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Supper is Served

Thanksgiving came only once a year on November 23^rd. The very first Thanksgiving that is celebrated in the United States began in the year 1621. Its true origins come from the Pilgrims whom celebrated the day of thanksgiving as a day of prayer. When they came to the area known as Plymouth Rock they ran into the tribe called the Wampanoag. It was a tribe located along the coasts of the Massachusetts Bay. Thanksgiving that we know of today started after a successful harvest in autumn. Both Pilgrims and Wampanoag joined together in this feast we call Thanksgiving. Among all the stories, and tales told about what happened on Thanksgiving are passed down from generation to generation, but there was something that was kept secret.

On the very grounds of where the first Thanksgiving was held two large family trees came together. Brothers, sisters, cousins, friends, relatives, in laws and some black sheep gathered at this very spot one year after a family feud was just settled. Each family brought a variety of dishes such as cooked ham, sweet potatoes, corn pudding, green bean casseroles, Acorn squash, Gratin, butternut squash, various brussel sprout dishes, mashed potatoes, and of course the stuffed turkeys. Desserts included cookies, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cheesecake, and puddings. Every member gathered at the table to enjoy a nice bountiful feast on the very land the Wampanoag and Pilgrims feasted in harmony. Plates were filled to the brim with a variety of foods and a little dessert on the sides. Sitting all members of each family gorged upon the food on their plates while chatting and carrying on. The feast lasted for hours with seconds, and even thirds from the meals and desserts. All the children ran around the designated area playing tag, hide and go seek, and other games. As for the adults wine, beer, and even some whiskey was brought out to enjoy a fine late afternoon.

As the feasting came to a close so did the afternoon. Dusk was approaching fast and lights, lamps, as well as candles were lit to bring in some light. What they did not see were new guests in the woods. A swarm of small pukwudgies rushed into the grounds of the feast. Many tales were handed down within Wampanoag, and Algonquian tribes. Some said these small mythical creatures were mischievous, helpful and could be dangerous. Yet the descendants of the pilgrims saw the darker side of these pukwudgies. Sheer horror struck the entire family as the adults were jumped and brought down. Screaming and cries of help echoed in the woods as the unsuspecting family came under attack. Hundreds of pukwudgies clawed and devoured the family members piece by piece down to the bones. Flesh, skin, hair, organs, nails, and brains were feasted upon. Even the contents of what they digested were not left. When everyone but the children were eaten the pukwudgies rounded them up and carried them off into the woods. What the wampanoag did not tell the pilgrims was to respect the boundaries of these pukwudgies

Discarded Commando Part 41

Clenching his fists out of frustration Maurice commanded his party to head back before the executions began. He and his entire group shouldered their way back through the cluster of Khasungai. Ignoring glares, stares, shouting, shoving, and threats Maurice's party got through the markets when a group of hooded and cloaked figures stood in their path. Fed up with this type of encounter Maurice was about to attack. His hand went for his weapon when the one in the middle held out his hand. He spoke in Vestrisian with an Uxane accent. The Uxane sounding cloaked figure ordered for Maurice and his party to stand down. His commands were obeyed but they seemed more suspicious about their identities. This leading figure kept speaking and said they were to meet them back at their dwell after some business was finished. Whoever their leader was handed a note to Maurice who also told him to forget about the Khasungai girl. He informed Maurice to go back to their dwelling they will meet them there. The thirteen mysteriously cloaked figures left them with a few last words to get rid of the remaining gangs.

Maurice turned to his party feeling confused yet had a hunch they might be the Vestrisians they were looking for. Behind them he heard the crowd roar with approval as voices screamed and shouted. Scores of Khasungai rushed past them heading over to the scene of the executions. His party crossed a few bridges that brought them through a few sections of the city. As they progressed through the sections more Khasungai citizens passed them without even saying a word. When they crossed the fourth bridge a group of goons and gunslingers rushed over to block their path. There must have been twenty or more who chose to go after them.

He did not pay attention to what these men wore. Maurice whipped out his knife and threw it at the one in the middle. It struck the goon in the chest. Maurice's own party charged the goons and gunslingers. Some of them shot at the goons before they could even form up. Others such as Minerva, and Toberis ran them through. He did not see what his other companions did sine he was too busy taking out another goon. This engagement ended quickly despite the odds against them. Maurice paused to look around their surroundings. No one else was in sight except for a group of guards who came rushing up to their location. Maurice's party and new companions prepared for another confrontation with the guards this time. The Lieutenant and his eight companions expected the guards to fire them. Instead these guards rushed over to them. Leading them was an Uxane appearing guard who began to question them in his language. Minerva tried to talk to the guard into letting Maurice's party pass through. To no avail her words did not get through to them. Toberis attempted to talk them out of keeping them and move on. The guards just surrounded them showing distrust and suspicions. Most of them were armed with spears and rifles from the other nations outside their world. Both Nevradit half elves kept trying to convince the guards in letting them pass. After several minutes of arguing the two Nevradit nearly gave into the will of Khasungai. They would have to hand over their weapons.

