That Mirror

For years he had that mirror, for twenty long years he had that same mirror. Ever since his grandmother died in 1988 this mirror from Opole, Poland. His family left Poland in 1945 right after the fall of Nazi Germany. It did not seem possible to leave after the Red Army came rolling through the fields and began asserting their own control just as they had done in September of 1939. However his family lived in the south western half of Poland. No one would say they were fortunate during those six long years. Both Nazis and Soviet or Ruskies did horrible things to the Polish population.

This mirror that now belonged to him was made from silver. Its frame was crafted and forged in an elegant shape. Something about this mirror gave him an eerie feeling. Every night he had dreams about this mirror. In each dream someone from his family would be in the mirror. All of them gave him a cruel smile or a menacing grin. Everyone mouthed that he will die soon. He ignored these dreams for two decades, dismissing them as nothing but ordinary dreams. These were not the only dreams he had at night. For some reason he would also hear taping noises from where the mirror was. Even the noises were ignored mistaking them for noises outside his window. One night he stared at the mirror long and hard contemplating whether to sell or not. He had possessed this mirror long enough yet it reminded him of his dear grandmother and those who died under the boot heel of both Nazis, and Soviets. Drinking his coffee even though it was in the afternoon he sat down on a chair to just gaze at this mirror.

Hours passed as he kept his gaze on this mirror. For three hours he swirled his coffee like it was wine only getting up to refill it with fresh hot brew. When he got back from each refill he sat down. After the tenth time of refilling his decaf coffee he noticed something strange about the mirror. For some reason it did not show his reflection. To him seemed to be a malfunction due to its age and how long it had been kept inside his grandmother's attic in Chicago. He remembered visiting her in an old mansion they had acquired through marriage which seemed improbable after what they had been through. Each visit she would show him this damned mirror. This beautiful mirror that he inherited and not the mansion he desired. As he watched a figure appeared in the mirror. It stood right where he should be or at least behind him. The figure was unrecognizable and appeared blurry. He blinked several times then squinted his own eyes wondering if he had seen this one before. Moments later another figure appeared in the mirror it was his grandmother grinning an evil grin. Soon other members of his family who were long dead even some soldier in a Polish uniform with half his face blown off stood behind him.

He grew scared, and started to shake with fear. Sweat poured out of his skin like rain. At first he felt like he pissed himself but that was only warm sweat. His heart beats grew faster and faster as these figures closed in around him. Scared out of his mind he tried to get up, but he could not. Something invisible held him down to the chair forcing him to remain seated for who knows what. Not believing anything was true he tried to twist around to see who it was but no one was there. Hands, unseen hands grabbed him and made him watch the mirror as his own family members began to claw at him with bony fingers, stabbing and ripping at his flesh. Each hand yanked a chunk of clothing and flesh off of him. He watched in horror as he was ripped to pieces until there was nothing left of him. Life ended for him, and he was no more. Nothing but bones, ripped flesh, and blood on the chair. All because of that mirror from Poland.

Commando Part 38

Viyamor looked down at the corpses wondering when more of these goons will be after them. He wanted more than anything to get rid of them all and get it over with. Gadruun kicked and spat on each corpse cursing them in his own language. When he was done spitting, cursing, and kicking the Khasungai guard offered them a tour through the city itself. As leader of the group Maurice agreed to let Gadruun to give them a tour. He ordered Brittany, Oraceth, and Eyanosa to stay put once the bodies were discarded.

Gadruun said not to bother with the corpses as there are some creatures and cannibals that eat the dead. These flesh and corpse eating creatures are called ghouls and dwell in the shadows of Khasungai. For a few moments they were speechless, but chose not to discuss the subject any more. Maurice warned the trio of warriors who stayed behind before leaving with the Khasungai guard. It felt strange to leave the corpses there on the street of the alley. Maurice took another look at the corpses. Some how one of the corpses turned into his former lover before his very eyes. It did not seem possible nor was she even near him. He blinked a few times and it transformed back into the corpse of a Caligari goon.

Whatever it was that flashed before his eyes was no more than an illusion of the eyes. He ignored this and proceeded to follow the Khasungai guard Gadruun. With his Unseen Bears and Taregan at his back Maurice followed Gadruun out of the alley between Pyramids. Nothing had changed since they had gone into the alley and killed those goons. It was as though nothing really happened. The city acted oblivious to what happened and their presence.

This was good for their movements through the city. As Gadruun brought them to a market place he approached a small vendor stand next to a couple of others that were more like blankets laid out on the surface. The blankets had various items whereas others around them had cloth, baskets, fruits, meats, pottery, seeds, grain, and other crops. A lone Khasungai female with brownish-red skin tone leaned on a the stand with her arms on top. She appeared to be bored of what she was doing and a little oblivious to their approach. Her face was painted in turquoise symbols and her hair was more long, flowing yet unkempt. She had a few braids and beads in her hair. On her arms were bracelets made from beads, gold, silver, and carved bones. Gadruun snapped a finger at her speaking in their language.

She quickly looked up and straightened herself and took notice of him. This Khasungai girl nodded her head in agreement to something. In moments she beckoned them to follow her through the city. Like tourists they passed through a few other markets and some streets full of homes, and apartment like complexes. She walked ahead of them as though Gadruun ordered her to do so. According to Gadruun this woman's name was Eluna. She was a thief, trickster, gambler, and schemer who evaded the guards for years. She knew her way around the whole city. Gadruun had her give them a tour and take them to the gangs since she knew this city in and out.

This Eluna escorted them past two pyramids and statues of some frogs, toads, amphibious creatures and lizard like monsters. Gadruun informed them that these were depictions of the large creatures that dwell inside the marshes and swamps outside the city limits. If they wandered outside Khasungai they would find its northern and eastern parts flanked by swamps and marshes. All sorts of animals, creatures, monsters, beasts, and a few savage tribes of the area. On the other side of those swamps lived a few civilized Uxane tribes called the Aponezawi, which was near two other nations called the Chictawee, and Obawee.

Maurice recalled the Aponezawi being at war with the Tsubib Pajibe. A city like that was far different than this one. He would not be surprised if other cities were more different than those two. It brought about a sense of wonder and sparked some interest within in. However, learning more about these cities would have to come at another time since they had a mission to complete. Eluna led them towards the western part of the city where she said that three of the gangs dwell.

The area she brought them in looked to be another part of the city that was cut off by a river. It was made up of houses that were connected together in complexes and columns. Multiple connected houses appeared to be crumbling and overgrown with vines. Just five out of ten structures looked decent to live in only there was no one to be seen. Maurice looked around for a few moments until something caught his eye. Near one of the sturdier structures was a pair of armed figures were surrounded be seventeen armed warriors whom appeared to be harassing them. These seventeen warriors were made up of two groups in different uniforms that surrounded two figures in blue, gray, and green clothing. As for the seventeen harassing warriors, twelve of them wore nothing but trousers, covered in tattoos, and their hair was left wild at the top. Each one wielded a cleaver or machete. Maurice presumed those were the Kleavers. The other five warriors wielded spears and donned loincloths with bald heads, and skin painted green and black. Gadruun muttered that the spear wielders were the Tanto Spears.

Maurice and his companions slowly drew their weapons and advanced on the two gangs. They hoped to take these two gangs by surprise and help the two armed figures. These figures were armed with a Katana and two handed elf scimitar. While these gangs harassed the duo Maurice and his party advanced on their flank. Just as they were about to attack the duo began cutting them down. Two at a time the pair of armed travelers sliced through the gangs. Both of them displayed elegant and swift swordsmanship against the goons while they tried to attack them. Some charged, several swung at them and the rest tried to gang up on them. These two dodged, parried, and blocked while taking down their attackers.

