Castaria-Zegrav Borders #8: Insurgency in Red Curve

 How long have they been planning this? For entire weeks, reports about Kaniima, Badraan, and Zegrav engaging in border skirmishes came in. According to some of these reports along with rumors, many combatants claimed to be loyal citizens. Patriotism towards this newly formed Union of Republics could easily be feigned in his opinion. It would not surprise him at all if they acted patriotic towards the V.U.V.R. just to get them off their backs. Born of a Nochanian Uxane mother and a Zegrav father, Asim-Sugmuk Malik felt more aligned with the Nochanians. Despite his name he showed more connection with his mother's side of the family. 

Before becoming annexed as a new member to the VUVR, Zegrav attempted to conquer the Nochanian Islands. Not only was it to expand and conquer, but to gain better access to trade goods from Valde. Castaria's Empire collapsing left no one to stop them. There was the V.U.V.R., well the members that began it. All the founding states focused on occupation and repairing the whole region. A wave of 106, 276 hungry, greedy, disgruntled, low, and deprived Zegravs invaded. All the Uxane islands had to defend their homes and people. Slaves, land, materials and respect as a new empire were all these Zegrav desired. With a force of 4,535 or more, Nochania fought on the island of Gisugonne. Nochania had 329,250 people leave for Geverine. Most of Zegrav's first wave died in the fighting, and during their occupation. His own mother fired a few rounds out of the window at these invaders. 

Zegrav lost their war to the newly formed V.U.V.R. and became a new member. Corporal Asim-Sugmuk Malik and his fellow Vestrisians passed a herd of forty-five Zegrav Mastadons. They were large in stature, but very timid when it came to small rodents. Asim was glad to be able to see them in Ottante-Vestrisian as a child then again as an adult. His unit of 390 soldiers were part of the 1224th that was called up to deal with an insurgency. Just a week and a half ago they helped another army unit. Part of the 144th Infantry-Rangers scouring in groups of Elves and Dwarves that got caught in an ambush. Both forces fought for exactly four days reducing each others manpower. Mostly chipping away during the battle. When the 1224th came upon them just 37 Dwarves, and 32 Elves. These Rangers engaged 126 Ghouls, 75 Troglodytes, 15 Gnolls, and one Lamia Lion leading the ambush. 

None of the ambushing party lived to tell their reasons behind the ambush. As for the rest of the 144th company, 69 remained alive. The trumpeting sounds of the Ottante Mastadons brought him back to the present. Outside a city called Red Curve they set up a headquarters in the form of a base with multiple camps. Just twenty-seven miles from the borders of Zegrav and Castaria, they prepared to retake another settlement.  In the eastern-central part of Zegrav a total of four settlements remained in rebel hands. Whatever transpired in Castaria also began here in Zegrav. Rumors about a rebellion sparking up in Badraan, Kaniima spread across the regions. Among these rumors the gossip included aliens helping the insurgents and a possible civil war brewing. Asim did not want to know the caused behind them. He thought the 1224th were bound for Zekmar and Dorntalla. Their "real" enemy was the invade not angry rebels upset over some ancient feuds. Every tribe would either be subjects, slaves or dead if the VUVR fell. 

It was still the year 1843 and the Vullanese were getting crushed. More islands fell to the V.U.V.R. and their military started pushing into territories of other foes. All he heard was the areas of Zekmar, Gontrella, and Muskalla were likely to be invaded soon. There was also the rumor of their forces invading Vimasdra. Word about the frontlines seldom reached his ears. He was focused on the borders of Zegrav and Castaria. In a squad of fifteen riflemen, submachine gunners, grenadiers  machine gunners, and Marskman, Corporal Asim-Sugmuk Malik felt at home. Fields of yellow grass, hills, carious rivers, jungles to the south, and small deserts is what he visited with his own father. His own mother took him along when they were hunting down Zegrav invaders. She also allowed him to reload the guns. 

Under the command of Lieutenant Sallah Ritherson, fourteen infantry of the 1224th broke from the main unit. Another squad followed their example with only thirteen members in the squad. Breaking away from the main force they began searching for mounts. The commanding officer of the 1224th battalion, Colonel Eddos Zepher required the Zedelet transports for carrying the wounded. Loading their own packs on their backs the squad wondered about the mounts. Mules proved capable of carrying heavy loads, but moved slow. Horses were fast, agile, and durable. To the misfortune of the rider, they often scared easily. Oxen were used for pulling carts, wagons and sometimes vehicles. Those beasts were too slow for a mission such as this one. Other beasts would be too wild or too dumb for such a mission. Yackdreth had those thick coats and this climate was too warm. 

Any Yackdreth used for this mission would tire easily from the heat. Looking around the tent, wagon hut, lean-to, and nomadic house filled settlement they spotted what they needed for mounts. Often called humped steeds, or ships of the desert, Camels made the perfect specimen for the deserts, and grasslands. Among the mounts for sale and for rent were horses, Camels, Mules, Oxen, Mastadons, and some unusual ones. Roaming around the settlement they found a total of 557 horses, 338 Camels, one hundred fifteen Mules, Thirty Oxen, Eighteen Ram-Goats for smaller races, Nine Mastadons, fifty-seven lizard mounts, and five horned beasts for rent. 

Just checking the are out they noted the settlement consisted of three thousand one hundred twenty seven structures. Red Curve had more buildings, but the estimation was solid enough for them. Corporal Asim-Sugmuk Malik's gaze concentrated more on the people. Inhabiting these estimated one thousand eight hundred eleven tents, four hundred thirty nine lean-to's, three hundred eighty-eight Caravan houses, four hundred eighty two huts they estimated at three thousand three hundred fifty and more. For settlement like this to thrive meant it had more services than just mounts, and beasts of burden for purchase and rent. Some blacksmiths, horse trainers, tent weavers, apothecaries, bodyguards, saddlers, blade smith, coopers, farriers, merchants pawners, healers, tailors, tanners, wheel wrights, tavern tents, and companionship. Red Curve also held some taverns, and other necessities to keep a settlement thriving and working. 

