Last Ditch Defense For Kashmanol Part 1

Revealing their true colors against the invaders and those who supported them made a difference. It appeared that did not last for more than several months in the western half of Kashmanol. Rumors of this larger horde of invaders and collaborators being the vanguard assault from the other Orc forces. Teniim Elves and the Orc forces that joined them were puzzled by receiving no word nor seeing any movements towards them from the nine thousand enemies. Two full days passed before anything else happened. Montis sat with his fellow elites and some Orcs who joined them. In a semi-circle smoking Vision Milkweed mixed with Wild Pokeweed, and crushed Mammoth Road Weed. Doing the math and calculations inside his own head Toros believed the Kashmanol Orcs still have some fifty-thousand and counting. Fourteen thousand five hundred fifty four Orcs prepared to engaged the twelve thousand enemies. The one thousand one hundred eighty seven Orcs joined their forces. Toros felt a little unease encroach inside him.

Nine thousand enemies hugged the patch of woods closely while their own brethren fought the Orcs nearly a mile away. To both sides it was a spectacle, an exciting event to watch. Toros watched as he smoked his pipe with his colleagues. No one cared what day it was, what week, month or the season. All they cared about was defeating this horde, or stalling it from reaching the Teniim Kingdoms. For the Orcs it may turn into a war to preserve the remaining parts of Kashmanol that breathed free air. Toros did not want to know the true intentions of these invaders as it was obvious to many. They wanted to conquer these lands. That much was clear to the Orcs of Kashmanol, and the Elves of Teniim.

Toros puffed on the weed mixture with his gaze transfixed on the battle in the distance. In his head he prayed to the Goddess of Good Fortune the Orcs would be granted a victory. It appeared to be a one sided battle since the Orcs outnumbered the twelve thousand invaders. His attention on the battle was ripped away by a full brigade of nine thousand Orcs charged past him like a stampede. Their intentions were to crush, scare and route the nine thousand invaders hugging the woods. Armed with Axes, Maces, war-hammers, Spears, Halberds, Long Cleavers, Curved Blades, swords, various Clubs, and long bows which they stopped to notch. Although many had a bow just a few hundred loosed an arrow into the enemy ranks who were just now stirring. Toros sat him with his eyes widened at a clever move on the Orcs. A volley of arrows devastated the enemy leaving them shocked and scatter brained. One large brigade of Orcs raced down the hill to kill the rest of the enemy at the woods. They had to spread out to avoid flanking maneuvers as they rushed into the campsites. Ill prepared to face the oncoming brigade of Orcs the same sized force of invaders fell like flies. Not a single invader stood a chance against the well armored, and armed Orcs who did not see what Toros saw. At the last second the enemy had a surprise up their sleeves despite the massacre at the woods.

From the woods, brush, and tall grass a force of 39, 207 invaders and more emerged. Those who watched scrambled for their bows, and guns. Every Orc at the woods threw themselves at the revealed enemy. Having  an enemy force three times larger than their own the Orcs banded together in groups. Toros notched an arrow and loosed it in a volley of nearly two thousand arrows. Arrows showered the enemies wrapping around the Orcs on their left flank. He loosed another arrow alongside others who sent it to both flanking groups of invaders. It halted the enemy from flanking the Orcs. Many invaders could barely hold their own against these Kashmanol Orcs filling the defenders with hopes of victory. Forced to hold out in smaller groups caused casualties to mount among the Orcs who butchered the invading force of various humanoids and monsters. Toros and other bowmen loosed another volley into the woods and areas around the engagement. He could make out outlandish looking invaders with multiple arms, extra limbs, two or three heads, four legs, strange shaped heads, furry bodies, tall statures, stout bodies, long arms, big mouths, and wings. Two thousand more arrows were loosed into the woods and the field behind the battle. To Toros it seemed like a waste until he saw smaller groups propping up in the tall grass. Rather than putting pressure on the Orcs they backed away in retreat. He watched a hundred of them fall from the arrows that could reach them.

At the scene of the battle the Orcs began their retreat while fighting to the death. Bodies mounted at their feet as they moved back to the main force. For hours they fought ferociously to get out taking with them most of the enemy force. By mid dusk the larger Orc army in the distance had won their battle long before Coalition saw victory for the day. For the Orc Brigade barely three thousand made it out with their lives. Among the fifty thousand enemies that attacked them just two thousand six hundred fled from the battlefield. Toros' Commander sent them over to retrieve more survivors and the wounded. Orc Coalition War Chief Zarfu Ironfists ordered units of skirmishers to patrol the area and kill any straggling enemies. Going through the aftermath introduced the elves to more strange races and monsters that made up this invading horde. Some reptile looking races, mammal like beasts, horned monsters covered in hair, winged monsters, Octopus looking creatures, and strange uniformed figures with tentacles for arms. Sorting through the carnage Toros and his fellow Elves finished off some three thousand six hundred fort seven enemies. Among the carnage they managed to find one thousand three hundred thirty five Orcs still alive and wounded. No one left the wounded to die as it grew dark. On stretchers, steeds, mounts, and shields they carried the wounded to camp.

Toros was chosen to keep watch for the night shift with a score of others to warn the camps. All night his main focus was staying awake while keeping an eye out for enemy movements. Drinking his hot beverage of coffee that had to be grounded right there Toros glanced over at the large camp of Orcs to the south who appeared alert. Whenever he looked at the enemy's side of the land not a single light or fire was even lit. Speculations about this enemy being nocturnal or simply covert in their invasion rose up. His fellow Elites had a short debate over that despite the minimal knowledge of this newly discovered enemy. None of them doubted the enemy were hiding somewhere. At every corner, and every hour they expected the enemy to attack. What they did not expect, but should have were more Orcs returning to the front. A single Orc runner rushed up to report that a force of fifty-nine thousand seven hundred fifty nine. She raced back to her own forces in the hopes that he would inform his commander. Toros got up to inform his own commander who thanked him for the information. When he exited the Commander's tent he saw the fifty thousand Orcs setting up their own camps a few hundred feet away.

For the rest of the night he kept watch witnessing the first lights of dawn creep up. The elf also saw an entire corps of enemies heading towards them. It was right as every elf and Orc awoke as one of his fellow watchers sounded a horn to wake the entire encampment. Witnessing another fifty nine thousand and more invaders come in to attack them in the morning Toros notched the first arrow of the morning. He and several thousand others loosed arrows while the rest prepared to defend their positions, and skirmishers throw javelins into the enemy ranks. All the gunners moved into formation along with the melee units while archers loosed volleys of arrows. He loosed a third arrow when he spotted more Kashmanol defenders coming in from the south with another enemy force in pursuit. From this distance it was hard to tell the exact numbers and he had a battle to fight. His ears rank right after loosing a fourth arrow into the enemy. All of their gunners fired on the enemy laying waste to thousands more enemies. Orcs then hurled large rocks and stones at the enemy right after a fifth volley. Skirmishers raced around them in circles throwing spears and what looked like harpoons in volleys. As he notched a sixth arrow he saw a much larger force heading towards them. Such a massive force had not been seen here in a century.

Blasts from the guns drew his attention back to the advancing corps, which was now being attacked by the large force that arrive the previous night. That caught the advancing enemy off guard who were showered with arrows, rocks, stones, javelins, and musket balls. It was during the eighth volley the advancing enemy began to pull back in retreat. Arrows and bullets still went after them. As they got to the woods and large patches of brush large mouthed monster appeared in between foliage. One thing the defenders did not think possible were large monsters with gaping mouths eating the retreating enemy. Multiple retreating enemies appeared betrayed by this. Out of the thousands of retreating invaders three hundred sixty eight killed many of those large mouthed monsters. He counted more than one hundred forty six of those large mouthed monsters who ate just about anything with a pulse.

Toros notched his fifteenth arrow when he saw the few hundred invaders kill those beasts and rush northward. He lowered his bow watching them break away from the main force. Others noticed this as well when they raised white flags. It was difficult for them to avoid shooting them. During the most recent attack those three hundred sixty who broke away were the enemy. Both Commanders of the Coalition ordered for them to cease loosing arrows, and firing bullets. Toros looked over at the newly arrivals who beat back another force who lost well over ninety six percent of their forces. Corpses, weapons, limbs, and shields lay in heaps parallel with the fifty-nine thousand Orcs who returned. Past the larger force he spotted the Orcs and Goblins joining forces with the fourteen thousand Orcs who destroyed the pursuing enemy forces.  He wondered how many more invaders were left, and how large their forces were now. Considering their losses, and the forces who retreated and scattered warriors who stood their ground he estimated at least one hundred thousand. His gaze kept going for the three hundred sixty warriors who broke away from the invaders. Toros watched them raced towards some hills. As they approached the hills five large flying craft appeared in the skies. Everyone stopped what they were doing to witness craft from the stars land and pick up their former enemies. Toros watched one cat looking humanoid who appeared to be the leader. Whoever they were they turned to face them and waved. It appeared to have been planned and they must have been mistaken for someone else.

Another day passed with another victory and a delay in the invader's conquest of Kashmanol. Each camp was full of talk about those flying craft. Long after the morning meals the talk about those flying objects grew into a distraction from their main mission. Teniim Elves marched out with an expedition to check on the events in Kashmanol. For the Orcs of Kashmanol and their Goblin brother in arms it was to hold here and ware out the enemy invaders. To them it was obvious this invasion force had a limited number of warriors and fighters brought to this world. Around lunch time More Orcs and Goblins that pulled back then retreated came out of hiding. Approximately one thousand two hundred ninety six joined their forces. Behind them came stragglers numbering two thousand five hundred who were the last forces to make it out of the front lines. Everyone else who fought were either dead or captured by the enemy. Whether those captured defenders would remain prisoners, executed or turned into slaves they did not know. With the stragglers and the battalion of Orcs and Goblins came word of a larger invasion force of some three hundred thousand. Seeing there was no point to running away the battalion and stragglers joined the last defenders.