As they watched the scene unfold Maurice's party felt dumbfounded. Only two travelers armed with swords easily defeated seventeen opponents who had them surrounded. When the last opponent fell to the ground the duo stayed in their defensive pose wielding their weapons. He could see they were two half-elves with dark long hair, a female and a male. The male held a book in his left hand and the katana in his right. His clothing consisted of a green travelers duster buttoned up with the lower part pulled back, a gentleman's shirt, tan trousers, black boots and gloves. He also wore a pretty belt with the Katan Scabbard, and an Uxane shawl scarf. The female wore a blue and gray layered traveling robe mixed with a long coat. She had on a pair of traveler's shoe made rough materials. Each traveler returned to a normal stand and sheathed their weapons. When they saw Maurice and his party they bowed introducing themselves as Toberis Adrelai, and Minerva Melvis.

Commando Part 37

Maurice and his party were just a couple of days behind the army of Khasungai troops. Its tracks were erased from the dirt road with the use of branches. He turned around to see their own tracks still visible on the dirt road. Their steeds' paw prints would give their pursuers and easier time tracking them down. In their experience with bounty hunters, goons, and other mercenaries Maurice and his party doubted any more would be up to the task. As leader he trotted forward upon his steed. Something that stood above the trees caught his gaze.

Whatever stood above the trees should have caught their attention earlier. Standing taller than the trees were large structures that appeared like pyramids. Although he had never been to the countries of Gaskouth Ladai, Nevkamuu, Kaniima, or Badraan before joining the VUVR, these pyramids reminded him of the ones there. History tells of ancient civilization that spanned from Nevkamuu to Badraan. It flourished along several long rivers and built numerous pyramids. Now it was mostly desert full of nomadic tribes such as the Muzad and others, except a few places in the south and along the coasts. However these pyramids appeared more trapezoid in shape with either conical or oval roofs. Khasungai's pyramids were most like their titles as he assumed.

Drawing closer to the city Maurice and his companions saw the gates opening for the Khasungai soldiers. Made from thick timbers of wood the gates were flanked by stone pillars and a wall mixed with logs and stones. An assortment of palisades, stone walls, and thick trees formed the barriers of the city's walls. That was all they could make out because of the denseness of the jungle forest. Closer to the city's walls were some settlements and structures scattered around the city. Some were even connected to the city. Each one was linked to the city via road. Many of the natives of Khasungai paid little heed to them until they came closer. Their attention was too focused on the returning soldiers. At their approach some of the inhabitants backed away from the cat steeds these outsiders road.

Just about every Khasungai wore tunics made from cloth, wool, spotted hide skins, and other materials. Their hairstyles appeared traditional yet more unique. Only the women donned it while the men had various styles. He saw a few Khasungai wearing clothing from other parts of the world showing some trade existed. As they came to the gates a group of guards armed with spears, Gantronese rifles, Kukri Blades, and some modernized melee weapons from the invaders, blocked the path.

A tall Khasungai confronted them in what appeared to be a mixture of the jumpsuit and the native tunic. This look did not appear very good, but it was this man's choice. Fashion experts did not live here nor should anyone really care. His face was tan, red like the natives here with two bone piercings. In the Vestrisian language this one Khasungai asked why they had come to this city. Hearing this native speak in Vestrisian came as a surprise to him.

Maurice told him about the Vestrisians they believed were here in the city. He looked around to see if there was any one eavesdropping. Although the trees and stones were in his view point he still had a hunch there would be someone hiding. Regardless of suspicions the Khasungai introduced himself as Gadruun of the Spear Guards. He nodded for the rest of the guards to make way for the new outsiders who were friends of the vestrisians said to be in Khansungai. Gadruun warned them not to lower their guard while in the city. Ever since the invaders came they had no trust for outsiders except for those traveling in small groups and those who did not cause any trouble. He also added that Khasungai was on the hunt for outlaws, gangs, and other strange invaders who had caused trouble in recent years. Since Maurice and his party members were not the invaders they had fought or any gang members the Khasungai permitted them entry, but warned them not to expect any warm welcome.

Unsure if this city would show hostility Maurice and his party hesitated before following their guide. Armed with their own weapons and flanked by Khasungai guards Maurice's party were escorted inside the city walls. Khasungai was alive and flourishing yet they hardly got so much as a glance or a wicked stare from some locals. Its pyramids dotted much of the city as well as stone huts, waddle n daubs, adobe styles, mud structures, on top of each other, and plenty of stilt structures. The city appeared to be cut apart by rivers, creeks, and irrigation that made the sections appear like islands. On each of these structures stood a pyramid or two. Each section was connected by a bridge made of logs or stone. Much of their attention rested on the pyramids and high structures to notice the stands full of items, pottery, statues depicting frogs and toads, plus the glares of some inhabitants. There were totems decorated with all sorts of trinkets, high poles painted in numerous colors, various shops, markets, artisans, craftsmen, and massive crowds of people whom filled the streets. A celebration was commencing over some victory against the trouble some outsiders at a fort nearby according to Gadruun.

Their guide ordered the other guards to leave them be as he took the new arrivals towards and alley between two pyramids. In this alley Gadruun stopped and turned around as if to confront them. He said there were more than thirteen of these Vestrisians in the city, but only thirteen remain. A small group had left this city for another location. Gadruun told Maurice that he and his friends can stay if they get rid of the last gangs here. As much as they wanted to see their countrymen anyways the party had to comply otherwise they would get lost in this city. It seemed to be a win win situation for both.

Interested in this offer the party dismounted wondering where they would sleep. Their newly found acquaintance offered to meet three of these Vestrisians who lived close to one of the six gangs. He led them to what appeared to be a den, villa, and apartment rolled into one dwelling slammed against the pyramid. It seemed spacious enough for more than twelve people. Eyanosa, Taregan, and Oraceth prepared a space for their steeds. Brittany, Amonif and Hilastes snooped around while Maurice spoke with Gadruun. They returned to the main room to hear about these gangs.

According to the Khasungai this city had six known gangs mostly containing small numbers. Earlier on the city had numerous gangs, which were now gone thanks to collaboration between cities. He listed them as the Tanto Spears, Sewer Dragonites, Naga Itaks, The Kleavers, Pacong Brothers, Vampiric Trio, and Two Loners who became the Vuun Duo. Ever since the gangs of Waikun, Khasungai, Magesar, and other groups left their numbers seemed to shrink. Now these gangs had less than six members, some were said to have five others, three or four. Gadruun had a good idea about where these gangs were. When he was about to speak the Khasungai was interrupted. Footsteps caught his attention forcing him to break off the conversation.

At the entrance to their new lair twelve figures dressed in different array of clothing with the same symbols. Painted on their clothes was the Caligari Syndicate's symbol. Their so called uniforms were miss matched garments, Gantronese jumpsuits, leather armor with bits of plate armor, and tattered clothing along with other pieces of clothing. These Caligari goons wielded axes, clubs, maces, fist claws, and crow bars. In the back of his own mind Maurice guessed these goons must also be armed with pistols and other firearms hidden away in their clothing. He was rather curious as to how these goons got inside the city.

Night was starting to fall as the day drew closer to dusk. Hearing their footfalls warned the Sarcagosee ahead of time. Maurice whispered for his companions to be ready for these oblivious goons. Not giving any warning to the on coming goons Maurice and his companions raced out of their new dwelling. Armed with melee weapons Viyamor's party jumped the twelve Caligari goons. There was not much in the fighting since the goons were ambushed. Feeling nothing for these Syndicate goons they showed no mercy. Each of their movements were too quick and came as a surprise and shock to these goons. At their feet lay twelve dead goons from the Caligari Syndicate.

