Eoth's Lost Altar

 Not caring for the laws of a modernizing era she wanted to ensure an Eoth victory. Grussia stood as any ally all the way through. Vunnace and eight city-states pledged to fight these invaders. Shabbilne gazed upon the temple altar expecting an answer from the gods. Wearing the traditional Eothan poncho Shabilne had two other companions accompanying her. Captain Grechin of the Eoth Jaguar Warriors, Walod the Mage brought a volunteer for a sacrifice. Shabanna, an Eothan enchantress who made a mistake in a spell. While enchanting a dagger for a youth seeking to be a Jaguar Shabanna had the dagger stab the poor youth. Elders of the village banished her to service of the cults who still practiced the old ways. Shabbilne was a priestess to the altars of Nemarho Yerza, the god of sacrifice, and payments. At the overgrown temple of Nemarho Yerza the four of them were at the very borders of the Unknown Lands. Wedged between two mountains, the temple altar sat as a doorway into the lands of vast jungles, extended mountains, marshes, tribal lands, and grasslands. All of such landscapes filled with savages, monsters, beasts, and wild carnivorous animals. Tales say the tribes are cannibals that kill and eat the outsider upon encounter. 

They were within the mountain range itself that separated them from the Unknown Lands, the Dyhrex Mountains. A large mountain range that acted as a thick natural wall for them and Grussia. A rather large lake was shared with Grussia as well. Lake Nixorne, they called it, another natural border between them and the Unknown Lands. Fishing, diving, swimming, rowing, and sailing could be done on that lake. Nixorne bordered the Dyhrex mountains acting as an extra border between them and the Unknown Lands. Shabbilne had little time to waste. Eoth, Grussia, and Vunnace could hold out for a few years with combined forces. Their new allies in other parts of the world can increase their chances of holding out by a few months. Would that be enough to cripple the invaders? She doubted that it would even force the combined forces of the invaders and their collaborators to quit their offensives. More allies is what they needed and a miracle, according to her point of view. Leading the trio closer to the altar within the temple Shabbilne prepared the dagger. 

"I don't know if this will work Shabbilne. It has been centuries since anyone has made a sacrifice here." Walod warned her. 

"Bah! It will work Walod, it will! I have read the ancient texts on how to do this. Come now Shabanna, come over here." She beckoned for the enchantress to approach the altar. The young Eothan woman hesitated with a concerned expression on her face. 

"What will you do to me?" She asked sounding like she wanted to back out of this. 

"Just a slit of the palm or finger. Several drops of blud should drip onto the altar. Come on now. It is clean." Shabbilne urged her. 

"You mean you have been here before?" Captain Grechin asked her, gripping the torch in his left hand. The lantern they used to traverse one of the mountains to get here ran through their tinderboxes. 

"Several times, Captain Grechin." She replied as Shabanna approached the oval shaped altar with a small bowl crevice in its center. 

Grabbing Shabanna by the wrist she pulled her over the altar drawing the dagger closer to the enchantress's skin. To her surprise the enchantress did not pull back or attempt to resist her. In her grip Shabanna's hand rest in her control at the moment. The enchantress bared her teeth and shut her eyes closed. She even turned away like some scared child or youth made to look at something or do something undesirable. Shabbilne chose to ignore her with some strands of her wild hair draping over her face as she began to press the blade into the palm. Making a cut into the sacrifice's palm she drew blood. Her hands acted on their own squeezing some blood out into the small bowl-shaped crevice in the altar. The red fluid seeped out of Shabanna's palm and onto the altar. It filled the bowl-shaped crevice. That was the only amount of blood required. Looking past the altar at the back walls she waited patiently. Do not fail me. Was all she could think as she released the enchantress from her grasp. Stepping back she placed the dagger on the altar in a position that it faced the center at an angle. From the altar itself stones grounded against each other from the altar's interior. It sounded as though a mechanism was built inside and the blood acted as the trigger. 

