Cydnam Border

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

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

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

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

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

Rosefire Acres

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Al-Dadorian Smuggler

 

Who was getting their ass kicked today in the clouds? She did not know. Was it Nymres, Vullan’s remnants, Gontrella, or another island state allied to Vullan? The only states she could think of were Spitmin, Holysadcay, Puirus Kingdom, Naxnonoth, Noggos Outh, Kuthal. The war in the Valde Sea already dragged on for a few years now. Vullan was clearly losing as the bordering islands fell to the V.U.V.R. which she had zero affiliation with.  She considered herself an ace or expert pilot from Gaskouth Ladai. After all she raced around sandstorms and sand twisters. Pilda Raksashan was part Al-Dadoria, and part Gaskouth Ladai yet she looked far more Zegrav-Badraani with the dark skin in appearance. Her race was human to Nirame Niril, her Dark Elf friend who walked alongside her. One had brown eyes, the other green eyes. Pilda wore binoculars around her neck whereas her friend Nirame donned an ancestral blade around her neck on a chain link necklace. In non-military aviator jumpsuits the pair of them sat a table sharing a monster crab dish near a Bazaar in Ottante Port City, Gaskouth Ladai.

“Will Gaillett pay us in Eagles or Eclipses for the job?” Nirame asked, picking up a piece of crab leg then breaking it.

“Relax, Nirame, relax we just got back from that delivery job in Geverine. His merchandise reached that merchant’s warehouse in Geverine Vale. It is secured.” Pilda assured her. She took a bite out of the crab with a bit of attitude showing she was not convinced.

“Where to next?” Nirame asked after swallowing the piece.

“Al-Dadoria, I believe it is time we paid a visit back home and see if Al-Dadoria is involved in this new conflict.” Pilda answered, taking a sip of her Sunny Castle Liquor. She always had one whenever she wasn’t flying their modified Stork.

“Do you feel safe flying back?” Nirame asked her, looking concerned. The look on her dark elf face said everything. She was aware the new war was going on.

“Yes, I do. That is not because I am drunk.” She responded back.

Stretching a little bit the pair of them returned to the hangar base after a few days of resting. Jekrese was already in the tank, and their aircraft was ready to fly again. A smooth journey was what they had to Al-Dadoria. Closer to the evening was better. Since the Vestrisians, and Al-Dadorians were not concerned with the Valde waters between them. For now, it was just Vullan versus the VUVR according to the papers. Back at Anmory airbase the pair slept the next day. When they got back to their Flat at night Pilda checked their mail discovering the box empty. A knocking came at the door to their flat which they shared with another pilot, and missionary. Aviator Jodice Mereen, Missionary Monk Mochael Tomhas or would often travel with them or look after the place. In a casual outfit of a laced green plaid shirt, sleeves to elbows, tan flat front shorts with strings, Tomhas sat in their common area. It included the kitchen and the den making it one room. Jodice was nowhere to be found. Tomhas looked up from a religious tome at the table as they entered their flat common area.

“Back from delivering Geverine’s stolen goods I see! Don’t bother answering the Flat’s door I’ll see who it is.” Tomhas got up to answer their door.

From the middle of the stairs that faced the door Pilda and Nirame watched Tomhas answer it. With the four-seat couch flanking the door, Tomhas barely had room to pull the door open. At their door stood a military officer in a modern uniform that appeared formal ware in appearance. Pilda clung to Nirame’s arm as she did the same to her. Tomhas exchanged words for a few moments then closed the door. Turning around he approached the pair of them. His expression looked calm with a hint of concern.

“I have some news to share. While you were away on jobs, Jodice volunteered to fight in the Valde Conflict. He is not dead, just in VUVR custody as Vullanese colors were found on him.” Tomhas revealed to them.

“So that’s why he isn’t back!” Pilda blurted out, aghast by this news. Nirame pulled away from her as she held back tears.

“Pilda don’t jump in and rescue him in a rogue manner.” Tomhas warned her.

Pilda wasn’t going to argue, but her gut said to ignore this or get him out. His rent was already paid for, but his room of the Flat held some questionable items. One Arolk Axe with a hook at the handle from Gontrella-Ossus regions. Six large vials of Dragon-Fire in a crate, small anti-arcane bomb, a grenade bomb the size of a cannister, wall of weapons, rifles from ten countries, spring jaw traps were among others they found in his part of their Flat. She did not mind swords or other weapons. However, the bombs and vials had to go.

“I think I’ll join the V.U.V.R.” she decided. “Are they recruiting any pilots?”

“Pilda, war is not about racing sandstorms, or deliveries. Once you choose to fight enemies or the opposing combatants, they will attempt to kill you. I am talking about massive battles not street squabbles, or tavern brawls.” Tomahas advised her with a warning.

She sat down at their table as Nirame began making breakfast and prepared coffee. Tomhas already ate, but enjoyed a second mug of coffee. He explained his own history in the mercenary profession before becoming a monk. Pilda sort of listened while her gaze went to the window as a long line of men ran by. Dressed in ugly gray-blue shorts and shirts they raced by their flat. She recognized one of them. Kax Ker the Karat Burglar went past their window in larger grouping. Pilda Raced outside to witness eight hundred other men, followed by a unit of two hundred females in similar garb. She exited the door to find five soldiers in V.U.V.R. uniforms tailing the units of runners. Tomhas joined her at the door on her left flank.

“It appears Al-Dadoria’s Veteran Infantry are preparing to rejoin the military.” He pointed out.

“We are hardly at war with Vullan.” She stated.

“True, but Vullan’s allies are closer to join this conflict against the V.U.V.R. this year.” Tomhas added to the statement.

Pilda gave it a couple of days before deciding. While strolling around town Pilda found a propaganda poster depicting a Vullanese Priest selling a woman to a slaver. Looking at this poster, a childhood friend and a childhood bully came to mind. Morgane Dh’Onia the childhood friend and Neeonet Aruj her childhood fiend of a bully. Both left her when she was eleven for Vidothra and Nymres. Each were trained as maids, civil servants, custodians, musicians bound to serve one of the nobles or aristocrats. With promises to hear from either of them, she never did. Wiping away a tear or two she rode a caravan bus to the edge of Al-Dadoria. From the northern most point of Al-Dadoria Pilda sat on the sands longing to hear from either of them. As cruel as Neeonet was she still transformed into a sister-like figure before leaving. When Pilda returned to Amnery she went up to the recruiting stations. A couple of experienced combat aviators sat at the recruiting desk made her more intrigued to join. Meeting a Lieutenant known as Hedol Sosk, and Airman Rohin she had to prove her flying skills to them for a month. During that time, she pulled out her best which did not impress them in terms of combat flying. Yet she did receive a summons a week later by Lieutenant Sosk.

