The Tale of a SlaveNamed Ranon Bansur
Book 1 of the Human Lands
Published By Alex Deluigi at Smashwords
Copyright 2011 Alex Deluigi
Smashwords Edition
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Chapter 1
Average Days Work
Ranon Bansur was sure of his pride work. The farm looked just as he wanted it. The anthropomorphic leopard knew his work was among the finest of artisan slaves among the town. Though his master Ivan Bansur, was a collector of these so called "Art" that Ranon heard about.
Ivan had other slaves among the house they were an Otter and a Floran. Brian was a pet Dog of the Human owner. They had all lived on a farm, outside of the town. The town was filled with markets filled with slaves and pets among all their owners.
As Ranon was plowing he stopped and looked at his clothes. He had remember how he had hand-sewn them from old cloths of others. As he looked down he saw two other slaves walk next to the fence near his garden.
"Hey Ranon... still working the garden I see...” One claimed with a joking smile.
"Yeah... Master Ivan has been working us hard. Well me exactly, the other two Jerich and Myles just sit there half the day inside." Ranon replied.
"Well at least you’re out here on a nice day. I heard the spirits call for rain."
"Well Dev I could see how your spirits could communicate with you since yours is the moon and sun while Erin over there has none that she knows of."
Erin looked over in a stare; her Floran eyes stared deep into Ranons. "Well if they could speak to me they would..."
As the conversation was going on between them Ivan came out from the backdoor of the house, carrying a sack of objects that appeared to be potatoes. He saw Ranon talking to the other slaves, but ignored and carried on with his business.
As the slaves left Ivan came out again and spoke. "Hey Ranon... I need you over here okay?"
Ranon looked over in a questionable look. "Yes Master?"
"Ranon... I need you to go to the market and pick these items up; we need a plow for the bigger field, a few more collars and shackles, and about some more cloth from the merchants. Please I need this done before they close them down for the night. Oh and take Brian with you as well."
"Why can’t Jerich and Myles get the items?"
“I'm tired of having them get to the market late and coming back with nothing."
Ranon had been to the market before, he sighed with his ears and smile down and picked up Brian on his shoulders. "Forward! Units charge forward!" Brian yelled as Ranon accepted the task and left the gate.
It was about sunset. Ranon and Brian could see the town ahead. As they got to the town far down the hill it started to rain. You could see the rain hitting the tents and open tents that huddled the market cozily from the rain. Ranon found the plow and carried it to a spot where it was ready to be carried. Brian then looked around and found the other items and paid for the plow. It seemed that a simple task would turn out perfectly.
Chapter 2
Bandits!
The rain turned out from a light drizzle to a heavy downpour. The town was starting to put away the market. Ranon had packed all the items on the plow, while Brian was sitting atop Ranon's head on his ears.
"Ugh Brian, I know how much you like the rain, but can you please get your bottom and crotch off my HEAD!"
Brian laughed and giggles and said while giggling. "Okay, okay... I just thought you would want to keep dry since you’re a cat and all."
"Oh, but if you wanted a ride atop my head you could at least wear pants...."
"I don’t have to wear pants though, remember I'm a pet much shorter for your stature. “He replied. This was much true, the Petarians were much shorter within stature, only a mere 3 feet tall. Brian also had a collar which was the Petarians main clothing. For Brian had a small round ball made of glass to show his sign. His brown fur covered around his tan fur in the middle between the thighs and up to bottom of the nose and eyes. His paws were smaller but yet fluffier then Ranon's cat-like paws. Brian had something else that nobody knew about some sort of bond that couldn't be figured out by any slave, so whenever Ranon got the chance he would try to take this quest to find this hidden bond.
"Hey we have to get going this rain won’t stop anytime soon." Ranon said.
"Agreed, besides its almost time for sleep." replied Brian, sitting on Ranons shoulders.
As they started their walk they got over the first hill with ease, but the second hill was muddy and sloshy. The sandals were getting slippery in the heavy mud. Ranon was pulling with his might, while Brian jumped off to help push. The muddy water ran atop Ranons spotted toes. He pulled as hard as he can up this hill.
