Who was
getting their ass kicked today in the clouds? She did not know. Was it Nymres,
Vullan’s remnants, Gontrella, or another island state allied to Vullan? The
only states she could think of were Spitmin, Holysadcay, Puirus Kingdom, Noxnanoth, Noggos
Outh, Kuthal. The war in the Valde Sea already dragged on for a few years now.
Vullan was clearly losing as the bordering islands fell to the V.U.V.R. which
she had zero affiliation with. She considered herself an ace or expert
pilot from Gaskouth Ladai. After all she raced around sandstorms and sand
twisters. Pilda Raksashan was part Al-Dadoria, and part Gaskouth Ladai yet she
looked far more Zegrav-Badraani with the dark skin in appearance. Her race was
human to Nirame Niril, her Dark Elf friend who walked alongside her. One had
brown eyes, the other green eyes. Pilda wore binoculars around her neck whereas
her friend Nirame donned an ancestral blade around her neck on a chain link
necklace. In non-military aviator jumpsuits the pair of them sat a table
sharing a monster crab dish near a Bazaar in Ottante Port City, Gaskouth Ladai.
“Will
Gaillett pay us in Eagles or Eclipses for the job?” Nirame asked, picking up a
piece of crab leg then breaking it.
“Relax,
Nirame, relax we just got back from that delivery job in Geverine. His
merchandise reached that merchant’s warehouse in Geverine Vale. It is secured.”
Pilda assured her. She took a bite out of the crab with a bit of attitude
showing she was not convinced.
“Where to
next?” Nirame asked after swallowing the piece.
“Al-Dadoria,
I believe it is time we paid a visit back home and see if Al-Dadoria is
involved in this new conflict.” Pilda answered, taking a sip of her Sunny
Castle Liquor. She always had one whenever she wasn’t flying their modified
Stork.
“Do you
feel safe flying back?” Nirame asked her, looking concerned. The look on her
dark elf face said everything. She was aware the new war was going on.
“Yes, I
do. That is not because I am drunk.” She responded back.
Stretching a little bit
the pair of them returned to the hangar base after a few days of resting.
Jekrese was already in the tank, and their aircraft was ready to fly again. A
smooth journey was what they had to Al-Dadoria. Closer to the evening was
better. Since the Vestrisians, and Al-Dadorians were not concerned with the
Valde waters between them. For now, it was just Vullan versus the VUVR
according to the papers. Back at Anmory airbase the pair slept the next day. When
they got back to their Flat at night Pilda checked their mail discovering the
box empty. A knocking came at the door to their flat which they shared with
another pilot, and missionary. Aviator Jodice Mereen, Missionary Monk Mochael
Tomhas or would often travel with them or look after the place. In a casual
outfit of a laced green plaid shirt, sleeves to elbows, tan flat front shorts
with strings, Tomhas sat in their common area. It included the kitchen and the
den making it one room. Jodice was nowhere to be found. Tomhas looked up from a
religious tome at the table as they entered their flat common area.
“Back
from delivering Geverine’s stolen goods I see! Don’t bother answering the
Flat’s door I’ll see who it is.” Tomhas got up to answer their door.
From the middle of the
stairs that faced the door Pilda and Nirame watched Tomhas answer it. With the four-seat
couch flanking the door, Tomhas barely had room to pull the door open. At their
door stood a military officer in a modern uniform that appeared formal ware in
appearance. Pilda clung to Nirame’s arm as she did the same to her. Tomhas
exchanged words for a few moments then closed the door. Turning around he
approached the pair of them. His expression looked calm with a hint of concern.
“I have
some news to share. While you were away on jobs, Jodice volunteered to fight in
the Valde Conflict. He is not dead, just in VUVR custody as Vullanese colors
were found on him.” Tomhas revealed to them.
“So
that’s why he isn’t back!” Pilda blurted out, aghast by this news. Nirame
pulled away from her as she held back tears.
“Pilda
don’t jump in and rescue him in a rogue manner.” Tomhas warned her.
Pilda wasn’t going to
argue, but her gut said to ignore this or get him out. His rent was already
paid for, but his room of the Flat held some questionable items. One Arolk Axe
with a hook at the handle from Gontrella-Ossus regions. Six large vials of
Dragon-Fire in a crate, small anti-arcane bomb, a grenade bomb the size of a
cannister, wall of weapons, rifles from ten countries, spring jaw traps were
among others they found in his part of their Flat. She did not mind swords or other
weapons. However the bombs and vials had to go.