 With Nirame tagging along she found the pair of Vestrisians at a Coffee House. Sosk the aviator ace from the Boathrin Islaes sat in casual clothing under a shawl poncho of green with zigzag designs. His square face, concave nose, short chin, horn shaped eyebrows, made him a little more recognizable than most Boathrins she ran into. In a loose fit light blue tunic dress with a wrap scarf around her head Rohin appeared to blend in a little better. The wrap-scarf or Kiftane was usually worn during summer months, and winter months. Sitting down they learned about a job concerning a female wolf kin bonder/hybrid named Darele Aubenvaan. This job involved transporting Darele to the Unknown lands. Al-Dadorian courts sentenced her to banishment for three years. She was not in this city, but in the eastern port city of Cagat-Bhal.

Pilda agreed to take this job. It actually paid more in Al-Dadorian eclipses over 33,000 total. Yet it required to locate another figure in order to find Darele. One half-Orc known as Satom Tapa Garwa was handed custody and guardianship of Darele Aubenvaan for a temporary time. She wondered why this Darele was being sent away when this Garwa sounded capable of watching over her. This Garwa may be a half-orc, but those made for better protectors due to their nature. Some did not believe that. Nonetheless she made the agreement preparing to seek out the Orc-man with the gold tooth. Both aviators left the legal smugglers to head home to pack up.

In Ol-Amnery city celebrations among non-Al-Dadorians sprang up. Goblins, Orcs, half-orcs, half-goblins, other humans became wild celebrants of a festival. Pilda watched Nirame participate in the festivities, breaking ugly vases and potter she made a month ago. Nearly a two-thousand-year-old tradition that came around each year. It commemorated the end to the racism they endured for millenniums before. This same celebration also commemorated their freedom from being war slaves to higher beings, demons, and sentient monsters. She felt the fun Nirame enjoyed in smashing the ugly spider faces. Nirame wasn’t the only Dark Elf smashing clay pottery with similar designs. A whole family of Dark Elves took turns smashing a dozen pots with a face and spider legs. The celebrations went into the night as others got a little creative with fire destroying the pots. A beige skinned goblin got a little carried away while dressed in a Chlamys shirt. Right after smashing up face pots this goblin went arsonist on the port. A lighter in hand this goblin set fire to a marquee for coal flakes, tinder boxes, small flasks of jekrese fuel. Just before the flames could spread, they were stamped out and extinguished. A fire extinguisher, a new contraption put out most of the flames while the other embers had to be stamped out with damp cloths. A knight of the Eshan Keeps of Boathria arrested this goblin with permission from local authorities who had to keep watch over the coasts.

Watching the Eshan Knight of the Keeps drag the arsonist away allowed a figure to approach the aviators. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted them moving in the dark. Pilda turned her gaze towards him with suspicion. When he came into the light, she noticed ring piercings on his cheeks. His light brown skin, colorful clan shawl, Sherwani shirt over Vestrisian Khaki green trousers gave away the Borvadosi background. Military style boots hung from his belt as he walked barefoot on Al-Dadorian sands. On his head rested a desert head wrap to keep the head cool. Observing him closely she could tell he was armed with a short machete, a 66-machine pistol on his hip, and a club mace.

“Sorry to encroach upon you like this. The name is Vijan Jossduun, a scout from Borvados. Garwa sent me to find whoever is transporting miss Darele Aubenvaan.” This Borvadosi introduced himself to them.

“Pilda Raksashan, pilot, deliveries, licensed smuggler. This is Niril Nirame, my copilot who helps me fly the “Snoutband”. It is a decommissioned Big-Stork 35, or in Vestrisian terms Bagik Sotkr. We received this job to bring miss Aubenvaan to a certain location.” She responded in kind to this encroaching Borvadosi. Could she trust him? This Garwa seemed too shady, but he did have Aubenvaan under his care. Yet did he know what was being paid to bring her?

“Can we trust you?” Nirame questioned him folding her arms. Pilda did the same with her arms.

Nearly taken aback the Borvadosi stepped back a few paces automatically. His face produced a peevish and nervous grin. Nirame’s hand went for a hidden short dagger in her pants leg. Pilda stopped her with a left hand on her arm. It would do them no good just drawing weapons as a warning or a way of saying you mean business. Sure, it worked on the gangs or thugs in the Valde Seas. As for this Borvadosi, it would not work. She could already tell that encounter would end unfavorably. To their fortune the Borvadosi did not seem to notice. If he did, he did not care.

“I am hired as a guide for you or whoever is taking Aubenvaan to Jurax, what natives call the Unknown Lands. Garwa and the house of Ushiva-al-Nore are paying me to be that guide.” Vijan explained in as few words as possible. Mulling it over in her head she looked over at Nirame then at herself. She barely knew anything about Borvados, except rumors, stories, some encounters in the islands. Her flying took her to places such as Evusia, Malvieth, Meze, parts of the V.U.V.R. Gontrella, Ossus, and Nevora.

“We will let you aboard. So long as you don’t backstab us and leave us stranded.” She stated looking him in the eyes.

“Agreed, but do I look like a pilot? Never mind follow me.” Vijan went over to the street portion of Amnery.

Pilda felt like she had no choice but to follow. Following this Vijan Pilda sent Nirame back home. Al-Dadoria took cases of missing people seriously. Not a stone went unturned when it came for finding missing people. Most cities in the island nation were closed in. It made it complex to keep up, but landlords, street watchers called Fwiads made a system to keep track of residents. He took her over to a vehicle parked outside an outdoor theatre. She barely recognized the model of the car, but that did not matter as she entered the passenger side. Vijan drove her three hours deeper into the night. She tried stayed awake but failed after ten times. He had to wake her up when they stopped. Brought out of her sleep, Pilda got out of the vehicle. She nearly stumbled out as she forced her legs to move. Her guide took her to an adobe style structure barely lit up by torches and a night brazier. When they entered the two were greeted by a large robust looking half-orc with a single tusk. A bandana squeezed on his head, a flannel shirt with torn sleeves, a solid gold-tan utility kilt full of small weapons were his choice of clothing. Presuming this was Garwa, Pilda introduced herself. All the half-orc did was grin, revealing a gold tooth. Taking a better look at their surroundings she found this room well-lit while the windows were covered with black curtains. He motioned for someone to come forward from a room she did not see due to the corner blocking her view. A small figure approached the table covered in a cloak. He pointed at Pilder muttering something to this small figure. Pilda’s only guess was that this figure was Darele Aubenvaan.

After resting for half the morning, she hurried back to Ol-Amnery. She warned Nirame to get their transport ready for takeoff. Dressed in her casual clothes she sought to jump in her pilot outfit when she reached the airbase. Letting Darele sleep in her arms they reached the hangar where two others stood waiting. A figure dressed a zoologist/beast handler and an attended knight in modern leather armor. Once she was ready, and ate on the go Pilda found Niril Nirame in the cockpit.

