Drums and the Cliffs Chapter

Olverd lifted his head as they were dragged through the jungle leaves brushed against his face. The Ipama that held him wore some of the armor they tore from the corpses of the Cren Warriors that were killed. It was hard to tell if there was blood on the armor since they were blood red. Some of the blood had dried and would rust the metal over time. The Captain could tell the Ipama never cleaned anything they took from outsiders who landed on their territory. Olverd took his gaze from the Ipama’s loot and observing the jungles around them. Other small creatures were looking at them as they passed through the jungle.

Small monkeys chattered to themselves as they looked at the newcomers the Ipama were dragging with them to some place that Ilkabad knew existed on this island. Some of the monkeys jumped on the shoulders of the Ipama who just swatted them off. Other Ipama did not mind and allowed some of the monkeys to climb on for a ride. Olverd watched the monkeys follow them curious about the new people who had come to their island. One light brown one looked at Olverd with his small eyes and followed Olverd’s captors. It made its little monkey chatter as it kept up with him. Olverd looked at it in the eyes through his hair. He could not brush it aside due to his arms being tied behind his back. Other monkeys followed them but climbed even higher bored of the new comers and larger cousins.

The monkey he was looking at had something different about him than the rest besides his continuous curiosity over the Captain. Olverd noticed a stripe on the monkey’s shoulder, this made it easier to identify him from the rest of the monkeys who just had small spots in their fur. The striped monkey followed Olverd and looked ahead then looked at him as though he could see or hear something up ahead. As Olverd watched him not caring to see where the Ipama were taking them he saw this one was not popular amongst his own. Many of the other monkeys jumped on him shoving him off of branches and vines. Others threw things at him and even hit him. Olverd took notice and had pity on the striped monkey.

Olverd made it clear to the monkey that he felt sorry for him with his expression on his face. It seemed to have read his expression and jumped for him. Olverd’s new little friend landed on his shoulder. It climbed all over him sniffing the Captain and getting used to this new comer. The striped monkey reached around his shirt them slipped inside and held on. Olverd found this amusing and let him stay in his shirt. What else could the Captain do while being dragged and his arms tied behind his back? Olverd’s new friend went along for the journey through the jungle abandoning his own kind to the island of Kruskor. He looked down at the striped monkey who looked at him in return. Olverd smiled at him feeling relief from having a companion for his ship. 

“I will call you Oross.” He proclaimed to this monkey. Oross was excited about his new name and a new master. Oross made his monkey noises until something shut him up. Oross dove deeper into his shirt scared of something up ahead.

“What is wrong Oross-?” Olverd asked but the sounds up ahead answered.

Drums could be heard in the distance. The rhythm sounded like that of a ritual taking place or preparing for one. Everyone around Olverd raised their heads up at the sounds of the drums as the sounds started to become more definite to the ear. Their captives pulled them along taking them closer and closer to the noise of the drums. With each step taken forward the sounds grew louder. The rhythm of the drums became more defined. Olverd listened to the drums carefully even though he could hear slightly. He heard the drum beats grow louder and louder. To him the rhythm of the drums sounded menacing adding a disturbing feel to the jungles.

These jungles on the island of Kruskor already revealed the dangers to the sailors from Auxmire. His crew and those passengers were scared to the bone when the Ipama attacked their ship. When they lost the battle the women aboard were horror stricken to see men they knew piled up in pieces on the deck of the Lessiiv. Their nightmare worsened when the Ipama killed the Cren Order who believed the Cren had control over the Ipama. Now another Ipama tribe was taking its prize somewhere on the island where there were drums being played.

Olverd looked around him trying to find Ilkabad and Evnar. He even looked over his shoulder to see if they were behind him as the drums grew louder and louder. Their captors continued the trek through the jungle with their sacrifices. The Captain of the Lessiiv and his fellow captives listened to the sounds of the drums increase as they seemed to approach wherever the Ipama were taking them. It was difficult to tell if they were approaching the end of the jungle for it was thick with trees and brush. To Olverd it seemed impossible to forge a path through this brush. He looked up and saw more Ipama watching them and just listened to the drums of death grow louder as though they were there.

The Ipama marching up ahead disappeared into the brush again. This time there were shouts that emerged joining the loud drums. When he heard the shouts Olverd knew this would not be good for them. The shouts continued even as the captives were brought forth. Olverd’s captives hauled him out of the jungle to what appeared to be the end of the jungle. As he was pulled out of the jungle and sat down on his knees in front of a stone surface covered in lichen Olverd saw their fate. They were taken to the other side of the island where the cliffs were located. There was enough room on the cliffs to settle a village on top. The stone of the cliff stretched from the edges of the jungles to the sea.

Olverd was placed next to one of his crew members in a line. Each prisoner was lined up along the edge of the stone that went to the cliffs. Near the edges were the sources of the drums. Five or seven large drums were set in the center with more Ipama drumming smaller drums circling each drum. Around the circle of drums were scores of Ipama dancing in rhythm with the drum beats. At the cliffs were shamans spreading bowls of powdered blood over the edges chanting on and on. When the last prisoner was placed at the edge of the stone surface the Ipama placed their spears in the ground behind the prisoners. They built a fence of spears in front of the jungle behind the sacrifices they brought with them to the cliffs.

There seemed to be no stopping of the drums as the drummers beat their rhythms furiously as the dancers went on with another type of dance. This dance was not in a circle but had the dancers roam the interior of the cliff staying clear of the edges. As this dance went on the Ipama started moving the women to one side of the area away from the men. Each girl squirmed still trying to get free, but ended up succumbing to the Ipama when they forced themselves on them. The Ipama that were in charge approached the ones fucking the women and twisted the head of one of the assailants. Others backed off, but were eager to pounce on the women.

One of the shaman stopped spreading the red powder and left the cliff’s edge. He was dressed in a cloak thick with feathers. He raised his hand and the drumming stopped. The dancers also ceased and bowed before the Shaman. Olverd watched the shaman approach the line of captives who were to be the sacrifices. It went down the line from right to left looking down at each captive. The shaman stopped in front of a Cren warrior then pointed at him. “The first sacrifice.” Olverd heard Evnar mutter.

He turned to the Angoth with wide eyes realizing this was truly happening here on this very island. Olverd turned back to the shaman and the first sacrifice. The Cren Warrior looked up at the Shaman shaking a little. The servant of the Cren Order did not know what was in store for him, but the way the Shaman pointed at him frightened him enough. What happened next was anyone’s guess as the Shaman dipped his thumb in the bowl and smeared the red substance over the Cren Servant’s brow. Once the red substance was on the sacrifice the Shaman ordered two Ipama to seize the sacrifice. The Shaman turned to the drummers and dancers then nodded.

Each sacrifice and prisoner suffered the horrid beats of the drums once more. This time the dancers shook their bracelets and necklaces of bones with the drums. The chosen sacrifice was forced to his feet and dragged over to the edges of the cliffs. When the sacrifice saw where they were dragging him he struggled to get free. He even pushed back with his feet trying to get away from the edge of the cliff. His captors were too strong for him to resist. The drums continued to beat until the sacrifice was brought to the edge of the cliff. Everything fell silent leaving the air completely silent. No one could tell what the sacrifice could see, but most would guess he would see the reefs. He would see the rough waters around the reefs that stood higher than the cliffs.

Olverd watched the Ipama toss the first sacrifice over the cliff and into the waters below. All the Ipama cheered and shouted, some screamed with joy others jumped around. When their excitement died the drums started again until the Ipama Shaman chose a second sacrifice. The Shaman went down the line once or twice before he chose another Servant of the Cren Order that was next to Ilkabad. Each captive and sacrifice watched as the second sacrifice was tossed over the cliffs. The second sacrifice was grabbed by four Ipama. To Olverd it seemed like the Ipama wanted to make these sacrifices quick for some reason. Each captive watched the second victim scream as he was brought to the edge of the cliff. The four Ipama holding him did not hesitate and tossed him over. In moments the drums began again and the process presumed all over again.

“How long will this take Captian?” a crew member asked Olverd as the Captain looked on. The sailor kept staring at the Captain waiting for an answer from him. Olverd did not have the right answer for the crew member, nor did he know how long these sacrifices were. As the drums continued the third sacrifice was being chosen Olverd turned to the crew member.