Followed

In the year of 1789 the French Revolution broke out witnessing the storming of the Bastille, the Tennis Court Oath, and the dreaded march on Versailles. King Louis XVI's regime as many of my fellow Frenchmen call it is hardly in power over France. We now have the National Assembly, which was created in 1789 to form a new constitution for France. Now we are in the year 1790 still working on the constitution while stripping powers away from the Monarchy. My name is Arnaud Bordeaux of the hopeless Feuillants who was party of this National Assembly that apparently replaced the Estates General. The mobs of citizens are still angry even to this day. While we work to dissolve the monarchy's full power the people are still angry. Some decisions did not go well with their views of wanting the Monarchy to go. I grabbed my coat, snatched up two loaded pistols, and made my way out of my own home.

The walk to the National Assembly was not too far away, however the riots continued to get violent yet they still seem to calm down. I was not taking any chances so I slipped out of the house through a back door where I could slip through the alley ways unnoticed while the mobs rioted. On my way to the National Assembly I had a strange feeling that I was being followed. I turned around to see if anyone was following me. There was no one to be seen except a few cats wandering around. One gray cat looked at me with more curiosity than I thought cats would have. Ignoring this cat I dismissed the idea of someone following me. Feeling as though I was late I attempted to cut the corner, which was blocked. Forced to take the usual route I began to jog my way there. As I quickened my pace I heard footsteps behind me. Turning around again to see who it was I pulled out a pistol. No one was there not even a cat, or rioter going mad. I swear I can still hear the shouting, shooting, and the clashes from the last one. Realizing that this must be in my head I continued on to the National Assembly.

Before I can to the street it was on a strange sound that should have come from a nightmare cried out. Some how I knew it was directed at me. Turning around I saw a figure who looked to be in horrid condition. This figure had tattered clothes, a limp, hunched shoulder, sloppy posture, and only one shoe. Whatever he was he limped slowly towards me as if hurt, but oblivious. At a closer glance I noticed his skin was not normal, but rotting, greenish, grayish, and dead. His eyes looked lifeless and no signs of awareness.

Knowing my own generosity I asked him if he was okay and that he need to go see a Doctor. This man only groaned and made that awful noise I heard earlier. He did not seem to listen so approached him to help him. He seemed clueless and stopped we looked at each other in the face. That's when I realized there was something wrong sure there were cases of people in this condition. All they had to do was see a doctor. In my head I went with the decision to leave this poor wretch to die and went my way to the Assembly. As I progressed forward on the street I heard footsteps again. Turning around I saw it was the same man. I warned the man to leave me alone and went on towards the Assembly. The same noises came back and this wretch was still on my trail. That is when I confronted him with frustration and urgency to be where I needed to be at the moment. I shouted at him to stop, but he continued to approach me. This man or creature grabbed at me gnashing and showing disgusting teeth. It tried to bite me. Panicking I pulled out both pistols and discharged them. Nothing happened except the bullets made impact leaving only holes in his body and clothing.

Seeing that this thing did not fall dead from the bullets I tried to fight it off using the pistols as clubs to no avail. It grabbed me when I tried to pull away. That is when more of these wretches came out of the alleys, and spaces in the streets. I struggled to get free and even shouted for help. As I screamed this thing bite me and began to chew on my arm. The pain I felt was excruciating to the point where I could faint from it. Powerless to stop this thing I still tried beating it off me. Cornered like a rat I was soon ganged up on by the wretches with the same skin color as my assailant. My mind raced with horrifying ideas that these were starving citizens and that some plague broke out all over the city. These things whom I viewed as wretched countrymen tore, clawed, and ate away at my flesh. I was now eaten alive by whatever these things were who used to be citizens of the French Nation.

Commando Part 36

Maurice rode on his steed at a steady pace with his team on Unseen Bears, Uwaux, Tuxir, Ranger, and Red Heart warrior behind him. A half an hour's ride was all they could get out of the journey before nightfall came. It did not matter now since they were in no bi hurry and the city of Khansungai was not too far away.

In the dark they made camp along the side of the road flanked by the trees of the forest. While the seven warriors and soldiers rested around the fire Maurice kept recalling what the native woman said to them. He did not sleep for half the night. When he did go to sleep he had a dream of a former lover he left years ago before going to the Unknown Lands. This former lover of his was a traveling bard who was also a musician, singer and a dancer. She met him in a university around the time this war broke out. Maurice recalled her nickname which was Mellow Talent. At this university they spent four years together however his studies actually spiraled downward in his attempts to become a master at pseudoscience, and psychology behind necromancy. His family urged him to study both so they could identify any forbidden activity going on within their family. Alas he failed and sought out the Vestrisian Expeditionary forces. His youth brought about a sense of adventure and the willingness to fight. For two years he trained in boot camp and earned a chance to become an officer. Even that chance was botched when he beat her to the ground one night.

His dream was more of a nightmare of himself punching her and beating her out of rage over something. Maurice's wrath was over her being at a party, getting drunk and a Goblin getting inside her cleavage. Most patrons of the party overlooked that as they were all drunk that night. The two of them ,Mellow, and that Goblin were wasted and the goblin put himself between her bosoms spraying her in the act. Maurice did not hear about this a month before his promotion to Captain. On that night he allowed his own wrath to get the better of him. She betrayed their love for each other at that party with the act of ravenous behavior. In his nightmare he continued to punch her in multiple places numerous times including her pretty face and stomach. She begged, screamed and cried for him to stop, pleading for forgiveness and mercy. The last thing he saw was her battered face, big eyes swelling with tears and a hurt expression on her face. Maurice jolted awake almost crying out loud in the jungle road of the Unknown Lands.

His party members were woken up by his outburst in the jungle. Maurice muffled himself the same time his companions pounced on him to silence him. With his fellow countrymen holding him down Eyanosa, Taregan, Oraceth, and Brittany kept an eye out for any predators, savage tribesmen, and other hostiles. He only saw the skies, clouds, trees, leaves, and Amonif's arm. Maurice blinked several times before he to be released.

.When there were no dangers around they released Maurice and lowered their guard. The Lieutenant got up shaking the nightmare away as though nothing had happened. Treating the situation like nothing occurred the seven companions ate their meals and prepared to press on. On their steeds Maurice's party followed the road, seeing the same types of foliage, trees, some rocks along the road, and a few travelers who jumped out of the way of the steeds. These seven warriors and soldiers ignored the gawping eyes of other pedestrians on this jungle road that was mostly dirt cleared of foliage. It ran straight through the jungle forest snaking through it like a snake and containing some paths that branched off.

For several more miles the party saw they were getting close to this lake. It appeared large with some trees surrounding it. There were also large trees often found in swamps dotting the surface of the lake. Getting a little closer to this lake they noticed it was larger than most lakes they had seen in these lands. In the air around the tree branches flew bat like creatures with green and red fur. None of these flying creatures noticed their approach since they were far too busy eating fruits, chasing insects, and flying around or hanging on branches upside down. Maurice watched these creatures for a while then returned to the road which went past the lake and also veered left like a fork in the road.

In his head the woman's words kept repeating over and over. He slowed his large cat steed with his eyes on the turn in the road. A few more minutes on the road and they made it to the turn in this dirt road. As they turned on his path the bats dove and went to the trees. This caused them to halt in surprise at this. Seeing all these bats act like this seemed normal, but it was the way these creatures stared at them. These red and green fury winging creatures stared at them upside down with hungry eyes. He stared one down for a few moments waiting for it to attack before pressing on. There was not much else to look at aside from the hanging vines low, branches, leaves, trees, foliage, bats, and other creatures in this area. Through the foliage, and between the trees they got a good view of the lake that was still a good distance away.

