Necromancer of Tantos: Duty, Vendetta

 "Easy now, take it easy. Bykon is a Zhenrai Warrior from Ivodra. He is here to clean up the Necromancer." Octavio's voice rose up in his ears through the ringing that encircled his head. 

Everything was quiet or loud in his ears. Whoever hit him in the face caused a bit of a knock out blow. He was completely out for a few seconds before coming to. Upon coming back to consciousness Bykon felt dizzy, and numb from the blow. Shaking his head a few times he looked up at the person who hit him. Dressed in a dark tan suit skirt, armed with a carbine rifle some tan skinned female half-elf, half human looked down at him. Three other similarly dressed figures had their backs to them while facing the interior of the building. On her head rested a tan fedora with a feather in it. Two scars could be seen on her right arm, and a healed bullet wound her left leg. Her colleagues kept their focus on the interior of the building where those zombified humanoids poured out of. Bykon felt like striking this woman for doing that. Could he blame her though? No, because for all she knew he could be one of the Necromancer's followers. 

"Okay, Octavio, okay we will go easy on him. Just who is he again?" the female spoke turning her gaze towards Octavio resting her weapon on her shoulder. 

"One of them Zhenrai from Ivodra sent to deal with this Necromancer." Octavio replied to her. 

"Ah yes, the Zhenrai. Sorry there kid, they call me Dona the Bitter Death. Don't let the name get to you, but I would rather keep my real name hidden. Since you are here might as well say which faction I belong to. For years the Necromancer has sent its monsters into my Syndicate's turf. The Nazim Syndicate that is. We haven't been able to get our products through the black market in weeks because of him." Bykon's assailant introduced herself explaining her reason being here. 

One of her fellow syndicates fired a few more rounds at something moving inside. Moments after them the others opened fire on something else inside. All four of these Syndicate members fired on a mass of bodies shuffling its way to them. Octavio fired a few rounds into this crowd and tossed a grenade forcing the others to dive out. Bykon felt himself regaining strength and control. Getting up he entered combat mode. Not bothering to warn them or wait for the smoke to clear he jumps into the building armed with his mace. In seconds he took out a group of 31 zombified creatures in what felt like a boost of berserk mode. He knew he was not at that stage yet. Casting an illumination spell he picked up during classes he shed light into the room they were in. His new acquaintances and the Necromancer's forces were in an abandoned bottle making factory that was converted into some sort of lab and hide out. Looking around he spotted a few places they could go up, and go down. A hallway leading to an exit lay on the other side of the vast factory room. Most of the machines were taken apart. Most of the conveyor belts still remained untouched. Bykon turned around to see the thug and Syndicates staring at him. 

"You might as well have done this by yourself kid. However we the Nazim Syndicate got a vendetta against this asshole. So help us out, and we will reward you." Dona offered Bykon whose order did not really condone the idea of receiving rewards, but it did help fund their operations. It also gave members a bit of income to sustain themselves for whenever they chose to leave the order. 

"Just make sure you don't send us to some hell. Now lead the way." Octavio barked at him showing a more disgruntled attitude. 

"What is the matter?" Bykon asked him showing a hint of annoyance at the thug. 

"Cops!" he yelled shoving the doors closed. 

Dona, and her fellow Syndicates sprung into action moving stuff into the way of the door. Bykon entered ascension only to find himself on the ceiling looking down at himself. He tried again finding an open window. From above he spotted police forces entering Lemon street. Only a team of nine officers stormed in already arresting seven of the goons who attacked the Necromancer turf. Returning to his body Bykon joined the four thugs, and syndicate members through the building. Five brigands and one armed thug were found in two rooms. His friends wiped them out filling them with lead before any of them could react. This drew the attention of sixteen others, one robber, two scavengers, a pirate, wizard, mad scientist, corrupt workers, a pilot who ran for it, an Uxane who charged them, one Evusian Fighter, some athlete, an alien, aristocrat, and a street clown performer. It seemed like an odd team up, but it some ways it would work to the Necromancer's plans. Due to the vendetta, vengeance, and lack of business these cronies, or thugs met their end at the hands of six. One of the Nazim Syndicates were nailed in the head by a bullet from the pirate leaving four of them to finish off the rest. Pushing further inside they run into a prisoner, and a captured dentist. A trio of Knights came crashing into a window causing an argument that Bykon ended shouting for them to take the captives and leave. It was such a random unexpected encounter that they needed a moment to let all of that sink in before moving down to the lower levels. 

When they were ready the five of them rushed down the stairs after noticing the up stairs was blocked and nothing but the catwalks. The rest of the rooms were empty anyways. Descending the stairs they discover parts of the factory basement where the generators, and storage were had been modified. More tunnels dug in, and corpses lined the walls. None of them knew if the corpses would spring back to life or remained dead. Looking at the floor he saw there was not much to look at. No blood dripped from any of the corpses. Checking each man made tunnel the five of them slowly pressed further into the Necromancer's lair. He was doing this for duty, the syndicates were either doing this because of vendetta or business. As for Octavio he did not know as his intentions were not clear. It could be assumed he just got bored. 

Rounding the corner they find three civilians a pink haired elf, an aristocrat, and a construction worker on their knees. One cloaked figure with two thugs at their flanks holding these people hostage. Behind them Bykon spied two teenage girls bound against the wall. A single outlaw held a mother and child hostage. In the background two police officers lay dead. Bykon presumed these people went missing. As for the thugs, and hooded figure, he could tell all of them were paid. At least getting paid for this. Dona had no time for this she fired a few rounds at them lot of them hitting a few of the thugs. One of them shot a civilian dead as the rest returned fire. Another Nazim Syndicate got blasted by the Necromancer thugs. Bykon struck out at the hooded figure who blocked his attack then shoved him into the wall. Showing true colors the hooded figure turned around to cut off a goon's head off then fled down a tunnel. One civilian dead, a syndicate member fallen,  a powerful cloaked figure escaped, one goon beheaded, an outlaw shot, and a thug lay dead. Bykon's new friends did not really care for the civilians. Even if they did free them they would not be seen as heroes to the police unless the captives said something. 

Just after freeing them Bykon's new allies forced the civilians to forget thanking them and run back home. Passing the two dead cops they passed a room full of what appeared to be a family whom his new friends wiped out without remorse. None of the members of the family had any signs of captivity. In the corner a blond woman in a torn blue dress was bound against the wall. Freeing the scared blonde they sent her running the way the freed captives rushed off. Going deeper they into a confrontation between a wizard and a crusader who must have heard the shooting. Both seemed to think it was a good time to show true colors and begin fighting each other. Passing the duel between them Bykon's group raced towards a tunnel that went down. Three of the Necromancer's goons who appeared to be dressed like a shark armed with a morning-star, some highway robber holding a bag, and a lizard hybrid wielding an axe. Octavio mocked all three before ending their lives. Going further down the tunnel they discover more civilians being escorted by warriors who chose to leave the Necromancer. Two women, a child, three firemen personnel, and a truck driver appeared to scared. Escorting them was a Kaniiman warrior, two barbarian looking goons, and some former thug looking to get out. 

"You know the way out go, go!" Dona yelled at them. 

She almost pushed them to the side as they descended deeper until they came upon a series of caverns. From two of the constructed caverns poured out three turtle mutant looked creatures with no shells, an armored figure, and two thugs. One had a hook and stood six feet, the other looked like a former fisher with the beanie hat and one eye missing. All Bykon could think of right now was how long this tunnel system had been here. How long did it take them to dig this up? When did he really start doing this underneath Avirin's Lemon Street? One question did cross his mind. When was Lemon Street constructed, and when did it become abandoned like it was? The armored fellow clapped his hands. 

"Well done this is as far as you lot shall go." He said as more figures poured out of the tunnels. 

One thug armed wit a lever rifle leading some mules, four pirates, and a female alien sharpshooter came out of different tunnels. The female fixed her weapon them while the pirates glared at the mutations. Some sort of confrontation was about to happen again. In the background they could hear the duel coming this way. How that crusader was able to fight the wizard was beyond Bykon's comprehension. Out of a different tunnel an Uxane armed with a long knife rushed towards one of the thugs, the sniper. Leaping on to her the Uxane stabbed her in the side triggering a skirmish. All the pirates trained whatever firearms they had on to the mutants. In a quick spray of fire they shot two mutants dead, hitting the armored figure in the limbs. Causing a bit of a panic the thug with the mules raced off, the last mutant panicked. It ran into the nearest tunnel. All the pirates vanished into their own tunnel leaving the armored figure at the hands Bykon's new allies. Octavio did not hesitate in blowing a hole through the thug's chest. Their Uxane savior raised his hands. 