Maurice felt powerless to stop these Khasungai who were about to grab their own weapons. All around them more goons and gunslingers came out of their hiding places armed with a variety of firearms. Maurice looked over heads and shoulders of the Khasungai. He did not get the right estimates, but he counted more than 39 gunslingers and goons. Their attackers opened fire on the unsuspecting Khasungai without warning. Numerous Khasungai guards dropped like flies at the bridge. The rest of them got down or dove for cover. Several guards fired back alongside the Lieutenant's party.

His companions and the Khasungai found themselves caught off guard by this sudden ambush. Each one returned fire against their attackers killing a few before getting back down. Inside this section of the city Maurice's party and a score of Khasunguai managed to engage their attacks in a shootout. Their flanks were partially surrounded leaving room for a possible escape and retreat. However, they did not attempt this or pull back. Each attacker had them pinned down. Maurice and his companions had to use bodies for cover. Firing back came seldom since these attackers kept up the heat on them. For several minutes they laid low behind cover dealing with the heavy fire. Maurice looked over a body to shoot at one of the attackers. His shot hit the goon but didn't kill him right away. He got down again with his back against the cover.

A large force of Khasungai warriors and soldiers rushed into the scene of the fight. He counted more than one hundred armed Khasungai coming to engage the troublemakers. In a single wave the Khasungai raced over to fight the goons and gunslingers. Maurice watched them rush past the corpses of the fallen. His still lay on the ground when one Khasungai received a few shots from a shotgun. Not one of the Khasungai noticed the party of warriors on the ground.

While the two groups were locked in a shootout inside the inner section of Khasungai Maurice found a chance to get out of the fire. Right in the thick of the fight Maurice commanded his party to get out of there. Obeying his orders his party of eight soldiers and warriors got up and made a run for the section closest to their dwelling. Under the noses of the Khasungai, Maurice's party fled to the southwest portion of the city.

They took a leftward turn to another bridge. It seemed like they were making a full U-turn to reach their destination. Wasting no time, commando and his party raced through the city. Rushing through the city was a quicker way to make it through the sections. In what felt like no time they made it to their dwelling. Here they found the thirteen cloaked figures standing at the entrance. Maurice and his party came to a stop to finally meet these figures. He ordered his unit to go grab whatever they brought and pack it up. All six of his party members went inside as he had ordered. Minerva and Toberis stood by him perplexed over who they were. Toberis requested for these figures to reveal themselves immediately. In unison the thirteen figures pulled back their hoods to show their faces. Maurice recognized the various Vestrisian facial groups and races such as the Castarians, Muzad, Zema Ilam exiles, Naatridans, Boathrin, and a few Forsythans. At least one of the Naatidrans were elvish in appearance.

Thirteen Vestrisians gave their names to the commando's party Private Bogrus, Sergeant Aluk Merrins, Private Gorbovich, Sergeant Coros, Corporal Emantis, Private Black-Red, Private, Voking, Private Noel Pennson, Corporal Gerin, Sergeant Tarlos, Lieutenant Zomere, Lieutenant Razif, and Private Azan Mogul. Lieutenant Rosan Zomere explained why they were in Khasungai. He told her what happened to their until and where they began their mission to search for missing Vestrisians. Zomere mentioned the Vestrisians who traveled to some fort, which Maurice confirmed were already at the fort.

She wanted to get out today but that would have to wait for another day two since they would be gathering things up. Maurice pointed out they should have done so beforehand. He wasn't sure if there were more Vestrisians in the area. He shook hands with each Vestrisian giving them a pat on the shoulder. Some of them hit him lightly happy to see another Vestrisian again. Once he said his goodbyes to his countrymen, he turned to the duo who bid him goodbye. Maurice returned to their dwelling where he brought out his hand radio to contact Maphai. He attempted to contact he several times before giving up. It was not long before he heard her voice on the other end.

Maurice stood up nearly jumping in the air. He gave his report to her who must have handed it to a superior officer who addressed him as Lieutenant. The Lieutenant informed the Major of what was going on and their discoveries inside Khasungai. The Major asked him who did he find and how many were in Khasungai. He quickly named the Vestrisians giving their ranks. The Major cut him off saying a few more Vestrisians had come in. Maphai's voice returned over the radio. He asked if she had been in contact with Odeliah, their pirate friend. Odeliah had been in Oceanrest Var, Kilscar Orvain, and Oramatra picking up stragglers, and some Vestrisians. To him this was good news that was music to his ears. Good news like this was always welcome to his ears in this part of the world.