Rounding the corner they found some suitable camels next to a saddler, and animal trainer. Collecting the Camel steeds they proceed to patrol sectors in Red Curve's vicinity. Corporal Malik did his best keeping a mental note on the scenery around them. A tall portal inn stood at four stories towering above some castles, and old towers. It perched on a nice hill with a switchback pathway for steps. Forming part of Red Curve's foundation, twelve old structures appeared restored and renovated. Eight small castles, four old watch towers seated on hills formed a curve pattern. Each one was constructed from red clay and sand bricks. Thus the name Red Curve was given to it. Very little is known about its pre history, but the founding of Red Curve itself is well known. Its inhabitants retell the story of how nomads settled in some ancient ruins, and transformed the castles and towers into a town. 

Possibilities of finding other inhabitants wasn't difficult. Dozens of customers, scores of workers, and craftsmen could be seen among other structures. A trio of Guild riders, some Gold clad hero/writer from Geverine, and Elf Ranger buying new mounts for their own quests. Two female fire mages in the lose red robes rented a single lizard mount. Near some stands and old well three adventurers, three elf fighters, and three veterans haggled over saddles with four different saddle merchants at their stands. Wearing a light blue robe with orange trimmed borders a water phantom mage petted white spotted horse. This eunuch held the appearance of an aging man because of the shaven part of the head, and white dyed hair. His tan brown skin covered his age well. Any Mage with "Phantom" in the title or name were castrated. A multi-thousand year old tradition that is still practiced even after the scarcity of mages in Vestrisia in this era. For females they dyed their hair the color of their elemental powers. Whether they were a regular mage, fire mage, frost mage or water mage their still had to represent the elemental practices and guilds. Travelling with this eunuch was a female Gnome mechanic-inventor, an Old Knight, and Castarian Veteran. 

The Gnome was easy to identify, but for the rest, one needed I.D. papers, or I.D. cards. Here in Red Curve Malik spotted the Old Knight's sigil of a blue cat sewn to the back of a duster coat, and the Castarian Veteran wore a white armband. Anyone who fought against the V.U.V.R. had two options to choose from. Either they wear the white armband with the broken sword icon or serve a ten year sentence in exile. Most chose the armband whereas nine hundred or so chose exile to other parts of Calorn. Noting those off as customers buying or renting mounts Corporal Malik spotted a Red Curve Police officer in Red uniform. This police officer was escorting a family of elves towards a castle. They passed a colorfully dressed knight, nineteen Gryphon Dames from New Vattoram, two cow herders, three warriors, and Elf Blade seated at an open Tavern tent. 

On patrol as well they crossed paths with a mounted Uxane and five Red Curve Police in search of signs of lawbreaking. Exchanging words with them the Vestrisians discovered a few unsavory patrons. Adding this to their mission the squad of Camel Soldiers pressed through Red Curve. While moving west to make a turn the squad spied a Black Knight and a Cleric in wheel chairs near a cottage. Asim assumed they were visiting a site of a lost companion's final battle. Other inhabitants filled the streets shoulders along with six Uxane, and two local Vestrisians. Aiding the crippled souls was a Druid from Prinn, a Battle Blade Mage, and two younger silver knights. Each one gave a salute to the mounted Vestrisians. Being saluted made him uncomfortable for some reason. The idea of insurgents in the area triggered their battle instincts. How did he know the Ogre Hybrid, Leon Dame and former King's Knight would not attack? Hanging out near a cluster of huts he spotted three adventurers talking to an inspector in slacks, tie, and khakis. Next to the cluster rested a trebuchet that was now vintage decoration for the settlement. 

Still patrolling the area in search of rebels, Malik's squad passed a Legionnaire of Boathria, and ex Gladiator from Nevoran continent. Malik's gaze rested on a pair of Zema Ilam horses when a police officer in an automobile came through. Just as it came to a corner some figure in rags, and torn trousers rushed out of the crowds. Wielding what appeared to be a grenade this one figure attacked the police. A pink haired elf watched in horror as it exploded on detonation. Creating a fiery explosion and chaos the attack sent debris flying everywhere. Dozens of people fell whereas scores more fled the scene. Screams of fear and pain filled this section of Red Curve. Survivors lay on the ground in pools of blood. Everyone else either watched in panic, ran from the scene, or rushed in to help the wounded. Getting involved in the aid did help with the image of the V.U.V.R. military. Zegrav was a recent additional member that was still sort of under occupation. Mainly conquered, but still a member of the newly form Union against the invaders to the west. Seeing carnage wasn't entirely new to Corporal Malik. Similar events occurred in Meze and Evusia. Whatever conflict occurred only lasted for thirty-nine day and a half days. A team of seven Swan Knights, a Badraan dark skin, and a team of twelve rescue-medical personnel rushed over. Helping the patients with wounds they made off with three of them. The rest needed more patching up before moving. Malik's eyes widened when he saw the victims were entertainers, and other inhabitants aside from the police in his vehicle. A juggler, snake charmer tribesman, old female Orc, some tournament knight, six Red Curve citizens, female scavenger, fashionable bard, and an ex gladiator along with acrobats made up the wounded and dead. Whatever type of grenade that was it seemed to big of an explosion for a vial grenade. Either the attacker used a bunch of grenades attached together or something bigger. Studying the impact and black marks left on the ground his commanding officer surmised it was a bigger grenade. Even Malik combed through the dirt uncovering thumbtack needles, small screws, iron nails, and shrapnel. The dampness from the blood did not help with the combing for the grenade's contents. He and one other soldiers were able to collect forty-four pieces. What did not help their search were the Red Curve staffing covering up the blood and smoke with sand. Using palm branches they shifted the sand to cover everything up. 

Flag of Zegrav

 

Acting as a crossroad bridge between Vestrisian and Ottante, Zegrav is home to many dark skinned humanoids, and a few other races. Finding itself a land of grassland, deserts, savanna, jungles, oasis, rivers this land of Zegrav also had a few mountain ranges. Although it is rich in minerals it still chose to invade Uxane Islands north of its bay. It has to share waters with Geverine, Lheobethe, and Castaria. To its south lay the Evusian Empire, which was at war with Zegrav's natives on and off. Now it was a member of the V.U.V.R also called the Vestrisian Union or Vestrisian Republics. 