"I am a friend now. Just leave the sniper and the let them go. We were all forced to come here." the Uxane claimed not giving away his name. 

"So follow you then?" Octavio asked pointing his shot gun at him. 

"Yes." the Uxane answered. 

Forced to lead them deeper into the Necromancer's lair the Uxane took them through a tunnel that led to a constructed lab. Bykon had to blink several times before realizing this Necromancer had been here for some time. His own new friends hesitated before going further. This forced the Uxane to stop in his tracks towards the entrance of this lab. Something was off as usual. Bykon could feel it. If this Uxane was willing to help them it had to be some sort of trap. Their savior was about to speak when a blind figure wearing a blind fold in a knightly tunic, and white garb charged at him with a long bastard sword. Right before their eyes a new mysterious acquaintance had sword speared into his stomach. Dona shot up this armed figure so they would not charge at them. Unsure of how many more thugs or goons this Necromancer had left they forced themselves to go in. It was either deal with him now or suffer in the future. 

Choosing the later option they rushed inside the lab. Set up just like any ordinary lab save for large class canisters with corpses in them this lab was built into another building. As he expected they found the Necromancer and the rest of his army. Six thugs, three ninjas, and three pirates remained of his army. Among them stood three zombified soldiers, one zombie, and two cloaked figures. As for him the Necromancer himself which Bykon only saw photos of had given himself four spider like limbs. Bykon, Octavio, Dona, and the other Nazim Syndicate called Beggy had come to the end of their mission. One was for duty, and the others came out of vengeance. A stand off arose between them that lasted for a few moments. Taking a deep breath Bykon summoned some powers to deal with this. He started to ascend in the air catching the Necromancer's forces off guard a little. Targeting the Necromancer first he swung with his mace striking Necromancer across the face. Bykon's blow knocked the Necromancer to the floor while his allies shot as many remaining thugs as possible. During the shoot out they found themselves hit several times. One by one they dropped to the floor after taking as many goons with them as possible. Bykon was left standing for a brief moment. One of the Necromancer's new limbs reanimated knocking him out of the air. Knocked to the floor Bykon tried to get up. Another limb pierced him through the side and out of the other end. He froze from the impact knowing this was the end. Looking up he spotted the Nazim Syndicate Beggy get up shooting wildly at the legs. A grenade exploded causing the limbs that came alive to shiver. Bykon felt life drain from him as the limb exited his body. Collapsing on his back the Zhenrai Warrior breathed his last breath. His mission was complete, the package was sent to Izzine's friend, and his life was now ended. 

Necromancer of Tantos: Turf War in Avirin City

 Rhed Bykon left Izzine in the room to start his own mission assigned to him. She was to lead while he was to hunt. Being on the hunt made him nervous. Heading out of their temporary residence Bykon made his way out of the hotel, Silver Griffin's Den. Taking a left out of the hotel he spotted a police-guard. Walking up to the half-elf police guard in a greenish uniform he asked where he could find their headquarters. Due to the officer's duties to patrol this block he could only give Bykon directions. Something he could have gotten from the hotel staff along with a map. Just listening to the police officer Bykon memorized the directions as best he could. In the midst of giving directions the officer looked at him then asked if he was a Zhenrai. This question bothered some Zhenrai, but the rest did not even care. As for Bykon it sort of made him feel special when asked this question to which he replied the honest yes. Doing his best to remember the directions Bykon got a move on. Looking at the street signs he did his best finding the right street to turn on or cross over. Avirin was a city he was unfamiliar with. One of multiple cities on Tantos. Here on Tantos City he needed to get a ride over to that city. With help from a few paperboys along the street he found his way to the station. 

He showed up at a perfect opportunity only to receive no ride to the city of Avirin. One of the officer's smartly asked him why he did not get a hotel there. Bykon replied they had to meet some partners, and some acquaintances about something. When he mentioned he was from Ivodra they immediately took him seriously then started to fear him when he mentioned Zhenrai business. One of the officers snagged one of their own who was off duty to give him a ride there. It was only half an hour away. Grumbling under his breath the officer sped his way to Avirin city where he stopped near their police station to drop him off. At the Avirin police head quarters Bykon learned the name of the street the attack took place. Lemon Street was the original name of the street when Avirin was founded, and expanded. These days the gangs call it something else. An officer with some hint of Orcish in them looked at Bykon. 

"Are you sure you want to go to that area of town?" the Orc officer asked with his mustache covering his mouth. He looked like a green flippered marine animal only the tusks jutted up not down. 

"Positively yes I do." Bykon answered feeling confident. 

"Well there are four other gangs in that area, the Yellow Goblins, Toxic Hybrid-Spawn, the Gateway Thugs, and the Street Ghouls." the Orc informed him. 

"What about this Necromancer? Does he have some sort of gang?" Bykon asked him. 

"His um, that syndicate has been dormant of late so we don't have much on him. Good luck, you're gonna need it." the Orc said as though it would be his funeral going after the Necromancer. 

Grabbing a map of Avirin city Bykon headed for the door then at the last second requested for a ride to this location. From his left flank a nicely dressed sketchy figure approached him. Whoever they were they had a mix of Goblin, Elf, Human, Orc, and Dark Elf molded together. One side of their face looked scared from a fight. The other side had a bullet wound. Beneath the collar of their scars from a rope around their neck could be seen. Looking down at their hands one finger was missing. Bykon did not know what to say about this figure. He was used to combating goons, thugs, and bandits. All of those encounters started out violently upon spotting them. To his relief this figure did not even raise an arm to strike, but to greet. Making a smug smile with their eyes the fine dressed thug sort of greeted him. 

"Not now Octavio Enloe they are not here to fall for another scheme of yours. You lost that finger the last time three years ago. Besides why do you keep trudging over here for?" another officer warned the figure who did not even acknowledge their existence.  "Hey Mutt Hulk!"  

Some how calling him Mutt Hulk caught his attention. They turned around to see the officer who called them out. They folded their hands together as if pleading for mercy. All the officers seemed to roll their eyes at this. Bykon could tell this figure had been at this for years. Stubbornness was a big forte of theirs. Yet the typical citizen would shiver with fright and do his bidding. 

"Just this once let a mob boss do right. My sweet Lemunia wants to cross over into Lemon street once more. Like the good ol days before the Necromancer and his zombos came along." the one named Octavio half begged half manipulated. Scowling at his pleas the police sort of relented. 

"Alright, alright, only if that Zhenrai makes it back home in one peace! Is there anything else we can allow you to do? If you do not continue your usual scams? Just be glad there is a war going on and we are on alert for them invaders." a female Elf Senior Officer with a Captain's badge snapped at the Thug. She wagged her finger at him as if she was a Teacher letting a student off the hook even though she wasn't even buying his bull crap. 

"I could become a citizen of a different country. Leave this island for good, and none of you cops would ever see my handsome mug again." Octavio claimed pointing at himself with a thumb. 

"Where exactly?" She asked him expecting the Thug to return the next year. 

"Ivodra." Octavio Mutt Hulk answered. 

Some of the officers spewed their coffee out. Others looked perplexed while the rest just shook their heads. A few of them facepalmed this idea. The female Captain folded her arms with an intrigued expression on her face. Several apprehended figures in handcuffs turned to look at them giving their own mixed expressions. None of them spoke as they would get popped in the face. Bykon wanted to break the silence, but the words did not escape his lips. 

"Fine by me Octavio. Just remember only you are to leave for Ivodra. None of your former goons, lapdogs, or cronies. Am I clear?" The female Captain warned him. 

"Agreed Captain Coffine." Octavio replied. 

With an agreement made Octavio led Bykon out of the station to his own car. A clean looking Obsidian Crux 100 one of the first named brand automobiles to be manufactured during this time. It seemed strange for them to be still using melee weapons, and armor while technology evolved to engines, and electricity. Octavio climbed into the driver's side of the vehicle. Its design sort of resembled a beetle shape without the pincers, antennae, and legs. Bykon crouched down to check the wheels out. His new acquaintance popped open the door hitting him in the noggin. That forced him to stand up rubbing his head.  Getting inside he seated himself in the front passenger seat of a five person automobile. Octavio pressed on the gas the moment Bykon closed the door. his driver and acquaintance sped his way to their destination. Going as fast as the streets would allow, Octavio reached the location of the attack. At his speed Bykon barely got a good look at the city. 

"Here we are, friend." Octavio stopped at the entrance to a street. 