“I think
I’ll join the V.U.V.R.” she decided. “Are they recruiting any pilots?”
“Pilda,
war is not about racing sandstorms, or deliveries. Once you choose to fight
enemies or the opposing combatants, they will attempt to kill you. I am talking
about massive battles not street squabbles, or tavern brawls.” Tomahas advised
her with a warning.
She sat down at their table as Nirame began making
breakfast and prepared coffee. Tomhas already ate, but enjoyed a second mug of
coffee. He explained his own history in the mercenary profession before
becoming a monk. Pilda sort of listened while her gaze went to the window as a
long line of men ran by. Dressed in ugly gray-blue shorts and shirts they raced
by their flat. She recognized one of them. Kax Ker the Karat Burglar went past
their window in larger grouping. Pilda Raced outside to witness eight hundred
other men, followed by a unit of two hundred females in similar garb. She
exited the door to find five soldiers in V.U.V.R. uniforms tailing the units of
runners. Tomhas joined her at the door on her left flank.
“It appears Al-Dadoria’s Veteran
Infantry are preparing to rejoin the military.” He pointed out.
“We are hardly at war with Vullan.”
She stated.
“True, but Vullan’s allies are closer
to join this conflict against the V.U.V.R. this year.” Tomhas added to the
statement.
Pilda gave it a couple of days before deciding. While
strolling around town Pilda found a propaganda poster depicting a Vullanese
Priest selling a woman to a slaver. Looking at this poster, a childhood friend
and a childhood bully came to mind. Morgane Dh’Onia the childhood friend and
Neeonet Aruj her childhood fiend of a bully. Both left her when she was eleven
for Vidothra and Nymres. Each were trained as maids, civil servants,
custodians, musicians bound to serve one of the nobles or aristocrats. With
promises to hear from either of them, she never did. Wiping away a tear or two
she rode a caravan bus to the edge of Al-Dadoria. From the northern most point
of Al-Dadoria Pilda sat on the sands longing to hear from either of them. As
cruel as Neeonet was she still transformed into a sister like figure before
leaving. When Pilda returned to Amnery she went up to the recruiting stations. A
couple of experienced combat aviators sat at the recruiting desk made her more
intrigued to join. Meeting a Lieutenant known as Hedol Sosk, and Airman Rohin she
had to prove her flying skills to them for a month. During that time, she
pulled out her best which did not impress them in terms of combat flying. Yet
she did receive a summons a week later by Lieutenant Sosk.
With Nirame tagging
along she found the pair of Vestrisians at a Coffee House. Sosk the aviator ace
from the Boathrin Islaes sat in casual clothing under a shawl poncho of green
with zigzag designs. His square face, concave nose, short chin, horn shaped
eyebrows, made him a little more recognizable than most Boathrins she ran into.
In a loose fit light blue tunic dress with a wrap scarf around her head Rohin
appeared to blend in a little better. The wrap-scarf or Kiftane was usually
worn during summer months, and winter months. Sitting down they learned about a
job concerning a female wolfkin bonder/hybrid named Darele Aubenvaan. This job
involved transporting Darele to the Unknown lands. Al-Dadorian courts sentenced
her to banishment for three years. She was not in this city, but in the eastern
port city of Cagat-Bhal.
Pilda agreed to take this job. It actually paid more in
Al-Dadorian eclipses over 33,000 total. Yet it required to locate another
figure in order to find Darele. One half-Orc known as Satom Tapa Garwa was
handed custody and guardianship of Darele Aubenvaan for a temporary time. She
wondered why this Darele was being sent away when this Garwa sounded capable of
watching over her. This Garwa may be a half-orc, but those made for better
protectors due to their nature. Some did not believe that. Nonetheless she made
the agreement preparing to seek out the Orc-man with the gold tooth. Both
aviators left the legal smugglers to head home to pack up.