All through the night more stragglers came to reinforce the line. Just as more stragglers emerged at the camps so did hundreds of thousands of camp fires in the dark night. Now with just over one hundred thousand to defend their lines the Coalition prepared for tomorrow's battle. Tomorrow came as a clear day revealing a force of three hundred three thousand five hundred thirty two ready to march. Behind them was a larger force of one million one hundred twenty four thousand two hundred eighteen in reserve. Stragglers kept coming in waves even into the morning strengthening the defenders. Archers, bowmen, gunners, musketeers, skirmishers, spear-men, swords men, berserk-warriors, raiders,  elites, scouts, warriors, recruits, servants, minions, and healers formed ranks. At the command of their leaders every archer, and bowman let loose a volley of what must have been twenty thousand arrows into the ranks of the on coming invader. Right after that volley came a second volley to soften the number of enemies they had to engage. He heard the musketeer and rifle leaders bark out the words "fire" at those in their units. Thousands of muskets, rifles and guns discharged bullets, and projectiles into the ranks of the advancing horde of invaders. A third volley of arrows rained down on the enemy before melee units marched up to defend the archers and gunners. Behind the forward defenders Toros and other archers loosed arrows into the back lines while the two forces clashed. He knew it would not be long before he had to join in the fray. Although this enemy force outnumbered them the clash did not last as long as they expected.

Another one hundred thousand invaders joined the reduced three hundred thousand currently engaged in a one sided fight. Knowing the ferocity of Orcs the invaders' numbers did not do much damage. Toros could tell the corpses of their own colleagues being displayed did not help the invader. One hundred thousand against three hundred thousand and more made a great tale of heroism. Toros and other elves loosed the rest of their arrows as the first wave of the day was soundly defeated. Most of their casualties were smaller Goblins, the wounded who still stood, and those who took on more than they should have. Armed with a weapon and almost out of ammunition the defenders plunged into the next one hundred thousand invaders. What they did not expect were more invaders from the reserves to rush in to flank and surround them. The Coalition of Orcs, Goblins, and Elves braced themselves to be surrounded entirely by this invading horde.

To their astonishment the invaders did not make a full circle around them. Much of the landscape and hills they positioned themselves on had circlets of stones, old cesspits, and old ruins flanking the hills. The areas around the flanks had been littered with caltrops, knives, long nails, bent nails, arrowheads, spearheads, broken blades, pieces of metal, screws, and broken animal bones. Hundreds stepped on them and must have felt pain as they fell to the ground. Those who marched behind them either trampled them or killed them suffered the same fate before  the rest avoided going that way. Determined to flank them the invaders' commanders pushed a hundred thousand lesser creatures who looked like bird humanoids with long beaks. Each one was forced to walk over dead comrades and into the sharp objects. They all fell on the laid out traps getting trampled by their own and those who pushed them. Orcs did their worst to the enemy which caused fear among the invader's ranks. With their forces made up of mostly Orcs victory was certain inside his mind and heart. Goblins rushed to the back and returned with more arrows and ammunition they had stored for such occasions. Some even slipped through enemy lines to steal arrows. Only a few returned.

His female Orc companion slew hundreds of invaders who tried piercing her with spears. Her armor protected her from every slash and spear thrust. As the enemy kept pouring their casualties mounted at the feet of the defenders who started to grow tired as the day dragged on. It was not long when the rest of the reserves marched forward to end this costly battle. Orcs, Elves and Goblins fought side by side hoping to give this enemy a costly victory that would end in defeat at the hands of the next army behind them. Taking as many enemies as they could the coalition enraged the invader to adopt another tactic or strategy. Scores of them jumped the Orcs at once in the hopes they could stab them everywhere or wrestle them to the ground. It sort of worked however the coalition warriors killed most of those assailants. Because of this tactic Orcs started to fall on the battle field. Toros found himself loosing more arrows into the ranks and those who tried ganging up on individual Orcs. No one could tell how many Orcs were killed this way. For the invader it only worked in the short term. Killing the Orcs who fought as individuals did not fall so easily forcing that tactic to be thrown away. Much larger members of the invaders that appeared more like Ogres, horned furry demons, Reptilian looking monster warriors, Octopus looking humanoids with gaping mouths and tentacles for limbs, and multi-armed warriors. Others held the appearance of mutated animals that stood erect. Wherever these monstrosities came from they had seen enough warfare to kill well enough.

More Orcs began to fall slowly while the enemy fell like flies. Despite their sizes the larger foes fell to arrows and musket shot and a thrust through the neck. Many of them took down plenty of Orcs to chorale the rest to fight on and press against the defenders. Combatants fell to the ground adding more to the carnage, and building up heaps of bodies all over the battle field. While most of the larger invaders died Orcs numbers began plummeting. He stared into the eyes of one humanoid invader that looked more like a bear. Beside that one were more like it in the thousands. They stood watching the battle nearly surrounding the defending Elves and their Orc allies. Toros expected these ferocious looking grizzly warriors to join the fray. Whatever their true species name was they allowed no more invaders to pass them. No more than forty-thousand o defenders remained with heaps of enemy bodies at their feet. He spotted more beast or animal humanoids with the appearances of lions, and jungle cats watching the enemy. They allowed the defending coalition to finish off whoever was between them and the defenders. Once the fighting halted the defenders prepared for the animal like warriors who surprised them. A force of thirty thousand and counting walked away showing disinterest in this invasion. One of them shouted it was not their fight. Mutants who tried to stop them were killed instantly adding more to the carnage.

Both sides waited for the animal warriors to march away before they resumed the fighting. Toros could tell the invaders still had seven hundred thousand in their horde. He focused on killed the larger ones alongside those who managed to find arrows. Thanks to the build up of corpses the invaders found it difficult reaching the defenders without stumbling on the fallen. Deaths were even caused by slipping on blood or tripping over bodies and landing on a sharp weapon. Standing on the hill covered with bodies and blood made their defense easier. Orcs on their left started to show signs of battle exhaustion. Some attempted to pull back to a better position, but were forced back by their leaders. The day ended with another success in delaying the invaders from conquering the rest of Kashmanol. As one body the horde of invaders marched back to camp. At night the Orcs set up traps, and obstacles to prevent any attempts to flank them. Moving towards the Teniim Elves the rest of the Orcs and Goblins bolstered the defensive positions on the hill. At least thirty six thousand defenders remained.

The next day was going to be their last stand unless reinforcements came or more of those invaders broke away. On that very morning they saw six hundred thousand march towards them showing they sent forces after the ones who broke away. Just from looking at those beast like warriors who looked like cats, lions, tigers, and bears the invaders already lost one hundred thousand more. All the remaining Orcs formed a defensive circlet around the Elves who fought alongside them. Shields, spears, pikes, halberds, stakes, spikes in the ground, swords stuck in the earth, and axes formed a barrier of defense. The first barrier were the heaps of corpses that made a wall. Toros prepared for another long day of battle as he ate up his breakfast. He took a good look at the horde of various creatures, mutants, humanoids, and monsters that made up the invading army. Among this mixture of invaders he caught sight of Dark Elves, Elves, and Orcs blind folded. It made him feel uneasy about this army they fought. Were they slaves to the horde of invaders or a special unit who did not look upon the enemy until they entered the battle?

He could not ponder over this question long as the enemy showed an eagerness to kill them. Full of blind rage the invaders charged as one wave. Pushing, shoving, and trampling over each other the invaders clambered over the corpses adding more in the process. As they came to the traps and barriers of spears, and obstacles those who were in front became cannon fodder. Regardless of the losses to the barriers and traps the invaders pushed their way up to the defenders. Thousands more were trampled or killed when they fell or cut a limb on a weapon. Toros saw one pig face looking invader get his skull smashed after cutting his hand on a spear. Others had their heads shoved into spears to form a walkway bridge made from flesh. When they got to the shields arrows, and bullets pelted them. Orcs at the front began their last fight to the death. Some thirty thousand Orcs held firm behind the shields as the enemy filled the gaps with their bodies. Toros kept his eyes on the blindfolded Elves and Orcs who were herded like cattle. On this right flank he heard the sounds of shooting. A force of six thousand six hundred ninety armed infantrymen wearing armor that was leathery and covered head to toe began firing into the invader's ranks. Using volley fire these new combatants pressed their advance to the defenders. Thirty thousand invaders broke off to deal with them.

Most of their own Orcs fell in the fight to the death. Just a few thousand still held their ground as the enemy pulled back allowing four thousand of their own Elf and Orc warriors to march up. When the blindfolds were removed the Orcs and the Elves the invaders brought from some other world saw the defenders. Toros saw rage in their eyes and on their expressions. One by one three thousand two hundred thirteen Elf Warriors, and Eight hundred forty four Orcs turned against the invader. A single Female Dark Elf in shackles, outlandish armor with a red stripe running down approached them. She explained the gunners are rebels trying to free them and they plus the Orkai pledged not to fight their own kind even if they are from another world. Her name was Inedre Ilrenere, she was sent by her fellow slave warriors to stay put while the rest attacked their former masters. All Kashmanol Orcs who remained joined them in the plunge. Inedre directed Toros to watch for the rebels who fought to make it to them. All day they watched the invaders clash with their former slaves rebels, and Kashmanol's Orcs. By mid afternoon just sixty-five rebels armed with rifles reached them. Once again their defending numbers dwindled. Although their numbers dwindled the defenders and their new allies took a staggering number of enemies with them.

Thanks to the enraged Elf Warriors, and Orcs from other worlds the enemy was pushed back. The Kashmanol Orcs who joined them did not return to their side. Most of them were killed while the rest were captured. Only the Teniim Elves remained with a few thousand Dark Elves left and a handful of rebels to defend this position. Toros looked up at the sky wondering where his former lover was. If only she can witness my work here in Kashmanol. Toros prayed she was not with those immature women who manipulated her and that cowardly Bard.

