Through Heck Chapter

Chiecra awoke from a thin stream of light shining in his eyes. He knew the sun had risen for the rays of light reflected off the diamond ceiling. Getting up he was the only one awake so far. In swift motions, Chiecra put his uniform on as though someone were shooting at him. Once the boots were on the cadet walked down to where he saw a fire burning in the middle of the clearing. All over the causeway were crates of ammunition and weapons along with cartridges from the previous battle. To his left was the massive opening, which had three machine guns sitting along its short wall unmanned. Inside he could see multiple sleeping bags with fellow soldiers sleeping in them. When he went to the clearing he saw hardly anything had changed. The Nazdar vehicles were still sitting in their circular formation. The corpses of the Nazdar shot in the battle remained undisturbed. Much of the ground floor was stained red from the blood flow. In the middle of this circle of vehicles sat seven Vestrisian soldiers around a large cooking fire. One of them noticed him approaching. Sergeant Viktorov sat upon a crate with multiple commanders. Sergeant Mckaw sat across from the other Sergeant with the back of his head facing a clear gap between two vehicles with the path in the background.

"Cadet good to see you're awake. Get yourself some food." Viktorov said tossing a plate at the cadet. After catching the metal plate the cadet grabbed a fork from a can of eating utensils. The cook fixed Chiecra ham and two large sausages.

"You'll need it. Gives you more energy for today." the cook said handing him his plate. Sitting down the cadet consumed the meat hungrily. The sausages were taken from the enemy vehicles. The meats were meant for energy and stamina to keep soldiers moving long distances for days at a time. Aibeth also commented on the sausages nearly arguing with the cook.

"They're not just for energy, this meat's for making you shit."Aibeth said.

The cook scoffed taking a swig of coffee. More soldiers came down from the upper tunnels. Five others rushed from one tunnel to another each carrying what looked like sniper rifles. They all heard yelling and bickering as though a mother were present. A one sided squabble seemed to be occurring inside the caverns. Vestrisian soldiers attempting to get dressed were run out of the cavern through the large hole in the wall. The rest laughed at them struggling to get their uniforms on as the five long haired snipers hollered at them. Looking at the snipers more clearly Chiecra noticed they were female.

The Vestrisian Vanguards gathered around the commanders. Each one was eager for food and their next orders. Chatter arouse among the vanguard. Many spoke of home, others the war. Few talked about their families, wives, sisters, brothers, children, relatives, and friends. Chiecra sat on a metal footing of a half track. The cadet quietly ate his breakfast listening to the many conversations all around. Azdar, Allen and two others joined the Cadet setting themselves on the lower flat beams at the bottom of the lifeless half-track. Not paying attention to the four fellow cadets, Chiecra set his two senses upon a group of four colleagues to their left near the center of the clearing. He listened closely to the one speaking blocking out all other voices.

"My brother Verfon, he was over in that unknown country. You know that large patch of land nobody else except them Gantronese have claimed?" He said gaining the others’ attention.

"Yeah I know of that country." One of the soldiers said.

"You mean that patch of land that's entirely jungle, swamps, and forest?" Another asked the speaker.

"He sent me a post card with a letter once saying there's whole lot of crazy stuff happening there." The first one said to the others who were listening.

"Like what?" One of them asked.

"SCARY STUFF! That's what! Recently they kept running into these enemy outposts destroyed, bodies cut up and spread all over the place. Some of them got decapitated, bodies cut or torn to pieces or something...." The main speaker said to the other two soldiers.

Hardly anyone noticed Mysdran Kyshar coming out of the main tunnel escorted and by Vestrisian Vanguards and Zhenrai Knights. Major Hawke hollered for them to fall in line.

"ATTENTION!" The Major yelled.

Responding to this order all Vestrisian Vanguards stood at attention showing respect to the high-ranking warlord. Some dropped their plates and utensils on the ground others engorged the remains of their food before setting the plates aside. Chiecra and his colleagues set theirs on the half-track. All ears were now open to hear the Mysdran's speech or lecture.

"Good morning men!" Mysdran Kyshar said in a serious voice.

"Good morning, sir!" they all replied.