In Ol-Amnery city celebrations among non-Al-Dadorians
sprang up. Goblins, Orcs, half-orcs, half-goblins, other humans became wild
celebrants of a festival. Pilda watched Nirame participate in the festivities,
breaking ugly vases and potter she made a month ago. Nearly a two-thousand-year-old
tradition that came around each year. It commemorated the end to the racism
they endured for millenniums before. This same celebration also commemorated
their freedom from being war slaves to higher beings, demons, and sentient
monsters. She felt the fun Nirame enjoyed in smashing the ugly spider faces. Nirame
wasn’t the only Dark Elf smashing clay pottery with similar designs. A whole
family of Dark Elves took turns smashing a dozen pots with a face and spider
legs. The celebrations went into the night as others got a little creative with
fire destroying the pots. A beige skinned goblin got a little carried away
while dressed in a Chlamys shirt. Right after smashing up face pots this goblin
went arsonist on the port. A lighter in hand this goblin set fire to a marquee
for coal flakes, tinder boxes, small flasks of jekrese fuel. Just before the
flames could spread, they were stamped out and extinguished. A fire
extinguisher, an new contraption put out most of the flames while the other
embers had to be stamped out with damp cloths. A knight of the Eshan Keeps of
Boathria arrested this goblin with permission from local authorities who had to
keep watch over the coasts.
Watching the Eshan Knight of the Keeps drag the arsonist
away allowed a figure to approach the aviators. Out of the corner of her eye
she spotted them moving in the dark. Pilda turned her gaze towards him with suspicion.
When he came into the light, she noticed ring piercings on his cheeks. His
light brown skin, colorful clan shawl, Sherwani shirt over Vestrisian Khaki
green trousers gave away the Borvadosi background. Military style boots hung
from his belt as he walked barefoot on Al-Dadorian sands. On his head rested a
desert head wrap to keep the head cool. Observing him closely she could tell he
was armed with a short machete, a 66-machine pistol on his hip, and a club
mace.
“Sorry to encroach upon you like this. The name is Vijan Jossduun,
a scout from Borvados. Garwa sent me to find whoever is transporting miss Darele
Aubenvaan.” This Borvadosi introduced himself to them.
“Pilda Raksashan, pilot, deliveries, licensed
smuggler. This is Niril Nirame, my copilot who helps me fly the “Snoutband”. It
is a decommissioned Big-Stork 35, or in Vestrisian terms Bagik Sotkr. We received
this job to bring miss Aubenvaan to a certain location.” She responded in kind
to this encroaching Borvadosi. Could she trust him? This Garwa seemed too
shady, but he did have Aubenvaan under his care. Yet did he know what was being
paid to bring her?
“Can we trust you?” Nirame questioned
him folding her arms. Pilda did the same with her arms.
Nearly taken aback the Borvadosi stepped back a few paces
automatically. His face produced a peevish and nervous grin. Nirame’s hand went
for a hidden short dagger in her pants leg. Pilda stopped her with a left hand
on her arm. It would do them no good just drawing weapons as a warning or a way
of saying you mean business. Sure, it worked on the gangs or thugs in the Valde
Seas. As for this Borvadosi, it would not work. She could already tell that
encounter would end unfavorably. To their fortune the Borvadosi did not seem to
notice. If he did, he did not care.
“I am hired as a guide for you or
whoever is taking Aubenvaan to Jurax, what natives call the Unknown Lands.
Garwa and the house of Ushiva-al-Nore are paying me to be that guide.” Vijan
explained in as few words as possible. Mulling it over in her head she looked
over at Nirame then at herself. She barely knew anything about Borvados, except
rumors, stories, some encounters in the islands. Her flying took her to places
such as Evusia, Malvieth, Meze, parts of the V.U.V.R. Gontrella, Ossus, and
Nevora.
“We will let you aboard. So long as
you don’t backstab us and leave us stranded.” She stated looking him in the
eyes.
“Agreed, but do I look like a pilot?
Never mind follow me.” Vijan went over to the street portion of Amnery.
Pilda felt like she had no choice but
to follow. Following this Vijan Pilda sent Nirame back home. Al-Dadoria took
cases of missing people seriously. Not a stone went unturned when it came for finding
missing people. Most cities in the island nation were closed in. It made it
complex to keep up, but landlords, street watchers called Fwiads made a system
to keep track of residents. He took her over to a vehicle parked outside an
outdoor theatre. She barely recognized the model of the car, but that did not
matter as she entered the passenger side. Vijan drove her three hours deeper
into the night. She tried stayed awake but failed after ten times. He had to
wake her up when they stopped. Brought out of her sleep, Pilda got out of the
vehicle. She nearly stumbled out as she forced her legs to move. Her guide took
her to an adobe style structure barely lit up by torches and a night brazier. When
they entered the two were greeted by a large robust looking half-orc with a single
tusk. A bandana squeezed on his head, a flannel shirt with torn sleeves, a
solid gold-tan utility kilt full of small weapons were his choice of clothing.