“Why didn’t you tell me about the beast talker and the knight/dame with a squire?” She pointed it out to Nirame.

“Last second deal Captain, sorry.” She apologized with that wide grin and raised worried eyebrows.

“Alright then, let’s fly to Borvados first.” She sat down flipping a few more switches then put the engines in gear. Picking up the installed microphone she spoke to the passengers who were already buckled up. After giving them the smoothing talk to calm nerves and brief preparations Pilda began their flight.

Launching from the runway Pilda braced herself to lift off slowly into the air. Ascending into the air gradually still became rocky, but not enough to break the plane. Some passengers were jolted awake. Gaining speed, while ascending Pilda told Niril to rest in the back with the passengers. Through the cock pit window, the sight of clouds appeared promising. A clear day was all she could ask for. Flying from Al-Dadoria to Borvados still proved a little difficult in the mind. Her flight path was close to the frontlines. However, her Al-Dadorian flag shouted neutral to all combatants.

Seven hours later she landed on the Borvadosi Island of Casr. Making it a smooth landing proved a little complicated as dusk grew into nighttime.  At a recently constructed airport they landed on the runway next to a settlement called Jemta. A town with enough hangar space for ten large aircraft, and fifty smaller combat aircraft. Not intending to stay long she parked her plane on another area that resembled a makeshift lot. Unloading her cargo wasn’t difficult as she only contained passengers. One by one they got out yawning, stirring awake, while one of them upchucked a meal onto the asphalt-gravel. The squire who joined the Dame did their best to hold it until they landed. How they were able to was beyond Pilda’s thoughts. She recalled the number of times she had to clean up with Nirame complaining.

Finding a place to stay wasn’t easy. Especially at night in this small town where everything closed a little earlier. Borvadosi houses appeared raised up due to threats of past flooding. Many of the buildings were bult in with similar raised foundations to the raised-up houses. Among the streets they did find someone who pointed out a few open inns, and taverns. One of those inns/taverns lay towards the outskirts of town. Barely alive it appeared the only option to rest at. Their scout/guide Vijan led the way. Having no knowledge of Borvadosi language or culture Pilda allowed Vijan to control conversations. Thanks to him half the rooms became available without much arguing or scuffle. Meals were on the house due to another guide, and Pilda bumping into a female pirate being chased by a Ranger. Not aiding either of them kept her hands clean. It also put her on the sidelines of safety. This female pirate pulled a weapon on the Ranger and Warden who knocked it out of her hand before apprehending her.

What she did not expect was for the Ranger to place this pirate under her care and supervision. That morning Pilda and her copilot learned who was who at a table. Darele Aubenvaan was obvious due to her importance. Vijan Jossduun, the Borvadosi scout and Ranger sat next to Nirame who slipped into her revealing loose tunic dress she liked to wear. The beast reptile talker Myg Greebles traveled over here to help train the fat scaly reptilian beasts she called herbivores. Dame Arla Crow an attended Knight from Ezonel was banished from the V.U.V.R. The newly added companion, the pirate was mistaken for some agent known to authorities as Silver Spice. The agent’s actual name was Lilinnore Arzoth presumed to be hiding out in the Borvados Isles. Calling herself Masm Ratta’ap from Kaniima this pirate knew of another guide who could help.

Out of coincidence the very guide she spoke of approached their table. Dame Arla Crow who lost her first attendee through banishment joined the wolf kin child in her room with the replacement attendee. It left the five of them to share a drink together. Standing at six feet tall this mentioned guide appeared before them as an elf pilot. Known as Salogel Norrath they flew a Sage-Eye 44, an aircraft that emerged from the bowels of Evusia’s war factories. This fighter aircraft could take down most of V.U.V.R.’s arsenal in terms of aircraft. Since the Redrin War for Independence ended before it could be mass produced the Sage-Eye 44 prototypes were sold off to bidders.

“Mind if I take the leading role?” he offered to the pilots.

“No, we do not mind.” Nirame answered quickly showing an interest in him.

“Please forgive my copilot here. It has been some time since her dark elf eyes saw a handsome elf.” Pilda apologized with a hint of mock-teasing. It made Nirame scowl at her. She gripped her drink with a pout on her face as she turned to face the wall.

“Your knight companion overmentioned this wolf kin bonder child. Is she to be executed or something? Or is there something about her-“ He explained to them, but Pilda cut him off.

“This is Al-Dadoria and V.U.V.R. business. Unless they sent you or sent word to you I suggest…well an extra pair of wings wouldn’t be too bad.” Pilda felt herself change opinions quickly on the matter. Her own aircraft barely had any weapons on her passenger/cargo Stork. Giving up this passive resistance she allowed the pilot to join them. Another full day and a half passed before they planned to depart. Outside this inn they stayed at Pilda read a letter that Garwa fellow handed to her.

It held strict orders not to rush to Oramatra. It also ordered not to head straight for the city-state either. Lucky for them she flew under the banner of Al-Dadoria, a state barely involved in the current conflict. Her main goal was delivering the wolf kin child. Other passengers such as the Dame and beast handler used this stop as a destination for their own journeys in the skies. Each one paid her 59 Eclipses. Putting the coins in a money pouch she left the money inside the room then locked the door. Her focus rested on the letter when a group of figures approached the inn.

Looking up she saw thirty-two humanoids perceived as a threat across the continents. Twenty-eight Troglodytes, four Tamed Boars of Chaos, hybrid Kuruks, Orcs, half-Gnolls stood armed and clothing in modern ware. She heard of this group. A band of humanoids that almost formed their own Syndicate, but ended up as marauders. Most of the Troglodytes appeared rather new to the group. Wondering where their ship was at port Pilda braced herself for a fight. Armed with harpoons, small crossbows, flintlock pistols, bone spears, blunder busts, revolvers, axes, knuckle busters, clubs these marauders posed a threat to her and this town. In her mind she knew they could kill her now. Fortune came to the rescue a force of Borvadosi personnel appeared from behind. Behind them seventeen Borvadosi warden-militia formed shooting positions. Several others appeared at the flank armed with old-rifles, lever rifles. Seeing they were flanked and outgunned the band of marauders walked away. Pilda attempted to thank these Borvadosi who brushed her away with a neutral tone. Trying not to take it personal she prepared to fly the next day. Fuel wasn’t a problem in the Borvados Islands. Jekrese, a black liquid used to run engines, generators, machines, and other contraptions. Most it can be found in Ottante, Evusia, Zegrav, Castaria, the large island of New Vattoram. This settlement was next to a jekrese refinery.

