Castaria-Zegrav #7: Suppression and Liberation

Riding up to the circle of statues to rescue someone felt more like a knightly task to do. Not for the likes of her, and her Country Guards. However, most of the Knights were at the front, serving alongside those they would call peasants in an earlier period. She wished she had that armor to protect her legs. Brynn held the leg that was cut, pressing a hand over the spot where the bolt skimmed her leg. Taking a piece of cloth out of a pocket she wrapped up that part of the leg. Olalyn came to her side, checking on her.

“Are you okay? Can you still fight? Are you comfortable with that scar there?” Olalyn asked her, showing a commanding father’s concern over her new wound.

“Yes, Captain Olalyn I am able to continue this fight.” She replied, straightening herself up.

Knowing that they needed to get back the encampments both raced to find the emissaries. Circling around the statues they searched for these emissaries. After a six-minute search they did not find them. Rendezvousing at the Mulzaneen corpse they met empty handed. Choosing to go around the statues, the encountered another group waiting for them. Two male figures, a Castarian and Zegrav, 9 Gnoll gunslingers, 8 angry Gnolls who appeared to hate the V.U.V.R. and an Orc Chieftain holding a pair of emissary's hostage.

“My, my what do we have, Warwick?” one of the figures asked with a mocking expression.

“A pair of emissaries, Envoy Applemore of Evusia, and Diplomat Wyvernson of Niakoth. Our alien friends, Gnoll brothers, and Orc Chief to a plain tribe have a bit of beef with your Vestrisian Republics. Efreeti, I believe some payback is due.” The one named Warwick replied to him.

Before their very eyes, two emissaries died at the hands of their captors. Neither Brynn nor Olalyn froze for even a few seconds as they sprang into action. Those two emissaries had vital information for the Premviste and Mastar. Yards away she spotted three feline humanoids emerging from the tall grass. Behind them a total of 12 Vestrisians rose. These twelve soldiers opened fire on both the felines and the 20 captors, and insurgents. Brynn only got two of them, whereas Olalyn slew one Gnoll that charged him. Olalyn hollered out their ranks and names to the soldiers. Brynn glanced at the house used by Thanielle, and Bloodring, which was a country farmhouse. In the background she spotted a tower ruin next to a farm ranch near some woods. Using the woods as a barrier, this farm consisted of a stable, two farm homes, a well, a bird bath outside the house. Although small it could still hold more livestock. Just 10 cows, 15 chickens, 14 goats, 17 sheep, and two donkeys. A woman feeding 3 calves, and a calf feeder could be seen on the farm. Past this farmstead she spied a horse ranch. She was checking it out when the 12 troops approached them. All twelve still had their rifles on them.

“Are you blind or stupid? We are Vestrisians you green dingbats!” Olalyn yelled at them.

                All twelve troops lowered their E-7s, T.M. 13 bolt action rifle, and carbines. Looking at their faces, Brynn could tell these troops were at least eighteen or nineteen years old. Each one had shaven baby faces. Only you below that age or above fourteen were still in bootcamp. If their parents allowed that of course. Most of them looked like Castarians with white, beige, or slight tan skin. The rest of them looked to be dark Zegrav, or half Goblin in appearance.

                Lieutenant Powellson, squad leader of the 302^nd squad, 1187^th division, Vestrisian Infantry and Reserves.” The Lieutenant addressed himself like a green one.

                “Bury these bodies, except for the envoys’ corpses. You get an undertaker to help transport the bodies. Take whatever you find off these insurgents.” Olalyn commanded them. He left the green troops to their task and led Brynn back to their steeds. As they walked away one of the soldiers hollered for them.

                “Wait, Wait Captains, Majors, we found this leather journal! It has notes in it.” One of the soldiers raced over to them. Turning around, Olalyn told him to take it to base.

                Letting the soldiers deal with the alien bodies, the pair of Country-Guard Captains mounted up. Riding at a western set course, they headed towards the main encampment. Passing the farms, she noticed a child working there. This child appeared to be an orphan being aided by two care takers, and a Gnome artificer working on a shaded lamp. Coming to the side of the ranch, she could see 27 horse mounts grazing on the grass. They already gave their mounts time to graze and rest a little. Pushing forward on the road they followed it to a small settlement. Flanking the road was a hamlet-village. It consisted of a forge, tavern, old station, 3 windmills, 3 water towers, Veterinarian, another station, some stables of a horse farm, two farms, a horse trainer, horse caretaker, and an equestrian. There was also a bunny farmer with 30 or so bunnies. Outside they spotted 29 houses 5 equestrians, some staff members, 8 or more pigs, between 3-10 cattle, chickens, donkeys, goats, and three fam hands. She also spotted a main coon cat sitting on a garden chair.

                She could have sworn she spotted two extra houses among the dozen other homes. One of the farmers was giving a pet ram to a daughter. With no time to waste, Olalyn and Brynn raced past a castle being used as a base. One unit of Country-Guards that was all females, saw them rushing up to the base. When Olalyn explained the situation all 88 members mounted up to join them. Increasing their force both Captains led them along the road before it came to a crossroads. This one veered to the left and right. Taking the right path, they found the road followed the river at a parallel path for a mile. Staying on this road they passed two graveyards of nearly 283-300 gravestones.