Presuming this was Garwa, Pilda introduced herself. All the half-orc did was
grin, revealing a gold tooth. Taking a better look at their surroundings she
found this room well lit while the windows were covered with black curtains. He
motioned for someone to come forward from a room she did not see due to the corner
blocking her view. A small figure approached the table covered in a cloak. He
pointed at Pilder muttering something to this small figure. Pilda’s only guess
was that this figure was Darele Aubenvaan.
After resting for half the morning,
she hurried back to Ol-Amnery. She warned Nirame to get their transport ready
for takeoff. Dressed in her casual clothes she sought to jump in her pilot
outfit when she reached the airbase. Letting Darele sleep in her arms they
reached the hangar where two others stood waiting. A figure dressed a zoologist/beast
handler and an attended knight in modern leather armor. Once she was ready, and
ate on the go Pilda found Niril Nirame in the cockpit.
“Why didn’t you tell me about the
beast talker and the knight/dame with a squire?” She pointed it out to Nirame.
“Last second deal Captain, sorry.” She
apologized with that wide grin and raised worried eyebrows.
“Alright then, let’s fly to Borvados
first.” She sat down flipping a few more switches then put the engines in gear.
Picking up the installed microphone she spoke to the passengers who were
already buckled up. After giving them the smoothing talk to calm nerves and
brief preparations Pilda began their flight.
Launching from the runway Pilda braced
herself to lift off slowly into the air. Ascending into the air gradually still
became rocky, but not enough to break the plane. Some passengers were jolted
awake. Gaining speed, while ascending Pilda told Niril to rest in the back with
the passengers. Through the cock pit window, the sight of clouds appeared
promising. A clear day was all she could ask for. Flying from Al-Dadoria to
Borvados still proved a little difficult in the mind. Her flight path was close
to the frontlines. However, her Al-Dadorian flag shouted neutral to all
combatants.
Seven hours later she landed on the
Borvadosi Island of Casr. Making it a smooth landing proved a little
complicated as dusk grew into nighttime. At a recently constructed airport they landed
on the runway next to a settlement called Jemta. A town with enough hangar
space for ten large aircraft, and fifty smaller combat aircraft. Not intending
to stay long she parked her plane on another area that resembled a makeshift lot.
Unloading her cargo wasn’t difficult as she only contained passengers. One by
one they got out yawning, stirring awake, while one of them upchucked a meal
onto the asphalt-gravel. The squire who joined the Dame did their best to hold
it until they landed. How they were able to was beyond Pilda’s thoughts. She
recalled the number of times she had to clean up with Nirame complaining.
Finding a place to stay wasn’t easy. Especially
at night in this small town where everything closed a little earlier. Borvadosi
houses appeared raised up due to threats of past flooding. Many of the buildings
were bult in with similar raised foundations to the raised-up houses. Among the
streets they did find someone who pointed out a few open inns, and taverns. One
of those inns/taverns lay towards the outskirts of town. Barely alive it
appeared the only option to rest at. Their scout/guide Vijan led the way.
Having no knowledge of Borvadosi language or culture Pilda allowed Vijan to
control conversations. Thanks to him half the rooms became available without
much arguing or scuffle. Meals were on the house due to another guide, and
Pilda bumping into a female pirate being chased by a Ranger. Not aiding either
of them kept her hands clean. It also put her on the sidelines of safety. This
female pirate pulled a weapon on the Ranger and Warden who knocked it out of
her hand before apprehending her.
What she did not expect was for the
Ranger to place this pirate under her care and supervision. That morning Pilda
and her co pilot learned who was who at a table. Darele Aubenvaan was obvious
due to her importance. Vijan Jossduun, the Borvadosi scout and Ranger sat next
to Nirame who slipped into her revealing loose tunic dress she liked to wear.
The beast reptile talker Myg Greebles traveled over here to help train the fat
scaly reptilian beasts she called herbivores. Dame Arla Crow an attended Knight
from Ezonel was banished from the V.U.V.R. The newly added companion, the
pirate was mistaken for some agent known to authorities as Silver Spice. The agent’s
actual name was Lilinnore Arzoth presumed to be hiding out in the Borvados
Isles. Calling herself Masm Ratta’ap from Kaniima this pirate knew of another
guide who could help.
