Castaria-Zegrav #5: Suppression Begins

 Waking up just before dawn Brynn Rosefire prepared for the day. Putting on a fresh pair of clothing, one cotton tunic-shirt of gray went over her blue blouse top. The blue top was shortened and made into a bra. Over this tunic she put on the studded jerkin. It may have been out dated to wear such armor, but it actually helped in battle. She would have placed the red plaid fleece wrap that was worn like a poncho on. However it needed drying after cleaning it in the river. Getting on her boots she then prepared to face this insurgency for another day. The smell of cook fires followed by the smell of sausages just laid on the pan wafted in. Their cooks were awake. Maplebee flapped her wings holding her meal in her beak. Dropping it on the tent floor she hooted and squawked saying it was being saved for later. Brynn only rolled her eyes. Over her boots she slipped on the baggy trousers. Stepping outsider her tent with her weapons Brynn Rosefire appeared ready. Her own Country Guards woke up at the same time as the others. Even the Dragoons, paratroopers, Rangers, and reservists woke from their slumber. As for the Blights, they were relieved of their nightly watch duty. She grabbed the first brewed cup of coffee and slice of meat for breakfast. It went down easily enough. Just the taste of wormoid sausages in the morning seemed a little too sinewy for breakfast meal. Yet the added boar made up for it. 

Once she was done she allowed her own to eat while she briefed them about the situation. For almost four and half years she performed her duty along the southern central borders of Castaria-Zegrav. Country-Guards, and Dragoons rode around cleansing the land of hostiles. This was mostly in parts of Zegrav, Castaria, and southern Geverine. Everywhere else either drafted, conscripted the adult citizens of fighting age, required enlistment, offered volunteering or put the youth to work. Now they had an open rebellion to suppress and an invasion to repel. While their country-men fought at the front lines, they kept the home front secure beside the militia and National Guard. All soldiers, Dragoons, Country-Guards went to their posts. Several teams crossed the bridges that lay 258 feet of each other. It became imperative to hold and secure both. Nearly three hours of the morning passed before anything happened. 

Just around 8:59 a.m. a pair of Nighthail3 bombers flew overhead. Painted the color of black these bombers appeared 19.8 ft tall with a wingspan of 97 ft. A total of two large engines, and two smaller ones kept both 89 ft long bombers in the air. She blindly watched these two craft flies over the area. Behind her she could hear someone talking loudly about them. 

"...Nighthail3, a bomber that can operate at night. One pair of 2500 horsepower Dayswift 17-cylinder engines, and a pair of 1900 horsepower Ravenkeeper 14-cylinder engines. A crew of eight or nine with a Machinegun turret on the top and the rear. One pair of anti-aircraft machineguns on both sides. Those nocturnal mechanic birds can drop a load of 2000 pounds of bombs at night. Just 540 are in action now while 749 sit in reserves." one of the Country-Guards under Olalyn shouted above the engines. 

"How do you know that?" another asked them. 

"I was a pilot who got shot down in '42 A.N. My aircraft an Arrowhawk500 was no match for a Zeykos over Vullanese Izvar. We possess 1,156 Arrowhawk fighters, and other types of aircraft. Took me two months to recover-" the Country-Guard's voice was cut off when three unknown aircraft in the shape of menacing insects emerged. 

Before their very eyes the two Nighthail3s came under fire from hostile aircraft in their own home turf. Machinegun fire erupted from the bomber turrets, forcing one to steer clear of their line of fire. In the air the bombers did their best at keeping up with these strange aircraft. Most of them watched as these aircraft swerved around to take down one Nighthail. That attack resulted in one of their own to go down. Smoke came out of an engine or three as the Nighthail started to go down. Its pilots turned left making it clear it was headed north. Her wingman followed its path. Both insect aircraft maneuvered in the air similar to flies. One exposed its belly to the southwest. At a speed of 26 mph the whistling wind took the alien craft off balance. It spiraled out of control, spinning as it went down. The winds picked up again causing leaves to rustle, branches to wave and trees to sway back and forth. 

Was it autumn already? Summer and Spring of 1844 A.N. lasted quite a long time according to their 13-month calendars. They watched as both aircraft fought the wind to stay up. Nighthail3 that was going down flew with the wind letting itself drop altitude. Its attacker found itself spinning before it regained control. This engagement in the skies looked to be over as the attacker flew away. On its way something heavy was fired from their side on the ground. It exploded in the air. The sound of a large gun came from behind her. Everyone looked to see one of the paratroopers armed with a large rifle. Whatever this weapon was it had an elongated barrel that resembled a tank barrel. Its barrel was smaller than an actual tank barrel. The whole weapon was made from metal with no wooden stock. Instead it had rubber covering the shoulder, and parts of the barrel. Its magazine rested on top. 

"The 11 mm round Voagine anti-tank rifle also called the Vatr. About 4,700 of these were made. One of nine types of anti-tank weapons were produced. It is a big surprise tis babe can take out an alien ship. Our gun and weapon engineers sh-" he was cut off before completing his speech. 

"Shut it Corporal Alythson Highgrain got company!" the Lieutenant hollered aiming his E-7 rifle at the bridges. 

Brynn took her eyes off the 11mm VAR and paratrooper to see the bridges under attack. She drew her revolver in preparation. Those around her and those closer to the scene either opened fire or waited for a good moment to fire. Whoever guarded the first bridge were overrun by a battalion of insurgents. From the other side of the river Megrove, Country Guards, soldiers, and Dragoons obliterated the attacking battalion. This insurgent battalion returned fire hitting some of the Vestrisians. Between the insurgents and the Vestrisian combatants a 12 minute skirmish took place. They fought over the bridged inflicting casualties on each other. How determined the insurgents proved to be they were still no match compared to the VUVR military. Towards the end of the skirmish these insurgents pulled a nasty surprise on the Vestrisians. To the skirmish these insurgents brought 3 homemade organ guns on wheels. As the skirmish went on, they lost manpower forcing them to fire all three simultaneously. It was around this time when the Vestrisians moved in Scores were hit in the volley. The skirmish was nearly over and the insurgents either dropped weapons or fled into the forest. To her right an old looking tank rolled up from the south. As it stopped its turret rotated to face the organs. Before another volley could be shot out the tank destroyed one organ gun. It sent metal, splinters, and flesh everywhere. 

Under a hundred insurgents fled in retreat from this skirmish. Just like any lancers, Dragoons and Country Guards mounted up to chase them down. Giving chase after the retreating insurgents they were led by Jakab, Kriscyne, and Kriski. She felt a hand slap her on the left shoulder. When she turned to see it was Olalyn he was pointing at the bridges. Taking the signal as orders to check on the dead she rallied her unit. 

"Grab your weapons, any cloth, and extra flasks there may be wounded among them. Also bring any medical kits you may have on you. Move It!" She ordered them. Two hundred fifty Country-Guards she commanded, raced to their camps. Brynn went to her own tent and grabbed her rifle before leading her Hallowed Rangers. As she made her way back Wyllum bumped into her. He stopped, stepped back, gave her a salute and apologized. She sent him on to join the others accepting his apology. Watching the youth, she could not help but smile wondering what he would do once his contract was up. 

Her Hallowed Rangers formed a column. Brynn stood in front of them ignoring the tank as best she could. It was inching its way up to the bridge as its engines rumbled loudly, shacking parts of the tank. Leading her own Country-Guard company she noticed it was at about 250 strong. It was still larger than most Country-Guard companies. Pushing forward they could hear moans, cries, and groans of the wounded. Heading towards the wounded insurgents who still lived made it feel like they left their own wounded behind to die. As they approached the carnage of littered bodies 19 insurgents came out of the bushes to surrender. According to them this battalion was 533 strong. Under the leadership of 36 aliens called Tessari, 8 Hanus humans from Kaniima, and 13 alien cat-folk called Mahadi they were part of a larger group of insurgents. One insurgent prisoner named Tovir informed them about this and the loss of 139 dead, and mostly 214 wounded. As for the other 45 he presumed to be dead at the hands of the cavalry. 

Brynn flagged at the others signaling prisoners were secure. Using a Castarian flag cloth armband she waved to the others the coast was clear. On the other side of the rivers was a buildup of personnel. Over 90 medical personnel with volunteers rushed over to help the wounded. Behind them another team who arrived to retrieve the dead started with the Vestrisian dead first. Brynn had her Country-Guard keep the personnel safe while they collected the wounded. She split her Country-Guard up to head north and south while she checked for their own dead. Taking her time she found 3 Country-Guards dead at the middle land. A total of 6 were discovered dead at the start of the Zaldo Bridge. Another group of 8 Country-Guards lay dead. Brynn was surprised to see none of their dead here were troops. They may be Mounted Defenders; they were still considered a Civilian Soldier. Checking the other dead that were not collected she passed wounded combatants whose gaze transfixed on the sky while personnel patched them up. Each one appeared oblivious to her presence and the ones who collected them up. Their thoughts must have been on the failure here. Leaving them to the care of medical teams she checked the watch tower. There she discovered two dead paratroopers and three dead insurgents. 

Both paratroopers' weapons were missing. It was likely among the weapons these insurgents took for their open rebellion. Although she managed to climb up the ladder she had to deal with it falling down. Placing a hand on it somehow caused it to collapse in on itself. She could not climb down that ladder now. This would not stop her from getting down. Going over to the right side of where the ladder was she lifted her leg over the wooden rail. Brynn climbed down using the support beams holding the watch tower together. It took her a few minutes to clamber down. He feet touched the ground with the tower between her and the bridge. On this side of the tower se had her back to the brush and wooded forest. Her new rifle the shorter version of the T.M. 13 bolt action rifle leaned against the support beam. To her misfortune it lay on the other side where the ladder lay in ruin.  She also left her repeater back at camp. Closest to her stood a patch of tall bushes. She felt some of the leaves and branches brush against her backside. A sharp metal object pressed against her throat from behind her. She stopped and froze not out of fear, but knowing it could cut her throat. 

"Don't scream or move muscle Vestrisian Bitch." a sneaky humanoid warned her revealing itself to be the owner of the sharp weapon. Its voice had a growl to it very similar to a feline voice. Whichever aliens she fought now were not the first ones to land on Calorn. This one was a Mahadi Cat humanoid. Looking over her shoulder she saw it was orange furred with black stripes. It did have clothes one like  most humanoids did. Trying to get a better look out of the corner of her eye someone else appeared.

"Get on with it Ker Chaakzu. Our gold must be safe!" another voice urged this Ker Chaakzu to kill her. It was the other one that appeared. 

A green skinned or scaled Troglodyte in a black robe appeared into her viewpoint. Behind them stood an ugly figure. It was one pinkish fellow with pig like nose, a big mouth and uneven eyes. His ear did sit on the right places for a humanoid. Zits, boils, moles, scars, and warts covered his face and hands. Their eyes rested on her and focused allover her body. Licking his lips the ugly one made grabbing motions with his hands. 

"Oh no, no! You vile pig keep your hands off!" the Troglodyte screamed. They took the words right out of her head and mouth. Brynn looked over her her Countrymen who were almost oblivious to her situation. Where were the Dragoons and her Country-Guards? She blindly went for her Dirk. The mahadi holding her captive pressed the blade deeper into her chin stopping her. This ugly fuck before her saw this and grabbed her by the tits. She froze upon impact of hand on her chest. 

"That's It! Harman get off her or die!" the Troglodyte demanded. Ker Chaakzu moved the blade from her chin and pointed it at Harman. 

In full defiance to orders and disrespect to her this Harman did not let go. Harman squeezed her and fondled her a little. All that did was anger Brynn. Oh, you got a death wish you bastard! She thought as the Troglodyte flicked his wrists and shouted a spell that words such as Venius resurgemus adas vita nummum fortitido. Out of the bushes a large pile of coins sprang up to form golem figure. On its head rested a crown, and around its arms and knuckles were ingots. Once it came to life this Golem swung at Harman hitting him and the tower. Harman went flying through the nearest beam landing into the river. The watchtower fell on the Golem and bushes. From the other side of the river someone shot Ker Chaakzu. 