Discarded Commando Part 40

Whichever section of Khasungai they found themselves in was empty. The entire section appeared more of a courtyard turned into a city block only built with stones, rocks, timber, mud brick fences forming around several gardens. Several small structures too small to be houses and shaped like those pyramids. In these gardens Maurice could only tell the shadows and shapes of any plants trees or pretty flowers. Minerva dimmed her light a little. On the other side their eyes spotted movement near one of the pyramid shaped structures. Eluna took the lead grabbing Minerva by the arm show she was scared.

Gadruun's voice emerged at his side who shouted at the figures. The movement stopped near flames in the distance leaving only the flickering of the fires in the dark. Minerva insisted on making her light brighter to illuminate the path. Toberis muttered something to her. She snapped back at him with loud voice that caught the attention of the figures and shadows they did not notice. In the light of the fires they saw shadows heading towards the. Maurice's mind seemed to race trying to think of who these figures were. He drew his revolver, ready to shoot whomever or whatever was approaching his party. As the leader of his group he ordered his party to be ready for another conflict in the dark this time. The darkness covered everything in the area. What didn't help were clouds covering the moon. Minerva let loose a ball of light that shot out of her hand. This ball of light exploded illuminating everything in this large courtyard. In the light conjured by Minerva they could see various people in the vast section such as Khasungai guards, and some other figures who were hiding in the gardens. Minvera's light was so bright that it blinded those in the courtyard. Maurice squinted his eyes because of the bright light. He caught a glimpse of other figures.

They were actually ghouls that did in the darkness, a few others who appeared to be goons, and others were just drunk outlaws. He did not count the number of figures since his group were in a rush. Eluna tugged at their clothing trying to get them to leave this area. Gadruun snatched a torch up and led them to a path veering to the right. Maurice's party and the duo rushed to follow the two Khasungai towards a street. There they came upon an empty area much like a culdesac. It was only lit by brazers, and torches scattered along the edges of the street and a few in the center. Multiple guards stood at attention while a few patrolled the area. They slowed their pace to a walk attempting to appear unnoticed.

Five guards confronted the group stopping them in their tracks. Gadruum spoke for them in his own language. When he spoke the guards snapped at him and began to argue. Gadruun growled and yelled inciting conflict over an issue with this. He demanded to know something yet it was not given so lightly. After an exchange of a few words that sounded angry the guards let them on their way.

Gadruun led them back towards the markets, which were empty and silent save for patrols. From there they made it back to their new dwelling. At the new hideout they parted ways with Gadruun and Eluna. The two of left the new place for their own homes. Maurice's attention went straight for the corpses that were picked down to the bone. What remained of the goons were bones, and what must have been blood in puddles along with scattered pieces of flesh. He ignored this as did his own party and the duo who had their own lodgings else where. Maurice's party found their designated sleeping quarters and slept until dawn. Each one woke up to another day with two less gangs to worry about Maurice's party and their steeds feasted on breakfast when Gadruun, Minerva, and Toberis found them.

Not many words were exchanged between the groups. Everyone's mission was clear to one another. This time Maurice's party headed out in force leaving all the steeds cooped up in the most furthest room in the back. Toberis and Minerva led them all back to the markets where the merchants were just now setting up their products. For half the morning they searched for Eluna who was nowhere to be found. They tried looking for her stand, but it was not there.

Toberis and Minerva asked around where Eluna was. Some did not know where she was, others pointed them in other directions. A large woman wrapped in a cloth dress pointed towards a shrine to a deity. It had the statue of a reptilian creature flanked by totems depicting toads. Maurice and his enlarged party made their way towards the shrine next to the markets. Each one of them had to shoulder, squeeze and snake their way through the crowd, and pass multiple vendors. A few times they had to separate before reaching the end of the markets. Next to this shrine stood a pyramid painted green and blue. The area around the shrine was almost clear save for some guards, and prisoners bound in ropes. In single file these prisoners were brought forward from the right. Maurice's party stood at the very front of a crowd that started to gather. Displayed in front of the crowd and the shrine were twelve prisoners who were labeled as thieves, robbers, and a few murderers. These included criminals such as three Caligari goons, two pirates, and the rest of them were Khasungai citizens who committed crimes. Among them was Eluna who appeared to have been roughened, beaten, and humiliated.