“This could take all night or until all the captives are thrown over those cliffs. I do not know the true answers here. Don’t ask the Angoths either, they may not know for sure.” Olverd answered as best he could. He still felt as though he was lying to the crew member of his own ship.

Ipama drummers continued drumming and the dancers rattled their bone necklaces. The Shaman stood in front of the third victim of the cliffs. This time the Shaman slapped him across the face. Three Ipama went to another part of the cliff where the gorge began. Each one grabbed hold of something and pulled it up. The drums began again as the Ipama pulled up some chains that were hanging over the walls of the gorge. Attached to the chains was one of the skeletons they saw earlier. Whoever the skeleton was before it did not matter the third sacrifice was about to share the same fate. The Ipama unshackled the remains and tossed them over the cliff. Sacrifice three screamed as he was shackled at the wrists before being flung over the wall of the gorge. The drums beat furiously as the Ipama prepared to choose a fourth sacrifice. Olverd watched as the Ipama went through the process of sacrifice one more time. 

Engaging at Sea Chapter

Being aboard a frigate had its excitements, but it also had its miserable moments. Lieutenant Aloc Otkerson knew there were times a frigate’s crew would hardly see action. The other miserable times would be those times of evasive action. Another would be trying to avoid your own damned depth charges. It was even worse at night while on hunts for enemy submarines. He recalled one incident he heard about while on the island of Vollantrodha. This event happened in late 1846 between the coasts of Vidothra and the Boathrin islands.

A lone destroyer went after a Nazdar U-boat after a week long battle between a fleet of Nazdar vessels against two fleets of Vestrisian ships. This lone destroyer chased a partially damaged U boat to one of the islands of Vidothra. He remembered hearing how some of the depth charges exploded prematurely bringing attention to the Destroyer. All alone for two whole days the Destroyer known as “Blue Dagger” engaged coastal guns and twelve enemy ships. She was heavily damaged by the time seven other Vestrisian destroyers and fifteen frigates came to her rescue. Casualties were eleven Nazdar ships sunk, two damaged frigates, four damaged destroyers, one sunk destroyer and three frigates lost.

Having a fleet of over 2,000 ships for over eight years of this conflict made it possible to cover the Valde Ocean, the Southern oceans, and parts of the Castarian seas. In the course of this conflict the Vestrisian fleet has lost over two hundred or so vessels along with thousands of good sailors. Most of their losses were in the Valde Ocean against the combined fleets of Nymres, Gontrella, Vidothra, Vodwania, the Nazdar and the Gantronese.

Lieutenant Otkerson served six years in the Vestrisian Navy aboard the VNS “Golden Mace” whose crew and hull survived the heaviest fighting in the sea warfare. He stood in the bridge of the frigate command center aka control room 1) with three officers and four of the crewmen who were acting as back up pilots. Captain Jekar Milestones was in the command center of the frigate with the other pilots who were steering the ship. Aloc turned to his left to gaze outside at the ocean between Al-Dadoria and Gaskouth Ladai. The Lieutenant saw seventeen frigates, twelve destroyers, and six battle ships all spread out in the ocean. On the other side he saw thirteen frigates, eight destroyers, and one battle ship. His gaze turned to the ships in front of the Golden Mace. In front were twenty frigates and between them and those up front were fourteen destroyers and at least three of their Cruisers. He knew they had over ten destroyers and another sixteen frigates behind them.

Under the command of Kraken Viketh Silver-Guard who apparently had orders from Admiral John Edestar. These orders said to engage the Gantronese fleet from the south while another one hundred of their own ships attacks the Nazdar fleet from the North. They each will attack while scores of Shark (Ravid?) U-boats (submarines) sink any enemy vessels that try flanking or ambushing them as they retreat. Over the radio the crew of the Golden Mace overheard that the fleets up north routed the Gontrellans and Vodwanians. The enemy routed while the one hundred ships heading towards the Nazdar defended two islands from the enemy assaults. From what he recalled from reports they had over one hundred and fifty ships protecting the Vullanese half of Boathrin. There were now well over 2,500 ships in the Vestrisian navy since the production tried to keep up with their losses. Vestrisia ended up with spare ships which were filled up with new citizens and mostly elf sailors. Other ships were given to their smaller allies to the south and some neutral nations.

These new citizens were young people who had reached the age of eighteen. Many of their new citizens were able to fill the crews of these ships along with the elves who knew the seas. Seeing these young recruits reminded Aloc of his first days as a new recruit in the Vestrisian Navy. Lieutenant Otkerson served in the Vestrisian Navy for six years. It was in the year 1843 when he entered his first battle. This Frigate and hundreds of other ships engaged the fleets of Vullan, Gontrella, and Nymres for over four years. During those years the Vestrisian fleets fought between Adroth, Narice, Bosantra, Vascel, Eusvame, Mothgar, Izvar, and the main Vullanese islands. In the years of 44 and 45 the Nazdar and Gantronese stepped in. Their battles with the Nazdar fleets centered around Adrath, Norice, Loce, and Asnar. His involvement in the battles involved attacking or defending ports and landing sites.

Their sea battles with the Gantronese were off the coasts of Gaskouth Ladai and south of the Boathrin Kingdom. In each battle they forced their way close to the coasts of Galaia and Zekmar. Despite the numbers of Gantronese and Nazdar ships the Vestrisians reigned supreme for two years. In the years of 47 and 48 their forces were beaten back in the south. The Gantronese pushed them out of Zekmar, and Dorntalla while taking prisoners in the process. A large number of their own ships were seized along with a few hundred thousand men.

“It looks as though we are engaging the Gantronese again eh Lieutenant Otkerson.” Another Lieutenant said to Aloc drawing his attention from the windows. On the right of the window on the left was Lieutenant Kyle Valentius. He was an average height Zedarrian from Zedarkhaand with a single blonde blade of hair sticking out of his cap. Valentius had served for six years alongside Aloc. Both of them served their Captain well and hoped to succeed him.

“Let’s hope the Vanguards can make port aboard those cargo ships.” Aloc Otkerson responded as he turned to the right. Behind the thirteen frigates, eight destroyers, and the one battleship were the cargo ships headed for the island of Kollarnis. As the ships neared the areas of engagement the Captain himself joined them at the bridge control room. At the same time six frigates four destroyers broke away from the fleet.

“Okay defensive squadron is leaving with the cargo ships prepare this ship for battle now!” Captain Milestones ordered and the Golden Mace sprung to life with active crews. Sailors rushed to their stations and others prepared the Golden Mace’s four x 4.2 inch guns and her three anti-aircraft guns. Alarms sounded as the Golden Mace’s crew readied for battle. The ship turned with the vessels around her as they drew close to the enemy’s positions.

“With the Cruisers Argrithe Greymir, the Maccontis, and the Carganhi we should crush the Gantronese fleet. Along with the fire power of this summoned fleet of course.” Captain Milestones boasted with confidence as he watched the ships up front fire on the enemy. Otkerson witnessed the fleet begin to spread out as they attacked the Gantronese ships. Destroyers, Frigates fired their turrets as Battleships’ Zenarrad, Ezonel, Tioban, Queen Lizan, Cutlass, and the Complication turned their five turrets. Two of the turrets had 16.5 inch barrels and the other three had 12.7 inch barrels. Each battleship was armed with about six to eight 4.2 inch guns, nine anti-aircraft guns, six mounted armored machine guns.

As the turrets of their battleships turned the Golden Mace and three other vessels maneuvered around their neighboring ships. Golden Mace, Saber, Shiothe, and the Destroyer Chieftess made their way up to the front where the bulk of the fleet was firing shells on the enemy. From what Otkerson witnessed it appeared the Gantronese fleet had no chance. Flames and smoke rose up from various vessels that sustained hit from Vestrisian ships. He watched two Gantronese vessels slowly sink to the bottom as one or two more exploded. His own ship fired on the Gantronese as did the other three ships that maneuvered with the Golden Mace.

Officer Mel Crestforce communicated with the gunners near the bow of the ship while Itham Silverclaw communicated with those at the stern and center. Lieutenant Otkerson watched the Gantronese struggle to prepare for engagement as the Vestrisians bombarded them. As several minutes passed the Gantronese seemed to have prepared for battle. Already seventeen Gantronese vessels were smoking, in flames, retreating, or sinking. The Lieutenant saw the Gantronese guns open fire in retaliation against the Vestrisians.