Realeased from the brief captivity she stabbed the Troglodyte with the Dirk. Doing this kept the animated coin golem from rising again. Several personnel rushed up to check on her. Brynn barked at them to bug off and help her search the brush. With a group of 8 personnel Brynn discovered a cache of hidden treasure. Right underneath their noses they found a bag of 372 coins of pirate gold, 4 gold bottles, 35 silver coins, 35 gold coins, 35 bronze coins, 10 silver-bronze, ingots, and the crown of Old Vattoram. All these coins were part of the 100,000 coins used in forming the golem. Among this find were 5 Gold Dragon torch holders, a treasure urn, a crown sewn to a blue cushion, and 24 wooden chests used to store the coins. Among these bushes they also had to kill a Cobra Warrior, This one guarded a treasure chest from some strange dark world. 

All three Groups returned to the bridges. Her Country-Guards, and Major Jakab's Dragoons. Behind his unit came a group of 26 Dragoons on foot who marched from the south. One of these Dragoons was a Gnoll who was raised civil. This surprised her since she was used to fighting tribal Gnolls from the Blackmell slopes. Reasons behind the Gnoll's service would have to wait and be accepted among them. Reports on what was found appeared more important. Up north her own Country-Guards took out a band of 33 insurgents holding a female elf medic hostage. She rode on the back of a female Country-Guard. One squad of troops in training were wiped out by 24 insurgents. The same ones had 9 Rohenps serving a house known as Mezmutt. 

Rohenps were like retainers, warrior servants, whose loyalties lay to their lord or house. This was common in the Ottante continent, particularly in areas of Zegrav, Badraan, and Morgadra. The other half of her Country Guards found three rebels and a wagon full of weapons. One unit of 73 soldiers held another bridge not too far from here. Those soldiers happened to be armed with 3 machine guns, 15 submachineguns, 13 Assault Rifles, 3 artillery pieces, 2 sniper rifles, and the rest wielded E-7 rifles. From the south this unit received one motorcyclist, Zedelet armored personnel carrier, and a scribe-journalist named Suruhx Ostazoc. This journalist was half Goblin, half gnome. One that would be labeled as Zedirian or hybrid. Reporter Ostazoc tagged along after getting what bits she needed from the large platoon in the south. 

Jakab shut the hybrid reporter up saying she would ride with Rosefire's Hallowed Rangers. The Major lost eight compared to her 4 losses. His Dragoons discovered more aliens including information about 22 bases being set up. He found one of them in a clearing just two miles from here. These bases apparently had 15 or more troopers per base according to some log he found on an alien Captain. All of these were set up in central Zegrav-Castaria. Zegrav borders were just 59 miles from their current location. They were still in Castaria. His Dragoons found seven more of the starfighters that attacked their Nighthail bombers. Two alien Guards and eight insectoid warrior pilots camped out with the 7 other ships. Among them were 16 others such as some Orcs, Pirates, Gnolls, and a Troglodyte. After he was finished they rounded up weapons, loot, ammunition, wood, and the dead insurgents. From the forest seven those alien craft he mentioned rose up and flew away. It showed that the insurgents' alien allies lost interest and chose to steal another faction's vessels. 

"Captain Rosefire, Olalyn, and Kriski, you ride ahead. Our tanks will return. More of our forces should rally. There should be one of those alien bases 3 miles from here, directly east. Take it out and eliminate any insurgents or hostiles. Got that or am I not clear enough?" Jakab ordered the three Country Guard Captains. 

"Crystal Clear Major Jakab sir." all three said in unison. 

"It will be Colonel Jakab after this suppression. Some of you may even reach Major. Get to it!" Jakab put in. He left them to rally their Country Guards, leaving one unit of Country Guard behind to help hold the bridge. Looking at the Dragoons Brynn could not help but search for Kriscyne. When she could not spot him, she gave up the search. 

Brynn Rosefire, Olalyn, and Kriski gathered their men. More Country Guards, recruits, rode in from behind the Medics, and ambulance staff. This was home turf for them. Brynn had just 243 Country Guards, Olalyn commanded 102, and Kriski only had 102 Country Guards. For recruits they received 55 new raw Country Guard recruits. Brynn refused the recruits and so did Kriski. Olalyn, and Captain Dobovoi split the recruits between themselves. Olalyn took in 28, and Dobovoi took in 27 recruits. Olalyn now commanded 130 whereas Dobovoi had 159 Country Guards. One battalion of 478 Country Guards mounted up. Under the leadership of Captain Olalyn the forged battalion rode forward in an eastward direction. 

Dragoons under Major Jakab rode with them. The 26 Foot Dragoons stayed behind with Dobovoi's White Snakes, the Rangers, and 100 Reservists. Behind them rolled all 7 tanks who returned, the paratroopers, and 163 reservist troops. At a full gallop they raced through Zaldo Ill region. In mid gallop she saw they were heading towards another camp of enemies. Like a stampede they burst through the woods. Rushing in they entered the site of another battle 4 miles away from the rivers. On horseback they took out 859 Troglodytes, Uxane, half goblins, samurai, Rohenps, Kuruks, angry Orcs, Zegrav rebels, Ghouls, aliens, rebels, Gnolls, mutants plus large Gubig aliens, large giants with brain bodies and four arms. This force was one over 1125 strong before engaging some 5050 Goblins. Apparently called the Green Claws these Goblins held some turf here and some town in the south. Their leader, a female half goblin sent here very curvy and luscious daughter to lead them into battle. 

Its result only brought her to a sticky situation. Even though her force cleared another base she was tied to a stump with an upright branch root between her boobs after losing the battle. She was being used as a sex doll until the Country Guards charged in. Ms. leader had quite a rude mouth on her. Brynn saw a female Dragoon stuff her mouth with a sweat soaked cloth. Brynn got to use her sledge mallet when she spotted more hostiles. Nearly alone she charged a group of 10 rebels. Making her own charge with seven of her own Country Guards she smashed a rebel leader's face in with the mallet. Her seven Country Guards took out 2 rebels manning an artillery piece, and 8 others back them. from the south another force of enemies attempted an ambush on them. As one mounted force they rode down what appeared to be a battalion of Goblins, Gnolls, and Troglodytes. Brynn pressed ahead through the woods. 

Riding through the trees she spotted a fort up ahead. At full gallop she somehow dodged and missed large webs hanging from branches. They passed them until one of her Country Guards and one of four Dragoons got entangled. Brynn would have pressed on, leaving them to cut themselves free. It could have been the work of hundreds of small spiders no smaller than a button, or pea. Instead she was greeted with something much larger. Eighteen large horse sized gray hair spiders dropped down. Her horse panicked as a few of the spiders circled around them. 

"We can feast my Sperogs Arachnids. Juicy Meat, Crunchy Bones, juices, blood and oils." One of these arachnids said with clicking sounds following its sentence. 

Brynn had no time for this. She drew her revolver and unleased every bullet in the chamber into one. Those that did not get caught in the webs opened fire on the spiders. Her shots hit the spider in the face and leg, taking it out. Around her the others took out nine more spiders. All she heard were broken words mixed with the clicking sounds. Scared of superior fire power the sentient spiders collected two victims. One Country-Guard and a Dragoon. Acting fast both captives took their own lives. Angered by this, Brynn and her countrymen lit up the upper branches with gunfire. Bones, drained corpses, weapons, belts, torn articles of clothing, and various valuables fell from the trees and webs. One of the Arachni fell from the trees littered in holes. None of the spiders came down again showing they disappeared to other parts of the trees. Satisfied and warry of ammunition she pressed on with nine mounted troops following her to the fort she spotted up ahead. 

Resting on a hill top in an open field of grass, bushes, weeds, clovers, flowers, scattered trees the fort held a triangular shape. Called fort Tricorne it had a tower nearby, a small castle system to its south. Within the same area fort Tricorne stood two other forts. Approaching the fort Tricone boundaries Brynn's group found 5 Rohenps in the area. They were prowling around in the fort's blind spots. Taking advantage of this, Brynn led her party to take out these five Rohenps. In their traditional garb these Rohenps from Zegrav found a nice axe to the face. Through her rage and patriotic zeal she took out all five of them. On horseback she red the region of five more rebels, those prowling Rohenps. 

With her in the lead the mounted troops came up the entrance of the fort. Using raised voices they learned that just 18 troops and 16 volunteers manned Fort Tricorne. One of the towers had 21 of their own pilots holding up. Their fort commander was still held up by insurgents in the area. Yesterday a force of 1000 or more launched an attack on all settlements and the forts. Just the empty forts and the loss of 28 big National Guards, 20 Orc troops, and 28 militia said everything about the outcome as well as hundreds of dead insurgents littering the field. Both sides appeared spent out of energy. Tricornes defenders did not trust the silence that consumed the area. Checking with the ones she led Brynn spotted Jakab and her fellow Country Guards headed this way. Jakab chose to join them rather than hide in a tent. 

"Are you ready to press on?" she asked them. Only a few were not hers to command, and several were her Hallowed Country Guards. 

"Ready when you are ma'am." a human Dragoon replied for everyone else. This one was a female blonde with a thin lean appearance, Oblong face, small dimples and a hole were a nose ring would be on the left nostril. The Dragoon uniform appeared dirty and dusty from riding. Plus some blood stained it from previous fighting. Circling around the fort they found 6 rebels with small hand cannons and 48 rifles they scavenged. Not too far from those rebels they found 7 more rebels in a stand off with 8 VUVR troops. Only four of the rebels stayed put while three raced northward to escape. In the distance, over 1000 ft away 14 tanks rolled up from the north. 

All the rebels could do now was surrender. When all seven of them stopped and dropped their weapons another force sprang up. Emerging out of hiding spots some 347 Ghouls attacked the fleeing rebels. Armed with melee weapons and projectile weapons they launched their own assault. One portion went after the exposed troops and cavalry. The other raced towards the northwest. Sixteen Vestrisians unleashed rapid fire on the charging Ghouls. Many Ghouls had gray skin, others had light blue skin, some pinkish pale, and a few had light greenish color. Some had hair while the rest were bald. The vast majority wore nothing but loin cloths, others wore torn trousers, and the rest had dirty Zegrav tunics. Her unit held their ground whereas the 14 tanks wiped 98 or so. As for the rest they engaged a company of 181 Country Guards on foot. For a couple of quick minutes, she held her ground against armed and unarmed Ghouls. Clubs, rusty blades, spades, wrenches, sickles, pitchforks, axes, scimitars, and crude maces were all they had save for javelins, rocks, and cross bow bolts. None of this proved any used against firearms. Moments later her unit was not alone. Dragoons and Country Guards rushed to their side eliminating the attacking, Ghouls. As one body the 14 tanks halted in their tracks. Turning her gaze on the Dragoons, Brynn searched for Jakab. Rearing her steed she went up to him. 

"Where are the tanks that joined use at Dinotzi?" she asked him. "Major Jakab sir." 

"South of us taking out another base." he replied to her. He tried looking past her." Captain Rosefire you are about to miss it." 

Brynn could not move quick enough to see what he was referring to. Rapid fire came from the northwest. It ended the moment she turned around. Over 100ft from the foot Country Guards lay 88 collaborators of the enemy. This was one unit that tried slipping past their eyes. She took one look at this area the three forts protected. One beautiful landscape of green, yellow, pink, some brown, magenta, blue, purple, and bits of red. Like a painting this region holding some fort and structures opened her eyes. Their fellow Country Guards racing around looked like animated figurines added to the painting. A sight that reminded her of home in Bymere. 

"Dismount! Let the horses rest." Jakab barked out to them. Brynn and Olalyn repeated them same orders to their own troops. 

On foot both Country Guards and Dragoons scoured the area. Their horses rested and grazed. In the center of the forts' defensive borders sat a sheriff's and a few other structures. Among these other structures was an old castle tower in ruin and 64 trucks. Just 64 Mistchewers, Axeriders, and Redwolves sat idle in the grass and dirt. Sensing excitement grow inside these Country Guards and Dragoons raced for them. 

Taking a closer look, Brynn looked to her left. Running through the landscape was a train track. Train cars sat on the tracks. Loaded on them was an ambulance, 2 Dragon MK I tanks, 2 fire trucks, 3 jeeps an armed Zedelet with a mounted machine gun, and an abandoned cargo crate. Far behind along the track near a castle system sat abandoned Caboose, 4 more trucks, and a tractor. As a commanding officer she had to join Jakab in talking to the mayor of the castle system. It was being used as a town with 528 townsfolk, 8 herbalists, and their 29 acolytes/apprentices. Called the Silver Dog this system was connected to a tower wall in between hills via road and track. A noble owned this one with 6 Syrianos bodyguards. Not too far to the south was another castle system and a tower. An alchemist Master resided there and taught 13 students. As for the tower, nine demon hunters own it with 2 students. Thanks to their arrival a stray student was saved from 3 slaves the insurgents brought. From the lips of the Mayor and Emissary, Collgard the aliens and insurgents now had 18 bases left. She was keeping tabs with the border via telegrams. Her entrepreneur and Chamberlain entertained them for dinner. 