Once the fuel tanks were full, the two aircraft set off for the Iperantosi Islands. With the remaining passengers on board Pilda and Nirame were also transporting something else. Woven fabric, sixteen bundles of fourteen sheets, beast claws, 730 of them, thirty-nine typewriters, tools, and iron ore. Although it wasn’t much these products still made profitable trade income. Close to 15,542 Dime Pebbles worth of crescents made her a little satisfied. Lodgings in the Iperantosi port wasn’t difficult. At a tavern near the water Pilda’s party found a few rooms to sleep in. Too many of the tan-brown locals in colorful or white clothing gave them scared glances. It was as though these people knew they were from the Valde area. One local spilled the beans on their papers saying the entire continents of Ottante, and Vestrisia were at war. They ignored this and proceeded to their rooms. While the others rested in their rooms Pilda walked outside for some air. Outside a doorway she found a grouping of pincer beetles fighting each other.

An old local Iperantosi in a white shawl robe with a red stripe brushed the beetles away with a broom. She was delicate with these creatures as she brushed them away from the door. She leaned over to Pilda about a merfolk stalker lurking in the shadows of town. Taking this as just a tale, Pilda politely moved away from the crone. Just down the street a rival tavern experienced a brawl that broke out. Mainly between drunk sailors fighting over the bill and one of them accusing the local of robbing him. This local hid behind a bigger sailor in her red stripe tube top, dark yellow skirt with a single split on the left. He earrings and bracelets were missing. Pilda heard somewhere that Iperantosi women were only allowed to show off their jewelry during the day. Moving to another part of town closer to the ports Pilda found herself following Nirame and Vijan. Salogel stayed with Darele while they went to another place to drink. Going through the port Pilda’s part found a tavern at the edge of the docks where eight ships were docked at.

Called the Blue on Black this tavern appeared as a pub from Vestrisia. Pilda rarely entered those types of bars to avoid the Forsythans of that continent. Even though the members of that ancient warrior-guardian race showed a kinder side to those they aren’t insulted by Pilda still feared them. She could not remember what caused that fear to rise in the first place or why. She poked her head inside the door to find two tables empty and the place occupied by twenty-one patrons. Just the three bartenders and barkeeps were local Iperantosi. Several others sat outside already drunk and oblivious to the world around them. Not making eye contact her own group went straight to the one of the empty tables. As they were served drinks and a platter of fried crab limbs. Despite the number of patrons and music the place seemed a little quiet. Enough for the group to hear each other, but loud enough to be drowned out from prying ears. However, their own prying ears learned that the Gantronese were sweeping through the Unknown Lands like locusts on a field.

“My plane got us this far it can take us a little farther.” Pilda put in sipping some of her beverage, imported Sunny Castle.

“Where do we take Darele, now?” Vijan asked with a hint of concern in his voice. The invading Gantronese were too close to their destination for this comfort.

“We are taking Darele to the Unknown Lands, Jurax.” She answered him. “Oramatra City-state.

“No, that now leads into Gantronese territory. They will shoot us down!” he snapped at her. Vijan almost got up but stopped himself.

“We have no choice. My job is to get that girl to the Unknown Lands.” Pilda snapped back. She was determined to get this job done quickly. Did he forget about this destination? Or was there someone else he was working for? In her head she waved both ideas away.

“Orders or not, going to the Unknown Lands, Jurax, now means a horrible fate. You either die encountering the Gantronese, or find yourself sold off to the Nazdar. Yet there are times when outsiders will find themselves in similar fates at the hands of the locals-“ Vijan’s little rant got disrupted when some of the patrons got into a heated discussion that turned from argument to a brawl. Fists were thrown as punches became exchanged between the combating patrons. Some of the patrons rushed out of the place. Those involved included a Marauder, a Mezeen Falconer, a street ruffian from Nevora, and three dark elf Mausoleum guard exiles.

The Mezeen’s appearance was all too stereotypical. Olive-brown skin that appeared tanner with black hair. His beard was trimmed down with hints of blond in it. Wearing a skull cap with a headwrap this Mezeen donned a tan explorer’s tunic shirt and trousers. The Marauder, a female Grussian Exile, donned a donned a gray coat over a green shirt with Khaki pants lost the fake beard she had trimmed to make it realistic. Wearing a brown short sleeved shirt mixed with a studded leather cuirass, seaman pants, the street ruffian held the appearance of a Nevoran outlaw sent into exile. She heard the Nevoranese are bigger in physique compared to most elves of Vestrisia. It is said they are white haired or bleach haired and live a shorter lifespan. As for the dark elves, all red/onyx loose fit clothing representing one of their cultures. Their hair seemed more auburn than blond. Some dark elves were said to be white haired or raven haired. She wasn’t too familiar with the cultures among dark elves on Calorn.

Nirame got up shouting at the trio of elves who dodged and exchanged blows. Her shouting words were drowned out by the constant shouting and banging. Pilda got up to pull her dark elf pilot away when a vase shaped bottle tipped over. As this bottle shattered on the hard floor the contents revealed itself to be smoke and ash. From the back another ruffian emerged with an Iperantosi companion in his arm. Without warning the smoke shot after the second ruffian. A possession took place before their very eyes. Whoever was left of the witnesses to the brawl raced out. All they heard were the sounds of furniture being thrown, glass smashing to bits, shattered bottles, broken plates among screams. Trying not to pee herself, Pilda clung to one of her newer companions. They watched a local Iperantosi rush to a temple outside of town.

Called Churgs, the Iperantosi temples are home to Shamans, Herbalists, alchemists, dancers, and bards for hire. For some reason Pilda and her group followed the girl over to this temple. In a language none of them understood the girl explained what happened.  It took a few minutes for the shamans to get ready before they returned with the shaman leading the way. A male and a female shaman went over to the tavern to perform an exorcism. First the female got nude before the possessed then wrapped an old tapestry over her aging body. The male shaman began chanting and shaking a mesh of bones sewn together. Looking around Pilda noticed the girl who summoned the shamans was gone. Just one and a half hour went by in the exorcist process as the battle began inside. Not sure if they wanted to stick around her group returned to their lodgings. Six days they stuck around their lodging’s area of the town. That incident at the tavern ended with Djinn exiting the ruffian’s body. All participants in the brawl were arrested and were awaiting trial.

This news came to their ears on the third day while Pilda and her co-pilot unloaded trade goods from her plane. Most of it was sold on the fourth and fifth days. After the sixth day of holding up inside Pilda took another look at the letter detailing her mission and orders. To her it was jus a contract, a job, which would be over by the time Darele Aubenvaan was delivered. She was to take Darele to Oramatra. She had gotten to know a little bit about the child, but felt uneasy about her heritage. Some powers were said to unleash from the blood of these types of hybrids that caused untold carnage followed by death. If it wasn’t controlled or disciplined at an early age. In order to do this or proceed any further she must meet a Wizard named Abduzzar Ooks here at the Iperantosi Islands. However, she did not know which part of Iperantosi she would meet this Abduzzar. While outside the tavern on the patio facing the port she spotted several ships that appeared lively. Alive with action at least two or more airship outer decks seemed overcrowded. Curious about this scene Salogel looked through a monocular telescope.