Three Vestrisian vessels were hit, but not enough damage was done. They exchanged fire with the massed Gantronese fleet for several hours as ships on both sides received hits. Otkerson watched hundreds of projectiles hit the ocean splashing water all over the place. Some more ships were hit while the Gantronese suffered more losses. He saw two of their frigates and three Destroyers sustained plenty of damage. All five ships pulled back letting the ones in the center replace them. Those still at the front maneuvered themselves to avoid enemy fire. The Golden Mace and Shiothe’s Child moved in place of two of those vessels while four Destroyers circled around Battleship Queen Lizan. Each vessel blasted away in the attempts to overwhelm and hit the Gantronese fleet.

He turned to see Captain Milestones looking through binoculars and ripped them from his face with a terrified look. The Captain turned to Lieutenant Otkerson with an urgent expression. “Lieutenant…Lieutenant Otkerson… go out there with our rescue boats and life rafts. There are sailors out there who need rescuing. Go out there and rescue them! That’s an order!” Captain Milestones barked the orders at the Lieutenant.

“Aye, aye sir!” Otkerson yelled and saluted. He exited the bridge with crewmen Jade Elfsun, and Norros Bladestar following him. The three sailors marched down the steps to the armament room and the quarters of the rescue teams. As they descended the deck to the lower decks he heard Officer Mel Crestforce’s voice over the loud speakers.

“Attention, attention all available rescue staff and operators prepare the rescue boats and life rafts immediately. Rescue teams join Lieutenant Otkerson for a rescue mission.” Mel’s voice went away replaced by alarms, feet scampering on metal platforms, guns shooting and the sounds of the boats being released.

When they came to the armament room they found the rescue teams were ready for the rescue mission. Rescue officer Wyllers handed Otkerson a life jacket and a weapon. He put his on as did the others and the assembled rescue teams rushed outside to the outer deck. Lieutenant Otkerson split the rescue teams into six groups and sent three of those groups to other boats at starboard. He turned to see rope ladders dropped over Portside where the operators lowered the rescue boats. Before Otkerson went down the ladder one of the staff got his attention.

“Everything you’ll need is those boats sir. Including a rocket launcher in case any gun boats come after you!” the staff told him.

“Thank you hope to see you after this!” he responded to the staff and saluted him.

“May the goddesses get your through this day!” the staff member yelled back as Otkerson descended the ladders. He dropped down on to the boat with three others.

“Alright boys get this boat in gear and lets rescue some sailors.” Otkerson hollered above all the noise as one of the rescue members cranked the engines on. The Lieutenant and six other boats made their way across the ocean in the middle of the sea battle. He counted down the seconds it took to reach halfway to the survivors. The Lieutenant looked through his own binoculars to get a look at how the survivors were doing. Most of them floated in the water thanks to their life vests. Aloc observed the group of survivors as they made their way to them. When he took the binoculars away from his eyes he noticed more boats were joining them in the rescue.

Within a minute it grew dangerous as the enemy started to fire on the rescue boats. A few rounds blasted the water around the boats. It was a nightmare to become a target for enemy vessels, but fortunately three of the enemy vessels were hit hard. He saw the smoke rise from the vessels as they drew closer to the survivors. As the first boat came to the survivors thick smoke and the haze of battle enshrouded the sea around the sailors. Lieutenant Otkerson’s boat came to fifteen survivors who were on the verge of drowning. He reached out a hand for one of the stronger sailors to help him get the others on board. Over a dozen rescue boats came to pick up the survivors.

“Thank you sir, I’ll help you with the others!” a survivor said as Aloc pulled him up. The other rescue teams pulled men out of the water as the fleets exchanged fire.

“Just make sure we get all of them!” Otkerson yelled over the guns.

“Yes sir! Captain, sir, Captain Khelonson over here! Boys swim over here!” the rescued sailor shouted at a group of sailors swimming towards the boats. Otkerson rescued about thirteen more men when the Captain reached their boat. By then most of the survivors were on board the rescue boats. A few began to head back to their ships while others searched for more survivors due to the rescued survivors. He grabbed the hand of the Captain Khelonson who looked up at him. Other men helped Aloc bring the Captain on board. Captain Khelonson smiled at Aloc.

“Thank the gods for you. Who are you sailor?” The Captain asked Aloc happy to be rescued from the sea.

“Lieutenant Aloc Otkerson of the frigate Golden Mace captained by Milestones who sent me to rescue you paddling dogs!” Aloc replied with a relieved feeling.

Captain Khelenson nodded then took a seat with his other crewmembers. Otkerson used his binoculars to see if there were any more survivors. He scanned the ocean as best he could and saw something he dreaded. In the haze he spotted lights of gun boats, the Gantronese Krua-Toan gun boats. A team of four gunboats was hunting down the survivors.

“Get ready for company! Get down everyone get down!” Aloc yelled at those in earshot of him. As the others ducked down Lieutenant Otkerson picked up the rocket launcher and launched the projectile at the leading gunboat. He watched the projectile reach the leading gun boat causing a tremendous amount of damage to the gun boats. The gun boat exploded and began to sink. It was not long before others fired on the gun boat to get them off their trail.

“Elfsun, get us out of here!” Otkerson hollered and the rescue boats went straight for the frigate. 

Search the Jungle Chapter

Leothrad woke up in his cot and rose to his feet. He stretched and yawned before walking out of his quarters which he shared with another Angoth warrior who was still asleep in his own cot next to the door. Leothrad found it was still dark and sun hadn’t risen up yet or was it the shadow of the jungles making it appear dark still? He had no way of telling unless he got up on the deck to see for himself. The Champion felt his way around causing the boards to creak under his feet and his hands bumped into the walls. In the dark the halls of the cabin felt like a maze. As he made his way through the cabin of the Serpent Hunter he recalled what the Vah Shir offered to do for Captain Olverd to the remaining crew members of the Lessiiv who slept on board their own ship with the Vah Shir and other warriors.

Jethaam would offer to sail the ship on to wherever the Angoths were and get help from them and whoever else they came across along the way. Leothrad did not think a Captain would refuse such an offer especially if he was not present and in the hands of the Ipama and Cren warriors. When he finally got outside in the cool air of the morning Leothrad found his sister and Visdiar on the bow looking at the Jungle and the Lessiiv.

There was a table and some chairs set up with breakfast on platters. Both women had already eaten, but left enough anyone else who wanted to join them. Fruit and bread were sitting on the platters waiting for anyone to grab it and eat. He picked up a piece of fruit and took a bite out of it as he approached his sister and the Crone. Visdiar turned and saw him approach them.

“Leothrad, is that you?” The Crone asked seeing nothing but a dark figure on the deck.

“Yes Crone Visdiar it is me Leothrad.” He answered in the dark.

“Come join us Champion we have some things to discuss with you.” Visdiar motioned for him to join them.

As Leothrad the joined them the sun rose in the sky shining on the two ships sitting in the river. Levanna hugged him good morning and rubbed his face and body checking for any scars. The only scars she found were older ones from his youth. He grabbed her hand lightly and removed it from his body. “Do not worry my sister I am unscathed from yesterday’s battle. Besides you checked me yesterday before nightfall.”

“You are my blood dear brother. Visdiar and I would like to have words about this island and where the captives could be.” Levanna said returning to the original topic she and Visdiar were discussing.

“If we had a map of Kruskor Island it would be easier to locate the most likely location they would be in. That will depend on which Ipama tribe has possession of them. When I boarded the Lessiiv I saw the Ipama attack the Cren scum. If the Cren Order believe the Ipama are their friends then they are mistaken.”

If there ever was a map of Kruskor it would surely have the cliffs and caves labelled next to the gorge. The caves and cliffs would be where the captives would be with the captors. Visdiar lectured Leothrad as a child about the Ipama tribes on the Island of Kruskor. Each tribe would have to take their captives to the cliffs or caves. There the Ipama sacrificed them to whatever god was here. Once a band of warriors would be searching for friends here they would have to act fast. It would be a race against time for them unless the tribes were fighting each other over the captives.