Out of coincidence the very guide she
spoke of approached their table. Dame Arla Crow who lost her first attendee
through banishment joined the wolf kin child in her room with the replacement
attendee. It left the five of them to share a drink together. Standing at six
feet tall this mentioned guide appeared before them as an elf pilot. Known as
Salogel Norrath they flew a Sage-Eye 44, an aircraft that emerged from the
bowels of Evusia’s war factories. This fighter aircraft could take down most of
V.U.V.R.’s arsenal in terms of aircraft. Since the Redrin War for Independence
ended before it could be mass produced the Sage-Eye 44 prototypes were sold off
to bidders.
“Mind if I take the leading role?” he
offered to the pilots.
“No, we do not mind.” Nirame answered
quickly showing an interest in him.
“Please forgive my co pilot here. It has
been some time since her dark elf eyes saw a handsome elf.” Pilda apologized
with a hint of mock-teasing. It made Nirame scowl at her. She gripped her drink
with a pout on her face as she turned to face the wall.
“Your knight companion overmentioned this
wolfkin bonder child. Is she to be executed or something? Or is there something
about her-“ He explained to them, but Pilda cut him off.
“This is Al-Dadoria and V.U.V.R.
business. Unless they sent you or sent word to you I suggest…well an extra pair
of wings wouldn’t be too bad.” Pilda felt herself change opinions quickly on
the matter. Her own aircraft barely had any weapons on her passenger/cargo
Stork. Giving up this passive resistance she allowed the pilot to join them.
Another full day and a half passed before they planned to depart. Outside this
inn they stayed at Pilda read a letter that Garwa fellow handed to her.
It held strict orders not to rush to
Oramatra. It also ordered not to head straight for the city-state either. Lucky
for them she flew under the banner of Al-Dadoria, a state barely involved in
the current conflict. Her main goal was delivering the wolf kin child. Other
passengers such as the Dame and beast handler used this stop as a destination for
their own journeys in the skies. Each one paid her 59 Eclipses. Putting the
coins in a money pouch she left the money inside the room then locked the door.
Her focus rested on the letter when a group of figures approached the inn.
Looking up she saw thirty-two
humanoids perceived as a threat across the continents. Twenty-eight Troglodytes,
four Tamed Boars of Chaos, hybrid Kuruks, Orcs, half-Gnolls stood armed and
clothing in modern ware. She heard of this group. A band of humanoids that
almost formed their own Syndicate, but ended up as marauders. Most of the
Troglodytes appeared rather new to the group. Wondering where their ship was at
port Pilda braced herself for a fight. Armed with harpoons, small crossbows,
flintlock pistols, bone spears, blunder busts, revolvers, axes, knuckle
busters, clubs these marauders posed a threat to her and this town. In her mind
she knew they could kill her now. Fortune came to the rescue a force of
Borvadosi personnel appeared from behind. Behind them seventeen Borvadosi
warden-militia formed shooting positions. Several others appeared at the flank
armed with old-rifles, lever rifles. Seeing they were flanked and outgunned the
band of marauders walked away. Pilda attempted to thank these Borvadosi who
brushed her away with a neutral tone. Trying not to take it personal she
prepared to fly the next day. Fuel wasn’t a problem in the Borvados Islands.
Jekrese, a black liquid used to run engines, generators, machines, and other
contraptions. Most it can be found in Ottante, Evusia, Zegrav, Castaria, the
large island of New Vattoram. This settlement was next to a jekrese refinery.
Once the fuel tanks were full, the two
aircraft set off for the Iperantosi Islands. With the remaining passengers on
board Pilda and Nirame were also transporting something else. Woven fabric,
sixteen bundles of fourteen sheets, beast claws, 730 of them, thirty-nine
typewriters, tools, and iron ore. Although it wasn’t much these products still
made profitable trade income. Close to 15,542 Dime Pebbles worth of crescents
made her a little satisfied. Lodgings in the Iperantosi port wasn’t difficult.
At a tavern near the water Pilda’s party found a few rooms to sleep in. Too
many of the tan-brown locals in colorful or white clothing gave them scared
glances. It was as though these people knew they were from the Valde area. One
local spilled the beans on their papers saying the entire continents of
Ottante, and Vestrisia were at war. They ignored this and proceeded to their
rooms. While the others rested in their rooms Pilda walked outside for some
air. Outside a doorway she found a grouping of pincer beetles fighting each
other.
