Introduction to Leothrad

Dark clouds have gathered over the lands of Auxmire. Monsters prowl out of the dark swamps of distant lands. Hordes of savage creatures storm the lands, raiding villages and towns. They slaughter countless innocents, leaving destruction behind them. Forts are ransacked with little or no resistance. Armies seldom prevail against the massed hordes of Goblins, and Ogres. Only one nation of warriors is triumphant against these marauders. They are known as the Angoths, proud and mighty warriors of the sea and earth. These great warriors fought for honor and justice. They have no pleasures or desires, but to rid the world of those demons and the marauding creatures.

The Angoths made their settlements along the coastlines or on the banks of wide and long rivers. Some times they settled on the islands close to the main land. They were fierce fighters in battle for they were born for war. They were never defeated nor did they surrender or retreat. But a growing darkness tested their might in war as they struggled triumphantly to defend their people. This darkness overran many kingdoms in the north, but there were several kingdoms that have beaten them in battle numerous times.

The darkness grew strong as hordes of dark creatures banded together under the banner of a dark order. War bands pillaged and burned everything in their path, leaving destruction and death in the North East. Many bands were killed by the Angoths as they lurked into Angeris, homeland of the courageous Angoths. As the bands turned into hordes, hordes into armies skirmishes became battles the Angoths were dragged into an all-out war. Many warriors were sent to the battlefield, and come back weary of war. The Angoths still won great victories, but were losing the taste for battle as huge armies poured into their lands.

In the year 687 A.F. the Angoths left Auxmire, and migrated to the Island continents of the seas. They left because of the invading hordes of monsters overran Angeris, and drove the proud people from their lands. It would be hopeless for them to return, for their strength in numbers was no match for the ever increasing power of the Cren Order. For decades the Angoths lived on the islands they found and others untouched, left alone and forgotten. A hundred years have passed since they were driven from Auxmire. They are forgotten by the other kingdoms. These warriors are only a legend now. A new kingdom has been founded on the former Angeris. These people are harassed by the hordes that come in and out. The people of Etras send an expedition on a search for aid. Their luck is running out until they come across a band of Angoths on a hunt for demons. The Emissary of the Etrasians is the young and beautiful Senestra, daughter of the King’s Counselor. She never lost hope during the voyage and is grateful to meet the Angoths and their champion warrior, Leothrad. He will be the warrior who will lead his people back to Auxmire. The two will unite the kingdoms of Auxmire against the Dark forces and free Auxmire from the scourge of the Cren Order. 

Commando Part 24

Each of these missing soldiers appeared very surprised and had the look of joy. Ordovacar, and Safrax gave Maurice and Taregan a hug over joyed that the Vestrisian Army had not forgotten them and left them for dead. Maurice felt a few tears on his shirt from overwhelming joy that someone had come to rescue them. He did the best he could to calm them down as did Taregan who was not very used to this or hadn't been since he hung around the gangs that focused more attention against the Gantronese than harassing locals. Even Maurice did not have to comfort a child or someone crying for a long time. Each one felt a little awkward but understood the pain and neglect these soldiers felt after being labeled missing in action.

Once Safrax, Greymirson, and Ordovacar stopped crying they regained themselves. Sorrowmind asked Maurice how he found them all and did they come across Lieutenant Overton who rarely visited but did note where they lived. The commando gave him the details of how he secured the Sarcagos Mountain's through alliances, and conquest. He even explained the details of his orders to bring any lost soldiers over to the Borvadosian coasts or to a safer port. Then he realized he had forgotten his true mission, go southwest to the city-state of Rednight Fangsir. Nearly forgetting the newly found soldiers were there Maurice fumbled through his pockets for those orders he took from Colonel Bryce's desk. When he found them in a lower pocket he opened the folded pieces almost ripping them up in the haste. As he scanned through them he discovered that not only was he to go to this Vampire city-state, but to collect any dog tags he found, and send any found soldiers towards the southeastern shores or the nearest shores for evacuation.

A mass amount of relief swept over him as sweat came out his pores. His heart raced just realizing what he was actually supposed to do was part of his mission. This commando had been doing that this entire time. In moments he folded the papers back up and placed them in a pocket dry of his own sweat. As he calmed down he contacted Maphai who told him to bring the found soldiers over to Kunmar. The moment he got off the radio Maurice turned to these Vestrisians. He told them where he was taking them and that they should gather whatever they needed.

All five of these former MIA soldiers nodded in agreement showing their readiness to get the sverx out of this place. Taregan told them where their steeds were and they may have to continue on foot. Each of the five Vestrisian soldiers rushed back to their huts so they could gather belongings and provisions. While the two waited Maphai's voice came up on the radio asking Maurice where he was located. He checked the map Overton gave him providing the coordinates and location. When he gave her the location the radio signal cut off and he heard nothing but static. Maurice made several attempts to get the signal back and contact Maphai to clarify that she got his data. He tried again and again, but still got nothing through except the static.

Right as he gave up trying to contact the five Vestrisians approached them with their belongings, hunting spears, harpoons, old rifles, and sacks on their backs or shoulders. He looked from the five Vestrisians to Taregan back and forth realizing he could not turn down the proposal to walk back to Kumnir. His gaze went over to where Hilastes waited for them at the entrance to this settlement. They had been here for less than an hour. The Unseen Bear must have been bored out of his mind and their cat steeds were asleep and in no mood to be woken up. With the five Vestrisians and the Uwaux Prowler Maurice began his way towards the Unseen Bear and their steeds.