“Interesting, their crews have gone and performed a mutiny.” Salogel shared with their group while they sat at a shell shaped table on the patio.

Pilda got up to look for herself. The noise from those ships grew louder as a mutiny intensified. Both the vessels experiencing mutiny were not too far away from their location. Although the port wasn’t big there were still five other ships in the harbor port. Her eyes did not deceive her one bit. Two ships crowded by 300 each were in full mutiny. She estimated 108 loyal crewmembers vs 196 mutinies on one called the Mookol. Another experienced a similar confrontation between 107 vs 198 crew members was called Yelenol. On their left a large, wheeled ballistae rolled up beside them. All over the harbor port hundreds of locals ran away while the mutinies drew attention of the local garrison. Close to 1,204 troops and twenty-eight artilleries gathered to deal with the mutiny. For most that nigh those involved were either killed or apprehended. Taking this as a sign to get out Pilda began their flight out of Iperantosi. It did not take long to convince her passengers and her charge to fly off to Oramatra earlier. It was unexpected, but she was not going to wait around much longer with mutiny going around.

At the city of Oramatra she was greeted by V.U.V.R. military personnel on the runway. Soldiers, marines, pilot staff, Alagen military personnel, Lybresan troops who were warned of their journey ahead of time, flanked the runway facing the opposite direction as if defending them. She heard names with ranks such as Wiad, Mafta from Badraan, Lt. Tad, Tiag, Wavat, Enod, Fladnag or Vilu. Her mind spun around trying to keep up as they went to the city official’s governing building. Ten Oramatrans in either Vestrisian Uniform, or coalition style fatigues, stood guard. Inside the magistrate’s palace they met the very Wizard she was to meet. One day was spent getting to know this Abduzzar who arrived through a portal, because of another incident that concerned a threat to his own life. While outside they got a look at Oramatra’s structures, which appeared ancient, primitive yet strange. Some sings of modernizing would be seen here and there with streetlights, communication lines. Even inside the palace they found some lights on, and a radio hooked up. The wolfkin hybrid Darele was handed over to this Wizard she was told to meet. She had already forgotten his name and was thrown off by his non-wizard appearance. It misled her because he tossed away the stereotypical appearance most wizards possessed. Pilda knew flying for most of her life. She rarely got a glimpse of the average wizard except in portraits, photographs, or some tourists describing them. To her this all became a quick meeting that ended too quickly. It went by so fast that it might as well be a thank you for bringing her, now take your money and leave. Even though she had a short time with the girl she felt a choke in her throat like she was going to cry. It left her with a bit of a shock despite the payment. What almost did her in was Aubenvaan’s hug to each one. One the way back to the hangar she was given a guide, Kamkil Vispune. Wandering this port-city she did not know what to expect now that she wasn’t being taken straight to the palace with her head down.

Passing locals in shawls, tunics, colorful hide skin clothing, woven grass clothes, coalition soldiers she did not know how to feel now. Thanks to her assigned guide she returned to her three remaining companions. Each one held a mix of expressions that said something odd happened. Getting to the bottom of the cause she found a package holding a scarab artifact on top, another Dark blade agent, and a stray cat waiting for her. Pilda was surprised their own pirate companion who joined them rarely spoke at all. In fact she rarely left the plane during the trip. The cat Nirame already named Eva, a grayish main coon looking feline with a white belly. As for the dark blade agent she received the name Masmine of Kaniima bound for home. The package was from some Mucklord nearby named Guul Draz. She was to deliver it to the Kaniima-Badraan borders in Ottante.

Before leaving she checked her aircraft space. Aside from seats, cargo space, life jackets, blankets were other objects. A bird cage, some lab skeleton Nirame added for giggles, a fake orc head painted red hung from the ceiling along with extra lights. One the walls were some posters, a map of an island with spiders on it, a shelf with books plus comics, and a few mirrors. One radio installed near the seats was jutting out of the wall. It made for an interesting scenery along with some weapons. Pilda was surprised their child passenger handled being near the skeleton and orc head better than most kids would. After loading up the aircraft she and Salogel refueled their aircraft. One at a time they flew straight for Ottante.

An easy flight was all she asked for from whoever watched over from the heavens. There were the out worldly aliens, the Nazdar and Gantronese eyeing more continents. Yet they proved hungry for power and domination. Entering V.U.V.R. territory again felt easier with a few stations hailing them as they flew by. Over the com radio she heard authorities call for pilots to stand down and stay idle. They recognized her own aircraft due to her connections and frequent flights. Somehow leaving her alone the authorities allowed her to land near a town with a hangar. On an already cracking runway she received a bumpy landing. In the dark the landing felt a little uneasy even with bigger lights.

At a local inn within the bazaar her crew rested. There they heard about a scarab feast involving victims wrapped in linen straps eaten by the scarabs in a deep grave. Nirame did not want to sleep that night nor did she want to go anywhere else. Vijan joined her while Salogel stayed with the dark elf along with the agent who slept in a separate room. Apparently one of the bazaar staff knew of their mission from the Mucklord. In a warden’s uniform this staff member drove her and Vijan to the meeting place. Going through the region their driver took various turns and detours as if they were avoiding something. While going through a rocky terrain she spotted mounted figures eyeing them. Doing her best not to notice she held onto the package in her lap.

Still not giving them a clear name the driver brough them to an abandoned village. Pilda did not like this at all, and neither did Vijan. She knew chauffeurs rarely gave their names, but this was different. It appeared way too shady to her own liking. At this unidentified location they were met by a group of eleven cloaked figures covered from head to toe. Now it became even shadier to them point she gripped a weapon in case. Most wielded old rifles raised up in defense, but at them. The leader of the group, a woman, approached them with a duffle bag full of Republic Eagle paper backs. Whoever they were they made the exchange rather brief. As soon as they had the package, they warned Pilda to leave soon. Their group raced for the cover of the village when the ground started to shake beneath their feet. Outside the village the dead started to crawl out of the ground. Her neck hairs rose as fear forced her to run for the vehicle. Scared out of his mind the driver gunned it back to the airbase.

Upon their return Pilda woke Nirame, Salogel and Masm. Barking out orders to get away she snatched up some orders for another job from the table in their room. She scrambled to get out throwing some paper eagle currency in the inn keeper’s face. Eager to leave, Pilda prepared the plane for lift off in a hurry. She did not look at this new job until they were safely in the air. Leaving Nirame to fly she took a look at this job. Some shaman needed to be picked up from Nochana Islands. To the Uxane those islands were either called Nochana or Nochada. When she needed to relieve Nirame she flew over Lhebol, Lheobethe where a large nesting ground of horned turtles could be seen.