Lightning struck left and right, flashing lights as they started up the last hill that led to the top of flat topped highland. As they finally reached the top of the hill they saw a lantern. It was walking towards them. Hopefully Ranon thought it was Master Ivan's group to wonder where he’s been; they are currently two hours late, besides Ivan wouldn't want his best slave in any danger or missing.
It was worse though, the lantern came up to Ranon. It was two Humans, covered with some leather armor and had at least a sickle, while the other was carrying a spear, and what looked like a small dagger on his hip. One of the men asked, "Hey, slave... where's your owner at?"
Brian came up from behind and showed him his collar. "Right here sirs."
The one whispered to the other. Then looked at Brian with a look of awkwardness and replied, "Well we can’t have you Pets running by yourselves."
"But I'm a licensed citizen of Fire's Edge! I deserve my rights of freedom not as a slave!" Brian yelled. Ranon had never seen Brian show that kind of aggression, and yet not seen him face up against the Humans themselves.
"I guess we have to commandeer this plow and any of its supplies." one said as he unsheathed his sickle.
"Brian these aren’t guards.... their Bandits!" Ranon said as one charged, Ranon grabbed his arm and snapped it upward dropping the sickle to the ground. Brian slid on the mud under one of the bandits tripping the other; the spear flew from his hands hitting the cart. "Gah! Take this you," Ranon said as he threw the one he had to the ground and grabbed the spear. "Now come at me!"
The one that tripped quickly got up and grabbed the dagger from behind. It came out into a small short sword. He took an overhead slash at Brian as he rolled to the left. Now Ranon was on the right side of the plow while Brian was on the left.
Ranon charged as the other grabbed the sickle the block threw Ranon's spear to the left, as then Ranon pulled back for a block of the blade slashing for him. Ranon spun the spear backwards and stabbed with the blunt part of the spear to the bandits face. He dodged to the left while ducking to block the thrust. The bandit came upon Ranon slashing toward his feet. Ranon soon blocked with the pointed end.
Brian on the other hand grabbed the iron shackles and attached them together. He then swung them around grabbing the sword and then disarming his opponent whilst pulling him to the mud. He then saw the shine of the blade seeing his reflection as it hit the muddy ground.
Ranon continued to battle his opponent, looking over to see Brian shackling the other bandit. He then heard a loud bang. He looked around to behind the enemy to see Ivan standing there with his gun powered rifle (It was covered much like a shotgun but rifled.). He was aiming at the man with the sickle as he then turned around to see his own eyes down the barrel of a rifle.
"Well! What are you doing? Get away from my slave and my pet!" he screamed while aiming. The bandit soon took off within the grassy wet fields, as the lantern fell from his belt. The other bandit however was yelling for Brian to get off, as he was chained and collared. Ivan then looked at Brian and patted his head as he said. "I'll turn him into town you guys take the stuff back to the farm."
They both nodded, but Ranon still kept the spear in hand. They then calmed themselves down and opened the door. Ranon went to the barn and fell asleep, while Brian went into the house and disappeared. Ranon watched as a small light flickered that night in the rain in one of the windows. It soon went out later that night.
Ranon went down to the safety area of the barn. He saw Jerich and Myles sleeping on the hay bales that were down there. A small table sat in the middle of the lightly lit room with an enclosed lantern. He soon got out of his wet clothes hung them on an overhanging beam in the middle that was over a flood drain on one side of the wall. He then heard the barn door open from above, some walking on the upper boards and loud rumbling. Then it stopped then the doors closed and by then Ranon fell asleep within the dark room.
Chapter 3
The Other Kind
The morning was quiet, little light shown through the small window on the very one side of the room; Jerich who was already up but wearing nothing and just his shackles as he was fixing his clothes for that day. The other Myles was probably upstairs making breakfast for the master and his pet. The weird thing was that Myles didn’t have his clothes, none of them. Either he couldn't wear them today, or he was taking a bath in the pond that morning.
A noise of a door opening came into the barns main floor. It sounded like a female’s voice. She asked, "Is anyone in here? Hello?" The voice asked.
Ranon replied, "Yes... Who are you?"
"My name's Annie. I'm the new house slave...” claimed Annie from upstairs.
