Discarded Commando Part 60

More than three thousand people had to be moved. That consisted of the soldiers, freed prisoners, and the civilians who were stuck in the settlements. Whole groups of enemies became prisoners of war after they surrendered or were caught. The coalition had lost roughly seven hundred or more in the night assault. As for the defenders it was estimated that Caligari had 484 thugs, and goons, 1600 Gantronese, 245 pirates, and hundred hired guns. It gave the Caligari’s the advantage in terms of numbers on the battlefield. However, they had the element of surprise, and the fat Syndicate Boss made many enemies. Whole tribes of warriors and Dark Elves launched their own attack. Most of these forces fought in the marshes forcing goons, and enemies to hunt them down. It added more casualties to the Caligari dead, yet the bodies could not be recovered. Not all the pirates, goons, and thugs expressed no true loyalty resulting in back stabbings alongside betrayals all around.

When everything seemed to be in order Maurice was summoned to a hidden pit in the palace. Bryce, Maphai and other leaders gathered near this pit which held the Caligari monster they heard so much about. Whatever this creature was it had the appearance of an over-sized reptile with an appetite for flesh. It looked hungry and ready to feast on more meat. In its lair dangled corpses and skeletons of its victims. The creature licked its jaw with a large tongue. Sure, enough Mommy Gluton’s massive corpse was rolled over to this pit after being dragged over. Natives, soldiers, mercenaries, and healthy prisoners pushed this carcass inside the pit. Shoving the body inside this pit was giving this thing a final big meal.

According to tales and rumors her prisoners were fed to this thing from time to time whenever they did not have an enemy thrown inside. Not very many onlookers watched it eat. Maurice and his superiors left the scene hearing cheering, and joyous cries go on in celebration. From the way the prisoners and natives cheered their nightmare was finally over. Bryce informed Maurice that contact was made with the current Mysdran of the campaign here. Their own people will be picked up and sent home from Oceanrest Var and Kilscar Orvain. The news hit him, blowing his mind away. They were actually going home. Maurice took the news well and laughed himself to a bit of tears. Even Bryce could not help it. Both countrymen gathered their people and gave them the good news. About a thousand or more Vestrisiasns threw their hats in the air, jumped, hugged, kissed, and celebrated. Every one of them broke into sang, singing the anthem. When the anthem was down music started to play and they danced the Vestro-Castarian dance. Their allies watched them and joined in as a flag was raised over the palace. It was the flag of the alliance forged against the invaders. They danced until their legs grew tired.

It was not until the next day did all the forces clear things out and had everything else packed to leave. Their wounded, freed prisoners, and civilians were evacuated first. Many of their native allies chose to leave on foot and by boat. Maurice’s Uxane companion Eyanosa, and the ranger Oraceth said their farewells before departing. What was left of his party gathered after the native and ranger left. Maurice, Amonif, Hilastes, Maphai. Vylinsis, Cagan, Ordoz, Trion, Omareth, Minerva, Toberis, and Odeliah met at the pirate’s ship. All twelve of them boarded the ship bound for the fort. Each one laughed about the absence of the cat steeds and the reptile steeds they rode on this journey. Back at the fort everything that was needed was taken and packed up. They left supplies and everything in the hands of the mercenaries, natives, and the international allies. Maurice discovered all the IBOIS people had gone. In his quarters he discovered a note from Dina saying she would see him in Oceanrest Var. Maurice pocketed the note and boarded the ship.

On the way to Oceanrest Var they dropped off the rest of the Dwarves and those who chose to stay in the Sarcagos. To their surprise Maphai, her crew, and most of the saved people stayed in the mountains. It only made more room on board the pirate’s vessel. Before she said her farewell Maurice tossed her the radio back which she tossed back at him for him to keep. She hollered that it was his to keep. As his ride ascended, he stood at the starboard side watching a friend shrink. He gave her a Vestrisian salute, which she returned. Leaving the Sarcagos behind the ships traveled over the Unknown Lands to Oceanrest Var. The city of Oceanrest Var sat on the coast of the cursed Unknown Lands. It spanned the area of three cities with many smaller settlements such as villages and towns that connected Via roads. This city state had a rich culture made up of different cultures mixed in. If one looked at the culture, they would find bits of Borvados, Uxane, Meze, Nahemine, Lybesan, and a few others from the west. Those cultures were more clan like, blended with religious, class structured cultures, and controlling ones. Many had their traditional clothing mixed in as well. He recognized shawls, tunics, headdresses, dresses, and shirts.

His place was not as a tourist, but as a Captain about to return home. Entire units of his countrymen came to the docks. Here they were greeted by IBOIS members, some natives, locals, Exiled Soldiers, and a company of new young soldiers of the marine branch. They said their farewells to the pirates who went off to drink in the taverns of this city’s port. Many of their wounded had to be housed in the harbor warehouse and shacks while they waited for the fleets to come pick them up.

            It would be a week before they arrived. This gave them time to get acquainted with being out of the Unknown Lands. Maurice spent a great deal of time with his countrymen. Each one shared stories of home, early years of this war, and childhood memories back home. Dina was finally off the hook. She found Maurice at a bar and tavern. The two of them shared a drink or two making Maurice a little more drunk than he should. It was here she revealed herself as a long-lost childhood friend who was ripped away by an angry aunt who saw a better future elsewhere. The two long lost friends embraced overjoyed by the news. Each one shared their lives between the time they lost track of one another and their parts of this war. For the rest of the time in Oceanrest Var they received news of what happened during the days they were missing. Without warning Tenno approached him with a salute. She ultimately surprised him and others with a hug and kiss on the face. Tenno presumed this with each brave soul who partook in the rescue mission.

            By the time their rides came very one was full of excited energy and good news. When they began to board the anthem was sang to them in greeting. It filled their hearts with warm feelings and set their minds at ease. His unit was housed in a passenger’s cabin. Maurice believed he would have a cabin of his own until a knock came at the door. He opened the door find Dina at the door with a suitcase and newspaper under one arm. She wore warm travel clothing showing she had no love for the cold weather or the sea cold. He welcomed her inside letting her take a bunk. Before he said anything else she said she quit the IBOIS. Dina showed him the newspaper which read “Zhenrai Knight’s in the Vestrisian Ranks?” on the headlines. On the bottom was another article titled Lost Vestrisians returning home thanks to Bryce, Tenno, and a Major Maurice Viyamor.

The End?

Discarded Commando Part 59

There was no time for them to explore this entire palace, even if they wanted to. Maurice had to find Mommy Gluton and the keys to any cells holding her prisoners. Leading his team through the wall he found a large chamber. It rested in the heart of the palace from the looks of things. Here the palace interior was sectioned off with dividers. This chamber was divided into five extra rooms. One of these rooms was the throne room from the decorations of royalty, and nobility. Maurice suspected these were all stolen from other houses and auctioned off to her. Whoever was left of the Caligari army either fled, committed suicide, or cut down by an ally or deserted. A pair of wounded Gantronese staggered around in search for a way out. Behind the throne room some fighting went on. It seemed to have ended when the Gantronese made it halfway to them. Behind all the dividers he could hear chatter, whimpering, and chattering of teeth.

A heavily armored humanoid burst out of the throne room. Giving out a roar of a war cry the humanoid raised its weapon, a Warhammer before giving chase to its next target. It went after the Gantronese who fought back to no avail. Then it turned to him and blindly charged at Maurice. Acting quick Maurice and his team opened fire. The Warhammer wielding humanoid collapsed on the floor. Each one waited a moment to see if anyone else would come out. They ignored the screams and went straight for the throne room leaving the humanoid to die. He wasted no time in shoving the dividers down. Inside what was supposed to be the throne room lay couches, chairs, large cushions, sofas, low beds, and backless couches. A few corpses lay on these pieces and on the floor. Sitting upon a hill of pillows, cushions, and a massive bed was a large fat woman with grotesque skin wrapped in large pieces of fabric for clothing. The fabric was sewn together to make clothing for what is presumed to be Mommy Gluton herself. Her hair was messy and curly, her skin was greyish, limbs were the size of pigs, and flabs of skin suck out. Nails were long like small knives and black as if she had them painted black. Gluton Caligari appeared to have been shot multiple times and stabbed by many assailants. Yet she was still alive despite the wounds.

Behind him he heard a large force come in through many halls that ended at the chamber. He stood in the throne room gazing at this pile of flesh. Maurice was oblivious to the other occupants of the throne room. Soldiers tore down the dividers allowing the fearful people to rush out. Bryce and Tenno came up to his side. Each one wanted a word with this Syndicate Boss. In between coughs, babbling, and spasms she told them where the prisoners were located. Without hesitation he marched up to the colossal woman. In a commanding voice he demanded she hand over the keys. With a fat arm she reached for her neck and ripped off a chain that held the keys.

