A ghost in my Dorm?

Back in College I had a total of three roommates. For most of my college years I was practically in a single room. Even though the rules stated I was required to have a roommate when living in a two person dorm I kind of lucky and was left alone about it. Well my third roommate stuck around until he graduated in 2011-2012. The two of us got a long pretty well and stayed out of each other's way since we had different schedules. One day he left the room to work on some projects. Here I am in the dorm room alone. Some time after he left I noticed the bathroom door was open and decided to close it for hell of it. As I closed the door something pulled it back three times. I pulled it back a couple of times and felt something pull as well. You can argue it was my roommate pulling a prank but remember he was long gone. We had zero other suit mates, plus no other way into our bathroom. I was kind of spooked a little and backed away. After several minutes of anticipating of what the F### just happened I kicked open the door. Yes I know the whole bull crap about white people checking scary stuff out give me a break about that. Anyways I turned the light on and searched the shower, seeing there was no one else there I hauled ass to the library and stayed there until it closed. I forced myself to go back saying screw it if I have to put up with paranormal crap then I might as well pull through. Ever since that night I hardly had any thing else happen unless you want to count my book back rolling or doing a flip off my bed numerous times.

Ghost Voice in Fenton

In the summer of 2009 I traveled to Scotland with my father and two sisters. We took a plane to get there landed in Edinburgh, and rented a car. To my Father's dismay it was smaller than he thought it would be, but it got us to where we need to be. For a few weeks we stayed in Fenton Tower and old castle like tower that was destroyed save for some stairs. It was rebuilt and renovated into a bed breakfast. Fenton Tower was also used a hunting lodge for those who were in hunting clubs. Anyways we traveled to North Berwick, Glasgow, Edinburgh and saw a few great castles, some ruins, some in tact. On the last night we stayed in Fenton Tower I heard my name being called out. I doubt anyone would believe me for a second. To others if seems like I am lying, but I will tell you regardless.
On the very last night of our stay at 4:00 am, I am sure someone will say or think "Yeah right you were asleep and heard the wind blowing plus you were tired as heck." My name was called out several times along with 'Let's go, Stephen Let's go!" I heard it a few more times before I got up thinking it was my sister's voice calling me from down stairs. Thinking it was her and it was time to leave this early I got out of bed then took my thinks don't stairs. When I got to the bottom I saw no one else was there but myself.

Part 33

Getting inside would be a difficult task sine the warriors would not permit them to enter this fort. Curiosity about the interior was far too high to listen to these warriors. The commando and his companions tried to get in, but the warriors did not allow them. It took several tries yet the warriors would not yield any results. This angered the warriors who pointed their weapons at them. Maurice's old colleagues and countrymen calmed the parties down a little to create some sort of peace and trust between them. Maurice told them about their encounters with the Caligari Goons. Their mood changed immediately as their faces calmed down. Each one lowered their weapons letting their guard down and yielding to the new comers. Not one of them seemed to favor the Caligari Syndicate. Each one spat on the Caligari name. The leading warrior expressed his resentment that he had towards the Caligari. Several more expressed their anger as well while the rest of them remained silent. They unanimously allowed their new allies access to the interior of this fort. In single file the commando and his colleagues entered the fort's interior structure.

Inside this structure were various technologies the Gantronese used. He came across such technologies while in the Sarcagos and in outposts near the northern base of the mountains. Two desks flanked the entry way with consoles, and places where guards would stand. He ignored the first portion and proceeded down a hallway to the left. Maurice could have gone to the right or straight however going left felt more appealing. Down this hall he found the barracks section, which were two rooms on opposite sides. At the end of this hall stood the armory of this fort. The hall then took him to the right to the officer quarters and came to another hall that was connected to other rooms and to the stairs. Nearby he found the radio room next to a radar station. For nearly an hour he and his companions explored the upper floors finding the command center, other radio rooms, and a war room that was left half destroyed, and dirty with muck and some over growth.

They went to the third level where multiple machine gun positions lay around the third level. Three posts on each side of the triangular fort. In the center of the third level was a reinforced room where a radio and radar were set up. Maurice was impressed by the way his countrymen kept the essential portions in good condition. First order of business was who was going to sleep where. One of the Vestrisians suggested for Maurice and his men to sleep in barracks section. His companions agreed to this more quickly than he expected. There was no point in arguing since most of the inhabitants already had small individual dwellings outside the main central structure within the fort's walls.

No time was wasted in choosing beds or bunks. As an officer Maurice chose the bed that was in the best condition compared to the rest. His companions and the Vestrisians who came with them made due with what was available. After putting everything away they exited the structure to explore a little more. The rest of the fort was transformed into a settlement yet it was still defend able with a squad or two of men. Among these warriors and soldiers lived a few exiled families, and outcasts who sought shelter same as the Vestrisiasn died. These outcasts included a couple of families of Dark Elves, a few families from other tribes, and city-states. Among these families were individual outcasts, and exiles who either committed a small crime, forced out due to the cruel laws of a tribe that weeded out those deemed weak, or left to die after being attacked. Most of them were amazed they were still alive this long. Each one thanked the Vestrisians who saved them and allowed them in.

The commando consulted his companions about staying here and gather the rest of the missing Vestrisians. Several of them disliked this idea even though they chose to join him in the first place. Whatever his companions wanted it would have to be set aside. Amonif spoke up suggesting they use the radio to get in contact with Colonel Bryce and Mercenary Leader Maphai. The suggestion almost felt like a slap across the face. It had been some time since he saw the Colonel and their allies. Only with the allies it had been a few days. Getting in contact with the Colonel would be easier now that there was a stationary radio to communicate with. He got onto his feet and raced to the radio room with his companions following him.

He sat in front of the radio and switched it on. Although it was a Gantronese technology he still attempted to use it to contact head quarters in the sarcagos. Turning dials, knobs and searching for a signal resulted in static or nothing. Maurice tried several more times receiving no results other than static and silence. They sat in the radio room staring at the radio for several minutes before Willumson, and Dubius made the attempt to no avail. Fritz walked in with a hopeful gin that disappeared when he saw the radio wasn't working. He had been praying for someone with skills and knowledge to get this radio working. Disappointed he left the room. One by one Maurice's companions and countrymen left them room. It was emptied save for Maurice, Brittany, and the two Unseen Bears.

Without the use of this radio the commando lost it for a few moments. In rage he jolted up ready to smash the radio. Anger, Despair, Frustration, and a sense of loss swelled over him. So much of these emotions engulfed the he stood paralyzed with Brittany, Amonif, and Hilastes grabbing hold. Grappling him wasn't easy as he struggled to free himself. Blind with rage over the radio not working Maurice fought to get out of their hold. Despite his rage and strength he was still over powered when more came inside to subdue him.

