skeleton he and his party found in the barrier
of spikes encircling the campsite. Maphai paused for a moment then told Maurice
about what skeleton they had discovered. In these parts of the Unknown Lands
lurked a species of reptilian humanoids that looked like a hybrid of humans,
crocodiles, and amphibian frog of some sort. Their nickname is “Marsh Stalkers”
and they are really called Urma Raves. These lurkers of the night come out of
the waters after unsuspecting campers or travelers at night. It was best to
keep going on the road to the nearest shelter, avoiding travel by night, or
staying at a campsite with barriers the native locals set up along the
highways. Fortunately for them they were only about a hundred or more miles
away from the swamps. Depending on the time of day one reached the swamps they
would be fortunate. Maphai and her crew had already arrived at the swamps.
There were a few stations and small docks set up that linked to the roads
winding through these swamps. If he and his party were camped at a campsite
with a barrier around it they should be safe from the Marsh Stalkers. Having
weapons was always a plus in fending off these Urma Raves since they preferred
going after disarmed prey.
Maphai
said her good night to the Commando letting their communication cut off. He was
left with static through his radio for a few seconds before he switched it off.
Realizing the danger they faced at night the commando went for his knife and
firearm. Keeping the weapons close made him feel a little safer as he lay in
his sleeping bag with his eyes wide open and focused on the darkness around the
camp. His ears only picked up the sounds of the frogs’ ribit ribit, crickets
chirping, crocodiles moving in the water, dripping sounds from rain drops
falling from surfaces, and other noises of the night from nocturnal creatures.
The rain had stopped a while ago taking off some of the misery of this part of
their journey. Rain drops was the least of their worries in this part of the
world. As the night went on Maurice felt his eyes start to close while his body
succumbed to the power of slumber. The Commando unwillingly dosed off into a
deep sleep that lasted for who knows how long. He slept until loud splashing
noise combined with wood snapping, and the large cat steeds growling, and
hissing jolted him awake.
He
was not the only one woken up by the noises and growls. Shapes and shadows of
his companions sprung up armed with their weapons. Several of his own
companions turned on flashlights to shed some light on what was bothering their
steeds. Shedding light on the dark area around them they exposed some reptilian
like humanoids inching their way to the camp. As lights were shined on the area
they realized their camp was encircled by these reptilian humanoid predators. When
their lights shined on the stables several of these creatures had already been taken
out with scratches and hits from paws. All twelve of their steeds growled,
hissed, scratched and roared at these creatures which tried to approach but
were forced back each time. Sounds of fighting erupted around him as his
companions began fending the creatures off with whatever weapons they could
reach in the dark. Maurice unsheathed his knife and swung at the nearest shape
he did not recognize as his companion. The creature grabbed its throat gurgling
the blood out through its mouth and throat. He went for another creature
stabbing it in the chest. It feel as he went for another taking it out with no
hesitation. Whatever type of noise or growling these creatures emitted it was
too alien for Maurice’s ears, but it sounded eerie, siren like, and high
pitched. Even when these creatures roared or shouted at them the noise did not
hurt their ears.
Every one
of Maurice’s companions fought in the dark as these Marsh Stalkers kept coming
in one massive wave. These creatures were somewhat swift but not bright enough
swarm a prey when it was armed. Most of these creatures kept their distance
from the Jumbo Cats which were free to attack if they so wished. In moments the
atmosphere around the campsite felt like the small island was covering by these
Urma Raves. Space to move around was shrinking as these creatures continued to
come out of the waters breaking through the spiked barriers. As the lights
flashed around showing they had been surrounded Maurice caught glimpses of a
dozen corpses caught on the barriers. He felt a little safer as he cut down a
few more. While swinging his knife he realized he had his revolver, which he
pulled out. Out of curiosity than from defending himself the Commando fired his
weapon at these predators. He wondered if this would scare them off. When the
gun went off the sound was loud and echoed in the night. These creatures
stopped then began retreating back dragging their dead with them.