Bykon did not get out just yet. He went straight into ascension to get a better look at the area. For several minutes he studied the area and the alleys in between buildings. Sure enough he found people hiding out in between the alleys. In his mind the had no doubt those were goons hanging around. As he kept an eye on a few of the groups Bykon noticed they were on the move towards a section of the street. Even though it seemed boring he started calculate how many there were. That is when a hand touch his shoulder break him away from the ascension. 

"Just so you know there are 80 Yellow Goblins, 70 Toxic Spawn goons, 123 Gateway thugs, and 121 street ghouls all in this district of Avirin. The police here have locked up a number of each, but arrested all of them yet released the ones I mentioned." Octavio pointed out. 

"What about this Necromancer?" Bykon asked him. 

"Oh for the tits of the sea goddess herself you are a Zhenrai Knight aren't you? You should be able to handle this." Octavio boasted for him. 

"Yeah, I can it's just I am not a Knight, but a Warrior. We have a hierarchy of some sorts." Bykon said hoping that would get through to the mobster who decided to help him. 

"Bullocks just summon a bunch of power and we both can deal with all of his goons. I got my nice new street sweeper. Recently invented too." Octavio spat bringing out a shotgun shaped weapon with a drum magazine. Instead of a the usual pump it had a handle in front of the magazine. Wielding this unnecessarily brutal looking gun the mob boss looked ready. 

"It looks like you are ready." Bykon said gripping his own weapon which he hid in his duster coat. He brought along a retractable mace, a Talusian Wakizashi, and a chain flail. 

"Not quite, gotta grab my "Crybaby's Bane", the Lowmight submachine-gun. It is very similar to the Vestrisian 7mm submachinegun. Just comes with a different magazine." Octavio dug into the trunk of his Obsidian pulling out a submachinegun with a wooden buttstock, and grip handles wrapped in leather. One drum shaped magazine was already loaded in to be used up. Octavio tossed him the weapon. 

"Um, my Order in Ivodra only allows me to use melee weapons." He protested handing it back to the mob boss. 

"Bugger you then. Just check with your ascension to see where they are hiding. I know your Zhenrai kind well enough." Octavio spurted at him wrenching the weapon back. 

Going back into ascension Bykon checked to see if they were at the right place. While looking from above with his spirit he discovered it was the right location. Some parts of the carnage still remained. A wheel or three, some pieces of a door, sideview mirror, broken glass, damaged car lights, hinges, pipes, and pieces of a grill radiator shell. A few weapons still remained such as pistols, revolvers, daggers, stilettos, axes, pipes, war batons, crowbars, and knuckle busters. Octavio parked a few car lengths away from the entrance to Lemon Street. Inside the alleys flanking this two block length street he spotted movement. Hundreds of figures raced towards Lemon street taking his time he counted 394 figures heading straight for this area. Watching these figures make their way into the block of Lemon Street he noticed another group emerging from one or buildings within the block. Whoever those figures were they shuffled out of their hiding place and poured into the alleys. Bykon watched the other figures close in on this block as the shuffling figures poured into the street and alleys to meet them. Hundreds of what appeared to be goons engaged this shuffling group. Up ahead another group entered the street from the other side. This one was armed with shotguns and Lowmight guns. Sounds of shooting broke him away from the ascension. Octavio shot a few rounds into an alley that was adjacent to them. Whoever was nearby and not involved made a run for it. A turf war of some sorts broke out in the Lemon street block. 

Octavio shot a few more rounds in three different directions before deciding to move it. Grabbing Bykon this Mob boss raced for the second alley along the right shoulder of Lemon street. Bykon took out his mace to prepare for a bit of violent confrontation, which is what his Master would call an encounter like this. Both got lucky as the goons rushed past them to fight the other group who were likely the Necromancer's gang. All this did was make things easier, but scarier for their future escape. Would they have to fight all these goons after the turf war battle ended? Getting deeper into the alleys sounds of the battle on Lemon street filled the air. Several goons that came in a little late entered the same little alley. A group of 4 young looking goons, two older looking goons blocked their path. One group appeared to be goblin, and human hybrids. The other looked more very ghoulish in appearance. Each group looked at each other seeing them as easy prey until they saw Octavio's weapon. 

"Alright Octavio well bugger off. Just tell us who this one is." One of the ghoulish ones demanded with a bunch of scars on his face, and pieces of skin missing. At a closer glance Bykon could tell this was actually deliberately done and from past fights. 

Octavio looked at Bykon then at them with his finger on the trigger. Just as the goons were about to back off the turf war over the Lemon Street block started to reach them. Goons, and thugs belonging to ten separate gangs fought what appeared to be Zombified humanoids. Just two of the goons who blocked their path ran past them with fear. Scores of goons fought the shuffling humanoids that looked very much like reanimated corpses. By the scores these walking corpses fell as the goons fired into their disorganized flanks. Most of the goons became a bit of a meal for the zombified humanoids as they overwhelmed them when they stopped to kill the walking corpses. Bykon blinked several times unsure if he just witnessed the goons getting torn apart as these zombies ate their flesh. His mobster friend started blasting the horde and goons with his shotgun. Pellets torn into the zombies, and goons alike. Showing he did not care who was on whose side the mobster shot up these gangsters, and zombies indiscriminately. Bykon witnessed the goons and walking corpses die from the shells Octavio fired from his weapon. Turning around he checked to see if any one else followed them over here. This sort of turf war was sure to attract attention of the authorities. 

Going at it Octavio became trigger happy and pulled out a grenade from a coat pocket. Pulling its pin, he tossed into the horde and fired another shot. One or more of the pellets hit the grenade causing it to explode earlier sending shrapnel everywhere. Blood, guts, and body parts splattered the walls and ground in the alley way. Octavio's shotgun and grenade put a huge dent in the horde of zombies while causing the goons' numbers to dwindle. Whoever was left with their view point ran off to other alleys in the hopes of escaping Octavio and these zombies. Eight more of these creatures rounded the corner only to be gunned down by Octavio. Using his ascension Bykon discovered most of the combatants were already down. This Turf War did not last very long. He spotted plenty of stragglers and where the zombified creatures were pouring out of. 

"Most of the creatures are coming out of the second building along the street. We need to get over there." Bykon said rushing over to the street. 

Forcing Octavio to follow him Bykon ran into a scene of an aftermath of carnage. Corpses of goons, zombified creatures littered the street. A few more of these zombified creatures still shuffled about. They were easy enough to take down without Octavio's aid. Getting across the street wasn't difficult despite the amount of bodies that cluttered the area. Finding the building where the zombies came out of proved a little difficult until he went back into ascension for a moment. Once he located the source Bykon sprinted for one of the buildings. Killing a few more of those zombified creatures in one of the alleys he finally found one of the sources. Along a brick wall some metal double door remained swung wide open. It seemed a little quaint for this entrance to be unguarded. Yet his ascension powers were not up to scale so he could see inside buildings. Feeling like he had no other options Bykon raced over to the open entrance. Right as he came to the entrance a dark clothed figure appeared at the doorway. He halted as the figure raised a weapon then struck him in the face. 

Izzyr Returns Abane

 Three days of trekking through the wilderness brought them to campsites, and hideouts these Rangers created. Abane was finally awake, but was far more quiet than Bidfrid remembered. She acted sort of like a spoiled child who refused to say anything, but still willingly ate her meals. During those three days of avoiding the main roads to Neppetz they found themselves engaged in a skirmish 6 times. The first time was literally on the first day when a band 48 savage Goblins lurked in the deep parts of the forest. A tribal war of some sorts was being waged, and they disrupted an attempted raid on another tribe. On the next day they fought off three different groups. An Axe Wielding Ogre, a horned medium Ettin, one tall Elven Archer, Large Dwarf with pike axe, very tall skeletal warrior, 7ft tall fake wizard, a heavily armed bull humanoid mutant, 2 large wild Ogres, tall magenta skinned mutated humanoid, a white sorceress, a bow rider, and a bear riding paladin brought their own skirmish into their camp. Killing the ones who acted more savage they apprehended the rest. The Bear Riding figure was pressed to help them in the next encounter while the deceased bowman's horse was used to bind the sorceress. In their second engagement they faced a band of seventy-five skeleton warriors that were revived by someone to protect something nearby. Towards the end of the afternoon they might as well have angered a nearby city-state. Two city-guards, 4 flint-lock Witch-men, 4 masked battlefield assassins, 2 netherworld demon wolves, a pair of rival demons, five Elf Warriors, and a cannon team were already engaged in a skirmish. Their skirmish entered the Sun-Guard camp only to meat an enraged group who were trying to reach Neppetz. Not a single one of those humanoids Izzyr, Bidfrid, and their Sun-Guard allies faced in this third encounter lived. On the third day the other two encounters went as followed. As they road up to a path these two groups were already locked in some sort of stand down. One side had a pair of Renegade Drow outlaws, 7 samurai dressed marauding Orcs, 5 cadaver men in scary attire, 5 skeleton warriors, 2 rat looking humanoids, one hired Barbarian and an Armored Man at Arms. The other consisted of an interesting mash up of scantily clad humanoids, nude monsters, and rather angry yet depraved looking mutations. Close by are 8 attractive looking female warriors bound in certain positions. Not caring at all what either wanted they turned on both groups just to help someone while enforcing some peace. Even Abane helped them take down both of the groups. 