They were forced to bind him up in belts, ropes, and wires that were laying around. His own countrymen and companions had to restrain him further. Six of them drug him to the barracks where they strapped him to his own bed. He was left there for the rest of the day. Maurice Viyamor tried to get free for an hour but gave up. As it grew darker Vincent, and his companions entered the room to check on him. It took all of his strength not to cry and hold it in. Even though they came to this fort with hope there was still no way to contacting the sarcagos.

.

Commando Part 32

Maurice had to reign in his large cat steed away from the strange beasts. He was some what relieved to see his own steed was not the only one being reigned in from the beasts. Hilastes, Amonif's and Brittany's steeds pawed at these strange beasts the missing Vestrisians rode. Eyanosa had to help get their steeds to quit messing with the strange mounts. At first their new Vestrisian friends, his countrymen, thought the cat steeds were attacking or trying to eat their mounts. Some of them galloped further ahead straying a little from the trail. After a few attempts it only encouraged the cat steeds to give chase. It took four attempts to get the steeds calm on both sides of the group.

Once order was returned to the caravan of soldiers, and warrior s Steele-Oakley led them on a partially kept trail. On the backs of their mounts the vestrisians led them into the night. They camped out along the trail until down when someone stirred them awake. Maurice turned over with Brittany in his arms to see who woke them up. A group of children dressed in temple monk uniforms dyed orange stood on the road with curious faces. Ten of them stood over Maurice and a few of his companions.

Morning had arrived to bring in a new day with aid from the rising sun. It also brought curious children who wore monk uniforms and had partially shaven heads. Traveling with these children were three monks in dark red robes over their uniforms. These monks appeared to be senior members and a Master escorting these children on some pilgrimage. Before Maurice and his companions could say a word to these children the senior Monks herded them away. They did not know where these monks came from or where they were going. However their uniforms did remind him of other students they came across earlier.

Getting up for the day's journey the commando and his companions prepared for an other stretch of traveling. With one of the outskirt Vestrisians, Advorix in the lead they pressed further on the path that want through the less dense jungles. This part of the vast jungle appeared different than the rest. Most of the foliage were bushes, wild plants, and tall trees. On the flanks of the path Maurice noticed somethings hanging from the trees. Numerous objects dangled from the trees on their lower branches. He squinted his eyes suspicious of these hanging objects. It did not take long for him to realize those hanging objects were corpses, and weird cocoon looking hives.

Maurice speculated those corpses belonged to the invaders who died by the hands of savages, natives, and various creatures here. However the creatures would be called monsters, demons, or evil spawn by those outside the Unknown Lands. He remembered one person who wore very thick glasses who enjoyed studying creatures of nature. The cocoons reminded him of that very same person whose name he forgot. His hobby of nature became an obsession that saw him sent away for a year. That was back in Maurice's childhood before the founding the VUVR.

Somebody touched his arm snapping him out of this train of thought and his memories. He looked to see Brittany's hand on his arm. She got him out of his own thoughts which he was in for several minutes. He found he had fallen behind and stopped in the middle of the trail. Their companions were well ahead of them before noticing he fell behind. Brittany pulled on his arm beckoning him to catch up with the rest.

Tearing his attention away from the distraction Maurice rejoined his companions allowing their journey to progress. For a few hours they continued their journey until they came across a large structure. This large structure stood in the middle of a hand or machine made clearing. It held the shape of a ring with a triangle prism in the center. The triangle part stood three stories high, the ring part stood twenty feet high and surrounded by barriers with gaps in between. Most of it was constructed out of strange metal that was beginning to rust. Portions of this fort were patched up with rocks and wood. The jungle itself was taking over portions of the outer defenses.

Their outskirt friends led them to the entrance whose doors were replaced with logs tied together to form one. A head popped up from the main ring of the defense. This figure hailed them with a warm greeting. Advorix informed the figure who they were and why they had come all the way here. Whoever this figure was they sounded a little disgruntled about the mention of Caligari. He disappeared from view, but his voice remained within earshot. Several moments passed as the single figure on the wall spoke whoever else was inside the fort. A minute later and the figure reappeared to allow them entry into the fort. The door made from logs opened revealing four Vestrisians in worn out uniforms that had not been properly clean in years.

A quartet of rugged vestrisians studied them for a few moments then their eyes stuck on Maurice. They nearly lost their breathe from the shock of seeing Maurice Viyamor. Each one recognized the Lieutenant. Like a friend who had not seen an old colleague in a while the four vestrisians embraced him with a welcoming hug. When they surrounded him with embracing arms their faces became familiar to him. Their names returned to his memory. These four were known as Thomas Vincent, Gregory Fitz, Marcus Kymir, and Taheton from the Riouquois Nations. He served alongside these men with thousands of others in the expeditionary forces. Lieutenant Thomas Vincent was a law enforcer or sheriff deputy from Boathria, Privates Gregory Fitz, and Marcus Kymir hailed from the city of Zedakand. Gregory worked as a dock laborer before enlisting. For him to survive here surprised Maurice since he came from the city. Marcus, a half elf, used to be in a band before things went bad between him and the bad. The half elf was forced to go seek a life in the ranks of the VAVR.

The last time he saw them Maurice and his comrades in the Vestrisian Army had just defeated a hunting party of Gantronese. This party stalked their unit in the forests surrounding an ancient abandoned city-state. For months these Gantronese gave chase, ambushed, played cat and mouse until the Vestrisians and allied natives cornered them against the cursed mountains of the Vergud Nepas. A few months later the Gantronese began to push them out while the Unknown Lands turned on both armies. Their own forces scattered to the east, north, west, and south. Communication was cut off and they hardly heard from anyone else from the Expeditionary Forces until a year and a half ago.

Seeing these men again brought tears to his own eyes. Any comrade whom he fought alongside became like a brother or sister to him. He embraced each one like a family member would. Hilastes, and Amonif embraced these Vestrisian Comrades feeling happy to see more Vestrisians alive in this cursed, dangerous lands. The rest of the Vestrisians embraced their fellow countrymen. When the Vestrisians were done with their hellos they introduced them to the rest of Maurice's companions. Lieutenant Vincent led them inside the fort where they were greeted by twenty seven other warriors and the figure who granted them entry. This figure was a Borvadosian called Kanuna an infantrymen first, and a Borvadosian scout second. He had the typical Borvadosian skin tone with some of garb his people wore over his uniform.

These twenty seven warriors were a mix of native Uxane, modernized Dark Elves, Eothians, Grussians, Evusians, Meze warriors, and Zema Ilam exiles. Most of them did not wear their respective garbs of their own nations. They wore the modern clothes of today's era among more hide clothing or hand made. Some wore roughened field shirts, Gantronese jumpsuit uniforms, hunting apparel of different camouflage colors, explorer's vests and trousers over colorful shirts that faded, and mercenary style clothing fit for this type of climate. Each one wielded a different type of rifle, assault rifle, shotgun, a few T.M. 13 Bolt Action rifles, Grussian Repeaters, Gantronese Yekato rifles, and a variety of unfamiliar pistols, revolvers among crude looking firearms. Most of the weapons appeared modified or customized by their wielders that their shapes could be mistaken for a different firearm. For melee weapons he only saw knives, daggers, axes, machetes, war clubs, but no maces, or swords and anything that would stick out completely.