The defeated Caligari tossed the keys to him. It was the last thing she did before drawing her last breath. More Soldiers and warriors poured in the chamber. Bryce handed the keys over to Maurice. He immediately darted for the far corner of the chamber. Shouldering his way through the gathering crowd he found a few members of his party. Toberis, Minerva, Amonif, and Oraceth bumped into him in the crowd. One by one they joined him.

Five companions maneuvered through the crowded chamber that was still filling up. In the very back of this chamber they discovered a hidden door. Behind this hidden door lay a set of stairs. As if no one saw them or noticed they descended to this lower level of the palace. Taking these stairs brought them to dungeons. Caligari’s dungeons were dimly lit with a few lights and lanterns. Maurice took out a flashlight he was equipped with. The flashlight flickered when he turned it on. He illuminated the dungeon revealing walls covered in muck and residue. Hanging from ceilings, walls, arches, and support beams were chains, shackled chains, ropes, skeletons, corpses, and critters scurrying about. Among all this they found the prisoners they were searching for this whole time. The dungeons went underneath the very layout of the palace. Every hall, or section held a dozen prisoners.

Maurice raced over to the closest one discovering it was a Vestrisian who has been held here for some time. He ordered for the rest to help as he freed his countrymen. Overjoyed to see freedom the poor soul cried in his shoulder. He rocked and hushed him before freeing another. When he let another free more help arrived to free the rest of the prisoners. It took a few minutes, but they manage to free one hundred and four of the vestrisians who had been missing in action and captured. Through the process of freeing the vestrisians they found more prisoners.

Approximately 144 others were held in the dungeons. They consisted of warriors, soldiers, nobles, travelers, druids, mages, explorers, tribal elves, barbarians, canine tribesmen, pirates, beast hunters, archers/hunters, duelists, gunslinger ranchers, knights, bird like humanoids, and children who believe themselves adventurers. Every one of these people were held under the captivity of the Caligari Syndicate. This brought the total of prisoners to 248 freed captives who were brought out of the nightmarish palace. Because of the fighting and Caligari’s ruthlessness most of the houses of the settlements were abandoned. Out all the families that were once there just two hundred thirty-six families remained. To their misfortune they were stuck inside this area by force and due to the fighting.  None of them wanted either settlement home. Even they were prisoners, held against their will. In a heart beat's notice these families begged to be taken with them. Maurice had to assist his superiors and other officers with these families after helping their own wounded, dead, and the other prisoners. Many of these families hailed from other parts of the world, at least the places closest to the unknown lands.

There were families from countries like Eoth, Vunnace, Grussia, East Koriv, Kilscar Orvain, and a few other city-states. His superiors advised all of them to have patience while they sort things out. Because of his colonels orders he had to write down names, places of origins, and occupations. Every vessel was currently unavailable due to refueling. Crews either refueled with reserves or stole the fuel from any Gantronese ships. It took them a few days before big decisions on moving were made.

Discarded Commando Part 58

A brigade of soldiers, warriors, mercenaries, pirates, and other fighters listened to the plan one last time. A garrison of three hundred fifty were ordered to stay behind with the I.B.O.I.S. people. The main force would head for the Caligari Palace while the rest stayed to defend the fort. All the ground forces would be dropped off after the first bombardment from the airships. Any loose artillery would be placed in firing range of the enemy camps and the palace. Every unit available will race towards the enemy camps where their assault begins. This assault was to be executed swiftly giving the enemy little time to react. Each unit of personnel were assigned a mission for this assault. Maurice’s unit were to head straight into the city and enter the palace. All other unit involved were to assault the enemy positions. Their high command was uncertain about the civilians in the region.

            Once the briefing was done a brigade set off to its destination which only took half a day. Everyone was expecting the enemy to have reinforcements. Many of them knew how the Gantronese operated in a situation like this after receiving a few hits from a hit and run enemy. One question rest of their heads. Did the enemy send spies after them? Maurice and his unit were at the stern of their ride wondering about this question. From there they watched their progress towards the enemy. For two more hours they watched the landscape while listening to a group of crew members sing. Whatever song they sang brought a little solace. Commanding their ride was Captain Inaleth who wept over the slaughter of her people even though she came from another tribe. She still agreed to drive them over to the palace area while everyone agreed to leave her alone.

            Both Captains talked about their lives before this war. She was a member of a royal family from a hidden kingdom along the sea. Her part of the family left due to constant civil war in the kingdom. Maurice revealed his own story to her until he spotted the marsh out of the corner of his eye. All Captains and leaders of their units prepared their troops and parties. Within half an hour of spotting the marsh the fleet arrived. Each vessel circled around wide to fire down on enemy positions. They did not stop until the last one passed over. One could only imagine the carnage and chaos that bombardment caused in the enemy camps. A brigade of over two thousand were then dropped in an area that was not too far from their destination. When their feet landed on the earth they advanced on the bombarded positions. Maurice led a platoon to the marshes with two long boats.

            In moments the area was alive with gunfire that was exchanged between the two sides. Some dropped down to shoot while others continued the advance with shells and machine guns overshooting their heads. He did not stop to watch the battle commence. A soon as they hit the water they plunged forward into the marshes. Going through this marsh brought them away from the fighting for a small amount of distance. Each of the boats rowed around any patches of land, or grass in the marsh. The two boats slowly made their way through the landscape. Maurice ensured they avoided any patrols, which were ambushed. Maurice did not know who it was, but he could not stay and think of who it was.

            By the time they reached the palace it was dark and most of the settlements were now under fire. Acting fast Maurice led his platoon through the small port and the city. Their allies and brethren had pushed deep inside the closest city. However, many defenders that were in the city had been driven to the front. Like burglars in the dark Maurices platoon slipped through alleys and broke into an outer section. Here a few guards stood whom they defeated easily enough. After defeating the small group of guards, they took a narrow street. This part brought them to the main entrance of the palace. One hundred eleven guards protected this entrance. He looked over at the streets where the battle was drawing closer.

            Although his unit was a platoon of thirty a frontal assault could still result in victory. To their fortune none of the guards saw them. He had each member draw a gun. Whether it was pistol, revolver, rifle, assault rifle or repeater it did not matter. Without warning they attacked from the flank. Their sudden attack caught the defenders off guard. More than half the guards lay dead moments after they opened fire. Bodies littered the area in front of the palace entrance. Using the darkness as a friend Maurice’s unit came out to the open taking out more guards. Whoever was left guarding shot back getting a few of the trespassers. A few of the guards made a run for it, showing the attack was too much for them. Any remaining defenders died by their hands as the platoon closed in. This skirmish ended with most of the guards killed, and the rest running away. Five members of his platoon lay dead or wounded.

            He took six of his own men and ordered for the rest to hide. The doors to this palace lay wide open. Not hesitating he rushed inside. When he entered the palace the first thing, he saw was a statue made of bones and skeletons. He did not get a chance to look at tit for very long. A big ugly, scarred humanoid that used to be furry came at him. Maurice killed the humanoid not bothering to check what it really was. His six-man team followed him inside.

            They came to a hall that led from the entrance. Maurice did not bother looking at the walls. His mission was his focus now. All he caught were glimpses of Caligari’s choice of pain and decorations. On the walls were several coats of what looked like blood, and bones for decorations. Caligari goons and other defenders of this palace tried to hold them back. Each skirmish resulted in a casualty from time to time. The hall they took had been renovated to create an illusion. When he turned around he saw the hall had rooms and other halls trailing off. From the way it was built it was one large structure, and it resembled a labyrinth.

Discarded Commando Part 57

Inside the fort Tenno took Maurice, Maphai, Dubius, Colonel Bryce, and Captain Scias sat down. She looked at all her officers under her command, and allies. Tenno sighed and requested the report. Everyone turned to Maurice who then looked at them and turned to Odeliah. She reached inside a pocket and pulled out five photographs. The whole room was stunned at this. None of them knew this pirate had any access to anything like this. It did not surprise Maurice as much as it did the rest of them. Although they had those advances in terms of technology it still came as a surprise to the main leaders. Odeliah did not express it or show any interest outside her own mind during the days that they knew her. Yet that did not matter this very moment. Now it was the time for them to plan and an attack on the Caligari Syndicate. She handed him the photos which he took from her hands. He in turn handed them over to the studious commanding officers. Both jumped in an eager aspiration to collect these.

            Tenno snatched up the photos to observe them with Bryce. After careful analysis the two commanders made a forced decision. If the Gantronese had made allies of these Caligari Syndicate gangsters, then they had to act fast. Bryce looked at Maurice saying their own allies had arrived from the Sarcagos. That force alone consisted of 1167 allies of the Sarcagos. She blindly laid the photos down on the desk. Bryce gave them the number of personnel which included 114 Grussians, 171 Eothans, 540 Dwarfs from the two kingdoms, 84 Uxane Renegades from the Uwaux, Tuxir tribes, 71 individual warriors, outlaws, fighters, rangers, bowmen, adventurers, and 187 Gargoyle members being dragged along. Their own combined forces of exiled soldiers, vestrisians, mercenaries, warriors, Uxane, and knights made up a small brigade of 2000-2100.