Without warning the altar rose a few feet and the wall opened up. Stones grounded against stone, cogs, and other levers squeaked and groaned. Amazed by the success of the attempt they stood idle for a moment. Slowly the wall separated become two sliding doors making way. A secret door opened up behind the shifting walls revealing an outdoor tunnel like hall covered in vines, and overgrowth along the sides. The infamous dreadful Unknown Lands lay before their path. to the four of them this created a new path to take into the wild lands most civilized cultures avoided. Shabbilne could only guess how long it would remain out of the invaders' reach. Shabanna quickly wrapped her hand in a piece of cloth from her leather hide handbag. 

"How many days of provisions did you bring with you?" Grechin asked from behind. 

"First we need to let someone know we are here." Walod informed the Captain. 

Hearing their voices annoyed her. When travelling with them they brought a few weeks' worth of rations. They even stayed at several villages along the way riding in Grechin's automobile that broke down a few times. Hunting and staying at a few settlements helped maintain their stock for each mouth. Shabbilne lived alone these days and lived off the land. She could not say the same for Shabanna, and Walod. Captain Grechin brought two rifles, and a hunting crossbow. The Tiger's Roar 93 bolt action rifle, and the king's favorite, Scorpion Sting 33 breech loader. All three projectile weapons would do them good. Grechin brought a curved machete knife, sickle weapon, and bamboo warclub. All three weapons would prove useful. She possessed a dagger, short sword, metal claws, and retractable staff on herself. At the age of fifty, Shabbilne could still hold out on her own. She was once a Manticore acolyte of the Manticore Circles. 

"Walod, take Shabbana back to the nearest village. Captain Grechin and I will explore this new discovery for the next few days. We will return of course." Shabbilne ordered the Mage. 

"Are you sure Shabbilne? There is only two of you. Who knows what monsters and perils lay beyond those doors." Walod warned them. 

She ignored the Mage plucking up her dagger, and grabbing her own satchel bag. Eager to find out what lay beyond the temple doors she opened, Shabbilne welcomed Grechin to join her. His footsteps behind her said he was joining her. Walod and Shabanna's footsteps faded behind her as she entered the overgrown tunnel. Vines, moss, mushrooms, wildflowers covered the walls of the tunnel. For a ceiling this tunnel did have rough parts of stone overgrown, showing signs of crumbling. Fifty-two lunges away from the last crumbling part the tunnel opened up at the ceiling. Another twenty paces past the opening in the ceiling the tunnel became sheltered by leaves of jungle trees dotting the landscape. With Captain Grechin following her she sauntered ahead for a mile before spotting hints of humanoid life. Various animals chirped, let out caws, loud purrs, and rustled in the foliage. Shabbilne raised her arm to stop Grechin in his tracks. Squatting down she spied what looked like a hut or lodge mixed together. Topped with a flat roof this structure appeared put together with logs, branches, rocks, stones, and mud as the mortar. To her it seemed strange for there to be a structure this well made in an area such as this. Who was she to judge, she had never been here before. 

Drawing closer to the structure they found a few more huts and some inhabitants. Excitement grew inside then faded when she saw some of them had tails. Through some trees, and tall bushes she could see a group of humanoids gathered in the center of a small hamlet in the jungle. Nine horned lizard demons with green scales that looked like armor on their bodies. Each one wore a leathery vest with fur grieves over their legs. On a chain linked leash the lizard demons possessed some bumpy fat dragon of orange, green stripes. Standing on four fat legs this one reminded her of the type of bulldogs Shabbilne saw among Grussians. At a closer glance she noticed these Lizard Demons wielded black ion weapons such as spears, tridents, axes, and machetes crafted in crude shapes. Confronting them or attempting to were three Lizardfolk that held more native appearances. Clad in bones, hides, and shells these Lizardfolk possessed claws, tribal Spears, and tipped tails for weapons. At their flank stood a large, mutated crocodile humanoid fighting one of the Lizard folk archers. In their own language these humanoids held a heated argument about something. Each growled, roared, and hissed at the other. The Mutated crocodile started to swing at the archer, which rolled back to loose an arrow at it. Shabbilne felt her hands reach for her weapons while Grechin prepared to shoot at the lizard humanoids. Just the amount of noise these monsters made gave her goosebumps. Her heart raced as she watched the heated argument turn into a brawl of claws, swinging blades that drew blood. For several minutes it dragged on until something else burst out of the jungles to their left flank. Another lizard beast with a large head and two arms appeared before them. Yet this one possessed two heads attached to another body of another beast. Squinting her eyes, she spotted two metal collars linking the heads to the body revealing it was more of an experiment of some mad scientist who hid in these parts. 