A high priest and a few elderly looking leaders dressed in more elegant robes and tunics with feather capes approached them. One by one they sentenced each one to a different punishment depending on the crimes. Every thief was sentenced to dancing in fire coals. Murderers had been sentenced to either imprisonment, drowning, in the swamp, beheading, or fed to the monsters of the swamp. According to Toberis the latest of the two punishments go hand in hand. For Eluna she was to be dangled and sentenced to a year of enslavement to the ugliest member of Khasungai. Out of the crowd came this grotesque looking man in a wrapped shawl tunic over a loincloth. The grotesque man had warts, scars, bumps, crooked hunchback posture sauntered over to Eluna. He snatched up her bindings and dragged her away. Master and slave disappeared into the crowd. No one lifted a finger or took action to stop it from happening. Maurice felt betrayed by this act of judgment being passed. He believed the Khasungai would actually be able to help. Instead Gadruun must have given her away to the authorities.

Discarded Commando Part 39

The two parties greeted each other with the corpses at their feet. Maurice and his companions introduced themselves quickly to Toberis and Minerva. Even the pair of Khansungai introduced themselves quickly showing they were in a hurry. Maurice explained to them in his own language only they seemed to understand a little at first. They apologized saying were just learning to speak in Vestrisian Common. Both half elves hailed from Nevradit. He shared his mission with these two hoping to get more information on where the missing Vestrisians were. Minerva's face lit up hearing he was a Vestrisian soldier in search for countrymen gone missing. For they were also searching for Vestrisians.

Hope rose up inside Maurice yet he felt skeptical about these two who happened to be searching for his own countrymen. In his own mind he knew Nevradit was an ally of his nation, the Vestrisian Union of the Vestrisian Republics. That was until the Nazdar overran their defenses and took over all of Nevradit. He was surprised to see any one from Nevradit made it all the way here. His party and the duo seemed to have the same mission.

Eluna and Gadruun must have explained to these friends in their own language what they were doing. This rubbed them them wrong way causing them to back away a little. Maurice asked if there was something wrong in Gadruun's ear. The Khasungai muttered there was something off about about these two new friendly acquaintances of theirs. Another group of figures emerged from the ruins and buildings. Both Khasungai froze with fear at the sight of these figures emerging from out of holes, and doorways. Maurice, his companions, and two new friends formed a defensive circle around the Khasungai who stood there stiff as statues. As these figures drew closer their appearances became clear in the daylight. Humanoid or people that appeared ghoulish, grotesque, wart covered and wild haired, moved slowly towards their position.

Maurice drew a pistol hoping to scare them off or be forced to kill them. His party own party did the same except for Gadruun, Eluna, Toberis, Minerva. Gadruun grabbed his gun hand and pushed it down. He advised the Lieutenant commando not to shoot any of these creatures. For they would not go after them. Maurice did not trust his judgment, but refrained from pulling the trigger on these cannibals, and ghoulish creatures. He ordered his own companions to do the same while keeping a watchful eye on them. Each one hesitated but obeyed his orders. Even though they lowered their weapons the creatures still came.

Hilastes raised his own weapon ready to shoot them. Amonif snatched his weapons from his hands. The large Vestrisian grumbled at his countryman. Maurice did not have to worry about his other companion Taregan who stayed his hand. Darkness was now approaching with dusk turning into night. Whatever these things were they went straight for the corpses. The eight of them cautiously stepped away from the cannibals and flesh eaters who seemed to fight each other over the fresh corpses. Eluna led them to another alley which had some light flickering at the end of it. As they slipped away into what appeared to be a hall-like alley. Minerva twirled her hand with a slow motion of fingers. Some strange light appeared emanated in the palm of her hand. It shed some light on the way ahead of them.

This took the whole group by surprise whom asked her not to keep it shining for too long. Everyone did so except for Toberis who slipped his book into his travel garb. Eluna rushed up next to Minerva and Toberis while the rest followed them through this hall. Maurice found himself in the middle of the group with Amonif in front of him, Hilastes behind him and Gadruun taking the rear. Taregan tagged along at the commando's side keeping an eye on the cracks, holes, doorways, in the walls. He even kept an eye out for more goons who would try to ambush them here in this narrow space.

What felt like an hour only lasted for several minutes of pressing through the narrow alley. At the end they found the light was just a fire inside a section of a building used as shelter. It then twisted and turned into the appearance of a small maze until it led to another section of the city that was lit up with torch lights, and some resemblance of lamps on poles.

Possible Flag for Oceanrest Var

That Mirror

For years he had that mirror, for twenty long years he had that same mirror. Ever since his grandmother died in 1988 this mirror from Opole, Poland. His family left Poland in 1945 right after the fall of Nazi Germany. It did not seem possible to leave after the Red Army came rolling through the fields and began asserting their own control just as they had done in September of 1939. However his family lived in the south western half of Poland. No one would say they were fortunate during those six long years. Both Nazis and Soviet or Ruskies did horrible things to the Polish population.