            Odeliah brought with her three hundred pirates all together. According to their allies the Exiled Army Brigadier- General Gilhorn and Maphai, they received and additional six hundred thirty-two exiled soldiers, and mercenaries. Each of those forces needed a week to rest. In the mean time they would need to prepare a defense. In his head he calculated the would have approximately 39,00 or more soldiers and warriors. Including the pirates that would make it 4,200 or so. Yet the IBOIS brought the 200. Tenno and Bryce dismissed them letting them go. Maurice grabbed all his belongings and went straight for his quarters. Inside the officers/Captains’ quarters he discovered Agent Dina.

            She laid on his bed in a black dress that covered much of her front, hips, thighs, and back end. Her side boobs were clearly seen as she had a large bust, which her garment failed to conceal. Seeing her in this dress made him aroused. Maurice Viyamor dropped all of his gear, equipment and weapons. Taking his time he approached the bed kicking the door closed. She grabbed him by the shirt and proceeded to strip him of his clothes. One button at a time she took off his shirt, and pants showing him the smell never bothered her.

            Once her was nude she dragged him over to the showers. There she stripped for him and they made love while cleaning his entire body. Dina scrubbed his back while they kissed. He washed his front as he mounted her. This went on for an hour with the showers running. By the time they had him cleaned was when Director Riggs needed her. The round man stood at the entrance waiting for her. Both dried off and Dina led Maurice to a section with dividers. Here she had clothes laid out for them. A proper Vestrisian uniform for a Captain, and a blue secretary’s outfit.

            When they dressed in their clothes Dina kissed him goodbye for now. She followed her boss out to the IBOIS part of the fort. Maurice left the showers for his own room. At his room he collected his dirty sweat soaked clothes and placed them in the waste basket. That was not before he searched them for the dog tags and other belongings. He carefully laid each item on the desk he was given. On the table he had dog tags of two countrymen, and IDs of a crew member, and a mercenary. An ID card and a bracelet with a name on it. He studied each one before picking up the dog tags. Holding these dog tags Maurice turned off the light then left the room.

            As Captain of his own unit it was his responsibility to deliver the dog tags instead of the corpses. That would depend on the death of the soldiers and the environment they died in. Whether the corpse was eaten, destroyed, decayed, or lost in any way the dog tags was all that was required in the casket. All dead soldiers needed to be buried or cremated according to customs of the family. He returned to Tennos office where she spoke with Brigadier-General Gilhorn, Mercenary Leader Dovakson, whose rank was Freelance Marshal, and the Director with Dina at his side. Seeing that Tenno was busy he chose to leave her alone. Maurice was about to head back to his room when Bryce called him into his office. The Captain entered the Colonel’s office, which was guarded by newly recruited guards from Owun’s band.

            Maurice took a seat in the office. Bryce stood at his desk as if hesitating to sit down. When the Colonel did he pulled out a pack of hand crafted cigarettes. He offered Maurice one who took it, eager to get rid of the pain of losing men. Placing the smoke in his mouth he dropped the dog tags on the desk, Bryce just looked at the dog tags. Each one puffed a few times before saying a word.

            When he tapped his cigarette into an ashtray, he mentioned the first days of the war. He trained to be an officer and received the rank of Lieutenant His rank was jumped up to Captain after witnessing his own Captain get decapitated by a large Gantronese soldier in Zekmar. Major was a rank he achieved two or three years after the rank of Captain. The two Vestrisians then called it a day. For the next three days the two Vestrisians met after preparations were finished. Each one took turns sharing war stories over a smoke and whatever drinks their pirate friends brought. When the end of a week came the assembled forces formed ranks before their leaders.

Discarded Commando Part 55

Getting out of the village through the grave yard was not easy. This graveyard was made up of towering stones and slabs used as gravestones. It was constructed in the form of a maze. Everyone had to dismount and lead their steeds through it. During the fight two of the reptilian mounts were hit by arrow fire. Behind them shooting and screams could be heard. Just as they were told they found the other path leading to the road. From here they mounted their steeds and took this path to the road. In full gallop Maurice and his seventeen-member party raced down this road. It took them through the jungle and into a less forested area. The road they had to take cut through the region.

            Maurice and his party stopped at the edge of the jungle. This region was a flatland that stretched over a few miles. It ended at the very beginning of a marsh with scattered trees dotting the landscape. This marsh stretched for miles like an ocean. At the very center of this marsh stood a structure sitting on what appeared to be an island rather than the end of the marsh. He could not tell what it looked like or how large it was. Maurice could still tell how far the structure was from their location. However, the road did not cut through the marshland. The road wrapped around the edges of the marshes like a snake. In one section he spotted parts of the road that went around some of the surrounding region.

            Maurice looked at the remaining members of his party. At his side stood the party of soldiers and warriors who chose to go with him. Their scouting mission was coming to an end, and the main mission’s end was just in sight. All they had to do was storm that headquarters and rescue the vestrisians held prisoner by this Caligari Syndicate. He addressed each one. Amonif, Hilastes, Eyanosa, Oraceth, Maphai, Vylinsis, Cagan, Ordoz, Trion, Omareth, Minerva, Toberis, Vincent, Fitz, Tylon, Nudd, and Demitry were all accounted for and present. Maurice included himself as accounted for. This scouting mission did not last very long as he had believed it would. At first, he thought it would take a few weeks to find the headquarters. He gripped the reigns of his cat steed preparing himself to plunge forward. Taking a good look at the marshes and the road he made up his mind. As much as he liked to go on the shorter route Maurice decided to go on the longer one. After what he experienced in the swamps and marshes of other parts Maurice had enough of the monsters of the Unknown Lands.

            He lightly kicked his mount to get it moving. Once he had his steed going on the road he beckoned for the others to follow him. Making his way on this road he led his party forward. This road had a modern appearance compared to the ones they had been on. Well into the night his party moved closer to the south while following the path of this road. Just as he observed it the road wrapped around the marshes on the drier and solid land mass. They did not stop to make camp until it was closer to midnight.

            Against a part of the jungle’s edge they set up camp. In a semicircle they had their tents facing the jungle itself. His party were in a satisfactory mood, yet they had to be wary of Caligari patrols. Right at the crack of dawn they jolted awake to the sound of fighting. Everyone rushed to get a weapon to defend themselves. Being behind enemy lines and hostile territory never resulted in positive outcomes.

            As a group they rushed over to the road in search of the source. Looking left and right they discovered the source further down the road. It was a fight between two groups, a group of native warriors versus a band of Caligari goons. In the middle of the road a band of 130 warriors engage 55 of Mommy Gluton’s goons. The goons were to large in number to be a patrol. They were most likely sent out to deal with them. Not even thinking about Maurice got in contact with their pirate friend. Maphai contacted their headquarters.

            He spoke with his ally, Captain Odeliah Scias while watching this battle. The two sides fought on the road itself regardless of possible travelers. Despite the disadvantage in numbers these goods still had superior firepower on their side. Superior firepower and weapons had its advantages in the field, yet in an ambush it had little to no impact on the outcome. This band of goons was attacked from the jungle and from the flanking marsh.

            Whichever tribe this group belonged to must have planned this ahead of time. In his mind he speculated these tribesmen or Uxane had been watching the patrol movements on this very road. They also bid their time before striking. This ambush caught most of the goons off guard. A few of them took out some of the native attackers while the rest suffered the full blow of the ambush. It had transformed into a skirmish due to the firepower in the hands of the goons. However, the numbers of the natives and the element of surprise brought them a victory. Seven of these goons raced back down the road to escape. Maurice gave Odeliah the full story and where located after detailing what just happened before his own eyes. He put away his radio after she was done to witness the natives strip the goons of valuables. In a victorious attitude they raced back into the jungle shouting, giving out battle cries, and loud boasts.

            Maphai handed her radio to Maurice when she was done speaking to their commanders. On the other side of the communication he spoke to Bryce, and Tenno. He told them what happened and where the Caligari Syndicate headquarters stood near the marsh. Over the radio he urged his superiors to move fast. When he was done he handed the radio back to Maphai. He looked down the road seeing a larger force heading their way. From above he thought he heard the engines of an airship landing. Odeliah must have stuck close to their rear in case they needed a lift sooner. He watched the ship land on the road in the largest clearing it could find. Maurice had his party break camp and race towards Odeliah’s ship. He followed them while keeping an eye on the large cloud and army heading towards them. Several cannons fired a few warning rounds at this group to keep them at bay. It allowed a little bit of time for Maurice’s party to gather up their camp and start for the ship.