"I see you're just finishing breakfast. Forgive my intrusion but I have a bit of gratitude and rewards along with more orders." he cleared his throat, then drank from his canteen. “Those of you whom dealt with the vampire problems completed that mission with superb success. I have never seen men more braver than those who managed to repel that epidemic. I hope those courageous souls are standing among you. They have proven themselves to the gods, the Zhenrai Order and the Vestrisian Republic. I am sure they’ve made their ancestors proud. You Vestrisian soldiers along with the vampire hunters are now the Vanguards of the Vestrisian Army. I am most certain from what I see here and back there that you forced your way through. Your actions have halted a vital part of the Nazdar invasion. You Vanguards are the bravest, valiant, vicious, and most intelligent soldiers to walk upon this earth." He chuckled, as did the others.

"The dangers you just faced in this underworld are just a small portion of many others in this heathen hell of a place. The arachnids I was sure would give you a challenge, but since the..." He paused allowing the men to laugh while he just grinned.

"...Nazdar came here first. That took away some of the challenge awaiting you. Yet none of you let your guard down and slaughtered what was hopefully the last of the pests. The various creatures like the gnolls and troglodytes did give you some challenge and a surprise. There is no doubt that plenty of you are aware those violent inhabitants of the underworld are armed with modern weaponry.”

“These savages are deadly by nature and for centuries have wrought mayhem, destruction, and death to the Bymere Countryside. For recent decades, these marauders have been attacking the Lenai. Now they are in league with the Nazdar slavers, kidnapping both the young from nearby villages. Countless caravans were attacked leaving a few dead and the rest taken as captives to be sold into slavery. Vestrisians you must force your way through that forest of fungus. Kill every hostile or bloodthirsty creature. I have my own concerns about these troglodyte and gnoll bands joining forces with the enemy. They used to fight one another before the Nazdar came, no doubt they still do. However, with their growing strength these bands of savages have become a horde to be reckoned with." He took another drink from his canteen, 'Must be losing his voice from all those speeches he's made.' thought Chiecra.

"That horde on the other side of the underworld must not reach here or reach the other tunnel, leading up to the surface. I wish you luck, and know you vanguards will get the job done." Mysdran Kyshar took his leave in front of the Vestrisian Vanguard, disappearing into the massive tunnel before them. After they were dismissed, the Vestrisian Vanguard picked up their plates and utensils. They tossed the metal items into a large pale next to the fire.

"That Mysdran just carries on with speeches." Azdar said walking along side Chiecra.

"He has to do it anyways. It's his job otherwise the media would think he's a joke." Chiecra exclaimed.

"You are right Gwynor. Wonder what hell is waiting for us in that fungus." Azdar said looking over Chiecra's head at the vast forest.

"Probably something hideous and hungry." a soldier suggested shoving his way past the two in a way they knew he was just messing around. A cadet cut between them with a comprehensive look.

"He is kidding, right?" The cadet looked at both of them with a scared look. He then cracked a smiled making them both laugh.

"Oh, no he is right. There could be something horrible!" Azdar said sarcastically. The three Cadets laughed as they walked up the causeway to retrieve their gear and packs for the long advance through the fungal forest. Chiecra gazed into open space upon the vast forest, which stretched for miles and miles with no end in sight.

"Still who knows what's out there, lurking underneath that fungi." he said.

Azdar glanced at the cadet behind them. "Hey Chiecra this is Javan Huro. I bunked with him in the Velisce region. Javan Huro this is Chiecra Gwynor. He is the friend I told you and the barracks about." Javan stretched his arm over their shoulders.

"Hi it is nice to finally meet you. Azdar's told some crazy stories about you Yackdreth rider." Chiecra shook his hand in a manly greeting, glad to know many have heard of him and his crazy stunts he did back home in the Balkmel Mountains. As they walked past the gaping hole Javan took off his cap unveiling long shaggy dark hair.

"Say Chiecra how did those Lenai girls look, eh?" Javan asked him and he laughed at Chiecra who turned red in embarrassment. Chiecra thought of the gorgeous Lenai girls he saved from the weird little man. He then turned serious again recalling what happened.

"Don't laugh or joke about that too much Javan. Zeuxis knows what those bastards did to the poor souls." Chiecra said to Javan patting his head. Azdar nodded in agreement. A female sniper barked at Javan.

"HEY, LONG SHANKS, BETTER PUT YOUR HELMET ON BEFORE YOU GET SHOT!" She yelled at the cadet. Taking the advice Javan nervously placed his helmet back on. Chiecra and Azdar both laughed at him.