This mirror that now belonged to him was made from silver. Its frame was crafted and forged in an elegant shape. Something about this mirror gave him an eerie feeling. Every night he had dreams about this mirror. In each dream someone from his family would be in the mirror. All of them gave him a cruel smile or a menacing grin. Everyone mouthed that he will die soon. He ignored these dreams for two decades, dismissing them as nothing but ordinary dreams. These were not the only dreams he had at night. For some reason he would also hear taping noises from where the mirror was. Even the noises were ignored mistaking them for noises outside his window. One night he stared at the mirror long and hard contemplating whether to sell or not. He had possessed this mirror long enough yet it reminded him of his dear grandmother and those who died under the boot heel of both Nazis, and Soviets. Drinking his coffee even though it was in the afternoon he sat down on a chair to just gaze at this mirror.

Hours passed as he kept his gaze on this mirror. For three hours he swirled his coffee like it was wine only getting up to refill it with fresh hot brew. When he got back from each refill he sat down. After the tenth time of refilling his decaf coffee he noticed something strange about the mirror. For some reason it did not show his reflection. To him seemed to be a malfunction due to its age and how long it had been kept inside his grandmother's attic in Chicago. He remembered visiting her in an old mansion they had acquired through marriage which seemed improbable after what they had been through. Each visit she would show him this damned mirror. This beautiful mirror that he inherited and not the mansion he desired. As he watched a figure appeared in the mirror. It stood right where he should be or at least behind him. The figure was unrecognizable and appeared blurry. He blinked several times then squinted his own eyes wondering if he had seen this one before. Moments later another figure appeared in the mirror it was his grandmother grinning an evil grin. Soon other members of his family who were long dead even some soldier in a Polish uniform with half his face blown off stood behind him.

He grew scared, and started to shake with fear. Sweat poured out of his skin like rain. At first he felt like he pissed himself but that was only warm sweat. His heart beats grew faster and faster as these figures closed in around him. Scared out of his mind he tried to get up, but he could not. Something invisible held him down to the chair forcing him to remain seated for who knows what. Not believing anything was true he tried to twist around to see who it was but no one was there. Hands, unseen hands grabbed him and made him watch the mirror as his own family members began to claw at him with bony fingers, stabbing and ripping at his flesh. Each hand yanked a chunk of clothing and flesh off of him. He watched in horror as he was ripped to pieces until there was nothing left of him. Life ended for him, and he was no more. Nothing but bones, ripped flesh, and blood on the chair. All because of that mirror from Poland.

Discarded Commando Part 38

Viyamor looked down at the corpses wondering when more of these goons will be after them. He wanted more than anything to get rid of them all and get it over with. Gadruun kicked and spat on each corpse cursing them in his own language. When he was done spitting, cursing, and kicking the Khasungai guard offered them a tour through the city itself. As leader of the group Maurice agreed to let Gadruun to give them a tour. He ordered Brittany, Oraceth, and Eyanosa to stay put once the bodies were discarded.

Gadruun said not to bother with the corpses as there are some creatures and cannibals that eat the dead. These flesh and corpse eating creatures are called ghouls and dwell in the shadows of Khasungai. For a few moments they were speechless, but chose not to discuss the subject any more. Maurice warned the trio of warriors who stayed behind before leaving with the Khasungai guard. It felt strange to leave the corpses there on the street of the alley. Maurice took another look at the corpses. Some how one of the corpses turned into his former lover before his very eyes. It did not seem possible nor was she even near him. He blinked a few times and it transformed back into the corpse of a Caligari goon.

Whatever it was that flashed before his eyes was no more than an illusion of the eyes. He ignored this and proceeded to follow the Khasungai guard Gadruun. With his Unseen Bears and Taregan at his back Maurice followed Gadruun out of the alley between Pyramids. Nothing had changed since they had gone into the alley and killed those goons. It was as though nothing really happened. The city acted oblivious to what happened and their presence.

This was good for their movements through the city. As Gadruun brought them to a market place he approached a small vendor stand next to a couple of others that were more like blankets laid out on the surface. The blankets had various items whereas others around them had cloth, baskets, fruits, meats, pottery, seeds, grain, and other crops. A lone Khasungai female with brownish-red skin tone leaned on a the stand with her arms on top. She appeared to be bored of what she was doing and a little oblivious to their approach. Her face was painted in turquoise symbols and her hair was more long, flowing yet unkempt. She had a few braids and beads in her hair. On her arms were bracelets made from beads, gold, silver, and carved bones. Gadruun snapped a finger at her speaking in their language.

