Search the Jungle Chapter

Leothrad woke up in his cot and rose to his feet. He stretched and yawned before walking out of his quarters which he shared with another Angoth warrior who was still asleep in his own cot next to the door. Leothrad found it was still dark and sun hadn’t risen up yet or was it the shadow of the jungles making it appear dark still? He had no way of telling unless he got up on the deck to see for himself. The Champion felt his way around causing the boards to creak under his feet and his hands bumped into the walls. In the dark the halls of the cabin felt like a maze. As he made his way through the cabin of the Serpent Hunter he recalled what the Vah Shir offered to do for Captain Olverd to the remaining crew members of the Lessiiv who slept on board their own ship with the Vah Shir and other warriors.

Jethaam would offer to sail the ship on to wherever the Angoths were and get help from them and whoever else they came across along the way. Leothrad did not think a Captain would refuse such an offer especially if he was not present and in the hands of the Ipama and Cren warriors. When he finally got outside in the cool air of the morning Leothrad found his sister and Visdiar on the bow looking at the Jungle and the Lessiiv.

There was a table and some chairs set up with breakfast on platters. Both women had already eaten, but left enough anyone else who wanted to join them. Fruit and bread were sitting on the platters waiting for anyone to grab it and eat. He picked up a piece of fruit and took a bite out of it as he approached his sister and the Crone. Visdiar turned and saw him approach them.

“Leothrad, is that you?” The Crone asked seeing nothing but a dark figure on the deck.

“Yes Crone Visdiar it is me Leothrad.” He answered in the dark.

“Come join us Champion we have some things to discuss with you.” Visdiar motioned for him to join them.

As Leothrad the joined them the sun rose in the sky shining on the two ships sitting in the river. Levanna hugged him good morning and rubbed his face and body checking for any scars. The only scars she found were older ones from his youth. He grabbed her hand lightly and removed it from his body. “Do not worry my sister I am unscathed from yesterday’s battle. Besides you checked me yesterday before nightfall.”

“You are my blood dear brother. Visdiar and I would like to have words about this island and where the captives could be.” Levanna said returning to the original topic she and Visdiar were discussing.

“If we had a map of Kruskor Island it would be easier to locate the most likely location they would be in. That will depend on which Ipama tribe has possession of them. When I boarded the Lessiiv I saw the Ipama attack the Cren scum. If the Cren Order believe the Ipama are their friends then they are mistaken.”

If there ever was a map of Kruskor it would surely have the cliffs and caves labelled next to the gorge. The caves and cliffs would be where the captives would be with the captors. Visdiar lectured Leothrad as a child about the Ipama tribes on the Island of Kruskor. Each tribe would have to take their captives to the cliffs or caves. There the Ipama sacrificed them to whatever god was here. Once a band of warriors would be searching for friends here they would have to act fast. It would be a race against time for them unless the tribes were fighting each other over the captives.

“We do not need a map of this island Leothrad I can remember where the cliffs and caves are. I told your sister everything about this island and the others. She understands what will or would happen to Ilkabad and the others if they are taken to the place of sacrifice. Have you ever found yourself there?” Visdiar asked Leothrad.

“I have only been on the other side of the island. Never have I ventured deep into the Ipama territories. Although I have seen where the sacrifices may have taken place from the beach on the other side of the jungle.” Loethrad recalled his earlier days as a youth when he was first on this island hunting down a Makool who started terrorizing Crowsian and Veek traders from the reefs. They chased him down to this island and fought Ipama, Makool and numerous Vugar.

On the first day he and a group of Angoths landed on a beach north of where they were now, he saw another vessel in pieces on the beach. Much of its crew lay dead along with scores of Ipama. He fought several Makool who came scavenging the shipwreck after chasing the Ipama off. A young Leothrad and his fellow warriors fought their way through rock formations on the beach to another beach protected by reefs. It was from that beach that he saw many figures dancing and playing drums while parading other figures on their shoulders. Those figures on the shoulders of the Ipama were tied to the cliffs and thrown over the wall as a sacrifice.

Leothrad recalled the number of days they spent searching and fighting Ipama and Makool along the coasts. There was one day when the Makool separated them from their ships. Makool used the sea to their advantage in warfare. When an island they possess is under attack and the enemies are ashore the Makool will have warriors waiting under water near the shore. Once the enemy has moved away from their ships the Makool emerge from the water and flank them. Leothrad’s Leader ordered his men to split up into to three groups. The smallest group went on with the mission while the others protected their flanks. The group closest to the ships fought the Makool and reclaimed their landing area. Leothrad and his Leader went on with six other warriors who gave their lives to ensure Leothrad and the Leader would get their target.

Leothrad and his Leader Alaric found the Makool in a cave full of Vugar where they fought viciously for their lives. Alaric was badly wounded and threw his sword at the Makool as his final act before death. The memories of Leothrad cutting his way through Vugar to save his Leader ran through his mind. The last thing he recalled before returning to Levanna and Visdiar was him giving the final blow and returning with the quest completed.