Repacking gear and supplies the Vestrisian Vanguards readied themselves to embark on a journey through hell. Chiecra packed every item back into his pack with room to spare for a few more items. Like the rest Chiecra stocked up on ammo and grenades. Every pack had pouches used for storing ammo magazines. To Chiecra the pack did not feel heavy, though its weight was noticeable. Chiecra Gwynor was more than ready for a long fight. He had his E-7 in his hands, a pack full of equipment, and ammunition in every pocket. Chiecra latched his shotgun to his pack. He had his pistols, and bayonet in his belt. Just as they slung their packs on the Vestrisian Vanguards marched down to the clearing to await the executive orders to begin the next phase of the operation. Cadets, Sergeants, Corporals, Privates, and Lieutenants scrambled about getting into formation before Major Hawke, Captain Gwynor and Athenere.

"Vanguards, before you go off we have a simple reward for you. It may not seem suitable but it will suffice for you to hear from loved ones." Major Hawke said to them.

Four carts full of packages and letters rolled out of the main tunnel. One at a time the soldiers received a package from one of the carts. Letters and packages were opened followed by series of conversations. Chiecra leaned against a vehicle alone believing there was nothing for him. He watched in envy while the others joyously tore open gifts and letters family and loved ones sent them. Chiecra kept to himself refusing to socialize with the other colleagues. As he stared at the floor and pressed his pack against the vehicle Chiecra did not see a figure approach him. For a minute he only saw the ground then a shadow walked up to him. Looking up Chiecra saw his brother Kouthra standing before him holding what looked like a package with letters attached by a rubber band. The paper package was labeled Chiecra Gwynor.

"Here, it's something from Illa." Kouthra handed the package to Chiecra. Relief sprang up inside him. His sister-in-law had sent him a package along with a letter. Using the knife Chiecra cut the package open. He pulled out a woolen sweater causing a knife, a journal and two chocolate bars to spill out of the package. Opening the letter Chiecra read the written words from his sister-in-law.

Dear Chiecra,

I know it must be hard for you to just have Kouthra, the kids and I as family. Ever since you joined the Vestrisian Army as a recruit I have been worried sick. Well, I guess you can say that's how we women are. Worrying about our boys, especially when they're sent off to war. The kids miss you, as do I and I hope these gifts will be fit for you: wherever you are headed to. We think about you always. Little Lavinna misses you the most and those piggyback rides.

PS:

Find yourself a nice girl sometime soon. Make sure she's compassionate and courteous. Don't give up hope there's always someone for everyone.

Reading this letter strengthened Chiecra's morale. He was pleased to receive a package and letter from relatives. He spent over two years with them in the city of Udraine. He rolled the sweater up like a sleeping bag and tucked it a narrow spot in his pack. As he rummaged through the top pouch of the pack making room for the bars Chiecra noticed a fifth item spilled out of the package. It was triangular shaped, made of emerald rimmed with ebony. A face was etched onto the emerald. Looking at it closely Chiecra recognized the icon of the face etched onto the emerald. The face of Ipsul, Goddess of Fate and Salvation was etched onto it. The Gwynor family had been known for worshiping the Compassionate Goddess.

"Thanks brother I mean Captain!" Chiecra said embracing his brother.

"You're welcome, besides you're like a son to her." Kouthra replied embracing his younger brother in return. They separated in order to prepare for another advance through the underworld. After letters and gifts were stashed away in packs and empty pockets, the Vestrisian Vanguards were now ready to advance through what would be considered hell.

"Back in formation soldiers we've got a job to do. Do you know what that job is? Don't you!" Master-Sergeant Mckaw roared rousing the Vanguards back into formation from the recent interruption. Chiecra rushed past multiple colleagues jumping in line beside Allen and Azdar. Forty Vestrisian Vanguards stood firm, ready to go forth into hell. The commanding officers stood facing the large group of Privates, Corporals, Sergeants, and cadets. Four were Superior Commanders only three with military ranks and one with a political rank over the operation. Major Hawke, Captain Kouthra Gwynor, Captain Kudecht and Senator Athenere Greymir stood before the Vanguards and the soldiers around them. Major Hawke spoke loudly for all to hear.

