Hunting the Hag of Iperantosi

 On the morning following the 38th day Jaxa's unit were briefed about something else. At first it sounded like there would be a 39th day to this battle. Exhausted, battle weary, dirty, bruised in parts, some tears to the uniform and fatigues made them appear used up. Some of their helmets were dinged up from the fighting and the number of times their helmets hit something hard. A few squad mates required replacement helmets. All their assumptions were turned down. From the very lips of Major Sedo Regios, a Zema Ilam who became a VUVR citizen then soldier, some witch caused trouble in the southern islands. Regios turned them back over to their commanding officer. 

"Unit, move it, restock on provisions, ammunition, prepare for another engagement." Lieutenant Tuzzarru barked out with a sneer on his face. He was now in charge of the squad. Captain Domongor went down with a torn leg to one of the Orc reptilian mounts. He jabbed a knife into its neck behind its head. The Orc Rider's corpse dangled from its side after being shot six times. With Jaxa's aid the Captain survived the battle with a torn leg. Now they were left in the hands of Lieutenant Tuzzarru who was angry inside over the deny of a promotion to Captain.

He checked his ammunition. Only twenty bullets were left on him. Following nine remaining members who could fight, Jaxa went to the ammunition depot. For the depot they used a metal Gantronese structure in the shape of a pentagonal prism. His weapon of choice, the E-7 repeater rifle fired the 3.5 dart fang bullet. Also called pinky rounds due its size the 3.5 dart fang is also fired from older model rifles. Other weapons such as T.M. 13 fired the 4 df rounds. There was also the 0.9 Claw Nail that was fired from machine guns or the 2-dart fang. Also called prongs, the 2-dart fang were fired by submachineguns. While they restocked another unit joined them inside the depot. A large platoon of forty-eight Infantry under the command of Captain George Amberson. Introducing themselves drained Tuzzarru's hopes of command. He would not be in charge of this mission. 

Knowing Lieutenant Tuzzarru appeared undermined the rest of the squad felt uneasy. Dressed in the typical VUVR infantry khaki green uniform "Pink Field" platoon held similar weapons as Jaxa's squad. He looked down at his own dirty uniform-fatigues. Ten pockets still intact even after two months of campaigning in Iperantosi. Ammon harness holding six magazines of twelve rounds each, combat knife, Onway revolver, four cylinder round holders for the revolver hung on each side. A traditional Borvadosi dagger hung at his side in it sheath. Jaxa had to use the forearm blade against multiple opponents on many occasions. In his pockets the Borvadosi possessed a compass, utility knife, can opener he picked up, flashlight, lighter, broken binoculars, three dice, pocket watch he looted, wet stone, acryll jewels, five rings, and gloves. Every other gear he needed were in his pack. Once the combined unit was ready they exit the depot single file. Outside they stepped out onto the ruined streets of an Iperantosi settlement. In the shape of a whirlpool, Tebiniman only possessed a fraction of the buildings that once stood. 

As the units progressed through the town they passed Marines, infantry, troops, modern knights, Rangers, sailors, and paratroopers. Passing five ruined stone walls, two irregular alien buildings they heard their objective. To the far south some sea hag called Moldy Ethel Tearwallow was suspected in the disappearances of fifteen children, thirty-seven women. Each one went missing during the invasion and counterattack. Captain Amberson topped it off with a brief story about an expedition speeding their way up north. From the south this expedition came to join this invasion. Jaxa took this in as they searched around for vehicles. Tebiniman still had four cottages, eleven taverns, eleven alien structures, two smithies, nine trapezoid structures, eighteen skirmish platforms, eighteen blacksmiths, tanners, armorers, five stables, fifteen right trapezoidal Corim homes, thirteen Koriv style houses, two water mills, four tattoo parlors, eight huts still standing. Among this an unfinished temple to some unknown god stood. Nine stockages still stood firm along with stone houses, five power generators remaining intact. As for the ruins Jaxa spotted thirty-six destroyed buildings, four stone walls, twelve brick stair cases, fourteen two story ruins used as storage or cover from rain. About forty-six Gantronese barricades still stood while everything else lay demolished. 