“You are asking me to go into the jungle aren’t you?’ Leothrad asked looking both Mages.

“We are not asking Champion we are commanding you.” Ceinius’ voice rose up from behind him.

“I am asking him as a sister, a Mage and a lover to Ilkabad. Please my brother goes into that jungle and find my beloved.” Levanna gazed into his eyes showing her love for Ilkabad in her own eyes.

“For you my sister I will go and search for Ilkabad and Evnar. Once I find them let me find these missing crew of the Lessiiv.” Leothrad said to Levanna and making a request for the sake of the Lessiiv’s missing crew and Captain.

Leothrad turned to face Ceinius who was sitting down helping himself to some fruit. The Crowsian Battle Mage had his servants and apprentices with him for the journey. One was a boy of thirteen years of age and the other a girl who was three years older than the boy. The boy’s name was Adugar Ceinius tasked him with preparing his master’s meals. Ceinius allowed Adugar to eat before diving into his studies and learning more from his master every day. The girl was named Silan the supposed bastard daughter of Leothrad’s first Leader who died on this island.

Silan was Ceinius’ star pupil who was becoming an adept at everything he taught her ever since she was nine. She mastered techniques most pupils did not achieve until they were eighteen.

“Adugar get some eggs and a pan. We will practice using your fire technique this morning. Remember do not try to burn the ship this time!” Ceinius ordered before turning his attention to Leothrad.

“Yes Leothrad?” the Battle mage asked as though he said nothing to the Champion.

“You are commanding me Battle Mage Ceinius to enter those jungles.” Leothrad said pointing at the jungles on the right side of the Serpent Hunter.

“Captain Clovis and your Vah Shir friend and I discussed sending a party in to search the jungles. I take it you have been here before.” Ceinius said as Adugar came out with the things Ceinius ordered him to bring. Adugar dropped it when he tripped on his way to his master. The pupil was fortunate not to drop the eggs which were in a sling around his shoulder blade and neck. Ceinius ignored the youth’s clumsiness to discuss more important matters than breakfast. The battle mage looked at his other pupil who stood idle. 

“Go help Adugar with his task and make sure he does this right this time. The last time he burnt some of the ship’s lines to ash!” Silan went to Adugar’s aid as the Champion and Master talked.

“I wish to have this conversation short Leothrad. You will lead a search party of forty warriors that includes our new friends. Clovis and I will assume command of both vessels. We were going to sail ahead to the end of the island and rendezvous with you.”

“What happened to that plan?” Leothrad asked the Battle Mage.

“Your sister did not like the idea of leaving this area and forcing you into Makool territory. We have our reasons for not leaving this spot. There aren’t enough men to run both vessels at the same time. This Lessiiv will need over fifty men to sail her.” Ceinius explained to him.

“Summon the warriors once they’ve eaten. I will get ready for today’s search in the jungle.” Leothrad picked up another fruit of the table and ate it as he proceeded to the cabins. He passed several crew hands and warriors as they were just now waking up. Ever since they landed Clovis was more lax about when they should wake up. He did not want anyone getting killed while on the deck of the Lessiiv. Clovis’ fears were disapproved by Levanna and Visdiar.

The Champion came to his own quarters where his armor sat waiting over his cot. His roommate still slept. It was past the hour he was supposed to be awake. Leothrad stood over his bed and slammed the wall above the sleeper’s head with his fist. The loud bang caused the sleeping Angoth to jolt awake leaping out of his cot.

“Wake up Sailor its past dawn already.” Leothrad told him as a way of ordering him out of the room. His roommate grumbled as he picked himself up and left Leothrad muttering curses under his breath. When his roommate left the room Leothrad turned to his armor set up on a rack next to his cot. The Champion donned his armor securing each piece on his limbs and torso before placing sword at his side. The last thing he put on was his helmet, which rested comfortably on his head.

Leothrad picked up the shield from under the cot and presumed to the deck of the ship. When he came out on the deck of the Serpent Hunter most of the warriors and sailors stood at attention. The archers looked out from the starboard and broadsides of the vessel. Captain Clovis, Battle Mage Ceinius, Levanna and the Crone Visdiar stood to one side on the deck. Next to them was Jethaam and his fellow Vah Shir behind him who labelled him as their chief.

Levanna turned to the group of Angoth warriors on the deck. “Those of you who are joining Leothrad on his search come forth!” She commanded.

Forty or so Angoth warriors stepped forward leaving thirty warriors left. Jethaam and his Vah Shir stepped up as well. Leothrad was given Forty-Seven warriors to command on his search for Ilkabad, Evnar and the Lessiiv crew. The rest of the warriors and sailors stayed behind to defend the Lessiiv and the Serpent Hunter. Captain Clovis ordered for all the small boats to be prepared and lowered once enough warriors were on board. All the boats had to be used including some canoes that were floating near the hull of the ships. Clovis had those canoes tied to the decks so they would have smaller craft for quests and raids. As Leothrad boarded one of the last craft available turned to Clovis and the other leaders.