Discarded Commando Part 54

Maurice and his twenty-one-member party sat on their cushions and seats wondering if they should do something. As though they were not celebrating anything the village sprang into action and cleaned the center. They urged their guests to hand over seats and cushions while they prepared to leave the village in case they were attacked. Maurice turned to Maphai and one of his Vestrisian companions. He ordered both to have their own unit prepare to leave and fight if they needed to. Maphai and Vincent did as he ordered them and urged their party to be ready to fight then leave. Most of the villagers ignored them while Tondrah and other village healers tended to the wounded runner. In moments Maurice went for his steed where he had left his weapons. His whole unit joined him and prepared to leave once they fought off whoever was attacking these Drow villages.

            With permission from the villagers Maurice’s unit drew up a line of defense within the village clearing. The pair of Nevradit companions Toberis and Minerva got in the way a little bit. Once they had a defense drawn out they heard gunshots, screaming, yelling, cries for help, and war cries. Scores of Drow civilians raced out of the jungle being chased by savage tribesmen. These tribesmen were covered in hide skins, tattered pieces of clothing, garments, and apparel painted brownish green colors, including other colors found among tribes. Many of them grew wild hair, had dreads, others were braided, and had shaved heads. They all wielded spears, machetes, war clubs, various knives, and weapons from other factions and parts of the world.

            In front of village and Maurice’s unit these tribesmen cut down the fleeing dark elves. Before they knew what happened flaming projectiles hit some of the huts and homes. Maurice ordered his unit to open fire on the attacking savages while avoiding any harm to the innocent. Many of the attackers fell from the first volley. Drow women and children raced passed them with more tribesmen giving chase. Multiple Drow Guardians came in to help hold the line. Arrows flew over their heads and into the rabble of tribesmen who began tearing the village apart. A few volleys of arrows slew a crowd of over 175 tribesmen. This forced the attackers back a little. It allowed a few families to leave the village for safety.

            In a column of four to five rows they stood their ground against the attackers. Another wave was pushed back yet it had larger numbers. Having a larger wave of attackers come at them brought them into close quarters melee combat. Every defender drew a melee weapon when the attackers came within striking distance. Maurice cut down a dozen of these warriors before trying to calculate how many of these attackers they had to face. Using his pole arm sword Maurice held his ground killing more than a small unit worth. He had companions on his flanks holding their own against larger numbers. Trion hacked at a few attackers and even bit one of them. This frightened the attackers making them wary of the canine-badger humanoid.

            His country men had little to no problem in this battle. Alongside each other Minerva and Toberis moved like snakes, striking down enemies left and right. He heard Eyanosa’s war cry and the roar of the two orcs. Behind them Maphai, Vylinsis, and Oraceth had their pistols out shooting any attackers who slipped through. Their Drow friends fared well against these attackers. Ordoz used his alien weapons to defeat scores of foes. Their new Drow friends also fought well against the attackers for a while.

            As the confrontation turned into a battle their numbers started to drop. His own unit had two or three Drow in between them at the height of the battle. Each of them slowly fells to overwhelming odds. They fell against the odds of six to one. The swift movements of these village guardians brought down ten attackers for every one of their own fallen. More warriors came pouring out of the jungles with other groups coming in from behind. This battle died down a little allowing the defenders to pull back further into the village. Nearly a thousand corpses littered the area. Most belonged to the attackers and more than half the defenders lay dead. The amount of bodies that lay in the path and parts of the village would make a wall.

            Maurice spotted a few of his own men laying among the dead. He turned his head left and right counting how many he had left. Just four of his own men were missing, Nanim the Drow mercenary, Managhan the Orc pirate, Sorrowmind, and Ryfan. Seventeen of his own men were left and less than half the villages guardians remained. Inside their perimeter stood more tribesmen, warriors and the other groups who came in from behind. These new comers consisted of thirty-four members of the syndicate, forty-five renegades from other tribes and eleven pirates. With another force of tribesmen, they arrived at the village. Without hesitation or warning these newcomers opened fire on both defenders and attackers. Their focus was on the guardians and the other tribesmen.

            Exhausted from the battle Maurice and his decreased party did what they could to limit how many Drow died. Their attempts were in vain as the new comers already raced past them as if their quarrel were with the Drow and not them. Whatever the new comers intended to do was clear yet it appeared to become setback. As they killed Drow and Tribesmen alike the tribesmen and some Uxane turned on them. Most of the village was set aflame and too many enemies raced past them to attack one another and the remaining villagers. Tondrah came out her hut that was in flames full of fury, and anguish at everything around her. She herself was inflames armed with a long knife cutting and slicing at whoever was nearest her. Maurice pulled out his pistol shooting at one of her assailant’s moments before she collapsed to the ground. Seeing this defense was a futile one Maurice ordered his own unit to race out of there with the steeds. He fought his way to the corpses, so he could collect the two dog tags from his fallen companions. Hilastes and Amonif joined him in pushing through the fight that was surrounded by homes and trees set a flame. When he made it to the corpses the area was now full of smoke from the flames forcing everyone to flee or suffer death by suffocation. The Captain coughed from the heavy smoke and the pain he felt at the loss of two countrymen. By the time he reached them he was almost on the ground breathing in the smoke. Hilastes pulled him up helping him collect the dog tags after digging through the corpses. When they had all four dog tags they fled the scene through the village graveyard.

Discarded Commando Part 53

This Drow village appeared to have been here in the jungle for more than a century or two. Behind the village lay a graveyard where the deceased would be put to rest. As they followed Invah’s team of Drow fighters the entire village came out to see these outsiders. It seemed very strange for Drow to be hospitable towards outsiders due to their distrustful nature. However, these Drow seemed to have been exiled for their hospitable behavior. Their own Drow companions pointed that out quickly, since these people seemed more pleased to see them among outsiders. Nanim warned his own companions that there may be some hidden ruse behind the pleasant grins they were seeing.

            Many of the children with their purple blue complexions looked up at them in their hide skin shirts, woven tunics, trousers, and the gowns girls often wore within a tribe. Each clothing was dyed a dark purple, and green. The adults did not seem very pleased to see these outsiders. Some of them glared, others squinted their eyes suspiciously at them, others held a masked happy expression that showed their teeth wide eyes. A few of them looked at the returning guardians with puzzled looks and demanded why did they bring them here to their village. Maurice did count more than two hundred fifty members of this Drow community. Among them he concluded there were at least sixty more of these guardians protecting this Drow community. There was a mix of children, mothers, fathers, youth, young adults, adolescence, toddlers, and a handful of aged, or aging members of this village. Each adult and youth were armed with a curved dagger that seemed to be inherited from their ancestors. Most of the adults were armed with some type of melee weapon that was concealed by their long shawl. Each guardian either had a bow, or a rifle taken from somewhere. They also had short blades, makeshift machetes, and handcrafted weapons.

            Nanim, and Omareth introduced themselves when one of the guardians, and a few youths confronted him over his pirate outfit. The younger ones were about to strike him until one of the women yelled at them. She commanded them to back off and return to their homes. Four youths left the pirate Drow alone with the guardian. This guardian looked to be about eighteen or nineteen years old in appearance. He wore a red shawl cloak over his hide skin tribal outfit, and was armed with a bow, arrows, and a long dagger. His dark hair was tribal dreads style. This youth glared at Omareth pocking his finger at the pirate who simply swatted his arm away like it was nothing. Before the other guardians could react, the same woman who commanded marched up to the pair of Drow. She wore a headdress made from antlers, horns, which were decorated with feathers, flowers, and a few trinkets.

            She was known as the Village Priestess, and often called Leader Tondrah who has three children from two different men. Her first child who was now a guardian was fathered for five years by an explorer who came through these lands decades ago. She called out to the young guardian naming him as Gorfir. Gorfir did not budge or heed her words. He drew a knife and pointed it at Omareth’s chest. Maurice turned on the Drow pirate demanding if he had any history with these people. The dark elf pirate turned to him saying no, there was no history between him and the people of this Drow village. Leader Tondrah marched up to the guardian and grabbed him by the back of the neck and ear. She hissed in his ear that he was no longer a guardian, but a gatherer for the village.

            Demoting the young man brought him to heel. As he was no longer a guardian. He handed Leader Tondrah his bow, and arrows along with the rifle he was given. Once the former guardian returned to his own hut the Leader, and Priestess welcomed the new comers to their village. She informed Maurice about other villages full of Drow who were under the control of some faction called the Caligari. Their eyes widened with shock and awe. As leaders of their unit and party Maurice and Maphai urged Tondrah to tell them where the Caligari Syndicate was. Assuming the village did not hear them, Maurice asked if they had any ties to the Caligari Syndicate. It was a question Maurice had a bad feeling about inside his gut. Many the older members gasped appearing outraged and started to mutter, and babble among themselves. It could have caused a rabble of outraged words until Leader Tondrah raised her hand. She believed it was best to allow these outsiders inside their home even though they had no connections not did they trust them yet. An entire village had no other choice then to allow twenty-two strangers to take shelter in their village. Maurice and his party made camp along the edges of the village and the road. Their steeds were given a large makeshift shelter which took all day to complete.