• 
  

Merry Christmas

Eburo of the Drake Enclaves

His own parents allowed him to ride the scaled fat beast for a certain amount of time. It annoyed him throughout his years as a child. Every time he wanted to ride the horse sized lizard his father called him off after ten minutes. Its true name was "Imperial Wood Drake" a type of reptile often used as mounts.  All sorts of nations across this world rode a certain type of large reptile, Dragon, beast, steed, ass, and large feline mammals. His childhood was full of play with other children, siblings, cousins, neighbors, playmates, and what his mother called preparation. When he grew to the age of six or seven, he was trained how to fight with various weapons. Warfare came to him as a self-learning experience by age thirteen. Riding his own Imperial Wood Drake, "Handsome One" Eburo Ridierson fought to defend his enclave among enclaves next to clansmen. Along the rivers, streams, and the islets in the flowing waters they called Qreelia's Fingers. The islands served as a means to cross with bridges connecting each one to the riverbanks.  Armed with a War Lance for charges, cudgel, bow and arrows, hatchet, tribal knife, and a war-pick some clansman gave him, Eburo rode with other Drake Lizard riders to war against the Nuckelavee Spawns, Antler Beasts who eat humans, Ogres, and hoof Demons.

In groups of ten Eburo and his tribesmen skirmished down the invading forces with arrows. That usually occurred whenever demands to leave by the Elders and Chiefs were refused or ignored. His was one of nine small war parties set out to test the enemy's strength. Then his war party would charge them with lances and run into the woods luring as many as they could to the main body of their defenders. Dressed in a tribal tunic, riding trousers, and a shawl Eburo recalled the battles he had fought in until he reached the age of twenty-seven. His shawl was long and big enough to be used as a hood and wrap around him. All he showed were his eyes hiding his black ash covered lips as a mark of his enclave, and scars his Master's put on his chin. The hood hid his half shaven head with valuable trinkets at the end his hair, which were trophies from those he defeated. 

A Coward's Choice

He watched the coward move around the base of his own personal hill along the foothills that transformed into high mountains. The overly comprehensive dog owner dragged a barrel with him. Rolling his eyes while observing he wished the coward had taken the gun from the barrel to end it right there. Through out his lifespan he was used to seeing Elves, Humans, Orcs, Goblins, Dwarves, Gnolls, Troglodytes, mixed races, Zunia-Pucks with their hoofed feet, Kuruks with Ram horns, demon humanoids, and the occasional adventuring Forsythan. Yet he had never seen this humanoid before. Wearing a dirty royal purple uniform with a single qauldron on the left shoulder. To this unfamiliar outsider it looked "cool" to wear this single qauldron when he should really be wearing a full suit of armor.

Blending in his environment too well while burrowed inside the hill Kogo the Redeemer of Men witnessed this light blue skinned coward in orange observe his surroundings for the first time. Kogo was tempted to appear before the cowardly figure who shook at every step he took. His little companion at first glance looked like a majestic herding dog breed. When it came closer the dog had longer ears or something that protruded from its head. Kogo could have sworn those were it ears until it came closer to his position. The dog's ears were in front of the furry tendrils that stuck out from the back of its head. Each tendril was as long as a large cat's tail. Kogo did not hesitate to emerge from his hiding spot. As he expected the dog freaked out and barked loudly and the blue skinned coward screamed like a girl. He lifted the weapon up and pulled the trigger. The Dragon closed his eyes waiting for the bullets or whatever it fired to hit his scales.

Nothing came out of the barrel of the weapon the coward pulled out of the barrel he dragged around. As humorous and amusing as it was for a coward to fire a gun with not a single bullet the Dragon did not even chuckle. His dog kept barking like crazy and then growled at the Dragon. Kogo looked down at the dog and the coward still pointing the weapon at him. He let out a roar that frightened the dog into whimpering and running behind his master. This coward soiled himself letting out another scream, which lasted a little longer than Kogo wanted. Kogo covered one ear hole then reached with his other claw. He stood on his hind legs as one finger silenced the screaming coward. Vibrations could be felt, but they were small ones.

"If I take my claw out of that noise hole of yours will you keep quiet?" Kogo demanded from the coward. The blue skinned coward nodded.

"Very well." The Dragon allowed the coward to speak again.

"I have never seen such a massive lizard beast or reptile like you before!" The coward boasted.

"Reptile? Lizard? I might as well be mistaken for an over sized one!" Kogo said moving around the coward.

"I...I meant no offense uh what are you? No no who are you is the better question. You are the first living creature I have come across who can talk!" The Coward replied.

"I am known as Kogo the Redeemer of Men, a Granite Dragon of this part of this world called Agruna." Kogo introduced himself proudly.

"I am Drone Operator Zil Badwor'm of the Interstellar Alliance." Zil introduced himself.

"Why have you come here Zil Badwor'm Drone Operator?" Kogo asked the blue skinned Operator.

"You see Kogo the Dragon my...my job here is to scan the area, reconnaissance, and seek out any signs of my faction's enemies." Zil answered the Dragon.

"If you mean enemies do you refer to the mass of troops in that plain over there where machines are landing en mass?" Kogo questioned him taking his claws and turning the coward around to face the way he had come. In a plain of grass, flowers, bushes, and scattered trees an invasion force was landing. More than ten thousand ships landed at a time with more coming in. Some force of one million five hundred eighty, and eight hundred ninety six Grevaskii were landing on the planet this Drone Operator was supposed to watch over. He could run back to his own ship and call in or try to hide with this Dragon. 

In Lornav

Rumors about an expedition spread fast through the border counties. They originated from the discovery of survivors. Survivors of that expedition became known throughout the Teniim Sea. A coalition of Elf Kingdoms went against these invaders half the world heard about. News to many was that almost none of the invaders were Orcs like many of the members of that expedition expected. It first started with the many Orc tribes, clans and states holding back the invaders. Then rumors of other races joining the invaders nearly crippled Kashmanol's defenses. According to survivors some three thousand four hundred seventy elves joined forces with eighteen thousand nine hundred Orcs. United this coalition gathered more Orcs who had pulled back plus some strange new allies. Nearly sixty thousand Orcs returned to the front lines.

No more news or rumors came from Kashmanol for a month. It was assumed the invaders either gave up or whoever was fighting them were putting up a good fight. Orcs along the Lornav borders hardly invaded or made any raids across their borders for the past few centuries. However bands of Goblins, Troglodytes, Gnolls, and Kuruks crossed over aimed at rounding up slaves, or causing chaos. All of Lornav were more than aware of what went on beyond their borders. Up north the Dwarfs of Ehkbullar were at war with Veerlanders, and Orian humans fought their enemies as usual plus another strange faction. Ranger, "Bill" Billis Kailu Crowendson sat in a booth at an outdoor meadery-lodge on the outskirts of Lornav's largest city. Krystal's Bane was the name of the largest city, home to ten noble families. His own family of Crowend were renowned hunters, trappers, tanners, poachers, taxidermists, beast-masters, zoologists, game keepers, stable-hands, Grooms for horses, farriers, stablers, beekeepers, herders, and Horse trainers. Kailu chose to become a Ranger ten years after he was forced into becoming a game keeper which preceded his days as a hunter, and poacher. To his greater fortune this choice did not bring shame upon his family. In fact many of their friends, and acquaintances encouraged praise for him. Unlike other families who shamed  their sons and daughters for not following the footsteps of the family business the Crowends saw such choices as something unique.

  A total of eight noble families were at odds with one another like syndicates going against others. Kailu had a few run ins with their own rival families who engaged in Caravans, Cartography, Gavedigging, Grounds-keeping, and Smith work of all types. He managed to avoid the family wars when he joined the Lornav Frontier Rangers. However that did not keep him out of random fights and brawls. Rangers and the Elf Knights of Lornav fought each other in street fighting, brawls or flat out engaged in random fistfights. The history behind their bitter rivalry or more likely conflict was lost. Across from him was a longtime friend of his Gregious or Gregory Cacos shuffling a deck of cards.


"So let me get this straight four units of archers, eight units of swordsmen, infantrymen, eleven units of riflemen, and one unit of elite warriors of Teniim march out in an expedition am I correct about the news?" Gregory asked Kailu.

"Yes an expedition from one of the elf kingdoms there set out to investigate something going on in Kashmanol." Kailu replied, he poured another drink from the small barrel next to the table.

"How many are in each unit? Come on Bills you know all of this you are a Ranger who has been out there!" Gregory urged him pointing a finger at him.

"Let's see sixty in the archer units so two hundred forty archers. One hundred and twenty in each melee unit so nine hundred and sixty. You see they are structured based on company sizes. As for the musketeers and rifles two hundred in each. More than two thousand marched out there with new weapons. Including the elites the survivors said seventy total."

"Quite a small army to be sent out there yet I am not a military person. Who am I to say what army sizes are needed!" Gregory boasted aloud. His voice filled the room a little louder than Kailu would have like him.

"Orcs were with that expedition army." a figure said from another table adjacent to their booth. Kailu looked over to see another Ranger of Lornav sitting with a group of five other Rangers. A dark haired elf with two scars on his face and an eye missing. He appeared very experienced for his actual age. His dark hair was in dreadlocks and braids in between them. 

"How many?" Gregory asked him.

"Nearly a division of them. Those elves hoped-" Gregory interrupted the dark haired elf who did not seem to like that.

"Three hundred archers, and skirmishers with two infantry divisions of eighteen thousand right?" Gregory calculated in the booth using his fingers. His eyes could have rolled back into his head as he made those calculations in his own mind.

Kailu watched him then turned to see the one eyed Ranger get up angrily. Whoever this Ranger was to Gregory it did not matter to the gambling member of the Cacos Noble House. Kailu realized who it was, Barbos the One Eyed Hawk. Barbos' real name was Haryk Davaris who was the son of a Trapper family in the wilderness. For two centuries Haryk worked in that trade then moved on to being a Ranger at the age of three hundred. Now at the age of four hundred he had grown bitter and angry. Barbos unsheathed what looked like a forest dagger. The older Ranger approached Gregory who was oblivious.