Within the vicinity of the settlement the found the only means transport were as seen when searching. Jaxa noted two Mud Cat Jeeps with the machine guns taken off to make room for extra passengers. One armored anti-infantry car. Six various tanks sitting idle while crew members slept around them in the makeshift garages. An armored half-track, two troop carrying trucks, a Gantronese hovercraft sat idle and available for use. Lined up in a row the vehicles appeared in suitable condition. In one of the stables he kept in mind of six or more horses, three mules plus a donkey were available. Other creatures roamed the settlement. Several large creatures with three horns called triceratops passed them pulling a large cargo wagon. Three other tri-horned beasts passed by as they prepared to leave for the south. Urged along by Iperantosi the triceratops beasts pulled a four wheeled baggage train. Somewhere Jaxa heard their wheels came in threes. Someone either failed to count, come at another age, or saw it on a different island. He was too busy fighting, moving, catching sleep in between engagements to notice. 

Jaxa joined his squad in the jeeps as the Amberson's platoon filled up the trucks, Half-tracks, anti-infantry Armored car or "Basilisk 5". Lieutenant Tazzarru gave Jaxa a glare that said he was driving. Driving or operating a vehicle during this age was becoming more common. Even he knew how to operate one. Thanks to his training in the V.U.V.R. military he could operate most vehicles. Automobiles, trucks, buses, and most vehicles could be operated with a key in the ignition. In some parts all the driver had to do was push in the wheel then twist or turn it to the left. While keeping the foot on the brakes or locked in place it would start up. 

Using both hands Jaxa twisted the wheel after pushing it in. The Mud Cat engines turned on almost in unison with the eleven other vehicles. Each started with a rumbling noise that became more of a growl then purr followed by a short buzz. Only seven tanks joined their convoy for the south despite the invitation to others. A pair of Dragon Mark II's, three Alagen Beaded Lizard light tanks, one bulky Snapping Turtle Tanks from Lybresan, an Evusian Cavalier Tank covered their flanks. The Gantronese hovercraft drove a little slower than they thought it would. Like a funeral procession the convoy eased their way out of the settlement. Iperantosi roads were in dire need of repair. Most were unfinished, gravel, or wooden. The rest were dirt roads that became muddy or full of artillery holes. On these roads allies, volunteers, Iperantosi crews fixed these roads, cleared debris, set up signs, installed barriers. Jaxa swore he took seven turns before heading south. on a dirt road. 

Not knowing the Iperantosi language Jaxa relied on the signs their allies erected in place. Being in the lead made him nervous. Their path ahead was flanked by trees, abandoned houses, destroyed structures. Iperantosi people could be seen wandering around, sitting, or standing along the road. Many of them fled the fighting. Those who remained appeared demoralized, traumatized, nearly starving. None of them wanted to keep fighting. Yet they collaborated with the Vestrisians and allies of a loose Calornese alliance. There were other allies and factions fighting the two alien invaders. According to stories and eyewitness accounts other invaders already arrived in the south. It would only be a matter of time before they began pushing outward or crumbled. On a road called G-7 or Ancestor's Pass they did come across seventeen tanks, eighty-six infantrymen, and ten marines. Well past them their convoy went on with smiles from all they heckling, fake jeers, and waves. Near the end of the road a band of Goblins encircled an overturned stagecoach. Their leading tank's machine gun opened fire on the band. Jaxa saw this band scatter with three members going down. Tazzarru ordered Jaxa to stop the jeep. A second tank's machine gun opened fire taking down a few other Goblins. Lieutenant Tazzarru drew his pistol and proceeded to fire on a larger figure that straightened themselves up. Standing at seven feet in height a Horned helmeted figure armed with an antler crafted weapon rose from his victim. Donning a barbuta helmet, chainmail and leather studded armor this figure led a band of seventeen Goblins, plus two half goblins. Riddled with bullets the band of twenty bandits lay dead, armed with melee weapons. Some of the goblins still clutched their weapons even while dead in the dirt. An Ankylosaurus in shackles and collar sat idle next to the wreck. It appeared miserable yet dangerous. Some of the bullets did hit it, but it seemed unfazed by that as it swung its tail back and forth. Jaxa approached the scene with caution. 

The stagecoach was not alone on this road. Three other large wagon carts full of merchandise, and luggage sat idle with no creatures to pull them. Getting closer they found the victims of this attack. Among the nine female victims they found five Scimitar belly dancers, a short wool merchant, four Elf Paladins, one lay dead, one Zenthal woman smoking, and donning a mask on the side named Black Megal. This troop of nineteen were led by an old woman. She appeared ancient under the shawl-hood called a whood, and appeared to view all men as boys still. Just the way she rudely addressed them got under their skin. Captain Amberson stepped forward asking for the whereabouts of the Hag Witch Ethel. No help with their overturned stagecoach would come from them unless they received information. Forced to bite her lip the Iperantosi crone told them to keep heading south through the marsh road. At the edge was a ferry meant to carry heavy equipment. Amberson took this with a smile then ordered the platoon to hold the coach back its wheels. He lent two tanks to escort and pull the convoy along. Their attackers sent the beasts running amuck into the surrounding countryside or killed them on the spot. It would be presumed the other creatures were long gone or dead by now. 