"When I call your name and rank please keep our helmets on. Those whose names Senator Greymir does not call remove your helmets. That will be all." The Major stepped aside allowing Athenere the senator, to come forth before the vanguard. She held a list of their names. She began the list,

"Corporal Vinco Barzinia, Lieutenant Ilkez Brutius, Corporal Aibeth Crowley, Cadet Allen Firulk, Private Cole Garel, Private Terc Gelteze, Cadet Chiecra Gwynor, Sergeant Viktorov Gwynor, Cadet Javan Huro, Private Enfar Mascerd, Cadet Azdar Shiern, Private Rignar Silver-Oak, Corporal Eme Vaed. Those of you who have not been called out will remain here and begun cleaning this area up and setting up a defensive base here." The ones whose names were not called removed their helmets and set their packs down.

"As for the vanguards chosen to go, you will be accompanied by Captain Kudecht. He will led you through the path just ahead." There was no need for any more explanation, the chosen vanguards left their spots in the ranks. The twelve gathered in the back of the clearing closer to the pathway through the fungal forest. Chiecra watched the rest break rank, scattering left and right. Every five soldiers did a different task. Some began picking up corpses of the dead Nazdar, carrying the bodies to the pit on their left. The bodies were picked clean of badges, weapons, and ammo. This group dumped the bodies into the pit. Other soldiers started messing with the half-tracks. Rummaging through the vehicles taking out anything they found including bodies, weapons and more ammo. Captain Kudecht emerged from the crowd of busy soldiers, and marched up to meet them.

"Morning men, I know some of you, so the rest of you we'll figure it out later. We have no time to sit on our asses. Let's move out!" Captain Kudecht marched past them as they began to follow him. Individually the twelve chosen vanguards marched forward, advancing between two parked vehicles with the gap leading them to the open path to hell. None of them looked back over their shoulders, knowing the enemy could strike from anywhere at any time. Chiecra and his colleagues held their weapons with a finger on the trigger.

The path through the fungal forest was wide and deep. Both sides were surrounded by a forest of giant mushrooms. Looking from side to side Chiecra and a few others glared into the darkness of the deep forests on both sides. Walking alongside Viktorov, Vaed, and Azdar with Allen and three others behind him cadet Chiecra gwynor did not know what to make of the marvels these giant mushrooms had.

"These are some humongous fungi." Corporal Silver Oak commented, gazing up at the towering fungi as though he were a child. Vaed criticized him over what he said about the fungi.

"If you wanted the enemy to hear us I am sure you'd have brought your fiddle along." The vanguard smirked not letting a single laugh give them away. To Chiecra it seemed that marching in the open path would've given the enemy clear warning that they were coming.

"Cut the chatter back there, I don't want to hear a single peep out of anyone!" Ilkez growled through gritted teeth. Doing as the Zhenrai said the vanguards fell silent continuing through the path. Chiecra looked in every direction he could except behind him. He knew there could be nothing trying to sneak up behind them while their comrades watched their backs. 'It's strange, that the enemy doesn't try moving through the forest of mushrooms.' Chiecra thought to himself.

'Perhaps they have good reason not to.' Ilkez replied inside the cadet's mind. 'There's something lurking underneath the shadows of the mushroom forests?' Chiecra asked the zhenrai using his thoughts 'You bet.' the zenhrai answered before staying mute. Slowly and cautiously the thirteen Vanguards advanced through the path passing mushroom after mushroom. Every fungi looked the same on both sides of the path. It took them some time to reach the first turn of the path. The path steered the vanguards to the right a good ways before they came across several large clearings in the path. Two were in front of them and one to their left near another turn, which veered left. Coming a halt the thirteen vanguards stayed clear of the edges of the path, not knowing what might attack them. Sergeant Viktorov Gwynor and Corporal Aibeth Crowley stood ahead of the group checking for any signs of enemy presence.

"Is the coast clear, Sergeant Gywnor, and Corporal Crowley?" Captain Kudecht whispered loud enough for the two to hear. Aibeth responded with a wave of his left arm pointing left. Then waved his arm horizontally, signaling an unsure yes. Ilkez stood next to the Captain followed closely by several vanguards. The zhenrai gestured for Chiecra and those around him to come to them. Using his wits, Chiecra dropped to his belly and crawled his way to the mass of vanguards. The others repeated the same move to evade unexpected gunfire.

The eleven vanguards formed a circle each with their weapons facing a different direction covering a full 360 degrees. Some stood while others crouched to the ground aiming their rifles in separate directions. All was quiet as usual since the beginning of their advance. Chiecra stood next to Vaed whom wielded an S53 AR.