"Why don't you calculate who many invaders and monsters too? There was more than just that. Fifty Nine thousand returned to that front. So ADD THAT TO YOUR NUMBERS!" Barbos growled at the gambler. The elf stabbed the dagger into the table in front of Gregory who stopped counting in his head. He let out a squeak then gulped with a horrified face. 

"Take it easy Barbos my dear friend Gregory meant no offense." Kailu stood up placing a hand on the Ranger's left shoulder. Barbos turned to look at him with his one good eye.

"Is that so? Well I guess I am a little too overwhelmed after losing my Orc partner." Barbos ripped the dagger from the table and sheathed it.

"Bill I owe you and your friend an apology. Let me buy you two an extra round." Barbos insisted.

"My gratitude could not be more prone and given to you. Apologize accepted and would your chums like a round of cards? It would please and flatter me if you joined me." Gregory offered to the Elf Rangers looking at them.

"Cards are a good way to keep our minds off the colleagues we lost in Kashmanol." One of the Rangers sitting with Barbos replied. A blond elf with straight long hair and a perfect elf face with signs of experience and strength.

The area calmed down as the Rangers pulled up their table to the booth. It appeared things would be calm for the rest of the night when another patron got up with his own gang of companions, and followers. All eyes turned to this large group that approached the Elf Rangers. Kailu squinted his eyes in disgust at the sight of uptight Elf Knights whose families were at the top of society right under the Monarch. He recognized one of them as Sir Arbane Quitoris "Batwrist" one of many Elf Knights he despises due to their pride thrown in everyone's faces as well as mockery. Not all Knights were like this, but Arbane's lot left a bad taste in the mouth.

"Are you Rangers making nice? That is adorable squirrels sharing each other's shite before being crushed under the hoof of a horse and mushed to the earth by a wheel." Arbane mocked with that sarcastic voice that spelled mockery and insult.

"Go bugger yourself Knight or have your horses done that while you slept?" He heard a seasoned Ranger rebuked in return.

"Oh ho ho exchange of insults leads to fights Deer Droppings." A Knight next to Arbane returned the exchange of insult to the Ranger who had to be held back.

"HEY Take your fight outside!" Ianna the Barkeep hollered from the bar counter.

Rangers and Knights inside the large common area stood up to join sides. Knights in one grouping and Rangers in another. Rangers were spat upon by Knights due to their occupation in the woods. Knights were rebuked in turn for being too preoccupied with appearances and always seeking an inn instead of making camp.

"Very well." Barbos and Arbane said together with their eyes fixed on the other.

Two groups exited the establishment forty-seven Rangers, and thirty-five Knights. Both formed their ranks on the road in front of the establishment. As a rule to brawls in Lornav no weapons were allowed. It was the use of fists that should determine the winner between combatants over insults and honor. Yet on the battlefield both had to fight as brothers no matter how much their hatred for each other brewed. Kailu dropped his Daggers, and sidearms in a neat pile next to the stone wall. He rolled his sleeves up as did most combatants.

"Here we are Knights versus dirty ragtag mud eating Rangers." Arbane pointed out with mockery.

"Alright alright when I fire this pistol your brawl can begin." An onlooker came into the scene in a traveler's cloak over a Limner's Fine clothing. He pulled out a pistol and positioned himself in the middle of the path along the road.

"The usual rivalry over glory?" He asked looking at both sides. Every one of them nodded "yes" with glares and cracking knuckles.

"Okay then, begin!" The Limner who witnessed the confrontation raised his pistol up into the sky and fired.

Nearly ninety Elves came at each other and threw themselves at their opponents. Punches were thrown, Elves tackled another Elf. Kaily punched out one Elf Knight before he was punched in the stomach by another Knight who in turn was punched in the jaw. He straightened up to punch that Knight the nose. One could only image how many teeth will be lost and bruises will appear. A Ranger was head butted by a half elf half orc who had to be wrestled to the ground. Kailu punched and kicked his way to Arbane who was exchanging punches to the face with Barbos. All around them their comrades wrestled, pulled down, grappled, punched, kicked, tripped, threw into the ground, head butted, elbowed, and slammed into the dirt. One by one the elves dropped to the ground exhausted, knocked out, succumbed to throws, and giving up on this brawl. Even Kailu was punched out for a moment from a side blow that avenged by a tackle to the ground. The two leaders were left Arbane and Barbos still at it. Kailu pushed himself up to a sitting position. His eyes scanned their surroundings. The whole Inn came out to watch the brawl. By standers, and those within the region came to watch this brawl. His eyes also caught sight of mounted figures heading this way. Kailu's eyes could not get any wider with surprise, awe and "holy shit were are buggered" at the sight of Lornav Princess' Dragoons.

"Princess Iva and her Dragoons are coming!" He warned the whole lot. Immediately hearing his voice Knights and Rangers propped up and stood up to see mounted Dragoons approaching them. At the head of these Dragoons was non other than Princess Iva. In a Green uniform, and plumed Cap the Princess pulled off her riding gloves.

"Who started this disgraceful brawl?" she demanded.

"It is the usual your highness Knights and Rangers going at it like children over a game." A decorated Captain sneered looking down his nose at the whole lot of them.

Seeing bloodied, bruised, battered, and bleeding Elves coated with mud and dirt must have appeared insulting to the Princess and her entourage of Dragoons. The Princess dismounted letting her boots land on the dirt. She approached the Rangers and Knights who were done with the brawl.

"Fighting? Just brawling among yourselves while there is an invasion force in Kashmanol?" Princess Iva asked looking at all of them.

"As your Captain said your highness we-" Arbane attempting to explain but she cut him off with a wave of her hand.

"NO excuses Sir Knight my company of Dragoons and I are on the way to the frontier. I am gathering an army to face this threat in Kashmanol." Iva barked at them with full authority inside her feminine voice. None of them expected to be sent out to the front this soon. It was clear to the Knights and Rangers Lornav was going to war.

Lornav's Gambling Family

House Cacos, one of Lornav's Noble and Aristocratic Families who mainly run Lornav. For centuries this family has been known for their casinos, illegal fighting pits, card games, races, brothels, Inns, constant bootlegging and their other legal trades. Most Cacos members became Advocates, Scriveners, Publishers, Loansharks, moneylenders, tax collectors, often did inscriptions, Advisers to higher lords, Stewards, and Administrators. This family does have to cope with their own black sheeps who delve into illegal practices, and the wanderers too curious for their own good. Many of them enjoy dice, drinking games, games in general racing, and gambling. Bets were made on almost everything by the younger members who often get involved in the illegal or crude practices then go for the more honorable ones. 

A rival Elf House

In Lornav and the Kingdoms of the Teniim Elves many houses form their nobility. With many houses forming the noble classes and aristocracy family feuds are frequent. 

Along the Borders of Orian

• come across a force of 3517 
• the strange army is intercepted by 1849 Orc Warriors

Invasion was the only news that came to the southern portion of Orian. A mesh of reports, news, and accounts flooded the Kingdoms of Orian. Flanked by four kingdoms and areas Orian can feel threatened at times. They often deal with threatening tribes and clans to the north in Veerland. On the eastern borders raiding parties or Muskallan hordes often ride in. In south are the Orcs of Kharmalla whom invaded their neighbors for centuries, yet settled down recently. West of Orian is Kyria who can be host to a mixture of enemies. Most Kyrians don't bother as they are mainly half orcs and half humans. Orian's High King Gyle Norrison-Vaigo the Bold Man ordered for his knights, Marshals, Sheriffs, Scouts, Rangers, and Scouts to patrol their borders. This procedure was no different than their forefathers before them had done to watch over the borders of the Orian realm.

Today was somewhat different. Instead of a small team of three or six mounted men a company of Men at Arms, Knights, Warriors, Barbarians or Berserk, Troops, and outlaws pressed into service set out on their mission. Under the leadership of six Swan Knights, nineteen Royal Men At Arms, nine foreign oriental warriors, eleven barbarian class fighters, seventeen Dragon Knights, sixteen Eagle Knights, twenty-two Lion Knights plus troops, twenty-one Hedge Knights, eleven Brigands and Bandits forced into the servitude of the High King had to check on an abandoned estate. This estate belonged to the former dynasty of Orian's line of kings and queens. Princess Consort Jehane Constarius bid them a lady's farewell along with other Princesses, Ladies in Waiting, other Nobles, Dames, and other Ladies of Court. Eagle Knight Sir Francis Owyne Sweeburn rode next to a Lion Knight Sir Lomanos who bore the Blue Lion Shield, a blue lion with the mane, on a white and yellow field. It was a Bouche Shield not a heater, round, or kite shield like the other knights wielded.

Lomanos did not speak much, however he preferred Francis' company a little more than the rest. Francis looked around at their company. Swan Knights rode in the lead clad in golden , silver or sky blue armor, swan shaped plumes, and riding steeds bred for quests. All of them were armed with either a sword, mace, battle ax, a flail, and a war hammer. As for the Royal Men At Arms who wore the kingly colors of red and yellow with the Royal Seal on their armor and shields. They were armed with long swords, bastard swords, war picks, halberds, spears, war hammers, and staff weapons. Oriental warriors from the very far south donned silk robes under their scaled, latched body armor carried various curved blades, a longbow, long spear, Kukri Knife, and some wielded sabers. Most of the Knights were suspicious of these foreigners especially when they spoke in their own language. Covering the company's flanks were the Barbarian Class Warriors who were just members of clans, village heroes, bastard born children of noble families, and half-humans. Cuirasses, chain mail, plated armor, splint, linked armor, leather, and hide were the types of armor they wore. For weapons they wielded, axes, war axes, spears, maces, swords, machetes, war picks, war hammers, clubs, crossbows, flails, bows, and Mauls. Their hair was styled and bodies tattooed to identify themselves as barbarians. Behind Lomanos rode a Dragon Knight whose armor was scaled like  a Dragon's hide and his helmet was conical. Other Dragon Knights wore full plated, scaled armor or chain mail armor wearing Sallet styles helmets, and kettle helms. Weapons in the hands of Dragon Knights were simply swords, various ax types, flails, halberds and crossbows. His own fellow Eagle Knights wore the sallets, half helms, pig faced bascinets, and weapons were swords, daggers, axes, dirks, flails, and bows. Lion Knights wore either full plated, breast plate, chain mail, and half plate. Kettle helms, half helms, sallets, barbuta and morions donned their heads. Heater Shields with the Lion Symbol in different colors depending on the Knight's status. Swords, Axes, Halberds, bows, lances, spears, and staff swords were their weapons of choice. Each Knight had a plume representing their order or factions. Hedge Knights riding along with them wore all sorts of armor and wielded any type of weapon found on the battle field. Some even bore firearms and crudely crafted weapons. These Knights were frowned upon as they acted more like mercenaries.