"Jerich, quick put something on..." whispered Ranon with anticipation. As Ranon quickly put on his loins which were still damp from the previous day's rain. "We'll be up in a few seconds." He said again through the upper floorboards.
Ranon soon opened up the hatch under the small bits of hay that covered it. He looked upon the slave known as "Annie". She was a leopard, much like Ranon, but she showed different fur patterns. Her feet from her ankles and her hands to her upper wrist were all black. Her ears were as well, and the very bottom tip of her tail. The main color of the outer fur was grey with many black spots. Her inner spot from her chin down to her thighs where white with few spots (So Ranon believed). She also had brownish hair that was long to reach her shoulders. She then looked at Ranon with a grateful look.
She looked with her bluish green eyes at Ranon, while Ranon looked back. She saw something in Ranon, that he was just a poor male Leonar with the confused look of a Petarian Cat Clan. She saw that he had no control of his movement; he had stared at her for five minutes straight. She was soon beginning to think that he was either lost or dumber then the dirt he slept on.
Soon the barn door opened, and out came Myles from the opening of light and the sound of birds and wind blowing. He was carrying two baskets of clothes not knowing he wasn’t wearing anything himself he quickly moved downstairs.
"Who was that?" Annie asked.
"Oh that’s the slave known as Myles, the little rabbit."
"He seems a bit off..." she looked at the door to downstairs closing.
"Yeah... He's like that." replied Ranon.
By then the barn door closed and re-opened again; this time Master Ivan came in with Brian who went to go lay in the hay. Ivan looked around and asked, "Ranon? Annie? Have any of you seen the Floran or rabbit that came through here?" He looked around again.
"Yes, Master Ivan, I believe he went downstairs with some laundry." Ranon replied.
"Myles where are you?" Ivan yelled in the barn looking up.
"Yes, Master Ivan?" came Myles' voice from downstairs.
"Where is the laundry that should be hanging on the clothesline?"
"It's down here master. I had to get the clothes from our laundry."
"Well hurry and get the stuff done." Ivan said through the floorboards.
The brown furred rabbit came up the steps. His black paws, black tufted tail, as well as the black spotted tipped ears moved quickly and briskly up the stairs with the baskets. The tan fur in the middle of him shook back and forth due to the fear of his master's calls. Myles was always afraid of punishment by Ivan, though he knew he never got punishment for he always did his work.
"Well glad to have you up here. Now, Ranon I see you've met our new house slave Annie. She's our new work around the house, so we can get the crop in by this fall."
"Yes, master well...” Ranon paused for a second thinking what he would say next. "Where would she sleep? Surely not in here with a bunch of us males in here?"
"Yes which is why I am going to discuss this with you? Since Jerich and Myles can’t really take charge of these quarters."
"Master might I add? There's a nice spot I believe in the upper level of the barn, I believe you kept a space open in a small room in the attic last time you took me up there." Myles added pointing towards a ladder and some steps that led to a trapdoor.
"Yes, I believe I kept a spot up there. There should be some furnishings like a table and an old bed in the area next to that room. The door should be unlocked." Ivan said, then looking at Ranon.
"Oh, may I help Ivan?" Brian asked wagging his tail happily due to him having fun with Ranon.
"Sure just please watch for the hole up there past the steps and ladder. I mean the 4th floor is from up there to here through that shaft. I think the elevator is up though." Ivan claimed when he looked up. "Oh yeah never mind, the elevator was disassembled due to that last accident with me and Myles."
"Sir yes, it was a total accident. I have no idea how that rope snapped. Literally I have no idea.... Do you think we can re-create another one from the extra supplies upstairs and possibly some from the storage shed?" asked Myles.
"Anyways.....," Ivan looked up then looked down at his boots. "Well, we need to get the rest of that garden. Some animal keeps coming in to grab some of our vegetables, and they mess up the garden. Ranon, you and Jerich get the garden, while I'll show Annie around and have Myles work in the house with me. See you at lunch around eleven o' clock." He then soon walked out the door, waving his hand in a leaving motion as Brian and Annie followed.
Ranon planned to get Annie's room set up by that afternoon. He didn't mind working in the garden until noon. It just meant he got to see Dev and Erin.