Towards the afternoon they had their sixth encounter with help from the eight women and those who tagged along. Just one band of 30 bandits camped out near a town that traded with Neppetz blocked their pathway. Making short work of these bandits they buried the corpses before resting for a bit. While resting he learned a bit more of what happened to Abane as well as the names of their new allies. She was bringing in laundry one day and this strange thin fellow in spectacles approached her. He wore a bluish robe with gold triangles along the sleeves, cuffs, and edges. He held a smile that sort of put her off a little. Acting all friendly he offered to help her with the laundry. When she declined he appeared in her path as if he was some wizard or ghost. Before she knew it he blue some powder into her face. Everything after that was lost to her. Bidfrid and Izzyr kept this in mind, especially Izzyr who needed to report this. Towards the end of the day the large party rode towards the city of Neppetz. At the northern most gate they found an army assembled outside. This assembled army was made up of 34 militia, 80 archers, 32 crossbowmen, 15 javelin throwers, 60 riflemen, 213 mounted knights, 33 missile/ bow cavalry, 28 dismounted knights, 42 spearmen, 33 heavy troopers, and warriors. This was just a small army compared to what was starting to gather from the city itself. Various Rangers, Clerics, Fighters, Warriors, Elites, Rogues, Thieves, Warlocks, Mages, Townwatch, Paladins, Orcs, Goblins, and Knights made up a force of 1844 to join the gathered force of over 500. 

Just witnessing a force of 2,414 march up the road towards Rednight Fangsir made Izzyr uneasy inside. Yes it was a large force assembled. Would it be enough to deal with the whole city that was made from a mountain? Especially when it was inhabited by various breeds of monsters and possible vampires. Looking around he searched for a high ranking official so he could get information on what the Six Mothers was going on. Among the Drow astride their steeds he spotted a Female Dame Knight bearing an officer's insignia of a silver spider web. Its shape could easily be seen from a certain distance. Breaking away from the Sun-Guard party he approached the closest officer he could get to. The female commanding officer he approached resembled his ex-wife. All the hairs in the back of his neck rose up under the belief that it was his ex-wife. She noticed him approaching her. 

"What is it Detective?" she asked him addressing him by his profession. 

"What is going on here Commander?" he asked her. 

"Rednight Fangsir is going through their turf war phases again. It is spilling over in other cities and regions. Neppetz along side eight other city-states are marshalling forces to clear out Rednight Fangsir." she answered. 

"Are you taking them inside Neppetz?" she asked him. He turned to see his fellow travelers coming up from behind him. They might as well form their own army or cavalry unit with over forty in their party. 

"Yes, yes I am. This is the missing Abane who was abducted by some strange fellow in a bluish robe. As for the rest these are the Sun-Guards who helped Bidfrid and I escape. These ladies are part of a faction dedicated to fighting monsters in these mountains. Every other member is a tag along. Do I have your permission to enter the city with this force? Or do we need to turn in weapons and wait at the closed gates for a few days?" Izzyr replied looking at this female Officer in the eyes. 

"No, go ahead Detective. Be sure to bring those new comers over to the Governess's Palace. She will see they are well acquainted with their temporary lodgings before their faction can be located." She told Izzyr. "Also bring Abane straight to the doctors. She will need to be examined before her family is informed of her return. Also, well done Detective." 

Before letting him go she patted him on the shoulder. Her own troop of Neppetz fighters passed by them as they trailed behind her. Not bothering to consult either of the girls or their new acquaintances Bidfrid and Izzyr led them into Neppetz. Abane covered herself with the robe so no one could see her. he did not know why she did this, but he chose not to ask. Taking them inside the streets of Neppetz he came back to a city that was preparing for some kind of siege. Citizens and Residents were too busy preparing for whatever was coming to even notice the new comers. Looking into the crowds of people he thought he saw his ex-wife. His heart skipped a beat knowing the next time she would ever see him would be the last time they run into each other. Bidfrid's hand rested on his arm snapping him out of a flashback. 

"I love my children." He said aloud causing Bidfrid to burst with laughter. 

"What did you do?" Bidfrid asked as they came to the doctor's office and workplace. 

"Made five children with two women." he admitted. 

"Where are they?" Bidfrid asked him dismounting and leaving him with the others. 

"Just with their aunt for now." He said feeling a little embarrassed. 

Doing his best to ignore the laughter from Bidfrid Izzyr left Abane with the Bounty Hunter while he took the rest over to the Governess. Winding their way through the streets had them pass through some poorer streets where he saw the Sun-Guards pass out coins to the poor, and homeless. This was something he only saw monks do or friars do at the end of each week. With them they would bring carts of food every day. What the Sun-Guards did was helping them a little further. Being a man of the law people assumed he was their escort. Seeing that each one was armed none of the usual thugs, or ruffians went after them. His gaze met their gaze knowing if any happened to these people none of those goons would live to see spring again. Izzyr left them to the hands of the secretary and the doorman-guard who awaited visitors to the Governess. Handing a copy of his report in he darted for the Neppetz police head quarters. The very moment he went up the steps he passed all the other police, guards, watchmen, and other detectives. His pace quickened as he went straight for the Chief. Wrapping on the door quickly he was told to enter. Chief Nolzur looked up to see him with an amused expression on her face. She was not the kind of person one would find a smile on their face very often. 

"Report Detective Nadisim." she ordered sorting through some envelopes on the desk. 

"Abane Velnis has been found Chief. She is with a guardian known as Bidfrid, a friend to her family." He reported to her. 

"Good job, good job." She got up with the most unexpected smile on her face. It showed all her white teeth that was the same color as her eyebrows. 

"Th- thank you Chief Nolzur. I shall keep up the good work." He replied. 

"Neppetz owes you one month off and a hefty reward before your next case. Oh by the way there is someone else here to see you." Nolzur sat back down. 

"Who is it, Chief?" Izzyr asked her. 

"Some privateer Captain by name of Jenere Omavern. A charming handsome elf, comes from Lheobethe." She answered. 

"A Vestrisian Elf? A Vestrisian Elf all the way here." Izzyr found this very amusing and puzzling. He almost laughed thinking this was a joke. What would a Vestrisian doing all the way here? 

"Dismissed." Nolzur said letting him go check his office. 

Izzyr jogged his way back to his office so he could retrieve the next case in his mail slot on the door. When he got to his own hall he found a few other figures, the usual staff. What stuck out was another figure who appeared lighter colored than the Drow and Dark Elves that worked here. This one dressed in a long seafaring captain long trench coat. A Captain style cap donned his head with a different symbol on it. He looked strong, tall, handsome and seen some fights in his day. Izzyr walked up to the elf who spotted him. This elf pirate or sailor smiled the biggest smile he ever saw on an elf. 

"You must be Detective Nadisim, Captain Omavern of the Abomination." He introduced himself with his hand stretched out. 

"Yes I am him. What are you all the way out here for?" He replied taking his hand for a shake. 

"I am a father who is looking for his dear children. The last I saw them with my now late wife they were in the hands of a caretaker who has disappeared and so have they." Jenere answered. 

Izzyr wanted to ask how he found out about Neppetz then realized this elf was a pirate who knew thousands of contacts, and spies. Pirates who lived long enough got to know an army of contacts, and spies. He would assume all were affiliates or thralls to pirates such as Jenere who stood before him. 