Draconic Collaborators or Warriors of Retoriam-Fecuvia -Korvatzi 1844

 Was it time to show their true colors? Or should they feign allegiance and die for their new masters? Walking into the room he found his 3rd wife reading to his 8th son, and two youngest daughters. She read from the bestiary of dragons that once flew the skies of Calorn yet still fly on her three moons. According to the dragon books there were thirty two types of dragons. Lung Dragons, yong Dragons, knuckers, ampitheres, Lindworms, Wyverns, marsupials, colony dragons, Dwarf Dragons, stone dragons, firebird dragons, earth dragons, Apophis Dragons, Sea Dragons, Blue crest Dragons, Red Dragons, Green, Black, Metallic, white, fire Drakes, Leviathans, behemoths, nagas serpents, nidhogs, wyrms, hydras, cockatrice, purple and gray dragons. He ha to remember all those dragons. Closing the door to their chamber Baron Blackmire interrupted the reciting of the 350 page bestiary. His wife, one tall beautiful battle mage, Ingrideinne the motherly had a knack for stories, teaching, training, and hard working. Knowing her since childhood, he knew she was afraid of spiders. It was something he always teased her about. Whenever he went too far she would through a small fireball at him. Blackmire also had a angry hedge mage in his armies. 

"Time for bed children, you need your sleep. Tomorrow will be a day of festivities and fun." Blackmire said making the next day sound exciting for them. Each little face had an excited expression appear. His own wife, his mother, gave him a more cross expression. 

Ignoring her Blackmire said his goodnight to each child before taking her off to their own quarters. She was silent in her black gown with silver designs. All he had on was a wool laced shirt with their Black Dragon insignia. Although not the only Black Dragon Clan or Family the Blackmire House felt forced to pledge allegiance to the alien Gantronese. Those light gray humanoids with no noses, scared faces, and large black eyes. Some say these were ghost demons from the skies. However they did provide protection from the other invaders, the Nazdar. Entering their room he saw a Green Dragon wine bottle holder on a counter bar against the stone wall. Next to it lay two chalices. A Duwal Chalice with twin Dragon Blood figures guarding a skull crest. The other was a goblet with a blue divine Dragon holding a blade. Sitting down he pulled his wife in with him. She did not resist as she got in bed while he poured them a little wine. Blackmire started to drink, but his Ingrideinne did not for some reason. 

"What is wrong?" he asked her lowering the wine from his face. 

"Are you going to face them?" she asked him. "Are you going to confront our new masters?" 

"Not yet. They have summoned us to protect our half of the small continent." He assured her rubbing her shoulder. 

"If they haven't already, they will send our men to fight against those Vestrisians. What do they want?" She retorted back at him grabbing his arm with fear. 

"I have summoned the other Dragon Clans. We must march to the south where this new enemy has just landed on our shores." Blackmire responded. 

"You mean the Gantronese lands. This was once home to the Blackhell peoples who are likely to side with the new invaders." she tried to argue. 

"We have new weapons to use against these new invaders. A few Lesdonian vessels went down from a turret they gave us." He boasted to her face. 

"That five man turret that looks like a death trap only sunk small skiffs or gunboats!" She said as though it was a rebuke. 

"Ingrideinne they gave us a Nazdar Tank, well three Nazdar tanks."

"One stolen tank, and two broken down ones." She replied. 

He wanted to tell her about the 375 Assault Rifles, and AA transporters the Gantronese also gave them. That would either have to wait or be shown in a few days. Finishing his wine alongside his wife Blackmire laid back and fell asleep. Morning came as the light of the dawn hit his closed eyes. The children entered their room with the nanny chasing after them. Forced to get up because of the children he ate morning meals with them and his wife. Each one were excited over what he was going to show them. What none of them expected was a bit of company. Seven other guests arrived wearing traditional clothing of their respected regions. Count Redmire of the Red Dragons arrived with his fiend looking maid. Lord Greenmouth of the Green Serpent Dragons, Baron Abbogus of the Gold Dragons, Gantronese-Puppet Commander Count Viggu Rabashi leading the commoners, Sir Eudes the Green Drake had the militia under his command. Looking at each leader he spotted 6 kegs, 8 crates and 6 barrels that were taken from a siege tower some lone Oni made into a home. On the wall hung a ceremonial Dragon Costume with Draconic Bat wings. 

"Welcome my fellow collaborators. The Gantronese have ordered us to repel an attack by an invader. No it is not the Vestrisians, but someone else." Blackmire addressed to his guests. His feast for them was waiting in the other room. 

"I understand the past blood feuds are still lingering over our heads. It would benefit us all, if we stood together while serving the Gantronese. I have offered 337 of my own Black Dragon Warriors to serve them. What about the rest of you?" Blackmire addressed to the gathered leaders. 

One at a time the leaders presented how many they were offering to defend their realm. Count Redmire offered a unit of 715 Red Dragon warriors for this defense. Lord Greenmouth brought over 635 Green Serpent Warriors. Baron Abbogus commanded just 198 Gold Dragon Knights for this fight. Count Rabashi had over 7555 armed commoners and peasants under his command. Sir Eudes commanded over 1,000 militia armed with Gantronese weapons. One company of 210 Foreign mercenaries was given their own commander by the name of Eman Bowerstone the Harpoonist. Not playing around Blackmire insisted they begin moving troops to the south. Gantronese authorities, their rulers, would not doubt have someone executed over any delays. 

"Making the most of the forces were are allowed to marshal, we have to move quickly. These 10,650 warriors we rallied already exceeds what they allow to be marshaled." Blackmire persisted before the other leaders who came. 

"How much time did the Gantronese give us?" Rabashi inquired folding his arms. 

"Just ten days to rest and begin moving our troops." Blackmire answered Rabashi. 

"Moving a large amount of troops is going to be difficult. Most of the motorized vehicles are taken by the Gantronese!" Greensmouth touted before the meeting of leaders. 