“We do not need a map of this island Leothrad I can remember where the cliffs and caves are. I told your sister everything about this island and the others. She understands what will or would happen to Ilkabad and the others if they are taken to the place of sacrifice. Have you ever found yourself there?” Visdiar asked Leothrad.

“I have only been on the other side of the island. Never have I ventured deep into the Ipama territories. Although I have seen where the sacrifices may have taken place from the beach on the other side of the jungle.” Loethrad recalled his earlier days as a youth when he was first on this island hunting down a Makool who started terrorizing Crowsian and Veek traders from the reefs. They chased him down to this island and fought Ipama, Makool and numerous Vugar.

On the first day he and a group of Angoths landed on a beach north of where they were now, he saw another vessel in pieces on the beach. Much of its crew lay dead along with scores of Ipama. He fought several Makool who came scavenging the shipwreck after chasing the Ipama off. A young Leothrad and his fellow warriors fought their way through rock formations on the beach to another beach protected by reefs. It was from that beach that he saw many figures dancing and playing drums while parading other figures on their shoulders. Those figures on the shoulders of the Ipama were tied to the cliffs and thrown over the wall as a sacrifice.

Leothrad recalled the number of days they spent searching and fighting Ipama and Makool along the coasts. There was one day when the Makool separated them from their ships. Makool used the sea to their advantage in warfare. When an island they possess is under attack and the enemies are ashore the Makool will have warriors waiting under water near the shore. Once the enemy has moved away from their ships the Makool emerge from the water and flank them. Leothrad’s Leader ordered his men to split up into to three groups. The smallest group went on with the mission while the others protected their flanks. The group closest to the ships fought the Makool and reclaimed their landing area. Leothrad and his Leader went on with six other warriors who gave their lives to ensure Leothrad and the Leader would get their target.

Leothrad and his Leader Alaric found the Makool in a cave full of Vugar where they fought viciously for their lives. Alaric was badly wounded and threw his sword at the Makool as his final act before death. The memories of Leothrad cutting his way through Vugar to save his Leader ran through his mind. The last thing he recalled before returning to Levanna and Visdiar was him giving the final blow and returning with the quest completed.

“You are asking me to go into the jungle aren’t you?’ Leothrad asked looking both Mages.

“We are not asking Champion we are commanding you.” Ceinius’ voice rose up from behind him.

“I am asking him as a sister, a Mage and a lover to Ilkabad. Please my brother goes into that jungle and find my beloved.” Levanna gazed into his eyes showing her love for Ilkabad in her own eyes.

“For you my sister I will go and search for Ilkabad and Evnar. Once I find them let me find these missing crew of the Lessiiv.” Leothrad said to Levanna and making a request for the sake of the Lessiiv’s missing crew and Captain.

Leothrad turned to face Ceinius who was sitting down helping himself to some fruit. The Crowsian Battle Mage had his servants and apprentices with him for the journey. One was a boy of thirteen years of age and the other a girl who was three years older than the boy. The boy’s name was Adugar Ceinius tasked him with preparing his master’s meals. Ceinius allowed Adugar to eat before diving into his studies and learning more from his master every day. The girl was named Silan the supposed bastard daughter of Leothrad’s first Leader who died on this island.

Silan was Ceinius’ star pupil who was becoming an adept at everything he taught her ever since she was nine. She mastered techniques most pupils did not achieve until they were eighteen.

“Adugar get some eggs and a pan. We will practice using your fire technique this morning. Remember do not try to burn the ship this time!” Ceinius ordered before turning his attention to Leothrad.

“Yes Leothrad?” the Battle mage asked as though he said nothing to the Champion.

“You are commanding me Battle Mage Ceinius to enter those jungles.” Leothrad said pointing at the jungles on the right side of the Serpent Hunter.

“Captain Clovis and your Vah Shir friend and I discussed sending a party in to search the jungles. I take it you have been here before.” Ceinius said as Adugar came out with the things Ceinius ordered him to bring. Adugar dropped it when he tripped on his way to his master. The pupil was fortunate not to drop the eggs which were in a sling around his shoulder blade and neck. Ceinius ignored the youth’s clumsiness to discuss more important matters than breakfast. The battle mage looked at his other pupil who stood idle. 

“Go help Adugar with his task and make sure he does this right this time. The last time he burnt some of the ship’s lines to ash!” Silan went to Adugar’s aid as the Champion and Master talked.

“I wish to have this conversation short Leothrad. You will lead a search party of forty warriors that includes our new friends. Clovis and I will assume command of both vessels. We were going to sail ahead to the end of the island and rendezvous with you.”

“What happened to that plan?” Leothrad asked the Battle Mage.

“Your sister did not like the idea of leaving this area and forcing you into Makool territory. We have our reasons for not leaving this spot. There aren’t enough men to run both vessels at the same time. This Lessiiv will need over fifty men to sail her.” Ceinius explained to him.

“Summon the warriors once they’ve eaten. I will get ready for today’s search in the jungle.” Leothrad picked up another fruit of the table and ate it as he proceeded to the cabins. He passed several crew hands and warriors as they were just now waking up. Ever since they landed Clovis was more lax about when they should wake up. He did not want anyone getting killed while on the deck of the Lessiiv. Clovis’ fears were disapproved by Levanna and Visdiar.

The Champion came to his own quarters where his armor sat waiting over his cot. His roommate still slept. It was past the hour he was supposed to be awake. Leothrad stood over his bed and slammed the wall above the sleeper’s head with his fist. The loud bang caused the sleeping Angoth to jolt awake leaping out of his cot.

“Wake up Sailor its past dawn already.” Leothrad told him as a way of ordering him out of the room. His roommate grumbled as he picked himself up and left Leothrad muttering curses under his breath. When his roommate left the room Leothrad turned to his armor set up on a rack next to his cot. The Champion donned his armor securing each piece on his limbs and torso before placing sword at his side. The last thing he put on was his helmet, which rested comfortably on his head.

Leothrad picked up the shield from under the cot and presumed to the deck of the ship. When he came out on the deck of the Serpent Hunter most of the warriors and sailors stood at attention. The archers looked out from the starboard and broadsides of the vessel. Captain Clovis, Battle Mage Ceinius, Levanna and the Crone Visdiar stood to one side on the deck. Next to them was Jethaam and his fellow Vah Shir behind him who labelled him as their chief.

Levanna turned to the group of Angoth warriors on the deck. “Those of you who are joining Leothrad on his search come forth!” She commanded.

Forty or so Angoth warriors stepped forward leaving thirty warriors left. Jethaam and his Vah Shir stepped up as well. Leothrad was given Forty-Seven warriors to command on his search for Ilkabad, Evnar and the Lessiiv crew. The rest of the warriors and sailors stayed behind to defend the Lessiiv and the Serpent Hunter. Captain Clovis ordered for all the small boats to be prepared and lowered once enough warriors were on board. All the boats had to be used including some canoes that were floating near the hull of the ships. Clovis had those canoes tied to the decks so they would have smaller craft for quests and raids. As Leothrad boarded one of the last craft available turned to Clovis and the other leaders.

 “I would not bother with this region very much. The Ipama tribes here had lost enough warriors to us and the Lessiiv crew. Whichever tribe had the trust of the Cren Order were also under attack by other tribes. Those tribes also fought each other.” He warned the Angoth leaders. 

“Champion.” Clovis laughed. “We do not know that!”

“It is likely to have happened on Kruskor. You know as well as I do that there are numerous tribes of Ipama on this island.” Leothrad responded as his vessel was lowered.

He joined the other warriors waiting for him on the bank of the river where they stood their guard in case other Ipama tribes attack. Leothrad looked around with the Lessiiv directly behind him. There was a clear space between the bank and the jungle with enough room for five hundred to stand on. He observed the jungle closely from where he stood and found a path cut into the brush. Leothrad took a spear from an Angoth warrior who held two spears.

Leothrad dropped his shield and took a throwing stance holing the spear like a javelin. He looked into the path of the jungle and marked a target he could see wandering aimlessly in the path of the jungle. The Champion spotted someone in the path coming towards them. He took aim and threw his spear hitting his target. The fell then another person rushed up to them with his hands up.

“Do not kill me, I surrender!” the second figure yelled as he came running out of the jungle. He was a Cren servant who happened to be human. The Servant was identified as a human because of a collar around his neck with an emerald in it.