                Returning to their camps by the bridges, they found more units showed up. One unit of 73 Dragoons led by a woman, and a larger unit of 438 under command of an Elf Colonel. These commanders were Captain Gretta Blackcrown, and Colonel Watheen, who arrived with E-7s, carbines, mortars, grenades, anti-tank rifles, mobile machineguns, and assault rifles. Brynn eyed the E-7s, T.M.13 bolt action rifles, carbines, and repeaters. Lance-spears, sabers, long axes, and pole axes could be spotted as melee weapons of choice for close combat or charging.

                Once every unit was prepared to move, they rode east. In a battalion sized force, Country-Guards, Dragoons, Paratroopers, Reservists, and armored vehicles rode past the Tricorn Hills. They technically went through the area, gaining 10 tanks. Seven miles past the Zaldo River, Rosefire’s unit came across 6 humble huts of the Forest Blight Prowlers, 4 cottages, and a farmstead. Here, three Elf Rangers, a single hired Rogue, and a Male Wizard volunteer with that stupid pointy hat on his head. They appeared to be hired to protect the farmstead, and the landlord boss. Moving past this point her unit ran into a crossroads where a skirmish occurred. Their units were not the only ones fighting this insurgency. Under the command of Mayors, Sheriffs, Knights, and Barons, militias formed. Although they were armed with conventional and melee weapons, 55 human guards, half-Orcs, and Dwarfs fought a group of 38 insurgents. They lost 39 killed, and 6 wounded. They were also pinned down by this group. Several shots went past their location as the two forces exchanged fire.

                Dismounting, Brynn ordered her unit to hunt them down. One bullet went past her ear, hitting an Orc in the shoulder. Every Country Guard crouched down. Hunting down these insurgents slowly, they spread out across the perimeter. As they endured the shooting from the unseen insurgents, they returned fire. Keeping low to the ground the Country Guard themselves caught in an ambush by 57 insurgents. Out of the brush from three flanks, Orcs, Dark Elves, Ghouls, Goblins, and Castarian insurgents sprang their attack. Knowing her own Country Guards, the attackers became trapped in a web of steel blades. None of her own Country-Guards were lost since the ambush was uncoordinated. Despite the failed ambush the insurgents still fired on them. As another bullet flew past her, she saw Dragoons and Country Guards raced through the trees and clearings. Brynn did not remount until they killed the other insurgents who suppressed the militia. One unit of twenty armed Ghouls, Tessari aliens were responsible.

Brynn Rosefire led her company to meet up with the fellow Country-Guards. They wiped out a unit of 61 insurgents, Gnolls, Ghouls, Molorcs (Orc Brutes), and Grevaskii sent over by the enemy. As for the Dragoons, 3 deity avatar imposters to a lion god, 39 Ogre, aliens, 20 Gnolls, 3 Ghouls, 5 small cave trolls, 2 wolf men and 5 Tessari died by their hands. Every horse mounted soldier gathered at a clearing. Leaving the vehicles to follow the road that appeared full of debris. While settling down to make camp they heard some reports about 57 Gnomes getting killed, 9 Frogfolks were found. Just when everyone across the world believed they were extinct, some just appeared somewhere. Somewhere the Dragoons found three female elf Wizards who went turncoat on the insurgents. Some said they took out a band of insurgents. Taking in these rumors Brynn wondered about the 88 female Country Guards who went off to patrol up and down the rivers. At the same time Captain Gretta Blackcrown appeared into her point of view. In her Blue Dragoon uniform, Gretta did not seem happy as she dismounted. She was a developed woman who had to deal with problems. Her breasts bounced a little as she landed causing some pain in her back. Holding her lower back Gretta leaned back then twisted a little before leaving her mount to a younger Dragoon horse handler. With very fine thighs, and legs, this Dragoon walked over to Brynn.

“I thought no one would let a woman become a Dragoon these days.” She said in a sarcastic tone. Brynn could not help, but grin at that. These were more modernizing times and keeping women out of the military was more outdated than the practice of slavery. Any male who heard that tried not to smile while scratching their heads.

                Of course, they would!” a male hollered at them stirring up laughter around them. Blackcrown flipped him off inciting a mass wave of impressed jeers.

                “Get back to your posts!” Jakab barked at them. Olalyn ordered for the Country-Guards to do the same thing. He left the captains alone.

                “Captain Brynn Rosefire. What is it like being in a mounted militia that acts as a cavalry police?” Blackcrown asked her, taking a seat.

                “Exciting when you are young, then it becomes a dread chore as time passes.” She answered her. Brynn looked at her, noticing something sticking out of her uniform jacket. She could only guess it was clothing meant to flatten her chest for riding.

                Both women looked at each other and laughed. Brynn invited her to her tent where they found Maplebee the pet owl, asleep. She shared her story then listened to Blackcrown’s story. Gretta used to be a stable hand before becoming a Dragoon. She once lived near a farmhouse that had a second farmhouse. Her own father acted as a native guide to Vestrisian troops. Before departing her home for the Dragoons, he gave her a wooden watch. Gretta showed it to Brynn as she mentioned three brothers, and a sister. One brother died in an accident while toying with a mechanized hot air balloon. Their neighbors were a family of goblins in western Castaria. She shared a story of when four goblin alchemists come under attack by two armed Ghouls.

                “…I cannot remember when, but I was 12 when one of those rascals freed a Zegrav Giraffe at a Zoo. No one, but the children or immature adults found it funny. He, Boagris, also tried riding it…” She sighed before continuing her story.