The second the group began to move something caught their attention. Turning around Maurice saw several figures that did not belong to the tribe. Six figures stood out from the rest of the native inhabitants. These figures inched towards the commando and his companions in middle of the village. A female duelist wearing a scarf shawl, a revealing top that appeared more like a strapless bra, black tight trousers of rough linen, large belt, high boots, and a chain leg brace around her upper leg. She was armed with a straight saber. Flanking her were two males armed with weapons. One only had a sleeveless coat-vest, baggy trousers, arm braces, a tattoo covering the upper part of his head, and no boots. For a weapon he was armed with a wooden club with metal rings. The other male was a tall long haired man with a thing mustache, and cocky expression. He basically wore the typical white shirt of a champion duelist, and fine blue trousers, and black boots armed with a rapier. He looked ready to take them on one by one.

Behind these three stood three other figures a Gantronese Soldier wearing the usual Gantronese uniform, a scientist wearing goggle headset, a large apron like vest with all sorts of gadgets and full pockets over a yellowish shirt and bluish pants. He had a mechanical looking arm and a heavily gloved arm wielding what appeared to be a modified piece from a radio jamming device. This other fellow was a well dressed, long haired wizard wielding a metal looking wand. These six outlandish looking pirates, duelists, scientists, brawlers, and Gantronese approached the Vestrisians as though they were about to attack. Just the way these six approached them made them appear more amateurish. These six were not your typical hired bounty hunter, or hired thug. Taregan face palmed these would be bounty hunting, duelist, adventurers. The female told them to lay down their arms and come with them to Caligari as a prize.

All seven Vestrisians and Uwaux looked at them with unimpressed expressions at these amateurish fighters. Maurice pulled out his pistol and pointed the firearm at these six amateur fighters. The five Vestrisians did the same thing whereas Uwaux made his way back towards the village entrance. Maurice forced these six fighters, wizard, and scientist to give up this fight and leave them alone. Many bounty hunters, Gantronese, beasts, savage, and goon have died by his hand. He told them to send word to Caligari to sverx off these hunters, and goons. All six froze with fear realizing what type of danger this target posed to them. Even if they did make it to him none would be able to kill him easily. Admitting defeat the six would be hunters left Maurice and his Vestrisian brethren to their journey.

The commando watched these blind amateurs turn back to the boat they had come on and leave the village. He turned to the entrance and made his way back to the steeds and his companions with five found Vestrisians who had been missing for years. Dismounted Maurice, Taregan, and Hilastes made their way back to Kunmir with five extra companions. On foot it took them the rest of the day and part of the night. Along the way back to Kunmir they had to set up camp during the night so the journey would be illuminated by the daylight. In the morning they did not waste time setting out once breakfast was over. At the pace of a hiker they found themselves getting closer to Kunmir. It was a slow and cautious trek to the Inn where they met the locals and the companions who stayed to bury the dead companions.

Brittany, Oraceth, and Eyanosa greeted them at the entrance whereas Amonif was still asleep in his bed after a long night of drinking, and arm wrestling with the Orcs. The five Vestrisians they brought with them surprised the other companions who did not expect to see any living Vestrisians out here. As they got the five Vestrisians settled Maurice told his companions about the Vestrisians they came across and the Caligari thugs being sent after them. He let this all sink in as he contacted Maphai about transporting the five soldiers to a port in the east. She told him to wait until the mercenaries returned or the pirates came back before doing anything. Maurice took these words as orders and waited for both pirates and mercenaries to come pick them up. 

A Zema Ilam Warrior sketchwork

Sea Serpent Attack Chapter

“Glad to see you’re up, my lady!” She stretched as she sat up now sitting on the couch. “Is the storm over?” she asked with a yawn.

“We hope so, I'm really not sure if that storm has anything else to throw at this ship!” He pulled up a stool placing it next to the couch. She sat there looking at floorboards thinking about the dream she just had. Olverd stared at her wondering if she was lying or not.

“You alright, cause you don’t seem to be?” She nodded not saying a word. The two sat there in silence. Olverd spoke once again after the long silence.

“You know what you said about getting help?” Olverd reminded Senestra. 

“Yes, you found the Crowsians?” She folded her arms looking at the Captain sternly.

“We didn’t find the Isles since we’re way off course from that route.”

Senestra closed her eyes and sighed, “So we’re lost THEN?” 

Olverd scratched his head shaking his head. “Not really!” he said waving his hands as if to fend something off. “We’ve just sighted land in the distance.”

“How far away?” Senestra moved from the couch to the dresser. Closing a curtain she gave herself some privacy from the Captain gathering some other garment to wear. He watched her undress behind the curtain.

“We’re not exactly sure how far away, but you could just barely see it from a distance through the telescope.” He said to the Medryn. 

Senestra picked out a purple stola to wear for the day. She put it on, it was tight around the waist the straps loosely held the upper part on her slender shoulders. Olverd remembered something or someone they came across at sea. He wasn’t sure if she remembered. As she fondled with the part covering her breast Olverd left the room to the other across from the room. It was the study he looked around for something. On the table was a rusty dagger with a glass tipped hilt he snatched it and walked back to the bedroom where Senestra was still occupied with the garment. Making sure the stola rested comfortably on her large breast Senestra was unaware of what Olverd was up to. Olverd placed the rusty dagger on the stool standing there watching the Emissary.

He spoke after a long hesitated pause “Remember those sailors we met?” She stopped ‘what sailors?’ she clearly did not remember meeting any sailors. Senestra came out of the curtain. 