Leaving the caravan convoy in the hands of two tanks reduced their fire power. Together the tanks were manned by ten female tank operators. Jaxa proceeded to follow the road catching a glimpse of who they would be losing at the expense of the caravan's defense. Names such as Sydny, Live, Tori, Bells, Kenz, Ranae, Maddie, Niki, Alicia, and Skyler were crossed out by Tuzzarru. Daylight hours became Dusk on this dreary Idleday. Thanks to the jeep lights Jaxa spotted a few indigenous Uxane on a stroll in their decorative clothing while donning wide brim reed hat. A military jeep belonging to Lybris shot past them carrying six marines. Up ahead Jaxa spied a discarded rowboat on the shoulder of the road. It was an indication they were getting closer to the swampy areas of the island. Feeling like they were alone in this mission Jaxa kept a wary eye on the edge of the road. 

Forced to stop a few hours into the night their convoy found a Tavern along the dirt gravel road. Called the Blasphemous Clasher this tavern may appear alone on this road at first glance. At least ten ruined buildings closely knit together faced a windmill sitting opposite the tavern. Standing at two stories these ruined buildings made for good storage spaces. Searching these buildings they found this enclave of a hovel abandoned. Just as the Vestrisians settled in something outside caught their attention. Heading outside the combined unit shined their flashlights in every direction. In the dark night, and shadows of the jungle some creatures prowled around this area. Tuzzarru demanded to what those were as they circled the perimeter. Jaxa spotted one that held the appearance of a sleek skinned Eel with four limbs. It stood the same size as a jaguar he hunted from time to time back in Borvados. He someone call them Eel Hounds, or something of that nature. One good shot from behind them scared the creatures off. That very shot came from inside the Tavern. Fifty or more Vestrisians heard one of Amberson's troops jibe another soldier. 

"Nice shot, Corporal Radio Dorkus did you mean to miss?" they scoffed at the soldier who fired that round. 

Before more heckling or jibes could be thrown around Captain Amberson ordered them to rest. Six of his own men were assigned night watch duty. Although he was short compared to most who stood at 5'11 Amberson still posed as intimidating. None of Jaxa's unit nor the tank crews were required for night duty. In the following morning the convoy expedition ate on the move. Going along the road their convoy came across a port town controlled by a force of two hundred seventy-two Iperantosi rebels. They were not alone in occupying a liberated Pancakos. A pair of civilized Gnolls, Evusian Rogues, two Revenants from Vestrisia, two Mezeen fighters, one soldier, Condor Isle Spearman, an Uxane Prowler, Cellic Battlefield Assassin, Cellic Swordsman, twenty-four Warrior Priests, Dwarf Mercenary, and Mounted Knight led by a War Chief's son returned from exile. Armed with the older style rifles these free people managed to clear the settlement of Gantronese forces. Pancakos consisted of ten Tavern bars, three Breweries, six fisheries, one shipwright among the various houses that made up the town. 

Captain Amberson requested the whereabouts of the ferry to the south. No other Vestrisians appeared present except the combined units, and revenants with the grey phoenix tattoo. That sent an eerie feeling among them like a shock wave. Although the two Vestrisians were present they were supposed to be dead or left for dead. Any affiliation with peoples were severed. Yes, the Iperantosi have their freedom from the invaders. His own V.U.V.R. held no interests in taking over. When will the Gantronese invade again? Nothing was clear about Iperantosi's future. Would they become allies, or tun against them like they did to the Gantronese? It was clear the Gantronese were no longer on friendly terms with the Iperantosi. After all this is said and done would they join the Calornese Alliance or go neutral? Leading the Pancakos rebels was an exiled Warchief's son known as Wakanaten. Elected by the townsfolk, 448 of whom chose not to fight, offered directions if they helped Pancakos. 