When Maurice looked at this lake he spotted the large creature through the trees sitting in the water. He did not see the full size of the thing, but he could tell it was massive, even colossal. Its skin appeared murky, covered in mud, brownish, dirty, covered in muck. Maurice did not look at it for very long since he had to press on down this road. Just as the native woman described numerous corpses, helmets, bones, weapons, limbs, heaps of bodies covered in foliage laid where they had been left. The gruesome sight was spread out in the jungle and on the road. Most of the corpses were bones of the invaders left to rot in the earth. They did not spend much time site seeing.

As the party of seven passed all the corpses covered in foliage, insects, critters, and snakes something else caught their attention. Next to the road lay a large statue that had toppled over. Vines and foliage covered this statue which must have marked the ruins of a lost city. When he looked past this statue there stood the city Khasungai in his view. It was just down the road they had to take only they were not the only ones headed to the city. The force of Khasungai soldiers that attacked the gangs was marching to their city-state.

Commando Part 35

Without warning Waikun and Khasungai forces opened fire on the combatants. Hundreds fell onto the corpses littered earth adding more to the heap that was already there. Not a single combatant remained standing once the last bodies fell. The only question remained was who was still alive and wounded or who was dead on the field. In force the two arrivals sent out troops to kill off the remaining wounded and those who still drew breath in the corpse covered area.

While the Waikun, and Khasungai killed off the rest a small group broke off from the Waikun forces. This small group had an escort of thirty or more Waikun soldiers and warriors. Escorted by the Waikun this group went straight for the fort. In this small group were some familiar faces that Maurice recognized. Among this group he recognized Maphai, the leader of their mercenary friends, and Major Dubius with four more Vestrisiansin dirty torn uniforms. Maurice got down from the wall to greet his friends and countrymen. Major Dubius saluted Maurice and so did the Vestrisians who came with Dubius. Maphai just shook his hand in a form a greeting to a friend.

She told him her crew were at the Waikun river docks and the Vestrisians of the area became allies with the Waikun over the years plus the Khasungai state sees them as potential friends. He wondered if the Major managed to convince the Waikun to come here. Apparently the Major did not convince the Waikun. Their paths were actually the same since the Waikun were on the hunt for various gangs who happened to gather at this very fort. Their mission were the same as the Khasungai who began hunting down various gangs, and outlaws from other cities, countries and kingdoms. Because they were going to the same place as the Waikun, Maphai and Major Dubius decided to tag along with them under an escort. After the brief conversation the three leaders were introduced to the garrison of the fort. In unison the groups chose to leave the Khasungai and Waikun to their task of clearing the field since both armies did not bother the fort. Even the four found Vestrisians were introduced to everyone of the fort as Privates Sig von Mernitz, Dorvig the human-orc, Grigor Nedson, and Captain Lenere Forgiir a female Forsythan, and human. The four Vestrisians got separated from the units when it was ambushed by the enemy and other hostiles. From there they fled the are trying to escape the hostiles and made it to Waikun where they had been ever since. A story like that was not too different from the rest. The Vestrisians gathered in a large room to discuss what happened a little further in more detail.

Most Vestrisian units were scattered after many engagements, run ins with various predators, hostile tribes, getting lost in the jungle and the swamps. Maurice informed their new country men what was going on and there were some fellow Vestrisians being held captive by the Caligari Syndicate. One of the Vestrisians, Grigor mentioned that they had worked as caravan guards along with four others who had gone to work else where near Caligari territory.

Those four countrymen were most like to be back in the vicinity of Waikun. Captain Forgiir had searched for them, but Dubius came up to them. He nabbed her and the trio of privates. Maurice looked around the room remembering what his commanding officer, Colonel Bryce said to him about the Vestrisians being held prisoner or Captive. He stood up getting their attention and mentioned there were estimated up to two hundred fifteen Vestrisians held captive some where in the Unknown Lands. He was tasked with retrieving them by the Colonel.

Major Dubius and Captain Forgiir both mentioned the Caligari syndicate. Their goons ambushed some small battalions under the command of a Colonel Brianna Tenno. Under her command were close to five hundred half of whom were captured, while the rest were killed, scattered, and hunted down. Another battalion, his own, was nearly massacred in the edges of the swamps and marshes during their expedition through the central western areas of the Unknown Lands. He and his unit tried to rescue as many as possible. As for Colonel Tenno herself she fled with a small unit up north not heard from or seen again. It posed a question of where Bryce got his information, but that didn't matter now since they're mission was already underway for the past few months.

Dubius suggested they send out word to other Vestrisians and also search for the ones in Khasungai, Oceanrest Var and locate the ones near Waikun. As they discussed the idea of sending out groups to gather these Vestrisians a thought entered Maurice's head. There was also the idea of sending out word to other Vestrisians who may be hiding in the marshes, and jungles.

Before any final decisions were made on sending any groups or messages the hierarchy of rank or chain of command needed to be established. This fort had a small garrison with other warriors willing to join them in defending what they considered home. In moments all the Vestrisians organized into a unit that was barely over a platoon's strength. Their allies chose to stay in the fort to protect those who decided to live inside its walls. Lieutenant Vincent mentioned the radio within the fort. Captain Forgiir straightened up in her seat saying Mernitz could get it working, but it would take some time. Maurice then mentioned a certain Vestrisian who dwells in a Gantronese outpost who would be useful for further contacting as well as Colonel Bryce.

Major Dubius selected Maurice and his companions to begin their journey towards Khasungai and go to Oceanrest Var. Maurice nodded his head and saluted knowing it would be a long way to Oceanrest Var. In his head he knew Amonif, Hilastes, Eyanosa, Oraceth, Brittany and Taregan would still be willing to continue onward. However they would need a guide to Khasungai. They could take the road, but where would they have to locate the city in this jungle? Dubius ordered for Captain Forgiir to send word with help from Maphai who could call any of her own allies to lend aid. Eager to get his searches going Major Dubius dismissed all Vestrisians and allies.

Maurice and his Unseen Bears left the war room tailing the other Vestrisians. They entered the barracks side where all the warriors and soldiers resided after the chain of command was set up. Inside they found the twenty seven or ore warriors at their beds and bunks along with the several Vestrisians not on duty. His own companions were in a cut off portion where they shared a large room. He and his Unseen Bears went to this room to find their own companions. Brittany laid on her bed, Oraceth sat on a stool cleaning his weapons, Eyanosa, and Taregan played a game of sticks. The Vestrisians' entrance into the room caught their attention. Each one stopped what they were doing to look up at their leader.

Maurice ordered his companions to get ready to set out for Khasungai. He also commanded them to leave whatever they didn't need behind. Maurice and his two Unseen Bears gathered up what they needed for the journey. Maurice took his pole arm sword, and his revolvers leaving his prized tokens he took from his enemies. He also left the notched he had taken from the masked bounty hunter. As he rolled up the weapons and placed them under his own cot the companions prepared to leave.

Their weapons consisted of rifles, pistols, revolvers, a pole arm sword, Quarter staff, war club, knives, tomahawk, and machetes. Each rifle was different from the other. One was made in Grussia, one was a modified rifle, another was the T.M. 13 bolt action rifle, a few Borvados jungle rifles. Their supplies consisted about several weeks or more of food plus food for their steeds. Seven soldiers and warriors prepared their cat steeds for another journey through the Unknown Lands to Khasungai. As they sorted through supplies Maphai approached them with an Uxane looking woman. She wore a traditional hide skin dress with a bead necklace and a colorful shawl around one shoulder. This woman appeared to be in her thirties. She spoke in her native tongue which Maphai translated to Maurice Viyamor.