"We can march on foot!" Abbogus gave him a sincere glare that would send apprentices in the corner wetting their pants. 

"We have no time to march on foot, Abbogus. A fort of Retainers is under siege by these monster aliens called the Order of the Beast and CSO." Greenmouth pointed out. An argument arose among them over what to do. Blackmire put his head in is hands with his elbows on the table. Hearing arguments when they needed to get a move on created head aches. As they almost came to blows something hit him. Someone else could lead their forces. Another person could do this for them. 

"How about someone else do this for us? Lead our troops or their own troops that is closer to the front." He suggested to them. Every leader fell silent. They knew of whom he spoke of. A loner, who had military experience when fighting the Nazdar, Vestrisians, and the tribes of the Unknown Lands. This person was familiar with the area. 

"Mogg the Ghost Marked Orc is closer to the invader than we are." Blackmire suggested to the leaders. In his mind he knew how it sounded. The invader, if he was a neutral official watching this unfold their Gantronese Masters would be the invader. Fighting for them would make them a traitor to the rest of Calorn. It apparently made them traitors, anyone who fought for the Gantronese or Nazdar. One Grussian Prisoner of War spat the words at his face from their prison cell. 

No one said a word in response. Each one showed a blank yet scared face. He knew what Mogg was like, the Orc Hybrid wasn't what they really cared for nor had the balls to confront. Looking down at the table he spotted the Dragon Letter opener sitting next to some Draconic Sea Lions figurines on the table. Representing real draconic sea lions in the southern seas, the decorative pieces appeared eye catching. These really belonged to the cross chamber full of artifacts his wife arranged. However she insisted on setting the sea lion pieces on the table. For a half an hour he convinced the other leaders to let him contact Mogg tomorrow while they prepared to march south. 

At dawn they marched with a force of over ten thousand. Only five of the leaders went with them. Blackmire kept close contact with them via a radio given as a gift from  the Gantronese. Through this communication he learned smaller forces joined them. One band of 25 fire warriors of Retoriam, a company of 252 Green troopers with Gantronese rifles, one creator wit 25 automaton sets of armor with swords, and another company of 152 marksmen joined them. Blackmire himself had to march down there two days later. A unit of 92 Cat Folk warriors, 6 Dog Soldiers, 43 human collaborators, 468 rifle Dragoons, and 7 barbarians arrived at his home. Leaving the castle-mansion to the defense of a Gantronese Field Marshall, the cat folk guards and Dog soldiers he marched with the rest of that unit. Riding with this unit they arrived at the scene of the invasion. Carnage was all they found as well as the forces they sent over. Corpses of the invading forces, collaborators, some of their own knights and warriors littered the grasslands just before the coast. Signs of infighting could be found in abandoned villages, some coves, and the main bay. Some fortress was under siege around the time their forces arrived. Just 77 retainers to a Gantronese Lord survived a battle and siege. Corpses trailing from a nice grove towards the fort showed how fierce the fighting was. Blackmire surmised the determination of both sides over control in this region. Checking the bodies he noticed their Gantronese Masters seemed less in number among the casualties. Were their masters losing manpower or were they trying to use them as cannon fodder. 

Disposing of a population through war was never seen by Blackmire since 1838 AN. Several nations of Elves and Dwarves were sent to their deaths in the Unknown Lands bordering Mulzan. Although they were gifted cipher wheels as friends to the Gantronese, these humanoids were used as expendable troops. That was something Blackmire could barely forget no matter how hard he tried erasing the memories. Combining the new forces with Red Dragon, Green Serpent Dragon, Gold Dragon, Black Dragon warriors, and their militia, Blackmire's new command found the invaders at a beach further west. Speaking with newly promoted commanders because of the intense combat killing off the original ones proved difficult yet informative. Over a division's worth of aliens invaded marched under the banners of some Order of the Beast, and a Chaotic Surprise Oligarchy that acted like rivals. Eager to send the invaders to their graves or into the seas, his Gantronese masters insisted on attacking them. Claiming they would be finishing them off they engaged a force of more than eleven thousand. Another collaborator unit attacked from the northern flank with just 915 troops out of ten thousand. Hearing this news Blackmire wondered if this army attacked with over 100, 000. 

Knowing this would lead to his death Blackmire attacked alongside thirteen thousand others who made a mess in the fighting. Facing various alien mercenaries they discovered a few rebels joined them. One unit of 200 people of the Blackbell Isle chose to fight against the Gantronese, an island on the southern end of the continent. Another unit of traitors was among them, known as the Lairthos wolfmen, a humanoid race that pledged fealty to the Gantronese. Apparently, it was a fake pledge through their eyes. He drove his blade through the throat of one wolfman as 950 green faced troops engaged with bayonets alongside 708 hobgoblin-wolf like beings called Tessari, 621 Mahadi cat folk. Forced to fight in gunfights, close quarters combat his forces also engaged 809 tattooed warriors called Woadi. For several hours forces loyal to the Gantronese fought off another set of alien invaders preserving another alien's foothold. Taking out these new invaders wasn't easy, but they managed to wipe out the rest of them while driving the remnants into the sea. Either forcing them down into the muddy water face down, or choking them under the water Gantronese collaborators won a costly victory. Ending this battle alongside his fellow Tenmosians Blackmire slew other aliens such as Vanudai Ratmen, Qhelmite Bug humanoids, Chugo pigloid humanoids, Primate Bhitalions, Andazi reptilians, elite blue demons, Chugsin(warthog humanoids), Ogres, and Baubauns (baboon humanoids). Among these aliens they discovered a few Vestrisian Dark Elf collaborators who were likely acting as spies to these new alien invaders. Some of them had fake I.D.'s along with VUVR ID's with the Vestrisian Emblem and flag on the back of the ID card. 