“What sailors are you talking abo-“She did not finish, the girl already figured it out. She finally remembered the mysterious sailors they met while on the island of Vulcor. It was an island city mostly full of merchants and philosophers. The many inventions were magnificent but too few soldiers to hire.

“You mean those rough sailors that nearly killed Triaunes?”She asked turning her head in his direction.

The Captain nodded he also remembered the giant like men that had arms and legs as big as trees. Neither of them forgot that day, for a crew member’s life was nearly lost. Olverd remembered how the young lad aroused the big sailors into a brawl which he nearly lost. Senestra broke up his thoughts.

“I suppose we could try following the path they took. Didn’t they go farther west?” Olverd agreed with Senestra.

“We could try going west, but it’s been over a week since we last saw-" Something crashed into the ship shacking it violently. Both of them fell on the hard wooden floor. Senestra’s head slammed against the dresser knocking her out.

“CAPTAIN!” a voice hollered.

“What is it?” Olverd asked the person crying out to him.

Before the sailor spoke the ship started rocking as if something was smashing into it. A high screeching sound followed the collision; he knew that sound well. “Sea serpents!” Olverd hissed through gritted teeth. He fell over scrambling to his quarters the sailor following. Entering his quarters Olverd spots his trustee harpoon hanging on the wall. Snatching the weapon he sees a long knife sitting on a table. Grabbing the knife as well the captain rushes down to the deck.

On the deck Olverd found his men armed with harpoons, spears and sabers fending off the serpents scraping at the surface of the vessels’ thick wood with their long fangs. The monsters surrounded the ship chopping at the sailors with deadly jaws. Several sailors were eaten by the creatures. The captain yelled out orders to his crew to slay the beasts.

“C’mon lads kill those creatures we don’t want this ship torn apart!” He shouted at the crew encouraging them all to get rid of these monsters of the seas. The crew stabbed at the beasts driving them away from the ship. “All hands get your weapons ready and stab ‘em when they attack!”

He stood there ready for one monster to pounce upon him. It went for him, thrusting his harpoon forward Olverd jabbed the creature in the mouth. It was caught on the long harpoon he had the creature he pulled the monster forward not bothered by the horrendous smell of its breath.

“Quick cut its head off, NOW!” He ordered. One big fellow came forth with a large axe he slashed at the creature’s neck cutting the head off. Olverd twisted the harpoon free from the creature as the head fell upon the deck. Blood spewed from the headless body covering the captain and the large fellow.

“Excellent job Hrethor, let’s see if we can’t kill the rest of these cursed demons!” Again the captain did the same strategy as did his crew. They continued killing the creatures as heads fell onto the deck. There was now a dozen heads on the ship, but the monsters still kept coming. The sailors slashed and stabbed the creatures shoving the bodies and heads over board into the sea. The sea serpents resumed the attacks despite the efforts of the Lessiv’s crew and captain. The youth Olverd had talked to came over to aid his captain.

“Well Triaunes it looks like the ship has met its match.” Another sea serpent flung itself after the captain but was pierced by several crewmen they stabbed it all over trying to kill the monster. Triaunes stabbed his saber into the monster’s skull and brain slaying the fowl thing.

“Well done lad couldn’t have done it better myself.” Olverd slapped the youth on the back congratulating him on the perfect kill. They could only celebrate for a short while for the monsters soon came again.

“Look sharp gents there be more o’ them beasties!” yelled an aged sailor who was once a pirate.

A large sea serpent even bigger than the rest rose from the depths as the others backed off allowing their big brother to finish the prey. The monster prepared to attack the defending crew. Something unexpected happened, the monstrous creature squealed in pain as if someone or something sharp jabbed its flesh. It wiggled around attempting to shake off its attacker. The crew watched as a warrior climbed up the long scaly beast using his knife to stab into it pulling himself to the head. Olverd and his crew cheered the warrior on as he clambered up to its mighty jaws. The brave soul wrenched the monsters jaws open he held the monster’s jaws open as it tried to crush him. It seemed as if he were losing the struggle when the monster had him crouched in the center of its jaws. With a quick burst of strength the man stretched himself outward breaking the beast’s jaw now useless to the monster. The warrior did not hesitate with the advantage he twisted the monster’s head cracked the head from the spine. He disappeared into the sea with the monster into the depths.

Another monster came screaming out of the ocean it too had a warrior attacking it. He stabbed the inside of its mouth before he was gobbled up.

“So much for the help.” Hrother muttered to the captain. He nodded in agreement it was too bad for the warrior they were really counting on him. The monster turned its attention to the crew very hungry for meat. It was about to pounce when a blade suddenly stabbed through the inside the monster. The blade slid down cutting through the monster. The warrior sliced his way to freedom from the beast’s belly. He jumped onto the vessel from the dying creature, but slammed into the mast and fell before the feet of the crew unconscious. The battle with the sea serpents was over. From a distance Olverd spotted the creatures attacked another vessel just as the mist came to shade the scene from view.

A few other monsters came out this time going for the cabins. There were about six of them another group came on either side of the ship, three now adding it to nine monsters. The crew had to divide its force to protect the ship, the passengers and their guest. One of the monsters’ head fell onto the ship. Another stranger jumped up onto the Lessiiv. The Captain, unaware of the new comer spat out his orders. 
“Men you know our passenger Medryn Senestra? She mustn’t be harmed, now go fend those bastards off!” A large group of armed men charged forward to protect their precious cargo. Olverd himself turned the ones attacking from the side it was only then he realized the newcomer whom stepped forward beside him.
 “This is not your lucky day is it sir?” The man commented picking up a harpoon.