Leading the whole company was a Swan Knight and Duke Geravere Doum Kenegaizer who kept the lot under his boot heel as they had quarrels between each other. Orian was united, however Noble Houses, Clans, families, and Knights often fought one another. The High Kings put an end to the brutal blood shed yet failed to end quarrels, rivalries, and duels between them. Forced to march with them were brigands and bandits captured in the countryside and the cities. Wearing leather, hides, studded, and the clothing on their backs these outlaws wielded clubs, daggers, axes, machetes, maces, short swords, and hammers or tools. Francis did not know how Kenegaizer could bring such a bunch together and check the border without anyone killing another. Lomanos picked at him for that making him feel foolish for thinking negative thoughts in a playful way. There was nothing he would rather do than just ride out with him on their own mission. Alas they were stuck in this company who was coming upon a Knight Academy. Here they stopped for a brief night then moved on when the dawn came. Their own leader decided to add more to the lot. A total of forty-five green and yellow new knights and squires who needed seasoning. His reasons for bringing them along was some hostile force was spotted in Kharmalla. Villages and towns were burned and ransacked by a foreign horde.

Taking this as a call the company of Knights set out to hunt this invading horde. What disturbed them was the description of this horde, not one of them were from this world. To their greater fortune this horde was most likely at this abandoned estate. Showing full confidence Kenegaizer urged them to press forward. At full gallop the whole company rode to their destination. Three days of riding brought them to this abandoned estate they were to check on. On the way they attracted a train of outcasts, bards, vagrants, travelling merchants, lesser hedge knights, Rangers, bored hunters, jongleurs, explorers, warriors, wannabe fighters, and bowyer sons hoping to prove themselves or sent by the Village Chieftain. By sunset they were within half a day's march from it. Knights and Warriors made camp while the Duke sent the Barbarians and pressed outlaws set out. Francis set up his tent with help from squires and a few locals who followed them. He pitched his tent next to the orientals who undressed for the night. The Eagle Knight's gaze kept staring at one of them. A female Oriental warrior with brown hair caught his attention. Meeting her made him sheepish yet feelings could not be hidden. In secret the two of them expressed interest. Francis plucked a clover and approached her with it. She took it with a pleasant smile. Both exchanged affectionate touches before going to sleep.

Waking up was not pleasant, it felt more rudely awoken than getting up on the wrong side. Francis heard shouting, and war cries outside his tent. The Knights were encircled by the ragtag army they attracted and accumulated on the way. Many of them brought guns with them, which only had one shot. They were useless unless they knew how to fight or used the gun as a club. Four hundred twenty-eight had joined their company, which doubled as a result. Through Sweeburn's view that only slowed them down and attracted unwanted eyes. Even a whole company of knights would attract some kind of attention along the borders of Orian and Kharmalla. He grabbed his sword and shield quickly. Sweeburn plunged himself out of the tent to find hundreds of hostiles had overrun their army of followers. Every single warrior and knight withing the company were fighting off whoever had invaded their campsite. Weapons clashed, combatants hollered, yelled, grunted, shouted, and screamed. All over the encampment Knights and Warriors fought off the strange looking hostiles in the light of the fires and approaching dawn. It was easy to pick out these hostiles as they had different body types and more than four limbs. Some had four legs, others had three arms, dozens had horns and plenty of them had a tall physique.

Wielding an array of strange weapons these new hostiles hurled themselves at the knights who easily cut them down. Sweeburn found himself fighting a four armed combatant who wielded two maces, a scimitar, and a short glaive. Using each limb proved difficult to fight for a few moments until Francis learned the fighting pattern. He plunged his sword in the hostile's knee then drew his dirk for a close up kill. Shoving the dirk into the torso Francis stabbed the alien hostile to the ground. Several more hostiles went after him only to face his sword and shield. One of them had the appearance of a rat. Despite the determination of the invading hostiles the Company of Knights handled themselves. Not one enemy stood among the carnage that lay all over the camps. Tents were burned, bodies strewn all over the area, horses slain, weapons littered the ground, fires still burned and smoldered. Kenegaizer summoned all the knights and warriors to rally to him. Not one Knight fell in the engagement, half the squires were killed, most of the followers lay dead, and none of the outlaws lived. As for the enemy hostiles they counted six-hundred-fifty-nine killed in their attempts to slaughter the company.

Gathered around the Leader they learned the estate was just half a mile away and another battle occurred on the other side of that estate. Duke Kenegaizer ordered for his whole company to suit up and arm themselves to retake that estate. Wasting no time the remaining Knights, Warriors, and Squires armed themselves before mounting up. Still making up a full company they raced towards the estate and rushed the enemy hostiles and overwhelmed them. Outnumbered three to one the company were still able to outmatch the enemy. Every inch of that estate was fought over leaving more hostiles on the ground. When the full company made it to the other side or to a window that overlooked the field behind it they discovered the aftermath of another battle along the borders. A force of Orc Tribesmen and Clansman engaged a larger force of these strange invaders. Sweeburn searched the carnage for any survivors finding thousands of strange humanoids from other worlds, and young Orcs who gave their lives for Kharmalla. An accurate report would have included three thousand five-hundred seventeen dead hostiles, and one thousand eight hundred forty nine Orc fighters among the dead. That was something Sweeburn never liked to do however he was forced to by superiors. Whenever Kenegaizer was ready the company of Knights and Warriors rode back to the High King. Francis rode alongside the Oriental Warrior he grew affectionate for who he called Iseilla Ina.

A Pirate Encounter

• in the first one 9 pirates are forced to meet authorities of Frankeros 

[For an hour they waited for his arrival at the secured space port of Hel-Tartarus. A former colony that transformed into a space port on a moon of  an outer rim planet close to the unknown parts of space. Four tired, disgruntled envoys of the Frankeros Federation sat waiting for their contacts.]

Envoy 1: "Where the bugger are they?"

Envoy 2: "Relax Claimer of the Gifts, those buccaneering outlaws will be here."

Envoy 3: "Saidon Vex, is that is name?"

Envoy 1: "He calls himself that, yet his name has been somewhat lost to those who once hailed him."

Envoy 3: "I figured as much, how did he lose his reputation again? Keebul do we need such a small force?"

Envoy 4 Keebul: *scoffs* " If this Pirate wants our services then he must not attack a partner or consider it."

Envoy 2: "Envoy Bachus, Envoy Keebul calm yourselves this deal will succeed. We just have to meet the man."

Envoy 1: "Why does he take this long then? I was expecting him to arrive an hour ago!"

Envoy 2: "Patience Envoy Maghueel we shall see him when he arrives. Bachus, Keebul why do we only have eight soldiers, 3 night watchmen, a sheriff and one auxiliary to protect us?"

Keebul: "Having more guards will send bad signals! If it makes you more comfortable I shall send the watchmen off!"

Maghueel: "Now we have fewer men! Be on the look out for those buccaneers!"

Bachus: "He would kill them you know that!"

Envoy 2: "I doubt that, here he comes! Lord Captain Vex over here!"

Maghueel: Confound it Fohdneer this meeting needs to be discrete!"

Fohdneer: "Just let me do the talking so each of you stifle it!"

[A group of Nine Pirates approaches them.]

Vex: "Lovely night isn't it?"

Fohdneer: "I could not ask for a better time to meet with you, Captain."

Vex: "My crew is short on men however we do have forty three to man the Mechanized Sloop of War."

Fohdner: "We have plenty of sailors to replenish your crew."

Vex: "Excellent, when do you need me to set sail and what am I hauling?"

Fohdner: "Within a week's time we need your ship to guide a convoy to a certain planet."

Vex: "And the cargo?"

Fohdner: "Weapons, ammunition, vehicles, helmets, armor, fuel, and supplies."

Vex: "Are we going to war or something?"

Fohdner; "Let's just say we already have." 

Before the Teniim Alliance

Will she ever stop messing with monsters, and other humanoids? He thought to himself thinking of his former lover who was a Bard, Former Minstrel, Tavern Wench, Rogue, Acrobat,and a former spy for a wealthy Noble House. It had been a month since they moved out from civilization. As a Teniim Elf Gray "Montis" Toros Yingella chose to be a Warden after spending ten years as a Rogue. Before that during his youth up to adulthood Toros became a Scout Archer then upgraded to Flank Guard. That is when he met her and left his post to become a Rogue like her. He did not mind her being with others yet after spending years together she did not settle down like he had hoped. The last he saw her was at the main road tavern hall where she quit being a Rogue. Now he was a Warden, which made him an elite in the Kimur Elf military hierarchy.

Toros was only a year in the new position when he got drafted for a new "expedition" into the lands of Kashmanol. When he first heard about this, he believed the tribes up north were attacking. Those beliefs changed as his unit marched westward. Their neighbor to the south joined them, armed with guns. Kimur also chipped in on the arms race for modern weapons like firearms, muskets, and rifles. Dorovine modernized most of their military, but kept traditional weapons. As he marched with other elites in his unit rumors about a new enemy surfaced. Many of the tribes and orcs of Kashmanol held this new threat at bay. The Dorovine Elves managed to enlist the help of an Orc Confederacy. Many Orc nations, or confederacies of Kashmanol were fairly peaceful towards other kingdoms for these past few centuries. Like Kimur, Dorovine, and the other elf kingdom-states these Orcs coped with the threat of other races. Entire tribes of Gnolls, Lizard Folk, some Uxane in the southern borders, and the Snow Elves of the North. Another race threatened everyone known as the Kuruks, a larger looking Orc and Ogre breed with horns. They appeared more demon like than Orcish, and are violent towards enemies or outsiders.