Their first Island

 Meeting all 136 of the arcane users was overwhelming for her. Izzine White-Spear plopped herself on the bed while Rhed Bykon was seated at the desk in the room. Taking the place of a Wizard for this crusade against the Gantronese that managed to assemble an armada of ships, 4,387 hired mercenaries who are likely to draw in more recruits. Izzine felt ready to plunge right into this little crusade. Something that sounded far more intriguing than some usual assignment that involved going after a monster from the underworld, netherworld, some cave, sewers, or some specter that needed to move on. The Zhenrai Order on Ivodra was just one of several on Calorn that managed to survive the Vearxall Hunts for Zhenrai a few thousand years ago. Her latest assignment involved slaying some Coral Golem. That battle alone took up a few hours. She was glad it was only an empty-headed brute of a creature summoned by some mad Wizard seeking to exact revenge on a noble family. Their order war rewarded handsomely for it. Rolling on to her stomach she faced Bykon. 

"When do you go after this Necromancer?" She asked him. 

"I believe tomorrow morning. The Grand Masters granted their approval of me taking this assignment. Whoever he is this Necromancer has a hidden lair deep in the city. Just the location of the attacks should give me enough information on where it is." Bykon replied to her. 

"Do you still have the package and letter I gave you?" She asked hoping he did not lose it. Bykon had bad habit of losing things. However that did not keep him from gaining the interests of the opposite sex. 

"Yes I still have it right here." He picked up the package he had on his desk. 

Izzine got off the bed just to put her breasts against the side of his face. She sort of liked him enough do this, but not enough to start a relationship. Bykon automatically turned to face her only to find his nose and face in between her covered chest. He seemed to freeze from the unexpected behavior she showed to him. No words came out of his mouth. His eyes were very wide from her surprise attack. She pressed herself against him even more until her breasts were on his shoulders. Izzine squeezed his face with her bosoms before kissing his forehead. 

"Thank you, I have to be ready in five days." Izzine said releasing him. She cut him off before he could say anything about what she did making him promise this was between them. No one was supposed to know about them. Feeling aroused by what he was doing for her Izzine had him get it on with her before they parted ways. 

When it came time to leave she hugged him for a long time. To her felt like leaving a close relative since he was a member of the same order. Exiting their room she went down to the lobby where one of the Wizards waited for her with the pirate Captain, and hired mercenaries. Not many words were exchanged except the usual greeting and introductions. Izzine almost forgot where they were going until it returned to her. Kilscar Orvain was going to be their next destination. Her profession as an Arch Warrior Zhenrai required her presence on the battlefield first. There were some islands a group of hired mercenaries, and volunteers claimed for their movement off the coasts of Kilscar Orvain. A battle occurred some time ago resulting in heavy casualties. Their Gantronese foe suffered casualties near Kilscar Orvain and on those islands. To them it allowed a pathway into the region while the Vestrisians pressed northward. Some damage had been done, but could be replaced within a few months if they did not hurry. 

Upon embarking she was introduced to the kid who owned the ship, the rest of the crew, and those who travelled aboard with them. In one large armada their hired army went past Borvados, Lybresan, and veered northward towards Oceanrest Var. Here they picked up new allies and recruits who rallied towards the calling of the first groups that fought the Gantronese. Not bothering to check who else joined them or who joined them Izzine jumped out of their landing boat onto the first island. Kilscar Orvain was to the north of them where the rest of their armada would dock. She had 8 of the mercenaries, and 43 of the pirates with her. She of course warned the other Wizards she would head for this island after they picked up reinforcements. Just checking the place out she found the aftermath of the battle and a column of makeshift graves. Most of the island appeared unscathed until she peaked through some trees using her ascension powers. Returning herself back into her bodily vessel Izzine checked the graves of the dead. Most of the graves were marked by a shield, sword, or rifle with a name written on it. She did not get a chance to read it as a group of survivors from the previous battle appeared out of the wall of trees. One female Forysthan, two Rangers, a Dwarf, female half-elf, and a female archer in makeshift uniforms taken from the Gantronese and some other faction. One of them greeted her. 

"Good to see a fellow skoger walking about. What's your name?" the female half-elf said with a wry smile on their face. 

"Izzine White-Spear Arch Warrior of the Ivodran Order. I have been chosen to fill in for this Wizard named Gredaro. All I have been told is this mercenary and volunteer army have gathered through the recruitment by 137 arcane users. There are more who joined us, and others waiting at Oceanrest Var. Oh and the pirates, and mercenaries are with me." Izzine replied to the half elf. 

"Charmed to meet thee Izzine. I am Cannie Chimay the Bard. These fine chums of mine are Durditz the Dwarf, Bellime the Forsythan, Faidal, Christal, and Vodern. We are members of the IBOIS short for International Bureau of Operations for Intelligence and Security. Under the command of Cularis, and employ of Babik. The other commander, Tinnastra is currently in the west gathering others discretely." Cannie introduced herself spilling out who their organization was. 

"Where is your base?" Izzine asked looking around seeing foliage, crashed aircraft, and destroyed vehicles. 

"Underground and well disguised by the very island itself. Come on." Cannie answered the Zhenrai. Izzine turned to see the pirates, and mercenaries come towards them. 

"Follow them. They are Orbik's mercenaries the IBOIS or International Bureau." Izzine commanded the mercenaries and pirates. All eight mercenaries followed her, and just ten pirates were permitted to follow. 

These IBOIS mercenaries led them into the forest on the island. Trekking through the jungle the Bureau members cut to the left in a detour across the open ground where patches of grass were just now growing back. The one called Faidal pulled on a metal piece on the ground. A trap door in the earth was opened up to an underground bunker. One by one they climbed down the ladder into the constructed bunker that was on this island for several months. Stepping down on the hard surface they were in a large circular chamber that acted as a front porch. On the walls were written the words First Island.

Escaping Rednight Fangsir

 Seated in a corner of the room a fine dressed pale faced figure had their eyes on Izzyr, and Bidfrid. The room was barely illuminated by the several lamps inside it. Just the dimness added more to the ominous appearance aside from the pale fine dressed figure looking at them. Izzyr's elf eyes made out the figure along with three others in the room. Why they did not stop Abane from attack them was beyond him at the moment. Turning to Bidfrid the Detective found him lifting up Abane from the floor and slinging her over his shoulder. The Dark Elf returned his gaze to the figures in the room. Grabbing the hilt of one his blades he prepared to engage one of them in case a fight broke out. In a blink of an eye the one who was seated zipped towards him. Whoever they were they stood at 7ft tall as a  handsome male with long fingers, and powerful physique. They grabbed him by the arm and lifted him up to their face. 

"Go. The way you came back." were the only other words they exchanged to him before dropping him. 

Another figure came roaring and screaming down the hidden hall they came through. One ugly grayish skinned stout figure in patched up clothing charged at them. Bidfrid punched him in the face knocking the ugly humanoid to the ground. He stepped over the figure back into the hall. Izzyr looked down at the ugly face seeing a heavy brow, oval shaped eyes, small nose with wide nostrils, wrinkly, scabbed, and boiled skin allover. Its mouth was a little wide to be a normal humanoid. Choosing to leave it be Izzyr stepped over the body, but not before finishing it off with a stab to the throat with its own dagger he found on it. Retaking the same passage in the walls the pair of them went backtracked. From the interior of the walls they heard a jumble of noise coming from allover the inside of the establishment. Screams, growls, and roars filling the rooms along with clash of weapons said they entered a turf war. The only ones he cared about right now in this eerie city were the helpful staff and the once enraged unconscious Abane. Drawing his weapon Izzyr did not look back. Doors behind them slowly closed and locked themselves. 

Feeling like they were trapped the pair of them skimmed the walls for any hidden doors. On both sides they found three doors that led to different rooms and situations. One room led to an orgy of some sorts where the staff were engaged in sexual intercourse. Another led to an aftermath of a fight that was yet to move on to other parts. The last one led to the outside alley. Getting out of this establishment appeared all too easy. Izzyr suspected a trap to be sprung. Looking up at the roof tops and walls he expected to find someone clinging to the walls. He was wrong about there being a trap. No one could be seen on the rooftops or in the windows of the dark buildings that flanked the alleyway they entered. Searching for an alley that would cut through the streets to the entrance Izzyr held Bidfrid back for a few moments. Spotting no dead ends or any paths that would steer them away Izzyr lead Bidfrid towards the entrance of Rednight Fangsir. Passing through two blocks of alley ways the pair of them ran into a turf war that erupted in the streets. He did not know how often it occurred in Rednight Fangsir. Izzyr surmised this had an impact on the activities that went on inside the city boundaries. Residents ran down the streets in panic trying to get away from the turf war. 

