Cydnam Border

 Were the borders secure or not? No one was certain in this part of the planet called Calorn. An orb of combined elements or material plane is what this was once called a millennia ago. How the so-called wizards or mages of this world knew about other planets that existence with their view of their own world, confused him. Sent over to this planet by an absolutist government official with a unit of nine others this radio man held one job. This ten-man unit was to blend in with the local population, join their military or act as a mercenary band. The later seemed more doable and proved believable to the locals. Caught in a combat situation at the southeastern parts of Cydnam his unit became meshed with a Cydnam one. Thirty-eight Cydnamese held their ground against a force of 921 hostiles. Earlier in the week these hostiles started off with a battalion of 1,393, these Vossan appeared to be followers of some voluptuous looking beauty. Life sized pictures of her were wielded like a banner in their ranks. 

Wedged against the sea at a ridge of rocky terrain he believed it was time to call in evac. Multiple gunshots came their way from the followers. Bullets ricocheted off the rocks around them. Several Cydnam soldiers returned fire. Sergeant Paoli Gerasome brought out his cordless oval egg radio. Carved from pieces of bowed wood that med a cover with straps the disk-shaped radio communication fit inside the shell. Grabbing the phone piece to the radio Paoli switched on the radio. Beeping noise, static, broken voices, more static entered his ears before it became clear. Turning a dial back and forth in search of the right frequency for a channel he ducked down. No more than fifty-nine shots hit their location. It disrupted him for a moment. A channel emerged in his ear causing him to rise a little. Voices rose up through the radio amid more static. 

Paoli yelled at the top of his lungs so they can hear him. Whoever he caught the attention of probably jumped out of their seat. From his side of the line, he could hear a female voice snapping at the operator. After a few seconds of snapping at the operator, smacking, cursing, metal hitting the floor the line fell quiet for a moment. Rattling sounds of the headset being placed on the head entered his ears. The woman he heard over the radio spoke to him. Both exchanged words describing each other's situation. She was a pirate captain of a submarine called the Orange Cat. Boasting that she commanded a crew of eighty-three pirates this captain agreed to this evac request of his. Before any coordinates to their location could be exchanged, they experienced a disruption. 

He attempted to get a signal again. He made the attempt three more times only to get static or nothing. Forced to give up, he hung up the phone piece just as a burst of gunfire filled the air, replacing the static noise. Under the command of Lieutenant Gabrov, the Cydnam soldiers held off another wave of Vossan attackers. Ten minutes went by with Gabrov's unit and Paoli's unit exchanging fire with the hostile Vossan. This shoot out resulted in 408 deaths, 136 wounded. Among the dead were nine of Gabrov's men, two of Paoli's own team. Only one of Cydnam's soldiers lay wounded. Gabrov's unit shot their rounds at the Vossan cultists that fled. Everyone cheered as they watched the Vossan flee, leaving their own dead and wounded on the ground.

As they cheered someone else fired a shot into the fleeing Vossan cultists. Every Cydnam soldier dropped down, Paoli's unit dropped down with them. Confused, Paoli asked one of the Cydnams who that was. A little scared, they mentioned mercenaries among the Nazdar ranks. Vossan became a Nazdar territory with every subject submitting to Nazdar rule. However, these followers did not seem to show loyalty towards the Nazdar invaders. Another shot came in hitting a second Vossan. Whoever fired that shot did not come from either group, but the mentioned mercenaries. It was a likely explanation as Cydnam and the Nazdar were in somewhat of a ceasefire agreement. His heart still sank realizing the Nazdar could also arrive here. 

Rosefire Acres

Brynn finally arrived at her Farmstead, and Homestead mixed together. Managed by two farmhands, a hired worker, 3 volunteers, one courier rider, this land became a home to her. It also worked as a source of income for her family. Livestock such as steers, donkeys, pigs, ponies, goats, sheep, horses, bunnies ducks, and geese. Some of these animals helped int the field and gardens in their own way. As for the bunnies, their meat, fur, and attraction for neighboring settlements to bring in children to pet them. Despite past warnings her staff managed to train the older rabbits to be used to petting via grooming for their fur. One maiden or two tends to feeding the fenced in livestock with help from three daughters of the laborers and one of their sons. 

