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.