Kezef's fleet year 1844

 His own fleet managed to secure a few spots in this newly found region. It added more islands they counted as out of Gantronese hands. Yet the Gantronese were still up north, and they had several more alien factions to deal with. He now looked at 29 mega ships heading this way. Each one belonged to a different faction other than Gantronese. Hearing much of the islands were cleared in their vicinity proved to reveal mixed results. Casualties were expected, but to deal with a mishmash of allegiances among the strange aliens found was not what he expected. Having more than five factions named through the radio communications gave him an idea of how much of a quagmire the situation looked. Other than the Gantronese and their Aquanne Hitto allies, Admiral Kezef had to think about three or more factions. Some Order of the Beast, the Chaotic Surprise Oligarchy, the Toceanids, and some liberating faction called the IGA. For Kezef this appeared too much to keep up with. 

Although he applauded and saluted the efforts of their troops, he could not believe they could secure the whole unknown region. Called the Platform Seas, this massive archipelago of islands stretched from the Iperantosi Isles to the southern hemispheres of Calorn. Thanks to some maps and willing pilots, he was able to note this blocked region of the sea hosted thousands of islands. Looking out the bridge to his flagship, he wondered if it was a good idea. Did they move too far into these unknown parts of their home world? Kezef read stories about caves leading to undiscovered caverns and underworlds. Even the Ottante continent still had places no one really ventured. For at least a few weeks or more they had been here, and hardly heard any word of Gantronese movements. That is what concerned him the most. Not hearing any news or reports since their victory against the Gantronese. Every privateer they hired barely gave a whisper to them. As unnerving as it was he just had to remember, the alien invaders had more valuables to loot. Plus they hunted everyone they suspected of piracy before this war began. 

Partially heeding his crews' existence Kezef glanced over at some islands he got to walk on with some escorts of course. Taking a good look at the structures himself he also found some exotic animals living on these islands. A flock of yellow, green, and blue birds called Atotolins roamed around the western islands. These slender bodied, large headed water hens could be found in other parts of the world. Yet to find them here in the platform seas was baffling. He gave orders not to hunt these birds down since they came with enough provisions. Kezef turned his focus away from the thoughts of the birds, and the islands. Next to him one of their new allies came to his side. A commanding officer whose name he already forgot. Yet it was good they forgot his name as well, but not his rank. 

"Admiral if these Gantronese regain any foothold they will still have to contend with ten thousand or more enemies. Ones that are not from our factions. My own superiors are sending in a brigade to help." the alien put in. 

Not intending to ignore the alien elf Kezef signaled for them to send a warning fire at the incoming fleet. With a bolstered fleet of forty-three vessels he felt ready to take on this fleet of behemoth ships. Some appeared the size of islands. His flag ship fired a warning round at the twenty-nine ships. Letting loose a barrage from their own turrets, these enemy ships answered. A sea battle ensued before his very eyes. Although he fought the Gantronese, Evusians, and the Nazdar, he still felt an uneasy discomfort. His fleet along with nearly a division of personnel were in unknown territory no cartographer mapped out, and not a single explorer came back alive. Aliens, wildlife, monsters, and strange structures were all they found in this part along with the same enemy they had been fighting. He did not take it seriously at first until he met some of the aliens who turned against the enemy. Kezef was even more convinced when he came face to face with the turncoats, prisoners, and a new faction bent on interfering here. Even if their faction were to help, Kezef would prefer it if their superiors did not dictate commands to V.U.V.R. personnel. 

"Signal for the Aquanne Hitto to attack along with their Toceanid friends." Kezef ordered. No more than 1053 Aquanne Hitto warriors remained of the hordes that came down to Calorn to fight for the Gantronese. Kezef recalled talking to a General at dinner about them. The General believed the Gantronese were pulling in subjects from other parts of their empire here just to prevent uprisings. Kezef sort of disagreed with him there. He believed the Gantronese were stretching themselves thin. They had to be other wise they would have overrun the southern islands by now. Watching the sea battle unfold from the safety of the bridge Kezef considered the possibility the Gantronese are holding back. 

His flagship's guns roared as the crew gunners unleashed lethal shells meant to sink or damage a vessel. Following his ship's lead, the rest of the fleet opened fire from a position that protected their gains. Even though they maneuvered ships slightly north of their claimed islands, the platform seas still exposed flanks. Forces loyal to the Gantronese were bound to come down at the bidding of their Masters. Thanks to the cooperation of other alien defectors they had a few airships to transport personnel out of here quickly. Studying each large behemoth vessel he could only guess the size of the crews. A dozen of the shells fired made impact on their intended targets. Every other shot hit the water, or some smaller island nearby. Grabbing his binoculars, Kezef assessed the damage from the bridge. One of their shells hit a smaller turret, another hit the rails to the deck, the rest just hit the side hulls along the bow, starboards, and broadsides. Seeing they did minor damage, Kezef waited for the next barrage of shells, which could be followed by a return fire. 

In command of a combined fleet he aimed to keep as many ships afloat for any future engagements. The Gantronese still had a formidable presence in these platform seas. A small brigade's worth of troops held the islands and platforms north of their positions. Thanks to the six aircraft patrolling the region signaled more forces were on their way. It could take every personnel on their own claimed islands to fend off the size of the Gantronese force coming for them. Preparing for the return fire Kezef ordered his crew to go into evasive mode. His crew sprang into action as his Lieutenant Captain repeated his commands through a phone piece on the wall. Feeling a little secure inside a trapezoid shaped bridge Kezef watched the crews prepare the Hervorne. Her bow turret fired a third round before they received an answer. Heavy, and light shells hit more than two hundred areas just in front of the combined fleet. A few islands were hit with tremendous explosions. Splashes from the impact rose up like large waves. Hervorne and a dozen other ships felt the choppy waves that managed to rock them. Their maneuvering made the rocking feel like they were in a small storm. Turret crews fired whenever they felt level. Kezef wished they would stop firing and conserve ammunition. 