She quickly looked up and straightened herself and took notice of him. This Khasungai girl nodded her head in agreement to something. In moments she beckoned them to follow her through the city. Like tourists they passed through a few other markets and some streets full of homes, and apartment like complexes. She walked ahead of them as though Gadruun ordered her to do so. According to Gadruun this woman's name was Eluna. She was a thief, trickster, gambler, and schemer who evaded the guards for years. She knew her way around the whole city. Gadruun had her give them a tour and take them to the gangs since she knew this city in and out.

This Eluna escorted them past two pyramids and statues of some frogs, toads, amphibious creatures and lizard like monsters. Gadruun informed them that these were depictions of the large creatures that dwell inside the marshes and swamps outside the city limits. If they wandered outside Khasungai they would find its northern and eastern parts flanked by swamps and marshes. All sorts of animals, creatures, monsters, beasts, and a few savage tribes of the area. On the other side of those swamps lived a few civilized Uxane tribes called the Aponezawi, which was near two other nations called the Chictawee, and Obawee.

Maurice recalled the Aponezawi being at war with the Tsubib Pajibe. A city like that was far different than this one. He would not be surprised if other cities were more different than those two. It brought about a sense of wonder and sparked some interest within in. However, learning more about these cities would have to come at another time since they had a mission to complete. Eluna led them towards the western part of the city where she said that three of the gangs dwell.

The area she brought them in looked to be another part of the city that was cut off by a river. It was made up of houses that were connected together in complexes and columns. Multiple connected houses appeared to be crumbling and overgrown with vines. Just five out of ten structures looked decent to live in only there was no one to be seen. Maurice looked around for a few moments until something caught his eye. Near one of the sturdier structures was a pair of armed figures were surrounded be seventeen armed warriors whom appeared to be harassing them. These seventeen warriors were made up of two groups in different uniforms that surrounded two figures in blue, gray, and green clothing. As for the seventeen harassing warriors, twelve of them wore nothing but trousers, covered in tattoos, and their hair was left wild at the top. Each one wielded a cleaver or machete. Maurice presumed those were the Kleavers. The other five warriors wielded spears and donned loincloths with bald heads, and skin painted green and black. Gadruun muttered that the spear wielders were the Tanto Spears.

Maurice and his companions slowly drew their weapons and advanced on the two gangs. They hoped to take these two gangs by surprise and help the two armed figures. These figures were armed with a Katana and two handed elf scimitar. While these gangs harassed the duo Maurice and his party advanced on their flank. Just as they were about to attack the duo began cutting them down. Two at a time the pair of armed travelers sliced through the gangs. Both of them displayed elegant and swift swordsmanship against the goons while they tried to attack them. Some charged, several swung at them and the rest tried to gang up on them. These two dodged, parried, and blocked while taking down their attackers.

As they watched the scene unfold Maurice's party felt dumbfounded. Only two travelers armed with swords easily defeated seventeen opponents who had them surrounded. When the last opponent fell to the ground the duo stayed in their defensive pose wielding their weapons. He could see they were two half-elves with dark long hair, a female and a male. The male held a book in his left hand and the katana in his right. His clothing consisted of a green travelers duster buttoned up with the lower part pulled back, a gentleman's shirt, tan trousers, black boots and gloves. He also wore a pretty belt with the Katan Scabbard, and an Uxane shawl scarf. The female wore a blue and gray layered traveling robe mixed with a long coat. She had on a pair of traveler's shoe made rough materials. Each traveler returned to a normal stand and sheathed their weapons. When they saw Maurice and his party they bowed introducing themselves as Toberis Adrelai, and Minerva Melvis.

Discarded Commando Part 37

Maurice and his party were just a couple of days behind the army of Khasungai troops. Its tracks were erased from the dirt road with the use of branches. He turned around to see their own tracks still visible on the dirt road. Their steeds' paw prints would give their pursuers and easier time tracking them down. In their experience with bounty hunters, goons, and other mercenaries Maurice and his party doubted any more would be up to the task. As leader he trotted forward upon his steed. Something that stood above the trees caught his gaze.

Whatever stood above the trees should have caught their attention earlier. Standing taller than the trees were large structures that appeared like pyramids. Although he had never been to the countries of Gaskouth Ladai, Nevkamuu, Kaniima, or Badraan before joining the VUVR, these pyramids reminded him of the ones there. History tells of ancient civilization that spanned from Nevkamuu to Badraan. It flourished along several long rivers and built numerous pyramids. Now it was mostly desert full of nomadic tribes such as the Muzad and others, except a few places in the south and along the coasts. However these pyramids appeared more trapezoid in shape with either conical or oval roofs. Khasungai's pyramids were most like their titles as he assumed.