-----
Ranons lower paws were itching; he believed it was from the shackles. He would have to get over it that morning until lunch, as he was hoeing the garden to fix the plowed spots. He saw Erin walking down the road. She had a satchel on her right side; it seemed to be filled with a bunch of letters. He stopped and got close to the fence leaned over his hoe and the fence railings and waited. She soon stopped to give him a letter. "
"Give it to your master please..." Erin said with a plain look on her face.
"What’s this? Its note with a seal of flame and a yellow ribbon on it?" questioned Ranon as he looked at the letter.
"It's a Militia's Call from Article II Section 4 Paragraph 5 Line 12." She replied to his question. He then looked at her with a confused look.
"This can't be right; my Master isn’t in the Providential Militia. If he was he'd be a part of the 6th Edge Militia Regiment.
"Well please do give it to him the providence has been attacked by the Dog Clan and Wolf Tribes." She claimed then with a sense of urgency she started to walk off down the ridgeline towards town.
He soon took the letter to his master, as then he closed the door to continue his work that day.
----
By that afternoon he was up in the barn working with Jerich and Brian. He had put all the furnishings in place for the living area. There was small window which had an area for drawers, a desk with a few candles, and extra clothing on it. As well as a small comfortable old mattress that was dusty and it had a few rips and tears in it. While setting the small table near the window Jerich started to talk.
Now he was talking about living conditions, how much he hated the place, and how he would be able to do nothing but still be able to get rewards. Much not known by Ranon, Jerich also explained how tricky and subtle these "Riveria" or otters can be. The he asked a question that brought particular question to Ranon. He said, "Ranon what was it like, you know before you were a slave." Ranon never knew of such a question, he had known of Jerich’s fate from being captured during a pirate raid that failed from Slavic ships; while Myles' fate was led by a bunch of misfortunate events from the war in Pervuma that led him to attack a village of Williamsburg.
Ranon looked at Jerich while placing the table and he claimed. "Well frankly I have no idea, but I knew I was born into slavery, my parents were slaves at a farm in the town of Arn."
"Well, then you have no reason to rebel against the master like me. You won't know what the true meaning of Freedom is. Why do you think Master Ivan's letter he read to us said that the Dog Clan and Wolves attacked? It was because they're reclaiming their freedom, and trying to attack the Humans and make them suffer for what the Humans did to them about thirty years ago."
"It doesn't mean I don’t know the meaning. I just love working for Ivan and he treats me the same as he does a Petarian."
"Like I said you wouldn't understand. I just hope that whatever happens that someday I will leave here."
Chapter 4
War Comes Home
It was the turning season of fall. The Dog Clan and Wolf Tribes’ assault on the providence was on hold. Soon more forces from the Cat Clan and ships from the Penguin Clan, well known for their navy, came to the northern coast as well. As to the southern coast, Dragon Clan ships and forces were getting their positions.
It was a rainy wet fall. The orange, brown and yellow leaves scattered among the field from left and right. Some would be here while large piles would be there. Some days the slaves they were would be working among the fences fixing any broken boards, and raking the leaves up to them.
Annie would be working by sweeping the house and fixing any furnishings; while Myles would work the daily shift of cleaning laundry and sorting out the master's library. The luckiest time for Myles and Annie was the days that it wasn't raining, which meant they got to spend sometimes of their break by the fence looking at the clouds.
------
While that night of the day of September (or Septim by Common language) eighth was a day Ranon wouldn't forget. He was sleeping among his hay he heard loud bangs outside. He looked and outside the window were flashes of bright lights. It was over the ridge to the east, but this was usual from that last assault on Fire's Edge. But tonight was different, the flashes were brighter and the booms louder than last times.
A loud movement of the barn door opened and slammed. "Ranon, Jerich! Myles! Someone open the door!" Ivan yelled banging on their door. Ranon quickly went up and unlocked the door for Annie, Brian and Ivan who were quickly out of breath. Ivan holding his rifle in his hand, Brian was carrying a few other swords and small knives. "The... the...," He was panting heavily...."Their coming right this was up the hill. Annie spotted them and warned me. "
"What will they do to the farm?" Ranon questioned picking up the spear he had gotten from the one fight.