Approaching the Homestead/farmstead, Brynn caught sight of the fisherman with the cook, Tovos and Morghyn returning from fishing. The river Ogrid was not too far away. It was considered walking distance and a short ride. She rode over the pair of them with a couple of her own Country Guards as escort trailing behind. By the gods of the V.U.V.R. religions it was good be back home from the Country Guard Duties. Her flying owl companion Maplebee swooped over their heads then veered left towards the house. Both of them ducked while carrying a catch of fourteen lucky number fourteen. Tovos was the tallest between the pair of them with the typical inland fisherman's look without the hooks, and hat. His thin features showed he was more patient with meals. As for Morghyn, a more plump, robust physique showed how much time he spent in the cookeries, bakeries, and kitchens before coming to her for work. Both scowled at the owl then turned to spot her. Nearly dropping the catch, they gave her bow in greeting. Why do you bother? I am not a noble. She thought to herself. Although her family owned this property of 53 acres. Not the biggest in terms of acreage, but it still managed to keep them sustained. 

"How has Rosefire Acres fared while I was gone?" She asked the pair of them. 

"Enough to keep us fed. One of your fill in managers, Farmhand Meedles sold most of the cattle." Tovos replied. 

"Most of the fattened ones meant for market." Morghyn corrected him. 

Brynn looked over at the stables catching a glimpse of two donkeys, a pair of spotted horses, two ponies, and two riding horses. Squinting her eyes she realized Meedles sold more than just cattle. Her Acres were supposed to host enough livestock to last a while along with the agricultural parts. Taking the cook's and fisherman's words as lies she dismissed them to the preparation house for any animals caught for food. Not happy to hear what happened she led her country guards main house of the Rosefire Acres. There they were greeted by her two cats, four dogs who scared the cats back into the house with their barking. A total of eleven structures made up the infrastructure to the Rosefire Acres. At the front porch she found all the workers, and laborers except for Meedles seated at an arrangement of twelve chairs and a bench. Farmhand Hussein from Kaniima stood up first. The rest worker Gerdy, livestock maiden Unity, three volunteers Varcee, Casimir, and Atle had the large spotted dock Biff at their feet. Biff had grown old, large and lazy in his dog years. Yet was nothing compared to the four excited Grey Shepherd Moodel, Brown spotted Cattle Rouser Vibson, Golden Retriever named Duke, and Black Hound Argie. She petted each dog to get them away from the other horses which were not used to that kind of excitement. Having to dismount in order to keep the dogs away felt like extra work after all that riding back home. Mapelbee perched on a chair next to the window. 

Once she greeted each employee Brynn asked where the children were. Each child were at School at the moment. Their arrival should be expected by the fourth hour of the afternoon. Noting this she welcomed her two travelling companions inside her humble abode. Entering the house they were greeted by a bandit flag she brought home one day after a raid. Used as a tapestry on the wall it hung by the flagpole that was cut up. Beside it was a Knightly Banner to a noble household that moved into the area. Three arrows mounted on the wall hung next to the front door. Moving to the left Brynn found the first cabinet at the end of the hall before it veered right to the den of the house. Along the walls hung portraits, framed photographs of family members, and some estates. She led the way to the den where another cabinet rested next to the window, a large bench cushion seat sat next to the tall radio. In the center of this room rested an interior covered fire pit. Their den appeared in an octagonal shaped room with three other doors leading to other parts of the farmhouse. On the walls hung a tambourine, two broken handcuffs, six pistols from different decades, a baton, mounted phone, candleholders for light, mounted lamps, a pair of breech loader rifles, on lever action rifle, more photos, five antique shovels, and five types of axes. Around the fire pit circled some armchairs, cushion seats, tall lamps drilled to the floorboards, and wool rugs under each seat. One portion of the walls hand nothing but hats below sat two cases, and a small bookshelf with six books. Several chests rested next to the other doorways holding either family games, other weapons, or miscellaneous items. A few held an antique trick abacus, small strong box, some teapot seats for her daughters. One of the doors led to an office or study with a desk, two chairs, other bookshelves holding more than sixty-one books of knowledge. She wanted her children well educated in this newly founded Union of Republics. Although some state members still had kings or queens the V.U.V.R. elected representatives for each state. In her mind she knew it was only a matter of time before the monarchs had to give up then abdicate. 

Another door to the den led to a large close against the wall towards the entrance holding thirteen or more suitcases. In the center a door led to the upstairs where most of the living quarters were to this house. Where she wanted to be now was the kitchen rooms. One for the utensils, plates, kitchenware, mugs which were stored in a third cabinet, custom made chest, built in cabinets, a counter island, the silverware, and the coffee maker. It contained several pitchers, which faced the pantry full of food, condiments, cooking ingredients, and the new fridge. The second kitchen room was the dining room where two tables sat in the center of fine chinaware resting on built in shelves. Her two companions were offered some mead and well stored bread, and leftover pork for their travel. Brynn joined them thinking of the eight bedrooms this farmhouse held. There was another house on this property where were farmhands, and workers slept. She allowed them to continue on with their day, but not without giving a report of events after she left. 