            On the very next day the village prepared a feast for the outsiders as a sign of greeting and welcoming them to their village. In a semicircle in the clearing of the village the villagers and the arrivals feasted and watched ceremonious dance. While the rest of this unit watched Maurice took the opportunity to speak with the Leader and the Priestess of the village they called Isfa Alari. She mentioned there were ten or more Drow villages scattered around the region that is often known as Mikani Lands. She named a few villages such as Il Nhoserine, Ora Esari, Fama Nalore, and Asylon. Just two of those villages closest to the Caligari are under their control amongst two others while the rest came under attack from either the Caligari or other tribes in the area. Most of the Mikani left them alone save for exiles, renegades and those in league with the Syndicate. Often pirates would come and harass them whether they came from the Caligari or another rogue crew. Some how her people avoided the ravages and the trespassing of the invaders. This surprised Maurice as he asked her about those vehicles. Tondrah did recall witnessing the invader leave countless metal steeds, and their weapons behind. Most of the tribes took what they could salvage while the Mikani, and other savage tribes ambushed the invaders on their way back to the mountains. She told Maurice there was a long mountain range far to the west of Mikani Lands. As she described these mountains Maurice realized those mountains trailed from the edge of the continent marking the Unknown Lands and stretched as far north as Mulzan. He pulled out a map and showed it to her. The Leader made a surprised expression as if someone aroused her.

            The two leaders browsed the map in search of the cities he had been to. He showed her the countries that lay beyond the thick mountain range to the west, and where he had travelled. Tondrah hesitated for a moment then turned to the new acquaintance. She whispered in his ear saying that she would give him the location of the Caligari Syndicate if they promised not to reveal their location to the outside world. Maurice swore on behalf of his nations deities that he would not tell anyone about this village or any other. His mind seemed clouded when he said this, yet he felt as though some of his own men may have bigger mouths than they should. Discipline would have to come in the next morning as they progressed with the celebrations. To him it seemed quaint that a tribe would be so friendly yet untrusting of outsiders. Their pirate friends must have reminded their village of other pirates who attacked them and other Drow. As he watched the dancers and the drummers Tondrah told him of a road that lay behind the graveyard and wrapped around the village. It started on the other side of the village and lead straight to a fork in the jungle. They should take the one on the right where they would come across a marsh and other villages. She even said the Caligari had a few palaces along the edges of the marshes. Most of the roads, and paths lead to them and they rested on ancient pyramids.

            Tondrah brought out a pipe and shared it with Maurice who tried to smoke but ended up coughing. Whatever this substance was it was stronger than usual weed, and tobacco. He forced himself to take another puff when a Drow covered in bruises, and blood burst through the village. He was not dressed as this village tribe, but wore a long tunic made from hides and fabric. His entire head was shaven revealing a gash in his head. This bloodied and bruised Drow stopped in the middle of the dance circle scaring them away to the edges of the clearing. He pointed in the direction he had run yelling for them to flee and find safer ground. Whoever this poor soul was he had been running for some time and had fallen multiple times. He came with rumors that an attack was made by a marsh tribe. This frightened the villagers a little who appeared more like humans from a peaceful town rather than hardened and cruel Drow they were rumored to be according to stories he had heard.

            Tondrah stood and commanded the village to calm themselves and regain their senses. She offered the floor to the runner again who only collapsed onto the ground. Multiple members rushed up to his aid. They picked him up and brought him straight to Tondra’s own hut. She left Maurice on his seat and ordered for the village guardians to scout out the area for signs of oncoming raiders.

Discarded Commando Part 52

Maurice woke up to an assortment of snorting, grunting sounds, voices, a little heated discussion, and the mixed sounds of bear, and large beast with a trunk. He also heard voice speaking the Uxane language followed by those of his own countrymen, some of the pirates, and mercenaries. Maurice got out of his own tent to see his own party dealing with a traffic jam of some sorts. They had made camp along a section of another road that split into different directions. Trees, and bushes flanked both sides of this portion that trailed off the main road. Next to the main road lay a ranch built with a fencepost that had the resemblance of a palisade large enough to encircle a village. This ranch contained a herd of strange smooth scaly skinned four-legged creatures with three short horns, a frill, a large armored snout, long ears, bodies bigger than a horse, and stump like feet. Every one of these strange creatures had a blood red tail, forest green, and hazel wood tan skin. On the sides of these strange beasts were large yellow hands painted on them with a bird in the shape of the palm.

            His gaze was transfixed on the horns that had something on them when a group of Uxane approached him. Maurice straightened himself before these Uxane who wore vests over tunic like shirts. They addressed themselves as members of the Atuux tribes and demanded why their beasts attacked the ranch. Maurice looked over at the fence and saw it had been broken. There was a hole large enough for these large three horned beasts to get out of the ranch. He looked around at his camp and his own party in search of their Jumbo Cat Mounts. Some of their cat mounts remained in the vicinity, a couple of them prowled around to other ends of the clear path. The rest of them were being rallied back to the campsites by Oraceth, Eyanosa, and the other Uxane who joined them.

            Maphai must have told the local Uxane to back off and told them of their own mission. Whoever these Uxane were they appeared more concerned with their herd of three horned beasts. Sixteen of these Uxane rounded up six of these large beasts. It took them awhile to get them back towards the ranch fence. This gave Maphai enough time to explain to these Uxane who they were and why they were in their lands. While the Uxane made the attempt to gather their beasts Maurice’s own party rallied their own cat steeds and packed up the camp to continue down the road. As leader of his own party he was perceived as a nomadic clan leader and was given food. Through translation Maurice Viyamor learned these Uxane called themselves the Mikani-Atuux. They were a mixed tribe who lived among mainly Atuux members, which explained the ones who addressed themselves as the Atuux.

            Maphai mentioned the Caligari Syndicate causing these Uxane’s eyes to widen with fear and looked at Maurice’s party with comprehension. One of them appeared to have begged or asked Maphai not to go to those areas. She turned their requests down with harsher words than any chieftain or commander let alone a leader would muster. These Uxane Mikani-Atuux bid them a farewell, and to stay clear of the Caligari Lands if possible. When they left the party alone leading the last of the straggling three horned beasts Maphai turned to Maurice. She told them they were on their way to the Ibawee to save them from demons that came down from the mountains and the swamps to the west. Maurice found this to be hilarious and burst with laughter at how Maphai convinced them they would be going to aid another tribe in the Unknown Lands. All they had to do was follow the path to the road and search for some totems marking the path, some old buildings, and vehicles left by the invaders, and the signs they are nearing a marsh. Well past that marsh or on the edges of the marsh are the palaces of the Caligari Syndicate. There are many Uxane villages, and Drow villages who are under thumb and heel of Caligari Power. She advised that all of them wear a large blanked like a cloak or use the cloaks they have handy.

            In moments Maurice ordered his whole party that would make up a small platoon of soldiers. He rode ahead in the lead with Maphai saddled right next to him and pressed on down the path. All day they pressed further on the backs of steeds. This road was found next to another road, which was the one they had to take. The path wrapped its way around what appeared to be a small town. On this path they found themselves passing multiple villages, outposts, and a few smaller farms. The inhabitants watched them in awe and suspicions while their children waved hello and followed them at a distance until their parents called them back. It was at the crossroads marked by a large totem depicting reptiles, birds, and the three-horned creature that his party made camp. For them it was best to set up camp here rather than press on into the darkness of the night.

            Their campsite was made into the shape of an oval in a nice clear space of grass along the road. One big fire was made for them since they were able to build just one camp. Many of them got the idea it was possibly drawing the attention of multiple factions and the locals. While they sat around the fire with the more nocturnal members watching alongside the ones who could see in the dark. Not much happened during that night, which proved to be a good sign. It was also a bad omen if nothing happened the previous night then something could happen the very next day or the next night. For the entire day they pressed onward not saying a word to one another while keeping an eye out for any signs of hostiles. The road they had to take did bring them through more patches of foliage where they decided to gallop through. Maurice ordered them to gallop through these patches despite the possibility of bumping into caravans or locals travelling the road. Their steeds were able to dodge most of the large groups of people whereas some were knocked down only to be picked up by the riders with the slower reptilian steeds. Just as the Mikani said the road brought them to some abandoned buildings and vehicles left by the invaders. Some of them looked to be grown over with foliage, roots, and trees growing inside them. Next to the more cobbled portion of the road lay a field full of abandoned vehicles with overgrowth, vines, and roots covering them. Many of the vehicles looked rusted in and some were even used as homes by rodents, and other animals of the wilderness. Among these ruins and abandoned vehicles Maurice caught glimpses of some natives glaring at them, spying on them with great suspicions. Although their cloaks and blankets may hide their identity from the ones they wanted to avoid their disguises may have drawn some unwanted attention. While they passed what looked like an emptied out, rusting, and overgrown troop transport Maurice had them halt for a few moments.