“If you’ll excuse me gentlemen.” The warrior raised the harpoon like a javelin. Taking careful aim he hurled the harpoon at a sea serpent, the javelin hitting its target went through the monster’s skull. The creature fell back into the sea dead from the thrust of the missile. One other serpent was killed by the crew. And one of the three was also slain. The Lessiiv crew fought viciously to kill the monsters only giving the new comer some targets to nail with harpoons. The battle continued until the last remaining two slithered back into the ocean retreating.

Every eye of the crew was fixed upon the new comer. He stood there with a friendly grin. He waved hello. “Hi there, I guess you men are lost or just gone Delkyr hunting.” A single Delkyr popped up from the sea, behind him. With swift motion he grabs a saber from a sailor’s sheath and began cutting the creature up into pieces as it sank back into the ocean.

Olverd stuck out a hand to the warrior. “Welcome aboard the Lessiiv sailor.” He greeted the man with a hand shake. Soon the rest of the crew followed the lead of their captain, showing gratitude and greeting the new comer. Hrothar approached the man. “Aye, that’s a good arm ye got there! Not to mention the way ye handle the others alone.” The other crew members nodded and grinned in agreement, patting the man on the shoulder. They all admired his skills. Even Olverd showed his approval.

“We could certainly use some men like you and your friend over there.” Olverd points at the young fellow still lying there motionless on the deck.

Triaunes walked over to talk to this new comer. “That was… Was AMAZING! I couldn’t believe what you’d done. I myself am not strong enough to handle a thing like that especially with only bare hands!” The warrior grinned rubbing the youth on the head dislocating the bandanna revealing shaggy blond hair.

Another Delkyr rose slowly from the sea eyes fixed upon the warrior. The warrior swung around a bout to kill it, but was beaten by Hrothar whom split open the serpent’s head with blows from his axe. The warrior gave him a surprised look nodding in approval. “Good job!” he said watching the corpse sink down into the ocean.

He looked down at the sea over the edge of the ship half expecting them to return. “I guess they won’t be coming back anytime…(long pause)……Soon.”

After a brief moment of silence Olverd called out his orders. “Alright men clear the deck and start repairs? First someone get that boy and send him to see about the other passengers!” They did as he told them clearing the decks of any heads or bodies of the serpents lying about. But the young boy was nowhere to be seen or found. 
“Jeskr come over here.” Olverd ordered for the sailor named Jeskr. 

“Yes Captain?” The old pirate stepped forward saluting him.

“Where’s that cabin boy of mine?” Before Jeskr spoke a voice hollered out.

“Captain!” The voice did not continue the speaker came forth as the crew made way for him bowing their heads and taking their caps off. The Captain expected to see a corpse of the boy, but all there was left was a severed hand of a small boy.

Blown out of his mind Olverd could not believe those monsters took the life of such a good boy. Holding the small hand in his own he gaped at it shaking his head in grief. The whole crew stood in a circle around their grief stricken captain. It was as if Olverd had lost a son his only child. His hand shook the piece throwing it to the floor he cried out to heavens in anger. 
“Should we tell the women sir?” asks Jeskr. The captain shook his head slowly. 
“No” he said looking down at the small hand as if someone had torn the life out of him. “Keep it secret until dinner.”

“Women? You bastards have women aboard? Well then count me a lucky bastard!” bellowed the warrior excited over the thought of women on board.

“Mr. Gallis.” A man in his thirties came forward. “Aye, Captain what r yer orders?”

He turned to the man standing out in front of the others. “Sign this man’s name into the crew membership and his comrade also.”

Gallis left entering the cabins to retrieve the code book of the Lessiiv.

Getting up, the captain turned to the warrior. “I am sorry what is your name, warrior?”

The warrior salutes smartly and replies. “Ilkabad, at your service Captain um…?”

“Olverd, Captain Olverd of the Lessiiv. Welcome to the crew!” The man was delighted to be admitted into the crew. “And what is this fellow’s name?” asks Olverd. Ilkabad looked at his companion unconscious on the deck.

“That is my cousin Evnar, I am usually sticking my neck out for him time to time.”

“Seems as though you’ve failed to do that!” roars Hrothar lifting the body up aided by another man. They took the body to the cabins to rest on a bed with the Captain following and Ilkabad at his heels. 

Commando Part 23

Both groups looked at each other observantly and wary of the other after the quick skirmish. One of the Vestrisians spotted Maurice's Vestrisian commando shoulder patch and collection of dog tags. He nodded to Maurice who seemed to stunned to see these Vestrisians. Seeing fellow Vestrisians alive again in this part of the world made Maurice feel very surprised, confused, and fortunate.

He introduced himself to the Vestrisians and their allies. Each side exchanged greetings, names, information, and reasons for being here. The locals could not speak their language, but shook hands any ways. Just three of the Vestrisians and several of the Eothians, and Condor tribesmen introduced themselves. There was a Lieutenant Overton, Sergeant Kidham, Privates Oghoss, Kemnir, and Levistson. Among the Eothians and Condor tribesmen were Cassirer, Augenstein, Noshi, Gorvitsin, and Abonai. The rest of the names escaped him plus the eight Uxane locals told them they needed to leave or that is what seemed to translate from the way these locals left the party.