Sitting down with former pirate, or renegade privateer Teebs McKee, and accused Cat Burglar Dragoon Ategev Llec, Brynn sort of felt in control. One was a young warrior who was adopted into a royal household then trained his whole life to fight wars. He grew an interest in reading, adventuring along with several studies. The Dragoon came from a horse breeding, and racing family who disowned him. She could have sworn both were twins yet chose not to bother asking. As she chewed on the meal she read about a single duck getting lost to a hungry beast on the property. Some accounts of the veterinarian who made yearly checkups on the pets, farm animals, and livestock. Everything seemed to go well. Their three cats almost got into a scuffle with the dogs. At least one milk can went missing for a month then was found again by the very back sink with a built cabinet in one of the stables. One sort of known geologist came through the area with an accordion stayed for three days teaching the children about different minerals. Two extra goats were added last month, which barely refilled the loss of Meedel's selling of six. Six new pigs, thirteen more sheep, were born. Only twenty-one cows remained in her name no thanks to the farmhand she left in charge. A farmer gave away a wheel barrel, 21 geese, saddles, extra ammunition for rifles to her estate before leaving for the Valde War. She could have sworn this war was taking up everyone's time. When were those fucking Vullanese going to give up? Two falcons swooped down nearly attacking one of the cats only to get chased off by one of her children who threw a rock at it. When she was done reading and eating her children entered the room. 

Overwhelmed to see each of them she opened her arms out. One by one they raced up to her. Brynn was now playing mother again thanks to her Country Guards. The ones she brought over were sort of new, but faced the terrors of this war. After their visit to her at the hospital Brynn still had to recover from her wounds one of which still stung. Using her strict motherly attitude, she convinced them to head home to let her heal. Now that she was back she could fully recover. Her four children whom she had with a soldier currently in Vimasdra. To the lot of them she apologized for not coming home with them. Although they were in their teens at this point she still saw them as her little ones. At age nineteen Brynis Rosfire also called "Brushie" had auburn hair disappearing freckles, his father's appearance, but thinner. His Brushie nick name came from his constant painting that made him a bit of an artist. As much as he enjoyed it Brynis appeared to be a promising future Biologist. At Seventeen her daughter Lia the Clever had a knack for figuring out how things work revealing a skill in tinkering and creating. Kara her second daughter just fifteen years of age wanted to just ride horses all day. She raced against other equestrian girls and nearly beat an elf rider. Patrick the youngest was only thirteen years old and already sort of showed a means of caring for himself due to his years in the boy scouts. Deep inside Brynn hoped he did not want to join this war. She knew her husband was still alive through a letter, which he warned her they had to keep quiet about their movements in letters to home. 

Several days passed as she spent time with her children when they came home after school. Brynn rode with them to School whether it was by horse, wagon, or stagecoach. She brought along her Country Guard companions one of whom took a liking to her family Dark Elf Maid and Nanny. Mussebi Bievrien, a refugee from Galaia whose family became either torn apart or separated by Nazdar slave markets. Mussebi came to this area by chance when a Knight guard of a deceased noble boy promised an island kingdom, found his way on the road nearby. Through some portal the Knight and Mussebi arrived with four hand cuffs on her which weighed her down. Forced to give up whatever his main quest was this Knight left Mussebi at their doorstep when she was pregnant with Kara. That was a long time ago now. 

While roaming the borders of her own estate with an escort Brynn found a few safe boxes someone discarded months ago. Both were small enough to be carried, but felt full like a stuffed gut. On the way back they found an explorer knight heading towards her estate. Astride a new motorcycle of this decade this knight made quite a bit of noise on the road between Rosefire Acres and Thestlestand. Around her estate's borders was an old palisade barracks, Stagville, a Sheriff's Station, Vegetable farm, Thestlestand, Anthorcine Castle and City. A few other farms and villages could be found between her and those places. Where she really needed to go to report this was either the Sheriff, or Anthorcine. Knowing this motorcycle could outrun a horse Brynn went for a shortcut to see if she could either catch up or see where he was really going. His helmet was a dead giveaway, and most knights were either serving in the military, riding in the Country-Guard, or Dragoons. Some were either in the air force or serving at the call of other nations fighting the invaders. She sent Llec over to the barracks for a militia to help. With Teebs riding by her side they scared a group of 14 bunnies into their holes as they passed. 