Thinking of these enemies Toros recalled the past when Orcs, and Goblins were enemies of the Teniim Elves. During this day in age most Orcs became civilized in this area, and made peace. Near the borders of the Orcish Confederacy Kimur, and Dorovine Forces met with a larger force of Orcs. Four units of Archers, Eight full units of infantry/ swordsmen, Eleven units of Rifle Gunslingers, and a single unit of elite warriors makes up Three thousand and four hundred seventy armed Teniim Elves. As for the Orc Confederacy three missile units archers, skirmishers, Javelin throwers, two full units of infantry, and warriors make up eighteen thousand nine hundred well armed Orcs. It made their coalition army well over twenty thousand strong, which was good according to their leaders. Toros watched the landscape that bordered their enlarged encampment. His own unit had a special place in the fortified encampment, which he found uncomfortable for some reason. Yet he coped with that as he scanned the trees, and fields laid out before him. On top of a hill the Teniim elf spotted movement. At first he assumed it was a deer or a heard when a large grouping of figures emerged into view. He quickly warned the encampment as bells rang throughout the encampment signalling the enemy was here.

Every member of their coalition including the leaders rallied to their front defenses. A force of six thousand foes headed their way in haste. Toros looked ahead spotting another group that had stopped and disappeared in the tall grass. He turned to an Orc next to him named Gorn Dura Freehands, a female Orc who led a patrol behind Kashmanol League lines. Toros was curious about the Orcs holding the invaders back. She explained how tribes, kingdoms, clans, and many city-states banded together. It was at the first sign of these invaders as well. She claimed 569,489 and more Orcs are standing their ground against the invader. This Dura boasted that all over the south Kashmanol Orcs were rallying to hold back the enemy. She did not say anything else to him as she notched an arrow. Toros did the same as did all archers in their army.

More than a thousand loosed arrows rained down on the six thousand force. Their first volley was followed by the volley of two thousand rifles and muskets firing into the enemy ranks. He notched another arrow along side the rest of the archers and released it with the second volley. A third volley of arrows was showered down on the first enemy force they encountered. Four volleys devastated the six thousand reducing it to barely a thousand or less. Sending the rest routing the Teniim Elves, and Orcs cheered over the victory of the day. Toros looked at Dura who guessed that force had broken through their lines. There were more than five hundred thousand at first. Those who fought against the invaders first for Kashmanol must have died, were wounded, or pushed back. For nearly a month the Orc Confederacy saw thousands of wounded warriors be sent in wagon loads to the healers of Kyria. It was a long way to go resulting many deaths from wounds they received at the front. Most of the camp went to sleep, leaving the night sentries keep watch.

Toros woke up before the crack of dawn for his day time watch over the landscape. However as an elite elf warrior Toros was tasked to check on the corpses from yesterday. With his other fellow elites, and 100 young elf recruits, Toros marched down expecting to find survivors and to run into a trap among the dead. A mixture of various races lay among the dead. Arrows and bullets punctured races such as renegade Orcs, those reptilian Troglodytes, violent Gnolls, Horned Kuruks, Outlaw Goblins, Human Brigands, Ogre-Trolls, underground monsters, Dark Warriors of some Villain up north beyond Kashmanol, and alien humanoids he had never seen. Many of these aliens appeared to have been cut off from their own factions. Others held the look of hired mercenaries. Winged Dragon Warriors lay among them as well with armor on their wings. He found one still struggling to live with two arrows in its torso and chest. Not thinking about Toros ended its life when a force of four hundred emerged from the grass. Toros and other elves drew swords bracing for the ambushing enemy.

Whoever was closer to the ambush rushed to a larger grouping of Elves who stood their ground. A few Teniim warriors had to fight to get away. One very young Elf Male with charcoal hair in a pony tail was caught. The enemy swarmed him. Toros watched them beat the youth into the ground. As he prepared to hold his ground he spotted the rest of the enemy force hiding behind the grass, and a patch of trees. His attention returned to the ambushing enemy. Unsheathing his Sabre Toros sliced open a brigand's bowels before cutting a Goblin down. Fellow Elf Brethren cut down their foes as they came within blade's length of their positions. Although they outnumbered the Elf Force the attackers hardly stood a chance. More corpses added to the carnage from the day before. From the flanks three forces came on behalf of the Teniim Soldiers. Once force made up of 505 Orcs, another had 385, and the third was the force he saw running from the enemy.

Toros turned to an officer who he knew well and nodded. The officer nodded in return and blew a whistle for the Elf force to pull back to their lines. One hundred sixty-nine Teniim Warriors raced back to camp leaving their allies to wipe out the enemy. Running back to camp would appear foolish to some, but brilliant to others. Skills of Elite warriors of Teniim had the mindset to stand against impossible odds. Toros knew this well, but their mission was to check the dead, and they did just that. He turned around to watch their allies slaughter the remaining forces of the six thousand. The three forces of Orcs marched back to their lines. He kept looking over at the smaller force who ran from the larger one. It consisted 353 knights, warriors, and gladiators with Orcish appearances who pulled back from the front to reinforce them. A small force was not much, yet these were Orcs. Those involved in this day's fighting received the rest of the day to rest. Every member of the new force were given food and space within the encampment.

A full day passed with hardly any action other than refugees fleeing the front line. It could only be estimated hundreds of thousands of Orc civilians in each mass leaving their homes. Nothing was sadder than watching these refugees flee the invasion, which would reach other lands east of them. One group of refugees marched close to their camps hoping they would be of some protection during their flight in case the invaders pursued. Many of the Orcs handed weapons to the strongest looking females among them. Toros noticed those weapons were from the dead invaders they killed. Each weapon handed to those refugees was meant for protection. Some Orc children chased some of the younger Elves playfully until their mothers or older siblings called them back to the fold. A sight like that eased the pain in the hearts of the defenders and boosted spirits of those who watched. From some of the refugees they learned more Orcs were pulling back, others taken prisoner, and many more either surrendered or died in battle. A few spoke of desertion, and defection to fight in other lands for these invaders in the name of higher glory.

Just one day after the refugees passed them another force of Orcs came from the front. Approximately 1, 187 Orc fighters came towards them from the north showing signs of defeat. Their leaders said they had to pull back to save what was left. More Orcs were doing the same thing. Shortly after the new arrivals from the north another force of enemies could be seen. Toros warned his fellow warriors of the enemy heading this way. He kept his eyes on the enemy who had another force in the south. Squinting his eyes Toros took a better look at the southern force. He knew it would a day or two before they came close. During those days their leaders had them prepare more defenses, and sent out couriers. Stragglers, and smaller bands of warriors came to them or made their way to the Kyrian healers well behind their lines.

On the second day of their preparations Toros counted 9000 enemies heading their way with another force behind them. This other force consisted of ten thousand. He glanced towards the south where he could tell the Orcs were retreating in force. About 10, 404 Orcs of Kashmanol had pulled back from the front. They were followed by 12, 150 enemies who were in turn avoided by a smaller force in the distance. Each of those forces were far away and they had another enemy force to deal with. He saw the gap in Kashmanol lines had widened, and more had opened. To the elves and Toros this meant the enemy may invade their lands if Kashmanol falls. He watched all forces move around as his own hands notched an arrow preparing for another fight. Out of the corner of his left eye he noticed the Orcs managed to shake the pursuing enemy and united with the smaller force of 4, 150 Orcs who also pulled back. Toros kept looking ahead to see if there were more forces marching this way. That is when something flew towards them. To his surprise a large bat looking creature flapped its wings while heading towards them. It gave some a great startle as at least one ran off screaming like a woman.

This bat creature perched itself on a shield on a staff in the ground. It called out to their leaders for a few seconds before an Orc grabbed it. Gasping for air the bat tried to give a message. Claiming to the be enemy messenger this bat tried to charm its way out of the Orc's grip. To its misfortune it did not work and it was still in the Orc's grip. A War Leader came to the front as the scene drew a crowd. He forced the other Orc to release the bat messenger who thanked the Leader for saving him. All the bat messenger said to them was for them to surrender and the Elves to go home. They refused the offer of surrender choosing to resist the invaders. The bat messenger scowled at this answer and flapped off to his own camp with Elves and Orcs cheering behind him.

House Greymir Coat of Arms

House Greymir is a Forsythan Noble Family who once ruled over the Forysthan Kingdoms with their own dynasty. Their reign lasted for a few centuries until pressured by other Nobles to step down. Greymir's had a talent in military prowess, politics, and Arcane Powers. Ever since their House was pressured into resigning Greymirs continued to excel and aid those in need. Over the few millennia they became heroes, legends, saints, leaders, idols, and people of fortune. Most became adventurers, mercenaries, and explorers. 

Stranded Horrors: Ship Barge From Nightmares

Zana and Jenere sat in silence for a good while. Taking advantage of the silence both reveled in their own thoughts. Jenere’ mind went back to Onna the Nurse he just met for the second time in his life or more likely encountered a second time. This new acquaintance turned out to be a ludicrous one for him. Scientist Nurse Onna would visit him at odd times. She would either swim to vessel or ride a motorboat regardless of the patrols. Whatever race she was she enjoyed arriving at his ship in a wetsuit or trench coat with nothing underneath. Jenere shared this with his fellow privateer.

            Zana laughed aloud at this as he told her. She gave him this very intrigued smile. Jenere could not keep himself from scowling at her. He never wanted his love affairs or relationships known outside a circle of trust. During his years at sea he would have more than one woman to visit.

            “That is when you know there is more, she wants from you. Yet she cannot openly admit that. Your part of…no viewpoint of the story is gold!” Zana pointed out with heavier laughter coming from her. He glared at her when she laughed. Jenere did not want to hit her nor did he wish to do her any harm.