                “Being raised in Bovengrad wasn’t easy, but not difficult. My parents hired a half-demon geomancer from Zegrav. He taught us mathematics, writing, reading, some biology, and zoology. Both of my parents worked at a mercantile store owned by a bitch faced witch. Not that it really matters about the ownership. She did a fine job of running things. We also received three Dwarf grotesques become a Regiment. All four of them got fired after four to five years of their servitude. One of the six Zunia-Pucks our family hired as maids or nannies were impregnated by one of them. At first mother thought it was one of the sons until the offspring was born.” Gretta told her story to Brynn who feel like she could top hers with the one about the ghosts in the barn. A pair of air fighters flew overhead. The loud noise caught them by surprise. Looking outside the tent, Brynn spotted Dreamfires flying towards the west. The two were being followed by other aircraft. She could not tell if they were Screaming Hawks, Roaring Eagles, or Holy Angels, since she did not know the planes very well.

                “Enough chatter from me. What about you?” Blackcrown handed the floor for Brynn to speak, and tell her own story.

                “I do have children and my husband is a Major in the Airborne. He has been stationed in Vimasdra since 1842. According to his letters he may actually be in Gontrella.” Brynn answered Blackcrown as though she was a lifelong friend.

                “Airborne forces don’t usually reveal that kind of information. He is more likely in Vullan. The Nazdar have sent reinforcements, but we are winning-“ Blackcrown was cut off by the roaring engines of an alien bomber, an Arrowhawk flying over the area. Both aircraft took everyone by surprise as it came in so sudden. Everyone in the camps hit the ground as the bomber dove in dropping a single bomb into the encampment. Several of their own troops got hit by the bomb.

                This lone bomber dropped another bomb onto a tent. Whoever flew that Arrowhawk took their sweet time lining up a shot. She wanted to slap whoever that pilot was. Their hesitation cost the lives of eight country men, twelve wounded, and nine horses. Some of the Dragoons fired on this bomber. It was to believe this pilot was incompetent and this hesitant. Their piloting skills were top notch but the action to pull the trigger went missing. Two of the many shots fired at it hit its underbelly from below. Their absent-minded friend jerked and swerved a few times. Brynn got confused, and worried over angry. What the sverx were they doing? Was this the only person sent to help them? Brynn rolled her eyes and looked away.

                She could not put her gaze back on the Arrowhawk aircraft. A wave of insurgents launched an attack while their eyes were on the skies. Out of the trees, grass, and bushes another group of insurgents charged at them. Instinct took over as a camp of nearly 1600 spread out Country-Guards, and Dragoons wiped them out. Brynn fired two shots before it was even over. Whatever they wanted to accomplish it would only fail to another, forces’ feet. Moving in to count the dead an any wounded they found 210 dead, 269 wounded P.O.W.s, and news of 152 insurgents fleeing. Searching the dead and those who surrendered, the found a total of 1,116 objects. Total number of weapons included 688 maces, batons, knives, axes, machetes, short swords, claws, guns, crossbows, and hammers. Personal items, and valuables made up the rest This included valuables such as rings, watches, brooches, pins, prized daggers, pendants, keys, and various trinkets. Sets of keys, spectacles, ivory pieces, wooden figurines, dice, precious coins, flutes, cloth, and rabbit feet.

                Securing everything, Colonel Watheen, and Major Jakab ordered for the prisoners to bury the dead. For the rest of the day, they allowed the prisoners to bury or cremate their fallen comrades. Brynn did not have to watch over them. She felt relieved as she had a fear of the dead coming back for some reason. However, these insurgent prisoners came under attack. A total of 67 of these insurgent prisoners were added to the graves. Whereas the attackers lost 86 men with 80 dead, and 6 more captured. Angered by this turn of events her superiors forced the 206 remaining prisoners to hunt down the remaining 66 in the woods. One more day passed. They rested and waited for them to return. None of them expected their own commanders to be this cruel. It was not until three hours later when 65 returned having killed 61 of the remaining insurgents.

                Taking time to bury the dead, they ordered for another force to take the prisoners. Leaving the prisoners alone would give them babysitting duty. A duty she would not mind if the prisoners did not try killing them or escaping. After another day passed, they scrambled to meet their goal. In full force they rode further ahead. Even though this was their own country it still appeared unfamiliar. Trees such as cedar, maples, oaks, southern pines, elms, firs, kloves, Sour Bunyas, and fearful bayonets blocked their view. For several more minutes they passed through the region. Among the trees they moved along finding more insurgents, hanging dead on branches. Cutting them down, they discovered a large encampment in the large patch of woods, and portions of a clearing.

                Astounded by the discovery three companies perused through it. Letting the rest go on ahead would cover more ground. In their blind exploration of 2,160 tents and Lean to’s hidden they came under attack again. Brynn felt clumsy because of this distraction. A single force of 117 Goblins, Molorcs, Gnolls, Ghouls, and rebels defended the camps poorly. None of the Country-Guards fell while every attacker lay dead on the ground. Their blood covered leaves, weeds, moss, roots, and mushrooms. Another day of clearing the area of this insurgency. She knew they were fighting a government that took over their lands. Yes, the government of the V.U.V.R. implemented laws that went against their old traditions and practices. That was only to give people equal opportunities and freedom. Freeing them of a system that imposed slavery and allowed raiding on others. Now the focus was keeping everyone united against invasion.