According to Maphai's translation Maurice and his party were to follow the road to the south then they will encounter a large lake. There the should take the eastern path before the lake starts. For if they don't a large monster of the lake will devour them. To mark the right path they should come upon a vast bat dwelling. Once on the eastern they should not be startled or surprised to see invader corpses or signs of death and chaos. That was only the after math of the peoples rising against the invaders. Maurice nodded keeping this information inside his head hoping he would not forget. He then turned to Maphai saying for her to get in touch with Odeliah and find out where she was. It had been some time since they heard from her. She nodded in agreement promising to get in touch with Captain Odeliah. With these words and directions Maurice and his party loaded up the steeds and mounted up. Under orders the party of seven began their journey to Khasungai.

A naval flag of Lybrian

An attempt to enhance the map

 I am just messing around with software currently. This is not the perfect thing on here, but I am giving it a shot.

Desperate Defense

Dropping off the remnants of Hunterson's crew was easily done. However it involved sailing from Borvados all the way to the very ending tip of the Evusian Empire. This late deceased Captain's crew desired to go to this port there called Tel Orsavex. A part that lay at the very end of the Evusian Empire. It rested on an island that looked like ti connected to the mainland like a peninsula. At a closer glance the island was connected by a bridge.

Jenere watched as the island shrank from the increasing distance. With Zana's Ego of Queens at his heels he felt taking a longer route that veered south of Evusia's shores. He had been here twice while evading authorities. That was forty years ago when Evusia's main ruling families still squabbled for dominance. Now a days she was an empire of her own directly south of a large Union of nations. As he stood on the stern of the vessel with the sea in view and the island disappearing in the distance.

“Evusia is a big empire made up of more than a dozen nations forced together. Most of them were once made up of tribes until they united or banded together. These days many of those nations are forced to be loyal to the Evusian Empress. Gantronese invaders saw to that by attacking them from the south. Legend says that more than five hundred woman are selected for breeding warriors to fight in the name of this empire.” He heard a crew member ramble on to a few new recruits. Jenere looked over his left to see crew mate Makeen talking to three new recruits. The crew members leaned against the corner of the stern on top of the cabins. His gaze turned to Zana's ship which appeared smaller than his own vessel. Her Ego of Queens cut through the waters like a sword skimming the earth.

“Isn't that Redrin Republic part of the Evusian Empire?” one of the recruits asked Makeen.

“Nay lad, Redrin wants nothing to do with the Evusians!” Makeen snorted at the question. “They resisted that Empire for eight long years until peace was forced between the two of 'em as the Gantronese continue their advance...”

Jenere wanted to join in the conversation. He glanced back and forth between the crew and the Ego of Queens. For two minutes he went back and forth with temptations to speak to them. Something stopped him from speaking to his own crew. Even as Captain he was obligated to speak or not speak to his crew. It felt more like he had isolated himself by not saying a word. For him to be this isolated was unlike him, but it was not unnatural behavior. There were times a man or person needed time alone, yet too long alone and you would go insane or mad. Jenere retreated back to his quarters just as Makeen told the recruits how a crew of women sail about the world. It was an all female crew according to legend whom set out to fight the invaders.

He woke up to the usual sounds of the seas. Sophine lay next to him on the bed. She had come to him some time in the night. Jenere kissed her on the head then left the cabins for breakfast. Inside the mess hall he was greeted by his crew who cheered and raised cups to him. Jenere took a seat with his officers who passed a platter of tuna over to him. Elydark handed him a cup of coffee as he proceeded to eat. While he ate and drank his First Mate went on to inform him of a new mission.

“Captain, there is an island in the Ruhonthra isles that will need some assistance. During our journey to Evusia the Gantronese launched an assault on Ruhonthra . Because of a combined fleet of multiple nations and privateers the assault was pushed back. That crippled the forces sent to assault the isles. However that also left most of the defending ships damaged.-” Jenere interrupted him at that point.

“So they need to get one lonely fleet of vessels to stave off another assault!” Jenere shouted slamming a fist down on the table. The whole mess hall fell silent from the noise and all eyes were on the Captain. He looked around at this crew then stood up on the table.

“Hear me out men! Our employers want us to go sail to our deaths and fight alone!” Jenere roared with a hint of exaggeration in his voice. Elydark tugged at his trousers trying to get his attention.

“Captain, Captain our fleet will not be alone.” Elydark tried to get his attention to no avail. Jenere went on with his speech ignoring his First Mate in the mess hall.

“I say we show up anyways! Our employers pay us well! What do you say men? Do we go to a watery grave as privateers and pirates or do we turn down the call and be hunted by U-Boats?” Jenere presented the options to his crew.

“Aye, aye Captain!” One crew mate yelled out from the wall.

“Oi Capn that'd be a way to go!” another cried from the cent of the mess hall.

“Aye, I'll follow ye to the depths of Hithna's rotten hole!” a third one bellowed.

“Aye a pirate's life has never been sweeter than this!” a fourth one cried out just as the crew chanted his name. For a couple of minutes they chanted his name out in the mess hall. Their voices echoed all over the ship's interior until the Captain quieted them down.

“Alright men finish your grub and get back to work! Set sail for our deaths!” Jenere urged the whole crew. He turned to an old sailor who became a pirate after meeting him in a port decades ago. The old sailor smiled at him with just a few teeth left, overwhelmed with joy. Jenere shook his hand causing the old coot laugh heartily with his whole beard shaking from the laughing. He then turned to his First Mate who had a stern expression on his face. Jenere got down from the table to see what Elydark wanted. The two elves went to the map room in the cabin area of the ship. Elydark entered first with Jenere following him inside. When the door closed Elydark nearly turned on his own Captain. He had his hands on his hips for one second then raised them up.

“Captain we will have other ships coming to join up with ours. Close to thirty and more privateers from Evusia, Redrin, Malvieth, and Castaria will rendezvous with us at sea. Fortunately the Gantronese have not attacked the weakened defense.” Elydark explained to his Captain who appeared hot headed over being sent into battle across the sea.

“How many ships do the invaders have?” Jenere demanded to know from his First Mate.

“Several hundred likely four hundred ships attacked the island nation with a hundred of their flying ships dropping off troops. I cannot give you the details on our forces, but they had more than five hundred craft defend Ruhonthra.” Elydark answered his Captain.

“Only four hundred ships?” Jenere mocked the size of the Gantronese fleet. He knew the Gantronese fielded a large behemoth sized fleet. What he did not get was why the Gantronese attacked in small forces. They had the ships in terms of numbers and countless hordes of troops. He had seen massive fleets of the Gantronese while slipping past their notice. That was when the two invaders fought each other for a whole decade. Jenere witnessed a large scale battle between the two armies. Whoever else witnessed that battle would never forget seeing the large ships pounding each other in the skies and the fire power exchanged between the two fleets. It was no wonder neither invader conquered the world yet.

“Captain they sent over a hundred thousand to invade the whole of Ruhonthra! It was a miracle, not luck that Ruhonthra defended their shores.” First Mate Elydark pointed out to him.

Jenere just nodded at his First Mate. He sounded like some green officer who was just given his rank through high levels of academics. The Elydark he knew disappeared only to be replaced by a green recruit high ranking officer who spews statistics . He walked out of the room to another part of the ship. Exiting the map room Jenere took a left out of the map room. Outside the room he stormed through the hall towards his own quarters. When he entered his own quarters Jenere threw his clothes off and went to wash himself while feeling the ship move and shift under him. He stood in the showers for nearly an hour before getting out. His ship his command was now under the command of an employer who had defeated the invaders multiple times. They had chosen him and other pirates to fight on their side.

Once he returned to his quarters Sophine was just getting up. She watched him the entire time he was in the room. In front of her Jenere dressed in a privateer's/pirate outfit he was given years ago. When he had it on Sophine put his weapons on him for her lover. His belt harness went over his privateer's shirt with the pair of revolvers, war pick, curved dagger, cutlass and metal axe. She put the overcoat on him. His arms slipped into the sleeves while she straightened it up. Jenere allowed her to tie his hair into a male style bun. On his head Sophine placed a cap that was a fisherman's cap with a decorative belt buckle on it.