An old local Iperantosi in a white
shawl robe with a red stripe brushed the beetles away with a broom. She was
delicate with these creatures as she brushed them away from the door. She
leaned over to Pilda about a merfolk stalker lurking in the shadows of town. Taking
this as just a tale, Pilda politely moved away from the crone. Just down the
street a rival tavern experienced a brawl that broke out. Mainly between drunk
sailors fighting over the bill and one of them accusing the local of robbing
him. This local hid behind a bigger sailor in her red stripe tube top, dark
yellow skirt with a single split on the left. He earrings and bracelets were
missing. Pilda heard somewhere that Iperantosi women were only allowed to show
off their jewelry during the day. Moving to another part of town closer to the
ports Pilda found herself following Nirame and Vijan. Salogel stayed with
Darele while they went to another place to drink. Going through the port
Pilda’s part found a tavern at the edge of the docks where eight ships were
docked at.
Called the Blue on Black this tavern
appeared as a pub from Vestrisia. Pilda rarely entered those types of bars to
avoid the Forsythans of that continent. Even though the members of that ancient
warrior-guardian race showed a kinder side to those they aren’t insulted by
Pilda still feared them. She could not remember what caused that fear to rise
in the first place or why. She poked her head inside the door to find two
tables empty and the place occupied by twenty-one patrons. Just the three
bartenders and barkeeps were local Iperantosi. Several others sat outside already
drunk and oblivious to the world around them. Not making eye contact her own
group went straight to the one of the empty tables. As they were served drinks
and a plater of fried crab limbs. Despite the number of patrons and music the
place seemed a little quiet. Enough for the group to hear each other, but loud
enough to be drowned out from prying ears. However their own prying ears
learned that the Gantronese were sweeping through the Unknown Lands like
locusts on a field.
“My plane got us this far it can take
us a little farther.” Pilda put in sipping some of her beverage, imported Sunny
Castle.
“Where do we take Darele, now?” Vijan
asked with a hint of concern in his voice. The invading Gantronese were too
close to their destination for this comfort.
“We are taking Darele to the Unknown
Lands, Jurax.” She answered him. “Oramatra City-state.
“No, that now leads into Gantronese
territory. They will shoot us down!” he snapped at her. Vijan almost got up but
stopped himself.
“We have no choice. My job is to get
that girl to the Unknown Lands.” Pilda snapped back. She was determined to get
this job done quickly. Did he forget about this destination? Or was there
someone else he was working for? In her head she waved both ideas away.
“Orders or not, going to the Unknown
Lands, Jurax, now means a horrible fate. You either die encountering the
Gantronese, or find yourself sold off to the Nazdar. Yet there are times when
outsiders will find themselves in similar fates at the hands of the locals-“
Vijan’s little rant got disrupted when some of the patrons got into a heated
discussion that turned from argument to a brawl. Fists were thrown as punches
became exchanged between the combating patrons. Some of the patrons rushed out
of the place. Those involved included a Marauder, a Mezeen Falconer, a street
ruffian from Nevora, and three dark elf Mausoleum guard exiles.
The Mezeen’s appearance was all too
stereotypical. Olive-brown skin that appeared tanner with black hair. His beard
was trimmed down with hints of blond in it. Wearing a skull cap with a headwrap
this Mezeen donned a tan explorer’s tunic shirt and trousers. The Marauder, a
female Grussian Exile, donned a donned a gray coat over a green shirt with
Khaki pants lost the fake beard she had trimmed to make it realistic. Wearing a
brown short sleeved shirt mixed with a studded leather cuirass, seaman pants,
the street ruffian held the appearance of a Nevoran outlaw sent into exile. She
heard the Nevoranese are bigger in physique compared to most elves of
Vestrisia. It is said they are white haired or bleach haired and live a shorter
lifespan. As for the dark elves, all red/onyx loose fit clothing representing
one of their cultures. Their hair seemed more auburn than blond. Some dark
elves were said to be white haired or raven haired. She wasn’t too familiar
with the cultures among dark elves on Calorn.
Nirame got up shouting at the trio of
elves who dodged and exchanged blows. Her shouting words were drowned out by
the constant shouting and banging. Pilda got up to pull her dark elf pilot away
when a vase shaped bottle tipped over. As this bottle shattered on the hard
floor the contents revealed itself to be smoke and ash. From the back another
ruffian emerged with an Iperantosi companion in his arm. Without warning the
smoke shot after the second ruffian. A possession took place before their very
eyes. Whoever was left of the witnesses to the brawl raced out. All they heard
were the sounds of furniture being thrown, glass smashing to bits, shattered bottles,
broken plates among screams. Trying not to pee herself, Pilda clung to one of
her newer companions. They watched a local Iperantosi rush to a temple outside
of town.