Drawing closer to the city Maurice and his companions saw the gates opening for the Khasungai soldiers. Made from thick timbers of wood the gates were flanked by stone pillars and a wall mixed with logs and stones. An assortment of palisades, stone walls, and thick trees formed the barriers of the city's walls. That was all they could make out because of the denseness of the jungle forest. Closer to the city's walls were some settlements and structures scattered around the city. Some were even connected to the city. Each one was linked to the city via road. Many of the natives of Khasungai paid little heed to them until they came closer. Their attention was too focused on the returning soldiers. At their approach some of the inhabitants backed away from the cat steeds these outsiders road.

Just about every Khasungai wore tunics made from cloth, wool, spotted hide skins, and other materials. Their hairstyles appeared traditional yet more unique. Only the women donned it while the men had various styles. He saw a few Khasungai wearing clothing from other parts of the world showing some trade existed. As they came to the gates a group of guards armed with spears, Gantronese rifles, Kukri Blades, and some modernized melee weapons from the invaders, blocked the path.

A tall Khasungai confronted them in what appeared to be a mixture of the jumpsuit and the native tunic. This look did not appear very good, but it was this man's choice. Fashion experts did not live here nor should anyone really care. His face was tan, red like the natives here with two bone piercings. In the Vestrisian language this one Khasungai asked why they had come to this city. Hearing this native speak in Vestrisian came as a surprise to him.

Maurice told him about the Vestrisians they believed were here in the city. He looked around to see if there was any one eavesdropping. Although the trees and stones were in his view point he still had a hunch there would be someone hiding. Regardless of suspicions the Khasungai introduced himself as Gadruun of the Spear Guards. He nodded for the rest of the guards to make way for the new outsiders who were friends of the vestrisians said to be in Khansungai. Gadruun warned them not to lower their guard while in the city. Ever since the invaders came they had no trust for outsiders except for those traveling in small groups and those who did not cause any trouble. He also added that Khasungai was on the hunt for outlaws, gangs, and other strange invaders who had caused trouble in recent years. Since Maurice and his party members were not the invaders they had fought or any gang members the Khasungai permitted them entry, but warned them not to expect any warm welcome.

Unsure if this city would show hostility Maurice and his party hesitated before following their guide. Armed with their own weapons and flanked by Khasungai guards Maurice's party were escorted inside the city walls. Khasungai was alive and flourishing yet they hardly got so much as a glance or a wicked stare from some locals. Its pyramids dotted much of the city as well as stone huts, waddle n daubs, adobe styles, mud structures, on top of each other, and plenty of stilt structures. The city appeared to be cut apart by rivers, creeks, and irrigation that made the sections appear like islands. On each of these structures stood a pyramid or two. Each section was connected by a bridge made of logs or stone. Much of their attention rested on the pyramids and high structures to notice the stands full of items, pottery, statues depicting frogs and toads, plus the glares of some inhabitants. There were totems decorated with all sorts of trinkets, high poles painted in numerous colors, various shops, markets, artisans, craftsmen, and massive crowds of people whom filled the streets. A celebration was commencing over some victory against the trouble some outsiders at a fort nearby according to Gadruun.

Their guide ordered the other guards to leave them be as he took the new arrivals towards and alley between two pyramids. In this alley Gadruun stopped and turned around as if to confront them. He said there were more than thirteen of these Vestrisians in the city, but only thirteen remain. A small group had left this city for another location. Gadruun told Maurice that he and his friends can stay if they get rid of the last gangs here. As much as they wanted to see their countrymen anyways the party had to comply otherwise they would get lost in this city. It seemed to be a win win situation for both.

Interested in this offer the party dismounted wondering where they would sleep. Their newly found acquaintance offered to meet three of these Vestrisians who lived close to one of the six gangs. He led them to what appeared to be a den, villa, and apartment rolled into one dwelling slammed against the pyramid. It seemed spacious enough for more than twelve people. Eyanosa, Taregan, and Oraceth prepared a space for their steeds. Brittany, Amonif and Hilastes snooped around while Maurice spoke with Gadruun. They returned to the main room to hear about these gangs.

According to the Khasungai this city had six known gangs mostly containing small numbers. Earlier on the city had numerous gangs, which were now gone thanks to collaboration between cities. He listed them as the Tanto Spears, Sewer Dragonites, Naga Itaks, The Kleavers, Pacong Brothers, Vampiric Trio, and Two Loners who became the Vuun Duo. Ever since the gangs of Waikun, Khasungai, Magesar, and other groups left their numbers seemed to shrink. Now these gangs had less than six members, some were said to have five others, three or four. Gadruun had a good idea about where these gangs were. When he was about to speak the Khasungai was interrupted. Footsteps caught his attention forcing him to break off the conversation.