After several minutes of fighting the waves the Hervorne and nearby ships regained balance through some side-to-side maneuvers. Ships behind them fired their turrets backing those who sailed at the front. Kezef felt tense as held on to a hanging handle on the ceiling. Sailors sat at their posts while he stood up in front of his command seat. He would be sitting down in it, but he felt uncomfortable at the moment. A good walk around the ship would give his legs a good stretch. Letting the ship Captain off the hook for his cabin seemed like a bad idea for his own legs. Kezef would have enjoyed an extended stroll through his flag ship. His military mind was needed, the Gantronese had sent their first fleet since the engagement at sea. More ships arrived to engage the alien fleet, which relieved his fleet of being needed there. Another Vestrisian Admiral and her own fleet arrived, a fleet of Elves, Half-Elves, Orcs, Goblins, Half-Orcs, Half-Goblins, Humans, Dwarves, Gnolls, and Troglodytes. Most of the Gnolls, and Troglodytes who chose to assimilate. He met a few dozen of those humanoids who were raised into the modernizing civilized society. 

After another volley of fire each behemoth vessel were hit. Firing at least nine more times the combined fleet brought one of the behemoths down. In a fiery explosion this monster vessel burst into flames as it succumbed to the amount of damage. Watching just one of those sink gave them relief. Cheers went up all over his ship while the gunners were still firing rounds. Eight more volleys of combined shelling brought another one down. One of their own allies lost a ship to five shots out of eighteen from two of the behemoths. Appearing as a blow to their fleet they were still in this fight as a third behemoth went down in ten shots. Kezef watching a fourth one go down in eleven volleys of fire from ten ships alone. To their luck hardly any more of their own vessels suffered any hits except for the one they lost. It belonged to Alagen, an ally of theirs who showed determination to fight. A fifth behemoth went down after fourteen sets of rounds, but it came at a cost of one Vestrisian Destroyer. It went down in six or seven shots. Kezef felt his heart sink as the blow stabbed his heart. Over two thousand sailors were now dead, drowning, suffocating, or afloat at the mercy of this situation. In the heat of the sea battle a sixth behemoth went down, reducing this fleet to twenty three vs thirty-nine allied ships. Checking the flag on these beasts he noticed the Gantronese Flags, and the Nazdar Flags flying over them. 

"How many rounds was that, Lieutenant Blackbell?" He asked the third in command aboard the Hervorne since Captain Durnire was in his cabin. 

"Sixty-five Sir." the Lieutenant answered. 

Not bad, not bad for the first day of engagement. He thought to himself. During his time in the Navy he would see hundreds of rounds fired resulting in little or no damage to any hostile ship. Times were a little different now. Stronger ships, more turrets, large carrying capacity along with a slightly larger crew. There was also the newest technology in radio communications, and radars. Some ships did not need fuel thanks to engineering of Gnomes, and Dwarves working with sea Goblin mechanics. A new enemy invaded their home world threatening to expand into Vestrisia, and Ottante. Some new technology to combat them was secretly handed over as well as scavenged, salvaged or stolen. Watching these behemoths slowly move around Kezef could only imagine how much fuel these mechanical monsters guzzled up. More shots were exchanged before the Behemoths started to back off. A flare shot from one of the leading ships ordering the fleet to stop. In a stroke of luck the Gantronese fleet backed off and began to retreat north. Kezef sat in his seat relieved to watch them retreat. 

"They are retreating!" one of the Command Bridge Crew members cried out causing a loud rise of excited voices. His entire crew cheered with joy at the sight of their enemy retreating again. The whole fleet expressed their excitement over this. For them it had been weeks since they saw the enemy retreat like this. In his mind he knew the enemy would return. 

Dawn came as the next day began with the two sides returning to positions. Instead of twenty-three Behemoths they saw twenty-one come after them. Kezef received word their own ground troops on the islands fought off the Gantronese forces. Marines, Rangers, Infantry, Allied soldiers, turncoats, and new allies fought off over 7,000 troops with just 12 tanks engaged their forces on nine different islands. Every tank was destroyed or sank in the muddy shores. Gantronese forces lost well over 5,250 infantry and 75% of the forces originally holding the northern islands. According to prisoners this was the only force they managed to send along with the rest of the defenders who surrendered or allowed themselves to drown. As for their casualties, a few hundred men and women died in the fighting. That did not explain the missing behemoth. One of the Aquanne Hitto had to inform him and other Admirals here that a force of 1,053 Aquanne Hitto launched a night attack on the crew of a behemoth. It was after they slaughtered the survivors of the enemy crews in the waters. Toceanids were preoccupied with summoning something else to help. Not even a score of Aquanne Hitto survived despite massacring the sleeping crew. Other behemoths opened fire on the one they attacked, sinking it as it burst to flames. 

Kezef ordered for the surviving Aquanne Hitto to leave and save their species. However they refused, insisting on acting as spies while the next day of battle commenced. Twelve shots is what it took before another Behemoth to go do down. Another blow to the behemoths, but not as staggering as watching a Sloop sink to five shots, and a VUVR ship sank after suffering three shots. One behemoth ship with a Gantronese and Vorcadam decoration on the bridge sank in fifteen shots. Kezef's fleet suffered more losses. The second Vestrisian ship sank after suffering five shots. One of their own frigates does down after 6 shots. It pulled out quickly with smoke emitting from her hull. An Ivodran ship sinks after getting hit 8 times. To his left flank an Evusian light Battleship sinks after 16 hits. Everyone else either pulled back or helped collect survivors as the Behemoths went everywhere. Two of them were forced to retreat, and three of them had a few working turrets. He could not tell if they were winning or losing. They brought more ships, but these aliens had larger vessels that proved hard to take down. Looking through his binoculars he noticed each one had a different shape than the other. More conventional weaponry was installed over the energy blasting ones he heard about from spies. Nevoran Federation fleets suffered heavy loses to the alien ships that used weapons that shot out beams of fire. Despite the advantage the alien ships still went down after several days of fighting. One report detailed an explosion caused within an alien vessel guessing it used too much energy or something ignited. 