Remnants of the Gantronese mercenaries and gathered servants still attacked this town of 1,247 homes, 18 temples, two lumber mills, sixteen stables, sixteen smithies, watermill windmill, washer house, cutter, Taverns, breweries, fisheries, shipwright of six vessels, and 117 buildings in ruins. Flanked by the sea, rock formation to the southwest, small swamp, and trees, Pancakos endured assaults over its gemstone deposits. Under the leadership of a brain headed alien in a fine jumpsuit eighty-four Nameless in Assassin-Raider gear, thirty-four large hairy goblinoids called Tessari, a Drow Wizard, a single Orc, thirty-eight brown skinned goblins, twenty-four Minotaurs, and one Ogre Archer harassed Pancakos for days. This was not the only group to attack this town. One townsfolk mentioned Ghouls shambling into town at night. Ever since the V.U.V.R. invasion these Ghouls arrived. All but two are dead or so they hoped to believe with little evidence. Forced to help these people, the Vestrisians set up defenses along the town's edges where attacks came from. It was around the day of their arrival the attacks began. Jaxa witnessed dead looking humanoids emerge from the swampy forest. Rather than two there were two hundred sixty-four Ghouls and zombies. With extra firepower the defenders mopped them down. 

As though the assailants worked with the Ghouls the other groups made their move. Close to eighty-four raging trolls, one hundred twenty armored men at arms, and the very same group they were warned about launched an all-out attack. Feeling spread thin, the defenders required any willing townsfolk to aid in the defense. As scary as these gangs were their numbers dropped due to machine-gun fire and well-placed sharpshooters. One large band of murderous Orcs attacked all forces losing three hundred ninety-two or something along those numbers. Upon their retreat the attacking groups bumped into canoe faring lizard folk. Letting the groups tear each other apart resulted in a single Lizard man to survive. it was taken in by the locals. On the next morning the Vestrisians left Pancakos down the path on better terms with the Pancakos populace. Lieutenant Tuzzarru studied the map while Jaxa followed the tank to what had to be a bridge made of metal. 

In their path sat another settlement with the road going through it to this bridge. None of these Iperantosi wanted to mess with them. How they shrank away or hid sent a message something happened involving one of their coalition members. Jaxa turned to Lieutenant Tuzzarru who gave a snide comment about these people. He went on for a few seconds before saying anything worth noting. 

"It seems like the Zhenrai spooked them." Tuzzarru pointed out. 

He was not wrong about the Iperantosi being spooked. Whoever was left in this settlement peeked through windows or doors in fear. Signs of the Gantronese presence before their eviction still remained visible. A village no smaller than two hundred- and six-cylinder dome roofed buildings flanked the bridgehead. A Gantronese hover speeder approached them. Two riders in the speeder hailed them with a wave. jaxa did not see where they came from. He slammed on the brakes. In clear view a pair of figures too happy to be military personnel rode a Gantronese speeder. Wearing Ivodran mud colored uniform fatigues was a pair of Zhenrai, a Knight, and a Monster Hunter who joined their convoy. The only names they gave were Heilungson, and Fizban. Two of the seventy-five Zhenrai that showed up to fight in Iperantosi Heilungson, and Fizban had a similar mission. Joining their convoy these Zhenrai led the way across two more bridges to an island not on their maps. Tuzzarru was too perplexed and irritated to bother with the map. Wherever this bridge led Jaxa wished it would stop passing islands. Five hours later brough them across three bridges. Each one appeared constructed from metal materials with a strange alien nature to them. Hardly any signs of rust could be seen. It was too alien to be a bridge constructed on this world. Jaxa kept following the path when he checked the fuel gauge. The arrow-hand showed the tank leaning towards empty. 

Jaxa slammed his foot down in frustration. For a secondary braking system, vehicles possessed a lever near the wheel. Pulling that lever down, he stopped the vehicle and the convoy. Tuzzarru hit him with an open hand on the head that also hit his shoulder. Everyone gave their protests, jabs, and insults at him. He was glad he wasn't a Drow or Dark Elf. Taking a deep breath, he pointed out the fuel dipping low in his jeep. It wasn't exactly his, but it was him who drove it. Getting the rest of the convoy to check their fuel except the leading tank and speeder wasn't difficult. Making sure he wouldn't be thrown over the bridge required negotiating until Amberson threw his rank against everyone. Pulling rank spared Jaxa, he was only Borvadosi, fellow Skain, or recent terms Homo Allius, or Homo Mortalis. 

Several more lapses(minutes) went by as the convoy checked their fuel and scrounged for any reserve cannisters. A total of seven fuel containers of Jekrese liquid became empty in their distribution among the convoy. Once fuel gauges read the tankards were filled up, the convoy moved on to the end of the third bridge. A small-town sized settlement of coupling nut shaped structures with socked cap roofs. Numbering 701-946 in terms of buildings this town called Alburah was missing women. According to the town Chief, Kella Wise-Voice, Bridge Warden, most of their women were taken by soldiers of the invading coalition. None of the Alburahnese appeared happy about that issue. In the other settlements most of the Iperantosi fled northward or westward. 