At the entrance to their new lair twelve figures dressed in different array of clothing with the same symbols. Painted on their clothes was the Caligari Syndicate's symbol. Their so called uniforms were miss matched garments, Gantronese jumpsuits, leather armor with bits of plate armor, and tattered clothing along with other pieces of clothing. These Caligari goons wielded axes, clubs, maces, fist claws, and crow bars. In the back of his own mind Maurice guessed these goons must also be armed with pistols and other firearms hidden away in their clothing. He was rather curious as to how these goons got inside the city.

Night was starting to fall as the day drew closer to dusk. Hearing their footfalls warned the Sarcagosee ahead of time. Maurice whispered for his companions to be ready for these oblivious goons. Not giving any warning to the on coming goons Maurice and his companions raced out of their new dwelling. Armed with melee weapons Viyamor's party jumped the twelve Caligari goons. There was not much in the fighting since the goons were ambushed. Feeling nothing for these Syndicate goons they showed no mercy. Each of their movements were too quick and came as a surprise and shock to these goons. At their feet lay twelve dead goons from the Caligari Syndicate.

Followed

In the year of 1789 the French Revolution broke out witnessing the storming of the Bastille, the Tennis Court Oath, and the dreaded march on Versailles. King Louis XVI's regime as many of my fellow Frenchmen call it is hardly in power over France. We now have the National Assembly, which was created in 1789 to form a new constitution for France. Now we are in the year 1790 still working on the constitution while stripping powers away from the Monarchy. My name is Arnaud Bordeaux of the hopeless Feuillants who was party of this National Assembly that apparently replaced the Estates General. The mobs of citizens are still angry even to this day. While we work to dissolve the monarchy's full power the people are still angry. Some decisions did not go well with their views of wanting the Monarchy to go. I grabbed my coat, snatched up two loaded pistols, and made my way out of my own home.

The walk to the National Assembly was not too far away, however the riots continued to get violent yet they still seem to calm down. I was not taking any chances so I slipped out of the house through a back door where I could slip through the alley ways unnoticed while the mobs rioted. On my way to the National Assembly I had a strange feeling that I was being followed. I turned around to see if anyone was following me. There was no one to be seen except a few cats wandering around. One gray cat looked at me with more curiosity than I thought cats would have. Ignoring this cat I dismissed the idea of someone following me. Feeling as though I was late I attempted to cut the corner, which was blocked. Forced to take the usual route I began to jog my way there. As I quickened my pace I heard footsteps behind me. Turning around again to see who it was I pulled out a pistol. No one was there not even a cat, or rioter going mad. I swear I can still hear the shouting, shooting, and the clashes from the last one. Realizing that this must be in my head I continued on to the National Assembly.

Before I can to the street it was on a strange sound that should have come from a nightmare cried out. Some how I knew it was directed at me. Turning around I saw a figure who looked to be in horrid condition. This figure had tattered clothes, a limp, hunched shoulder, sloppy posture, and only one shoe. Whatever he was he limped slowly towards me as if hurt, but oblivious. At a closer glance I noticed his skin was not normal, but rotting, greenish, grayish, and dead. His eyes looked lifeless and no signs of awareness.

Knowing my own generosity I asked him if he was okay and that he need to go see a Doctor. This man only groaned and made that awful noise I heard earlier. He did not seem to listen so approached him to help him. He seemed clueless and stopped we looked at each other in the face. That's when I realized there was something wrong sure there were cases of people in this condition. All they had to do was see a doctor. In my head I went with the decision to leave this poor wretch to die and went my way to the Assembly. As I progressed forward on the street I heard footsteps again. Turning around I saw it was the same man. I warned the man to leave me alone and went on towards the Assembly. The same noises came back and this wretch was still on my trail. That is when I confronted him with frustration and urgency to be where I needed to be at the moment. I shouted at him to stop, but he continued to approach me. This man or creature grabbed at me gnashing and showing disgusting teeth. It tried to bite me. Panicking I pulled out both pistols and discharged them. Nothing happened except the bullets made impact leaving only holes in his body and clothing.

Seeing that this thing did not fall dead from the bullets I tried to fight it off using the pistols as clubs to no avail. It grabbed me when I tried to pull away. That is when more of these wretches came out of the alleys, and spaces in the streets. I struggled to get free and even shouted for help. As I screamed this thing bite me and began to chew on my arm. The pain I felt was excruciating to the point where I could faint from it. Powerless to stop this thing I still tried beating it off me. Cornered like a rat I was soon ganged up on by the wretches with the same skin color as my assailant. My mind raced with horrifying ideas that these were starving citizens and that some plague broke out all over the city. These things whom I viewed as wretched countrymen tore, clawed, and ate away at my flesh. I was now eaten alive by whatever these things were who used to be citizens of the French Nation.