Maurice and his band of warriors exchanged information with their new friends who lured the recently rescued monks. Behind this group Maurice thought he saw a small nest of forty five crocodiles close by. He did not bother it since they were on higher ground and those crocodiles were more part of the scenery despite the dangers. These monk students slowly walked up to them with their heads bowed low in mourning. Something else had happened to their fellow students and master. Each female pupil begged them to help them to get back to their master and ensure their safe passage through these swamps. Lieutenant Overton offered his help and handed a map to Maurice. This Vestrisian Lieutenant would not aid Maurice yet since their duty was to aid those crossing the swamp roads.

The two groups went separate ways on the road. Maurice, Taregan, and Hilastes paused a few times down the swamp road to see the map Overton gave them. For several minutes they studied the map taking note at their current location which Overton had marked down. He counted seven villages and temples close by. Only two of these villages were locations where Vestrisian soldiers were said to reside in the Swamps. Both villages were a few miles away from Tsubi Pajibe. As he studied the map further he discovered a small dot on the map the read five troops from the 31^st Infantrymen Division. Maurice showed this to Hilastes and Taregan who looked over his shoulders. Before heading towards those locations Maurice contacted Maphai telling her what they found and where they themselves were headed now. She warned him not to go near Tsubib Pajibe yet.

When he asked why she told him there was a war going on between Tsubib Pajibe, the Guutso tribesmen, Magesar, the Anopezawi and a few other city-states. Each one fought against the other as well as the Caligari Syndicate's forces. She said it would be best to leave that area alone for a few more days. The two leaders left their conversation with that and Maurice mounted his steed. With the two companions at his heels he proceeded down the road towards the closest village marked on the map in blue ink. A few more hours past their encounter with monks and fellow Vestrisians Maurice's companions ran into a few villages and small settlements too small to be villages but dwellings in the swamps. Each one appeared no different from Kunmar, and Ujal Voge.

He tried talking to the locals who did not seem to understand his language. Not a single word was understood between him an eastern outsider and the local native of the swamp landscapes in the Unknown Lands. They passed through a few villages until they found someone who spoke the Tuxir tongue which came in handier than the previous villages. While Taregan spoke to this linguistic tribesman Maurice looked over to the right where a pack of sixteen or more large lizards elongate fin like spines. These reptilian like monsters appeared vicious creatures if antagonized or anyone trespassed onto their territories. Not too far away were other creatures of the swamps such as raccoon, snakes, tree frogs, stags, large slow moving slugs, some turtles, and flies, and swamp cats.

Taregan grabbed his attention from the scenery telling him there was a village not too far away where five Vestrisians were living. Maurice gave out a sigh of relief as a small pack of squealing swamp boars burst out of the wooded part of the swamps. These wild pigs were chased by whooping, and screaming hunters wielding spears, bows and arrows, and shooting darts after them. The trio watched for a few moments before returning down the path to the next village. Along the way they saw more clearings and patches of land with bushes, and various wildlife flanking the road. Going for a village where his brethren were made Maurice feel more accomplished on this very day. A day full of traveling, rescuing pupils, coming across fellow Vestrisians, possible allies and discovering another village where more of his brethren were was not common for a warrior in these days. He could not help but wonder if there were other close by or if these were the same ones Maphai had told him about. With this in mind Maurice sped up his steed to a gallop urging his companions to do the same. He raced through the swamp taking the wooden and natural road with his companions following him. The speed his steed galloped made him feel like he was running against a heavy wind. He kept a sharp eye out for the village where their missing comrades were located. Although he could not decipher which village was which Maurice still kept going until he heard Taregan's voice. His Uxane companion hollered for him to stop.

Listening to his companion Maurice slowed his own steed to a trot then settled it down to halt. Taregan and Hilastes caught up with him at the entrance to a village. He looked over at Taregan who nodded that this was the village they were looking for. This village had an entrance that resembled an arch entrance to a garden. It was made from branches, vines, twigs, and grass intertwined creatively. Maurice gathered these villagers were craftsman weavers, and carpenters limited by their surroundings but made the best use of them. He dismounted letting his steed rest for a few moments or for however long it would take to find the lost Vestrisians. Hilastes chose to stay behind to watch over the steeds and keep an eye out. Taregan joined him down the road entering the limits of this village.

Over fifty to seventy structures made up this village that was set up in a clearing located with a section of dense woods near the boggy, treeless parts covered with swamp grass and foliage. There were three types of structures that made up the buildings of this village. Waddle and daubs, stilted dwellings along the edges of the clearing, and huts made from the abundance of resources nature provided in this part of the world. Its inhabitants appeared to be a mix of Uxanes, Borvadosians, and those of Maphai's people. These people appear to be basket weavers, carpenters on a small scale, hunters, pottery makers, shamans, medicine people, crocodile, boar or lizard herders. Dressed in various dyed loincloths, animal hide tunics, large shawls, and some modernized clothing. All eyes were on these pair of outsiders who just entered their village. Taregan spoke in a few languages hoping to communicate which only one could be recognized by an elderly looking shaman. As Taregan conversed with this shaman who was the village leader Maurice studied the hairstyles of these people. Many of them wore their hair in dreads, and braids with bones, shells, beads, claws, and some trade items meant for other uses.

Someone touched him forcing his attention from these people who only stared back but kept their distance. Maurice turned to Taregan who had five rugged looked, unshaven men wearing torn up uniforms with bits of grass, hide, and woven clothing. Each one of them wore a Vestrisian dog tag around his neck. All of them came from the 31^st Infantryman Division sent in several years ago during the expeditionary operations in the Unknown Lands. Their names and ranks were Lieutenant Vortice Sorrowmind, Private Ryfon Greymirson, Corporal Tylen Ordovacar, Privates Nudd Price Safrax, and Demitry Artomavich of Castaria. Shaking hands with all five of these lost Vestrisians Maurice felt more confident in finding more missing soldiers alive. 