Not taking any chances with any of these lizards the pair of Eothans turned tail and ran from the scene. Knowing what the outcome was they raced back the direction they came. They tried to as there was no clear path to take beyond the tunnel. Finding the tunnel would be rather difficult. What did not help was the sun setting into dusk for the day. Several minutes of sprinting through the jungle one of them lost a boot, and likely a few items from their bags. Neither of them turned around to retrieve anything. Even though she felt like a coward, Shabbilne admitted to herself this was a part of the world she did not know. A Ranger would have helped. She thought to herself when she spied another structure in the jungle. Stopping in her tracks to see what it was the Eothan noticed it was a military aircraft propeller that was usually found on the invaders' choppers for assault. According to the stories such craft were easily taken down with machineguns or handheld modernized cannons. 

"We need to get back to that tunnel!" Grechin shouted as he rushed past her. 

"Yes." She replied taking another glance at the aircraft. Have the invaders already been here or are they just sending scouts? She asked herself before chasing after Grechin. Her discovery of some lost altar opened the door to an older world that was likely alive with monster who could be hostile to both them and the invaders.  

Castaria-Zegrav Borders #9: Insurgents Attack

 His fellow soldier, Sergeant Pumpeen barked at the five palm branch wielding staff. Under his cap his thick reddish hair, and handlebar mustache made him look like a lion trying to be a human. A lion with a big nose, shaven chin, and exposed cheeks. Wind blew around them lifting sand up that hit their clothes, and tried getting in their eyes. Most of the citizens, workers and patrons ran from the blast site. Checking their surroundings Malik spotted two Uxane Horses, a pair of armor wearing twins approaching their direction, a Camel Rider, some Gnome goat rider, and female Drow Mage covered in a tan cloak. To the locals the twins were called Dane workers. Both were fighters and laborers. One Vestrisian Desert Trooper who was Zegrav came up to them. Malik could tell they were of Zegrav background due to the tribal band around their head. It could be seen under the cap, tangerine orange over dark brown skin. Adding another soldier to help wouldn't hurt. Malik had never really been here in Zegrav before. Red Curve was a city he heard about or passed on is travels through Zegrav. Studying the figure in their tan brown uniform they sort of blend in the surroundings. Telling his squad leader what he found, Malik glanced at the Desert Soldier who stuck out because of several light blue tents, orange striped tents, green ones, red painted huts, and colorful vendor stands. 

Handing over his discovery Malik heard the Desert Soldier's voice. Everyone in ear shot turned their heads on the covered Desert soldier. All they could see of her were the eyes above the tan veil. She introduced herself as Corporal Bia Jeerdall of the Desert Unit. Facing North West Malik spotted a Blacksmith at work in his open forge as through nothing happened. Clanking and hammering of metal could be heard from the blacksmith along with other noise as Jeerdall spoke. She once had thirty-five fellow soldiers she called co-workers in a platoon. Now it was just her after a week in Badraan. 

"I heard what happened out there in Badraan, Corporal Jeerdall. A platoon sized unit of thirty-five or more Desert Soldiers and forty local militia set out to hunt down a band of unruly Ghouls led by a Lamia Lion. When they caught up with what they thought was seventeen turned out to be a set up ambush. Caught in the grassy dunes they were first attacked by seventy white spawn Ghouls followed by a wave of eighty Black Ghoul spawn. Both waves were repelled until the Lamia-" Lieutenant Ritherson's story was cut off by fresh screams and shouting. This interruption was followed by sounds of attacks and clashes. 