Seeing his own fleet retreat he began to lose hope. Several ships let loose depth charges, mines, and torpedoes. Kezef's heart started to beat harder and faster as he grew tense from watching. His hands squeezed the binoculars shaking them a little. Beads of sweat emerged from his pours as he watched a few torpedoes hit two of the behemoths. This is the end of our expedition. He thought to himself, keeping that from the ears of his own crew. The Hervorne slowly turned around with one of the turrets still firing away. Hoping to outrun the enemy fleet Kezef's combined fleet went full speed ahead. Kezef handed command of the ship to Durnire while he raced over to a balcony facing the stern. Getting to the stern side of the destroyer he witnessed a behemoth ship hit a reef, or something while another got entangled by large tentacles at an area they had not ventured. From the skies scores of alien fighters attacked the Gantronese and Nazdar behemoths. Turning to face the direction the fighters came zooming in he spotted Yvonnes airship with the Vestrisian Flag painted on it. Leaving the scene of the battle felt difficult due to the loss of thousands of sailors. Just as many sailors were rescued in time before the whole fleet returned to base. 

For the rest of the evening he held a meeting on one large island where the discussions, planning, and apologize grew into tense arguments. No one threw a punch just protested ideas, turned down roles, and threatened to leave soon. Kezef's reminder to them about the enemy losing ships as well and air superiority at them moment, calmed them down. When he mentioned the sea monster they also got angry and scared of that thing before someone on his side managed to shut everyone up. Captain Argosan Vroigson of the Lybresan Frigate Bogam, half goblin-half human, got everyone's attention. He reminded them of new allies, the fleets they had on the other side of the Arm of Lost Souls. 

"...My fellow Captains, Naval Officers, and peers, we have another fleet on the other side of that wall of ruins. More than half the behemoths are damaged. I say we stay and fend them off!" Captain Vroigson slammed a hand on the table. Around the meeting table the other Naval Officers nodded in agreement. Some of them crossed their arms with intrigue, and skepticism. A few muttered their approval. The room filled with chatter for a moment or two as they discussed among each other. 

On their third day the combined fleet let these behemoths have it on the seas. Fore a whole hour the coalition bombarded the first line behemoth ships, peppering them with turret shells. Not caring if their guns overheated, they went at it. Maneuvering was easier in the southern part of the waters they chose to fight in. Although it seemed awfully close to home base, it was still north of their positions in the open water. Six or so shots sunk a behemoth flying Nazdar colors. It resembled a battleship mixed with a blimp. On another one, five good hits destroyed a smaller behemoth resembling a steel shark. As the sea battle dragged on the coalition flanked the behemoths, which forced a portion of the fleet to pull back. Four well placed torpedoes and four hits sank a third behemoth that flew a Gantronese flag. Taking with it thousands of souls, this third one held the shape of a forked blade of some sorts. One damaged behemoth ship with an eagle shape took four more hits before going down in flames. Its bridge, radio tower, turret, and hull became nothing but destroyed debris. Twelve hits took down a lightly damaged behemoth that sort of resembled the shark one. A sixth one went down after receiving hits from multiple ships. Just three hits to the engine following ten others demolished the ship. Four more ships on the coalition side sank on the third day of battle. One of their Destroyers sank after receiving eleven shots, four hits sank a Steel Sloop, four hits sunk another Destroyer while twelve hits sank an allied Cruiser on his left flank. 

Just four more losses in this battle compared to eight more losses to the behemoths. Only twelve behemoth ships remained. Twelve damaged behemoths managed to stay afloat. Was he counting wrong or did more behemoths join the fight. A ship of his own fleet went ahead of the fleet. Not what he wanted, and it was too late to call them back. One single tear went down his cheek as he watched the ship go down with over several hundred sailors he commanded. His heart became heavy. Kezef dropped the binoculars while slumping back down in his seat. Another Vestrisian fleet gone to the enemy guns. Another volley managed to sink seventh behemoth for them. What did that make it now, elven or ten behemoths to worry about? Sure they were damaged from the fighting, but each still posed a threat. Ignoring everyone in the bridge and a few calls to him, he clasped his hands. All he focused on was the heavy loss, the ten or more behemoths still a float and  how to get out of this one. In his mind he wondered if this was a fleet cut off from communications with the fleet just northwest of these hidden islands. Taking his eyes off his own hands he saw a Vorcadam Death Bringer went after this one ship caught in the open. As it came upon its starboard side the Death Bringer succumbed to torpedoes from the west. Squadrons of alien craft zoomed in from the skies. A mixture of aircraft attacked the Gantronese and Nazdar behemoths who could only answer back with flak guns, and AA fire. From behind them and their eastern flank scores of aircraft roared overhead towards the enemy. A wave of flying engines created a startling noise that he and some crew members jumped out of their skins. 

Roaring Eagles, Dreamfires, Screaming Hawk, and Holy Angels came to their rescue in a few waves of dive bombers and torpedo planes. Like seagulls and pelicans diving for food these aircraft unloaded on the remaining behemoths. Watching 108 of their own aircraft attack these behemoth ships made Kezef uneasy. Did the Gantronese and Nazdar have aircraft coming in to counterattack them? With wings resembling an inverted shape their Roaring Eagles held the shape of an eagle. Its H tail and cockpit took away its resemblance to that of an eagle. Known for its dive bombing feats the Roaring Eagle-7 became the VUVR's number one aircraft for the job. It was also produced, and shipped over to certain allies. Kezef was astounded by the capability it had against these alien aircraft. Dreamfires held more than one wing shape. The only one he saw was the D shaped nose and the thick Oblique wings, the Dreamfire 5b. An aircraft whose wings can fold upward or backwards to make room. Agile, fast, well armored this Dreamfire could act as a fighter, bomber, and torpedo diver. Its double engines allow speeds up to 625-701mph making it the fastest aircraft in their arsenal. Whatever the engineers did to this aircraft went beyond expectations. Due to its speed the Dreamfire was tasked with escort jobs, and fighters for dogfights. Screaming Hawks showed a more mid-wing aircraft with straight edged, and tapered trailing end. Its mixed engine made a screaming noise thus dubbing it Screaming Hawk. Acting as a dive bomber, and torpedo launcher, the turbo fanned craft can carry nine bombs, and two small torpedoes. Holy Angels flew with three engines, double tails, space for two pilots, and four guns could place a bomb or three on its target at once. Only three of these types came from air craft carriers while one of them had to be launched from Ruhonthran Islands. Kezef smiled at the sight of twelve behemoths going down ending the battle for the southern platform islands. 