Castaria-Zegrav #4: Insurgency and Invasion

 Whatever these insurgents were doing wasn't working in their favor. They either planned this poorly or did not seem to care. Around the time of dawn they launched the second wave. In this second wave they brought in more men, and something else that was never used since the Villanus Era of 130s A.N. to 1347 A.N. It was because she had never seen towers made for sieges in action, Brynn was confused. A total of 23 siege towers were dragged over as well as 41 mantlets, and 7 siege ballista. Dinotzi Thumb's defenders received reinforcements of 227 Dragoons and 126 Country Guards, 14 Rangers, and 6 airborne troopers. Having these reinforcements bolstered defenses by adding more fire power. Major Jakab's Dragoons brought a mobile heavy machine gun, 8 light machine guns, the carbines, TM 13's, E-7 rifles, and grenades. All the Rangers and airborne troopers brought along E-7's, sub machineguns, anti-tank rocket launcher, and a couple of mortars. With all this fire power they destroyed the second wave. 

Hours of silence went by allowing some defenders to get an estimate of 2,336 more casualties for these insurgents. When checking their own they found ten volunteers dead. They were either cocky youth or clumsy aging men. As they received fresh water from other noncombatant volunteers the attacking insurgents launched a volley of bolts, arrows, bullets and other projectiles. Nearly covering the width of the fort this volley suppressed the defenders. Fire at will  spread across the ones who wielded guns among the attackers. Brynn's part of the defenses returned fire in unison with them and the defending soldiers. Dragoons, infantry, paratroopers, and Rangers unleashed their own hell on these attackers. She shot 8 of these attackers as her Country Guards killed 353 or so. She could only estimate another 1,000 attackers died within a few minutes or more. Their siege towers were rendered useless by mortars and artillery where the soldiers defended. She started to lose a few more Country Guard before she spotted aid on its way to them from the north west. Past the lines of insurgents she spotted 4 objects rolling this way. Using her binoculars she got a better look at their reinforcements. Three hundred fifty five Country Guards rode towards them parallel with 4 tanks joined by 30 troops. She watched these reinforcements come in from the flanks of these attackers. 

She could not describe this siege battle in much detail. They were holding their ground while the attacker pressed the attack. Whoever these insurgents were had them besieged. Just hold them back was the only goal in mind until aid came to relieve them these defenders were done until now. She allowed her men to fire at them attackers if they wished. Brynn watched the other Country Guards, tanks, 30 troopers, and another group flank the insurgents. From the southwest only 39 Orc sentries, 6 Manic de Nors Elves and another tank type marched in. Jakab plunged forth with his 226 Dragoons from their position. Now these insurgents found themselves boxed in. One full hour passed as the insurgents became trapped. Half of what was left managed to escape the trap. He fellow defenders put pressure on these attackers forcing 344 to become prisoners. 

Eager to end the siege Jakab and the newly arrived reinforcements gave chase to those who escaped. Seeing no enemies continuing this siege, Brynn took fifty of her Country Guards to help round up prisoners. Those who stayed behind bound the prisoners up quickly with cloth, ropes, and shackles. While in pursuit they found the insurgents racing to some forest to the southeast. There 227 Dragoons, 405 Country Guards, 4 tanks, 36 paratroopers, and nearby troops found the rest of the insurgent attackers. Cornered against the woods, the remnants of these attackers faced two options. Either they surrender or face death at this very spot. Among the insurgents they found Nazdar and their Grevaskii slave soldiers, that is what the VUVR soldiers called the collaborators to the invaders. From the woods and flanks a squad of 14 Forest Blight Rangers attacked them. Nine Dragoons opened fire, 4 infantry-rangers scared them. Three more tanks rolled in from the west with 263 reservists. 

Close to 1,071 or more surrendered tallying the total of prisoners to 1,415. One they rounded the rest up the Major and other commanding officers left it up to the Country-Guard to search the forest while they covered the flanks. Gathering her own Country-Guard Brynn picked up information on some 13 jesters found among these insurgents who refused to perform for nobles. One band of 36 adult lizardmen with 28 lizard spawn youth were found among this insurgency. These insurgents also held hostages such as 36 half-elf monks, 161 citizens, 16 travelers, 14 nobles, 45 workers, 17 lawmen, and a single witch. Going deeper in familiar forests she found 42 lodges, ranger houses, treehouses, and homesteads. Five ruins were used as hideouts by 34 succubus', and incubus'. No one got back to base until it was dark. Bringing in the demonoids she learned they would be sent back to Syrianos. How they got here was not much of a mystery. There were aliens among them, which meant ships and aircraft brought them over. Most likely smuggled them over. At dawn they returned to the forest with the weapons her Country Guard were rewarded with. Maplebee, her owl stayed behind to sleep the day away. 

"I cannot believe this is happening. Every Castarian who fought against the V.U.V.R. capitulated." Brynn pointed out as they moved on foot, leaving their horses under the care of volunteers. She stepped over an arched exposed root with another Country-Guard Captain ahead of her. 

"Let's see that was about 8 years ago. It is likely the ones who surrendered still held a grudge. Many of them laid their arms with a bitter taste in their mouths. As for the ones who became conscripted into the military, they are either at the front or dead from the Zegrav Conflict." An Elf Captain named Edwyrd Olalyn, who commanded the 105 Country-Guards. He held his bleach white hair in a warrior's bun bound in a blue-ribbon band. Some parts of his hair still had a raven and grayish tint to its color. 

"Then why are they going after-" she caught herself, rethinking what she was abut to say. Brynn realized this was an insurgency of the Castarians. "How do we end this insurgency, uprising, rebellion without massacres?" 

"You will know, because the vast majority of Castaria rebelled against that Czarist dynasty." Captain Olalyn answered her. Several shots were fired up ahead causing the whole battalion to stop and crouch down. A few more shots broke the brief silence, followed by more shooting. When it was over the battalion of Country Guard moved. On their flanks were the 283 Dragoons and footmen. The Rangers, Paratroopers and Blight Prowlers covered their right flank. Behind them were the reservists protected the far rear. As one the Country-Guard companies moved on to the site of the shooting. 

Reaching the site they the Captains came across the aftermath of a skirmish. Just one of their own lay dead from the first encounter, 8 Gnolls lay shot up, and four insurgents lay dead 27 paces away. At the entrance to a poorly made campsite lay a dead Tessari-Orcspawn and a Wizard who was shot. Two figures on their knees claiming to be a Black Lion Knight from Spenos, and a Rehonp from Badraan. One flat pie Chef and his family of 4 became their(insurgents) prisoners along with a friend who repaired ship propellers. 

One of them handed her 4 Republic Eagle bills, 8 Republic Wreaths worth half an Eagle, 5 Republic Cogs worth 5% of a single Eagle, 4 Oaks that are equal to 1% of an Eagle, and 18 Republic stars that are worth 75% of an Eagle bill or coin. This amounted to 26 Republic Eagles, and 80 sirins in currency. Both of them refused to take this reward. Instead of giving them money he was offered to cook for them. Pressing further into the forest they came across two old bridges dating back to the years of the second Czarist Dynasty, the House of Saigu. It ran out of traditional male heirs then gave way to Castaria's 3rd Dynasty the Sabina-Ariadne House. On the other side of these bridges over the Megrove, and Zaldo rivers. Sending a scout the Country-Guard found no threats up ahead. Looking up at the sky they saw the sun was going down behind them. 

"The sun is setting over our backs once more. Rosefire see the Country-Guards make camp. I will have mine set up barriers to these bridges." Captain Olalyn ordered her. He might as well be a Major because of his past experience. 

Brynn had her Country-Guards and others make camp while Olalyn and volunteers set up barriers. Not long afterwards the Dragoons came down from the north east. Major Jakab came with a force of 282 Dragoons after catching 219 and some alien humanoids off guard. This revelation from Jakab took them by surprise. An alien faction helping these insurgents against the V.U.V.R. Were these aliens starting an open rebellion using citizens of the Vestrisian Republics? Neither Brynn nor the other commanders needed to ponder long. It was obvious who it was, the Nazdar invaders. Jakab detailed what happened in a brief explanation. 

"Backing those 210 insurgents and collaborators we engaged was a company of 171 lizardmen, horsemen half breeds, Mages, Elves, Ghouls, snake people, and Orcs." Jakab informed Brynn, Olalyn, the other Captains and the Airborne Lieutenant.

"Does all of this connect to the attack on Dinotzi Thumb?" she blindly asked Jakab. 

"Yes it does Captain Rosefire. If you paid any attention or had a closer look at the attacker's dead casualties you would find Nazdar troops posing as agitators alongside collaborators." Jakab answered her. They sat around the small furnace in the command tent of Major Jakab. 

"Our reservists will cover the rear flanks, the paratroopers and Rangers will cover the southern right flank. As for the tanks, they will need refueling." Major Jakab told them making it sound like they already knew that bit. 

"Will they be coming back?" Olalyn asked the Major. The look on his face appeared concerned over the fire power these insurgents likely received from the enemy, the Invaders. 

"Yes they will, they have to." the Lieutenant replied, a male Elemani of 24 or 26 years old in a paratrooper's uniform of Khaki-green color. His military issued boots were the standard modernized leather laced black boots. 

His name was Garnen Glassfoot, a Vestrisian fair skinned human with a hint of Zegrav, and brown hair. The other two Country Guard Captains Dobovoi, and Kriski sat with them as well as Jakab's Captains. They wore similar uniforms with different pins and badges.  Dobovoi was a male Castarian with a strong build, pronounced chin, a heavy brow, green eyes, wavy nose, grey streak in his hair. He also possessed scars on both sides, an arrow scar on his neck, and a birth mark in the shape of a rune. He wore a linen kosovortka shirt with rolled up sleeves, runic patterns at the buttons, and neck. For trousers he wore equestrian riding pants tucked in sturdy boots. He kept to himself most of the time unless it was something important, or it suited his interests. Kriski was a thinner male with long black hair Uxane and Castarian facial features. A nomadic mustache rested on his lips filling a part of his oblong hard that had a spear chin. Kriski donned a mocha colored tunic and hide skin trousers. This hide skin trousers had boots attached to it. He had his hair in two thick braids that draped over his shoulders. Wearing a tan wide brim hat Kriski showed patriotism towards the new V.U.V.R. On his hat was a badge with the V.U.V.R emblem of a gold anvil with a pitchfork, pickaxe, wrench, and sword crossing through it. Captain Kriski had more respectful attitude for traditions. One involved respecting fallen heroes and knights of Castaria. He explored this region before and knew about three Red Crusaders laid to rest near the bridges. Their graves were marked by mushrooms and red stones in representation of their order. 

"It is clear we have an open rebellion in Castaria. This could spread to other parts such as the mountain states of New Vattoram, Zegrav, and Ottante. As you have all witnessed aliens fighting among the insurgents, there are more. You can tell this is an invasion and insurgency. Details on who they are who the leaders are will be unknown to us until we find them. We must crush this insurgency and send the invader packing." Jakab briefed them, drawing their meeting to a close. 

Every Captain and Lieutenant were dismissed for the night. Brynn got up to leave when she spotted a strange tower shield in Jakab's tent. She was about to turn around and ask Jakab when Maplebee swooped in. Her owl landed on her shoulder. Nuzzling with her Owl for a moment Brynn left the Dragoon Major's command tent. Returning to her own camps Brynn found 6 Glenning Gloomstalkers (large mammal lizards), and 26 beaked wormoid snakes roasting. Both species prowled this part of Zegrav and Castaria as predators. However they still made for a fine meal. Each of the beasts her men hunted were prepared, skinned, and place on spits. As she approached the fires Brynn was offered a piece of each type of beast. She fed some to her owl companion, Maplebee. Tomorrow would either be a suppression of an open rebellion or the start of a civil war. 