All their attention was transferred to the southwest. Hundreds of people fled towards them in panic. Several shots rang out behind the fearful crowd. Heading towards the source, Malik's squad was not alone. A total of seventy-seven armed humanoids rushed to defend Red Curve. Malik could tell this was the work of the Lamias of Ottante and their Ghoulish henchmen. No one expected this to happen so soon. Yes there was an insurgency going on. However insurgents acted as guerillas attempting hit and run attacks. They would always melt away or disappear into the countryside or wilderness whenever troops arrived in force. Knowing or believing this was the force they set out to deal with, Ritherson ordered a counter attack. 

Red Curve's populace barely mobilized to face this threat. Citizens, residents, workers, and inhabitants moved towards the defensive castles that formed Red Curve. Malik's squad mates passed a tea salon, practicing dentistry in a cottage, carriage tour guide, bake with a bread stand, and two safari stations against the walls of a castle. Some trio of ex pirates searching for mounts had to give up and join the defenders. Everyone was expected Red Curve or hide in a safe spot. The newly formed VUVR government permitted the Zegravs rights to arms for defending themselves. As long as they don't rise up against the new government. Fortunately this law was not going to last much longer. An enforced law the VUVR's 4th Law of Restraint ensured the Zegrav's would not rise up or form large militias. 

Besides the enforcement and restraining law there were bands who sought to resist. An insurgency arose in Castaria, Zegrav, and parts of Ottante. Yet this day he was facing the Zegrav insurgents. More people rushed pas them in fear. Up ahead they spotted the insurgents near an old mine shaft, an old tower, one saloon, and a bank. Malik's squad mates started firing at the insurgents when the crowds were clear of their line of sight. they lined up near a working blacksmith who was too focused on his work to care. The seventy-seven warriors rushing to defend Red Curve charged at a force of three hundred. Shooting at these insurgents became hindered due to the heroic seventy-seven in their line of fire. 

Forced to watch the Red Curve defenders fight, Malik and his squad mates helped civilians get out. Hiding in a Radio Station within a sand brick structure, a horse riding instructor, her student, chimney sweeps for the castles, a couple of merchants, a family of four, and station master race out. They rushed by a cottage and the stands owned by the merchants. On the vending stands Malik saw they sold saddles, lever rifles, sleeping bags, and other essentials. Among the merchandise they found arrows, bolts, and bullet holes from the insurgents. At other vendors, and structures they found some dead Red Curve citizens. Two ex-pirates selling saddles, and belts, two fire fighters, an operatic entertainer, male surveyor, and older female surveyor-photographer, two kids, a beast tracker, and a merchant. One of these merchants sold essential parts, cameras, small campfire extinguishers, carpets, belts, carpets, capes, banners, circlets, collars, gold coifs, an ale pitcher. Opposite those vendors and particular shop sat the Sheriff Office, a Saloon, owned by nine nobles, and a castle where a noble stood by the stairs. Giving the Tavern a good look he saw it had decorations such as banners, halberds, spears, swords, maces, mortar cannon, and shields. Noting the settlement had ten banks, Malik wondered if the insurgents were after money, supplies, and weapons. Not getting a chance to engage the insurgents was disappointing. 

The engagement of combat between Red Curve defenders and the insurgents lasted for a few minutes. Every Red Curve defender got at least one or two kills. Malik hoped the volley they sent in helped out. Calling this one a second attack Ritherson led the squad over to the site of the skirmish. Just one defender died in the fighting, local sheriff, Lomon Gunari. Whereas the insurgents lost two hundred twenty-five dead, and seventy-six taken prisoner. at their hands a total of fifty-nine Red Curve people died and over sixty wounded in the attack. Knowing the wrath of  Red Curve's citizens these prisoners were at their mercy. As though the VUVR soldiers were not present, fourteen Ghouls, spawn, and Zegravs were hanged. 