Maurice looked around this foot seeing a variety of small structures built for living, and sustaining a life in these lands. It mostly consisted of tents, clearing out Gantronese structures that still stood, erected shacks, hunts out of logs and metal. Behind the triangle structure he thought he saw a trading post. There was enough for more than a hundred or so. The only residents here were five Vestrisians and twenty seven other warriors, explorers, renegades, huntsmen turned fighter, and exiled soldiers. Speeding things up Maurice asked for permission to see the inside of the triangle structure. To his dismay the residents refused saying they were not trusted yet. For nearly an hour he argued with them hoping to make a deal with them even though he wanted to use this as a base of operations. His Vestrisian countrymen pressed on their allies to let them in due to his own rank. One of the warriors spat on each party claiming the jungle itself was their enemy and stormed off. Vincent urged the others to allow entry since Maurice was under orders of a superior officer. Forced to give in the rest allowed them to enter, but unarmed. Maurice understood where they came from. When one discovers a place like this in good shape and conditions they would claim it as theirs. Looking up at the structure Maurice felt more secure about traveling the road knowing there was a place for them to fall back to. This discovery gave Maurice more hope for future searches for lost Vestrisians.

Pagan or Gothic Rituals

Kyle was picking through the garden in his back yard. Every day he checked the flowers in the flower beds planted in the front yard and the back yard of his home in Lancaster Pennsylvania. Kyle noticed something strange in the flower bed of Chrysanthemums. He reached out his hand in between two beautiful yellow ones. His hand wrapped around something furry and sticky.

“What the devil is this?” he asked himself as he pulled whatever he felt out of the bed.

To his surprise it was a squirrel without a head. Kyle did not believe what he was seeing in his own hand. An effing squirrel was found in his own flower bed. His wife came out with a cup of ginger tea. She wore her bath robe on over her pajamas.

“Honey, what is it? What did you find?” She asked from the back door.

Kyle held up the headless squirrel in clear view of his wife Olivia. The squirrel without a head was startling to the peace-loving and caring Olivia Macintosh. She shook a little at the sight of the headless thing and let her tea drop on the stone steps Kyle laid out for them when they first moved in.

“H-Honey…W…wha…what is th-th-tha-“, Olivia didn’t finish her question she fainted, falling back against the wall. Her limp body slid down into the flower bed next to the back porch he had built thirteen years ago. Kyle dropped the headless Squirrel rushing to Olivia’s aid.

“Olivia, are you okay hon?” he asked her, she didn’t respond. “Oh dear.” He said as he walked over to her body and lifted her up off the flower bed. Kyle carried his wife back inside the house. He laid her down on the sofa then went to the kitchen to grab a cup of water and a fan, which was in a drawer in the cabinet he bought from Spruce Pine, NC. When he walked back in the living room she was blinking her eyes awake.

“Wha-?” she was about to ask what happened, but realized she had fainted and collapsed into the flower bed. “Oh your azaleas, I am so sorry honey!”

Kyle closed his eyes and looked down with his hand up. “Olivia forgets about the azaleas we have a headless squirrel in our backyard!” Kyle wanted to argue, but chose not to. His wife must have hit her head on something, fainted or something. His mind was too hung up on the headless rodent in his yard.

“Hello neighbors, hope you don’t mind the intrusion. Say Kyle you’ve got a dead squirrel in your back yard! Is something up?” Steve popped his head in the house with Ellen Rose behind him. She popped her head in and waved hello. When she saw Olivia on the sofa she rushed up to her.

“Olivia! What happened?” she asked as though someone had beaten Olivia to the ground.

“She fainted at the sight of the headless squirrel then hit her head on the brick wall. Olivia should be okay in a few days. Take care of her while I talk to Steve.” Kyle said as he went for the door and grabbed Steve along with him.

“I’ll go get a towel and a bag of ice for her head!” She cried as she went to their kitchen.

“What’s up Kyle, do you know when this happened?” Steve asked gazing at the headless rodent.

“No clue, Steve. I honestly have no clue!” Kyle admitted hold his head and shaking it.

“This is crazy Kyle, someone or something left a headless squirrel in your yard! What the hell are you going to do about this?” Steve asked him. This was too weird, a headless squirrel and no traces of bite marks or scratch marks to show that a predator was responsible.

“Screw it let's go see that kid named Ethan!” Kyle growled making a fist with his hand.

“Calm the fuck down Kyle Ethan is just a kid! Sure he may shoot at squirrels with his BB gun or what ever the hell his dad got him for Christmas, but I don't think he has any thing to do with a headless squirrel.” Steve said trying to calm Kyle down and keep him from accusing the wrong person.

“You're right Steve Ethan is just a kid he wouldn't something like this! I'll call Sheriff Paul Smithwick. He should know about crazy things happening in town.” Kyle said getting his phone out of his pocket. He dialed the Sheriff's number since they lived in a pretty small town.

“Wait Kyle wait don't call the Sheriff just yet look, look over in those trees.” Steve whispered to Kyle while pointing at the trees thirty feet away.

“What the hell, who the fuck is that?” Kyle asked Steve.

“I don't know but he looks weird in that robe or whatever he is wearing. Is, is he naked under that, you know what I don't even want to know.” Steve said squinting his eyes at a figure dressed in light brown robes in the trees.

“HEY YOU! YEAH YOU are you responsible for this?” Kyle yelled at the top of his lungs at the figure who seemed to slip deeper in the forest. He held the headless squirrel in the air to show the robed figure who disappeared into the woods.

“Calm down Kyle this isn't going to help! You can't just ask a random person about the headless critter!” Steve said trying to calm Kyle down.

“Well the who the hell was that then you pointed him out! You think he might be the one responsible don't you?” Kyle snapped at Steve who looked taken aback.

“Alright alright maybe he does, we may not know that yet, but yelling at some weirdo in the woods holding up a headless squirrel doesn't exactly scream sanity.” Steve said continuing his attempt to calm Kyle down who was fuming by know.

“Fine I'll chill out Steve. Do you even know who the fuck that is?”Kyle asked and agreeing to calm down.

“You know I don't who that is, but I have heard there is some weird ass group of people who worship some pagan god what some Christian folks think is a version of satan or some crap.” Steve said scratching his chin.

“Wait what group of people?” Kyle asked more curiously.

“Umm, yeah there is some cult that meets every month at night in the other town several miles away.” Steve claimed now scratching his head.