Cast Out

 Iznar wasn't safe for him anymore, and Ilbryen Brygeiros knew that. It was past time for little Uguunan the Hybrid Spawn to leave. For Twenty long years Ilbryen explored as a Ranger. Islands of Iznar were his home for 500 years before he chose to explore parts of the world. He returned at just the right time. Invaders from the stars were starting to come down in small groups. Far to the west, lands such as Bedwar, Norvath, Vossa, Syrianos, Daedrathia came under control of some hidden power that showed some sort of subjugation. It was also seen in the regions of Khet to the north and parts of Assumarya to the south. Even the coasts of Hadoras and its jungles started to show a form of subjugation to these peoples from the stars. Ilbryen discovered a bit of resistance to such subjugation in the likes of Syrianos, parts of Daedrathia, Ermentwa, Luvahan, Cydnam, Nevradit, and a larger region called Lesdonia. Two other kingdoms were in alliance with this Lesdonia known as Khazadgul, and Sercane. Even Iznar's trade partners Hradria which is really Rhadeen showed signs of resistance towards this. Kingdoms and states like Jumar, and Luvahan expressed a warry concern over these newcomers from the stars. Vios-Morgas was split once again, and it looked more permanent this time. 

As he picked up Uguunan he thought of Koriv, Grussia, Vunnace, and Eoth who were showing a great deal of distaste towards these newcomers. Thanks to the advancement in technology and the funds for mass producing inventions travel became easier over the decades. If there was a civilization out there with the same technology states of Calorn were taking their sweet time progressing in some areas. Yet some things were expensive, and the cheaper vehicles would break down too often most travelers like himself. The preferred method may have been horseback or some other steed, but the new form of travel cut their journey by sea. It either took a whole day or mere hours to get somewhere across the Iznar sea. After discussing the issue with the council in Iznar's eastern island county Ilbryen chose to leave. For a good five years he stayed home until the year 1844 A.N. A Brygeiros family rival the Caskells sent a package with poison on it. The servant died just hours after picking it up. Four Brygeiros children were in the hospital after touching it. Ilbryen wanted to stay and fight these Caskell pests. His chances were cut off when the issue of Uguunan's birth came to their ears. Some family ally to the Brygeiros would face exile if they did not get rid of that spawn. Since he was one of several dozen travelers who journeyed far to the south Ilbryen was selected to take Uguunan. His reasons for leaving also had to do with rivalry amongst his siblings and cousins who sought a piece of the family wealth. Main Head of the family "Chief Sire" Corym Brygeiros passed away. He only promised them a share of his inheritance and wealth. As for Ilbryen he wasn't there when Corym made the decision. Some Elves chose to live on well past two or millennia. Yet others went off to let their lives die on some adventure if a war or conflict did not kill them. Elves such as Corym chose to poison themselves or have themselves killed quickly if they reached a good millennium or two. 

Holding Uguunan's hand Ilbryen looked around at the port the steam transport dropped them off. On the pier dock they stood next to a cart-wagon full of merchandise some merchant forgot about or left unattended. Ilbryen was now at the city-state of Paserus, a neutral city that chose not to partake in the current conflict with the invaders. Their transport flew the flag of the city-state, the one of neutrality and a few others. Its neutral flag saved them from the Gantronese patrol boats and Mulzaneen brigs. Holding Uguunan's stubby left hand, which felt smooth compared to the right hand. Uguunan was stubby little fellow whose legs did not match his body. Somehow, he was able to move around only with a limping hobble. His pale pinkish skin had reddish bumps allover except for the arms where he was hairy. Maids of the household said he looked like a mix between a hairless monkey and a wrinkled hairless gopher. He or it was wrapped up in a dark blue fabric with the classical patterns along the edges. 

While holding Uguunan by the hand Ilbryen moved further on the pier dock. In the center of Paserus Port stood a violet Dragon carved out of the stone decorated in Saphires, violet glass, purple glass, and amethysts. This statue appeared perched on a stone hill acting as a landmark. Paserus was mainly an elf city-state with a minority of other races that now coexisted. Most of those were humans, half-elves, tall Goblins, Orcs, and Dwarves. Looking around he noticed Paserus was mainly a traditional, religious, and humble population. Forty-nine citizens dressed as monks of both religious ordeal and martial artist style passed them. Each one either looked forward or had their head bowed with the hoods up. Among this particular crowd a female human in a red bodice and white dress trotted about, a sand blonde female elf in a dark blue cotton outing robe waltzed about, and a middle-class looking dock worker wearing loafers and modern khakis passed them. Two soldiers of Paserus in their brown uniforms patrolled around as a merchant in loafers and traditional long tunic tried to get their attention. Ilbryen decided to move through this crowd hoping to blend in and avoid suspicions or attention. He almost bumped into a well-dressed Elf Aristocrat in Ox brown fine shoes. The blonde-haired elf nearly turned on him when a sandal wearing dockhand with a fine tan caught his attention. One casually dressed female Elf in regular shoes also caught the aristocrat's attention about portraits or something. Moving away Ilbryen and his companion come across a travelling Mulzaneen in a Caftan. He could tell this one would be drafted the moment he returned home. However, he was curious if this was why the Mulzaneen was here to escape such a draft. They passed 4 more wealthy looking figures in fine vests, modern looking doublets, and elegant robes. A pair of casual looking humans nearly bumped into them in what looked like denim trousers, and new khakis with either a tunic or plaid shirt. Another figure brushed past them in the most modernized clothing of the era. Not a trace of traditional wardrobe was on them. This caught his attention as they progressed onto cobble street next to the dock portions of the port. 

Aside from the traditional Elf houses of towering shapes that resemble tree shapes Pesarus had those human style houses, and brick houses. Many of the Elf houses held the shapes of towering trees without the actual branches and leaves. Upon closer inspection one could see the roofing tiles almost resemble leaves. Some were made from wood, other stone or brick. Plenty were made from both materials. It was easy to tell which was a house and which was a shop, store, forgery, cafe den, or winery. A few other types of structures could be identified such as loan shark office, bank, cartographer, tailor, butcher, retailer, grocery store, shipwright, ropemaker, barrel craftsman, blacksmith, and other businesses. A pair of younger looking youth caught his eye by the third dock. A male swordsman in an all-black uniform, and jacket stood next to a raven-haired female in a blue dress, apron, and bow. The male wielded a Wakizashi, and the female a cleaver. Both were about to engage a four-armed humanoid in lethal combat. Ilbryen placed Uguunan on a barrel warning him to stay put. He turned around to help the two youth on the street in front of an alley. Grabbing his basket hilted saber Ilbryen prepared to intervene on behalf of the two youth. The young male was too cocky to wait for help or even plan anything. He moved in only to get grappled by the four-armed monster that also had a single eye. It proceeded to rip off the male youth's arms off before taking his own weapon and impaling him in the chest. Tossing the dead youth into the crowd that gathered it moved on the girl who he swore soiled herself. 

Ilbryen could tell she was not ready for this encounter. Her whole body shivered with fear. Another figure leapt out of the crowd wearing monkish robes from Vunnace. It explained the gold iris flower on the front. Coming forth this "Vunnacian Monk" unsheathed a battle axe they hid under the robe next to a longsword.  Ilbryen watched this Vunnacian throw the battle axe into the humanoid's exposed armpit. Roaring in pain it yanked the axe out rendering its upper arm useless. This Vunnacian moved in cutting the other arm off. Ilbryen moved in for the kill as it swung at the "Monk" with the other arms. Attacking from its right flank Ilbryen thrust his blade like a spear into its side. He jammed his weapon at an upward angle hoping to hit its lungs or heart. When his attack was successful, he pulled his weapon out and leapt back expecting it to counterattack. Cleaning his blade Ilbryen watched this monster humanoid collapse on the cobble street lifeless. Bystanders either stayed, left in a panic, or sauntered off seeing the action was over. Ilbryen turned to where the girl was, but found she vanished into the streets of Paserus. Turning his attention to the Vunnacian he thanked him for the aid. Introducing himself he learned the "Monk" was a Crusader named Captain Harold Glade of the 5th Order of the Iris Raven. Harold was sent over to recruit some volunteers willing to fight the Nazdar and the Gantronese. All he got so far was a lone pirate Captain who lost his ship, plus crew, and a female elf Wizard with a hatred for a group called Vearxalls. He also mentioned a young Paladin Initiate from Luvahan. Ilbryen explained his own reason for being here when a group of 12 angry looking soldiers wearing green and blue uniforms. Despite the upgrading in armament plenty of factions chose to stick with certain uniforms. Paserus Elf Soldiers wore a blue or green buttoned coat over white one-piece garments in knee high boots. On their heads rested either a bicorn hat or a shako hat. It could be assumed the styles were valued more, which would make them easier targets when it came to actual fighting. Yet Ilbryen did not doubt the capability of Paserusian Soldiers defending their city-state. On horseback one of the bicorn wearing officers addressed the lot of them over the violence in the streets. 

Ilbryen did not know the laws of Paserus very well and he presumed Harold did not either. He looked for Uguunan only to find him held by the cloak. A female soldier had him in her grasp. After hearing the Officer wanted him and Harold out of the city, he requested for his companion to be left alone about this. Somehow the Officer and the female soldier agreed to let Uguunan alone about the violence. The little spawn poked her log and boots. Ilbryen retrieved Uguunan before he touched the woman where he shouldn't. Getting cast out was not a big deal for him as Ilbryen was only passing through to another city-state between the two great empires, Illician. He followed Harold away from the port area wondering if this Crusader would join him. Knowing his journey was not over by a longshot he followed Harold out of the city and into the outskirts. Past the city limits Harold led him and Uguunan to a large white house that appeared overgrown. It was where he and a score of others hid out while recruiting more volunteers. Taking Uguunan by the hand Ilbryen brought the spawn inside feeling cast out, but not alone. 

Castaria-Zegrav #3: Insurgency?

Monsters, and other wild creatures spread across the continents, because of this current conflict and the few others in the past. Warriors, heroes, monster slayers, Champions, and knights turned their focus on these wars over taking down monsters. Many of them also retired or moved to different professions. Yes it left the monster slaying to the Zhenrai Order and their associates. However they had other enemies to take on in the west. It also left it to the soldiers of the V.U.V.R. Brynn was just a girl when she got to meet Zhenrai Knights for the first time in her life. A pair of werewolves attacked livestock, killed several clansmen, and farmers in the Clan Regions of New Vattoram. This happened while their clan warriors went after a pack of 15 serpent monsters down the river. She did not get see them kill those monsters like she wanted. Brynn wasn't alone in the desire to witness all of the fighting against these monsters. Other youth in her 615 member clan begged to see those Zhenrai in action. Some asked to join the order. Her Clan was small and needed everyone close to help with livestock and the crops so none of them were given a positive answer. 

A month and a week later the Zhenrai had to return to their Clan county. Six restless spirits haunted a newly constructed barn. Her own father allowed it to be constructed next to their stables and ranch. On her family property they shared land with this farmer who brought a cow, 3 ponies, a bull, 3 sheep, one goat, donkey, pig and a camel. this added to their own 12 cows, 8 goats, 9 donkeys, 2 horses, 6 pigs, 14 sheep, and ten Yackdreth. A team of farm hands helped run it while 3 knights guarded it. Despite their bravery those ghosts scared them more than any Gnoll, Ogre, or Troglodytes that prowled the countryside. What the Zhenrai did involved one of their priestlier members. Brynn never got to see them deal with the ghosts. One of these specters scared her when she tried taking a peak. Brynn mentally waved the memories away to concentrate on the Dinotzi Thumb's defenses. As she made her way down the hill of the motte and bailey Brynn got a better view of the situation heading towards them. This whole village and motte n baily reminded her home. Some of the steer reminded her of the furry and wooly Yackdreth herds. Yackdreth came in different sizes and various horns. Yet all of them had those deer like eyes, and hawk like beaks. Some were black furred, wheat colored, brown, and ginger. Several types of horns could be found on these creatures. A ram style set of horns, antlers, cow horns, horns that appear like tusks from under the ears, goat horns, and tri horned could be found on the species known as Astrinus Brannae. Seeing the horde get closer she quickened her pace. 

Brynn passed Town Guards and civilians before she found Kriscyne at the Tavern. He sat down in what looked like a dress at first glance. Upon closer inspection it was not a dress, but some fabric worn by certain clans. His Dragoons were stirring from their shot rest. A short rest that was interrupted by the sirens of the alarm. Every Dragoon he still had available formed two lines outside the tavern. Brynn watched them do this realizing they already knew they were under attack. Kriscyne got up from the chair he occupied. He put on his pants tucking in the fabric with his shirt. As he put on his boots several shots rang out, signaling to them the settlement defenders already spotted this approaching force. Another set of gunshots came as a warning to these attackers. Kriscyne wielded his carbine rifle ready to engage the attackers. 