Whichever street they were on it filled with blood, bodies, and combatants. Possibly members or affiliates of different gangs, or thralls of a syndicate 50 Orcs, 7 outlaw knights, 6 swordsmen, 10 rogues, 11 troll like monsters, 15 Elf fighters, 5 Elf Archers, and scores of different humanoids spilled one another's blood. Lasting no more than five more minutes this street onslaught came to end leaving corpses, and wounded in its wake. Seeing the coast was clear Izzyr and Bidfrid raced towards the streets that lead to the wall. It was around this time the Rednight Fangsir Guards marched from either side of the street apprehending or killing the combatants. Their boots and footwear stepped in puddles of blood oozing out of the dead, wounded, and their entrails that spilled out. Izzyr almost slipped as they turned to enter another alleyway. Blindly entering this one they ran into some more thugs, one of whom was wounded. Clothed entirely in yellow these thugs did not reveal what they looked like. One of the, a 6ft humanoid lunged at them with a strange modified weapon that had three blades facing them. Izzyr blocked the first blow then cut the assailant down before running the other one into the wall with his blade. Doing the wounded one a mercy he cuts their throat not knowing what they looked like, what race, or gender. Eager the get out asap they raced down this new path only to run into a city guard who was on the hunt for combatants of the Turf War. Baring their teeth under the shadow of their helmet this Guard showed fangs of some sort. Starting to growl at them this Guard brandished a pair of gauntlet weapons. Both appeared like steel claws on the Guard's hands. Izzyr attempted to dance with him with his sword tapping both claws before jutting out with the blade at an exposed area. This Guard caught his sword and grinned. 

"Are you with the Red Loners, Black Pillagers, Phantoms, Yellow Corpse Posse, or the Hopeless ones?" the Guard asked them. 

"No we are part of none of those groups. I am Detective Izzyr Nadisim of the Drow city state of Neppetz. This is Bidfrid a Bounty Hunter for hire. We were sent here to retrieve Abane here." Izzyr responded to the question. 

This guard's growl went away, and his teeth disappeared behind lips. All facial features became relaxed with puzzlement. Blinking and shifting his eyes this Guard of Rednight Fangsir loosened his grip on Izzyr's sword. It took a moment for this one gather the words to even respond to his answer. Scratching his chin with a claw he pondered over this. Meeting people unaffiliated with those gangs during a turf war in the streets was apparently un heard of. His gaze returned to the pair of outsiders. The guard pulled something out of his cuirass and a writing utensil from his gauntlet. Just as he opened what looked to be a leather covered journal his head was cut off from behind. The Guard's beheaded corpse fell to the ground. A hooded figure armed with a very nice looking bastard sword stood behind the corpse. 

"Come on!" the hooded figure urged them. They beckoned for them to follow. Knowing they hardly knew where they were Izzyr looked at Bidfrid. 

"Did you forget your way around Rednight Fangsir?" He asked Bidfrid. The large man shot him a look. 

"No I did not lose my way around! Just follow that Ranger!" Bidfrid snapped at him. 

Shutting up Izzyr chose to follow this hooded figure. Racing through the interior alleys this figure took them to the walls of the city. A hidden passage was opened and they lead the pair of them through the interior walls to the the outside barrier of Rednight Fangsir. Pushing past some brush the Hooded Ranger, Drow Detective and large Bounty Hunter came across a man made clearing in some woods that flanked Rednight Fangsir. Inside the clinside earing they met up with 34 other hooded figures. Some were humans, Dwarfs, half elves, and straight up Elves. One of the Elves stepped up to the center. Pulling back their hood they revealed themselves to be female with jet black hair. Her attention went straight for the pair of retrievers.

"We are the Sun-Guards who protect these parts from any incursions made by the Vampires or Dhampirs of this mountain city." she said not even giving her name to them. 

"I am a Detective, and this is a Bounty Hunter who has been here before. We have come to return this woman back to Neppetz with her family." Izzyr pointed out to these Sun-Guard figures. 

"Check them. Once they have been checked. We shall return them to their homes or cure them if need be." The female commanded the rest of them. Four of the hooded figures marched up to them and checked all three of them. 

"None of them have any marks or bites Mistress." one of the hooded figures showed their Leader, the Dark Haired Elf. 

Without so much as a word the leader ordered for them to mount up on what appeared to be Large Cat-Like Creatures the size of a horse. Izzyr hesitated to even approach one of these mounts. One of the Hooded Sun-Guards pulled him and Bidfrid over to where their own mounts were hidden. Feeling a bit of relief inside Izzyr mounted his original steed that he rode to Rednight Fangsir. Once Bidfrid was mounted with Abane slung over the saddle the Sun-Guards rode off towards the south. Taking multiple switchbacks and detours through the woods, and over ridges they led the duo back to the city of Neppetz within a span of several days. Doing this was not without encounters with hostiles, or avoiding large war parties that kept lurking or swarming around other peaks. 

Izzine's Command and More

 Entering the stadium they came to a hollow portion that acted like a single chamber sized hall that encircled the main stadium. While they made their way to the main court portion the one named Odolin handed Izzine and Bykon notebooks with some lists. Bykon flipped through it out of curiosity. It contained listings of soldiers, and mercenaries hired. On some pages he spotted data for how many were hired, and how many wizards there were. As he kept going it showed which wizards, and witches hired which groups of mercenaries along with volunteers. The moment they entered the main court area for events Bykon stopped at the doorway. Filling the seats, and columns appeared to be a total of what he estimated to be two thousand seven hundred and more. 

Most of this stadium's space remained largely vacant. All the center, which was the court was filled up. As they progressed to the main balcony where the main speeches for this meeting was to take place more people poured in, citizens, civilians, and curious onlookers. They filled the upper columns as the ones with the mercenaries were blocked off. He assumed it was to keep them separate from the curious civilians who would piss them off in some way. Bykon expected this lot to start fighting each other, but he was wrong. These hired forces did not even argue. Each one appeared to be paid a nice sum of some sorts to appease them. Laughter, conversation, and chatter filled the inside stadium while the rain added to the noise. Izzine followed the Wizards with Bykon trailing behind. Once they took their seats another figure took the position at the microphone. Once seated Bykon began looking over who Izzine was going to be fighting alongside. 

"Welcome to the first meeting of the IBOIS. It warms my heart to see all the wizards, mages, witches and druids with their hired mercenaries gathered here..." the intro speaker addressed the crowd before them. 

While this meeting went on he read through all the wizards and their hired help. Some 84 Cat Warrior from Zegrav hired themselves out to avoid VUVR authorities after going renegade. One warrior family of 26 came to help a female mage they knew. Hailing from a Talus island a Wizard gets help from 12 friends after losing his laboratory. The very Wizard Izzine was filling in for hired 8 mercenaries, 43 pirates, and one youth with a ship. Tyen the Aqua Wizard-Mage came with 2 Forsythans as bodyguards, and 6 retainer warriors as hired hands. For Odolin's hire a group of 53 Blood Fighter Mercenaries arrived. Hired by some Wiccan named Ishann were 40 Stealth warriors. Egorse hired 9 soldiers with 7 sharpshooters to command. Someone named Madox Azzin managed to hire 119 Yellow Mist Goblins alongside 202 Blue-troopers from Kilscari. Eforahim brought 19 Evusian Auxilliaries. Another named figure named Apannos hired 31 gunslingers to add to this gathered force. An enchanter named Veleus came with 4 automatons, 1 blue elf Zhenrai outcast who had to stick with them. Under the enchanter he read the name Apon Janori who brought in 3 Orcs, 3 Dwarfs, and 2 Hybrids avoiding VUVR draft. 

Bykon focused more on the lists over the meeting, which apparently did not mention him yet. It left him time to read the rest of the lists. A Luvahan Elf Sorcerer hired 34 Knights and soldiers. One crew of 42 pirates came with a half-goblin mage. Three Wizards hired 63 Evusian warriors. Four Wizards constructed 27 automaton guardians/soldiers. When he read how many he doubted 613 Dragon Knights-Warriors would even bother with a Temple Witch. Apparently five Black Mages managed to hire 3 buccaneers, an adventurer, some ship pilot, a gentleman with 2 Knife Fighters. He did not read where they came from, but he noticed a Pit Fighter, Marksman, an adventurer, Rogue, a Man at Arms were hired by 2 Witches with their butler. One ship Captain, one crossbowman, commander, an Archer, some Navigator came under the employ of  a Druid. One Summoner hired a ship captain with crew, buccaneer, 2 special forces, a long bowman, and swordsman. Two shamans hired a pilot with crew, a pirate, Ranger, swordsmith, a single Bard, and 3 Brigands. A team consisting of a Bounty Hunter, Raider, watchman, rogue, a ranger, and pickpocket were hired by a witch. One Wizard accompanied by their maid hired one Man at Arms, one Ranger, one Crusader, a single Adventurer, and a wandering clansman. One ship's Captain with a crew, 6 pirates, a smuggler, some warrior, a Crocodiloid, and 8 Goblins came under the employ of a lonely Druid. One duet of a Summoner and Warlock hired 3 Paladin, Dark-sword Assassin, a Dame, half Ogre, 3 Wolf Uxane warriors. 