"You think the enemy's not here?" the cadet asked.

"Either that or something eliminated them all. Just look at the mushrooms more closely." The cadet squinted his eyes focusing on a few awkward looking mushrooms. He noticed on the stalks there was blood smeared all over as if some poor soul was cut apart or faced a gruesome fate. Keeping this to himself Chiecra realized the rest would notice eventually. Chiecra faced the direction they came from. Nothing appeared out of the fungal forest nor did he see any movement within the shadows of the fungi. His eyes went back and forth in his eye sockets scanning the area for any hostiles. He heard Captain Kudecht's voice address to them.

"It looks clear, move to the left." The ten vanguards stayed in their circular formation, moving to the left as one. They slowly maneuvered in a single movement together into the clearing to the left. Once they were safe within the boundaries of the closest clearing, the vanguards broke formation. Observing their surroundings Chiecra and several others noticed how big this clearing really was. Heads turned about, eyes switching from eye corner to eye corner. The vanguards found themselves in what appeared to be either a death trap or some sort of defensive area. Encircling the inside of the rim was a large patch of thorn bushes trailing all around the clearing. The thorn bushes reached as high as the caps of the mushrooms. Chiecra set his gaze to what lay in the center of the clearing. Three deep ditches were dug in the center of the thorn-enshrouded clearing, nine feet apart from the other. The three ditches looked to be ten feet in width all around.

"Watch yourselves boys. Keep your eyes open and your mind sharp." Vaed advised looking around with his eyes fixed on their surroundings. They all looked around, still observing their surroundings. Chiecra, Allen, Azdar and Javan walked up to one of the ditches slowly making their way with their weapons pointed at the ditch.

"What do you suppose is in those ditches?" Javan asked setting his E-7 rifle against his right shoulder aiming down the sites. The four Vanguards drew closer to the ditch with caution. Chiecra smelled some foul odor entering his nose. He covered his nose for a brief second.

"Do you guys smell that?" He asked them. The others agreed to the odor's presence.

"Yeah!" Some of them cried unable to stand the odor.

"I definitely smell something." One of them said holding his nose.

"By Zeuxis, it smells like..." Azdar paused for a moment realizing what this odor was.

"Smells like, dead bodies." Chiecra and Allen both peered over the ledge of the ditch discovering piles of corpses laying there rotting in the dugout ditch.

The rest of the vanguards also took a look into the other two ditches along with the first one that had already been looked at. Viktorov and Aibeth arrived at this little scene to see what they all noticed in the ditches, the deformed rotting corpses. Chiecra could tell that these poor souls had been brutally tortured then gruesomely killed. The clothing on the corpses were torn and dyed in dry blood. Chiecra's three colleagues left him to check out the other ditches. Vaed and Ilkez arrived on both sides of Chiecra.

The cadet paid them no heed as he observed the corpses more closely. Cheicra got down on one knee just to get a better look at the bodies. The Lieutenant and Corporal did the same as he did. On the torn bloody corpses Chiecra could see puncture marks from spears and bullet holes in the clothing. Observing the bodies even more he spied what looked like a Vestrisian helmet among the bodies. 'These are Vestrisian soldiers!' thought Chiecra awestruck to see comrades in arms slaughtered in such a horrid way.

"Look at this one!" a Private cried out. He stood at the edge of the third ditch, furthest away from the clearing entrance. They all rushed to the one Private Garel stood next to.

"What in the name of Gaivos?" Terc said aghast at the sight. Vinco went down to his knees praying up to the ceiling.

"Goddess Ipsul, I beg of you to show mercy upon these slain souls. Guide them and protect their spirits. Free them from whatever perils which they now face!" Vinco raised his arms in the air praying for some miracle to occur. He held in his hands the crest of Ipsul. Terc rolled his eyes forcing the praying man back onto his feet.

“This is not the time to grieve!" Two others came to get Vinco back onto his feet and regain his senses. Chiecra's eyes widened at what he saw in this third ditch. Inside this third bloodied ditch he and others saw bodies of not just soldiers but deformed and decapitated corpses of children. There were a few skeletons here and there among the bloodied corpses. In the middle of this heap of corpses and skeletons was a hole the size of a room.