Called Churgs, the Iperantosi temples
are home to Shamans, Herbalists, alchemists, dancers, and bards for hire. For
some reason Pilda and her group followed the girl over to this temple. In a
language none of them understood the girl explained what happened. It took a few minutes for the shamans to get
ready before they returned with the shaman leading the way. A male and a female
shaman went over to the tavern to perform an exorcism. First the female got
nude before the possessed then wrapped an old tapestry over her aging body. The
male shaman began chanting and shaking a mesh of bones sewn together. Looking
around Pilda noticed the girl who summoned the shamans was gone. Just one and a
half hour went by in the exorcist process as the battle began inside. Not sure
if they wanted to stick around her group returned to their lodgings. Six days
they stuck around their lodging’s area of the town. That incident at the tavern
ended with Djinn exiting the ruffian’s body. All participants in the brawl were
arrested and were awaiting trial.
This news came to their ears on the
third day while Pilda and her co-pilot unloaded trade goods from her plane.
Most of it was sold on the fourth and fifth days. After the sixth day of
holding up inside Pilda took another look at the letter detailing her mission
and orders. To her it was jus a contract, a job, which would be over by the
time Darele Aubenvaan was delivered. She was to take Darele to Oramatra. She
had gotten to know a little bit about the child, but felt uneasy about her
heritage. Some powers were said to unleash from the blood of these types of hybrids
that caused untold carnage followed by death. If it wasn’t controlled, or
disciplined at an early age. In order to do this or proceed any further she
must meet a Wizard named Abduzzar Ooks here at the Iperantosi Islands. However
she did not know which part of Iperantosi she would meet this Abduzzar. While
outside the tavern on the patio facing the port she spotted several ships that
appeared lively. Alive with action at least two or more airship outer decks seemed
overcrowded. Curious about this scene Salogel looked through a monocular
telescope.
“Interesting, their crews have gone
and performed a mutiny.” Salogel shared with their group while they sat at a
shell shaped table on the patio.
Pilda got up to look for herself. The
noise from those ships grew louder as a mutiny intensified. Both the vessels
experiencing mutiny were not too far away from their location. Although the
port wasn’t big there were still five other ships in the harbor port. Her eyes
did not deceive her one bit. Two ships crowded by 300 each were in full mutiny.
She estimated 108 loyal crewmembers vs 196 mutinies on one called the Mookol.
Another experienced a similar confrontation between 107 vs 198 crew members was
called Yelenol. On their left a large, wheeled ballistae rolled up beside them.
Allover the harbor port hundreds of locals ran away while the mutinies drew
attention of the local garrison. Close to 1,204 troops and twenty-eight artilleries
gathered to deal with the mutiny. For most that nigh those involved were either
killed or apprehended. Taking this as a sign to get out Pilda began their
flight out of Iperantosi. It did not take long to convince her passengers and
her charge to fly off to Oramatra earlier. It was unexpected, but she was not
going to wait around much longer with mutiny going around.
At the city of Oramatra she was
greeted by V.U.V.R. military personnel on the runway. Soldiers, marines, pilot
staff, Alagen military personnel, Lybresan troops who were warned of their
journey ahead of time, flanked the runway facing the opposite direction as if
defending them. She heard names with ranks such as Wiad, Mafta from Badraan,
Lt. Tad, Tiag, Wavat, Enod, Fladnag or Vilu. Her mind spun around trying to
keep up as they went to the city official’s governing building. Ten Oramatrans
in either Vestrisian Uniform, or coalition style fatigues, stood guard. Inside
the magistrate’s palace they met the very Wizard she was to meet. One day was
spent getting to know this Abduzzar who arrived through a portal, because of
another incident that concerned a threat to his own life. While outside they
got a look at Oramatra’s structures, which appeared ancient, primitive yet
strange. Some sings of modernizing would be seen here and there with streetlights,
communication lines. Even inside the palace they found some lights on, and a
radio hooked up. The wolfkin hybrid Darele was handed over to this Wizard she
was told to meet. She had already forgotten his name and was thrown off by his
non-wizard appearance. It misled her because he tossed away the stereotypical
appearance most wizards possessed. Pilda knew flying for most of her life. She
rarely got a glimpse of the average wizard except in portraits, photographs, or
some tourists describing them. To her this all became a quick meeting that
ended too quickly. It went by so fast that it might as well be a thank you for
bringing her, now take your money and leave. Even though she had a short time
with the girl she felt a choke in her throat like she was going to cry. It left
her with a bit of a shock despite the payment. What almost did her in was
Aubenvaan’s hug to each one. One the way back to the hangar she was given a
guide, Kamkil Vispune. Wandering this port-city she did not know what to expect
now that she wasn’t being taken straight to the palace with her head down.