“Okay so where would this cult meet? And why did they meet here?” Kyle asked still trying to figure things out and hesitating on whether he should call the Sheriff or not. Steve did not answer since he was still confused by the fact he mentioned a cult meeting in the other town. To him and normal people it seemed too weird for this to happen.

“Look we need to get to the bottom of this! To hell with the Sheriff and those preachers and the other towns.” Kyle growled shaking the headless creature a little before putting it in a box.

“Since we cannot get the Sheriff involved and the preachers would send us away or just close the door we could track that guy down.” Steve suggested to Kyle who held the box in his hands.

Without a word Kyle looked down at the box and looked at the woods. Taking a deep breath Kyle made his choice to go after the robed figure. Steve followed alongside him to the woods flanking the back yards of their neighborhoods. Carrying the box with the headless squirrel Kyle made his way into the woods as Steve joined him.

“Okay steve we need to figure out who the hell that is and if he is responsible for the headless squirrel.” Kyle said taking another deep breath that was more of a sigh.

“I am right behind you Kyle.” Steve said showing he got Kyle's back.

Both men steadily went towards the woods where they saw the robed figure. They entered at their own risk despite its location along the edge of the neighborhood. Kyle and Steve searched for any signs of this robed figure while pressing past a neighbor's back yard with some dogs barking at them. Their feet stepped on leaves and twigs making crunching and snapping noises. Neither of them cared about how much noise they made as long as they attempted to pick up the trail of that robed weirdo.

“I know the neighborhood kids would often venture into these woods, but did not expect to see that guy pop out of nowhere.” Steve said trailing close behind Kyle.

“Well he didn't leave any trace except a few footprints we should be able to find.” Kyle said studying the ground closely. His eyes scanned the leaf covered ground in search of clues.

“Remember the boy scouts?” Steve asked Kyle while he was kneeling down studying the leaves to find any signs the weirdo was here.

“The kids at the High Rangers Boy Scout Camp? I don't think they would be of any use since they have school now.” Kyle responded slowly pressing past a maple tree.

“No, no Kyle I meant do you remember being in the boy scouts?” Steve corrected him following Kyle through the woods.

“Wait, you were in the boy scouts?” Kyle asked turning around and looking at him with a confused expression.

“Well yeah I was for about four years until I had to quit for other things like sports, and family trips.” Steve answered Kyle dragging attention away from the search for the weirdo.

“I don't remember you being in the scouts. I was a scout for like two years, but my mother dragged me out because of some reports of a bear attacking the camp.” Kyle replied still unsure if Steve was in the scouts or not.

“Well Kyle I certainly was, because that bear attack turned out to be some asshole putting a stuffed grizzly bear at the door of one of the scout cabins.” Steve said starting to smile at the memory.

“Ha ha ha ha, wasn't that done by a group of college kids or high school hooligans who pulled pranks for years until they graduated and left?” Kyle asked laughing and trying to remember the details of the story.

“Yeah and the whole town got pissed off too, at least one of them got off the hook while the rest had to spend time with old Barley the sour sailor with his boats.” Steve said now taking things towards that one story. Both laughed a little while maintaining focus on the task.

“We, we should get back to the search, ha ha ha.” Kyle said trying to stop himself from laughing even more.

“Have you found any traces of that weird guy in the robe yet?” Steve asked Kyle wanting to get this search over with quickly before dark.

“I see a few small branches broken off, some holes in the leaves or signs they were shuffled around like someone had crossed through here.” Kyle said pointing ahead of their location.

“Then follow that trail.” Steve said immediately rushing in the direction of the bent twigs and branches. Kyle was forced to follow his friend deeper into the woods. The two men kept following this trail left by the robed figure.

“Okay Steve, steve we need to slow down and not get lost here.” Kyle said keeping up with him and pushed a branch out of his way.

“What the hell Kyle, you and your concerns need to shut it! We are in the middle of the woods ten minutes from town. We could easily walk that way and find our way into town and make it home from there.” Steve said chastising him.

“No that is not what I meant Steve, we need to slow the fuck down. Those weirdos could be out there and we might run into them out in the words.” Kyle explained to Steve who still seemed a little skeptical of the explanation.

“Cut the crap Kyle, that group of weirdos cannot be that dangerous. I have heard some stories, but most turned out to be fake and made up.” Steve said to the neighbor and friend.

“Listen whoever the hell those guys are we need to find them, and figure out if they are responsible for the squirrel or not.” Kyle said trying to get Steve on board with going after these weirdos in a way that won't get them harmed or killed.

“All right, all right Kyle we will follow this trail carefully. If we see those creeps we are not backing down. I know I said you should hold off on accusations, but it is clear now. That guy must be responsible or knows who is. So come on and see what is the truth.” Steve said pressing forth along the forged trail in the woods.

“He certainly left a track to follow. Look at how those twigs and small branches are bent. These leaves show he is not carefully walking through the woods.” Kyle said observing the ground. The two men followed the forged path deeper and deeper inside the woods behind their loving, peaceful neighborhood.

“Should we tell some of our own neighbors what we've been doing out in the woods?” Steve asked Kyle who had his sights on a set of footprints in the dirt.

“Why would we say anything to the Andrews, Terrells, the Hartmans, Weavers or even the Hendrix's? None of them would believe a word we said and say a dog or wolf bit off the squirrel's head! Kelly Hartman, the dumb bitch, would accuse us of doing drugs in the woods.” Kyle said pausing to study another set of footprints clear as day.

“So we are telling no one what we are doing right now.” Steve said gaining foot on Kyle as he slowly checked some bent branches and parts of the ground.

“Nope.” Kyle said as he followed a set of footprints and a trail of bent twigs and broken sticks. “We chose not to talk to the Sheriff so we are not saying a damn word to anyone about this.”

“Other Sheriffs would get nosy and other people would want to know.” Steve said as if warning Kyle.

“Sshh quiet steve I think I see some people over there in a clearing up ahead.” Kyle said in a whisper, getting steve to be silent.

Kyle spotted a group of robed figures in a clearing conversing about something. He did not see any signs of the figure they were following. This worried him until he saw a figure that looked familiar carrying a large candle stick in a candle holder. Each figure in this clearing wore the same type of robe. All the robed figures spoke to each other, but it was undecipherable because of the distance they were from the figures.

“What are they saying?” Steve asked Kyle in a lowered whisper.

“I don't know it is too far from where they are, and I cannot tell what their lips are saying so lip reading is not my skill set.” Kyle said to Steve still watching the group of robed figures.

“Should he creep up a little closer to hear what they are saying?” Steve suggested.

“No, no we can't they might kill us or capture us and hold us hostage and no one will know anything other than we've gone missing.” Kyle answered getting steve not to go after them.