 

That Creature

 Somehow he could not shake it out of his head. That creature underneath the house. Every day they walk down the steps it either growled or snapped at their feet. It came to their house not long after a NASA space launch in 1996 or whichever was broadcasted on TV that year. No matter who came by to film the freaking thing the moron they sent never believed them. His elitist cocky attitude said he only wanted to watch the best teams win the championships. Whatever go filmed of this thing was either erased over by sports addicts or confiscated. Everyone somehow knew about it. Yet they were silent about it. Yes the MIB came by along with any military or police officers to shut them up. However their orders to keep quiet did not last long. More people reported seeing similar creatures only to be drowned by pop culture trends, sports fanatics, Clinton's reelection, Bosnian crisis, and whatever wells was going in the 90s. Someone got a good shot of what it looked like with a camera while someone else caught it on film. About the size of a baby that can stand upright, bald, no nose to speak of, and private parts that resemble a fleshy crocodile's mouth. One day a mother got fed up with it and sprayed it with a garden hose. According to the report it melted away like some kind of science fiction movie monster. 

Whatever it was it did not look real enough for people to believe. At another location a child ran up the stairs and stabbed the creature with a pencil. In the report this creature somehow got loose out of the attic held a girl hostage. It was when one of the families whose daughters took ballet hosted some party or sleep over. This creature held this girl captive, threw an officer down the stairs to his death, killed a firefighter with its spiked arms or something. Whoever this child was he killed it and survived being thrown down the steps. Other pieces of this story came to mind as he sat in his chair. Men who looked very much like this child came to that town. These men did not seem human. Each one appeared seven feet tall, intimidating, muscular, dressed in alien attire with a hint of fantasy medieval style. What set them apart from people on Earth was their monkey like tails. This creature was called a Daedros by these men who barely gave authorities a name to go by. What was also evident according to them was these creatures were experiments sent to attack another planet similar to Earth. 

Different factions were the only thing these men cared about. Their kingdom was at war with some crazy group of others hell bent on taking over or wiping out life. On their right should blade rested their flag, a black crown on a field of red. One of them a warrior was said to have hunted these creatures down while visiting this town. As he did so he sort of acted happier, and friendly around people. It was assumed being around people made him this way. Yet as he sat there on the chair this alien's interaction with him revealed that killing those monsters made him feel better. It was this tall alien human's mission to kill these things. As for the child, his mission was completed by the little boy with the pencil. While sitting there he found the photograph of this thing on the armchair. He brought it out of a shoe box, which he kept hidden. Inside was a patch with the black on a field of red next to photos of other creatures of the same nature and mutation. 

Motuh City-State Flag

 

A city-state located along the bordering mountain ranges that cut Borvados off from the rest of the Unknown Lands. To the locals, and natives of these lands are called Jurux. Mostly a slave state, Motuh allows its slaves to wander outside. As long as they come back. There are times the slave masters will allow a slave of certain skills their freedom after a number of years of servitude. To those attempting to remove slavery all together this system is not good enough to free these souls. 

Motuh City year 1844 A.N.

 Whatever those Vestrisians were doing in the Iperantosi Islands was none of Motuh's (Moh-too) business. Yet it was nice to have one less state or nation under Gantronese control. City-States of Kilscar Orvain, Khasungai, Magesar, Oceanrest Var, Oramatra, and others retained their independence. Most of these city-states along the Unknown Lands coastal regions found it impossible to stay neutral. Attempting to stay neutral proved complicated for Motuh City. For one of many reasons, they opposed Gantronese oppressive, manipulative rule. Going against the alien aggressive invader gained Motuh some allies. However, those allies showed no interest in trading slaves with their city-state. Meze, Evusia most of Nevora traded slaves with Motuh City. For over four centuries Motuh's citizens traded slaves with scores of other nations outside of Aleon-Jurnis continents that sat next to Ottante, and Vestrisia. Aging to about 2,022 years old, Motuh City witnessed over 300 settlements, city-states rise then fall. The ones that still stood today made use of the ruins they found. 

Coffee beans, chickens, reptile pelts, cocoa beans, Ivory in terms of tusks, fangs, horns, gemstones, pipe weed, silver, gold, spices, sugar cane, coal, dye, iron mines, cotton, and slaves stood as the main trading resources for these city-states. There were other minerals in the area, but those were hard to come by due savage tribes, and monsters north of their borders. Inside his master's domed-conical manor a Gnome looked over what was coming through Motuh City. Often called Fortuna-Fuzzy, slave-scribe Hednac had the most time to get tasks done compared to most slaves. His Master Startmonde Moinne went on a rage over 96 Gnome slaves being torn and eaten by 463 Ghouls that went about unchecked. Motuh still had threats to deal with outside its borders to the west, north, and southwests. Fortuna overheard the V.U.V.R. were anti-slavery. That was something none of the Masters, Owners, or Slavers of Motuh wanted. His own Master would likely burn the house to the ground along with everyone in it rather than free them. It was a sad fate to be a slave. Hednac was not among the homeless, which would spell death to anyone. Just not right away depending on what happened or where they would end up. Hednac wasn't happy or grateful he was a slave, but he wasn't homeless either. Meals he did not have to pay for came under his nose from the other slaves of the household. 

Adjusting himself in his seat Hednac checked what would be coming through Motuh City. Weapons, soldiers, warriors, and volunteers were given access through the neutral city. Under his own breath he read out the list out loud to himself. Weapons were the first things he read. A load of 392 military guns, and ammunition to be shipped over to allies of the Calornese Alliance in the Unknown Lands. A team of five Order of the Beast Warriors volunteer to fight the Gantronese. There was not much description on what these volunteer warriors looked like other than alien, and beastly or hairy looking. Gauntlet wrist bands sent with those five warriors indicating they used the same type of weapons. A warship sent over to help in the western part of the Unknown Land's coastal regions. One Marlin Destroyer constructed in the shipyards of Lybresan, or Lybris, another name for Lybresan. Dire Venison meat was being shipped over in the quantities of 44,030 Ogrims. Just one Ogrim equaled 40 ingots in weight. Other alien humanoids were among the volunteers, and warriors coming through Motuh City. One squad of 14 Bird Humanoids which volunteered had the destination of Damis. Another team of five Samurai warriors from the O.B. headed for the front to help allies. 