"They'll possibly destroy it or take slaves; either that or execution on the spot." He said putting on the armor he grabbed quickly, and giving Jerich and Myles a weapon (more like a hoe and a rake.).
They then heard a few explosions as the ground and barn shook. A boom of wood from upstairs shook the barns foundation; while others had hit towards the house and the surrounding fields. Then he heard small explosions, much like a musket or rifle. He also heard sounds of Humans yelling the words to fire or "get ready to stand your ground" and to hold the line of defense of which they had. More explosions had that night and shook the ground they all stay up that night to watch out the window which shown figures standing within the flashing of lights from the loud booms, and the figures shooting bows and other means of ranged weaponry.
------
It was then morning; the explosions had gotten far off to the west now. Ivan was sleeping while Myles was up waiting for Ranon to wake up. "I hear people upstairs and I can’t awake Ivan, for I'm afraid." He whispered. You could hear people upstairs talking and boots walking across the floorboards.
Ranon decided to be brave and head up the stairs from the barn's basement. He opened the locked door from the basement to the outside. He saw a few holes in the barn, mostly on the roof or second floor. There were troops and militia from both sides lying upon the floor most of them bandaged, and some lay wounded while guards guard each side. He then walked to open the big barn door which more dead and wounded lay outside. The fence and garden ground shattered, the house had some holes much like the barn. The road completely covered with dead and others who had fought that night. The smell was awful, and Ranon could here cries from wounded still on the field while other soldiers ran to the noise.
Myles had walked out from the barn and up to Ranon. "Hey, I'll go wake Master and tell him to get up here." He then turned and ran towards the barn and into it.
Ranon heard drums and fifes playing to the east. He looked and saw a huge regiment of Dog Clan troops. They had ears that went down; their caps and helmets had an "S" with a sword through it. They walked by with their swords and shields playing joyful music as they marched past, others moved bodies to clean the road for the forward march. A large Hyena on a horse got off of it while two other guards with hexagon shields came and also dismounted. His left leg and right shoulder had metal plates that covered those sides, his right holder had a sword about five feet long, and on his back were a rifle and a battle axe.
He soon dismounted his horse, looked at Ranon and walked towards the barn. Ivan soon came out of the barn as well. The general spoke, "Are you the owner of this farm?"
Ivan looked at him with as questionable look. Not one Ranon had seen before, he had then also spoke. "Yes I am the proprietor of this farm."
"Well I would like to thank you for your courteous generosity for providing services to the Anthropolitian States."
"But I didn't..." He then stopped, "I didn't mean to insult you General. I meant to serve both nations even though I'm a human myself."
The general look and growled at the sight of him. He then lifted up his sling and his chin and claimed, "Well, so be it then. We will sorely the farm under occupation; we thought the farm was abandoned before we got here." He then had his soldiers come to pick up the wounded that could still fight. "Listen, Human, I can let you keep your farm intact, if you do us a favor."
"What would this be general?" Ivan asked.
"I would like to use this barn as a medical station for the next battle. Other forces could use your farm, and you will be able to return to your average lives. We will have soldiers fix the house. Plus, your house could become famous if we win this war."
Fearing the slaves and the farm Ivan took upon the offer from the general. He knew that this would change their life throughout the occupation.
----
That week passed by, it was tedious for Ivan. He knew if something went wrong it went upon his own head. He had kept all his slaves in shape until one night when General Sharptooth wasn't there. He had heard in on a conversation above in the barn. It was that previous night.
"Captain, a courier of the 14th Regiment of Malinsian has come to see you." claimed a personal guard of Sharptooth.
"Ah… yes, bring the pup in..." He claimed looking from his map.
The young female Dog Clan scout came in with a scroll. Her helmet covered most of her head. You couldn't even see any fur except for the face and tail. She was covered in plate mail and soft leather. She came in and gave the scroll to the General. He put the map on the table and she pointed out spots over it such as lakes and fields. "Captain, the mountain known as Wiyan is a massive hilltop fortress. If we can’t pass it with our lines the Humans will hold a strong defense until the end of winter."