“There goes the fun of eavesdropping. Hey there they go!” Steve said in a disappointed tone just loud enough for Kyle to hear him. His last sentence caught Kyle by surprise.

“Quiet down Steve that will only draw their attention!” Kyle hissed at him. When the figures were out of sight kyle stood up and tried to follow them with Steve behind him.

“Okay I'll follow you.” Steve said as Kyle tried following the footsteps of the figures.

Kyle and Steve pressed on the trail of the footsteps of these figures even though they were not visible. Going around trees, bushes, and leaping over fallen trees and branches they finally came to a large clearing in the woods. Inside was a larger group of people standing in the ring. Every one of them wore a dark robe that covered their bodies.

“It looks like some kind of ritual or ceremony.” Steve commented pointing out an altar set in the center of the circle of people.

“What kind of ritual is this satanic or some weirdo witch craft kind of crap?” Kyle asked turning to Steve who had no clue either. His friend shrugged then returned to watching the circle of people. One of the people went to the altar set up in the center of the clearing.

“Today we bring about the resurrection of nature's elder gods. A god who's name cannot be said in the tongues of mortal men. It is a he and a she yet has no gender to speak of. This god is the deity of nature forgotten, lost and left in the abyss of time itself. No mortal has seen it with their own eyes save for drawn images, and the descriptions from more ancient beings that lived here...!” the leading robed figure cried at the top of their lungs.

“What the fuck is going on?” Steve nearly shouted in bewilderment.

“I have no fucking clue what is going on Steve. This kinda freaks me out a little.” Kyle said in a shaky voice. He froze for a few seconds then snapped out of it before watching a little more to see what happened.

“....Our days of fortune are about to begin my brothers and sisters. For we shall see our great deity grant us rewards one could never imagine!” the leading figure cried out loud with her arms raised up and looking up at the skies.

“Holy shit these people are nuts!” Steve blurted out a little louder than he intended.

“I know, it's no wonder people hardly come out to these woods.” Kyle said with his eyes focused on the leader who threw their hood back.

“Mrs. Perryworth? What the hell? Is she with these people too?” Steve said from behind Kyle.

“I believe it is her. She always gave off a strange vibe about her.” Kyle said to his friend.

“She was a weird woman for a librarian, and a writer.” Steve said sounding confused. “No one would suspect her of being part of a cult or whatever this is.”

“No one would considering the way she carried herself in public.” Kyle said watching Mrs. Perryworth, a woman with brown curly hair of age thirty four.

“Has she been hiding something this whole time?” Steve asked Kyle now crouching beside Kyle.

“Perhaps, she never spoke about cults or the occult. Unless she never said anything like when I wasn't within earshot.” Kyle admitted.

“Never heard her speak much except to a few people whenever I saw her walking around.” Steve said folding his arms. Both friends watch Mrs. Perryworth continue her speech or incantation, or whatever she was doing.

“I call upon the candle bearer forward and set the candle of earth and nature onto the altar of regeneration of fortunes!” Perryworth cried out still hold her hands in the air.

A tall figure holding a large candle stick in a candle holder came forth from the ring of people. This figure carried the same candle Kyle and Steve saw earlier before discovering this ring of lunatics. Perryworth put her hands down and urged the candle bearer forward to the altar. When the candle was set on top of the altar the figure retreated back to his place in the ring of robed figures.

“Okay this is getting more weird than I imagined it would get.” Steve said scratching his jaw. “Considering you discovered a headless squirrel, and we went out to discover who is responsible for this.”

“I guess you are right it is getting a little too weird. Let's go back home our little mystery is over. It was clearly one of these weirdos.” Kyle said with a bit of relief in his voice. He stood up to leave the woods and head back home to see about his wife.

“Yeah who would have thought that this was caused by a robed cultist weirdo freak tromping about in the woods.” Steve added also getting up to leave the woods.

The two of them were about to leave when they heard Perryworth's voice shout even louder than before. Her voice sounded more crazed and her words came out as if they were orders. Both men halted in their tracks and froze to the ground. Perryworth's voice continued a few of the same words over and over as if they were meant for the two of them.

“Seize them, seize them, bring those guests over here, seize them brothers and sisters. We have guests!” Perryworth shouted at the top of her own lungs.

Complicated Rescue

Jenere returned to his ship where he retired to his quarters. He left First Mate Elydark, his new Quartermaster, and Boatswain all in charge of the ship. One dealt with new recruits, another ensured the ship was tended to, and the other made that deal with Captain Caniir. Inside his quarters Jenere stood on the rug while Sophine sat on her knees. She undid his pants and pulled them down then proceeded to please him. She wrapped her lips around him orally pleasuring her Captain and Lover. Every now and then they would do this after a period of kissing followed by fondling each other.

Her tongue and lips felt wet, warm, and arousing. For almost an hour she did this to him. When she finished, he ejaculated inside her mouth as she gulped and swallowed. She lapped up for a little longer before he put a hand on her head. Sophine stopped and looked up at him. That was all she needed to do. He pulled up his pants making his self-appearance more appropriate.

“Admiral Winorsenn wants us to go out to the Unknown Lands.” He said to her. She stood back up to straighten up and clean herself after love making. She held the expression that she did not want talk about this subject.

“How close to our numerous offspring will we be? Remember the moved to Borvados with that primeval, sooth saying, witchcraft covenant, zealot of a crone's spawn!” Sophine yelled at him. Her anger, frustration building up inside and burst out at him. He could see it on her face.

“My love calm yourself down. Mira Blackblood is good for Narius, Evun, and Vira. She takes care of them like any mother would.” Jenere said trying to soothe her to prevent more outbursts from his lover.

Sophine hugged herself taking a deep breath. All four children were most likely old enough to live alone by now. Mira Blackblood became somewhat of a guardian, nanny, and a caretaker to their offspring. She was more of the traveling type of witch figure who moved every twelve years despite her age. He would manage to find her location thanks to letters, messages, and maps. It seemed strange for a witch such as herself to travel from place to place. Mira had numerous enemies or used to have enemies and rivals. That was apparently before the age of the modernized guns and around the age of re-exploration before the invaders came down. Half the world's kingdom's and nations discovered each other while leaving most of the Unknown Lands untouched. Some traded, others waged war, exploited, enslaved, conquered, made alliances, or just kept to themselves. On the other of the world those nations kept more to themselves. During that revived era a few large kingdoms such as Khet, Virkmoth, Vossa, and one he can't recall pledged fealty, loyalty, and service to an ancient cult led by some ancient dark lord.

“What does the Vestrisian Admiral want us to do?” Sophine asked pulling the conversation away from their offspring. Her question tore him away from his own train of thought.

“Admiral Winorsenn has given us orders to search of a crew of pirates, and hired mercenaries in the Unknown Lands.” Jenere said hoping they wouldn't have to venture very far inside those hellish lands.