"How many are there?" he asked her. 

"Just 137 Town Guards, 58 soldiers, 20 cavalry, and 17 warriors at least." she answered the Dragoon Lieutenant. 

"I meant the attacking force! Not the defenders." he replied as more gunshots could be heard outside. 

"A few thousand or more. They must have planned this for some time." she suspected as the ratatat of machine gun fire joined the chorus.

"Dragoons!" he addressed his man who straightened at attention. Kriscyne exited the tavern with Brynn following him. "Go aid these defending townsfolk, help will come soon. It always does." 

"How is Vygoon?" she asked Kriscyne. Losing a leg in combat was never a pleasant experience. One was lucky if they got the leg reattached. 

"Asleep in the apothecary and doctor of this village. However she will not get her leg back. At 42 years old she looks good for her age, yet a mother to five. I believe she will be returning home to spend time with them afterwards." Kriscyne replied to her. He dismissed the rest of the Dragoons. 

His Dragoons saluted him then bolted for the defenses armed with their weapons. The two leaders were left to rally her Country Guards. At a quickened pace they went through an empty labyrinth of streets. Rosefire's  Country Guard could be found at their headquarters along the edge of the village. Positioned closer to the Motte and Bailey it had its own walls of palisades. Rather than give the password she banged on the gate door. 

"Let us in you lazy Muskylats! The Thumb is under attack!" Brynn hollered at those inside. Country Guards under her command opened the door for her and Lt. Kriscyne. One hundred thirty-five raced out with their own weapons at hand. Every one of them were afraid she would hand them over to the military or to the prisons of Gaskouth Ladai. Both would send them to the front in cold Vimasdra, Brynn heard it became a stalemate as of 1844. Neither side could outmaneuver the other. Dogfights and bombings came seldom due to the weather. 

"You aren't going to brief them in?" Kriscyne critiqued her. This Lieutenant was unfamiliar with how the Country Guard worked. She turned her head to face him.

"They know what to do, Lieutenant. Dinotzi Thumb comes under attack by warbands every season. I would have them shoot from this place except it catches fire too easily. Plus shooting from inside echoes into the ears and would scare my owl companion." She explained to the Dragoon Lieutenant as more fire was exchanged with the attackers. Brynn hooted like an owl summoning a hawk owl cross-bred a falcon from Badraan-Lheobethe. It flew over to her excited to see her. 

"This is Maplebee, she has been with me for ten years. She is a gift from a travelling wizard I saved from Troglodytes in the Bymere Country. He was selling bred owls and hawks for income while travelling." Brynn stretched out an arm for Maplebee to perch on. Closing the doors she led the Dragoon over to the stables where she left her weapons. One volley of fire was exchanged from the attackers over to the defensive barriers and walls. Total strength rose to over 588 thanks to volunteers from the villagers. Maplebee flew away to the keep of the motte and bailey leaving her to fight this battle. 

Over the course of three hours they pushed back this larger force. It wasn't until night time when the shooting stopped. Kriscyne and Brynn met with the leaders of each defending group of Dinotzi Thumb. For the Town Guards a Captain Grahab Riovos led them. Grahab was a human Castarian who appeared to be aging to late 40s who wore the Vestrisian blue uniform with pauldron armor pieces on his shoulders. A half Orc commanded the garrison of 58 soldiers and 20 cavalry as Captain Ingaarm Granskull. Leading the Sheriffs was none other than Karl who was the Warden-Sheriff. A team of 10 sheriffs had to command an assembled force of 191 volunteers with help from 6 Elves and 17 warriors. Mayor Tauler was present as well, since it was required of her. Inside the Townhall they held this meeting. Tauler was a medium sized woman who had seen plenty of adventures and a few wars in her lifetime. She had reddish brown hair, light brownish skin tone, a very distinct appearance that reflected beauty in her youth. This Mayor wore a green suit dress with a few necklaces showing off her past loot. On her head rested a felt hat with a circlet sewn to it. 

"That was the only first wave we pushed back today." Ingaarm pointed out. Brynn agreed there would be more waves coming after them tomorrow. 

"I did not get a real count of how many attacked us. We may have taken out several hundred." Riovas put in. None of them argued about the casualties. It was nothing short of a miracle that they lost no one. She saw with her own eyes these attackers wielded rifles along with missile weapons. 

"What does this settlement have for defenses?" Kriscyne asked making his words sound more like a demand. Even though he saw it firsthand the Lieutenant revealed he did not see the whole settlement or noticed it upon their arrival. 

"One wall surrounds the village, another for the fort, two for the motte and bailey castle-keep. More palisades connect the settlements together. One ditch around the whole thing. Another ditch circles around the fort and the scarp mound. For weaponry, everyone either has a bow, melee weapon or a hunting rifle. However most of the fighting aged youth and adults have gone to war. That just leaves us the town guard, sheriffs, my troops, warriors, and any volunteers among the population. We do posses 6 machine guns, 3 cannon-artillery pieces, 103 revolvers, 73 percussion pistols, 44 grenades, 67 machine pistols, 155 bolt action rifles, 319 extra rifles, 52 old style rifles, and 18 traps." Ingaarm Granskull assured Kriscyne, yet it sounded more like he was bragging. 

"Does the military know we are under attack?" A female Sheriff blurted out catching everyone's attention. Brynn glanced over at this female sheriff who had blonde locks of hair coming out of her brown dirty fedora like a waterfall. In her typical Sheriff's khaki colored trousers she wore a flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Over the flannel shirt she donned a denim jacket with the sleeves torn off. Underneath she wore a traditional Castarian Miska, a tunic dress with a colorful pattern on the neck and chest. It did not cover her forearm tattoos. Brynn saw one side of her face was smooth while the other was burned with Gnoll claw scars across the cheek. 

"Yes Sheriff Valod they do. Or do we call you Sheriff Sugar Daddy Divor three arms?" Karl remarked at her. Valod's face turned into a shocked and scared expression. Her fear showed she had something to hide. 

Was she engaging in sexual acts with other women? Brynn's eyes went to her crotch then glanced at her own quickly. Squinting her eyes with suspicions Brynn kept any ideas out Valod to herself. This sheriff had a secret that was known to some, but not all. Brynn did not want to know either. Every leader of the Thumb's defenses present blinked their eyes in silence for a few moments. Riovas chose to break the silence that filled the room. 

"Some of the civilians who came to us for safety say these attackers killed 22 people. Two were cut down, 7 cut in half, and 11 had their heads cut off. That is not all to their story. Some of these attackers were killed by the ones who met a gruesome death, which were their first kills. One these attackers' casualties were the Castarian Flag from its days as an empire wrapped around them." Riovas explained to the leaders. Another voice appeared in the room followed by a loud door slam as someone closed it. 

"I believe the Political Officer and Senator were correct in their orders. What we have here is an insurgency. Good evening everyone, excuse me for the intrusion I am Major Ollen Jakab. I have arrived with 226 Dragoons, and 6 paratroopers as reinforcements. Is there a Captain Rosefire?" the owner of the voice interjected politely. 

"Right here." Brynn replied wondering if he had something for her like orders. What was this about?  What did he want with her?

"Does one hundred twenty four Country Guards under the command of Lieutenant Rothburt  and a Sergeant Hathinne have you as a Captain?" Major Jakab asked her. 

"Yes they Major Jakab! Now can we know how you got past those attackers?" Mayor Tauler demanded from the Major, throwing the weight of her position a little on him. She did her best to make it sound more like a request. 

Major Jakab, human of around 36 years old who held a height of 5'6 was a lean male with an oblong face. On his left cheek he had a gash that was healed over. The rest of his scars, if he had any more, were covered by his Dragoon's uniform that was much like Kriscyne's uniform. On his uniform Jakab wore few more pins and patches showing experience in the field. His rank as Major required him to wear a badge of some sort. He briefly described how they got past the attacking forces. Brynn's own Country Guard led them through a back entrance hidden by trees flanking the rear of the Thumb. Each leader was dismissed by the Mayor after explaining to the Major what was going on. Kriscyne was sent to the Tavern while Jakab had Lieutenant Rothburth report to her, his Captain Rosefire. 

"Colonel Bencasa's scouts found us with orders to prepare for an insurgency. He believes it could stir up a rebellion in Castaria, and Zegrav.-" Rothburt informed her in his report. She cut him off. 

"He sent you where your commander is . Did you find anything in your shortened patrol?" She continued his report for him. 

"Just a group of Rangers camped out 27 miles from here. A group of 14 Rangers, Captain." He answered her. Rothburt expected her to punch him in the stomach for moving towards other orders. She did not, since he would be needed for the Dinotzi Thumb's defense. 

"What about the swamp creatures and armed Ghouls? You were supposed to, well Sergeant Hathinne should have taken care of them." Brynn questioned the Lieutenant. In her own mindset he own Country Guard should do their duties their unit commanding officer to them first. Then perform the second duties given during the first. 

"You are dismissed Lieutenant. Get some rest." She ordered the Country Guard. Sending people off to bed made her feel like a mother. She herself went to bed after petting Maplebee her owl for a while. Their next battle would have to come in the morning. As for the existence of this insurgency, she was not so certain. Many Castarians opposed the oligarchy and Czarist rulers the VUVR defeated in the field. Was their some hidden tradition the V.U.V.R. insulted or  something? She would have to get answers tomorrow or the day after. 

   

Castaria-Zegrav #2: Cooperation

 Brynn dismounted to get a better look at the corpses.  Hoping these Dragoons would allow her to peek she went past Lt. Kriscyne, and a few other Dragoons. Intent on ignoring their orders Brynn went up to the closest corpse. None of them bothered her about it. Glancing up to check, she saw they split up to search for more and their source. Taking a good look at the closest one she approached had a height of 6ft 7 inches. Just looking at it she estimated it weighed over 200 lbs. Its skin appeared light pinkish gray with boils and scars. Ten bullet holes had blood seeping out from where it was shot. Her eyes studied this humanoid's one eye. Did these lands host more inhabitants that hide from everyone else? She recalled her encounters with Gnolls, Troglodytes, wild Blackmell Orcs, Kuruks, and Molorcs. There were also the Goblins who were still wild that attacked people. Brynn never encountered anything like this before. Where the eyes would be just skin stretched over it. In the center and where the nose bridge rested lay a fist sized eye. No nose could be seen on this humanoid. Just a single slit lay between its eye and gaping mouth. 

Noticing the eyes color was disappearing into a dead grey, she looked at its hands. Six fingers on one, and just four on the left hand, showing it lost two somewhere along its life. She was about to estimate how old it was, when a 6ft 9 cobbles tall brawny humanoid with spiral horns appeared. Brynn looked up to see it was a Kuruk wielding an axe. Her hand shot for the pistol as 26 more Kuruks appeared out of the brush and fat tree. Armed with long axes, Bardiches, Glaives, war-scythes, and partisans, these Kuruks wore laminar armor, bone armor, and studded leather armor. Looking over her shoulder she noticed none of the Dragoons saw them yet. 

Brynn fired a single shot at the axe wielding Kuruk before bolting for her horse. Three of the Dragoons got caught off guard while checking the other corpses. One got his head smashed in, a second became speared in the chest while the third was cut down with a single blow. Only one of those three Dragoons killed their attacker with a single shot at point blank range through its lung. Kriscyne's other thirteen Dragoons opened fire on these Kuruks. Ten more went down in the burst of gunfire. That did not stop the other sixteen armed Kuruks from advancing further. One big ram horned Kuruk kicked a Dragoon to the ground before getting shot up. Another cleaved the leg off a kneeling female Dragoon who prepared her carbine rifle. She let out a panicked and shocked scream of agony. This female fired a shot when that hit its leg. Brynn remounted when the other Dragoons fired two volleys unto the rest of the Kuruks. 

The remaining Dragoons gathered up their injured comrade. Kriscyne turned to Brynn who scanned the area for more hostiles. Just looking at his face she could tell he wanted to combine forces. At the same time he regretted the thought. The female Dragoon still screamed while her fellow Dragoons bandaged her up. One of his Dragoons happened to be a surgeon who patched it up. He also wrapped the leg for reattachment attempts. Kriscyne's wounded dragoon slowly stopped screaming as the surgeon had her take a shot of whiskey and bite down on a piece of leather. Brynn caught his attention and nodded to him. He only glared at her in confusion. 