“I say kill him anyways!” an Angoth warrior snorted shoving a blade in the Cren Servant’s face.

“Hold your blade warrior.” Leothrad commanded and the Angoth backed away sheathing his sword. “This one may know where the crew of the Lessiiv are in this jungle.”

The Cren servant looked at him relieved to have his life spared. “Thank you great lord! They were taken into that jungle and if you just take that path with me I will guide you. I am your loyal Makedeze, Master.” The Cren servant named Makedeze went down on his knees and groveling at Leothrad’s feet.

Leothrad looked down at him and thanked the Cren servant. He turned to Jethaam who was keen on killing the Cren servant on his command. The Vah Shir held his blade unless Leothrad said to kill. 

“His order has enslaved your brethren. Am I right?” Leothrad said to the Vah Shir Chieftain. Jethaam looked down at the groveling Cren servant who was now kissing Leothrad’s feet. The Vah Shir unsheathed his weapon and struck the Cren Servant ending his life and servitude to the Cren Order.

“We have wasted enough time already let us proceed through this path the Cren or Ipama made in the jungle.” Leothrad suggested as he took the lead. “The Cren bastard has served his purpose well enough.”

As the Champion entered the jungle forty-seven warriors trickled in behind him. Each one minded the trees and brush on both sides of the path. Even he looked up at the trees from time to time checking to see if there were any Ipama watching them. Every ten feet each warrior would look up scanning the tree tops for any signs of Ipama. In the tree tops they did spot some huts and houses connected to each other. Each one was well hidden in the trees and disguised as a nest in the trees.

The jungle path took the search party deeper into the island of Kruskor. Each turn left or right drove them into the territories of other Ipama tribes. Leothrad looked up again and saw Ipama looking down on them through the brush and leaves above them. None of the Ipama bothered to jump down. From what Leothrad could tell these Ipama were not so keen on attacking these warriors. Other warriors behind him looked up as well and wanted to shoot at them with arrows.

“Champion let us kill a few of them while they are watching us.” A warrior asked, but Jethaam went against it.

“That tribe has suffered enough losses already. They may be savages, but this tribe knows the recent strangers are not be trifled with. Every tribe on this island is at war with each other. This one has already come under attack from other tribes. They will not attack us to save the numbers to fend off their numbers.” Jethaam explained to the warriors behind him and Leothrad.

“Let us keep moving then. This tribe may not attack us, but the others will. Our path has been forged for us by the Cren Order trying to force a path into the jungle.” Leothrad went ahead of his search party taking the path the Cren Order cut through the jungle.

All they find in the path are tracks from the Ipama and the Cren Order. Leothrad spotted signs of prisoners being dragged mixed in with the footprints of the Ipama and the Cren Servants. He followed the trail of footprints along the path until they appeared to stop. Leothrad raised his hand as a signal for them to stop. He kneeled down and skimmed the dirt with his palm and found the footprints veered off the path.

“It seems our Ipama friends took the Cren and their prisoners off the path.” Jethaam observed.

“Yes, and the Cren Order were foolish enough to follow them into whatever hell the Ipama had in store for them.” Leothrad said looking to his right and discovered the brush was disturbed.

“This disturbed brush will lead us to the Ipama and their prisoners. Men we have found their trail let us hunt Ipama and Cren together!” Leothrad cried as he rushed forth into the jungle following the disturbed brush. It went through the jungle like a trail that was horribly made with use of a thick tree branch. Along the crudely made trail there were some plants that appeared trampled. Numerous feet had trampled over these plants crushing them to the ground forging the path Leothrad and his search party followed. Their search in the jungle went on. 

Ipama Betrayal Chapter

The Ipama led the Cren servants through the unmarked jungles dragging their prisoners along. The Cren still believed their new friends were loyal to them and their deity that died long ago and still lived on in some descendant’s body. It was foolish for anyone to trust an Ipama tribe with their lives, especially ones that sacrifice you on the face of the cliffs at the gorge. Many victims were sacrificed to Sleechers, and Vugar. Others were hung on the walls of the gorge left to be feasted on by the monsters in the holes at night. It was a nightmare that would send brave warriors shrieking into the afterlife like frightened little children.

Ilkabad could tell the Ipama were steering them off course, taking them deeper and deeper into their territory. To this Angoth it was obvious they would become sacrifices at the caves and the cliffs on the island. It was mainly the men the Ipama would sacrifice. The women they captured were used for breeding to replenish their numbers. Whichever tribe held captured females never shared them with other tribes. Those tribes would get theirs from slavers who hid in the islands and reefs nearby to escape the Angoths and Veeks patrolling Crowsian waters and other islands. He looked at his cousin who was still unconscious from the blow he received to the head.

Evnar’s head bobbed up and down as the Ipama carried him along beside Ilkabad who managed to stay awake throughout their journey through the jungle. An army of ten thousand warriors could get lost in such a jungle. Its thick brush made it difficult for travelers and explorers to find their way except for the Ipama who use the tree tops. That army of ten thousand would die in a massacre as they enter Ipama territory. The remnants would be hunted down and slaughtered or run into some predators like jaguars or leopards that hunt at night. Some might be lucky enough to reach the caves and wind up in the claws of the Vugar. Ilkabad pictured the entire scene as the Ipama continued to lead them astray. He turned to his cousin again whose head was still bobbing up and down.

“Evnar, Evnar!” Ilkabad tried to wake up his cousin by calling his name. There was no need to speak softly since most of the Ipama didn’t speak their language. Very few understood their dialect, but never bothered to shut them up whenever they captured them. “Evnar!” he called his cousin again who still did not wake up. Ilkabad managed to kick his cousin who woke up from the touch.

“What, where are we?” He asked confused, he had been unconscious since their jungle trek began from the Lessiiv.

“We are deep in the jungles of Kruskor Island. The servants of the Cren Order believe the Ipama are their friends and have allowed them to take us off the path forged in the jungle.”

“Ipama make paths in the jungles when did they-?” Evnar tried to ask, but Ilkabad cut him off.

“They didn’t the Cren idiots cut the path to the river and made some friends along the way. Now they have given the Ipama the authority to take us to wherever they wish.” Ilkabad informed Evnar.

“They can’t trust the Ipama.” Evnar grunted still in pain from the bruises he suffered in the battle over the Lessiiv.

“No one can! Even if you gave the tribe what they demanded you’d still be hanging off the cliff waiting for the meal time.” Ilkabad said as he spotted a leopard and her cubs hiding inside a dead tree that was as big as a house with a large hole in its side. It was a soothing sight for the Angoth warrior. A mother huntress and her cubs taking cover in a large tree they had made into their home. He kept the thought in his mind hoping his gods would have mercy upon the hunters of nature on this island. Creatures like the Leopard only lived as nature intended them. Where creatures like the Ipama lived like monsters.

Ilkabad looked up and noticed something wasn’t right or something was not going the way some would believe it was going. In the trees he spotted Ipama warriors of another tribe watching them enter their territory. It was no surprise that the Cren fools knew nothing about the various tribes of the Ipama on this island. They were entering another tribes’ territory even though the Ipama escorting them knew it. The Ipama escorting them wore masks made from coconuts with one side painted. Other tribes had other means of differentiating their own tribe members from others. Ilkabad could remember exactly what details to look for, but Visdiar educated him well in telling which tribe from the other.

He looked at Evnar who was staring up at the trees seeing the same thing he was seeing only different warriors watching them. None of the Ipama carrying them seemed to care whether they were being watched or not. To them it was off to the areas of sacrifice. If they were lucky they could avoid dealing with the other tribes that is if they could get to the sacrifice grounds quick enough. Ilkabad learned this from the Crone Visdiar who was a witness to such events as a child. Her own mother had to breed with the tribe until they were rescued by Veeks expanding into the islands.

Ilkabad glanced up one more time seeing a few more Ipama watching. He could not tell the difference from this distance, but if one looked closely they could tell the tribes apart from each other. Each tribe painted their masks or faces a certain way to separate themselves from each other. He looked forward again and saw they had come to a clearing in the center of the jungle. If Visdiar’s stories were true they were half way to the sacrifice grounds.