“Tracking down buccaneers and their bandit-raider friends, how lovely.” Sophine scoffed throwing her hands down.

“If we are lucky we will find their ship and they should not be too far from the shores. Besides who would be crazy enough to venture those swamps and jungles other than explorers, Vestrisians, and of course the Gantronese.” Jenere said raising his own voice a little. He looked at her wondering if she would be willing or not willing to go near the infamous Unknown Lands. A land full of savage tribes, beasts, predators, dangerous creatures, poisonous plants, bugs, and other nightmarish horrors. Just a handful of cities with a slight hint of civilization rested in the southern parts of those lands.

“Will you go with me?” He asked her hoping she would go with him and conquer her fears.

She dipped her head down in response to his question. Saying nothing Sophine nodded her head yes. No words came out of her mouth. This was unusual for Sophine. Was the idea of going to the Unknown Lands getting to her? Such a reputation for a vast land mass between continents would cause fear in some. No one could be shamed for fearing those lands unless they managed to live there. Although he was a pirate, fearless, a good leader, a skilled fighter, and quite adventurous such a place instilled fear in him as well.

“I need to speak to the men. They need to know where we are going.” Jenere said heading out of his quarters. He made his way to the command bridge where he found First Mate Elydark, Helmsman Koren the Maelstrom, and the several crew members stationed at the bridge. None of them noticed him for a few seconds. He stepped forward with one foot and tapped it once. The noise drew their attention over to him. His presence caused a few to lighten, straighten up, stand at attention as the Captain entered the room.

“Tomorrow we set course for the coasts of the Unknown Lands. Radio to the crew and summon them to the bow of the ship. I wish to speak with them about our destination.” Jenere ordered feeling a slight knot in his stomach. He stood at the doorway watching his orders go through. The ship echoed with his orders for the crew to gather at the bow of the ship.

He stepped out of the bridge onto the small balcony that wrapped around the bridge's exterior. Outside the command bridge the captain had a perfect view of the bow. More than one hundred twenty-five of his crew and the officers marshaled to the bow. It was a larger crew than he realized after new recruits came aboard. Some were even stowaways and others from Brucs' crew.  They covered all the bow and sat on the turrets, guns, tied down crates, barrels, and some stools. Most of them stood on the hard surface of the deck looking up at the Captain. All the faces of his crew made a pain grow in his gut. Even though many of these pirates proved themselves fierce fighters, brave men, and dare devils the Unknown Lands would still scare them.

“Many of you have served under my command for years, even decades. You are no doubt good sailors, fierce pirates, fighters, snakes and the best raiders I've known!” Jenere received a roar of approval from his entire crew. Once they settled down Jenere continued. “This ship has been ordered to go to the Unknown Lands. There we are to search a rescue fellow privateer pirates.”

Nothing came from the crew, not a word or a sound. Silence was the only reply for a few moments before they uttered the word yes, captain. A wave of grim fear swept over them yet none of them stirred. It was that type of fear which grabbed hold of a person. When that type of fear grips you and has hold, you are scared stiff as a board. He wanted to say sorry to the crew however that would not be fitting. He was no longer a child anymore, nor were they. As the Captain he hoped to make it up to them.

“Prepare the ship for tomorrow. You are dismissed.” Jenere commanded his crew sending them off to their assigned tasks. Every crew member saluted him before getting back to work. He heard his officers' voices bark out commands to the crew who obeyed the commands.

He returned to the command bridge. Here he watched their vessel begin to sail away from the island. Nahem had probably had enough of pirates. In his head Jenere took note never to return to the shores of Nahem. Now they served the Vestrisians and their allies. The Abomination sailed past the Admiral's fleet with the Ego not too far behind them.

For the rest of the day Jenere remained in the bridge observing their progress. Some repairs were being done to the spots that received damage. New recruits scrubbed the decks as they were instructed to do so by the other mates. The ship moved under his feet as it traversed across the ocean. Jenere urged the helmsman to sail well into the night even though he promised to begin the journey the next day. Sophine brought food for him and those at the bridge. She brought them grilled Turquoise Billie a larger fish that was not too different than a striped fin Tuna only larger. He scarfed it down realizing he hardly ate all day. Whatever he did not eat and untouched was given to any crew members who had the least amount of food. A policy that was pushed upon their ship's crew while trapped in the Demon's Islet sea. That sea was charted to the farthest eastern parts past Castaria's Eastern Peninsula. At those Islets they almost starved for a week until creatures of the sea came swimming around them. It was as if the sea gods or sky gods answered some prayers.

“Captain I can take watch from here. You go rest for the night.” Elydark's voice came from his right flank. He turned to see his First Mate and Second Helmsman had come to relieve him and the first helmsman.

“Very well First Mate just make sure the Abomination reaches past Nahem's boundaries by tomorrow.” Jenere ordered Elydark as he left the command bridge to allow them to relieve him. Stepping out of the command bridge Jenere looked up at the sky. Some of the stars were out this night. Most of the sky appeared dark with signs of clouds floating above. He took a moment to enjoy the view of the stars shining brightly and the moons of Calorn. For an hour he stood watching the sky on the starboard. A suitable place to gaze up at the night sky when it was full of stars. Hearing no sound but the waters Jenere went straight for the captain's cabin.

Following several hours of sleep Jenere was woken up by the ringing of a bell from another ship. His eyes opened wide in surprise than the usual slow process of waking up. The elf captain jolted out of bed and rushed out of his quarters. Jenere went through the short hall with haste passing the quarters of his officers. When Jenere exited the cabins he looked around their surrounds. Several convoys of cargo ships, slow rigs, and escort crafts of various sizes passed the Abomination and the Ego of Queens. Jenere kept his eye on the escorting crafts. Not one of these escort ships were larger than a destroyer class. Among these ships he saw the flags of nations such as Lybesan, Ruhonthra, Evusia, Rovantia, Malvieth Republics, Alagen, Redrin, Nahem, and Meze.

They had come to the crossroads that acted as the main route for merchant ships called Rovantia's Way. Both the Abomination and the Ego of Queens had convoys on their flanks, one to the starboard side, and the others broadside. Each vessel slowly progressed past the lines of ships. Their vessels saw many ships passing markers of ship lanes. In the center of the crossroads was a floating port the size of a large city named Devire's Palm. This massive floating port held the shape of a sand critter mixed with a starfish. Devire's Palm was constructed just twenty years ago making it a recently new achievement compared to the platforms built well before the invaders arrived. Jenere hardly went here himself since “Pirates” were considered scum in these parts of the world.

