Two Angoths Missing Chapter

The warrior swam through the deep ocean in the direction of the ship. He stopped to look around, neither of the two comrades were seen. All he saw was another ship in the distance, too far out for him even to catch up. The other ship was just yards away. Surely the other two must already be aboard the ship he thought. The warrior looked around once more checking to see if the two warriors were straggling behind. All he saw were bodies of the sea serpents they had killed, floating on the surface of the ocean. Still there was no sign of the Angoth warriors. He continued swimming in the direction of the ship. Pulling forward with his strong arms the Angoth swam across the vast ocean.

With swift strokes through the water he pushed himself even closer to the ship. He was now feet from the vessel with every stroke he got closer. He could see the crew watching him approach the ship. Ropes were thrown over the side for him to climb aboard. The salty sea water entered his mouth as he desperately swam to the ship as if something were coming after him. The Angoth finally arrived at the ship after a long rush through ocean. Grabbing a nearby rope he tugged it twice and the crewmen pulled him up onto the ship.

He was greeted by the crew with hails and cheers. A heavy cloak was plopped onto his back for him to dry off with. They all crowded around him amazed at the feats he accomplished. When he finished drying a large Angoth handed the warrior’s leather armor to him. The Angoth crew gave their gratitude and thanks to the warrior. A big man next to him slapped a large hand onto his shoulder.

“You sure made good work of those hellish fiends of the abyss there Leothrad. Didn’t he lads?” the man bellowed in a loud voice. The others happily agreed with laughter and shouting. Leothrad smiled at the huge man, the man was as big as a full grown kuruk which were large massive creatures bigger than a man. Leothrad stood proud before the shipmates, looking at all the faces gathered around he did not see the two warriors among them.

The Angoths cleared a path before Leothrad as a mage came forth. She wore an iron cuirass, a silk dress and a fur cloak over her shoulders. She was followed by four chosen warriors as her Vanguard. The Angoths knelt before her. Leothrad also kneeled before the mage along with the larger man. She slowly paced herself toward Leothrad, observing the battle weary Angoths. The mage stared into the crowd of faces searching. The larger man whispered to Leothrad.

“You don’t suppose you know where Ilkabad and Evnar are, do you?”

Leothrad was taken aback; the two cousins were missing, “They’re not with you?”

“No, we thought they must be with you.” the large man admitted.

“ (sigh) damn it Clovis now none of us know where they are?”

“I’m afraid not grand champion; the three of you went after those beasties to wipe them out.”

Giving up her search the mage lifted a hand signaling for the Angoths to rise. She soon spied Leothrad and approached him with open arms. Leothrad stood there as the mage embraced him. Taking the champion warrior in her arms the mage kissed him on both cheeks.
 “Leothrad my dear champion, you have once again shown us all your skills in slaying beasts. These waters are now safe for travel thanks to you noble champion. My most favored brother of all.” Leothrad smiled at her proud of the gratitude he received. He hugged her with his strong massive arms. The brother and sister held each other in embrace happy to see the other unharmed. They let go and walked toward the bow of the ship.

“Captain Clovis set course for home our work is done here.” ordered the mage.

“Nay my lady we’re too far out from route home. We’ll have to sail down…” he paused realizing the course he was mentioning. “The Dead Warrior’s Gorge.”

Ceinius one of the battle mages whom accompanied the mage objected. “Have the vile sea witches gone to your head Clovis? That path is far too dangerous for Levanna!” The battle mage jabbed a finger into the large man’s chest.

As if Ceinius were not there Clovis ordered the Angoths back to work. He then turned to the mage jabbing him in the chest. Clovis glared at Ceinius with raging anger in his eyes. The two looked as if they were going to fight. Battle Mage versus an Angoth Delkyr hunter.

“Ceinius we are not taking the long way home! Besides there are Angoth WARRIORS aboard this ship not a bunch a pathetic Crowsians!!” Clovis growled at the mage, who was not at all frightened by the size and might of the Angoth.

Leothrad stepped in to prevent any conflict from turning bloody between the two. “I understand your concerns for my sister Ceinius, but she is well protected here. For now her protection is no longer a concern. We must find our two missing warriors, Ilkabad and Evnar.”

The two Angoths towered over the master mage, whom gave both of them a look of disgust. “Captain Clovis,” The large Angoth knelt in response as Levanna called out, “make sure all warriors are aboard the ship. I feel as though some are missing and have lost their way on the vast belly of the sea.”

Levanna wrapped her arms around herself, fearing the worst could happen to the two warriors. The young mage looked down at the boards of the ship’s deck. Her mind wandered about as she thought of Ilkabad her lover. She felt as though something had stabbed her in the heart by taking her Ilkabad from her. She felt sadness consume her entirely. Levanna could not bear to lose Ilkabad it was nearly impossible to imagine a life without him. To even move on made her feel grim.

Leothrad watched his sister; he did not wish to see his dear Levanna in depression. Looking out into the sea the champion swore by the gods he would return Levanna’s lover back into her arms. He watched Levanna for some time, she was looking out into sea with the wind blowing in her red hair. The winds blew bringing a cold chill to the bone. He watched as Levanna shivered from the swipe of the wind god’s hand. It was only for a brief moment since it only came and went by. He barely felt cold from the wind’s chilling bite. Leothrad did not notice a small figure walk by him toward the young red haired mage. It was the old wise crone Visdiar. He heard the old sweet voice say to Levanna. 
“Come on inside my dear it is far too cold out here in these waters.” Leothrad watched as the youth was escorted by the crone followed by a gaggle of mages and bodyguards. Now alone despite the crew and captain, Leothrad walked over to the starboard side of the ship. He looked out at the sea watching as the large land mass of Kruskor, a large island with a great gorge running through the middle like a river. He knew this island well it is full of monsters, creatures as well as demons. Leothrad had fought on this island before in several raids in the past. Clovis joined him in silence as the Angoth champion looked out at the sea as Kruskor slowly became bigger.

“Do not worry about my sister’s protection.” Leothrad replied. “She is now a mage and a powerful one at that.” There was silence before Clovis spoke. 
“I know she is woman now and she can care for herself. But there are far more dangerous creatures out there too cumbersome for her to fight! Leothrad, all these years I have dedicated my life to protect you and your sister by any means.” Leothrad stared blankly into the Angoth’s face. 
“Then why are we headed toward Dead Warrior’s Gorge?” Clovis was taken aback. 
“You said it yourself there was no need for us to concern ourselves with her protection.”

“When I looked into her eyes I saw hole in her heart! Something is wrong here? I just can’t seem to gras- Wait a moment! YES of course! They are still alive!” Leothrad realized that Levanna’s lover Ilkabad was aboard another vessel in the distance. He pointed out the ship in the faraway distance. “Clovis look there do you see?”

“See what grand champion?” Clovis asked confused. “There that ship over there nearing Kruskor Island. The cousins are aboard that ship.” He remembered chasing down a Delkyr all the way to the other ship with the cousins following in pursuit. He pointed the vessel out for Clovis ordering him to follow it. “Quickly my brethren Angoths follow that ship!”