                Maneuvering past this massive encampment brough them 7 miles away from the rivers. With more than a thousand mounted militia as cavalry, their force could overrun enemy positions. If they had well positioned machine-guns charging was useless. A dismounted approaching where the troops scattered and flanked the machineguns proved effective. Fortunately for them, this was not the case. Out in the open, they found a force of 1064 Troglodytes, a lone Kuruk leading 16 Goblins, 103 cat humanoids, an Ogre 9 Ghouls, five archers, 3 beast men, a goat hybrid and a dark elf spawn at a settlement of some sorts. This force was outside a connected settlement of 71 structures they could see. Coming closer as they cut down more insurgents more foes an, structures entered their viewpoint.

                Among these insurgents they found something interesting. After the battle that took the lives of 1,072 insurgents, 78 Dragoons, Country Guards they took prisoners. For prisoners just 141 were wounded up. Within the ranks of these insurgents was a traitor sheriff, dark elf spawn, a clueless Zedirian Puck, some war maiden, female pirate, a knight, alchemist, a female snake hybrid dead in a house, and an idiot actor. While securing the prisoners they entered this settlement. At the entrance stood two statues carved into faces, a pair of shut down automatons, and a fresh market. At the entrance stood a service for shops, tree stumps, a diner, post office, 3 modern homes, and complex structures with apartments. Behind these structures stood a Post office, General store, a Gas station, a safe house for spies, and 3 bases for homes. Just four construction vehicles sat near a factory warehouse.

                Pushing farther in and patrolling around, they found a theatre, coffee shop, fresh food market, volunteer fire station, Brewery and distillery, an old jail, and a water tower. Through the windows they spotted 202 or more sets of eyes watching a group approaching their location. One female priestess of Three Gods, Orthodox man, one retired Castarian who got dragged into this exited a damaged church to the creed of Crethos. His beard gave away his former rank as General. Coming from the Maat County this one decided to help. Three Uxane volunteered to help secure the flanks where the grain silo, water tower, four farmhouses, and wingless drake statues stood.

                Looking at the rest she spotted the gallows in the center, a skull statue held by a hand next to it. One mercantile building, five fruit stands, two coffee store houses, and a small pirate pub hide out added more to the scenery. There Brynn found 11 pirates, 50 Uxanes, and some heavy dump truck. As for the rest of the group they found happy clansmen, a scholar pondering life, and a soldier from Maat County. Each volunteer and several caches of 780 rifles, revolvers, pistols, and repeaters given to locals for defense. Letting these volunteers help, Brynn was sent to search the outer area. Outside the perimeter she found 7 potter studios, a paper mill, cotton mill, two textiles, 4 sulfur farms, and a lay out station. All along the back this settlement had a railway station, a signal tower railway tower, tavern-pub, two spice plantations on the opposite side of the track, and a single brick work with 17 pallets of bricks waiting for use. Circling around in a wider pattern they spotted an unlicensed airship with a crew of 8 leaving the area. A small fleet of 6 airships from other countries lands. Each one offers to take the prisoners away.

                Rallying back to the commanders, they reported some finds they made. A fake king who was ousted by Castarian insurgents was discovered. He was beaten to the ground by the locals over conning them. One snapping turtle is found near the track, and a cat walking on hind legs like a humanoid. Some religious symbols made from metals, 27 Republic Eagles, a purple letter found on a female admiral who got dragged into this. She was clearly at an age who had children growing into their teens. There was also a turquoise skull meant for a student, an hourglass filled with oil, and two lizards that scurried away. Most of the insurgents wielded homemade maces, war hammers, axes, caltrops, flails, spears, daggers, pitchforks, old sabers, and metal bars. Allowing the airships to take away prisoners, they settled down until dawn arrived.

                That next day, colleagues in arms brought camp over past the tracks. A little beyond a farmhouse they spotted two other settlements held by insurgents. An insurgent flag flew over both settlements. Close by they spotted a small team of 3 mortar men setting up. They were the ones who began besieging one rebel settlement. She could tell these soldiers were hiding somewhere, otherwise their corpses would be outside. As the day dragged on, they also began to besiege the town, learning about more details. Originally the town was under the supervision of 378 soldiers. Around the time of a riot, the insurgents rose taking towns and regions. Those two towns in Castaria were taken by 528 rebels, and one by 740 insurgents. In taking the large town and average one they killed 65 and took 30 wounded prisoners who are dead now. According to this mortar team these men crawled out in a force of 283 when the cavalry arrived. Showing confidence this force charged the closest and largest town. Despite their bravery they were beaten back by the insurgents who used VUVR weapons.

                While the confident troops charged against an armed force, Brynn overheard these towns had a population of 6858-8000 combined. About 5425 managed to flee the insurgent takeover. What seemed peculiar is how 1,431 of these townsfolk joined the insurgency and took over. After a fourteen-minute battle the attacking soldiers returned with 193 left. At least 37 insurgents died in the assault. In the battle they lost a stolen armored car, a troop transport, and a tank to the mortar team. Some buildings were also hit during the bombardment. Several minutes later the insurgents launched a counterattack. One used the jeep to lead 117 hybrid spawns, Gnolls, Ghouls, Goblins, Molorcs, and humans to their deaths.