            Seated on his large cat steed Maurice expected what would be the real Mikani to ambush them or intercept them. His entire party placed their hands over their weapons with their eyes on the jungles, and the brush. Maurice ordered for Eyanosa, Oraceth, Vylinsis, and Nudd to move up ahead of them while the rest stay low in this area. He also had the Orcs and their two sword wielding companions cover their rear. The rest of them formed an oval with their eyes on the jungle and the brush flanking the road. Because of their experiences with dangers in this part of the world Maurice’s entire party were used to having savages, monsters, and wildlife jump out or ambush them. With steeds such as the Jumbo cats not many of these creatures, or hostiles would go after them. For some time in the mid afternoon they waited for the team to return. Maurice and Maphai urged their own units to keep their eyes peeled and ready to combat any threats. Their pirate friends appeared a little too lax about this since their own Captain wasn’t present. Small chat came from the pirates and the mercenaries. Whispering and muttering came out of the mouths of his Vestrisians who immediately shut up when he cleared his throat. Maphai had the humanoid and the Orc circle around them for a few minutes to test the silence. Nothing came out of the jungle save for a few creatures scurrying about, a small herd of jungle deer, and a couple of feline predators minding their own business. These types of creatures never worried them since they were mere objects to the animals, and most shied away from contact with humans, and other beings. Maurice commented on a few things here and there, but only received a few eyebrows raised from Maphai. She smiled and started to laugh mentioning Dina’s outraged expression over Odeliah kissing him. This took Maurice by surprise making him sweat a little.

            Maurice was able to regain himself when their small scouting team returned to their position on the road. Eyanosa, Oraceth, Vylinsis, and Nudd returned to them with extra people. Surrounding them and trailing behind them appeared to be no more than a dozen Dark Elves or Drow as one would label them. Six males and six female Drow with the black and white hair of their race. These Drow wore tribal clothing under large shawl like cloaks. Each one wore either a purple, dark green, blue, light blue, and dark red shawl cloak with a unique design. Without a single word Nanim and Omareth let down their hoods. Each one spoke in their Dark Elf tongues only to be surprised these Dark Elves spoke more of a mixed language that was a cross between Drowish and Uxane. One of the leading Drow a female named Invah of exiled house Urlicson. She welcomed the commando’s entire party to their village. Seeing these Drow had come to them with the scouting party made things seem a little hostile yet did not force them to put their guard down. Maphai looked at Maurice with a look that urged him to comply. To her these Drow could prove useful in their mission to find the Caligari Syndicate. As leader Maurice made the decisions of his party and unit. His gaze met Invah’s red eyes who seemed more welcoming but still held a tense readiness to cut a head off if she was double crossed. Maurice nodded allowing the Drow to lead them to their settlement, which their scouts apparently came across.

            From what Maurice heard about Drow and their history of being prickly and hostile towards outsiders he expected them to fall into an ambush or a trap. He muttered into each party member’s ear that they should keep their guard up in case they were in league with the Caligari Syndicate or had something else in store. When he got to the Drow members they gave him a glare, and the ones who found it gave him a queer confused look. They held their tongue since he was the leader of this party. Following the six Drow brought them a village in the middle of the jungle with a wide clearing in the center for meetings, festivals, and other events the village would have. It was a village of no more than two hundred fifty something Drow who lived in an enclave of wooden houses and homes carved into thick large trees.

Discarded Commando Part 51

Maurice prepared himself for another day, and this scouting mission that he was about to undertake. In the quarters Odeliah gave him, Maurice studied a tribal map next to an incomplete one that had been found on a deceased explorer who was among the mercenaries. He did the calculations and pieced everything together inside his head. Maurice compared the two maps to each other. Pinpointing the location of the ancient cities, and the ones still standing was clear enough. However, finding the rivers, and the roads would prove difficult. Things change over the course of a millennia, centuries, decades, and a few years. Some of the cities on the older map were still around. Both maps did not show much of the vast regions between the Sarcagos and the more civilized regions. He located Waikun and another city called Rednight Fangsir. This city rested on the coasts of Gantronese territory. It lay within the mountain range that acted as a thick wall between the Unknown Lands and the Gantronese Empire. Rednight Fangsir caught his attention however it struck a bit of fear inside him. When he was about to ask Odeliah about this settlement they landed. The landing was not the smoothest landing, yet it did not cause much rocking on board.

            Odeliah confirmed they had arrived at Waikun. Maurice gathered his party of Twenty-two warriors, soldiers, and mercenaries at the main loading hatch of the ship. He had them gather their mounts, equipment and supplies for the scouting mission. With nothing else to check off their list and to do for preparations Maurice and his twenty-one-member party exited the pirate vessel. Odeliah landed in a field next to a road on the western side of Waikun. She must have chosen this location to keep them hidden from Waikun authorities, and spies lurking in the city. There were no doubts there were others watching them, and spies from the trees, and behind thick brush or tall grass. Just before they set off to the road Odeliah stopped them to provide information on the area.

            Waikun was a city-state home to the Gora Sone, and another Uxane tribe called the Utsali whom had their own set of towns along its limits. There was another Uxane nation called the Atuux who stretched from the southern edges of Waikun to the outskirts of Kilscar Orvain. A third tribe in the area who called themselves the Ibawee dwell along the coast and less swampy regions as far as Oramatra. To the west of everyone else were the Mikani, another Uxane tribe who were mixed in with other savage tribes, monsters, and Drow settlements. Maurice and his party would find them fighting among themselves, other tribes, and units of the Caligari Syndicate. All the other tribes they heard of and seen had other settlements closer to the more civilized regions, and the edges of the vast savage wilderness his countrymen slogged through.

            Captain Odeliah bid them farewell tossing him a hand radio to keep in touch while he and his party scouted the area. She boarded her vessel and left them next to the road leading up to Waikun. Her leaving them took away one from the party. As he had expected to happen groups of Uxane children raced out of the bushes, trees, and tall grass followed by adult members of the nation. Several Uxane armed with rifles in dyed and stitched up uniforms. All the children raced over to greet these foreigners, and Uxane looking warriors. Many of them chattered in their own languages that most of his party did not comprehend except a few of the mercenaries, Uxane members, and a few of his own countrymen. Their little hands touched uniforms, hilts, and some even approached their mounts. A few of the children received snorts, and licks from a couple of the cat steeds. Oraceth had to keep his own mount from laying down to let the children rub its fur. He looked down at the faces of the children who crowded around him and the rest of the party. Most of them hadn’t even mounted when they were intercepted by a large group of Uxane looking children. Party members such as Vylinsis, Odoz, their orcs, and Trion their canine companion got the most attention. Each humanoid was meddled with, fur rubbed like a house pet, wings tugged at, and entire body climbed. Trion growled causing some of the children to run away behind the adults. Many of them were wearing hide skins mixed with colorful pieces of fabric either woven or came from another part of the world and wound up here. Maurice counted sixty-one children looking up at them with smiles saying hello in their own tongues. The adult members, mainly women herded the children away from the strangers, and made way to the soldiers. Each one of them kept glancing at each of the Uxane, and the strange humanoids among them.

            Maphai spoke on behalf of the entire group as did a few of the Vestrisians who had been here. Although he did not understand a word, they said Maurice could tell they were explaining their story to these Uxane soldiers and guards. At the very mention of Caligari the children clung to each other, legs of those who could be mothers, aunts, or older siblings. Many of them even raced back in fear of hearing that name. Many of the non-warriors gasped, became afraid, and even stepped a few feet away from them. Some of the soldiers winced and glared at them while others held shocked faces of disbelief. Maurice could tell the Caligari Syndicate terrorized these people to death and brought fear into them. This nightmare needed to end, even if it opened the doorway to a new one. He confronted Maphai who was in mid-sentence, cutting her off. As the leader of their party, he demanded to know where they could find the Caligari Syndicate’s lair. Obeying his command, the mercenary spoke to one of the more renowned warriors who wore a sash with claws, and knives from other parts of the world showing he had fought against many enemies and slain numerous predators.

This one Uxane wore a plaid green shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a shirt dyed red, white, gold, and black. Both shirts were tucked in what appeared to be a kilt decorated in beads, and small carved bones. His hair was tied in a bunch of dreads, and braids kept up by a thick layer of bandanas. He had rib bones, claws, fang teeth, small antlers, and buckles in his hair and on his bandanas. On his nose he had a nose ring, and a few bone piercings over one eyebrow. The Waikun was armed with a Grussian issued Severance .88 bolt action rifle, a war club made from a monster’s jaw with some of the teeth knocked off. It hung from his kilt next to a decorated knife. For a fourth weapon he was also armed with a machete that could be used as a tool and a weapon. He introduced himself as Donewann Usti of the Dreadlock Clan. Donewann Uste pointed towards a path that trailed off the road that lead straight to a patch of thorn bushes. He explained to them that the thorns were often cut up to clear a path, and they must take this path to avoid the eyes of their enemy.