Making up a team of 8 a Ranger, 2 burglars, Dame, one Orc, Warrior, one Bodyguard, and single Archer were hired by 2 Wizards. Forming her own platoon one summoner rallied a female warrior, 2 Nevoran Blinder C6 Pilots, 28 troops, and constructed 3 automatons. A rich witch gathered a tank crew of five, a gunship with a crew of four, 2 knights, 2 soldiers, and 4 Elite warriors. Another pair of Wizards hired 3 Evusian Tracker Plane pilots, 5 troops, a pilot knight, and Evusian Fighter. One quartet of fighters hired by a Sorcerer included a knight, a half Ogre, a wood elf sergeant, and a female Barbarian. As he kept reading they introduced each member of the 137 member meeting. One female Wizard hired just 9 for her force, 4 scouts, an exiled warrior princess, 3 Talus warriors, and a Monk Warrior. One Levitation Wizard hired 3 Koriv warriors, one exiled heroine, an Evusian sniper, one Forsythan, and an Uxane. 

Among these Wizards he found a dark Wizard listed who hired a Vorcadam Warrior, Gorav Katana wielder, 2 Carbon Warriors, and 2 Redrin Marksmen. An Elf Warlock was listed hiring an exiled princess with 5 warriors, one Mezeen Kol, a Desert Warrior, an Ivodran, and Uxane prowler. A group of 9 random warriors, 4 half-goblin ruffians, 2 Demons, 14 skull warriors, and 3 Uxanes found themselves hired by one Wizard. One dozen Wizards gathered 3 Winged Angels from Syrianos, 57 Knights, 51 Dwarf Hammers, 15 Barbarians and 228 Elves. Coming from West Koriv a Wizard seemed forced to hire 6 Goblinites, 2 syrianos demonoids, 4 half-goblinoids, Forsythan, and a Ranger. Looking down he noticed it was longer, but he wanted to keep going. Barely forming a squad was a Brute hybrid, one heroine, some Assassin-Rogue were hired by another pair of Wizards alongside 8 Goblins. Imprinting their own mark on the lists one lone Wizard hired a Forsythan, a Ranger, some Rogue, 6 Dwarf Axeman, an Initiate, 5 Bladesmen, and 5 crossbowmen. A second Dark Wizard somehow got a Crocoid Warrior, 3 cultists, 2 pirates, 4 civilized Gnolls, 4 Goblins, 4 Orcs, 12 Brigands into the same room. Seven Wizards who probably had enough between them hired 15 half Orcs, 5 Spearman, 8 Goblina, 4 Orcs, 8 Marksmen, 8 Warriors, and 4 Gnolls. 

He was surprised to find a second or so Warlock who rallied 8 Orcs, 2 Archers, 6 Knights, Dwarf Hammerer, 2 Rangers, 8 troopers for their contribution. The fourth or whichever number of Wizard pairs hired 6 Zedirian Kanines, 32, Malvieth contractors, 4 Marines, one pilot with a crew of 43, and a monster slayer. The third summoner on the lists brought together 4 conscripts, 3 Marksmen, a ship's captain with crew of 17, 9 Bladesmen accompanied by 2 bored highwaymen. He discovered the 6th Witch bagged herself 2 Assassins, one Pilot with a crew of 58, 6 mercenaries, 3 Knights, one swordsmen, a scout, and 3 troopers. Not surprised to find another group of wizards he counted five. These Wizards paid 4 Elf Paladins, 6 Bandits bound by service, 3 Dames, 2 Knights, 5 pirates for this operation. Down the line he found the largest grouping of arcane users. Fifteen female arcane users arrived to the meeting with 9 Elf Blades, 2 tamed Gnolls, a Goblin Dame, 5 Orc Clansmen, 50 soldiers, and 7 Rangers. The third Sorcerer here hired 4 samurai from Vorcadam, 3 Gnolls, 3 Morgadrans, and a pair of Nahemine duelists. Six conjurers hired 5 Bloodcats (Deadly Mezeen battle assassins), 4 Dark Elves, one Vampor (Renegade Holy Warrior), 6 Troopers, one Zhenrai, and 3 purchased automatons. One trio of snake sorcerers collected 3 Uxane, one Bandit, 2 half-Orcs, a Goblin explosive expert, 5 Troopers, 3 Syrianos Divers, and a female blacksmith. The fourth pair of Wizards drafted 2 tanks with a crew of 10, 7 pilots, 8 Rovantian soldiers, and modern armored trooper. Accompanied by a Wizard 2 mages employed an elf blacksmith, one Vorcadam Samurai, a monk fighter, half-orc, one bandit and a hybrid outcast. One Mage hired 4 tamed Gnolls, 4 Orcs, 14 Goblins, 8 bandits, 8 soldiers, 4 Paladins, and 2 Rangers. Just under the Mages he found a Mage and Wizard teamed up. Nine Orcs, 2 Archers, 2 Knights, 3 Dwarfs, 6 soldiers, and an assassin came under their employ.  Two Warlocks drafted one Dame, 4 Half-Goblins, Orc Brute, and one anti-infantry truck. A platoons worth of 30 Rovantian troops, 4 Orcs, Uxane Renegade, and Syrianos Ruffian came under the employ of 3 Elf Wizards. Hopefully the last duo of Wizards on this list Bykon found only hired 2 engineers, 2 soldiers, 2 pilots to one bomber who also recruited a mechanical trooper. The last trio of Wizards hired one Ranger, one Redrin Trooper, a lesser Zhenrai, a chronicler, and 5 ruffians. On this list of 137 or so he found the last Wizard close to the bottom who rallied an Evusian Elite, 2 Rogues, 5 Dwarfs, and 2 Forsythans. Five arcane users recruited a crew of 5 who operated an airship, 4 Elf Paladins, 5 Knights, and 26 Elf troops. 

To the average person it would be pointlessly boring, but to him it was something intriguing. Bykon sat there with this booklet reading off what was being rewarded, weapons being offered, and vehicles. Among the rewards are 38 bags of coins, 22 chests of coins for some group. From a donor 144 Rovantion Dolphin coins were being rewarded. The assortment of Rovantion Dolphins was not the only collection of coins being rewarded. One assortment of Tante crosses held 200. He also found 120 gold Kilscar Orvain coins among the rewards with 120 gems. From a Borvadosian Nobless 12k Eagles was being donated as reward. A total of 400 International Globes was being rewarded. From someone a reward of 72 bronze Titans was among the rewards. From Nahem an assortment of 100 Diamond coins, 100 gems, 2 earrings, 2 rings, and a necklace was found on the list. His eyes found a donation of 144 Mezeen Djinn coins, 288 International Globes, and 10 credits for 100 individuals that amount to 1000 each credit. A Lybresian was found among the donors giving 87k coins for the Wizards' crusade. A bag of 60k Turtles was found from someone he almost recognized, a Barrowson fellow. Some wealthy Wizard promised his mercenaries 12 horses as payment. Another bag of Turtle coins held 100 coins. One witch received 144 Tantos coins along with other rewards to pay her mercenaries. 35k International Globes was found on the list. Adding more Turtles a donor offered 150 Turtles, and 150 gems. In terms of weapons as rewards 6 gold swords, and axes was also being offered. Bykan doubted these were really made of gold knowing how cheap people can be. More Nahemines donated 72k Diamonds for this crusade. One chest of 230 coins was slapped on there as well. 

As he read more their voices rose up introducing themselves. A total of 110 Turtles, 500 Silver Turtles, 144 Oceanrest Var Blues, 144 Turtle coins, and 100 Gold Seals covered the last portion of a single page. Flipping it over he discovered more rewards such as 144 Silver Turtle Stars, 24 horses, 150 Starfish coins, 100 Black coins, 10k Sea Dragons, and 100 Turtles. The next page he found bags of 62k Sea Turtles. 10 International credits for 1000 each. Lybresian currency was found again offering 8000. 30 pieces of Djinns from Morgadra added a bit more to the pile. About 85 Gold Turtles, 57 Ivodran coins, 20k gold coins, 2k metal coins, 41k Elf Dark Coins, 12k in terms of Djinns, 125 gems, and 72k Silver Sea Turtles were also being offered. Weapons were added to the rewards for the mercenaries. A total of 2883 guns with ammunition were also being rewarded. 