                Glancing at the soldiers formerly stationed here, some started to question their backgrounds. It was not a bad thing, just the revelation showed diversity among populations. However, that diverse group just had to be involved in open rebellion. Especially against a society that does not discriminate. An invasion of their home world should have ensured that change. One of them muttered something about slavery. Apparently, the rights or privilege to own other beings as slaves getting abolished ruined their daily livelihood. Brynn sat on a stump wondering how long this battle would last. Another day passed as more forces arrived from the south, and the north. Colonel Watheen had broken off to send a force of insurgents packing with another force of 10,000 Orc troops capturing 461 traitors to the VUVR. Yet the Orcs split up into brigades and battalions that occupied seven settlements. From the south their tanks fought a force of 631 insurgents from Kaniima-Badraan regions. More tanks got involved, killing a total of 398 insurgents, taking 177 prisoners. In the battle they lost just 94 crewmates. Only 56 insurgents fled south with a Kaniima of 4 leading them. Two knights, two dog Gnolls were apprehended. One volunteer airship sped them away to the prisons.

                On the next day she found herself ready to attack these insurgents holding the two settlements. Looking over the area she could make out another post office, a two-story house, tobacco store, 8 modern homes, one mercantile building, a converted farmhouse, fuel station, a diner, volunteer fire house, and a two-story train way house. Each structure sat in between brick homes. Some were painted white, yellow, blue, green, gray, light blue, gold, red and magenta. In total she could make out 406 houses that can be seen among the landscape. Feeling like they failed in holding onto these towns the rest of the soldiers attacked as one unit. Their assault did happen right away. Mortar team one, went after the two tanks the rebels tried maneuvering. Whoever was operating those tanks did not know how to drive a tank properly. Brynn watched it hit a house then explode as it tried backing up. A single mortar wound was shot at it nailing the tank with more luck than precision.

                How well can the duel go? It was the first question she thought when she saw the insurgents attempt putting out a fire. Using this as a distraction, 193 troops and the 461 traitors charged the insurgent positions. Brynn gripped her rifle while watching this one combined wave drive the insurgents further into the town. Suffering a loss of 237 the 417 forced themselves to stop. If they moved any further, they would wind up in an ambush. A small portion of their losses were wounded, whom had to be carried away.  Under sniper fire they had to carry wounded slowly while colleagues suppressed the insurgents. Looking over to the north, Brynn spotted the northern force to set up a siege. They called for any civilians to be allowed to go freely.

                Since there were civilians being freed, they had to accept the loss of time and gained ground. Brynn’s own wave of attackers did not get to launch until the next day. Getting civilians out took a good portion of their time. Forced to wait on them, they watched the settlements in shifts. While watching they heard rumors that involved 56 insurgents joining this group of rebels, and more civilians held hostage. By the time the morning rolled into 10:13 A.M. Brynn’s force began their assault on another flank of the rebel held town. With a force of 576 Dragoons and Country-Guards, Brynn rushed over to the settlement’s flank. Crossing over the tracks, their combined battalion moved around the town’s left flank. No one fired a shot yet. It was still morning, and most people did not get much sleep either. As whole unit Dragoons, and Country-Guards passed a drug store to flank the dug in rebels. When the rebels woke up, they wouldn’t be able to resist for long.

                Being this close to the enemy at this hour was lucky to Kryscine. He fired a single shot into the air. It was his way of signaling it was time to attack. Any units near them launched their attack on a single settlement. Pouring into the streets, they caught the rebel's completely off guard. For a whole hour they fought and killed 425 rebels holding the settlement. The rest of these rebels surrendered with not much fight left in them. Having suffered few losses, they had the rebel prisoners form lines then march to their encampment with their arms raised up. Through some questioning and searching the Vestrisians found 72 townsfolk held captive, and 58 others were found as prisoners to the rebels. The rebel leader was a Castarian hedge knight named Captain Ghwalimir. Four a whole hour she and other women had to calm anyone who collaborated with these rebels. Orders were to suppress this rebellion not to punish citizens who got involved. Those orders came directly from Premviste Oldenstern, and Maxim-Senator Greymir. The Furd, the main commander in chief, was preoccupied with the main war going on in the west. Brynn glanced over at the northern force wondering how livid the Furd, Mysdran, Premviste, Maxim-Senator, and Cenators would be over them using prisoners as cannon fodder. Yes, the recent elections saw Greymir in office for a second term, and a new Premviste in Officer, Dawnmore. Dawnmore was a half-elf shipwright, and Loanshark from Geverine. Greymir was more of the former Royal Advisor, politician, Explorer, and Police Officer in his youth.

                Stopping in her tracks, she caught a glimpse of someone she recognized among the Dragoons who passed by. Brynn could not help but watch him. Was this a person she once knew from somewhere? His name escaped her for a few moments. Wyllum nudged her automatically jogging her memory. The name of this person was Dennis Backshi, a rascal, a varmint, and miscreant. He was told to leave town, however he went into hiding. Not taking her eyes off him she ignored Wyllum for a few seconds longer. The moment he disappeared behind other Dragoons she turned to Wyllum.

                “Captain, Major Olalyn wants to see you.” Wyllum said into her ear, informing her.