As casually as possible his ship sailed through the path that was clear, but marked according to the traffic. He watched them come to a stop a few times with the Vestrisian Flag flying over them. Jenere made his way to the command bridge where he found his Second Mate in his station and Inaleth at the wheel. She had to maneuver through the outer barrier of the port with Zana's vessel behind them. Nearly two hours of sailing through this island port went by. An impatient feeling grew upon him that last for some time as the waiting felt tense. It remained even after they exited the port island. Relief swept over him once they sailed beyond the reach of Devire's Palm. Through the window he could tell they were headed straight for the Gap of Borvados. This so-called Gap of Borvados was a large channel between Borvados and the Tante Republics a group of Island states in the southern seas near Lybesan and Alagen.

“Helmsman go forward! Those states will not bother us with the VUVR flag above our ship.” Jenere ordered the helmsman feeling confident in sailing through here again. Past the Gap of Borvados were waters now patrolled by both powers, the Vestrisian Republics, and the Imperial Gantronese.

“Captain, what about the Gantronese?” He heard a crew member ask him.

“Our Gantronese foes had to sail through the platform seas and around the southern islands. If the Gantronese and their pirate hunters came through here each of their ships would be at the bottom.” Jenere replied to the crew member's question concerning the invaders. A long silence followed as they headed for the Borvados Channel passing Vestrisian ships, and merchant vessels.

“In three days we should be inside the waters of the Unknown Lands. I am only assuming we will be behind Gantronese lines.” The helmsman said aloud to those on the bridge.

“What of the Vestrisians?” another crew member asked the helmsman.

“We are in Vestrisian territory, and neutral territory. The neutral portions could allow Gantronese ships to come through and link up a route to that Zekmar region in the main continents. Fortunately those lands are cut off from most of their lands by mountains and the Vestrisian territory of Borvados.” The helmsman explained to the crew member

“What about the large territory called the Unknown Lands?” a third crew member asked sounding a little fearful of the lands they just mentioned. Right as the helmsman was about to speak Jenere butted in the conversation.

“Those Unknown Lands are still wild, savage, and uncharted in most places. Even if the invaders were able to conquer a large swath of land they can't hold it for long.” Jenere snapped at the crew talking among each other in the bridge. All eyes were on him now. He ignored the eyes of the crew members. Fed up with their words and conversation Jenere exited the command bridge. He passed crew members who saluted and nodded their heads in respect. With the Unknown Lands on his mind Jenere went straight for the map room of the ship. There he searched for a map of these savage lands that was a world of their own. He spread out the map on a table before him. Using a glass Jenere searched along the coastline of the Unknown Lands that had a few cities marked down on the map.

Closer to the southwestern center of the vast plot of land he found Kilscar Orvain. This particular city was a city-state located on the coast behind some island that could hide it. Kilscar Orvain's southwest flank was exposed to the ocean. With the use of the islands and land mass a defense or ambush could be placed here. He was unsure if this could be trusted since he did not know where the current front lines were. Despite having no knowledge of the front lines Jenere placed the glass over the area of Kilscar Orvain. It was in that region they would have to search for the missing privateer crew.

He left the map room for his own quarters and remained there for two days. During those two days Jenere kept to himself from others except for Sophine and a few others. He tried to cope with the idea of going into those lands. If he were younger he would blindly go in sentencing his parties and crew to death. On the third day the Abomination and the Ego of Queens arrived at the island blocking Kilscar Orvain from view. Many of his crew members were surprised to see him again after two days of his absence. Others appeared more puzzled by the fact that he stayed in his quarters for this long. As a Captain Jenere was out and about on the ship hardly getting any sleep. His hands rested on the bow feeling the warmth of the sun. To their right flank were two other islands trailing off the mainland. Ahead of them stood the island that blocked Kilscar Orvain.

On this island rested two fortifications that flanked a medium sized fort. It appeared to be constructed from older methods of stone craftsmanship and new modern concrete. This island itself was large compared to the one they investigated near Nahem. Along its shores were docks made from stones and wood with various steel ships of different sizes and class encircling the island. Just a couple of small battle ships that were given to them. The rest were stolen or commandeered vessels, some appeared to be scavenged from wreckage from other parts of the world. Each ship had been fitted with new weapons, older guns, more modernized weapons like machine guns from Grussia, Lesdonia, and Vestrisia. All these vessels were painted different designs with the same colors and had decorative modifications that changed appearances, but did not make any of them glamorous or pretty. A small gunship approached them with a large green flag waving around. It confused him at first until a voice coming from a loudspeaker told them they had clearance. He heard Elydark's voice reply to them. Although he heard the voices it was in a different language that he nearly forgot to translate in his head. Jenere raced from the bow to the command bridge passing crew members on his way. He found Elydark on the balcony with the loudspeaker in his hand.

“What did they say?” He demanded as a Captain would.

“They have just given us clearance Captain.” his First Mate answered handing over the loud speaker to him. Jenere took it from him and spoke to the gunboat crew.

“Hello there this is Captain Omavern. We were sent to find some Vestrisian Privateers that came by here.” he announced to the gunboat trying his best not to make it sound like a request or command of some sort. The voice from the gunboat said they would find that lost crew past one of the islands. Jenere replied “thank you” and commanded his ship to push forward to these other islands well past Kilscar Orvain.

At full speed the Abomination sailed towards three islands nearly a hundred miles or more away. Zana's Ego of Queens sailed alongside them at a good distance away to avoid collision. Just before the sunset they snaked around two of the islands closest to the mainland. Along the coasts of the islands and mainland were wreckage of ships and rocks that went as far back as three to four centuries. That did not exclude modern ships caught between other ships and rocks. Other ships had been slammed or rammed into the rocks and the islands. Among this wreckage they found the ship they were looking for. The pirates they were sent to find sailed a frigate that had run aground a quarter of a mile from the shore.

“Stop the ship, stop the ship, get Zana on the radio!” Jenere ordered feeling very eager to avoid running aground themselves.

“Aye, aye Captain!” the radio operator responded. Jenere paid more attention to the grounded ship in search of any signs of life. His focus rested entirely on the frigate that sat like a sitting duck. The radio operator's voice ripped his attention from the frigate.

“Captain I have her on the other line!” the radio operator cried out to him. She held the phone piece up offering it to the Captain. Jenere snatched it from her hands shoving the piece into his face.

“Captain Caniir stop your ship now or you will run aground!” he nearly shouted in the phone piece warning the fellow privateer.

“Alright, alright calm down Jenere. I'll send a party to check out the ship you and your crew go a shore.” Caniir said over the radio communications. She hung up on him forcing him to stand there for a moment listening to nothing on the other line. In silence Jenere hung up the phone piece. The Abomination came to a slow halt. He motioned for the First Mate to gather Sophine's landing parties as well as another party of boats to be prepared.

“Captain sir look over there on top of the rocks, and the wreckage!” another crew member cried out alerting everyone. Crew member Coren held the binoculars against his eyes looking out the window.