      Maphai took the lead alongside Maurice who took the large party towards the path Donewann told them to take. Mounted on their jumbo cats, and reptile looking mounts Maurice’s party made their way on the main road to reach the path. It was marked with a totem with three arms pointing in separate directions. They found it flanked by tall grass, a few trees, and a few bushes. Most of this path was just dirt cleared of any foliage, and marked with flat stones, and pieces of slab. Some of the path of smooth rocks and stones meshed together to make a pathway. As they came upon the thorn bushes they noticed it forged a tunnel over the path. In no hurry Maurice and his party entered the tunnel of thorns. As though there was a barrier in the shape of a snake like road the thorns made way to forge a clear path for anyone to travel through. At a closer look the thorns were trimmed and cut back to clear the way. Using what lanterns and flashlights that worked the troop of twenty-three tread through the tunnel following the path as closely as possible to avoid getting caught in the thorny walls. It took the large group a little longer than they thought it would. Darkness had already dropped down forcing them to go slower and search for the path while keeping their lights on the walls of thorns.

      After what felt like a few hours the entire party of twenty-two warriors, soldiers, pirates and mercenaries exited the tunnel of thorns. Outside the tunnel came into the open with night already fallen over the region. Those who had any form of light or night vision searched the area for a nice open space to make camp. For several minutes they searched in the dark and found a few suitable places. Each spot was marked with a light and lantern to allow enough light to get a few fires going. They had to split up the party according to their designated factions. One group were the Vestrisians, a second had Maurice’s company and the duo, another consisted of the pirates, and the last one consisted of the mercenaries. Split into four groups Maurice’s party slept for the rest of the night with two members of each group keeping watch. Their scouting mission would continue the very next morning.

     

Discarded Commando Part 50

He stood in the room with all eyes staring at him as if he was crazy. All his fellow countrymen gawked at him, the Uxane squinted their eyes at him with suspicions of him being possessed, some of the exiled soldiers looked at him scared, a few raced out of the room. Each of the superior officers just looked at him saying just sit down with their eyes. Many of the mercenaries laughed enjoying this scene, Maphai rolled her eyes, a few of the pirates took interest as did the remaining knights. Bryce stared at him long and hard. Maurice knew his wounds had not healed entirely. Everyone could even the new arrivals. The wounds were gunshot wounds, but even that could slow you down, depending on where you were hit. If you were lucky the projectile did not hit the bone or a vital organ otherwise you would die, be severely wounded, or crippled. Colonel Bryce placed a hand on his shoulder urging him to sit down. He understood Maurice’s eagerness to kill those goons and to secure a path for any more countrymen.

A wave of realization swept over Maurice. He had been hot headed over the goons going after his countrymen. This drove him to stand up and demand permission to be granted to resume his mission. Although he could walk well enough, running and riding would have to wait a little longer. Bryce suggested Maurice to choose one of his men or soldiers to seek out the rest of the Vestrisians or at least send out word. Maurice pondered over this for a few moments. Dina entered the room with a glass of water. She paused wondering what just happened. One of the mercenaries told her trying not chuckle. The agent nearly hit him but chose to stay her hand. The IBOIS agent stormed over to the commando with the glass. Handing it over to him she begged him not to go as if she was a lover. The whole room were blown away by this. For the past few weeks the pair of them got to know each other a little more.

She hailed from Damis and had relatives in Cydnam. He gave her hints as to where he was from, and hardly spoke to her about his past since that was behind him now. While he had been struggling she had helped him along the way. Her organization was organized to combat the spread of the invaders, and those who collaborated with them inside most of the free nations of Calorn.

            Dina handed Maurice the glass of water then offered some for the Colonel as a sign of respect on behalf of her boss. Bryce declined relieving her of the task. He ordered all eyes to avert their attention from the scene. Maphai did the same as did Odeliah and the Knight leader. Maurice looked at the new leader who acted as Owun’s replacement while he healed from getting his leg cut off and getting slammed to the ground. He prayed for the Knight to have a full recovery. Many of the exiled soldiers still glanced over at him with some interest and others concern until an officer barked them out of the room. The room emptied save for the wounded, and those tending to them. With everyone’s eyes away from them and the room mostly emptied Bryce looked at Maurice requesting that he choose a strike team to go out and clear a path or intercept the goons. Maurice called for Eyanosa, Oraceth, Amonif, Hilastes, Vincent, Forgiir, and one of Zomere’s men. She was shot in the shoulder during the battle. Other warriors, and soldiers came up filling the room with extra bodies. They included the Zema Ilam, Grussians, and the exiled soldiers from former allies who fell to the invaders.

            Maurice studied these men, and women who stood before him. Each one stood straight in formation ready to volunteer for the task. He counted on Captain Zomere to take his place, but she was in another bed not too far from his own. In his mind he knew they could send out signals to other radios, however it would mean draw attention to the fort. The Caligari Syndicate was now allied with the invaders or perhaps a faction within the two empires. It would be a few more weeks before he could fully recover. He handpicked three groups of five to head out and intercept the goons Caligair kept sending. Maurice allowed the Colonel to select the Uxane, and the Eothans to head out in search of more Vestrisians and rally them to the fort. Once the groups and tasks were assigned each group raced out of the fort.

            A full week went by before another group of Vestrisians arrived with one of the parties sent out. One of the intercepting parties came back with reports of an ambush that was botched near Tsubib Pajibe. Their new pirate friends managed to follow them and aided them. Maurice and his superiors took this as a sign that the enemy was aware of their own mission. Several more groups came to the fort with similar reports and that each corpse was returned to the Caligari Syndicate. Two days after hearing the reports of the goons being sent back Sorrowmind’s own unit came to their fort. He was greeted with serious faces, and salutes since high ranking officers were present. They arrived with a few other Vestrisians they found closer to tribal village who were labelled as hairy demons by the locals. This made most of the soldiers laugh bringing some enjoyment to the grim atmosphere. Maurice forced himself to stand up and greet his countrymen who were extremely happy to see him. Sorrowmind patted him lightly on the arm that was hit before reporting to the higher ranks. He heard another group and come in from Dina when Sorrowmind left the room. She checked his wounds making him sit back down before doing anything else.

            By the time a few more days passed they rallied 65 more Vestrisians to the fort. With a full battalion that could turn into a small brigade the Vestrisians, Exiled forces, Uxane, and mercenaries gathered. Bryce and this mysterious figure stood before them. Maurice stood among his own unit of Unseen Bears, a Tuxir, and the Ranger who were all that was left of his unit. He only needed four to command, yet his rank as Captain required him to command a squad or a platoon of troops. Minerva, and Toberis stood next to them. Owun’s own men stood behind them, and Maphai had to stand further away since her mercenaries formed a grouping of their own that joined the Vestrisians. Segun was not hard to identify due to his appearance and height.

            Now that they had gathered a large force to take on the Caligari Syndicate it was time to check her defenses. The mysterious figure stepped to reveal themselves to the whole battalion of warriors, and soldiers. They pulled back their hood revealing themselves to be a woman. She appeared to be half Forsythan and half elf with a hint of human. Her identity was Colonel Brianna Tenno, the colonel who orchestrated all of this. She was the one who went the furthest into the Unknown Lands where she and her own units were attacked by the Caligari Syndicate and the Gantronese forces still lurking in the area. She explained to them what they should do now, and that their allies in the Sarcagos will arrive to aid them. All they had to do now was scout out the area past Waikun and Kilscar Orvain. Scouts were to find location of the Syndicate and come back with knowledge of where the Caligari Syndicate was.

            Maurice maneuvered his way to the front of the crowd of soldiers and warriors who made a path for him out of respect. All eyes were on him now, even the Colonels and the Majors. He claimed this task to be his mission. His small unit and others who were willing to join would head out to scout the area in search of the Caligari headquarters. Tenno looked like she was about to cry but kept her composure. Maphai, and her unit stepped up to the plate, Captain Odeliah handpicked herself and the crew members she travelled with stepped up, Toberis and Minerva chose to go with him. Sorrowmind and a few his own small unit of men chose to go as well. Even Vincent, and Fitz came up to join Maurice on this mission.

            Twenty-two warriors, Soldiers, pirates, and mercenaries stepped up to join Captain Maurice Viyamor. He observed his hand-picked team wondering how they would get to the headquarters without drawing attention. They did have these airships that could carry them over in the air, yet the Caligari could have Gantronese send aircraft to shoot them down. Bryce and Tenno ended the meeting dismissing their soldiers. Odeliah sent her pirates to work on their ships, Maphai dismissed her mercenaries sending half of them on patrol, Director Garrett Riggs, and Brigadier General Liluth Gilhorn ordered for their own people to disperse or head to their designated stations. Gilhorn brought a force of 632 exiled soldiers and warriors from their bases, whereas Director Riggs brought sixty-five of his own people who set up office in an empty bunker they found near the fort. They spent a few days clearing it out, forced to kill strange looking creatures, and cleaning it out. Just the idea of the invaders being involved forced the sky pirates, and their new allies with airships to be cautious with air travel.