Hednac paused to glance at the 33 Gold Globes an international currency with a strategy in mind stacked neatly. When his eyes returned to the lists, he thought he was reading something incorrectly. Blinking several times, he read to himself, 6 Skull Battle Fiends ready for the frontlines. What were Skull Battle Fiends? Where did they come from? Hednac started to sweat from his head as his eyes were wide while pouring over other lists. Another team of alien wolf men from the Order of the Beast were enroute to the frontlines. Other groups included 708 Goblins and Half Goblins being sent to the front with various explosive weapons. They were joined by 829 warriors from the four main city-states thought it was time they returned to the front. From Tante came a shipment of 33 weapons, a single box crate of ammo, 5 mines, 200 helmets, food rations, and building supplies. One shipment came from Meze included 3,600 rifles, pistols, machineguns, mortars, bayonets, grenades, helms, bullet vests, and radios. A separate shipment of 31 crates of ammunition was also included. As a sign of goodwill, the Calornese Allies sent a shipment of 240 gold bar ingots, 240 rubies, 240 crystals, 1,120 gems, and 5,878 coins of value. From the Redrin Republic came a shipment of 113 melee weapons, guns, armor and helmets meant for the frontlines. Another shipment of 75 submachine guns, Machine guns, and assault rifles arrived from Nevoran Federation. Just for the city of Motuh and the frontlines one shipment of 811 halberds, poleaxes, submachineguns, heavy machineguns, assault rifles, chest plates and rain ponchos. It was unclear who it was from, but it appeared accepted with gratitude. 

Below that shipment he found a list mentioning 100 unique monsters choosing to fight the Nazdar in Estoras. Dwarf Hero sent to Cydnam with 12 weapons of their choosing. A captured snake demon reaper vowed to protect Oceanrest Var just to save their skin. An airship captured by Vestrisian Forces with cloaking ability was also sent to the front. Shipment of 500 guns sent over to the Condor Islands, and Magesar. A single cat folk warrior the Vestrisians captured was also being sent to the Condor Islands. It was not alone, five Death Warriors sent over to Condor Isles as well. In terms of vehicles 40 heavy halftracks called Zedelets from the VUVR were undergoing shipment to Eoth, and Grussia. Also, from the VUVR another shipment of 1,290 T.M. 13 rifles, Repeaters, shotguns, smg28s, various pistols, shields, new bullet vests, helmets, grenades and bazookas. More groups of aliens were found with former affiliations with some faction called the CSO. One team of six CSO infantry who went turncoat are sent to over to Eoth. Some White Boar Mutant Monster is sent to help in Eoth, and Grussia. One trio of some alien Forest Blight Rangers from the O.B. are sent to the front in Kilscar Orvain. To Oramatra 52 former CSO and OB soldiers, fighters, and warriors are sent. Also, to Oramatra they sent over another shipment of 500 guns of all types, and models. Before Hednac could even add up all the aliens entering the front he saw 100 Dragon Soldiers of the CSO being sent to Magesar. 

Hednac flipped the page over to find more shipments going to Eoth, Damis, Oramatra, Magesar, Condor Isles, and Kilscar Orvain. One medium shipment of rifles, submachineguns, pistols, daggers, combat armor went to Eoth from the collection of allies. Over 60 Black Silver armored warriors sent to Oramatra at the frontlines. Somehow a team of five Blue Skinned Elf Archers were going to reinforce Eothan-Grussian positions. Hednac presumed these blue skins were aliens when the household dark elf maid came in the room to dust a little. This Gnome ignored her presence as best he could. On the list he spotted the order of an airship an inventor in Ivodra being sent and used by Damis in their fight to keep independence. Oramatran Lands were receiving a team of Death Warriors to fight at the front. Some female Rogue recruited by Ruhonthran politicians as an agent was also coming to this region. Straight to Damis through Motuh Hednac saw another shipment of guns, shields, helmets, anti-tank weapons along with ammunition. He wondered if these Calornese Allies had the ships to defend these shipments from the Nazdar and Gantronese. As funds close to 7875 gold globe coins were also sent to Damis. Evusia sent a shipment of 115 of their own firearms, grenades, and plenty of ammunition to Eoth. Another team of 4 aliens were sent here. About 4 Centaur like warmongers were sent to Kilscar Orvain. Team number ten in terms of alien groups had five Heavy Paladins sent to Oramatra as punishment by order that banished them after capture. Some device was destroyed right after that briefing according to the note. A pair of Beast Demonoids sent to the frontlines had some powers to them. An automaton Minotaur shipped to Iperantosi to help with security. Coming from Azul, some faraway faction came another shipment of various weapons and ammunition to Magesar. One Dwarf Hero was sent to fight in Oramatra by Azul as a sign they were committed to this war. Five Azul Gren Dwarfs are sent to Iperantosi to help with security. The VUVR had a system where they send some prisoners to war, but not all of them. One team of four Iron Orc Fugitives from some mountain range called the Blackmells are sent to fight the Gantronese near Kilscar Orvain. 

Tante also had a habit of sending prisoners to war or other places. One female elf wizard involved in fighting for Condor stays to advise Condor Officials. Although clansmen, barbarians and warriors were allowed to fight or join militaries some were considered too dangerous to be unleashed. From Vestrisia's New Vattoram prisons a Blood Barbarian was being smuggled to Iperantosi then sent off to the front. This Blood Barbarian wasn't the only dangerous fighter Vestrisia sent over.  A Deep Elf fighter was sent to Oramtra. They sent one Elf Warlock over to Kilscar Orvain. Some large muscular Fire Warrior from Ossus, held prisoner as a P.O.W. pledged fealty to Vestrisia was sent to Iperantosi to bring order. One Elf Warlock was sent over to Kilscar Orvain to join the frontlines. Speaking of outlaws these aliens of the O.B. and C.S.O. fielded a range of outlaws some of whom the Vestrisians captured. One team of five blue pirates of the Order of the Beast stayed in the platform seas as other alien factions squabbled over those islands. 

More aliens appeared to be sent over to the frontlines in the Unknown Lands that were now called Maddoz. A crazy rabbit humanoid was unleashed at the front. One whole clan of Mezeen, from the  Evusian side of island join the front. For some reason the VUVR sent an angry handsome gentleman and veteran who killed a thug at some roadside diner. Ove ten thousand tools along with a shipment of 13, 635 tents, helmets, flashlights, new hydration pack inventions, military caps, and canteens sat ready for shipment. Motuh's next door neighbor, Borvados sent a shipment of 25,500 blankets, one warrior noble with a pet panther, 24 Renegades, and 44 Dwarves from the mountains. More groups were sent to fight the Gantronese included 20 Vorcadam Samurai prisoners, 36 Nahemine tribesmen. More aliens those Vestrisians came across joined the thousands sent to fight the Gantronese Masters. One platoon of 25 former CSO armed/armored Creature Warriors of different races, 60 OB upright ghoul like humanoids joined, five Supreme Battle Elves, 6 Cyborgs join those battle elves, 4 stone browed Orcs, 5 Woad warriors joined this fight. Enemies of these alien factions were given little choice to fight the Gantronese. One fireteam of seven IGC troopers were being sent to Oramatra along with materials, and sets of some new armor prototype that may or may not work. 