Jenere rushed up to Coren's side who handed him the binoculars. He looked through them to see what drew Coren's attention to the wreckage and the rocks. On what appeared to be a cliff made from rocks and stones with ships added two groups of engaged each other. A smaller group made up of pirates, gunslingers, and renegades raced towards the east. The other group was much larger than the pirate group. It consisted of Uxane warriors and renegade tribesmen. Three more small groups of pirates and gunslingers burst out of the jungle chased by even more Uxane warriors along with Gantronese.

From the way things looked these pirates and gunslingers were locked in a skirmish that could have turned into a massacre. He counted roughly one hundred figures that could be formerly two hundred engaging a larger force of six hundred enemies. These pirates must have entered an ambush in the jungle which explained their attempt to escape. As the groups of pirates rushed out of the jungle they saw an opportunity to hold off the pursuers. They banded together as one group and found some cover to make a last stand. Both sides suffered casualties as their skirmish continued. Jenere watched the band of pirates start to climb down to some boats waiting for them. He read their minds just from looking at their faces. They intended to reduce the enemy force, make their escape to the ship. Zana's ship opened fire on the cliff hitting the area of the pursuers.

“What is she doing?” Jenere blurted out in disbelief. He scanned the area around the skirmish. The cliff stretched out a few miles past the island that trailed off with a few hundred feet of water between the island and the mainland. Closer to the island he spotted a group of tribesmen watching the skirmish. There were at least twenty tribesmen spying on the skirmish as if they were observing parts of the pursuing forces. Returning his attention to the pirates and gunslinger group who were now climbing down to their boats. Their force was reduced to more than fifty or more men.

“Tell the parties to meet me at the boats on the port side. I'll be saving those men!” Jenere ordered before heading out of the bridge.

When he reached the port side more than twelve of crew stood ready to load up the boats. Jenere joined the parties not seeing sophine anywhere. Scratching his head Jenere wondered what was still getting to Sophine. He returned to where he was and climbed onto the boat. Each of the boats they chose dropped down on the water. Several boats set out to rescue what remained of the lost crew. Each boat was equipped with a mounted machine gun, grappling hooks, and detachable motors. These boats were large and long enough to hold a ton of weight and nearly twenty men each.

Jenere kept his gaze fixed on the remaining crew that struggled to climb down. There was a little more than fifty pirates and gunslingers trying to reach their boats. He urged the boats to speed up a little more. The motorists sped up making the trip a little quicker. They came close enough to the see the pursuers starting to fire on the pirates. Climbing down while under fire proved far more difficult for these pirates. Just a handful of the pursuers fired on forty-six pirates and six renegade gunslingers. A dozen of them returned fire while the rest clambered down to the boats. Some tumbled down, fell breaking a limb, others ducked for cover. Many of them could not get down further than they were until Jenere's party came within firing range letting loose machine gun fire. His boats arrived at the pirates' boats finding only a few of them could still be used. Each of his machine gunners forced the pursuers away from their prey. Once everything seemed to calm down Jenere looked at the fifty-two pirates and gunslingers who held awestruck faces.

“Are you...you...he-here to s-save us?” One of them asked in a trembling voice. The rest of them looked horrified to even utter a word or noise. It appeared they had seen or experienced something far more horrifying than just the pursuing Uxane and Gantronese.

“Yes, I am Captain Omavern of the Abomination. Admiral Winorsenn of the Vestrisian Navy sent me. No time to chat we need to get you out of here!” Jenere said to the found crew of pirates who sprang into action. They began by lifting up the wounded. Thirteen of their men were injured leaving thirty-three to row back to their own ship. Out of the number of boats the stuck crew had only three of them could be used. This would still be enough for them to get back to the ship. Whoever was not aboard these boats were loaded onto some of Jenere's boats. His crew helped the wounded get on their boats leaving enough room on the other boats. When the test of the found crew started loading up their own boats the Gantronese returned with a larger force. He estimated up to eighty or more when something else caught his attention.

Several aircraft of the Imperial Gantronese came around the corner of one of the islets. Each of these aircraft had the shape of a winged scarab. These Gantronese air fighters came roaring towards them. To his horror these craft were going straight for the sitting ship where Zana's party were on. Jenere skipped a heartbeat with the world starting to slow down, their own boats starting to set off, the newly arrived enemy shooting at them. A few men were hit badly and fell into the water. Their blood flowed into the water like a cloud of red. Something in the waters stirred and the cliffs started to shake like an earthquake.

This caused the boats to rock and the shooting to cease. However, the stirring waters never deterred them as they pressed forward to the Abomination. Jenere returned his attention to the ship that was now coming under attack. Zana's parties manned whatever machine guns or AA guns were on board. As any crew would they took on the Gantronese aircraft. Seven of these aircraft circled and dove for a attack runs on the sitting duck. Two aircraft were shot down before a trio of bombers came into the scene. Jenere felt the boat moving under him as he watched the battle hoping, and praying to the Tortoise God that Zana was not aboard that ship.

“Captain look the dead are waking!” a crew member shouted with fear. The words were far too ludicrous yet scary to believe. Using his elf eyes Jenere turned around catching a glimpse of Kilscar Orvain troops coming towards the area. On the wrecked ships, stones and shallow waters thousands of skeletons crawled out of the ground, sands and emerged from the water and wreckage. Approximately four thousand and more of these dead attacked the Gantronese while armed with various weapons. That kind of threat was something he wanted to avoid. He hoped those Kilscar Orvain troops would leave soon.

“Speed up, speed up or those dead things will be upon us!” he heard himself yelling. He tossed a rope to the crew on one of the rowing crafts who tied to their bow. The others did the same thing, hooking up a few boats to the motorboats. With the boats in tow Jenere's boats made it back to the Abomination. In a rush to get out Jenere climbed aboard first whereas the ones with the wounded were lifted up with a mechanized pulley system. He helped the rest of his crew get back on board. In a crazed voice he yelled for their own AA guns to be operating immediately. Moments later every AA gun and machine gun fired on the Gantronese aircraft.

One by one the aircraft fell from the sky in smoke and flames. The three bombers dropped their bombs on the sitting frigate, which sustained a few hits. Parts of this frigate caught fire roasting those on board alive. He watched the bombers circle around for another attack while under fire. One of these bombers was shot down forcing the others to break formation. Jenere gripped the edge of the ship watching a few boats escape the flaming ship. Another Gantronese bomber fell crashing into the waters close to the frigate. The lost one flew straight into the air before nose diving down into the flaming ship. Jenere turned his attention back to the cliffs where over a hundred figures raced towards the scene of the action. Jenere observed it was a force of a hundred soldiers of Kilscar Orvain coming to investigate the region. He stood at the starboard looking at the carnage and Zana's boats returning to their own ship. The elf privateer leaned forward resting his arms over the edge.

“We should leave now our job here is finished.” Jenere said aloud more to himself and those who were not there.