Rough Voyage Chapter

The waves began to get violent with the ship that was traversing across the ocean. The Lessiiv rocked about as her crew struggled to keep her from being sunken by the crushing blow of the waves. The hands of the seas grabbed and tore at the ship, water jumping onto the deck, knocked men down. As the crew tied themselves to the ship’s mast and rails their Captain dragged and pulled himself to the cabins. The storm rocked the ship so violently that it worried the whole crew, will this storm end? Have they angered the Sea Gods? Will the Gods decide their fate is death in the high seas? Is their precious cargo okay?

The captain desperately pulled himself to the cabins to ensure the safety of their important passenger. “Keep her steady lads!” he hollered at his crew struggling to keep the ship upright as the wave’s heavy hands poured onto the decks. He struggled to the door, forcing himself up while the pouring water pushed him down.

After minutes of struggling he finally reached the door grabbing the railing of the stairs holding him up until he was able to grab the door handle. Simultaneously the captain swung the door open, let go of the railing and launched himself inside just before another wave crashed over the ship. Inside he quickly shut the door to keep the water from coming in. Panting he turned around to see what had become of the passenger and the rest of the cabin. He expected to see chairs about the floor and everything strewn about and the passenger on the floor unconscious. To his surprise nothing happened the furniture was intact and in the same position as before. But there was no sign of the passenger. He looked into the rooms of the mid-section of the cabin, but could not find her not even in her own room? He scratched his head confused, comprehension and fear seized him.

He searched all over the cabins, into the deepest part of the Cabins then he searched downstairs in the lower section. His ship was large and one could get lost in such a large craft. As he turned up the mid-section he heard faint music coming from the upper part. He dashed up the stairs to the upper level. The music was getting louder and louder as he came closer to the source. Ambling through the hallway he could hear a violin and a harp being played. The captain found the door he sought and quietly opened it. There sitting on the couch was the sweet and generous Senestra playing her harp, the cabin boy on a stool at the fiddle.

They both seemed calm yet unaware of the storm. They played a melodious tune that soothed a person of his or her concerns. The Captain sighed in relief and exited the room.

“Is everything alright out there, Olverd?” said a calm soft voice as the music died.

Captain Olverd reentered the room. “Yes” he partially lied. “Uh I… believe the storm is getting a little rougher by the hour, m’ lady.”

“Are you alright, you’re not hurt are you? Medryn Senestra?”

She laughed, “Everything is fine Captain. Nothing happened here if you’re so concerned.”

Olverd grinned, closing the door behind him. He took a seat on a nearby cushion seat. Senestra placed her harp down, perched herself from the couch. She stretched, loosening the tenseness in her muscles. The boy sat there watching then looked at Captain Olverd, still holding his fiddle. Olverd nodded as the boy looked him in the eye. The boy left the room with his fiddle, the captain had some work needed to be done in his studies. Senestra opened the curtains seeing if the storm had died down a bit. A crew member came in.

“Excuse me Captain, pardon me madam,” the sailor bowed his head in presence of the Diplomatic Emissary and saluted his captain. “The storm has died down and the men are seeing to that no one was lost nor was any damage done to the ship.”

“I see the storm has died down, but you sure there’s no damage to the ship or anyone lost?”

“I am most certain my lady.” The man said reassuring with a smile, hands clasped together. “Well, since that’s over I’ll see where we are on the map. Ah Sern is there land nearby?”

“No sir! We couldn’t spot any islands on account of the storm. But we will have lookouts sighting for land.”

Sern left the room down to the lower deck. Olverd lifted himself from the chair, to look over Senestra’s shoulder to see the sun peeking out through the clouds. Olverd put a heavy hand her shoulder. “Let’s see where we are now.” He walked out of the room, Senestra at his heels. He led her down to the mid-section of the cabin into the map room where he stored all of his maps and navigational charts. The room was littered with papers the captain’s own doing. The table in the middle was covered with maps. Olverd scrambled through the mess letting even more papers fall to the ground until he finally found what he wanted.

It was a large map of the entire sea between two lands with some chartered islands here and there. The map marked cities and ports from the ports of Geshn and Vasdabrovere. He marked the route they had gone going through ports and around islands. They were now in the middle of the sea. Moving his hand northward across the map Olverd scanned for the nearest route to land.

“We should be at least four days from land. That is if we don’t run into any more storms along the way.” He moved his finger northward across the map from where they were to his chosen destination.

“Here is where we should land, on the isles of Gestera homeland to Crowsians.”

Senestra rolled her eyes in disgust. “You honestly believe those greedy; money grubbing cowards are going to help us?”

“What’s wrong with them? They have a standing army at least?” protested Olverd.

“Yes, but they won’t fight much, since they’re not properly trained.”

He sighed “Well, it’s worth a try!”

“Very well then we’ll see if they’ll help us that is. IF THEY HELP US!”

She leaned over the table Olverd tried hard not to look at her breast. Senestra placed a soft, beautiful hand on the Captain’s shoulder. “I am truly sorry Olverd. It’s just that these are hard times and I feel agitated at times when we seek out the wrong people for help. But we will see if they can’t help us.”

“And if we don’t find help.” Olverd said in a stark tone.

“Then consider Auxmire doomed to a bloody fate.” Senestra said somberly. They stood there in the map room in silence until a crewmember came rushing in.