 “I would not bother with this region very much. The Ipama tribes here had lost enough warriors to us and the Lessiiv crew. Whichever tribe had the trust of the Cren Order were also under attack by other tribes. Those tribes also fought each other.” He warned the Angoth leaders. 

“Champion.” Clovis laughed. “We do not know that!”

“It is likely to have happened on Kruskor. You know as well as I do that there are numerous tribes of Ipama on this island.” Leothrad responded as his vessel was lowered.

He joined the other warriors waiting for him on the bank of the river where they stood their guard in case other Ipama tribes attack. Leothrad looked around with the Lessiiv directly behind him. There was a clear space between the bank and the jungle with enough room for five hundred to stand on. He observed the jungle closely from where he stood and found a path cut into the brush. Leothrad took a spear from an Angoth warrior who held two spears.

Leothrad dropped his shield and took a throwing stance holing the spear like a javelin. He looked into the path of the jungle and marked a target he could see wandering aimlessly in the path of the jungle. The Champion spotted someone in the path coming towards them. He took aim and threw his spear hitting his target. The fell then another person rushed up to them with his hands up.

“Do not kill me, I surrender!” the second figure yelled as he came running out of the jungle. He was a Cren servant who happened to be human. The Servant was identified as a human because of a collar around his neck with an emerald in it.

“I say kill him anyways!” an Angoth warrior snorted shoving a blade in the Cren Servant’s face.

“Hold your blade warrior.” Leothrad commanded and the Angoth backed away sheathing his sword. “This one may know where the crew of the Lessiiv are in this jungle.”

The Cren servant looked at him relieved to have his life spared. “Thank you great lord! They were taken into that jungle and if you just take that path with me I will guide you. I am your loyal Makedeze, Master.” The Cren servant named Makedeze went down on his knees and groveling at Leothrad’s feet.

Leothrad looked down at him and thanked the Cren servant. He turned to Jethaam who was keen on killing the Cren servant on his command. The Vah Shir held his blade unless Leothrad said to kill. 

“His order has enslaved your brethren. Am I right?” Leothrad said to the Vah Shir Chieftain. Jethaam looked down at the groveling Cren servant who was now kissing Leothrad’s feet. The Vah Shir unsheathed his weapon and struck the Cren Servant ending his life and servitude to the Cren Order.

“We have wasted enough time already let us proceed through this path the Cren or Ipama made in the jungle.” Leothrad suggested as he took the lead. “The Cren bastard has served his purpose well enough.”

As the Champion entered the jungle forty-seven warriors trickled in behind him. Each one minded the trees and brush on both sides of the path. Even he looked up at the trees from time to time checking to see if there were any Ipama watching them. Every ten feet each warrior would look up scanning the tree tops for any signs of Ipama. In the tree tops they did spot some huts and houses connected to each other. Each one was well hidden in the trees and disguised as a nest in the trees.

The jungle path took the search party deeper into the island of Kruskor. Each turn left or right drove them into the territories of other Ipama tribes. Leothrad looked up again and saw Ipama looking down on them through the brush and leaves above them. None of the Ipama bothered to jump down. From what Leothrad could tell these Ipama were not so keen on attacking these warriors. Other warriors behind him looked up as well and wanted to shoot at them with arrows.

“Champion let us kill a few of them while they are watching us.” A warrior asked, but Jethaam went against it.

“That tribe has suffered enough losses already. They may be savages, but this tribe knows the recent strangers are not be trifled with. Every tribe on this island is at war with each other. This one has already come under attack from other tribes. They will not attack us to save the numbers to fend off their numbers.” Jethaam explained to the warriors behind him and Leothrad.

“Let us keep moving then. This tribe may not attack us, but the others will. Our path has been forged for us by the Cren Order trying to force a path into the jungle.” Leothrad went ahead of his search party taking the path the Cren Order cut through the jungle.

All they find in the path are tracks from the Ipama and the Cren Order. Leothrad spotted signs of prisoners being dragged mixed in with the footprints of the Ipama and the Cren Servants. He followed the trail of footprints along the path until they appeared to stop. Leothrad raised his hand as a signal for them to stop. He kneeled down and skimmed the dirt with his palm and found the footprints veered off the path.

“It seems our Ipama friends took the Cren and their prisoners off the path.” Jethaam observed.

“Yes, and the Cren Order were foolish enough to follow them into whatever hell the Ipama had in store for them.” Leothrad said looking to his right and discovered the brush was disturbed.

“This disturbed brush will lead us to the Ipama and their prisoners. Men we have found their trail let us hunt Ipama and Cren together!” Leothrad cried as he rushed forth into the jungle following the disturbed brush. It went through the jungle like a trail that was horribly made with use of a thick tree branch. Along the crudely made trail there were some plants that appeared trampled. Numerous feet had trampled over these plants crushing them to the ground forging the path Leothrad and his search party followed. Their search in the jungle went on.