Kella looked at their flags and emblems with the gold anvil, crossed sword, wrench, pickaxe, and pitchfork running through it. No one in the V.U.V.R. military personnel were allowed to simply pick up civilians in that manner. If they were evacuating refugees, it wouldn't be much of an issue. Yet fraternizing or fooling around was limited or restricted. Amberson told the Chief they could do a near minimum about that until their mission was completed. Keeping a promise to return Alburah's women, the convoy moved towards the ferry station. It lay just down the extended island. Going down the path on the third day, the Calornese had to take some switchbacks where an abandoned Wizard's tower stood along the road. Believing the tower stood empty of life the convoy pressed onward. 

This island named Tewar held more foliage than buildings and teamed with wildlife. Exotic birds flew overhead, from trees, striped hairy pigs ran around, Ocelots prowled, strange green lizards scurried, a few stegosauri roamed along the road, deer feasted on leaves, Parrots, Macaws, monkeys, and land crabs as big as five-gallon kegs made up Telwar's wildlife. One of those crabs became a meal to the Zhenrai who went ahead of them. Upon a closer look at the shell, it was deciphered as a huge hermit crab. Smelling the cooking caused the convoy members to stop for a taste. Tuzzarru and Amberson made attempts to stop them when a heavily armored figure emerged from the foliage brush. Decked out in a splint-plated armor similar to Vian style armor, a Gantronese blocked the path. The armor possessed spikes, sword hilts, and a strange metal nature to the armor itself. In broken Phiox, a common language spoken in Calorn, this Gantronese provoked a fight. On their helmet rested a purple metal crest forming a forked tongue. Heilungson accepted this duel against the Gantronese samurai. Unsheathing a Bardiche the Zhenrai put the polearm weapon together. Two pieces which hung at his side connected through a twisting mechanism. In just a dirty uniform the Zhenrai faced a heavily armored opponent. Heilungson made a meditative gesture with his sword then prepared to fight. Three hours of fighting made the convoy sit in the dusk. Neither combatant gave up during their duel for three hours. Heilungson moved as much as he could in the hopes of exhausting the Gantronese. Further into dusk the Gantronese stepped on what he thought was a rock. A pair of claws burst from the sand-dirt. Revealed to be a crab the creature caused the Gantronese to slip up. Heilungson tripped his opponent to the ground then struck down with a killing blow. 

With the three-hour long fight over Amberson rallied the convoy back on course Pushed to drive into the night again Jaxa had the urge to force the ferryman to return them to base. At a slower pace with high lights on they crept along the road. Finally arriving at the ferry's location, they found a settlement of Murasaki Kishin. Topped with mammal, and reptilian skulls, the houses of Murasaki Kishin were metal mug shapes. Too dark to tell how many houses were, the night forced the convoy to follow the street. Whatever names these streets had they were illuminated by dimming or flickering lights. Discovering the ferry station-port they spotted four vessels at port. Only two ferries were available. One old three masted sloop, and an ironclad ship in the shape of an alligator, floated in port. None of the vessels showed signs of life. The streets however, showed some life. A dog sized wingless snake-dragon roamed the streets nearby. It looked fat in the middle, but strong in the limbs. Grinding sounds on gravel and dirt could be heard behind them. Turning around the convoy spotted three figures rowing a boat on land. Having enough of the insane shenanigans the Vestrisians went ahead to commandeer the ferry. 

While commandeering the ferry they disturbed the ferry man and his crew of four. Not messing around they forced this ferryman to the Hag's island hideout. Whoever this Hag was she was known to have a rogue island of her own according to the various locals. Until recent weeks she was permitting to abduct victims or servants every ten to twelve months. A fraction of the females that were sent or abducted returned pregnant. Any males that returned were nothing but skeletons. According to the ferry Captain, Sea Dodage aka. Chunky Dragon, the island's name was Sket. it was often surrounded by monsters and inhabited by various beasts this one Hag-Witch recruited. Throughout the night the ferry took the Calornese force towards this island. One Sea serpent needed to be killed for breakfast. Travelling a total span of four days brought them towards Sket island. 

 

Flag of Borvados

 

Dedication to Family, Duty to Borvados, Loyalty to ruling family, and the lands makes Borvados a loose member of the Vestrisian Union of the Vestrisian Republics.