On another page he found a fleet of 382 vessels of various sizes with crews being donated to this crusade. Each came with 250 sacks, crates, and barrels with provisions. A cache of 90 weapons and tools were also being given for any engineers or gunslinger personnel. More than 24 camp wagons with all the essentials and accessories. There must have been some decent businessmen and merchants willing to hand over some storage, 8,534 barrels, crates, and chests full of goods, and provisions. He also found 3958 barrels of fuel, and other needed necessities. Materials to construct 329 ballista-scorpions, and 29 cannons had be given by a Dwarf Engineer, and Master gunsmith. It terms of modern cargo, 85 cargo containers were being given to them for storage purposes. Another 73 crates , and 1133 chests pushed to help with this crusade. For housing or garrisoning purposes they were handed over 411 taverns, and houses along with 3 towers on six islands. Two wealthy Tante Aristocrats offered 97,770 Tantos Crosses for the crusade, and some other Nobless funded them with 229, 200 Globes. One Dwarf Baron gave them 23 Dwarf Ballista from his armament, and 24 war automatons to use. 

When the speeches were done and the location of their forward base was selected members of the gathered audience jumped at an opportunity. Although they already had mercenaries, these Arcane users received more recruits. One company of 206 volunteers eager to fight in this war signed up.  A battalion of 1,140 pirates, bored initiates, unemployed Rangers, banished Orcs, disgruntled troops looking for work, ugly outcasts, conscripted bandits, old adventurers, Goblins, and frustrated Knights joined them. Another company's worth of 247 friends signed up with the volunteers. Bykon's eyes opened wide when a third company of 108 approached them. More Rangers, Rogues seeking to escape the law, bored Knights, Dwarves, female Elemani warriors, Orcs, and out of work Archers signed their names. To his surprise 11 bomber pilots, and 5 fighter plane pilots who refused to miss any action signed on despite their country's neutral status. 

Gredaro's Replacement

 Just as he thought it would happen. His profession as a Zhenrai warrior brought him to the war. His own Master would have sent a knight with experience in warfare in his place. However, most of the one who fought in a war joined the militaries of their designated nations, which were now one Union. All the Grand Masters of the Zhenrai Order chose his travelling companion who was at a higher rank than him. Zhenrai Rhed Bransoone had to accompany Zhenrai Arch Warrior Izzine White-spear for this venture. She was chosen as someone's replacement or fill in of some kind. Riding inside a newly designed automobile these Zhenrai headed towards the location of some meeting that needed to be attended. According to the messages they, meaning Izzine, are to fill in for some Arcane Wizard taken out of the action. 

His craving eyes settled on Izzine White-Spear. This one female Zhenrai kept her gaze forward not caring if he was staring at her. She never allowed herself to get distracted some how. Izzine was a woman who held features most desirable in a bawdy house, courtship, and every man's fantasy dreams. Those lovely curves and breasts hid under the layers of her robes, and travelling trench coat. Most women and girls envied her appearances save for her hair, which was a required style. Izzine's cropped hair still had green dye that made it the clover's color. Standing upright she stood at 5'11 feet. He stood just two inches taller than her, but she was stronger than he was. Just looking at this square jawed, ideal nosed Elemani female aroused him. Urges to squeeze some parts of her kept coming up. Doing that to her would get his ass handed to him. Izzine could easily wipe the floor with him. 

Sitting beside her in a cab Bykon watched the rain pour onto the city they drove through. She was meeting one hundred and twenty-six Wizards, mages, sorcerers, witches, Sages, and other arcane users. They amassed an army to fight the Gantronese Empire. News of the Vestrisians fighting the invaders came to them every few weeks. It seemed these arcane wielders wanted a piece of the action. Izzine was to lead them while he was to avenge one of their fallen. Scared his hand would touch her by mistake Estati Zhenrai Warrior, Rhed-Bykon Bransoone used his telepathy to communicate. Izzine turned her head to face him. 

"Yes, Byko." She said acknowledging his presence. It appeared as though he disrupted her train of thought. 

"Did you get the right orders from the Ivodran Guild?" Rhed-Bykon asked her. 

"Yes, yes I did. Do me a favor." She answered with a request. 

"Yeah, what can I do?" he was getting worried now. What did she want him to do while here?

"Whenever you get done taking out that Necromancer in Tantos, contact someone for me." Izzine informed him in a cool soft voice. 

"Wait contact who?" Bykon asked her. 

"Let's just say we had a bad history. Over a year ago I almost tossed them in jail. He goes by the name of Cousai in the Nahemine Kingdom. If you could send a letter with this small package to that area would be great." She said handing a package to him along with a letter with an address on it. 

"Yeah I'll be sure to send this off. Did this Wizard you are replacing get shot or something?" Bykon looked at her as their ride turned left. The motion pulled them towards the right a little as the drive swung left down the street. 

"Just read the paper they have on Tantos." Izzine pulled out a newspaper from the backseat storage behind the driver. She shoved the paper into his chest and right arm. Taking the newspaper Brany read the name as THE DAILEY COURIER. On the front page was the headline of the main story. LAST NECROMANCER OF TANTOS DISTURBED FROM HIDING. This Necromancer had a gang of thugs, henchmen, minions, and an army of zombies under their command. According to the story a convoy or line of vehicles drove into the Necromancer's turf. They ran into a zombie creature then found themselves ambushed. A few drivers died, and one passenger was shot during the engagement. The leading vehicle was set aflame and the ones under attack fought back the assailants. When the authorities arrived at the scene they chased the goons off. A total of 28 goons were found dead, 58 got caught and arrested when found wounded from the shootout. Authorities found 37 aliens among their ranks hanging back in the alleys. Only fifteen of those were taken alive after a deadly chase and shootout in the labyrinth like back alleys. No more than 34 Zombie creations were found dead among the carnage. 

Reading all he could take in, Bykon put the paper back. Even though he could see Bykon's hands acted like he was blind. They fumbled for the package and letter she gave him to mail off. By the time his hands found the package their ride stopped at a stadium. Standing at 7 stories tall this stadium held enough room for 20, 000 spectators. Their driver did not bother parking the right way as he stopped. Bykon, and Izzine got out. He paid the driver who did not even look at him when he took the money. This bald tannish brown skinned fellow with the appearances of a former thug, bandit brute. 

The only thing he had to unload was his travelling accessory bag. All personal luggage stayed at the inn. They were here for business. Izzine brought nothing with her, since she was attending this meeting. Bykon checked surroundings as their ride left them at the stadium. Dropped off at one of the entrances to this stadium the Zhenrai picked up the pace. Whichever gate this was it was not where they were supposed to meet. Looking at the structure they found an overhang in the design. It became a suitable shade from the pouring rain. Both Zhenrai passed two entrances before finding a group of seven wizards waiting with their guards. Each arcane user wore a suite in the specific color or pattern design of the arcane powers they knew. That included Aqua Arcane, Oracles/Runes, Charm, Enchantment, and fire. 

"Hello, you must be Izzine White-Spear who is replacing Gredaro." One of them greeted the Zhenrai Arch-Warrior. It was the one who appeared to be a Master in Aqua Arcane Magic. "I am Tyen, and these are Veleus the Vorpalist, Apon Janroi, Odolin of Oracles n Rune Powers, Egorse the Charmer, Eforahim the Fire Handler, and Apannos." 

"I am pleased to meet you all. This is my travelling companion Rhed Bykon Bransoone. He is here to deal with that Necromancer in Tantos." Izzine replied, introducing him to the wizards. All their eyes looked to him. A bead of nervous sweat went down the side of this temple. Before he could even expect a rejection, they smiled then shook his hand roughly. 

'The rest of the wizards, and arcane users are all waiting for you. As for you Mr. Bransoone, you are welcome to join in this meeting. Even though Gredaro can be prickly and rash he will still accept you as replacements and avenger. I mean Rhed here will be avenging Gredaro's honor, and prestige as a wizard. Not many people are able to take down a Wizard as powerful as he was. Before coming here he took out a squad of Gantronese invaders." Tyen boasted taking the two Zhenrai by the hand. Being grabbed by the handmade Bykon feel like a child and causing a sense of embarrassment to enshroud him. He did not know how Izzine felt until he saw her face beaming with delight. These seven wizards took them inside the stadium where the meeting was to take place. Even though Bykon Bransoone was not supposed to be directly involved his presence would be welcomed anyways.