At full gallop the pair of them reached the farmstead where they could not find the explorer. Not finding any signs of him other than tire tracks moving on down the road she gave up, but still kept her weapons unlocked. Any member of the Country-Guard could keep the weapons they carried, acquired, commissioned, or looted. Her Clan dirk, Clan Axe, revolver, bayonet, rifle, pistol, saber, sledgehammer were displayed on the table in the workshop. The T.M. 13 bolt action rifle appeared the better option as she was only dealing with a single knight on a motorcycle. How hard could that be to hit? Brynn left the clan axe here for sharpening, the sledgehammer was also left for speed. A few other weapons were among the collection, now in her bedroom on the wall next to the bed at arm's reach. A few new weapons came home with her. One jagged scimitar, a short spade weapon, and chicken sickle. Those were mounted in her study. Moving ahead with her personal plans to catch that explorer Brynn ate an apple nutter, one of the energy candy bars made to give you a burst of energy while tasting sweet. 

Llec came back empty handed whom they met on the road. Feeling like she just took the two of them in, Brynn sent Llec to one of the guest houses on the property to rest. Taking Teebs with her Brynn raced over to the Sheriff's office. Here she was greeted by just two Sheriffs, and some country-man attender. The Sheriff, and his deputy went by names of Sheriff Dareharte, Deputy Seesalot who were found in their office seating at their own desks. Several lanterns were placed to shed light into the room, which used to be a dungeon like prison before it was cleared out. They had at least one office staff member working for them to keep track of events, and people. Dareharte did not let his office become too cluttered, yet this time she found twelve chests lining the walls. Each desk were decorated according or their race, tribe, clan or kingdom of affiliation. Chatting with the Deputy was the country man attender who handed him a magnifying glass to look at photograph. He went on about some shrine dedicated to five deities of the Bymere Country he recently found while patrolling the counties. Not caring about who this country man attender was Brynn kicked the fake door open with her boot. Letting herself inside the main office she ignored the staff person who shrank a little into their seat. It did not help their fear with Teebs next to her. He had a tattoo on his neck showing off the monstrous kill he made off the coast of Evusia. 

"Sheriff Dareharte, I have a problem going on at Rosefire Acres." She shared with the room. 

All three looked up. The country man attender stopped mid-sentence. Each one looked as though they just saw a ghost. Each one's eyes widened with a hint of fear. This attender still had his mouth open allowing a fly to enter his mouth. He coughed as soon as it hit something in his mouth. Darehart, and Seesalot held attention on her. Taking this as an end to a meeting the attender left placing the magnifying glass back in his pocket. 

"You, you are back!" Darehart stated in disbelief, yet his face still stayed the same as the ghost sighting. 

"We all presumed you would die during those insurgencies holy moly!" Seesalot shot up as if he was about to get tackled but too scared to move. 

"It was all over the radio. Along with the war. Everyone's on their toes about this. Thank them gods that insurgency is over. Zegrav, Castaria, Ottante desert tribes. Some insurrection, or some damned rebellion that became an empire up north or some damned thing." Darehart went on. 

"Wait a rebellion up north?" Brynn couldn't believe it another insurgency started up north. Where did the other insurgency happen in Ottante? She was never notified of these things. 

"What else is going on?" Brynn demanded almost forgetting about the trespassing knight. 

"Well our troops are pushing deeper into Vullanese territory, the Iperantosi have given up, some secret alien islands are found in the south. The Unknown Lands have become chaos for all factions. Muskalla almost fell, Zekmar is invaded, more nations have joined this war on our side, um, the Nevoran Federation brokered a piece treaty with the Nazdar. No one is happy about that. Plus them Grevaskii or whatever began their own counteroffensive." Dareharte explained to her. "Now what seems to be the problem with your estate?" 

"Just some explorer knight on a motorcycle riding around my property! I want him brought in!" Brynn demanded from the Sheriff. 

"Oh come now, Mrs. Rosefire that is one the Anthorcine's Knights who came home from the war. Well his airborne unit was wiped out in an ambush. He was the only survivor. Well hell they say he himself wiped out a brigade of enemies alone. That one is uh just riding around doing patrols for the government. So why don't you go on home. Rest yourself, tend to your farmstead. Invite him over if you could." Sheriff Dareharte informed her. 

"I see that now. Well could you inform the governor to at least let us know about these explorer patrols." Brynn insisted. 

"I will give them a call right now." the Sheriff moved his fat body towards his desk phone. "You have a good one now." 

"Thank you Sheriff." Brynn left the Sheriff's office to return home. Thoughts of her husband entered her mind as she mounted her horse. Maplebee landed on her shoulder. Her owl was following her around. In her mind and heart she hoped her husband would come home soon from this war.