Commando Part 60

More than three thousand people had to be moved. That consisted of the soldiers, freed prisoners, and the civilians who were stuck in the settlements. Whole groups of enemies became prisoners of war after they surrendered or were caught. The coalition had lost roughly seven hundred or more in the night assault. As for the defenders it was estimated that Caligari had 484 thugs, and goons, 1600 Gantronese, 245 pirates, and hundred hired guns. It gave the Caligari’s the advantage in terms of numbers on the battlefield. However, they had the element of surprise, and the fat Syndicate Boss made many enemies. Whole tribes of warriors and Dark Elves launched their own attack. Most of these forces fought in the marshes forcing goons, and enemies to hunt them down. It added more casualties to the Caligari dead, yet the bodies could not be recovered. Not all the pirates, goons, and thugs expressed no true loyalty resulting in back stabbings alongside betrayals all around.

When everything seemed to be in order Maurice was summoned to a hidden pit in the palace. Bryce, Maphai and other leaders gathered near this pit which held the Caligari monster they heard so much about. Whatever this creature was it had the appearance of an over-sized reptile with an appetite for flesh. It looked hungry and ready to feast on more meat. In its lair dangled corpses and skeletons of its victims. The creature licked its jaw with a large tongue. Sure, enough Mommy Gluton’s massive corpse was rolled over to this pit after being dragged over. Natives, soldiers, mercenaries, and healthy prisoners pushed this carcass inside the pit. Shoving the body inside this pit was giving this thing a final big meal.

According to tales and rumors her prisoners were fed to this thing from time to time whenever they did not have an enemy thrown inside. Not very many onlookers watched it eat. Maurice and his superiors left the scene hearing cheering, and joyous cries go on in celebration. From the way the prisoners and natives cheered their nightmare was finally over. Bryce informed Maurice that contact was made with the current Mysdran of the campaign here. Their own people will be picked up and sent home from Oceanrest Var and Kilscar Orvain. The news hit him, blowing his mind away. They were actually going home. Maurice took the news well and laughed himself to a bit of tears. Even Bryce could not help it. Both countrymen gathered their people and gave them the good news. About a thousand or more Vestrisiasns threw their hats in the air, jumped, hugged, kissed, and celebrated. Every one of them broke into sang, singing the anthem. When the anthem was down music started to play and they danced the Vestro-Castarian dance. Their allies watched them and joined in as a flag was raised over the palace. It was the flag of the alliance forged against the invaders. They danced until their legs grew tired.

It was not until the next day did all the forces clear things out and had everything else packed to leave. Their wounded, freed prisoners, and civilians were evacuated first. Many of their native allies chose to leave on foot and by boat. Maurice’s Uxane companion Eyanosa, and the ranger Oraceth said their farewells before departing. What was left of his party gathered after the native and ranger left. Maurice, Amonif, Hilastes, Maphai. Vylinsis, Cagan, Ordoz, Trion, Omareth, Minerva, Toberis, and Odeliah met at the pirate’s ship. All twelve of them boarded the ship bound for the fort. Each one laughed about the absence of the cat steeds and the reptile steeds they rode on this journey. Back at the fort everything that was needed was taken and packed up. They left supplies and everything in the hands of the mercenaries, natives, and the international allies. Maurice discovered all the IBOIS people had gone. In his quarters he discovered a note from Dina saying she would see him in Oceanrest Var. Maurice pocketed the note and boarded the ship.

On the way to Oceanrest Var they dropped off the rest of the Dwarves and those who chose to stay in the Sarcagos. To their surprise Maphai, her crew, and most of the saved people stayed in the mountains. It only made more room on board the pirate’s vessel. Before she said her farewell Maurice tossed her the radio back which she tossed back at him for him to keep. She hollered that it was his to keep. As his ride ascended, he stood at the starboard side watching a friend shrink. He gave her a Vestrisian salute, which she returned. Leaving the Sarcagos behind the ships traveled over the Unknown Lands to Oceanrest Var. The city of Oceanrest Var sat on the coast of the cursed Unknown Lands. It spanned the area of three cities with many smaller settlements such as villages and towns that connected Via roads. This city state had a rich culture made up of different cultures mixed in. If one looked at the culture, they would find bits of Borvados, Uxane, Meze, Nahemine, Lybesan, and a few others from the west. Those cultures were more clan like, blended with religious, class structured cultures, and controlling ones. Many had their traditional clothing mixed in as well. He recognized shawls, tunics, headdresses, dresses, and shirts.

His place was not as a tourist, but as a Captain about to return home. Entire units of his countrymen came to the docks. Here they were greeted by IBOIS members, some natives, locals, Exiled Soldiers, and a company of new young soldiers of the marine branch. They said their farewells to the pirates who went off to drink in the taverns of this city’s port. Many of their wounded had to be housed in the harbor warehouse and shacks while they waited for the fleets to come pick them up.

            It would be a week before they arrived. This gave them time to get acquainted with being out of the Unknown Lands. Maurice spent a great deal of time with his countrymen. Each one shared stories of home, early years of this war, and childhood memories back home. Dina was finally off the hook. She found Maurice at a bar and tavern. The two of them shared a drink or two making Maurice a little more drunk than he should. It was here she revealed herself as a long-lost childhood friend who was ripped away by an angry aunt who saw a better future elsewhere. The two long lost friends embraced overjoyed by the news. Each one shared their lives between the time they lost track of one another and their parts of this war. For the rest of the time in Oceanrest Var they received news of what happened during the days they were missing. Without warning Tenno approached him with a salute. She ultimately surprised him and others with a hug and kiss on the face. Tenno presumed this with each brave soul who partook in the rescue mission.

            By the time their rides came very one was full of excited energy and good news. When they began to board the anthem was sang to them in greeting. It filled their hearts with warm feelings and set their minds at ease. His unit was housed in a passenger’s cabin. Maurice believed he would have a cabin of his own until a knock came at the door. He opened the door find Dina at the door with a suitcase and newspaper under one arm. She wore warm travel clothing showing she had no love for the cold weather or the sea cold. He welcomed her inside letting her take a bunk. Before he said anything else she said she quit the IBOIS. Dina showed him the newspaper which read “Zhenrai Knight’s in the Vestrisian Ranks?” on the headlines. On the bottom was another article titled Lost Vestrisians returning home thanks to Bryce, Tenno, and a Major Maurice Viyamor.

The End?