“The Gantronese attacked Ruhonthra.” Jenere said to his lover.

“Who haven't they attack? Those invaders launched an assault on everyone according to our new recruits.” Sophine scoffed as she straightened things on his over coat.

“Being an invader with countless hordes at your disposal would give off the temptations to launch assaults every year.” Jenere added to their conversation. She took the cutlass off the harness only to reattach it over the overcoat itself.

“They are setting out to conquer our world which only a quarter and more have been take over.” Sophine said as if she was agreeing with him.

“You get some breakfast. There's pig of the sea and Borvadosian fruits.” Jenere said dismissing his officer and lover. She did as he told her leaving him in his cabin quarters . Alone in the quarters Jenere also left his quarters for the command bridge. He passed various crew members who were still half asleep, wide awake, tired, sprite, groggy, lethargic and slow. Jenere passed through the sections of the ship receiving greetings, and salutes as he went by. He then went straight for the command bridge.

At the command bridge he found the rest of his officers on deck. Each one stopped what they were doing to salute Captain Jenere Omavern. All the hands on the command bridge stood up and saluted to him as well. Jenere saluted in return then turned his focus to the path ahead. The sea itself lay open before the Abomination with Evusia's coast line in the distance on the right. On the left was the Ego of Queens sailing ahead of them taking the lead. Zana was in command of their small fleet that was set to increase. Going further along Evusia's coast and shores their fleet started to increase. Five privateer vessels flying Evusian colors and Vestrisian colors as well approached them in a rendezvous pattern. He took a good look at those vessels the largest of them was a frigate armed with three turrets and four mounted cannons that must have been modified, an AA gun, and several heavy machine guns. The other four vessels were smaller corvettes and the fifty man crew Sea Aketons. The Sea Aketons were slightly bigger than gunboats armed with one turret, several heavy machine guns, and depth charges plus a few torpedoes. As the rendezvous commenced they began communications.

When communications were over the five vessels followed Jenere and Zana to another rendezvous point. Their increased fleet did not meet another ship until they got close to Redrin where four other ships joined them. With a fleet massing the privateers proceeded onward for a few more days until Zana spotted six more ships flying Vestrisian colors along with Castarian flags. These ships came from the Badraan ports. Seventeen privateer vessels sailed towards Malvieth, and Tante where they had to stop at border checks.

Passing through the border checks they rendezvous with the rest of the privateers. More than ten ships flying the Malvieth flag met them at some islets in the southern sea. Here they met the Admirals and Captains for a brief dinner. Jenere was introduced to four Admirals and twenty six Captains. He remembered fourteen of their names all of whom had different appearances, facial hair, heights, clothes, skin texture and belonged to another race. The next day he found himself talking to Admiral Forkrist about how they would come around the flanks of the invaders. This one Admiral went on about strategies, and tactics on the high seas. Jenere also had the pleasure of talking to the Evusian Admiral who started to question him about this days of piracy. To his fortune Jenere's contract with the Vestrisians allowed him to avoid such questions. In a span of three days the armada of thirty one ships arrived at the Ruhonthran isles.

The situation did not appear as bad from very far until they came closer. Most of their employer's fleet and allied fleets were at port for repairs leaving a few hundred to keep watch and ready to defend Ruhonthra. However the enemy fleet was farther, but not too far from an island that stood alone in the ocean. It was under heavy bombardment. All along the span of a few miles lay the aftermath of the battle that occurred several days ago. They passed wreckage, debris, corpses, and small fires from the oil that was set on fire. Their attention was drawn to the island under siege to the island that was still under siege. It appeared to have an invasion force still on the beach. Jenere took a better look through his spyglass counting seventeen Gantronese ships of different class and dozens of landing craft heading towards the island. Up in the air allied aircraft raced to perform attack runs, but only a few were able to drop their load.

“Captain sir, Captain Caniir wants to speak with you.” Ersig said to him as he steered the ship at full speed towards their target.

“Put her on the line.” Jenere ordered leaving the wheel to his first helmsman. He went over to Ersig's station and picked up the phone piece.

“Captain Omavern speaking over.” Jenere said to Caniir.

“Omavern start opening fire on those Gantronese! The Malvieths will flank around Over.” Zana ordered him.

“Yes Captain-Admiral!” Jenere replied before he hung up the same time she did.

“All guns open fire!” Jenere ordered to his officers and crew.

His orders were passed on through the radios. Jenere watched their turrets came alive firing on the Gantronese ships. Each turret they had fired in unison as well. For nearly twelve minutes twenty one ships bombarded the Gantronese ships the island's eastern and southern flanks. The ones on the north began to move towards them to engage in combat. Five Gantronese ships sunk after receiving multiple hits. Jenere took a peek through his spyglass to check on the island battle itself. The fort was no longer suffering the bombardment. Its defenders were preparing for a ground assault by a force of less than eight hundred Gantronese troops. More Gantronese forces were about to land on the island as he counted their numbers. Just over hundred seventy made it to the islands to reinforce the assault.

“Elydark on take command of the ship! Second Mate Mate Morlen summon the landing parties and my officer swordsman Sophine. Meet me on the outer decks.” Jenere ordered his two lieutenants whom should be Captains by now however the occasions never came up. He went out on to the balcony and lowered himself down, climbing and jumping down. As his feet landed their turrets started to cease fire. Looking over at the Gaontronese ships were surrounding the island he saw that not one of them stood afloat on the water. After the quick bombardment from thirty ships the Gantronese lost that small fleet of ships.

His lover/officer swordsman came up to him with the sixty of their crew each one heavily armed and ready for battle. She looked fierce with a serious expression that meant to kill. Many of his crew painted themselves in war paint armed with guns and lethal melee weapons. Without his command the boats were lowered as were the climbing nets.

“We will come around on their flanks!” Jenere barked out to his landing party. He turned to see Caric next to him. “Raise the colors and signal for the rest of our friends to do the same.”

“They are ahead of you on that sir.” Sophine pointed out to him. Jenere turned around to see landing parties heading for the island. This encouraged him to speed up and get off board onto the boat. None of his crew hesitated or dawdled and they set off to relieve the defenders. As they landed their smaller boats on the sands of the beaches the privateers jumped out of the boats and raced towards the flanks of the Gantronese who seemed oblivious to their approach.

On that island more than a thousand Gantronese lay siege on the island fort. Despite their ships being sunk these invaders fought to the death. Jenere and a few hundred privateers attacked their flanks while the defenders held them back. This particular island almost had zero vegetation on its southern portion which the two gates of the fort faced. One the walls the defenders gave everything they had to push the enemy back.

Coming in from behind the Gantronese more than four hundred sixty privateers stormed the beach. All of them formed ranks and fired wildly into the back ranks of the Gantronese invaders. They killed more than half the Gantronese force before charging in to engage in close combat. Jenere unsheathed his cutlass and began cutting down Gantronese troops left and right on the field with ease. On his flanks privateers killed numerous Gantronese alongside his crew. Jenere moved through the battlefield taking out nearly a score of Gantronese. His movements were swift, agile, and showed his skills in combat. Using the correct poses, strikes, and foot movements Jenere performed guard and swipe deceive and pierce plus slice to dispatch his opponents. All around him his fellow privateers engaged the Gantronese wielding an assortment of different weapons such as axes, knives, clubs, various sword types, tools converted into weapons, spades, hammers, maces, chains, poles, harpoons, machetes, and picks. The Gantronese wielded bayonet rifles, katanas, two handed war clubs with spikes and metal, and short swords. Most of these weapons appeared too primitive for these invaders who had the capability to travel the stars.