"It looks like something's been here already." Ilkez said standing up straight with a full pack on his back.

"Sir, the second one is no different than the first." Corporal Silver-Oak stated pointing his weapon at the second ditch. The others went to check out the second ditch. Only Chiecra stayed at the third ditch as something unusual about this particular ditch drew his attention. Though his eyes were focused on this one ditch, he could still hear his colleagues talk among themselves about the second ditch.

"I believe we're dealing with an enemy that's ruthless beyond measure." Captain Kudecht declared to the group of Vanguards.

"Our own soldiers were butchered without mercy." Viktorov said gritting his teeth.

"This war will be nothing but spilled blood, and countless bodies." Ilkez said. Chiecra heard all of this but did not turn to look in their direction. He was looking at a particular corpse that didn't seem like the rest. It was clean of bullet holes and punctures from spears. This corpse still stirred. Its sides heaved up and down like it was breathing. With the feeling that this could be a trap set up as an ambush Chiecra aimed his E-7 rifle at the breathing creature. Then it stopped breathing for a moment. Without warning an enormous figure emerged from the pile of corpses shouting a loud roar that took the vanguards by surprise.

"Shoot it Chiecra! Shoot it!" His colleagues hollered at Chiecra who stood there aiming his weapon strait at this huge wolf like creature. It was a full-grown Gnoll. Chiecra fired three rounds into the beast's chest. The large Gnoll fell on top of the corpses with no sign of springing back to life. The vanguards were only spared a few seconds. All around them ferocious Gnolls emerged from the ground, the thorn bushes and even the two other ditches. Bullets flew all around wherever the beasts emerged, creating numerous body counts. In a matter of half a minute the thirteen vanguards shot multiple hostiles. The body count was double their numbers.

"I expected something like this would happen." said Ilkez checking his ammo.

Vaed agreed with the Zhenrai, "Yeah, especially in this war. Anything could happen when you least expect it."

"Let's get back to our mission here gentleman." Captain Kudecht ordered.

"Sir, are we going to check those other clearings as well?" Private Mascerd asked.

"Yes, private we are." Captain Kudecht marched ahead leading the vanguards to see about the other two clearings. They all looked at both paths back and forth. It was unclear which one they should take first.

"Which one should we go in next?" Aibeth asked eager to finish the job.

"I have no clue which one to check out next." admitted the captain. “We'll choose one.”

"Can't we just split our forces. One group goes into one while the rest go in the other?" Javan suggested curious if such a strategy could hurry things a bit.

"Cadet we are only thirteen men strong. Even a single ambush could easily wipe out a group of fifteen soldiers!" Captain Kudecht humiliated the cadet.

"So, we'll just stay as one group?" Private Garel asked looking at the Captain in the eye.

The captain just nodded then proceeded to the one on the right. This time they were expecting hostiles to jump out and ambush them. Storming into their next target the vanguards spread out making it impossible for the enemy to surround them. This next clearing resembled the same one they were just in moments ago. It was much smaller and had one ditch in the center. Staying clear of the center, the vanguards remained close to the entrance. Using their eyes the vanguards scanned the area for anything that appeared unusual or suspicious. Chiecra looked around acting as though the ditch was not even there. His eyes rested mainly on the thorn bushes.

Getting a slight itch that the enemy could be hiding in the thorn bushes the vanguards grabbed some grenades from their pockets. Captain Kudecht signaled for them to throw their grenades. Twelve grenades were thrown into the thorn bushes, and the blasts tore the bushes apart. Thorns and branches flew everywhere joined by screams of pain and death. Yells and cries came out from the thorns as the grenades exploded. Blood smeared onto the stalks and ground. The wails of men and beasts were heard all around. A few figures were exposed in the torn up bushes, many still alive and in pain. Some lay dead with bodies ripped apart, and bloody gashes. Those who were wounded revealed themselves to the Vanguards. Each one was killed with two or three shots. Aware of hostile presence the thirteen Vanguards kept their fingers on the trigger. More hostiles sprung up from other thorn bushes firing wildly at the vanguards. Troglodytes, Gnolls and Nazdars alike emerged from their hiding places to ambush the thirteen warriors. Bullets flew all around as the enemies exchanged fire. The skirmish lasted somewhat longer than the previous shoot out. The enemy failed in their attempts to kill the thirteen warriors. Like flies the guerrillas died at the hands of the Vestrisian Vanguards. Their corpses laid on top of the thorn bushes, bleeding all over them.