The Ipama stopped and dropped the prisoners acting as though they needed to rest. One of the Cren Servants spoke to one of the leading Ipama talking to him in the Ipama language. Another Cren Servant stood at the edge of the clearing and rose his chin up as if he saw something. He drew his scimitar and raised it high over his head then moved out of the way. Out of the jungle came another group of Cren servants armed and armored. Two hundred of them that managed to get through the jungles with Ipama guides from the same tribe.

As the Ipama set him down Ilkabad looked up and saw Ipama of different tribes looking down at them. Each one waited for a perfect moment to strike the Cren and the other Ipama over the sacrifice victims. His gaze returned to the Ipama and Cren soldiers around him. He noticed one of the Ipama was focused on a Cren soldier gripping his weapon. Another next to a Cren warrior swung his war club at the dark hooded servant. The war club bashed the Cren’s skull in and the first Cren servant fell dead. Other Ipama attacked the Cren Servants who responded to the assaults. Several Cren went down each one killing a few Ipama.

The armored Cren warriors plunged into the fight that started in the clearing. Cren Servants and Ipama died all around them as they killed one another. Lessiiv sailors and Etrasian women watched their captors fight each other to the death. Cren servants were overwhelmed by the Ipama while their armored counterparts plunged into the fight in the clearing. Their Ipama captors were butchered at the hands of the armored Cren warriors who did not see the other Ipama tribes in the trees. It was a quick fight since the Ipama did not stand a chance against the armored Cren warriors.

Two hundred Cren warriors now had custody of the prisoners from the Lessiiv ship. A few of the hooded figures managed to fight off the Ipama and survive the onslaught. Dozens of Ipama fell to their blades during the short battle that went on in the clearing. The remaining Ipama guides fled into the jungles meeting a ruthless end at the hands of the other tribes. Ilkabad could still see the other tribes had not bothered to jump in taking their time to make the right move. He did not bother telling any of the Cren Warriors anything about this island’s Ipama population.

“Damn those traitorous Ipama! They tricked us into trusting them!” one of the Cren Servants kicked the corpse of an Ipama.

“You were the ones who trusted them in the first place!” An armored Cren warrior accused the hooded servants.

“So did you!” the other retorted back.

“To get here, none of this was our plan! You and your priests believed these creatures expressed their loyalty to Cren.”

“It was not our fault how were we to know they would betray us!” the servant shouted.

In the trees more and more Ipama emerged looking down at their targets. It was only a matter of time before the Ipama struck their new targets in the clearing. Both Cren Servant and warrior continued to argue about coming to this island.

“If we had let the Lessiiv go further into the island they would have made it out and escaped!” The armored Cren yelled.

“Our mission is complete is it not?” the hooded Cren snapped at the armored warrior.

“Then we should kill them here and now!” one of the armored warriors suggested. He stepped forward and placed a hand over his sword, but the leading Cren stopped him.

“Know your place!” he growled.

Out of the jungle a mass wave of Ipama jumped out and attacked the Cren Warriors. Hundreds leapt down from the trees attacking the armored ones first. Each one was caught unawares of them being watched until the Ipama were on them. The armored Cren fared better than the ones who only wore hoods and tunics over their bodies. Each Armored Cren killed dozens of Ipama before being dragged to the ground. Those who weren’t overwhelmed killed the Ipama aiding their brothers in arms. The clearing became a battle ground between a few hundred Cren versus thousands of Ipama who kept pouring out of the jungle around them.

Ilkabad watched as the Ipama hit their armor repeatedly before they were cut down. A few Cren Warriors met a drastic end as the Ipama forced them down and bashed them with sticks and stones. War clubs dented the armor leaving a bruise or making them dizzy. One Ipama picked up a Cren sword and shoved into the gap between helmet and breast plate. Soon others did the same thing taking the Cren warriors from behind as they surrounded them. Each armored warrior kept up the fight killing scores of Ipama. By the time fifty Cren warriors lay dead hundreds upon hundreds of Ipama lay dead at their feet.

These Ipama tribes continued the same tactics in the attempt to ware down the Cren warriors as they fought to fend the savages off. None of the captives took sides. Both the Cren and Ipama would kill the prisoners. The Ipama wanted their sacrifices where the Cren would force them into slavery and have them killed later or let them die while serving as a slave. Either way the crew of the Lessiiv would still lose.

More Ipama continued to jump in against the Cren warriors who had killed up to a thousand Ipama by now. Their unarmored foes fell quickly to sharpened blades compared to the weapons made from bone, stone, and wood. Ilkabad focused on the Ipama closely noticing the difference in their face paintings and their masks. He counted three separate tribes of Ipama attacking the Cren warriors who were starting to lose after killing thousands of Ipama in the clearing. The bodies piled up around them creating a wall of corpses. As Ilkabad and his companions watched the fight the Ipama soon blocked their view then presumed to jump on the warriors. Some jumped from the trees others were thrown on to the Cren warriors.

When it was all over fifty seven Cren warriors remained with their armor dented and ripped off their bodies. They now found themselves in the same position as the crew of the Lessiiv. Each warrior was tied up and thrown beside the other prisoners. Most did not look up or make eye contact humiliated by what they called savage monkeys. When the last of the Cren were killed or forced into submission the Ipama jumped in the air whooping and shouting with excitement. There were three tribes with plenty of sacrifices.

Lessiiv’s crew, and passengers and her Cren pursuers were now in the hands of three separate Ipama tribes. The only question that remained in Ilkabad’s mind was which tribe got the sacrifices. He could see the argument starting to boil into a conflict as some Ipama shoved each and shoulder each other. More of them started to argue in their own tongue over who was going to get the sacrifices.

Two of the tribes banded together they lost the most warriors. The one with the most warriors had come into the battle later. It was hard to tell whose territory they were in or if one of the clearings was the border between all three tribes. A tall tribal chieftain entered the clearing with more warriors, he belonged to the one with the most warriors who wore paint on one side of the face. Another tribal chieftain came with what had to be his guards or something each one had a necklace of bones same as the others of their tribe. There was no third chieftain that came, perhaps they were the furthest away from their territory.

Both Chieftains looked at the sacrifices then confronted each other. In a blink of an eye all three tribes went at each other. Ipama killed Ipama over the numerous sacrifices in the clearing. The one with the largest number of warriors concentrated its power on the weakest of the two rival tribes. As the smaller tribe was being overwhelmed some of its warriors went after their ally. One of them jumped on the chieftain knocking him to the ground then bashed his head in with a war club. He jumped back up and attacked another Ipama and died in the process.

Leaderless the other tribe with bone necklaces fled into the jungles leaving their ally to their deaths. The larger tribe slaughtered the remaining ones as they fled into jungle to escape death. The battle between the three tribes was surprisingly short, but saw more death than its previous battle between the Ipama and the Cren Order. There was a pile of bodies from one end of the clearing to the next and covered about half of the clearing. Some of the bodies were in the jungle where scores of Ipama fought on the ground and in the trees.

The victors over the clearing claimed their prize and immediately set out. Each prisoner was dragged onto his or her feet and hauled along. Each one saw them take their fellow captives into the jungle most of them did not know where these beasts were taking them. Ilkabad knew where the Ipama always took their captives. He was not about to tell the others anything. Everyone would find out after another plunge into the jungle. Nightfall came when they were well past the clearing. Each prisoner were kept in the center of a ring of Ipama so they would know when one tried to escape. From what Visdiar told Ilkabad and his cousin he knew the Ipama were not stupid creatures. Those hairy savages knew how to keep prisoners from escaping.

It was not their way of binding prisoners, but the formation they slept in when on the move, or carrying prisoners. All were set in the middle while they sat in several rings of bodies so one would trip over them in case they got free and tried sneaking away. Ilkabad looked around where he could see the Ipama underneath the brush in several rings around them. He was placed in between Olverd, and Senestra. His cousin was placed somewhere behind him. Next to Olverd was a Cren officer who lost parts of his armor including his helmet, which was worn by one of the Ipama.

After the two battles in the clearing the Ipama took weapons, and pieces of armor from the enemies they killed. Plenty of them claimed the weapons of the Cren Warriors who fought them. They even looted the bodies of other Ipama they had killed over the sacrifices. He saw the crimson red on the armor in the dark. Helmets and arm braces could be seen. A few cuirasses could be seen as well under the brush of the jungle on the sleeping Ipama. Ilkabad could not sleep that night and watched the Ipama sleep as he observed the jungles around them. It was quiet save for some birds in the jungles and the snoring of several Ipama in the outer ring around them. Ilkabad leaned back and tilted his head gazing up at the trees. As he sat there the young warrior thought of Levanna wondering if she would see him again. 