                Patting him on the shoulder, Brynn could tell he was going to be capable at other professions. Going for the Major’s tent she passed hundreds of Dragoons and Country-Guards. It was already afternoon, and they were preparing to move out again. Walking up to the tent she came upon an argument going on. Newly promoted Major Olalyn argued with a younger human Captain of the Airborne unit whom, arrived with the Orcs. She barely heard the words before it ended. Whatever it was over she did not appreciate the way that young Captain spoke to Olalyn. The young Captain stormed out of the tent, brushing past her without a word. She thought that was childish, and rude. Somewhere in her mind she believed his home area should be notified and kept from gaining employment as punishment. Brynn stood at the entrance to the tent. Olalyn did not look pleased over the argument.

                “What do you want? I mean enter Captain Rosefire. We may have to move south without military personnel.” He did not even look at her when he acknowledged her presence. There was a sincere tone to his voice that sounded betrayed by decision making.

                “What? Why?” she blurted out in disbelief. Was the military leaving the militia to fight this insurgency alone alongside the Dragoons?

                “A group of 34 insurgents were spotted close to the area, and 14 were arrested. They claim the insurgents are also in Zegrav. So, it will be just us and the Dragoons.” He replied to her turning his head to face her.

                “They should be glad we have over a thousand people in a combined force.” She persisted.

                “More will come our way from the east, north, and northwest. Aside from Zegrav, there are rumors of an incursion up north, and a civil war brewing in Ottante. Two more settlements to the south are under Castarian rebel control. We should receive a total of 6,450 Dragoons, and 5850 Country Guards. However, we may need to rendezvous with them twenty miles from here. Towards the southwest and move forwards slowly.” Olalyn briefed her, while advising her at the same time.

                Moving slowly, they spent nine days zigzagging from town to town ensuring the insurgency had no presence there. They crossed paths with a force of 185 Green troops straight out of boot camp, who followed a pair of tanks. Among them were others, such as a motorbike scout, anti-infantry armored car, mobile artillery on tracks, and a heavy prototype tank with two barrels. Trailing behind was a new armored car with a mounted turret, lone radioman and 20 Orcs. On the fifth day they ran down a force of 537 insurgents attempting to stall them. The ninth day saw their entire force came upon some ruins with staircases exposed, wall ruins, and a circlet of volcanic wall overgrown. Most ruins were covered in moss, piled up dirt that became overgrown with grass growing. Among the ruins they discovered four rocky hill bunkers, four ancient portals that were broken and shattered. Near one of these ruins they also found four female pirates. All four were hiding from someone.

                While setting up camp they learned about a crew of 60 pirates working with some aliens. According to the story about the quartet, four pirates were beheaded, six slashed down, 10 were shot and 23 pirates were now prisoners to fellow mercenaries, and Spec Ops. The last 13 other pirates took off with a freighter leaving two behind in the ruins. One of the female pirates informed they could be found near a field of boulders, where a red ruck could be found along with 23 aircraft.

                More details of their mission came out of a dark-haired luscious pirate with blue skin. A ten-man team of winged Syrianos agents were sent to retrieve something for a fat boss. One Crusader signed along with the others. By the time they landed, all the mercenaries, and elites they hired turned against them. Only two of the Syrianos agents made it back to the freighters leaving the rest of them to die. Wondering if these pirates were in full collaboration with rebels, they had all four apprehended. Ensuring these four pirates would not escape, or get in the way, Jakab had them imprisoned inside a shed. The Colonel ordered Brynn to take out these other aliens, and bring any survivors over to him. Saluting the Colonel, Brynn left the Colonel’s tent for her steed. Remounting with her unit she rode out to find these other aliens. Going through the field of boulders they searched behind the largest ones. She it did not feel good the hoofs of their mounts, but she pressed them onward with promises of carrots. During the first hour of the hunt, they found the crusader tied to a bold with his throat slit open. Writing him down as dead, she ordered for the crusader to be buried by 10 Country-Guards. While cutting his binds they discover an alien key shaped like a split spearhead. Pushing further they found the two freighters in the ruins.

                Both freighters held the shapes of a lighter and a belt buckle with a few portions missing. Wherever these freighters were in the boulder field they found the 23 pirate prisoners, and their captors. One hairy goblinoid, 2 Cyborgs, a broken-down steam golem she heard existed, 4 mutant brutes, a steer mantis humanoid, a pair of warlock blades, 2 jetpack troopers in green-grey armor, a scout, and a Guardian fought them. She lost 16 Country-Guards since they swarmed in the open. Rather than circle around, they rode right into the set-up base. On horseback they kept at it, killing all the alien pilots who were resting or just sleeping.

                A total 35 grounded aircraft were found by a red truck within several clearings. Taking the pirates prisoner, Brynn had the dead buried or burned. When they were done, she had her Country-Guards mark the star ships, and freighters with blue and gold piece of cloth. While waiting for them to return to her she spotted a squadron of eight aircraft fly this way. One quartet of Dreamfire4s, 3 Dreamfire 5s, and a bomber flying towards the south. She watched the squadron fly overhead letting her gaze follow them. In the skies to the south a fleet of twenty-four freighters shaped like elongated beetles could be seen. Although the shapes of these vessels resembled a beetle, they also held the shapes of train cars. Both squadrons of aircraft in the skies split up at the same time. Nine of the freighters broke off leaving 15 to land close to their positions. Vestrisian aircraft launched their attack to harass the incoming freighters. Making passes they tried bringing down a few of these beetle shaped freighters. One went down as it prepared to land, but its landing was turned into a fiery crash into the earth. The rest of the freighters fought off the Dreamfires with their mounted turrets. Being the only bomber in the squadron, the Classic Boy II went straight for a motte and bailey wooden castle. Breaking off this lone bomber turned left then slowly returned to its target. Watching their own aircraft struggle to bring down another freighter brought a sense of defeat. Brynn sent a scout to report back to Colonel Watheen. Not ever bothering to watch these aircraft crash or land she forced herself to accept fourteen alien ships invade them. She bit her lip while forced to see 8 others escape the Dreamfires. Looking back at the bomber she saw it was damaged as a bit of smoke emerged from its wing.