Passing locals in shawls, tunics, colorful
hide skin clothing, woven grass clothes, coalition soldiers she did not know
how to feel now. Thanks to her assigned guide she returned to her three
remaining companions. Each one held a mix of expressions that said something
odd happened. Getting to the bottom of the cause she found a package holding a
scarab artifact on top, another Dark blade agent, and a stray cat waiting for
her. Pilda was surprised their own pirate companion who joined them rarely
spoke at all. In fact she rarely left the plane during the trip. The cat Nirame
already named Eva, a grayish main coon looking feline with a white belly. As
for the dark blade agent she received the name Masmine of Kaniima bound for
home. The package was from some Mucklord nearby named Guul Draz. She was to
deliver it to the Kaniima-Badraan borders in Ottante.
Before leaving she checked her
aircraft space. Aside from seats, cargo space, life jackets, blankets were
other objects. A bird cage, some lab skeleton Nirame added for giggles, a fake
orc head painted red hung from the ceiling along with extra lights. One the walls
were some posters, a map of an island with spiders on it, a shelf with books
plus comics, and a few mirrors. One radio installed near the seats was jutting
out of the wall. It made for an interesting scenery along with some weapons.
Pilda was surprised their child passenger handled being near the skeleton and
orc head better than most kids would. After loading up the aircraft she and
Salogel refueled their aircraft. One at a time they flew straight for Ottante.
An easy flight was all she asked for
from whoever watched over from the heavens. There were the out worldly aliens,
the Nazdar and Gantronese eyeing more continents. Yet they proved hungry for
power and domination. Entering V.U.V.R. territory again felt easier with a few
stations hailing them as they flew by. Over the com radio she heard authorities
call for pilots to stand down and stay idle. They recognized her own aircraft
due to her connections and frequent flights. Somehow leaving her alone the
authorities allowed her to land near a town with a hangar. On an already
cracking runway she received a bumpy landing. In the dark the landing felt a
little uneasy even with bigger lights.
At a local inn within the bazaar her
crew rested. There they heard about a scarab feast involving victims wrapped in
linen straps eaten by the scarabs in a deep grave. Nirame did not want to sleep
that night nor did she want to go anywhere else. Vijan joined her while Salogel
stayed with the dark elf along with the agent who slept in a separate room.
Apparently one of the bazaar staff knew of their mission from the Mucklord. In
a warden’s uniform this staff member drove her and Vijan to the meeting place.
Going through the region their driver took various turns and detours as if they
were avoiding something. While going through a rocky terrain she spotted
mounted figures eyeing them. Doing her best not to notice she held onto the
package in her lap.
Still not giving them a clear name the
driver brough them to an abandoned village. Pilda did not like this at all, and
neither did Vijan. She knew chauffeurs rarely gave their names, but this was
different. It appeared way too shady to her own liking. At this unidentified
location they were met by a group of eleven cloaked figures covered from head
to toe. Now it became even shadier to them point she gripped a weapon in case.
Most wielded old rifles raised up in defense, but at them. The leader of the
group, a woman, approached them with a duffle bag full of Republic Eagle paper
backs. Whoever they were they made the exchange rather brief. As soon as they
had the package, they warned Pilda to leave soon. Their group raced for the
cover of the village when the ground started to shake beneath their feet.
Outside the village the dead started to crawl out of the ground. Her neck hairs
rose as fear forced her to run for the vehicle. Scared out of his mind the
driver gunned it back to the airbase.
Upon their return Pilda woke Nirame,
Salogel and Masm. Barking out orders to get away she snatched up some orders
for another job from the table in their room. She scrambled to get out throwing
some paper eagle currency in the inn keeper’s face. Eager to leave, Pilda
prepared the plane for lift off in a hurry. She did not look at this new job
until they were safely in the air. Leaving Nirame to flying she took a look at
this job. Some shaman needed to be picked up from Nochana Islands. To the Uxane
those islands were either called Nochana or Nochada. When she needed to relieve
Nirame she flew over Lhebol, Lheobethe where a large nesting ground of horned
turtles could be seen.