"We can combine forces Lieutenant! Your wounded can rest and recover at one of our locations. Four of my men could take her to the closest one." She projected to him. Lieutenant Kriscyne's eyes shifted for several seconds before replying to her. 

"(Sigh) Very well, Firerose. Azgolli, Saudari, Dawudin, gather up Grikon's, Vygoon's, Kayris', and Galib's weapons. Collect their equipment also, use their horses to carry cargo. I will collect all personal belongings except for Vygoon's. Put her stuff with her steed." Kriscyne barked out showing he was irritated. Three Dragoons followed his orders. Brynn looked over her shoulder at her 277 Country-Guard. Their next stop was an old Motte and Bailey nearly 20 miles away. 

"Lieutenant, we are headed for Dinotzi Thumb, a Motte and Bailey mixed with a village, and palisade fort 18 miles from here." She told the Lieutenant. Brynn recalled the swamp creatures and group of Ghouls she was informed about. 

Kriscyne looked perplexed and intrigued by this. Head Quarters for him possibly lay 41 miles away in one of the bigger cities. It could also be a barracks in a fort with a garrison of 1,700-2,000 or more. Knowing the full strength the VUVR military could muster, these Dragoons were part of the reserves. At the top of her head Brynn recounted how many locations they had as a base or outpost. Mainly along the border of Zegrav and Castaria. Aside from the humble hut, barracks, dwelling of six buildings, and palisade dwelling, they had seven other locations. Two of those spots they had to share with a unit of 112 Country-Guard under the command of a Zhenrai outcast. She knew of two other groups who patrolled the southern central Castaria. 

"It is only 18 miles from here you say." He showed a bit of hope over what she said to him. 

"Yes. I can split my force into three groups. One group can take Vygoon to that location, the other can take care of business. As for the third one, it can partake in patrolling the region." she responded to him. 

Without much hesitation Brynn divided her unit into three groups. Under a Sergeant's command, 40 would take out the Swamp creatures and hunt the ghoul monsters. She placed a Lieutenant Rothburt in command of 100 who would patrol the region for a week. Taking the rest of the 135 Country-Guard, Brynn helped bury the fallen Dragoons. Riding at full gallop to the Dinotzi Thumb, she dropped the Dragoons off at a tavern in the village. Kriscyne needed a place to scribe his report then send it via courier. She offered for him to join forces with hers once again. He declined saying his superiors required his duties elsewhere up north. Leaving him and his Dragoons alone she sauntered over to the awaiting award. At the office in the bailey castle she found Warden-Sheriff Hilburt Karl, the official under Mayor Afina Tauler. Hilburt was a Zedirian since he had human, Orc, and a blend of Goblin in his background. Just looking at this thirty something year old hybrid appeared a little overweight. He sat in his chair with his gut rising above the desk. Brynn ignored the gut and his glare. 

"What will it be Sheriff?" She asked forcing a smile on her face. She held up the bounty for the monster humanoids they slew. He did not look very pleased. 

"Considering the Gnolls, and Bandits whom you left none alive. I'd say it totals 662 Republic Eagles." Karl said to her picking up a sack of currency. He placed it on the desk for her to grab. 

"Is that it?" She asked feeling backstabbed. 

"Not even close. Funds aren't exactly going to bounties these days, Brynn. However the VUVR as seen to it all units operating in Castarian, and Zegrav country get something out of it." Karl answered her as he adjusted himself in is seat. It creaked loudly and repeatedly making it sound like it was going to give way at any moment. 

"What are they handing us?" Brynn demanded slamming a fist on the desk. Ever since Castaria entered this VUVR she operated in this area keeping the peace and clearing the countryside of monsters. 

"Better tents, updated maps thanks to aviators, extra shirts, new riding trousers, new boots, essential camping equipment, actual food rations, shovels, ponchos, and extra horseshoe equipment." Sheriff Karl handed her a list of items they were being given as a reward. She read the items as 54 tents, 5 maps, 249 new boots, 500 socks, 286 canteens, 35 compasses, cooking gear, 243 blankets, 158 sleeping bags, 17 binoculars, 29 aid kits, 94 lanterns, flint, 199 hammocks, food rations, and ammunition). Brynn's gaze shot from the list to the Warden-Sheriff. 

"Is this it?" she blurted out with wide eyes of disbelief. 

"At least they are handing you better equipment! That is not it! Your unit will be given 204 lever repeaters, 115 revolvers, 72 T.M. 13 bolt action rifles. Each firearm comes with 50 rounds, yet they were generous to give you 39 grenades, 94 helmets, and one E-7 rifle. I am not even finished unless you like to check yourself. Due to the generosity of Baroness Magfaren your outpost-bases are receiving extra structures. A ruined tower nearby one is getting renovated while a farm-stable is getting constructed. It will come with 8 cows, 5 sheep, 3 goats, 14 chickens, 5 horses, and a donkey. It will be operated by an orphan boy and 2 male laborers. One family of four will be maintaining the base as well. At three of them 3 country lodges will be constructed while all seven are getting a complex. At two of the locations 2 farmhouses will be built each will be getting a small livestock of Donkeys, cows, chickens, goats, and sheep. At one of them 3 female feeders will operate the farm, the locals will help run the other one. A horse trainer and caretaker will be at one station with a veterinarian, 5 equestrians who will bring 12 horses. One will receive a horse farm with 27 extra horses and a larger stable. A team of ten from the nearby town will help out. A bunny farmer will be setting up base, since some of your own mean enjoy rabbit stew. A total of 30 rabbits will be starting out. Another farm will be built bringing 8 pigs, 13 cows, and 3 hands operating it. Another farm will be constructed at one near the border with pigs, cows, goats, chickens, and mules. Some old station will be converted into a suitable office along the edge of one of the cities.  Three windmills and 3 water towers will be returned to service. Here you are getting a forge and your own bleeding tavern. Plus five beekeepers will be stationed at different locations. So that is what you will be receiving." Karl reciting what else was being handed to them. He folded his chubby hands on the desk. 

"We already have a farmstead at one of those locations. It supplies us well enough with capable hands operating them." Brynn protested still feeling a little betrayed. She pondered over this realizing it might actually benefit them. "Second thought, I accept all of this part of my own Country-guards are dealing with some swamp creatures, and Ghouls from Zegrav." 

"The less monsters we have to deal with the better. Ever since this war started, they've been increasing in numbers to the near point of infestation. Also, those new hands operating your bases are from Vullan." Karl pointed out to her. 

"What!? Scum from Vullan?" She snapped feeling the wounds reopen from the earlier setback. Now she has to sit in the same building as those overzealous, female violating vermin, pests from the islands. 

"No, refugees, and former slaves to the Vullanese Temples." Karl rebuked back at her. 

"Oh." She did not realize their VUVR was bringing in civilians from Vullanese Islands. 

"One of them has Spastic flu, or at least recovering from the horrifying disease. Another keeps babbling on about rectangular shields used in combat." Warden Karl put in. He leaned back in his chair causing it to creak even more. She could have sworn it would give way any minute. The door to his office burst open. A town guard in average clothing with a blue armband on his left arm. Their clean-shaven face and long nose made them appear like a pale crow wearing a cap. 

"Sheriff Karl we are under attack!" the town guard informed him in a comprehensive and excited voice. 

"By who, the Nazdar? They are getting their teeth kicked in all over the front." Karl remarked sarcastically. 

"Sheriff just raise the alarm and get the town guard to their posts! The people will hide in the bunkers bellow." The Town Guard urged him. 

Rolling his eyes, the large Warden Sheriff got up and pulled back a wooden sliding panel. It revealed an alarm switch. He pulled it down turning on the alarm system. Screaming sirens filled the air as a warning of an attack. Brynn rushed out of the Motte and Bailey to see a sizeable force heading this way. Did the Vestrisians and Castarians disagree on how to run things as usual? She remembered back in 1837 tensions between the member states and Castaria rose high enough to ignite a civil war. Villages still came under attack out of control, and people went missing only to be found by some adventurer after killing a monster. Castaria claimed it would control the situation. It did, but not enough to keep the vermin from amassing in force. Donitzi Thumb had 137 Town Guards, 58 soldiers, 20 cavalry men manning the fort, and 17 warriors to protect 1,359 residents. Dinotzi Thumb's residents were rushing towards the bailey and fort for protection. Their defenders were just rallying to their stations armed with T.M. 13 rifles, Repeaters, shotguns, and Etterson rifles or E-5s. She raced past the marshaling defenders, and scared civilians to warn her own Country-Guard, and Kriscyne's Dragoons. Looking up at the force she saw it was still growing in force. More people raced towards the Dinotzi Thumb. From the corner of her eye she spotted a lone rider racing towards the northeast. She was facing southward. 

Castaria-Zegrav #1: Country-Guard

 "What did you do this time?" she asked kicking him in the side. 

Still holding the scoped rifle in his arms Wyllum Gravezz lay against a thick tree root. He did not stir from his spot, but his eyes were open showing signs she woke him up. Seeing he did not answer nor get up she kicked him again. Wyllum still did not get up acting as a stubborn ass and fool. A fool that acted brain dead and hard of hearing. She could not believe the insubordination he was displaying right now. This sort of behavior would never slide with the V.U.V.R. and the now old Black Coats. Being part Elf, and part human with a hint of Forsythan she came from a Celic Clan like family in Bymere. Brynn Rosefire had enough of Wyllum's stubbornness already. It had been two weeks since the last time she saw anyone with the expression of carelessness, but guilty. 

"Get up first then tell me what you did this time!" She commanded him with anger in her voice. Under her command were 7 Orc Slicers from Geverine, 5 Half-Orc locals, 18 Goblin Archers (Marksmen), 16 alchemists, 5 female elf archers, 15 male elf bowmen, 21 swordsmen, one female Forysthan as a bodyguard, 18 short rogues, 18 clansmen warriors, and 9 highlanders from Naatrida. Among these 133 she also commanded some extra 144 volunteers from those who could not find a spot in the V.A.V.R. or other branches of the V.U.V.R. military. There were those who did not make the cut, others conscripted from prison sentences, black sheep, outcasts, and the ones whose families forbade them from joining. Most of these made up the irregular army country-guard of the V.U.V.R. They were loosely linked with the National Guards whose job it was to patrol, scour, and hunt for any monsters, outlaws, or renegades. Her 277 country-guard were one of 30 units operating all over the Vestrisan Republics. Wyllum was one of those young rebellious conscripts whose parents believed this would straighten him out. She wanted to prove them wrong by sending him back home. 

"Yes Captain." Wyllum replied getting up. He straightened himself in the irregular black oil skin coat over an ugly plaid shirt, denim trousers, military style boots, and a tan shirt that still did not cover the chest tattoo. His long mop hair made him appear like a homeless tramp of a dog. Not facial hair could be seen as he was clean shaven. 

"What did you do?" Brynn demanded from him seizing the rifle from him. Since the war required the best military hardware the country-guard had to make due with older weapons including some old traditional ones. Aside from bows, swords, axes, cudgels, maces, spears, war picks, short-swords, daggers, long knives, war hammers, and machetes, they were commissioned firearms. Among her country-guard the authorities commissioned 51 repeater rifles, 90 T.M.10 breech loaders, 39 shotguns(double barreled), 166 old Onway pistols, 48 revolvers, 33 machine pistols, 12 hunting rifles, 16 bolt action rifles, 55 scoped rifles, 10 7mm Submachinegun, 4 Legacy Machineguns, and 19 T.M. 13 bolt-action rifles for the Hallowed Rangers. They had more back at their own headquarters as well as the alchemists. 

"I shot a suspicious figure by the old temple to Ipsul and ancient Griballi." Wyllum answered her. 

Looking over her right shoulder Brynn spotted the temple ruin in the distance. A patchwork of trees grew around it and three had grown inside it. Four other structures stood nearby it, forming a nice tiny settlement. It was more of a dwelling, but still large enough for anyone to campout or hide in. A squad of 17 Dragoons of the V.U.V.R. who were also members of the Armored Branches whether it was a tank, armored vehicle, or motorbike. In this area most of the vehicles were reserved for the frontlines. That left them limited to horses. She had no doubt they were hear because of the shot Wyllum fired. Just earlier this morning they also shot up a bunch of hostiles. A band of 36 Bandits who attacked a village, and some warband of 67 Gnolls that burned a nearby homestead estate. Just yesterday her company had to kill a pack of 15 Wolves. Each one made for an edible meal. Today was a huge wild beast of a cow someone believed to be a Yackdreth. 

