Al-Dadorian Smuggler

 

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, Naxnonoth, 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 wolf kin 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, a 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 copilot 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 copilot 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 wolf kin 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 platter 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. All over 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 fly 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.