            “Let’s discuss the damage and the aftermath.” Jenere insisted through gritted teeth.

            “Very well then we have covered the death toll. Lead on Captain Omavern.” Zana gave the floor to him.

            “Aside from casualties and ships lost we have acquired some loot. A reasonable fleet of ghost ships most of which were tugged away. On board the ones we found experiments, dead crews, scientists, nurses, caches of weapons, much needed necessities, and technology for our own scientists to play with.” Jenere noted while jostling all the events that happened.

            “Don’t forget the new enemy beneath us. Those aquatic warriors pose a serious threat.” Caniir added to the conversation.

            “How the sverx do we fight, no, no, route and discourage an underwater foe!” Jenere bellowed in frustration.

            “It appears they can’t be after the first battles. We are not dealing with U-boats.” Caniir commented about their enemy. Jenere knew their new adversary among the Gantronese ranks attacked them with no vessels of war. Offering the idea that they had none was naïve in his mind.

            “We know the enemy can attack us from above, the seas, and from beneath us. There is also the chance they could attack us from islets or islands.” Jenere surmised.

            “Wait how- never mind battery emplacements and gun positions on land.” Caniir caught herself from making a naïve question.

            “Exactly!” Jenere said jumping up to his feet. “It is the goal of the Gantronese to ambush this navy by any means! This is a trap of some sorts. A trap-“ he was interrupted by a knock on the metal door followed by a female’s voice.

            “Hello Captain Caniir, Captain Omavern.” The voice behind the door addressed them. Sour over the female’s interjection neither of them answered her. The knocking and the voice came back when she did not get a reply.

            “Hello in there, Captain Caniir, Captain Omavern are you in there?” she asked from the other side of the closed door. She knocked again making it a third time.

            Zana looked at Jenere and waved her hand for him to see who it was. Disgruntled over a fellow pirate captain ordering him around, he got up to answer the door. As he approached the door the knocking came a fourth time. Annoyed by the interjection Jenere forced open the door to a reclining room for staff. Whoever was at the door was about to knock a fifth time. Standing at no taller than five foot five inches was the culprit to the interruption. A female half elf with short hair that made her ears big. That was not all that was big on her. Her chest seemed a little packed in the naval uniform as it fitted tightly. One would assume a button could pop off at any moment. An hourglass, petite body in a uniform appeared too distracting. Even if she was covered her curves it still attracted attention.

            “Hello there!” She said cheerily with a huge grin on her face. It disappeared quickly when she seemed to recall her duties.

            “Sorry good sir, I am Lieutenant Secretary Naphene Tramyar Blue-rose Vagi of V.S. Frigate Class Hervorne. Under the command of Admiral Kezef my Captain sent me to retrieve you.” Lieutenant Secretary Vagi introduced herself.

            Jenere could not help but craft a smile on his face. Having this cute, voluptuous elf standing there aroused him. Ideas started entering this pirate’s head. He licked his teeth wondering what kind of mother she might make one day. Caniir’s voice pierced the silence and disrupting the scene from behind him.

            “Captain Omavern who is it?” she asked him with a mix of curiosity and hint of agitation in her voice. She was on the verge of yelling.

            “A Lieutenant Secretary Vagi of the V.S. Hervorne sent here to retrieve us.” Jenere presented the secretary like a gift to Zana. Whatever agitated expression she held melted away. It transformed into an intrigued facial expression. She got up appearing obsessed with this Lieutenant Secretary Vagi. Zana went up to her holding the same expression. Before Jenere’s eyes this fellow pirate captain placed her hands on Vagi’s breasts. Zana began fondling her as she put hands all over the Lieutenant. (This part will not be on the blog I promise)

            “My, my what a lovely physique. There is no doubt it makes for delicious eye candy.” Zana proclaimed as she squeezed softly. 

            “Excuse me Captain Caniir is this how you greet people?” Lieutenant Vagi asked sounding confused with a hint of comprehension in her voice. Jenere watched in bewilderment at how Zana just fondled Vagi’s body. Frozen to the floor Jenere watched her hands go all over Vagi’s butt, breasts, and legs.

            “Captain Caniir I had no idea you had an infatuation with the, the same sex-“ Omavern tried to make sense of what he was witnessing. He had something else to say when Vagi lost it. With no warning or hesitation Vagi pulled out her pistol from its holster. In full panic mode she discharged six shots that went everywhere. Neither Caniir nor Omavern were caught in the frantic crossfire. Each round she fired missed them and found other targets. She only shot the floor, table, wall and one of the chairs. Both Pirate Captains jumped out of the way. Jenere hid behind the door while Zana dove to the other side of the room. When it fell silent Jenere came out from behind the door.

            “Well isn’t this perfect?” A nicely set up room shot up by a jump sailor!” Caniir remarked angrily. She picked herself up. Zana marched up to Vagi who looked like she pissed herself. The pirate Captain snatched the pistol from Vagi’s hands. Omavern studied the Lieutenant Secretary a little worried about her. She did not move from the doorway as if she was frozen with fear and shock. Vagi did not budge or react letting her own hands shake.

            “Lieutenant Vagi are you okay?” Jenere asked her only to receive an outburst of anger from her.

            “I AM PERFECTLY FINE!” she snapped at him. He did not hesitate to smack the elf across the face Jenere never enjoyed being yelled at, or get snapped at. Him smacking her was to shut her up while getting her back on track. Zana was too distracted by the pistol to notice.

            “This Lightning Flash Eighty-Four looks brand new.” Caniir commented as she studied the pistol further. Vagi shook her head returning to a normal state and calming down. She checked to see if she had peed herself, which she did not. Jenere tapped her on the arm. As though nothing even happened this Vestrisian held a pleasant expression on her face. Vagi must have brought her own thoughts to a happy place to cope with the fondling.

            “Sverx any explanations Lieutenant just lead on!” Caniir barked at Vagi disrupting her happy moment. Zana shoved the pistol inside Vagi’s shirt. She then grabbed Vagi and twirled the Secretary around. Ignoring her protests Caniir pushed the Secretary through the hall.

            Zana forced Vagi to lead the way. Jenere followed them up to the main deck of the ghost ship. All the guards on board were ordered not to come even if they heard gunfire. They passed a total of thirteen pirate guards. Six came from his own ship, and the rest from her own vessel. He knew the faces of the six crewmembers who stood guard. Their names did not escape him like some, Agrima, Pola, Virdo, Durlad, Huverne Warmjaw the Dwarf, and Arbane the Glaive Elf. Agrima hailed from Castaria, Pola was a Condor native covered in tribal tattoos, Virdo was a half human, half goblin from Geverine, Durlad of Borvados, Warmjaw was from the Southern Blackmell Mountains. As for Arbane he came from the ship itself. Born from a mistress he wanted nothing to do with his own father.

            On the main deck the found Admiral Kezef and five officers waiting. Ten armed sailors surrounded the Admiral and his party. Next to him stood another privateer-pirate. This figure had a monster’s claw scar across her face. Whoever this figure was wore a striped shirt under a coat, trousers made form some sea creature, and a sailor’s cap. Beside her was a snake woman armed with a crossbow, bolts, curved daggers, and tips for her tail.

            “Good work Lieutenant Vagi. I never thought anyone would gather those two. At first we believed you’d need back up-“

            “After attempting to blast both of us? I doubt that!” Zana interrupted him. She pushed Vagi past the guards into the Captain next to him. Vagi’s body was pushed against him. It caused a crowd to laugh, revealing more people on board the ghost ship.

            “Captain Caniir, Captain Omavern I hope you did not suffer too many casualties.” Kezef said sounding sympathetic.

            “You mean casualties like our allies suffered?” Jenere asked him. “Yes, not heavy casualties, but some.”

            “Yes and you are requested to clear that barge. The parties we sent either died or ran out of there scare for their lives. Our fleet have discovered a small Gantronese fleet of five ships. We have reason to believe there are more fleets out there-.” Kezef was once again interrupted.

            “I see you are just sending us into that barge we have surrounded.” Omavern pointed out interrupting him.

            “Yes, Captain Omavern, because you are the best we have here.” Kezef softly grabbed Vagi by the arm and set her next to the snake woman whom she hugged. “This is shipmate Sea Legs Lost Marbles Tommathe, one of two hundred eleven crew members of two privateer anti- u-boat sloops, and survivors from that explosion. The snake woman is a Lamia, Seleris the Constable from another world and my bodyguard.”

            “Which means we have to divide them up and put them with our own crews.” Zana added crossing her arms impatiently.

            “I assume it may cause issues or trouble among your crews?” Kezef asked raising his eyebrows with concern.

            “Yes!” Both Captains replied.

            “Considering what they just experienced? Most pirates would say you are asking for brawls, or beatings. If the crew was a port you my find their attitude warming.” Omavern explained to the Admiral.

            “Two hundred and eleven you say?” Zana asked him looking directly at Lost Marbles Tommathe.

            “Divide them up and sort them out as best you can.” Kezef ordered them and simply left them with two hundred eleven to divide up between their ships.

            They did not waste time on this day off. A total of fifty-two of these crewmates were selected to man the captured ghost ship Zana managed to save. Lost Marbles was voted to be its Captain. Fifty others expressed their own fears of joining either crew. Each one of them settled for working on board the newly named Leven, the ghost ship. With one hundred eight left to sort through they discovered the crews from the Sloops were under the admiralty of a homosexual. None of them had any issues with him being gay. To their dismay he was over dramatic at times. Finding his drama unbearable those poor souls sought a new ship and new Captain. Because of their abandoning the Admiral they were dubbed Squares. Omavern managed to convince twelve of them to join his crew. As for Zana’s crew only eight signed on her ship. Eighty-eight had to be sorted out among the other privateers. Each one put the crews to work, adding a third Captain to their own Privateer fleet.