"The enemy sure know how to set up ambushes." Private Garel said smartly.

"Yeah, but not very clever ones." Ilkez commented.

"Wonder what's in this ditch?" Chiecra asked guessing what the answer already.

"More bodies I bet." Javan said.

"I don't know. Nothing emerged from there during the shootout, so it's safe to say there's nothing in there." replied Vaed squatting down to take off his pack. A large Troglodyte holding a female hostage emerged from the ditch laughing. He held the poor woman at gunpoint with the gun against her head. The monster held her with one arm squeezing her against him pushing upward on her chest with his forearm. She shivered from being held hostage. Everyone faintly heard her whimpering. The Vestrisian vanguards fixed their weapons on the reptilian like creature. The lizard spoke, mocking them.

"You foolish dung heads! Look at you fighting for these wimpy creatures. These dogs you call sacred beings of society!" The creature laughed groping his hostage.

"What the hell?" Allen said somewhat confused. Captain Kudecht talked to the Troglodyte.

"Our mission is to keep all people safe from enslavement and injustice, even all peoples of this world." He said to the Troglodyte. The monster only laughed at him.

"You must be joking, these..." he licked the frightened woman across her breast and up her neck. "...little whores have no place, but to be treated like dogs."

"Maybe in your world, but now that world will soon fall." Chiecra responded slightly squeezing the trigger.

"You idiots don't understand. These Zunia-Pucks make good profit in the slave business, especially when you have customers who pay good money for a good time!" He humped the hostage twice making her moan and whimper. Chiecra was not going to let this continue any longer the cadet aimed his E-7 at the creature’s head and fired. Dropping the Zunia-Puck the Troglodyte fell to the ground. He was now a just dead corpse. The Zunia-Puck was now free. She picked herself up and rushed to the nearest vanguard throwing herself at him. Crying she held Corporal Sliver-Oak tightly not letting him go. She was crying so much it was hard for her to say anything from all the choking sobs. Chiecra took a good look at this Zunia-Puck. She had a gorgeous body, with fine smooth legs, round cheeks, her arms were normal looking with a bit of meat on her bones. She had long dark auburn hair down to her lower back. She wore a pink blouse that stretched to her legs. Short genes covered the rest of her body. Staring up and down her legs Chiecra as well as some colleagues noticed her feet were hooves in place of feet and toes.

"Never knew Pucks were that tall?" Azdar admitted whispering into Chiecra's ear. Chiecra looked at him with some disgust.

"I'm just saying." he said innocently. Corporal Silver-Oak calmed the Zunia-Puck, rubbing her back to comfort her. He somewhat snuggled with her in his big arms.

"There's no need for tears anymore. You're safe now. Your innocence has been avenged." She stopped her crying, sniffing and snuffling to prevent more tears from coming. She looked up at the tall elf and smiled.

"Oh, thank you." The Zunia-Puck pressed herself against the Corporal's body.

Turning their attention away from the cute scene the vanguards went to see about the ditch in the center. Chiecra, Allen, Azdar, Javan and Aibeth stepped over to the edge of the ditch observing what lay inside. Within the ditch they discovered seven more Zunia-Pucks all tied up together with thick ropes in a very tight noose. Their hazel eyes looked up at the five vanguards. Each one looked relieved to see noble men had come to save them. Chiecra and his four colleagues slid down in the ditch to set them free. It was quick work with their blades. As Chiecra unbound one, who looked to be his age he could not help but stare into her hazel eyes. Those eyes of hers were spellbinding. Setting her free Chiecra lifted her up and noticed her leg was bleeding from a stab wound. The stola she wore kept her bodily features hidden from view. The five vanguards helped the seven damsels out of the ditch. Chiecra climbed out with his strong legs only to meet twenty or so Nazdar troopers standing before them. The rest of their comrades were forced onto their knees, hands behind their heads.

"Ah crap." Chiecra muttered to himself.

Four Nazdars fixed their sub-machine-guns on the dozen new captives. A large slaver forced the Zunia-Puck from Chiecra's arms. She fought savagely to remain in his arms. A struggle broke out as the slaver tried to wrench her away from her rescuer. She clung onto Chiecra for dear life. A Nazdar approached the struggling trio raising his rifle getting ready to strike the squirming Puck.