Getting vibes that they ran out of time; Brynn rallied all her Country Guards nearby. She meant to mount a charge on the landing freighters. Racing through the rest of the ruins and boulders they found the fourteen freighters landing on the ground. From the underbellies and the sides of these metal beetles troops poured out. A force of 2016 armored troops were preparing camp like nothing happened. As crazy and suicidal as it looked, she led her Country-Guards towards the oblivious invaders. Her eyes still focused on the turrets that forced their Dreamfires away. Expecting the turrets to fire she signaled for her riders to get in loose formation. Firing from horseback they caught the invading forces off guard. Her own Country-Guard circle this landing zone with the next settlement their viewpoint. Cutting down these new invaders paralyzed their pilots from getting to their ships in time. She could tell these aliens were too scared to even move because of the shock of their assault. Taking out the rest of these invaders in the landing zone her Country-Guards left the freighters alone. It was none of their business what was inside. She had a strict rule over these Country-Guards. Anyone loots without permission they get beaten in a gauntlet. Brynn’s unit was alone for a short time until the rest of the Country-Guards and Dragoons came in from the flanks. They made quick work of the invaders clearing a path to attack the wooden castle. Checking on the carnage they took the surviving pilots prisoner. Getting information out of them wasn’t easy. It had more to do with language barriers, and some soiled themselves. Whatever species of humanoid some of these were, they gave off a horrid stench when they soiled themselves.

After a full day of interrogations back at camp, they discovered a force of 790 rebels controlled that motte and bailey. It was on that day, the rest of their forces arrived in the area. One of the pilots also revealed four more settlements remained in rebel hands, and a force of 1053 were on their way here. This force was tasked with bolstering defenses at the motte and bailey castle. Before the Colonels ordered the prisoners away, they revealed something else. One group of four alien ships called Raider Corvettes prowled their skies for a month. Their planets clouds made for good cover.

Operations to reclaim the motte n bailey did not start until the next day. Riding back out in force a was a combined brigade that found three other forces at this motte. One force was made up of a mixed unit of 1053 or so. Close to 234 Gnolls marched in the second force that came in from the southwest. As for the third force, just 708 Orcs who began their charge upon seeing them. Full of the battle rage these Orcs did not care about the odds against them. The Gnolls followed the Orcs’ example barely reaching the Vestrisians before getting mowed down. Several hundred Country-Guards and Dragoons fell in the engagement. Most were wounded while over 50 of them died. The 1053 dug in while pushing them back to the ruins. One old tank that was left at the castle formed a defensive barrier with five stolen tanks. Situated behind the 1053 insurgents the tanks acted as an extra outer defense. Although they were pushed back, they still had had close to 10,000 Country-Guards and Dragoons.

Thanks to the ruins they had cover from the tank turrets that started blasting away like artillery. Over the course of seven days they took their time to wind down the insurgency here. On the seventh day the Motte and Bailey fell into Vestrisian hands. In her diary she mentioned a Dragoon getting gunned down and surviving. She also mentioned how they retook the Motte and Bailey Castle. At this day in age on Calorn, it was now a museum. Brynn wrote down what happened in detail with Mapplebee nibbling at her ear. This museum had all its artifacts removed securely before it was used as a base for insurgents. While reclaiming the motte-bailey castle, they discovered a leader behind this insurgency. Other than a local leader these insurgents fought under the command of aliens from other worlds. A trio of humanoid aliens took over some areas and lured masses into their command. One was an eight-foot-tall hairy humanoid. The other two were something called Ilithids. One was some black skinned female Ilithid, and another was a purple gray skinned one. Both the tall one and black Ilithid were elsewhere.

As for the other Ilithid, he shot himself, leaving a male Orc archer with no love for the V.U.V.R. in command. Two elf male rogues hired as guards were forced to submit. A pair of female human Druids were found and brought in. One wise turtle humanoid the Druids called Ugwayde was found shot up and dumped in a dug-up pit. After sending them off with the wounded the cavalry went on the move. Just thirty-two miles away from the castle museum, they ran into a horde of 426 undead, 250 Ghouls, and 4 Gnolls. Simply riding them down wasn’t enough. They had to decapitate each corpse, pile them up and burned them. Sizing weapons that were found they rode towards the south. Nearly a day and a half later, they found three elves tied to a windmill. Once they freed these three each one tried giving their own version of what happened.

Their story took multiple turns. First story said they were chased off a hill by 8 Troglodytes protecting a cracked egg. Right after losing the Troglodytes, the trio ran into some bushes that grew a certain type of fruit. This type of small fruit with a teardrop shape and blue shape controlled the periods of women. It was grown all over Vestrisia, and could erase anxiety once eaten in men and women. To their misfortune they brushed against the leaves, which caused hallucinations. A plant known as Fallune had such leaves, and fruits growing on it. Each one described their hallucinations, and how it forced them to stay put. Some belly dancer named Namesra picked them up in some Evusian armored car with no weapons installed. She put them to sleep and left them in this predicament. Trying not to laugh, they took each one along hoping they had information on these insurgents. The three Elves mentioned some unrest began along the borders over Troglodyte demands for raiding rights. Rights to raid seemed like a preposterous idea for an outdating system. Who gave out raiding rights? She had to ask Olalyn who muttered it was the Castarians before they were toppled.