            Both Captains took in a deep breath of relief. Jenere and Zana left the Leven to its fishing while they prepared their boarding parties. All he had to do was rouse the lot up. Out of the one hundred fourteen available crewmates thirty were hand-picked. Caniir rallied thirty-three of her own crew and corralled a reserve of forty-eight She encouraged Jenere to do the same. Using the hand radio he managed to get thirty seven as a reserve force. Neither of their forces went lightly armed for this. From what they experienced it was obvious the Gantronese had more here.

            A force of sixty-five made up the boarding parties. In their minds they imagined an army behind their backs. The reality screwed them in the arse since no one else came. It was just sixty-five privateers on their own with small reserves. On various types of boats Jenere and Zana approached this massive vessel called a Barge Fort. To him it was a colossal sized vessel that could pass off as a castle on water. Something about this Barge said it was more of a moving port and fortress. Along its lower hull sat five entry ways for ships. Each entry way had some docks and retractable ones in between.

            None of these entryways appeared alive with no lights on. Jenere did not trust the way it looked abandoned nor the retractable docks. Caniir took her boarding parties to the other side of the Barge. Her search for another way in left this whole side to him. As they drew closer they saw the barge had bodies decorating its hull. Jaws must have dropped at the sight of corpses nailed to the hull.

            “By the Tortoise God what demon does this?” he heard one of his crew cried out. Jenere turned to instill discipline when Zana’s voice came up over the hand radio.

            “Heads up Jenere we may have company. It looks like some of Kezef’s new friends have landed on top. Over.” Caniir said over the radio.

            “Do you see the corpses attached to the hull? Over.” He asked her, wondering if she even saw the corpses. He glanced up for a second curious about the new non-Calornese allies Kezef brought with them.

            “What corpses-?” Caniir’s voice was cut off by the noise of a roaring engine. Its source was traced to the skies. Whatever kind of engine it was it sounded more mammalian beast mixed with a carnivorous reptile. Sounding more like a scream the engine noise pierced the skies for a moment.

            “Did you hear that? Over.” She asked him quickly.

            “I think the whole world heard that. Over.” Jenere replied smartly. She must have scoffed at that response. One his party got close enough to dock he ordered for some lights to be used. Ten flashlights illuminated a few parts of the entryway and docking portions. More corpses lined the interior walls. Jenere counted close to one hundred forty-three or more of their own allies nailed to the hull. Most of the corpses still had the uniforms on. All of them were covered in blood.

            Looking at the tattered, and bloodied uniforms he recognized those uniforms on the corpses. Lybresans, Alagens, Ivodrans, Ruhonthrans, and a handful of Vestrisian Volunteer Privateers were among the many poor souls nailed to the metal. On the retractable docks they spotted figures interacting in some activity. A pair of bloated slug looking humanoids stood on one of the docks with a third figure between them. Keeping an eye on the trio Jenere scanned the other docks sticking out.

            Some humanoid creature with ten limbs, pale grey skin grappled another figure in its grasp. It appeared to hold the figure hostage from the way the other one struggled. Just six of limbs were all over its hostage. Pleasures and needs often got mixed when urges go out of hand. What ever it was it appeared to be violating a broad in peril. She struggled to get free of this multi-legged mutation. Jenere motioned for his crews to dock at the occupied ones as he drew his revolver. His best target were the violator’s limbs. Going for the limbs proved difficult until they came closer to the dock. Eight of his crewmates opened fire on the slugs that went down. One dropped on its back and the other fell in the water. Third figure was released from her captors and nightmare. A skiff full of his pirates approached her slowly.

            Jenere took aim at the limbs and drew a second firearm. With zero intentions of showing mercy he fired on the ten-limbed monster. He took out three of the limbs that held it up. Stray bullets hit its side, and two other limbs. A loud screech of pain emitted from this creatures lips. Its hostage collapsed on the dock when it released her. His target limped around the dock screaming in pain. Using his revolver, he followed its movement. Jenere prepared to take the shot to end it when the victim sprang up on her feet. She grabbed the closest object to her. Jenere and those on the same boat watched the woman take her rage out on the ten-limbed creature. He could tell from her uniform that she belonged to the Ruhonthran Civilian Volunteer Paramilitary. Although she was not an official member of her nation’s armed forces, she still acted as a combatant for defense. Beating the multi-limbed creature to a pulp was no easy task. The Ruhonthran used a piece of metal to strike down on the creature that was now crawling. His craft came up to her while the rest disembarked quickly.

Thirty blows all over the body killed her assailant-captor. Blood was splattered all over the dock and her. It added more to what was already there. Here weapon of choice dripped with blood. Oblivious to their presence she flung her weapon at them. It flew above their heads splashing in the water behind them. None of his party members found it humorous. Most of them wanted to shoot her, but held back. Jenere looked over to see the rest docking.

“Hold up wait for my order!” Jenere commanded with his eye on the Ruhonthran. “Excuse me miss, hello! Would you like to get off the monster infested ship?”

His voice caught her attention. This woman dove for the skiff right as it docked. She landed on the skiff pushing against the crew. To them it was obvious what she wanted mos. A way to get off this Barge Fortress. She wanted out and they wanted in. Jenere motioned for his party to disembark. Ignoring the Ruhonthran they stepped on the retractable dock. As Captain he had full command over the crewmates during combat, and missions. Those who already disembarked at the other docks formed defensive formations. After fighting the Gantronese, their allies, and experiments his own crew were ready. Fully aware of the Ruhonthran’s eagerness to get off Jenere ordered for two crewmates to go with her.

“Saggi, Gilmark take this Ruhonthran to the ship. Who are you miss?” He had to ask for her identity. Jenere did not like meeting people without knowing their names.

“Valinna Eogav-Pattris, Lieutenant of RCVP U-boat 017 Barracuda Class…I…I b-believe two out of one hundred and sixty-one survived. We had m-just get me OUT!” Lieutenant Eogav-Pattris explained to him. Jenere stepped off the skiff leaving the Ruhonthran under the care of the two pirates he summoned. Taking nothing from the woman he prepared to go in with two less pirates.

“Go join your Captain, I will take these three back to Kezef. Go on.” A familiar voice urged them. He turned around to see Onna on a rescue boat with two other passengers.

“What happened to her?” he asked Onna pointing at the woman he did not recognize. A Lybresan female holding her arm in a sling had the rank of Able Crewmate sat next to Onna and the other Ruhonthran they saved.

“She was nearly dragged under while trying to avoid you.” Onna said not even looking at him in the face. He would be taken aback if this woman was not in danger.

“Get them to Kezef quickly. I don’t know how many of those monsters are there.” Jenere told Onna, hoping she would be on her way now.

He turned around to focus on the occupants of this large vessel. His boarding parties kept their flashlights on the walls, water, blood covered docks, and some gangways. Jenere looked at the corpses in search of the source behind these corpses’ fates. His gaze followed some corpses set up in a pattern joined by puncture holes in the metal surface. Using his own eyes, he followed a trail of these puncture holes. More bodies decorated the walls. Their allies were not the only ones pinned to the walls. Gantronese, those aquatic humanoids they fought and a few other races. One race among the corpses was a humanoid with an octopus head. It did not have tentacles just an elongated octopus head like crest in the back. Another figure nailed to the wall was a person with tentacles rather than legs.

A Cecaelia (Octopoid) was the name of one of these humanoids. Jenere heard of them while hiding in Kilscar Orvain before the Gantronese took over. He counted more than six of these and spied one being nibbled at the arm. Some six-legged insect creature was feasting. This creature had a salamander torso, lizard head, large bug eyes, a bull mouth with pincers, and sharp teeth. Not sure what this thing was, Jenere watched it tear flesh with its pincers. Its legs appeared very arachnid in appearance. Each leg dug into the metal latching on. This thing had some mutation that allowed detaching long tips of the legs, and grew back. He could see each tip that detached acted like a spike pinning the corpses down.

“Crewmate Cliff the handsome Orc, hand me your rifle.” Jenere requested.

“My old rotting Folteri 2 bolt action rifle? Captain, how many good targets do you see up there?” Cliff asked him politely.

“One so far.” Jenere answered the Orc who then gave him the rifle.

“Whatever it is I believe that is responsible for placing those poor souls on the walls.” Jenere took aim at the salamander-spider looking mutation. Squeezing the trigger, he fired a round into his target. He hit the torso this creature fell to the bottom platform. The impact of its body landing made that smacking sound when something hits metal. Jenere expected more to show up or reveal themselves. He kept an eye out for more of these mutations. All members of his crew watched the walls, water, platforms, and any doorways. As the silence filled the atmosphere again at the docks Jenere spotted more these mutations. Eight multi-legged mutations stalking a lone winged creature.

Taking his time, the Pirate Captain shot each stalking mutation. One by one they fell off the walls and ceiling. Some fell in the water while the rest on the platforms onto something else on the platforms. He scanned the rest of the dock, which appeared more like a U-boat dock. Looking up at the ceiling he discovered more creatures.

“Men go towards any doors you see. Keep your eyes focused on your surroundings.” Jenere ordered his crew.

In groups of five or six his boarding parties made their way to the platform parts. Each member kept an eye out for any signs of more mutations. Jenere handed Cliff’s rifle back to him. He stood by Cliff’s side while he focused on the winged figure. They seemed to be struggling with some other winged figure. Squinting his eyes to focus he saw the winged figure pull on the spikes. Whatever the other winged thing was there were more of its kind. Both winged figures wrestled against the other on the wall.

“Cliff do the honors and dispose-.” Jenere ordered, but got cut off by a surprising event. One of the winged creatures, a female, drew some weapon and stabbed her assailant. It fell off her splashing into the water. Whoever she was she had three more foes to worry about.

“Take care of those three! Then stay here and watch for any more mutations lurking around.” He ordered the Orc. “I need two more men to stay put!”

Two more members of the main boarding party broke away from their own groups. Both passed him, eying the scenery. He ignored their looks and joined four crew members at the end of the dock. Cliff’s bolt action rifle fired several more times followed by a series of splashes in the water. As he went over to them it became clear to him what happened here.