            For a good portion of the day they packed up for another long journey and gathered the mounts they needed. Each member of Maurice’s party received either a Jumbo Cat for a mount or the strange reptile looking creatures. Odeliah offered her own ship as transportation to as far as Waikun. As leader of their assembled party Captain Maurice Viyamor thought it would be wise to take the road by mount. Dina came up to the assembled party hoping to get a word in with Maurice before he departed. He turned to her and nodded a hello feeling speechless and feelings build up inside. Odeliah smacked him to get his attention. She offered an alternative to Maurice’s idea to reach the Caligari Syndicate. His attention was ripped away from Dina who seemed a little outraged by this. She made a disgusted face and stormed off to her own quarters. Maurice turned to catch her attention, but Odeliah stopped him. She told him to board one of her ships, and that she would take them as far as twenty miles past Waikun. Without warning the pirate Captain gave him a full mouth kiss in full view of Dina who turned to glance back at him. Maurice did not know what to do than to restrain himself from hitting the pirate who would shoot him if he tried to punch her. Odeliah escorted him and his party aboard their ship. Their journey would not begin until the very next day. Maurice kept thinking of how mad and outraged Dina was. The only thing that kept him from thinking of her at this moment was his duty.

Discarded Commando Part 49

Maurice laid there in the bed with a single nurse taking off his bandages. She tossed them in some metal bin. He felt some stinging, and pain return in certain places. There were muscles that were sore to the point of spasms and stiffness. A few of the wounds nearly bleed again, but the Nurse stopped them. Dina’s eyes were transfixed onto his just as his eyes were on hers. Neither of them blinked while the nurse put new bandages on his wounds. She carefully applied some type of healing cream and applied a drug to his wounds then wrapped up the wounds. Once she was done the nurse left the two alone.

Left alone in the same room this Dina, and Maurice could get their own eyes off each other. Dina slowly moved over to him, drawn in by some invisible power controlling her. Even Maurice did not control what she did, he couldn’t, he didn’t want to. Dina’s lips made kissing motions a few times as she sauntered over to his bed. In moments she pressed her lips on to his. The two softly kissed for a few minutes before she laid hands on parts that were not covered in bandages. She took care not to even press herself on to him. Dina, aka. International Lilly merely leaned over him to kiss him as if to make love. Whatever was happening without warning were two individuals falling in love or was it something naturally done when people are without a real lover for so long? They could not explain, Maurice didn’t want to he wanted to taste her lips and more. Using his free arm, the commando brushed her arm softly moving up to her neck and face. She did the same thing only her hands touched his chest while his free hand touched her side and stomach careful not to touch her chest without consent first.

      Someone burst into the door forcing them to break apart. Dina jumped back into her seat returning to the booklet and dog tags she left on the chair. At the door stood a few individuals, a Vestrisian in uniform bearing an officer’s badge, pins, cap, and donning a light brown handle bar mustache that did not go well with brown hair. Beside the Vestrisian officer stood a large round looking man in a fine suit. The round man resembled a pig mixed with a human stuffed in a fine dark green herringbone pattern suit over a white checkered shirt, black vest, and a matching tie ascot. His face looked reddish pink with graying hair. He had not facial hair, basically baby faced. Behind them stood another figure.  This figure stood a little taller than the Vestrisian and the fat pig of a man. Maurice’s gaze was drawn towards the taller figure who stood just about six feet tall with a healthy body. At a closer glance the figure was an elf with deep brown hair, a strong chin, human nose. This tall elf turned out to be a female wearing a uniform like the ones Automan and his exiled rebels wore. Maurice wondered if any of the rebels survived and how many were left. She pushed the two men out of the way a little, so she could enter the room.

      Whoever this woman was she was tall with curves that were defined even underneath her uniform. It appeared a little tight on her body. Her chest appeared developed according to the elf stereotype with a bigger bust. She stood decorated in medals, pins, and badges from Sercane, Nevradit well before its fall, and Cydnam. The Vestrisian stepped around her taking Maurice’s eyes away from her. He introduced himself as Major Palespear of the expeditionary forces. Palespear introduced the other two as Director aka. Boss Garrett Riggs, and Brigadier General Liluth Gilhorn. Major Palespear had the other nine Vestrisians based in Oceanrest Var, and sent the radio man along with some extra help. He briefed Maurice on the situation and that he should rest and wait for a few weeks. Colonel Bryce was beginning construction of another fort that will be connected to the Gantronese one. Their pirate allies were currently headed there. He let the other two explain who they were. Brigadier General Gilhorn repeated what the leader Automan said to him before the fighting began. Her rank was one of the highest ranks in the army of exiled rebels who are based in Ivodra, Malvieth, Alagen, Oramatra, Rovantia, Cydnam, Meze, Rovantia, Evusia, and the Nevoran Federation. She boasted their ranks swelled over half a million or more. The fat Boss gave her a skeptical look pointing out the invaders had far more than that. He merely pushed her to the side further introducing himself as the Director of an international secret service agency called IBOIS short for International Bureau of Operations for Intelligence and Security. The words flew over his head all he got was International, Operation and Security, since he was too distracted by two eye catching women in the room. Major Palespear ordered for him to pay attention.

Maurice straightened up and told his own story to the Brigadier General and Director Riggs. Major Palespear listened even though he already knew Maurice’s story. The commando started from his first days in the expeditionary forces, prowling through the jungles and swamps, how they were ambushed, the engagements, savage creatures, hostile tribes, and strange monsters in the trees. He went on to tell how he and thousands of others made their way to the Sarcogos where they made their home. The alliances they made with dwarfs and the Uxane nations. He explained in detail how they were able to get from the Sarcagos to the Gantronese fort. In detail he explained the allies, and friendships they made, and the new enemy, the Caligari Syndicate.

      When Maurice finished his long story Dina asked if he wanted a glass of water. Maurice nodded yes looking at her features with his eyes as if she was naked before him. The agent left, leaving him with the leaders who conversed with him while they were just now landing. He felt the ship rumbled and shake a little as if they were in an earthquake. It lasted for several minutes as the ship made its landing. A few minutes later the commando and every wounded were unloaded from the vessel first. In a hurry to get them off crews, soldiers, and available medical staff raced to bring the wounded over to the fort. In a bed Maurice lay there as they carried him over to the hospital rooms that were cleared for this occasion. He was placed in the same room as a few score of others who survived the battle. Once he was settled down Colonel Bryce and another figure stood next to him. This figure stood in the shadows while Bryce brought in a stool to sit next to him. His own commanding officer place a hand on his arm congratulating him on a job well down. Maurice saluted him and shook the Colonel’s hand before settling his back against the few pillows given to him for comfort.

Both Vestrisians discussed what was to happen right as the Majors entered the room. Dubius, and Palespear saluted Captain Maurice Viyamor. They each stood next to the Colonel who began to inform Maurice of their plans, and the construction of another part of this fort. Maurice did not see the extension of the fort. According to the radioman, and a few others willing to cooperate there were more Vestrisians out there, and some allies willing to fight alongside them. This sounded good for them, because if the Caligari had allies such as the Invaders then they could help the invaders retake this entire land or the more civilized parts then launch attacks into Borvados. Maurice recalled Sorrowmind and told his superiors where they could find him. Every commanding officer looked at him with wide eyes. Bryce ordered Maurice to rest while they sent out word to the remaining Vestrisians who are still wandering about. Due to his wounds Maurice chose to stay and rest leaving the job to someone else. The commanding officers left him in his bed to address other wounded warriors, and soldiers who took part in the battle. With nothing else to do Maurice rested and let his wounds heal.

      Maurice lay in his bed for nearly a week before he was pushed to get out of bed to walk and regain his strength. It took a few hours of his day to get moving just to keep his legs moving. A few medics and Dina, Maurice was able to walk around the fort to witness a few other structures rise. Parts of the fort were extended. New layers of walls, new barracks, and other useful structures. It was beginning to look like a town mixed with a fort and palisade. Maurice was not the only one being dragged out of bed for daily exercise. Over a platoon’s worth of so called patients made the effort to get out of bed and walk with the help from crutches, canes, comrades. While they made the struggle to heal they saw fresh faces enter the fort. Most of these fresh faces were Vestrisians who heard to call or were found in other cities such as Magesar and some they could not pronounce well. Accompanying them were the parties sent out to find them and lead them to the fort. For the past several days these new arrivals came streaming in groups of four, five, and six under the supervision of Uxane, Maphai’s Mercenaries, and Oraceth. After a few days they managed to gather thirty men. Maurice was just getting his cast off when word of goons attacking each part sent out to the cities. It had been a few weeks since they started to send out word, yet they failed to keep their movements from the ears and eyes of the enemy. Maurice stood up from a chair demanding permission from Bryce and the Majors to go out there and find the rest of the Vestrisians.