"The Lessiiv" Chapter

Leothrad watched from the bow of the ship as they slowly made their way into the jungle of Kruskor. He had never been to this part of the island; however he was aware of the jungles in the center. The Serpent Hunter moved at a slow pace to allow the boarding party search the Cren vessel and kill, capture or take in anyone willing to oppose the Cren Order. They had stopped to allow the boarding party clear out the vessel before returning to the ship. Clovis sent in more boats to help them party bring in the loot from the ship plus prisoners who surrendered. Among the loot and prisoners being brought on board were prisoners and slaves of the Cren servants who aided the Angoth party in taking control of the vessel.

Those prisoners included former warriors from Auxmire and other lands who were forced to row the galleys. Amongst the freed prisoners and slaves was a group of feline looking beings called Vah Shir. The Angoths were very familiar with their race and came across a few colonies of Vah Shir on the islands near their new homes. It is said that one colony came here and vanished possibly due to attacks from the Makool and the Ipama.

There were forty prisoners and slaves aboard the galley twelve of those were the Vah Shir used for their strength to row quickly. Leothrad recalled the galleys that sunk and realized many of those rowers were possibly Vah Shir enslaved by the Cren Order. When he heard these warriors were coming aboard he knew they would want revenge for their fallen brethren. Other news reached his ears that pleased Leothrad. Scur killed ten Cren servants in the squabble over the galley. The young potter’s son proved himself in the raid receiving approval from the crew and the Vah Shir warriors who were impressed with how well he fought. They were surprised to see a young Angoth killing ten enemies so quickly.

Leothrad turned to face the quarter deck and saw the last of the raiding party come aboard from the quarter deck. Ceinius clasped his hands together demanding to see their prisoner and the others they had captured. He was also accompanied by a large Vah Shir who wanted the same thing as the Crowsian.

Crew members gathered to greet the new crew members and the Vah Shir who were grateful for their freedom. One of them approached Leothrad. He had the appearance of a spotted tiger with earrings in his ears and one in his eyebrow. The Vah Shir wore arm braces as gauntlets to protect his forearms and a hide tunic from a cow.

“Your Angoth brothers tell me you are Leothrad the Champion.” He growled.

“They are correct, and who are you great Vah Shir warrior?” Leothrad asked politely.

“My name is Jethaam a former chieftain, but still a renowned warrior to my clan.” The feline warrior introduced himself.

“Where does your clan or kingdom lay might I ask?” Leothrad was curious to know where this Vah Shir came from and why he was a slave in the first place.

“It lies south of the Cren Order’s dominion near other tribes of people who pledged allegiance to a group of Cren’s descendants who proclaim to be deities. We could have further words on that matter, but your ship is headed for that one up ahead.” Jethaam nodded his head indicating the river behind Leothrad.

Leothrad turned back around and saw they were getting closer to the vessel he saw enter the reefs. It had stopped in the middle of the river. He could not tell why there would be any reason for the captain to stop, since most vessels would have kept sailing through in the hopes of avoiding the Ipama. This one was unfamiliar with the area he was in and thought he could find his way through here.

When they were close enough to tell who was on board Leothrad made out Ipama warriors and more of those Cren servants prowling the decks. His eyes caught more Ipama in the trees looking directly at them watching a new vessel enter their waters.

“I recognize this vessel.” Jethaam said notifying Leothrad. “It is called the Lessiiv, its Captain is name is Olverd and he sails for the kingdom of Etras.”

“It looks as though Captain Olverd has met the Ipama and has lost his Lessiiv. He appears to have handed it to them and their new friends.” Leothrad replied chastising the Captain Olverd. He still had his bow and quiver of arrows, which he loaded and strung.

“You would make the first move?” Jethaam asked as the Champion took aim at his first target.

“No they have just made the first move.” Leothrad motioned towards the trees with his loaded bow. On both sides of the river Ipama swung from tree to tree ready to pounce on their next target. On the river more of them rowed on canoes to board the Serpent Hunter. Leothrad turned and shouted for archers to ready their arrows. “Archers ready your arrows the host is here!” he called over his shoulder.

Thirty archers rushed to the bow of the ship and spread out along the edges of the ship claiming their targets as they approached the vessel. Leothrad fired the first arrow at a canoe hitting one of the Ipama enraging the others who rowed faster. Other archers fired their arrows hitting and missing targets in the trees and water. He fired another arrow hitting the canoe, missing his next target, which was hit with three arrows.

Their arrows hit more targets as the Ipama came closer to their ship. Most never made it to the ship where three out of four canoes managed to get within twenty feet of the Serpent Hunter. There were others loaded with dead Ipama that floated in the river. The ones that made it were killed at the bottom of the ship when archers showered arrows down on them. Leothrad looked ahead and saw a few canoes were left, which rowed away from the battle while their brethren in the trees continued to swing their way to the Angoths.

Clovis ordered for the ship to continue on down the wide river as the Ipama flanked them in the trees. Many swung down and landed on the deck. Several were hit with arrows as the rest landed on their target. They were met with scores of warriors who cut them down as soon as they came aboard. Some archers turned around and fired arrows at those who swung towards them on vines. The archers at the bow shot the Ipama as they jumped from tree to tree towards the moving ship. Leothrad fired an arrow at a chieftain who fell into the brush below. Others fell into the river when the arrows hit them as they swung after the Angoths. The number of Ipama that attacked lessened as they came closer to the Lessiiv.

As the Serpent Hunter neared the sitting Lessiiv the last of the Ipama in the trees retreated to the ship in order to defend their prize. Others left fleeing back into the jungle. It was likely they would never attack these warriors again, and hide. Others would run into rival groups and die at their hands. Some would abandon their tribe entirely becoming outcasts and hunted down by their own.

A large number of Ipama and Cren servants could be seen aboard the ship. A score of Ipama and a dozen Cren servants stood on the quarter deck of the ship. These new friends were ready to board the oncoming vessel from the quarter deck and jump on the bow of the Serpent Hunter. Leothrad commanded the archers at the bow to aim for the group on the quarter deck. “Archers lose your arrows on the quarter deck of that ship!”

Thirty one arrows fired on the group that waited on the quarter deck. Half of the group died causing some panic among the Ipama. They had never fought battles like this before. Another volley was fired killing the rest of the ones still on the quarter deck. In their panic some of the Ipama jumped into the water and ran off into the jungles. Other jumped from the quarter deck onto the deck and attacked the Cren servants.

The archers stopped firing their arrows as the last of the Ipama fled into the jungles. When the bow of the Serpent Hunter reached close enough to the Lessiiv’s quarter deck grappling hooks were tossed over. Leothrad led a boarding party of twenty while the archers stayed on board and watched the jungles from the starboard and broadside of the Serpent Hunter. Jethaam joined Leothrad on the quarter deck. Their boarding party was made up of four Vah Shir warriors, and the rest of the party was Angoths. None of them jumped on quietly expecting a battle over the Lessiiv. On the deck were more Ipama and Cren soldiers who looked up and saw twenty warriors leap from the quarter deck. Leothrad killed five of the enemies closest to the cabin door and opened the door as the other party members attacked the rest of the enemies on the deck.

As he entered the cabin a Cren Soldier stood in the doorway blocking his path. Leothrad stabbed the Cren servant before he could react. He watched the demonic eyes of his foe widen as he drove the blade into his stomach. The Cren corpse fell to his feet when Leothrad twisted his sword out of him.

Inside Leothrad found himself in a hall with doors leading to other cabins. The front cabin had a nice table and furniture set up around it. He looked down the hall at a window at the end. The champion nosed around searching the cabins on the first hall he encountered. When he finished checking the first set of cabins finding nothing but empty rooms Leothrad found some stairs leading down. He took the steps down to the lower sections of the cabins, exploring the vast cabin of the Lessiiv.