Pushing further south they caught up with a band of 75 Nazdar Collaborators smuggled in. All of them died in a two hour shoot out and by suicide. After the shoot out a whole day passed by of no movement in the area. The bodies were buried, and the three elves were sent to a local settlement. Nearly two more days passed before finding the insurgents. On the same day they found a force of 941 insurgents and a castle flying an old Castarian flag. Not even hesitating they went for both at the same time. These encamped ones did not put up much of a fight. Country-Guards and Dragoons came in too fast for the insurgents to react. Aside from getting caught off guard plenty of them were intoxicated. Losing just a score of riders they took out 229 insurgents, and took 678 of them prisoner. Only 31 managed to escape them. Riding their own steeds, they fled towards the west. Pursuing them on horseback would only exhaust their own horses. Going for the castle they spend a week wearing down he defenders. Half of the Prisoners of War managed to take their own lives while one hundred forced the Vestrisians to kill them. Left with 239 prisoners, they managed to summon a militia to take the prisoners away. Taking the castle wasn’t the hard part. Realizing these insurgents were their own fellow Vestrisians hit them hard.

Approximately 286 insurgents died in the fighting, and 86 of them became prisoners. Discovering another settlement lay in rebel hands infuriated them. Were these rebels trying to help the invaders win? Moving southwest they left some forces to watch over the prisoners. Not long afterwards they saw a buildup of forces. No more than 12,860 Country-Guards and Dragoons raced to retake another settlement from the rebels. Only 241 rebels held the town while its inhabitants evacuated. Setting up camps they wasted no time killing 238 of the rebels, taking a pair of prisoners, and finding the leader escaped into the wilderness.

One local sheriff, former police officer arrived on the scene. They became an inventor and chose to come by in a wagon cart holding all his gear. He made some advanced set of armor that protected him. Attached to the arms were small crossbows, and wrist turrets as well as rocket launchers. He arrived at their camp with a team of twelve helpers. Two of them were pathfinding explorers named the Sabar Girl, and Panett. While piecing the armor suit together they mentioned a large force of 13, 068 Troglodytes heading this way. Allowing this former inventor to begin his work the Dragoons and Country-Guard rested. All day this lone inventor removed some gang from the settlement that hid in the outskirts.

Within three days this horde of Troglodytes arrived in the area. Numbers were not a big deal to the Vestrisians. Estimating the size of this force they concluded this force at 16,944 or more. Taking positions on some hills they prepared to dismount and harass these insurgents. To their surprise it was larger than they first believed it to be. She could not tell the true size of this force. Appearing larger than the first guess this force looked to be 59,000 strong. Sending a few volleys into their ranks they hoped to scare them off. Their own expectations were wrong about scaring them off. None of these even turned tail. These insurgents revealed they also revealed rifles. Something they should have seen beforehand. Engaging this force resulted in a draining three-day battle. Most of the guns jammed or malfunctioned. Insurgents charged them quickly forcing them off their horses or into melee combat. All over this field Country-Guards, and Dragoons fought these mixed insurgents all the way down to nearly 50 still standing. Brynn took down as many insurgents in this three-day battle. On this last day she got surrounded by these rebels and was sliced in the arm. She was also stabbed in the thigh, and speared through the leg. As she fell, she watched 55 Dragoons and Country-Guards cut down her attackers.

As she lay on the bloodied ground, she watched 55 Vestrisians get surrounded by at least 3241 insurgents. In her mind she knew they lost this battle over the “Field of Donna” in the southern Castaria. However, this insurgency was close to being suppressed. Even if they all die here this insurgent force would still have more Vestrisians to combat. Lying on the ground she tried faking her death. It did not work as a Troglodyte grabbed her up then slammed her down. The humanoid raised a mace to bash her head in. She closed her eyes, waiting for the blow to fall. All she got was its blood splattering her face. Over a thousand, shots pierced the air as volleys of bullets poured in. From the west a force of some 1,100 Vestrisian Airborne, infantry and Rangers arrived. A few hundred insurgents exchanged fire killing or taking out more Vestrisians. A good chunk of these insurgents fell as the Vestrisians advanced on them. Moving in the relief force came to the rescue of 1,805 Dragoons, and Country-Guards. As for the insurgents just 1,344 of the 59009 became wounded prisoners of war.

One full week went by after the bloody battle with these insurgents. Brynn Rosefire lay in her bed at a hospital in the city of Greystone. Next to her lay Kryscine, Jakab and a few others. Most of the men and women they fought alongside were dead. Some news did come to her about a Zegrav insurgency. That did not catch her interest. She waved the Lieutenant of News away. Brynn grew excited when her children came to visit her. Blackcrown was the least wounded among them. She came bearing news about the fighting in Zegrav, Ottante, up north, and how 1038 angry women fought off 3000 Ghouls near Kaniima. Holding her children’s hands, Brynn prayed there would not be another insurgency. Her whole unit was shattered, many of them were lost in the fighting along with Wyllum.