As the privateer army pressed their attack they realized there were more Gantronese than they had noticed before. Numbers did not matter since the invaders were caught between the defenders and the privateers. Jenere plunged his sword into the side of a large Gantronese that scowled at him before dying. Just as he was about to pull the cutlass out a Gantronese officer came at him with his blade raised in attack position. As the Gantronese was about to bring the blade down on his arm two of his crew took the officer down. Three other Gantronese bayoneted the crew members. Jenere released the cutlass and grabbed his axe and war pick quickly dispatching the Gantronese trio with other crew members. On the sands of the island the battle became chaotic as all battles do. Combatants stabbed, cut down, bludgeoned, and knocked opponents down only to find the same thing happen to them in turn. However it did not happen to all combatants who killed a few foes. In the midst of the chaos the defenders opened fire with the last rounds of their guns to wipe out or even reduce the Gantronese force. At first it appeared the battle would end down to a few men until the defenders fired their guns rapidly. The act mowed down the majority of the Gantronese leaving a few units to suffer under the hands of the privateers.

A calm wind blew from the ocean bringing with it salt sea and droplets of the ocean. The sands became red, pink, and stained with blood. No more than two hundred ninety privateers stood victorious over the invaders. Many of the cheered and raised their weapons in the air. Following the battle's after math privateers began collecting the wounded. Each wounded privateer was brought away from all the corpses, limbs, and spilled guts. The fort's two gates opened and out came the defenders. How large the original garrison was Jenere could not say, but he did see two hundred thirty six pirates, privateers, thirty eight armed volunteers, and nine well uniformed and lightly armored soldiers exit the fort. Every defender came over to aid the privateers with their wounded. Out of all the privateers who fought against the invaders and fallen over a hundred fifty seven came out alive, but wounded. As for the dead privateers they were all collected and lined up neatly at the beach ready to be buried. Weapons, limbs, Gantronese corpses littered the blood soak sandy battlefield. He scanned the aftermath of the battlefield watching the privateers and pirates search for more wounded. Only a handful more were found only they died a moment later.

“Captain sir the fort leaders would like a word with you and all the officers who lead the assault.” a crew member said to him.

“Crew mate how many men did we lose?” he asked the crew member.

“Six pirates dead and four wounded.” The crew members said to him. Jenere took a good look at this crew member who appeared to be human of his mid twenties. He wore a red shirt, baggy pants, and nothing on his feet. This crew member was known as Gabos with dirty brown hair and no facial hair.

“That is not bad.” Jenere said feeling confident and secure about the minimal losses.

“Um Captain one of our own dead is Sophine, your lover, wife, and swordsman-officer.” he said sounding a little sad. Gabos looked like he was about to cry from his own captain's loss. Jenere held in his grief as best he could ordering Gabos to collect her weapons. Holding in his despair, grief and sadness in Jenere Omavern went to meet the leaders of the fort.

He approached the leaders who stood several feet away from the corpses and blood. Three leaders of the fort stood at the edge of the battlefield. A pirate leader in a blue duster, white shirt, dirty red pants, and odd hat leaned on a crutch. He only had one leg and a peg leg to replace the missing one. This leader looked rough on the face with a stubble of a beard. Next to him stood a rugged uniformed ex-soldier in an unprofessional posture. This ex-soldier was an exile from Damis who must have sailed to Ruhonthra with his troops. He had a dirty, sweaty face, a few scars, tears in his uniform, a gaunt, clean shaved face and a flat cap on his head. Reasons for their exile were still unknown. Beside the ex-soldier looking leader was a well uniformed and lightly armored leader who appeared to be a knight leader. He had the usual knight symbol of the shield indicating he was a knight. Jenere looked at all three while trying to hold in tears for his loss.

“You are welcome gentlemen. I will head back to my ship. You can speak to my superiors and fellow Captains.” he shouted at them before they put in a single word. In grief Jenere stormed away to see the corpse of his now dead lover. He got down on his knees next to her. Jenere grabbed her deceased hand and held it against his chest letting his grief and tears out. When his crew surrounded him he then ordered all bodies to be sent into the sea. A brief funeral was held and all the corpses of their crew mates were loaded onto a Gantronese boat. The motor was cranked on before sending it off into the sea with the corpses in it. One of the crew members prayed to the Tortoise God Kunkaliim for Sophine's and the deceased crew members to be granted safe passage to the after life. Once his prayers were over Jenere returned to his ship leaving his Second Mate to speak to Zana and their privateer allies. Without a single word to any one he returned to his own quarters having lost an officer swordsman, and a lover who was his wife and a mother. For a few days or more Jenere remained cooped up in his room grieving only coming out to eat, watch the stars, get information from his two Mates or roam the outer deck. It was on the fourth day Elydark and Brucs entered his quarters. They found Jenere on his bed wiping away his tears.

“Captain are you okay?” Elydark asked him.

“I feel hollowness on the inside yet I am still willing to perform my duty to the Vestrisians. It may be some time before I am well. My grieving will be done and gone from here.” Jenere replied to his First Mate. He felt pain and emptiness inside his chest along with the beating of his heart.

“Will you need comfort Captain? Some of our female crew wish to see about you.” Brucs offered to Jenere.

“Give me time Boatswain, give me time. Our swordsman and officer positions need to be refilled.” Jenere replied feeling his duties as Captain return to him.

“Yes sir Captain, and Captain Caniir would like a word with you on the starboard.” Elydark informed Jenere. He got up from the bed still in his Privateer clothes and walked over to his desk. Much of the desk was covered in letters and charts along with a few weapons and an atlas.

“Who is our best swordsman and who is a good candidate for officer?” Jenere asked not taking his eyes off the desk and what was on it. He began rummaging through it in search of anything that had Sophine's name on it.

“Jogan Maidenson is the best swordsman out of the whole crew's raiders. In fact sir he killed more than thirty Gantronese whom wielded those blades. A good candidate for the officer's position is Stormin Mac one of the crew's favorites. He mans the machine guns under Caric's command whenever the other officers are performing other duties.-” Elydark explained to his Captain who then cut him off with a raising of one single hand. He busied himself collecting the letters Sophine had written and were written to her in return. Jenere compiled them in a stack on top of the atlas.

“Get the crew to prepare to sail when ready and commanded. I am going to meet Captain Caniir.” Jenere commanded his officers sending them off to order the crew around and promote the two crew members. He followed them out of his own quarters exited the cabins then took the direct path to the starboard. Here on his ship's starboard he found Captain Caniir with her personal escort. She looked at him with great amount of sympathy on her face.

“Captain you have my deepest sorrows and condolences. I am so sorry for your loss.” Zana said to him starting to reach out for him. She put a hand on his arm as a way to comfort Jenere. The privateer captain felt some comfort then noticed something in Zana's other hand.

“Thank you Captain what is that in your hand?” He asked her wondering what she was holding. She held it up showing him it was a sword from an officer. It had an other worldly appearance to it compared to the Gantronese blades they collected as loot. He swore they had a full room with these mounted on the walls. They would arm a small army with as many blades as they took off the battlefield.

“This is for you from the fort leaders. A gift for saving them from that Gantronese assault.” She handed him the blade which he took from her grasp. “Also the employers would like us to stick around and hold the line. However our Evusian and Redrin buddies will not be joining us.”

“What?! Those Imperialist Evusians and rebellious Redrin won't be joining us? That is nearly a third of our fleet! Did their countries call them back?” Jenere went on a rampage of words over this sudden news.

“Calm yourself down Captain they will not leave until tomorrow. Today we need to prepare for another wave.” She replied to Jenere trying to get him to settle down.