Hednac stopped there for the moment. Those shipments were not the only ones coming in, but that would not be constant through Motuh City. In advance these Calornese Allies chose Oramatra as their go to destination. The Gnome slave rubbed his eyes and looked out the window adjacent to him. Past some stacks of books, bound up scrolls, a desk table, tall lamp, fine vase, he could see through the round window. On the opposite side of the Moinne household sat a modern Eastern Style Tavern called the Hobbit Lobbit. Just outside this Hobbit Lobbit sat an Orc Ogre half-breed in a bulky carpet sized poncho wrap tunic gambling with a lizard demon in loose fit clothing. For a few seconds Hednac watched them before he got bored watching from afar. To him defeating a cunning lizard folk was a doddle at gambling. In the underground world set up under the noses of Motuh's Masters, slaves would head to a firth. Within this narrow inlet of the sea hundreds of smarter slaves would gather under the pretense of retrieving gifts or supplies for the Master's Household. 

No one watched over him at the moment. His master appeared preoccupied with other matters and left the house. If Master Moinne did not give Hednac any further instructions before leaving or orders, he was sort of free to wander the city until Moinne returned home. However, it would depend on the Lady Moinne's mood and other tasks left unattended. Like all slaves of Motuh Hednac was required to return by nightfall or the next morning. It seemed a little lenient for Motuh's masters to allow this gathering. Some chose to lightly punish slaves whenever they did this after failing to return with something from there. Much of the Unknown Lands, or Jurux rested as home to hundreds of cultures, and scores of city-state. Pulling himself together Hednac headed for the door of his Master's home to leave. Before leaving the Gnome placed a shim board painted in an empty slot flanking the door. Pulling his hood on his poncho over his head Hednac went straight to this underground. 

Just about all races of Calorn are represented along with all walks of life could be found in this underground settlement. Although not really underground it still remained a bit of a mystery plus difficult to find at first. Entering the underground hideaway city, he heard all sorts of rumors. Hednac heard the Gantronese were receiving 2,682 guerillas from all over the Gantronese Empire rally to Unknown Lands. Such news would be worth noting and keeping track of. The little Gnome wandered around the shops and tents that formed most of the city against the walls of the mountains. It wasn't difficult to move around in some parts. As the newcomer would venture deeper, they would find the underground to be similar to a labyrinth. Whoever ran this underground relied heavily on the Uxane, and more tamed tribal members who were either banished or left the tribe. They weren't the only ones running this underground. Peoples from Oramatra, Oceanrest Var, and Khasungai could be found in running the place. Even Wahote tribesmen could be seen roaming about. In his mind he knew Wahote tribes stretched north of three city-states Oramatra, Oceanrest Var, and Khasungai. 

Getting comfortable he sought out a Wodd Wood Elf Wizard named Anorion the Reaperson. He was the type who would know a little more of what was going on beyond Motuh City. As a Wizard of some sorts Anorion chose to be neutral as his own faction. Living in his own temple carved into the mountain with its own colossus sitting on top Anorion surrounded himself with shocker lizards, and jungle squirrels. Jungle squirrels lived in trees all over the Unknown Lands and beyond its borders. Similar to cute pesky rodents these jungle squirrels are more colorful with green fur, and longer ears. Either sold as pets, or snacks these can also help gardeners or planters. As for the shocker lizards, a source of power for experiments, engines, and lights. Occasionally these vermin will cause power shutdowns in certain bases for both Vestrisian and Gantronese forces. It was good to keep these around to ward both armies off during the first phases of the war that came to Jurux. When he arrived at the Wizard's place Hednac ascended the spiral staircase around some tower that gave him a good view of Motuh city. As ancient as it was Motuh city still thrived with its twenty-seven spire temples meant to copy the mountains. Cylinder stone houses of different sizes and stories called Stoons could be made out among the huts, complexes, crude villas, and various oval shaped buildings used for non-living spaces. Motuh did have its farms, and livestock ranches. Those were mostly in the outskirts, or outside the city. Looking up at the Iron Colossus left there on the temple Hednac wondered how long it really took to forge each piece. One of  Anorion's thralls came to greet Hednac. Still wearing the same clothes he wore yesterday he felt a little underdressed compared to the colorfully dressed human thrall. Magenta dyed vest over a white laced shirt, purple baggy trousers, and yellow sandals this thrall made an appearance. 

Anorion's thrall escorted Hednac inside where more finely dressed thralls waited in line, ready to serve. Although he was a slave himself, Hednac had some privileges other slaves did not have. The elf wizard dyed his hair a greenish color while wearing robes that matched his trade, and powers. Greeting the Gnome like a friend he asked if he noticed any new slaves in the market. Perplexed by this Hednac gave him a wary look. The Wizard got up from his makeshift throne, which was a shell shaped sofa. Although he was not ruler over this area, Anorion still wielded power over a number of followers and thralls. The Gnome joined him for some wine to discuss the current war that dragged on. It started in the Valde Area and spread across the world. Most of the free city-states were against the Gantronese invaders whereas some chose not to mingle with the V.U.V.R. Up north along the mountains a force of 5,146 Borvadosi, and 2,867 Angry Dwarves attacked a caravan of slave traders. It brought joy to hear such news, yet it also felt a little unsettling. Hednac would not be replaced next year as planned. His service as a slave was nearly over. Not all slaves earned this treatment as many are skilled laborers who run the shops, and handle merchandise. Their knowledge must be passed on to other generations. For Hednac's trade, a few other scholars were just about to relieve him of his enslavement at a low price. These were going to be educated Dwarves who sought to travel southward from that region. Letting that sink in, he did not tell Anorion who scoffed at the idea of freeing those of lesser value. He took another sip of his wine when the temple shook. Their first thoughts went to an earthquake, but that did not occur often in these parts. Rushing outside the temple the inhabitants found the Iron Colossus awakened by something. This colossus moved slowly causing the ground to shake with each step. Anorion tried to control it only to realize he did not know such spells. Checking for the source while everyone else fled in terror Hednac spotted a female figure poised as if she was controlling a puppet. Her fingers twirled and twisted while facing this large, forged giant. Anorion spotted her to and threw a fire ball at her only to see it deflected back. In a revealing dress this female turned to face them with red hair. A risen Vampire Priestess of Power returned from her banishment or hibernation levitated above the earth. Hednac soiled himself realizing this day of revenge and come upon Motuh City. Whoever released her or woke her up wanted to remove this city at any costs. He could already hear the words emitting from everyone's lips, they have returned.