A Luring Site

 Roaming through the dunes of the desert he found himself crossing over into Morgadra. Ottante a he knew it was home to jungles, grasslands, and hills to the east. A large desert rested in the heart of Ottante with hundreds of Oasis dotting the landscape. Only four rivers managed to flow through the center of Ottante. The others flowed through Zegrav or along the borders of Zekmar, Nevkamuu, Dorntalla, and portions of Gaskouth Ladai. Astride his Camel, Igfit, Nomadic Desert Rider, Mirobi Omarnis was alone with his wits, Hunter Blade, Curved Dagger, War Staff, Muzad Scimitar, limited arcane knowledge, and his T.M. 13 Rifle. Mirobi acquired the Hunter Blade from his father as an inheritance, the Curved Dagger from another Dark Elf Noble he fought, the War Staff was hand crafted, the Scimitar was a gift. As for the T.M. 13 rifle, he fought the Gantronese in Zekmar and Dorntalla along with every tribe in Ottante. Hundreds of thousands came to the borders of Zelhinan City to aid in fending off the Gantronese invasion. Members of the V.U.V.R. and other modernized states shipped weapons to help them fight off the Gantronese invader. Recalling those days still traumatized him, but he shook the memories away. How they were able to stop such a force was beyond him and others. Weapons of breathing metal spouting out smoke from their heads, backs of rear ends startled him. Metal monsters of iron and steel that crawled on wheels for legs emitting smoke and making gurgling growls louder than a wailing wraith in the desert. Winged monsters that flew overhead scared off the steeds for a while until others came to shoot them down. Some of the floating scarab behemoths that gave out light over the lands it covered in shadow appeared too much for them. 

Yet they prevailed despite all of that. Around the same time, according to travelers, and Gantronese Prisoners, another faction caught their attention. Another invader called the Nazdar waged war on the Gantronese invaders drawing forces away from the main campaign in Zekmar, Gaskouth Ladai. Tribes and peoples were there including the Muzad Nomads, the Baedur Pirates, Elves of Lheobethe, Camel Kols of Kaniima, outcast Zema Ilam, the Borvadosi, the Badraani, Uxane from the East, Zegrav, Dune Dwellers, and mercenaries. Warriors of other races joined in that year the gathering began. Orcs, Goblins, Elves, civilized Gnolls, hybrids of different races, half-elves, Dwarves, and Lamia rallied to fight off the invaders. It was a hard one fight, costly for both sides, however they the inhabitants of this world could afford such losses. Mirobi kept on the course on Igfit who carried him, his water flasks, tent, bullets, rations, bedroll, lantern, extended rope for quicksand, lantern, 2 oil flasks, spyglass, Tinderbox, torches, extra robes, leather poncho, 3 blankets, soap, extra clothing, signal whistle, water skins, Whetstone, and Camel feed. He did have his mess kit taken off a Gantronese soldier. In his possessions rode a claw knife, goggles, own grappling hook, canteen, helmet that resembled a mix of a bowl with a bell, compass, various coins, map in scroll case, lock, manacles for his prisoners, set of cooking utensils, Gantronese boots, and gloves. He had other equipment, but were useless in the desert. 

All alone Mirobi Omarnis of the Moon Wraith Clan, and Morgadran Dark Elf Circle, pressed his Camel forward. Before his very eyes stood an erect obelisk of black marble decorated in gold, bronze lettering. His eyes gleamed with awe at the sight of this structure sitting alone in the dunes. Bringing his Camel over, Mirobi dismounted when he was close enough. The only sounds he could hear were his own breathing, the desert winds, his camel grunting. 

"Quit your whining Igfit, this is a find I shall tell Miderna about. A Scholarly Shaman of the tribes would want know about this." He said to his Camel despite his Camel not caring about the usual chatter other than commands. Igfit went into a sitting pose as all camels do. Mirobi left his Camel alone to take a better look at this Obelisk. Awestruck by gold letters he presumed were runes or hieroglyphs of the ancient civilizations, he went closer. Getting closer, and closer he laid a single hand on one of the letters or symbols that appeared like a figure of shields, and another of bronze. Tracing his fingers on other symbols the ground began to shake under his feet. 

Thinking it was an earthquake or quicksand he darted for Igfit who immediately got up. Mirobi climbed back onto the saddle on Igfit's back only to witness two figures emerge from the sand. One four armed 10ft tall stone golem, and a bronze one emerged from underneath the sands. Looking at the Obelisk he figured it out. By touching this Obelisk he awoke some guardians or something. Going for the stone golem first he shot at the monster with his rifle causing it to stagger. Turning his attention to the bronze one he saw it was one of iron mail plate armor made from shields. Sucking on is own teeth he pondered on how well he could even handle these two ancient materialistic guardians. Reminding himself of past victories Mirobi gathered courage. At this point it would be courage that would lead to his death. My how curiosity could lead to dangers. 

Urging Igfit not to panic he took a shot at the stone Golem's chest destroying a piece of its chest. From the flank came the shield golem. He dodged a blow from its arms as Igfrit sped up. Knowing these two monstrosities would crush him he tried keeping his distance. Making circles around he tried chipping away at the stone golem doing his best to avoid the metal one. All it did was make it angry and draw the other one closer to the stone one. Coming in between them he managed to get both of them to hit each other. Mirobi had to shut his eyes closed and cover his ears. One of the loudest blasts emitted from stone clashing with metal. Like a thunder clap in the ear the blast almost pierced his ears. Becoming stunned for a moment he nearly fell off his Camel. Making another foolish round to engage them he discovered the two were missing pieces from the clash. Both had huge chunks of their chest, stomach, and heads missing. Stone, and metal pieces scattered allover the place in the form of debris. Steadying his mount Mirobi studied both golems. Each one had a strange orb or spiraling piece of metal in its chest. Getting ideas on what those were and how valuable Mirobi did one more charge in between the two golems. At full speed he had Igfrit charge in between the two monsters. Forced to swing their slow powerful swings the golems hit each other in the chest with what remained of their limbs. Mirobi turned around to see his work. Both the bronze metal shield golem and the four armed golem lay in heaps of destroyed, and dented materials.