As usual in Zegrav every remaining prisoner received the dungeon sentence. Between the eight castles, sheriff stations, and abandoned wells the prisoners found themselves distributed into one of the structures. Corporal Malik knew half these or more would die of starvation, torture, or suicide. He only heard the stories after arriving in Zegrav again when he was a little older. Ritherson took command of the defenders since he was a Lieutenant in the VUVR military. The seventy-six defenders who joined the fight were made up of various professions. A team of seven Swan Knights camped out nearby, another group of five Swan Knights with the swan sigil, stayed at some Tavern. One platoon of twenty regular knights, nine Dwarves, three Crusaders in VUVR uniform, a Tournament Knight on vacation, and a pirate knight came here for new steeds to buy. One female archer, female rogue, Elf Archer, and Dwarf Body Guard lived here in Red Curve. An Elf Blue Blade, female archer, four Tower Shield Knights and Zegrav Tribesman acted as security in Red Curve. Three Blue Archers, a single winged Demon, three Vestrisian locals resided here. Helping the two other Sheriffs of Red Curve, three Vestrisian Troopers ensured the banks would be protected. 

Leaving the prisoners in the hands of Red Curve locals Malik's Squad Mates moved towards the southern end. They were now leaving Red Curve's citizens to clean up the carnage and aftermath. It was not against them. His fellow soldiers did care about the citizens of this member state. Their own duty lied elsewhere in Zegrav. Much of Zegrav remained untamed like Ottante and Castaria. He even heard rumors about parts of the northern regions still had wild bands roaming the country. Bands consisting of Beastmen, wild Troglodytes, Kuruks (humanoids with horns), Fierce Gnolls, and other creatures that should have stayed in tall tales. Looking at the sky he noticed they patrolled Red Curve for over five hours. 

This was normal for patrols and a little short compared to some patrols. Patrols could take days at a time. Depending on where they were patrols would not return for days. Letting out a loud sigh Malik looked around their surroundings at the end of Red Curve. Just the way this settlement was set up in the grassland fields full of hills, it formed a scimitar shape. Old forts, castles, along with the close nit structures allowed for an easy defense. Attacking forces would have to spread out or be caught in a choke point. Either way it would require artillery or bombers to reduce Red Curve to rubble. 

"Alright lads fall on me." Ritherson commanded them. 

The squad of soldiers, now camel riders, or Camel Kols, rallied to Lieutenant Ritherson's position. Corporal Jeerdal joined them, making her part of the squad. Sergeant Pumpeen looked at her up and down unsure about this. Corporal Asim-Sugmuk Malik checked his fellow squad mates with his eyes. Corporal Amun Munn, the second Corporal hailed from Zegrav, Privates Naviddi Calumet, Eric Sextur, Seymour Bleu, Grommni Swannson, Stephen McPaulis, Ed Drommond, Redd Pawblade, Nimor Sedwash, Michael Stonehaven, Walter Olaff, Jasmial Amakiir came from Castaria, and Geverine cities. Then there was Corporal Bia Jeerdall being assigned to his command. Six others used to be under his command under Ritherson. Three of them were dead, one was wounded, and the other two filled in the ranks of another squad in the 1224th. 

"Listen up squad, our presence drew attention of insurgents. We need to move. Our own 1224th just cleared out insurgents while we were fighting the other force at Red Curve. With held from local militia, Zegrav 428th Cavalry Battalion our comrades cleansed a village of 541 insurgents. No prisoners were taken so expect extreme fanaticism. Sort of disappointing, we got nothing, but news about a freed village. Colonel Zepher will move south. A motte and bailey is under the insurgent's grip. In the countryside we have a merchant involved in some rivalry. According to locals and sources they work with a spy who serves a priest. Between the three are four hundred forty-five rebels roaming the country in Zegrav." Ritherson briefed the squad and Jeerdal who was tagging along.