"Well Wyllum you and I shall ride over there and discuss this matter with those Dragoons. Am I understood?" Brynn told Wyllum getting close and personal. Her nose inches from his face. Hope to the gods that was an outlaw he shot. She thought to herself. Brynn did not get a very good look at the figure he shot yet as she was preoccupied with a group of 9 Elf Male Sorcerers travelling with 24 Castarian Skells(retainers). This group reported 10 swamp creatures to the south, and 22 Ghouls crossing over from Zegrav desecrating graves. One of them known as Ibe shuddered saying the fiends were feasting on the dead. Fortunate for them their retainers killed a few Ghouls, and Swamp creatures, allowing for them to avoid others. 

Grumbling under his breath Wyllum saddled up on his steed "Obe", an ashen grey horse of six years old. She mounted her own brown mare with white spots she named "Hahzel". Since they did not receive much they did manage to get 282 horses to travel on. Thanks to the generosity of locals, dying lords, and barren house holds her Hallowed Rangers received a humble hut, rocky bunker base that could be covered with a tent or wooden roof on stakes, dwelling of 4 cottages, 2 stone houses, a fenced two building dwelling with a well. A cart with supplies were given to them as well as crates and barrels to keep them well fed. At some sites they had to construct their own stables. Riding over to these Dragoons Brynn thought about the words she would say to these Dragoons called over here by someone. In the distance of Southern Castaria-Zegrav she could see some other settlements. Cities of Green-Blade, Manscar, Eagle's Wound, Glass-Rose, Bovengrad, Kingsbow, Stagville, and Agbuul rested on the landscape before them. Dotting the area around them were other smaller settlements connected by roads. Getting closer to the Dragoons the pair of Country-Guard see one of them approach them with one arm stretched out. Brynn stopped her steed then motioned for Wyllum to do the same. 

"Name, rank, profession, and branch!" the Dragoon commanded, speaking first. 

"Rosefire, Captain, former Assistant Guide, an irregular of the NG country-guard!" she said aloud raising her voice so he could hear her. Glancing at each Dragoon she noticed the caps and helmets had those black feathery plumes. Their uniforms under the duster coats held a tint of mineral alloy color. Very similar to the old Vestrisian Uniforms during the days it was a mercenary army for hire. Yet the equestrian riding boots appeared custom made with the soles of a hiking boot attached. Taking a better look at the Dragoon who halted them Brynn noticed he was tall and lean muscled. Close to 6'2 she would have to say. A half-elf like herself this Dragoon showed more of the serious elf attitude. He was most likely from Zedarkhaand. 

"Who might you be, Dragoon?" She asked him feeling a little bolder than she wanted to be for this situation. 

"2nd Lieutenant Dorhomin Kriscyne, Forward Lancer, Expert Marskman, Equestrian High Class. My Commanding Officer, Captain Hycis Gilfir sent me with a portion of our cavalry unit on a hunt for an escaped mad alchemist-necromancer from Stagville asylum-jail." Lieutenant Kriscyne answered. 

"Correctional Facility you mean." she corrected him. Most jails and prisons were converted into such facilities and asylums since the V.U.V.R. formed. As cruel as it was their governments chose to send the worst or criminals to the front against the alien invaders. This was not implemented until 1843 when the Nazdar and Gantronese sent in reinforcements. From her acquaintances in the military she heard of a invasions into Dorntalla, and Zekmar. Any thieves, burglars, and those who committed lesser crimes were used for labor. It was paid of course in coinage, clothes, food, and bedding. 

"So they are called that now." He replied coldly for a moment then returned to a more calm voice. "Who among your Country-Guard, Captain Rosefire, fired that shot?" 

Kriscyne's expression became more wide eyed and demanded an explanation. Brynn could of have sworn her heart, lungs, and uvula sank into her stomach. Wyllum probably shot someone important or a civilian out for a stroll. Looking at the youth she wanted to knock him off his horse. Her gaze returned to the Lieutenant who still glared her. Was it really that bad for Wyllum to shoot this one? Brynn was about to fess up to the accusation even if wasn't her fault when the Lieutenant pulled out a letter from his jacket. 

"Congratulations! That was him!" Lieutenant Kriscyne said smiling with his eyes for a brief moment. 

Brynn was stunned for a few moments. Did they shoot someone on the run or something? She needed a moment to process this and glanced around their surroundings. An ancient ruin wall flanked them on the left. Perched on it were a total of 13 cats blankly staring at them. Around them she heard 13 toads. On the branches of surrounding trees she saw a dozen Owls. She wasn't too fond of cats as they leave fur all over places they like to sit, even your lap. Toads were a creature she tolerated. As for Owls to her they made fine companions. Returning her attention to Lieutenant Kriscyne she took the letter from him. Opening it up it was a bounty on a Mad Man's head known as Chemist Dorsal Sadauri Ibim for 2100 Republic Eagles. That would add to their reward in the bounty for those Gnolls and Bandits. Together the bounties for the Gnolls and Bandits estimated to 2,388 Republic Eagles in terms of paper money. 

"I just shot a wanted man! That is my kill my money, hand it over! I'll-" Wyllum barked out before Brynn swatted him off his horse. Obe stood their waiting for his rider to get back up. Unfortunately for Wyllum the ground was still wet from the previous rain two days ago. 

All the Dragoons behind Lieutenant Kriscyne bellowed out with laughter. Taking another look at these Dragoons Brynn noted their weapons. Carbine Rifles, short barreled T.M. 13's, E-7 rifles, revolvers, and A-76 pistols. For melee weapons they carried or wielded sabers, lances, dirks, and batons. Brynn checked herself and her saddle. At her own side she had the clansman axe, bayonet, saber, and revolver on the right side. Her clan Dirk, rifle, and sledge mallet rested on her left side. In a bandolier holster she had the machine pistol. 

"I am sure you will get your just reward, boy. Our superiors received information of people sighting alien aircraft in this region. It occurs mostly under the darkness of midnight. That makes it harder for our aircraft to intercept. Have any of your men seen anything unusual out here?" Lt. Kriscyne asked. His eyes were on Brynn, ignoring the fallen Wyllum who was now getting up. 

Brynn's ears picked something up from their right flank. Her head shot to the right where one of the cats rushed away. The other cats already disappeared, leaving them to the company of whatever was nearby and the owls. Out of the corner of her eye Brynn saw Wyllum remount covered in mud. She would have laughed, but the noise came again louder and revealed more than one creature. Kriscyne and the other Dragoons looked up to see what the noise was. Worried these Dragoons would only overlook this she caught the Lieutenant's attention. 

"Lieutenant! Lieutenant! Did you hear that?" she asked him. Kriscyne turned his whole gaze on her. 

"Yes." He replied in a prickly voice. "It could be a herd or pack wandering around."

"Lieutenant forgive me, but that is a lie." she told him. 

"Well let me lie to my superiors about a group of thirteen Dwarf Miners nearby. They heard the shot, but I can say your men just scared them." He warned her. "Or I can lie by saying the madman is still on the loose and a Country-Guard shot a civilian out for a stroll!" 

Silence was all they could muster from their lips. Brynn knew the V.U.V.R. Dragoons did not care for the civilian soldiers. Any noncombatant that got in harms way, particularly a civilian, were on the list of priorities for them to protect. Keeping everyone safe wasn't an easy task. Whenever civilians are near scene of a crime, an attack, lair, or area of hostiles securing their safety proved difficult. Brynn was about to speak when a group of seven half nude, feral looking, 6ft tall cycloptic humanoids drooling at the mouth sprung from their hiding places. Each creature were covered in blood all over their stomach, chest, and mouths. Even their hands had blood on them. Seventeen Dragoons filled these feral creatures with holes from their pistols and carbines. These creatures' wailing, screeching like cries shook Brynn a little. Loud and bone shattering their cries were. She had to cover her ears as did Wyllum. Just because those cries were cut short did not mean the screeches left her mind. Each group waited for more to show up as ten of her own Country-Guards rode over to their location. 

Brynn turned to wave them away. None of them were needed at the moment. Sending Wyllum back with them she heard them heckling and laughing at him. She wasn't fond of being alone like this near military personnel. Brynn wasn't a soldier, not anymore. Not since they disbanded the Black Coats back in 1833. Back then she was still considered young at the age of 38. She joined at a much younger age becoming more of an adult through her experiences as a Soldier and Mercenary. Now she was just a volunteer scouring the countryside along the Zegrav-Castarian border hunting down uncivilized humanoids, outlaws, bandits, and monsters. 

New Territory

 "Sir look at this we found how many there are and what warriors there are. It is a long list but it is helpful. These Order of the Beasts have some green worm, a camallis (mutant beast), hell horn warrior, etten brute, mutant octopus, a lion mutant and some draconic warlord in charge. Among them are 126 Orc beings, 128 Tessars, 15 Toceanids, 14 lizard men, some dreamer bladesman, 12 worm monsters, 13 Golems, 16 Drow as patrolmen, a mage knight, wormling, white beast, a cyclops fighter, an Oni Brute, warcrafter mercenary, demon roamer, 12 Gnolls, 9 Owil monsters, a bronze worming, and a vulture demon. The, the list goes on. Two croc warrior mutants, 107 shell reptile mutants, a dragon Mutant, 2 rhino mutants, 6 ape gorilla mutants, 6 mutant monsters, 5 winged demons, Tiger mutant, Fish mutant, Bull mutant, 100 of those cepholapoids, 10 roach humanoids, one war troll, blue brute 4 kanine prowlers, and a jungle troll on a leash. It is not the last I swear. Under the command of some Bearling and Troglodyte there are 13 sea trolls, one catfolk warrior, a hook bird monster, 13 dwarf demons, 13 thin archers, 396 monster soldiers, 2 beaked tentacle monsters, a witch troll, 13 humanoid monsters, 111 Ogres, 18 human thralls, 115 Death Knights we fought before. At the bottom they command a Reaper knight, 12 Nolizurs, 140 monster fighters, 14 Goanna humanoids, 15 starspawn, a purple half demon, some Goblin Abomination, a Monster Octopus Warrior, and a female demon monster. With a force like that sir they have that other island secure." Grinna the Goblinoid handed Cularis a journal of some sorts they found on one of the officers from attacking force. 

Izzine did her part in taking out the patrol. It was unfortunate she was hit in the shoulder by a Gantronese sniper rifle the Hujin 38. That was one rifle his troops feared the most when fighting snipers or marksmen. Every few weeks his guerillas would run into a marksman armed with one. Every they received new recruits by the dozens his men felt emboldened. He still had a force of 170 to command. There were of course the score of noncombatants who aided in other tasks while his soldiers did the fighting. Cularis was fortunate after this engagement. Ten days passed between now and the Zhenrai's arrival. News came to him about 1,000 reinforcements combining with the several thousand that came from the neutral islands brought relief. Within a week they would be on the way. To the south the Vestrisians engaged the Gantronese once again halting another attempt to relief the invading forces that struggled to hold on to the Unknown Lands. Such a vast territory would prove near impossible to occupy. Even the Vestrisians could see this as they left the local populations alone. 

Giving it more time, Cularis did not act until the rest of their forces arrived from Kilscar Orvain with more forces. With their new mercenaries and volunteers the three islands the Order of the Beast held became theirs. Gaining new territory allowed more room to build new structures or use the structures still standing. During the phase of garrisoning forces they engaged smaller groups of Gantronese forces, mercenaries, and other invaders. What he did not really expect were dragons to be recruited. Some Wizards ventured past Talus with their own mercenaries, and volunteers. In lands past Vorcadam, Talus, and Iperantos 16 dragons joined them. Showing their true strength these dragons took down a few invader ships, hindering any chances for the Gantronese to aid forces in the Unknown Lands. As days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months, they held most of the islands west of Kilscar Orvain. Half the dragons died, and five left due to boredom to the north. To help anyone seeking to join them his IBOIS constructed 4 lighthouse beacons. All four were set up on separate islands closest to the sea. One of the islets are reinforced with five cannons, three extra boats to the eight already there, and a small ship crewed by buccaneers. Most islets received the same armament to bolster their positions against the invaders. In this campaign his forces and guerillas killed an estimate of 462, 681 Gantronese troops along the coasts along the Unknown Lands. This was with help from the VUVR in their war over the city-states. 