“CAPTAIN! The storm’s returning we need you now!”

The storm had indeed come back, their vessel soon rocked violently as shelves tipped over onto the floor. One nearly fell on top of Senestra but the captain yanked her from the danger. They almost collapsed to the floor as the ship was rocked viciously by the rough waves. Olverd followed the sailor down to the decks as he stumbled trying to keep his balance, Senestra holding onto him. The young Emissary abandoned them on their way to the Deck. Climbing into her room she slammed the door shut. Panting, the wretched teen-adult threw her-self onto the couch in the middle of the room. It was bolted to the floor, as was all the other furniture in the Diplomat’s section of the ships’ cabin. All of her papers, charts, and make up canisters fell to the floor. She ignored the items rolling all over the floor, spilling their contents on the green carpet in the center, The young weary Senestra fell asleep on the couch, unaware the storm raging around the ship.

The captain fought the heavy storm, keeping his vessel from being pulled to the depths of the ocean by aggressive waves. Waves washed over the deck of the ship as her crew struggled desperately to save the ship and themselves from a watery grave. The winds did not howl as much, but the waves had become more deadly. The crew steered the large craft away from large waves quickly as possible. They were forced down onto the hard wooden deck by the heavy waves. Either these waters are untamed or the Gods of the Seas are just messing with the poor Sailors attempting to sail across. They will never know so long as the Gods do not let them die here. The waves grabbed at the ship like hands smashing it to pieces. Olverd climbed the ropes of the mast coming to aid anyone in need of help. Some of the sailors had wanted help for keeping the mast intact and secure.

He held on as another wave crashed against the ship with such force it nearly forced him off the vessel. Olverd tied several ropes around his waist to attach his own body to the mast. A young sailor made his way to the persistent captain.

“Sir, I don’t think she’ll be able to hold much longer!” the youth yelled over the loud winds of the mighty storm.

“No, my lad, you think wrong she was built to endure such a storm, that not even the Gods themselves could conger!”

The youth nodded in agreement. He smiled, “Let’s just say you’re right Captain!”

The young sailor looked about below as men rushed to grab onto something and keep themselves on board. “My father always said you were crazy and now I know what he meant by what he said.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because-“, He was interrupted by a large wave that swooped over them.

Spitting out water he continued still holding on for dear life.

“Because you were always stubborn and took on the roughest storms without fear.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, sir. You’ve always been an inspiration to me and many young sailors!” The Captain smiled as another large wave splashed onto the ship.

As the storm grew worse outside the young emissary laid there on the couch in a very deep slumber. She was having a dream a strange but terrible dream. She traversed through a vast waste land covered in large puddles of water she thought. Looking closer she noticed it was not water but BLOOD! All across the land there were large puddles of blood. The sky too was the shade of blood red as if the gods themselves bled. Making her way through the bloody wasteland Senestra stepped into the puddles of blood in disgust.

She could not bear to walk through the thick liquid let alone the sight of blood itself. It was gruesome, strange objects floated in the puddles. She could not tell what the objects were until she crossed over one with her foot. She observed the object judging what it was. It looked fleshy with bones showing. Her eyes widened she became horrified the object was a corpse chopped in pieces by some blade. Senestra looked about turning her head this way and that. Everywhere there were floating corpses floating in the blood puddles. Backing away from the puddles she tripped and fell into a puddle. She stared at the corpse which she tripped over. This one had a head it floated in the pool of blood. It soon came to life twisting its head to see who had disturbed its eternal sleep. The face of the corpse was torn apart with dead flesh hanging over the skeletal figure of its face. Its eyes bulged out of their sockets as if to jump at her.

Senestra forced herself away from this live corpse reaching out for her with its long diseased arms. She was surrounded by waking corpses coming for her. The young damsel fled for life from these undead abominations. To her dismay she found herself trapped all around by these walking corpses. Fleshy arms grabbed at her grasping her clothes. Her night gown was torn from her slender body as she was stripped nude. She stood there naked before these vile things. Bony hands groped her everywhere. Senestra’s body was not safe from hungry hands. Some even grabbed her breast. She struggled and squirmed to free herself but hope had failed this innocent woman. The undead began biting her chewing her up, devouring the wretched Senestra. This gruesome nightmare soon changed as the corpses and bloody field faded away. She found herself in the middle of a battlefield.

Men fought beasts and demons, limbs hacked off, heads rolled, and bodies fell to the ground. The battle became fiercer as it commenced. Warrior and beast were oblivious to the woman’s presence on the battlefield. Senestra was in a hellish world of bloodshed. In the midst of the battle she was attacked by several huge demons. They beat her senselessly, ripping her apart, tormenting the wretch.

Something jumped out of the crowd of battling beings and sliced the monsters tormenting her. Senestra looked up at this brave warrior. He was tall with a very muscular body. He hovered over her like a hero. He looked down at her; she could only see his eyes through the slits of his helmet. Their eyes met, both stared into the other. Senestra saw the rage in his eyes lit with flame. She could tell he hated demons that he would mostly kill one than look at it. The warrior grabbed her by the throat and lifted her from the ground. It was as though he was choking her but senestra felt nothing. The damsel squirmed in his grasp as everything faded away once again. Senestra opened her eyes, light illuminated into the room from the window. Looking around she saw the Captain beside the couch. 