As he explored he found the map room, and other quarters in what must have been the mid-section of the ship. One of the rooms he found had two dead bodies inside and the room close to it had blood all over the door and the floor in front of it. He checked the room finding it smaller than the one with two corpses and discovered a third corpse larger than the other two put together. As he looked at the blood he noticed there blood trailed to a door that led to the deck of the ship.

“There must be more bodies stuffed in the deck behind that door.” He observed to himself. He did not care if he was alone or talked to himself, his task was to find the missing Angoths and save anyone they’re with. The door to the lower decks encouraged his curiosity enabling the urge to explore this ship even more. As he walked up to the door Leothrad heard someone coming down to join him.

Leothrad opened the door and found some Ipama corpses at the foot of the door and an entire deck full of crates, barrels and sacks of supplies shoved to the sides of the deck. There were also crates and sacks that lined the center of the deck. Sleeping Hammocks and cots lined the floorboards showing where some of the crew slept. On the other side of the mid-deck a group of Cren and Ipama were tormenting their prisoners. As others joined him from behind Leothrad made his way to the enemies in the deck.

An Ipama saw him and charged the Champion and his companions. Leothrad took one swing of his sword and killed the Ipama as it approached him. The body made a loud thud drawing the rest to him. From behind him an axe was thrown and hit one of the Cren warriors then a spear flew past his shoulder nailing an Ipama to a barrel. A Vah Shir charged past him lunging himself on the enemies. The rest got up and attacked Leothrad and his companions. He parried a blow or two before cutting his opponent down. The warriors who joined him made short work of the Cren and Ipama who attacked them. It wasn’t long enough to be called a skirmish. Thirteen bodies lay at their feet leaving the prisoners unguarded.

“Those must be part of Olverd’s crew.” Jethaam stated as Leothrad walked up to one of them and kneeled next to him.

“What of the women?” Another warrior asked.

“Wenches or servants I presume.” Jethaam answered.

Leothrad looked at one of the Lessiiv’s crew who was tied to a barrel and gagged. He looked to be battered and bruised from head to toe. Blood covered his limbs, head and the tattered clothes he wore. The unfortunate sailor wore a white shirt and green trousers. His beard was soaked in blood. And the gag had bits of blood from his mouth where he had been hit. Leothrad snatched the gag off the man’s face and he opened his eyes to see the Angoth before him.

“Thank the gods someone came to our rescue. I am Amekonese and these three are Mern, Sophis, and Thusydese.” Leothrad looked and saw a dark haired sailor in a red sailor’s vest, and leather trousers dipped in tar. The one next to him had red hair and stubble for a beard over a tan skin tone. The red haired sailor named Sophis donned a bandana, shirtless save for a sash for his weapon and linen trousers. The third one was Thusydese a brown haired man in a tunic with elaborate designs on the sleeves and hem.

None of the three sailors spoke except for Amekonese who spoke for all of them. “You probably know who attacked us and why.” He said guessing Leothrad knew someone was with them.

“Are there two Angoths with you? They’re names are Ilkabad and Evnar. Did you see them?” Leothrad asked Akemonese.

“Yes when we were attacked by sea serpents before we made our way here. You see the four of us never saw us come to this island until those beasts and Cren servants dragged us out then slammed us back in.”

“Where were the others taken?” Leothrad asked.

Sophis answered this time. “The Cren servants took the others prisoner and dragged them all into the jungle. Those monkey demons appeared to be under the command of the Cren scum!”

“What does the Cren Order want from you? Was Captain Olverd carrying anything valuable?” Jethaam asked. “Excuse me I Jethaam and former Chief of my clan. I am familiar with your Captain Olverd and this ship.”

“Nice to make your acquaintance and future friendship, we were carrying an Emissary in search of help beyond the Crowsian seas.” Akomenes answered.

As the crew member explained their mission to the rescuers, Leothrad cut them all loose and ordered for some refreshments to be given to them. He turned to them. “I hope you will allow us to explore the rest of your ship. Are there any other crew members below that could be hiding?” Leothrad asked Akomenes.

The sailor shrugged. “I do not know, but help yourself we won’t stop you. As long as you have enough men to keep those hairy savages away from the vessel we’ll be fine.”

“I don’t think the Ipama will bother us after what their tribe has gone through. There are numerous tribes of Ipama who fight amongst each other constantly. It is impossible to keep the loyalty of most of them since many do not comply unless it benefits their sacrifice rituals whenever strangers arrive. Tribes do fight over who gets to sacrifice trespassers.”

Sophis grinned at hearing this. “Sounds like we should have more ships come and encourage the monkeys to kill each other.”

“The Ipama would only band together and form new tribes to combat the trespassers. It has happened on other islands. There is more than just the Ipama.” Leothrad presumed to explain the other creatures of Kruskor to the four sailors. He told them about the Vugar, the Sleechers, and the Makool who were enemies of the Ipama. “On islands like Kruskor Ipama tribes and Makool often engage in conflicts from time to time. It is either started by the Makool expanding into Ipama territory or Ipama trying to drive the Makool off their islands. Neither of these two groups got along nor would they ever even if both were controlled by some sorcerer.”

“Do not ask how they breed!” another Angoth growled at the sailors thinking they would ask more questions.

“Calm yourself Warrior.” Leothrad commanded with the authority only a Champion could wield over an Angoth besides the Mages, Crones and Council. He turned to the four sailors. “We will finish searching the ship you make your way up and refresh yourselves. You’ve dealt with enough already.”

Leothrad left them and took Jethaam and another warrior with him to explore the rest of the Lessiiv. “This is more like the mid-section of the ship. We will let the sailors rest and heal.” He shoved a hand in a warrior’s face who was about to protest this and suggest one of the Etrasians guide them.

Leothrad spotted another door on the deck. When he approached the door he found it did not lead to stairs but to a ladder that led down to the bottom deck of the Lessiiv. He descended down the ladder slowly letting each step creak under his feet. When he came to the bottom he heard rustling somewhere in the middle of the room. Someone was still down in the lower decks and avoided capture or laying a trap for whoever tries to recover the stolen ship. Leothrad decided to warn whoever was hiding in the bottom decks.

“I am Leothrad, Champion of the Angoths are you members of the Lessiiv Crew? Or are you of the Cren Order?” he shouted not caring who was there now.

He heard movement in the dark and a figure pushed a barrel to the side and approached him. “Do not draw your weapon, please. We are members of the Lessiiv Crew and enemies of the Cren Order. Hello Leothrad I am Jenas from the port city of Kalcos near the borders of Etras.”

“Hello Jenas are there more of you?” Leothrad asked.

There was more movement and shoving around as others pushed objects out of the way. Six more figures emerged next to Jenas. They all looked unscathed from whatever battle took place on the decks of the Lessiiv. Each one looked at the Angoth relieved to see a friendly face and not some hairy savage or Cren servant ready to kill them all.

“You see, you see I told you the gods would answer our prayers!” one of the sailors cried happy to see Leothrad.

“Is there anyone else back there?” Leothrad asked the seven sailors.

“No it is just the seven of us who were down here when the ship came under attack. We thought it would be best to hide here once the Cren servants and their hairy pets took over the ship. We did manage to kill a dozen of them when they came snooping down here one by one. Most were sent down to search for others.” One of the sailors explained.

“You should be glad they didn’t send in a large force down here to kill you. I guess they never bothered seeing as one could get lost in this vessel.” Leothrad said complementing the ships design of mazes and halls in the cabins. That also included the way cargo was arranged in the hull.

“Are you in command Leothrad?” Jenas asked.

“No, I am only a Champion on a Delkyr hunt with other Angoths when we spotted your ship out at sea. We had a fleet of nine vessels hunting for sea serpents and other sea creatures that attack vessels beyond their feasting grounds. My leaders are my sister Mage Levanna, Battle Mage Ceinius and Crone Visdiar. They will accommodate you all once you get to the ships.”

The seven sailors looked at each other wanting to consult this idea, but they made a unanimous decision. Jenas turned to Leothrad with the decision the group had made. “Please Leothrad, lead us to your masters and your Captain. I do not know if our Captain is dead or not. We seven and anyone else alive aboard this ship will serve you.”

Leothrad nodded acknowledging the sailor’s proposal. “Come with me and join four others who survived the battle. You will learn more of what happened while you hid in the lower decks.” The Angoth Champion ascended the ladder followed by seven sailors.