Time went on with more victories, which were either costly or barely any losses. In the year 1844 AN or AE their core forces swelled over ten thousands. Most of the wizards resettled in the isles of Ruhontrha, and the city-states free of the Gantronese grip. Izzine continued to serve in Gredaro's place despite his recovery. However, in the Unknown Lands a lethal stalemate was imposed through the jungles, marshes, and hills. Both Gantronese and Vestrisian Forces had to fight the savage tribes, wilderness, and strange forces aside from each other. This concerned Cularis because the Gantronese were not crushed yet in the Unknown Lands. His IBOIS faction received more reinforcements from everywhere. 

Travelling from Old Nevora 9 Rogues, 22 Rangers, 5 Assassins, and 41 Orcs joined them. Seven heroes, 6 Evusian Rangers, 46 Pirates, and 11 Dwarf Gun Clerics marshalled to the IBOIS. Directly from Ruhonthra, and Korvatzi he received 260 Goblin Raiders, 7 Crusaders, 7 Monires Fighters smuggle their way to their islands. A team of 21 Bowmen seeking thrills arrive along with 11 female Rogues, 9 Swordsmen from Alagen, 5 Gnome Wizards seeking justice. Coming from several different countries came 128 bandits charged with crimes seeking to serve. One battalion of 900 bored Spearmen from Kilscar Orvain, Oramatra, and Oceanrest Var come to aid them. Checking some of their spoils he discovered they captured 43 gunships that required fuel, 9 troop shuttles, and 14 transports. These came with the 60 captured Gantronese bases on other islands and 291 aircraft and starfighters found. 

With each victory more forces came to their side. Five elves from Vestrisia, 8 vigilante turned rebels, 3 Death soldiers, and 5 sword soldiers from Iperantosi Islands joined. Seventeen Koriv Axe men join along with 4 alien Kitsune Mercenaries on a long-ship bringing bridge making material. Ten soldiers from Emerald Claw City, and 10 Knights from an Ivy Crown State that were now under invader occupation sign up. They bring 2 Death Knell Soldiers, 9 shield wall soldiers who build a tower on an island. Hailing from Estoras one lone Lizard Soldier with a castle key travelled here with 12 Dwarf Soldiers, 6 Zhont state Soldiers. Six more Death Knell soldiers come later simultaneously as 6 Phalanx Dwarf soldiers, a ninja shinobi, 4 Phalanx soldiers, 12 former Dwarf King Guards who bring a Death tower. Aliens came down to aid them such as 36 Dragon Lizardmen from a planet known as Nozur with 17 Orcs mounted on dire wolves. A contingent of 10 Elf Rangers arrive from Miccado as rebels, and 7 Evusian Rangers marshal to him with a female Black Mage. His faction also came across another one called the Exiled Rebels who recruited from countries that fell to the invaders. 

This included various knights and warriors from dozens of countries already occupied by the invaders. Full companies of 123 Eagle Knights, 194 Lionnes, 121 Red Dragons, 85 Falcon Hawks from the large island continent. Just 99 Dwarfs from Estoras, 56 Elves were part of a rebel group in Estoras, and72 members of two Wolf clans who refused to submit found their way here. From Talus, which was part of Gantronese Imperial holdings 26 warriors pushed their way here. From Vorcadam a group of 9 Serpent Knights joined this Exiled Rebels. Just 12 Swan Knights, 92 Independent Knights, 30 Crusaders, and 16 Purple Dragons came over to the Exiled Rebels. Many claimed to be from the likes of Tenmorath, Vamadria, Korvatzi, Vorbos, Retoriam, Vishnael, Fecuvia, Eviin, and Korvini. Each would have allied with the VUVR and the rest of the newly formed Calornese Alliance if they were not under the invaders' boot heels. For the next few years both factions put up a fight against the Gantronese while the VUVR, and their allies engaged larger fleets. They aided them several times each month as dogfights became massive like swarms of wasps and bees fighting each other. His forces also helped with a few skirmishes at sea between the Invaders and the VUVR whose U Boats paved a route for open trade for neutral states. 

In late 43-45 his forces rescued 89 Calornese Allied Pilots, saved 78 sailors, and captured 98 Gantronese pilots. Most of the pilots were turned over while the rest committed suicide while in their cells. With help from other pirates the Wizards hired, and rallied they captured 29 pirates and outlaws. During on battle his forces captured 208 Gantronese troops, allies, and collaborators. Most joined them since they came from Calorn. Whereas the rest were either sent to VUVR hands, executed, held captive or freed out of sympathy. As months passed by their VUVR partners and counterparts started suffering attacks in the Unknown Lands. One incident detailed a force of 4157 dying in an all-out attack on Vestrisian positions. Vestrisians suffered 904 dead, 1,343 wounded, and the rest were forced to pull back with the wounded. Little was known about who attacked the Vestrisians, but it did scare scores of Uxane who fled here and to the Iperantosi Isles, of which one island was almost unpopulated. Cularis and his fellow Wizard leaders had to be content with what territories they currently held. Whatever was going on in the Unknown Lands would only cripple them if they made any attempts to intervene. 

Order of the Beast Returns

 Izzine stepped to the side letting her contacts lead them. They were informed about them, but she wasn't really informed about them very much. It was more likely hinted at. Yet according to the other Wizards a Goblin Mage managed to gather a sizeable, small army to fight the Gantronese. Cannie, Durditz, Bellime, Faidal, Christal and Voden herded them into a larger room as they climbed down. A well dug up and constructed bunker's interior lay before them. Entering an entry chamber in the shape of a trapezoid they could tell these IBOIS soldiers made themselves busy with its modifications and tunneling. Just looking at it Izzine could tell tools were used in its construction. Past the trapezoid room they entered a large rectangular shaped room with three tunneled halls along its flanks. Several of their contacts left them in the hands of Cannie, and Faidal. Cannie led them further through the bunker system that took them to a large hexagon shaped room that had rooms, and tunnels trailing off. 

Noticing the main rooms were empty Izzine assumed the rest were resting or something. Cannie grabbed Izzine by the arm and took her to a room on the left. She snapped her finger which signaled for the large Faidal to block the others from following them. In her own deep voice she explained to them Izzine was to meet the leader alone. Turning to face them Izzine told them to wait there. She followed Cannie into the other room. Cannie lightly pulled Izzine into a room that was shaped like a sphere cut in half. Inside the round room was a table with a map on it surrounded by a few officers. Only one of them Izzine could identify as Cularis. 

"Corporal Cannie reporting back in, Colonel Cularis sir. This is Izzine White-Spear the Zhenrai sent over to fill in for Gredaro." Cannie said with a salute to the higher rank. 

"How many arrived?" Cularis asked the Bard who was now Corporal Cannie. He placed a few white flags on some islands on the map. 

"Her 8 mercenaries and a crew of 43 pirates." Cannie replied. 

Cularis looked up with wide eyes of shock and horror in them. Izzine could tell this was not good news to him. He was expecting the whole armada to show up at this very island. Izzine was no military strategist or tactician yet it was obvious to her something was going on. Another battle was about to take place. 

"We need that extra force to beat back the Gantronese mercenaries! I only have a force of  174 to defend this island! All we get are 8 mercenaries, 43 pirates, and one Zhenrai! Radio Obrik about this." Cularis barked at them baring his teeth. 

"There are 5000 others coming this way." Izzine responded to the outburst. 

"Really? In Obrik's last message to me she said there were a thousand coming this way." Cularis scoffed a little. It seemed he was rubbing this information in the dirt after wiping his ass with it. 

"One of the Wizards informed me that you were able to seize another island. Or is this the only island you managed to keep?" Izzine put in hoping this would not insult the commander. His nostrils flared a little at this. For a few seconds he said nothing. 

"There are a dozen islands, some do not show up on maps due to failed expeditions, or other forces at work. Our common enemy the Gantronese invader held one island and another faction known as the Order of the Beast once held this one." Cularis said turning around to look at another map of Calorn on the wall. 

"Sir a group of O.B. forces have landed!" someone shouted from behind her. 

"Sverx! Everyone is either tired or wounded. Zhenrai this is your chance! Go use your powers or something." Cularis commanded Izzine. 

Without hesitation Izzine twirled around to pass a half goblin female that came up to her shoulder. She raced towards the exit eager to show what she can do. Her Order's missions were not as exciting as this first one for the newly formed IBOIS. Heading for the exit she hollered at the 8 mercenaries to get ready. Throwing off her robe Izzine summoned a few spirits to increase her combat skills and strengthen her. Running past the mercenaries Izzine climbed the ladder back up to the surface. Her eight mercenaries struggled to keep up. Once she was on the surface Izzine went straight to ascension to scan the island. Her mercenaries made a circle around her with their weapons primed and focused on every direction around them. Scanning the island below she found a force of 37 strange alien humanoids scouting the island as a unit. She got out of ascension and prepared herself. Stomping on the ground she launched herself in the air. Izzine flipped around landing outside the mercenary circle. She unsheathed her blade and raced to meet the scouting unit of invaders. 

Izzine did not stop for anyone. She was sent here to fight invaders. Rushing towards his unit her skills did not allow them time to react or even see her coming after them. Killing the 37 member scouting party she felt like this took away the invader's eyes a little. When she stopped to settle back in her normal phase her 8 mercenaries finally caught up to her. Each one were exhausted from running after her. She was clearly faster than them due to her abilities and training. Just looking at them she wondered if they really needed an army. A sharp pain went through her right shoulder as though something sharp impaled her there. Moments after feeling the sharp pain Izzine heard the sound of a rifle going off. One of the mercenaries pulled her down as the rest opened fire on an enemy she was not facing. Blood flowed from the wound soaking her robes. How could she be this clumsy? Sure she was still young, but how did she not sense this enemy? It hit her like a shock wave. This was a war, something Izzine was not too familiar with. She was plunging right into it. Letting the mercenaries carry her back she went into ascension to look at the 37 scouts. Among them was a horned warrior with blue skin, a croc mutant, some smaller ettin brute, shell reptile mutant, a lion mutant, as well as mutants for a few other animal humanoids. She spotted an Ogre, an ugly white beast, war troll, a blue skinned brute, a goblinoid abomination, vulture demon of some sorts, one big Troglodyte, and a few other humanoids she did not recognize. 

She was rushed back as quickly as they carried her. Sporadic fire was exchanged showing the invader pursued them. From the brush machinegun fire erupted forcing whoever pursued them back to their lines. Her mercenaries took her to the safety of the bunker. There she was tended to while the IBOIS soldiers under Cularis fought off the first wave. Izzine rested for a day before deciding to get up and walk around. Inside the medical chamber she found a wall dedicated to the IBOIS. 

She looked at a section of a wall with names, professions, and ethnic group. Among the first members to fight were Amphianoids, lone Crusader, an Elf Warlock, Warrior from Oceanrest Var, Grussians, Draconic Assassin, Barbarian, Cycloptic Warrior, Rangers, Boar Mercenary, Dwarfs, Magesar Rogues, Sentient insectoid. Izzine did not care for insects or bugs. Some gave her the creeps. Seeing there insect humanoids made it worse for her. Ever since her child hood she was creeped out by large insects. Shaking it off Izzine read more of the names on the wall. There was a young Barbarian named Efrit, an unnamed pinkish monster, an elf rogue outlaw called Gedwir, a winged crusader from Syrianos, some two headed wolf experiment along with 3 wolf pets. These wolves had names such as Borlin, Rolin, and Lina. As she kept reading she noticed some hand been labeled as aliens. This included an elite droid from another world, 4 bulky blue bots, 32 mercenary clones who came with 9 combat vehicles. Seeing them on the wall gave her the idea there were others who wanted to liberate Calorn. Izzine kept reading while her mercenaries rested and the pirates unloaded what was needed to make camp. Four half elf monks joined from Kilscar Orvain, a pair of orange elf knights joined from Miccado, a spearman, 6 goblin hybrids all joined at the same time as the monks. From other parts two Bone Cultists, a renegade elf wizard, reptilian gunslinger, a half Orc barbarian outcast, one Orc Ax fighter, and a hooded Mage fought and died as a team. Six Kilscar Orvain Warriors joined them because they were shamed for life. A young ninja warrior from Vorcadam joined because he was a runaway avoiding the Gantronese draft. Others included a long blade Ranger, crafty rogue, a former Paladin Initiate, and a pirate captain known as Barnabyss Froste.