Unexpected Rescue

As the weeping continued, Vorgis a mighty Sarmatian dismounted his beast of a horse. He was curious as to where this sound was coming from. Vorgis tied the reins of the horse to a tree branch. He walked over to the lake to get a glimpse of where the child could be. He looked down at the lake, it was barely shallow. It was at least three feet deep. Taking off his boots and armor, Vorgis became bare chest and bare foot. Drawing his sword the brave warrior stepped into the water and crossed the lake still hearing the child's weeping. He slowed his pace through the lake. He was now crossing into the lake quietly and cautiously. Vorgis was entering Gothic territory. The Goths are viciously savage people. They will kill anything or anyone that dared enter their lands from animals to brave warriors to innocent women and children. Vorgis finally crossed the lake the weeping was loud and clear. It was as if the child was next to him. He looked around then walked about the woods he came toward some bushes. The sound was coming from the bushes. He looked through the bushes and found a cave. The child's weeping echoed in the cave. Vorgis took his sword and began hacking away at the bushes blocking the cave entrance. As the brush was cleared away he could see that the cave was a series of natural tunnels connected by man made tunnels.

The tunnel was dim-lit and damp. Vorgis went down into the dark place following the child's weeping. As he traversed deep into the cavern's he heard the crunching sounds of bones being crushed. After a while the weeping stopped, all he heard were his own footsteps. He continued through the darkness until he saw a glimmer of light. He came closer and closer as it became more distinct. Vorgis could now clearly see that the light was a torch in the dark. He took the torch from its stand. Torch in one hand and a sword in the other Vorgis continued forward as the light off the fire illuminated off the walls of diamonds. The was clear of darkness as he stepped the twelfth step he heard the sound of weeping once more. Vorgis followed the weeping to a large den. Its entrance was covered by a humongous bear pelt, used as a door flap. The weeping clearly came from behind this door. Stepping forward he heard another sound, it was a snoring sound. It was very close, so very close. He looked down, there lying before him was a sleeping guard. He squated down, jabbed the torch into the ground. Picking up a nearby skull Vorgis hovered over the sleeping body.

Still sleeping the Gothic guard pulled himself up against the wall. Vorgis still hovered above him. Sword in his right hand and the skull in his left the Sarmatian was ready to kill the guard. Then a woman screamed from behind the flap door. The guard woke up startled by the sudden scream. He was about to get up when he saw the Sarmatian, he gasped. Vorgis slammed the skull into the Goth's face. The blow rendered the man unconscious. Vorgis did not hesitate, he quickly jabbed his blade into the Goth's belly. He had now killed the guard now he must rescue any captives including the child.

Opening the flap door he peered inside. The den was large, the size of a grand mead hall, only there were cages all about the great cavern. He looked around, a large fire was in the center illuminating the cavern. There were four Goths in the den, one asleep in a chair. Two were harassing a prisoner in the corner. The captive squealed as they poked it with pikes and pitchforks. The fourth guard had his back turned to the door next to the fire. He was scarfing down a piece of meat. Vorgis quietly stepped into the cavern. He heard the weeping again, turning his head Vorgis spotted a small figure shaking in a cage. Getting closer he saw it was the weeping child. He looked at the guards whom paid no attention to his presence. Nearing the cage he was able to put a hand on the child's shoulder. It was a little girl. She looked up at this gentle man still snuffling from crying. He silently hushed her. The girl fell silent, now feeling calm that help arrived. The someone rattled their cage loudly, next to the girl. The guards turned in that direction. Vorgis hid in the darkness behind the girl's cage. The rattling got louder, apparently this person saw Vorgis and was begging to be released. One of the guards heard them.

"Quiet down you filthy dog!" The Goth yelled, throwing his plate at the captive and spitting in their direction. The captive began whimpering, it was a woman shivering in fear.

"I said shut up, you groveling whore!" The Goth stormed over to the poor wretch. The cage was swung open. The Goth grabbed the woman and started beating her senseless. He soon groped her and shook her, slamming her against the cage. Vorgis acted without hesitation. He came out of the darkness, yanked the Goth off the woman. The Goth was aghast to see a Sarmatian. Before the Goth could react, Vorgis swung his sword lobbing the Goth's head off. The other Goths noticed the transaction that took place. They charged at him, and he swung his sword hacking off an arm and slicing a man's neck. Vorgis then logged his blade into the second attacker. This all happened in a moment. The Goth stared into his eyes mouth wide open in awe. Pulling his blade out of the Goth's bowels Vorgis swung around and cut his head off. With such force Vorgis had lobbed the head into the air. It hit the sleeping guard whom quickly got up. Grabbing an axe the Goth went for the Sarmatian. In quick movements Vorgis severed the Goth's arm wielding the axe and then lobbed a leg off. As the Goth fell to the ground Vorgis stabbed his sword into the man's chest, slaying him.

Vorgis stood there breathing heavily. Dropping his blade he began releasing prisoners. Some were Romans and others were fellow Sarmatians gone missing. The woman that was harassed embraced him, as did other women. Vorgis lifted the girl out of her cage. She smiled and kissed him on the cheek. This girl had blonde hair. There was something different about her. A woman with blonde hair came and wrapped her arms around the child. Brushing the child's hair she revealed the girl's ear. The girl was an elf, he was awestruck. He thought elves were only a legend. Many had believed the Roman Empire had brought them to extinction or drove them from the land.

A Sarmatian walked over to them. "Vorgis, we must hurry, before more Goths arrive."

They gathered what they could and rounded up the other captives. The escapees exited the cave and crossed the lake with their rescuer. The Sarmatians lead the others out of Gothic territory and into the Sarmatian homeland.