“How large is this wave?” Jenere insisted to know from a fellow Captain.

“Vestrisian scout craft estimated over six hundred Gantronese ships, two hundred troop transport vessels and a dozen large craft that look more like floating forts.” Zana explained passing off vital information that the Gantronese would prefer to stay hidden. “Also they have a few carriers so expect various flying targets in the air.”

Jenere took this advice prizing the new sword he had just earned in battle. The pain of losing his lover ached and lingered in his chest. It felt stuck inside his own heart. He didn't know how long he would suffer this grief. This grief had to remain hidden in order to perform his duties required of a privateer. Jenere pondered over what class the Gantronese were sending to invade Ruhonthra another time. Zana dismissed him as she went back to her own ship. He returned to the command bridge after several days of absence and barked out orders to prepare the ship for another battle. Jenere stood in he command bridge watching his crew prepare for another onslaught with the Gantronese.

Within the span of a few days the Gantronese fleet arrived in force. This fleet appeared to be complete with a dozen battle ships, destroyers, frigates, gunboats, troop carriers, and aircraft carriers. Their guns and other weaponry appeared some what similar to weapons many modernized weapons of Calorn. Although these invaders had their star ships they still insisted on building on a flee of ships for the oceanic travel and naval warfare. Many of their guns fired what appeared like blue or purple fire balls. From their scientists he heard that the invaders fired energy or what they apparently called Metamocris.

Before the defenders who also fielded a large fleet the Gantronese moved in formation. Just as they were about to complete their formation all privateers opened fire with all guns the deck. Some shots missed, others found the intended and unintended targets. This triggered on all out battle at sea between the invaders and the coalition of nations and privateers. Ships from both sides exchanged fire while maneuvering around the sea.

Jenere watched his own guns fire away at the invaders. Vessels on each side endured hits, avoided fire received heavy fire and retreated a little. A few ships on the battlefield began to sink as others started to retreat to avoid sinking from hits. He had his ship maneuver along with other privateers while his turrets fired on a Gantronese destroyer. They hit the stern, and the center several times before it sank. Once the Destroyer was out of combat he sent his sights on another target when six gunboats came after him. His own turrets focused fire on the smaller crafts. The privateer's gaze then went to watch his allies who seemed to be struggling against the strange turrets on the Gantronese ships. It did not mean that none of the enemy ships went down. Their turrets ripped holes into the Calorn defenders' ships. Hours passed as the battle went into dusk seeing over a hundred vessel sunk and damaged on each side. Both sides backed off as night came over the ocean.

“How do we disrupt their formation?” an Admiral burst out in the fort's command center.

“They came with a larger force but lost more than we did. Most of those gunboats were merely cannon fodder, meat shields, pawns used to distract us from the bigger ships.” Another Admiral pointed out.

“Yes and none of their aircraft carriers or landing craft took part in the battle.” Admiral Forkrist added to Admiral Krunkavowe's observation.

“What do you Admiral's propose?” Captain Caniir asked the room of Admirals and Captains. None of them spoke a word for a few long moments. A young looking First Mate nudged his Captain who was a Castarian with auburn hair, facial on his face and lips, but not his chin, a middle aged face, strong body, a scar on his neck. He wore a fisherman's overalls over a sea jacket over two layers of shirts. The Captain stood up and cleared his throat to get their attention.

“Before we arrived we intercepted Vestrisian radio transmissions about their U-Boat movements and gathering. We should get reinforcements soon.” He said rubbing his mustache.

“Did they say when?” Zana asked him all eyes were fixed upon the Admiral from Castaria.

“No, but we are set to get aid from Vestrisia, Lybresan, Alagen, and Ivodra whom will send reinforcements. Troops and ships to help defend Ruhonthra. Many of them are busy securing their own shores and borders. Whereas my countrymen are busy in the Vollante seas eradicating invasions, fleets and patrolling what they have taken from Vullan.” The Castarian privateer answered Zana.

“Yet you are still able to send ships out.” another Captain pointed out accusingly. This caused a babel of voices to rise up in the room. For several minutes the Captains and Admirals argued. Jenere rolled his eyes and drew a revolver and fired two shots to end the mass of arguments.

“We need to set out in force and meet them in the open sea. Sure they have superior weapons and the numbers, but this world is ours and they do have limits to things. Over time their casualties will catch up to them. I have seen their ferocious battles between them and those Nazdar. Many ships fell out of the skies and that forced them to build ships of the seas we now fight. What do you say to launching a counter assault on them as a pirate I have raided, and plundered Gantronese ships!” Jenere blurted out to the whole room whom did not let him finish. They all went in an uproar of approval.

Every one of them raced out to their ships. Jenere followed their lead and raced to his Abomination. Zana did the same rallying the crew to prepare the ship for the assault. He barked out orders to his crew to get their stations. Jenere himself manned the helm and sailed towards the Gantronese lines.

Not giving any warning the privateers attacked as many Gantronese vessels as they could. Their assault on the Gantronese lasted for hours then they retreated. For several days they pulled it off sinking seventeen or more ships each time. Every few assaults they would lose a ship or two while they chipped away at this fleet. It was before and after their assault on the coalition of ships. On the sixth day they witnessed the aircraft carriers come to life as fighters flew towards them and the coalition.

“Our fleet grows smaller yet the Gantronese still out numbers us.” Jenere pointed out regretting his decision. The two Captains sat in Zana's own cabin. She remained standing while he was seated in a comfy chair.

“In a few more days or less the cavalry should arrive according to Admiral Garnich.” Zana said sounding worried they may lose this battle. “We've already sustained a few hits and a few more and we're sunk.”

“What do you propose then?” Jenere asked her in her lest favorite chair.

“How many ships did we capture?” Zana asked Jenere taking a swig of her beer.

“Fifteen of their ships were captured. Are you suggesting he load a few of them up with explosives?” Jenere curiously asked Zana.

“No, no that would take too much time, and a lot of explosives which we don't have. Besides more than half their fleet is sunk, damaged, captured and incapacitated.” She pointed out over the radio.

“Well setting up another assault as a last hurrah is now useless and futile. They've already sent the fighters and bombers.” Jenere cut the conversation there while looking through the wind of her cabin. He left her cabin and raced back to his own ship to prepare it for another attack. When he returned to his ship the aircraft were halfway to them. He quickly climbed back on board.

“Get those AA's and flak guns operating start firing when ready!” Jenere yelled to his crew who did as he ordered. All guns opened fire on the incoming aircraft shooting down a few before they drew closer to them. On his flanks his allies did the same thing. Jenere rushed over to an unmanned machine gun only to witness a large wave of Vestrisian aircraft came flying in to intercept the Gantronese. He figure these aircraft were meant for dog fights and attacking other aircraft. Plus they may have been running late. Jenere opened fire taking down a couple before the waves of aircraft clashed in the air.

From their ships the privateers and their allies aided the aircraft while their guns pounded on the enemy vessels. Jenere left the gun to a crew member to keep an eye on the Gantronese fleet that was apparently coming under attack. Ships were beginning to sink in the back of their formation. He watched plenty of larger ships blow up and set fire from what appeared to be torpedo hits. Chaos spread in the skies and in the Gantronese formation. A small fraction of this Gantronese remained before it began the slow retreat. Nearly all Gantronese Zeykos were downed and more than half the troop carriers fell into the ocean.

A massive wave of disbelief hit the defenders in the face. They watched the invaders retreat while under attack by unseen u-boats. Everyone cheered, roared, jumped, danced, threw hats in the air, laughed, danced, hugged, shook comrades, shouted, and some fired pistols in the air. Flags were waved on other ships as their crews cheered the end of a long hard battle they had fought desperately to win. Another victory was won against the invaders.