"Impossible Lieutenant Tamika, the Humans cannot withstand our offence, besides the Wolves should be on their way."
"Sir, might I add that your forces of you being a Dog Clan mercenary aren’t going as well. The 8th Regiment of "Down-Ears" is not doing too well on this type of terrain."
“My forces of the 8th are stronger then the 445th Honor Guard of the Dog Clan Leader himself." Sharptooth boasted to Tamika as he looked at her.
"Sir, the 13th "Parrot" Division has been holding the enemies keep. It’s filled with Petarians and our reports say that there are 2 Hildranon Class cruisers coming tomorrow. Besides, Assistant Clan Leader, Foxlion, requested that you hold off any attacks."
"Humph, I can’t move half my troops due to them being wounded. Don't we have the 12th Mixed Infantry from the Dog Clan and the 3rd Archer Regiment from the Cat Clan?" He asked.
"Yes, well we also can't attack the castle or destroy any part of the town."
"Why not, there's a dang whole bunch of enemies all through that place. Plus it’s filled with the refugees that left." He shouted at the top of his lungs.
"Sir isn't that why the Dog Clan is trying to keep them from passing through the frontlines." She claimed ahead looking at the map at few areas marked.
"Well pup, it might seem that we need to propose an airstrike from the airships. Besides we need some way to weaken their defenses. Hopefully the 88' gunners don’t mess up this time."
"At least it’s better than the attack on Tarentum; the 105's didn't do too well against the heavy stone walls of the port’s gates." He rubbed the bottom of his chin. It may be harder, would the 6' inch guns on the ship’s deck work?"
"Sir that order may be too hard for us. The base seems to tactically hard to get into. Why can't we just send a proposal to ask for the fort to be turned over to us? I mean, the Petarians are for our side other than the Slavic’s."
He walked around up-top the floorboards of the barn inspecting his men and then looking back upon the table. "Don't we have an inside agent in the keep?"
"No Sir, our agent is currently working in Bjordabron with the Petarians, setting the assault for the other Dog Clan forces and the Clan Leader himself is leading the assaults. He led the beachhead here; he is establishing another to the north by spring." She told him picking up the scroll.
The vixen Captain Tamika was soon walking towards the door. She then turned around and saluted, "Lunaris devech kolaris." She turned around and lastly said, "I'll tell you to give the order to hold the assault." She then got upon her horse and rode off within the dark moonlight that lit up the road.
The guard walked up to the large Hyena and claimed, "Sir want me to rally the troops we can to move out?"
"Yes, move all available troops to the frontline for regroup." He claimed walking out the door.
Ranon remembered that night and most of the troops left. While at least fifty troops stayed within the barn and about one hundred more camped outside. The night would be another challenge, this time to leave the farm, but not by Ranon’s terms.
Chapter 5
Refuge to Wiyan
Ranon was awoken by both slaves Myles and Jerich. Jerich called out to Ranon in a whisper, "Psst... Hey Ranon get up..." Ranon arose to see Myles sitting there on his hay bale watching Jerich with a bad look. While Jerich after seeing Ranon get up was fixing his small bag and a small sack. Ranon had seen the tiny sack before it had a square-like item in it, though nobody knew what it was.
"What are you doing Jerich?" asked Ranon cleaning and rubbing his eyes. His ears twitched to get the hay out of them.
"I'm leaving!" he whispered loudly, "The guards said something about a prison camp to the south. They were sending any slave owner and slaves to the camps to work and wait to be shifted to be set free or stay a slave. While the guards talked as if all fancy, it wasn't the conditions are terrible and all the paperwork with the customs officers to let us go won’t pass through; taking three years to pass us through the system. It will be three years at a prison camp."
"Don't go, maybe they won’t send us there. I mean Master Ivan has a pet, and he is a Petarian lover since the start. Why leave when he still treated us well?" Myles asked and begging by holding the iron shackles on Jerich's feet.
"Myles don't you see anything outside of this farm!" He yelled quietly, "There's more opportunity out there for you being a Floran yourself. The Dog Clan and Humans love to have them due to their quick skills in airship engineering. Why do you think Ivan makes you work indoors?"
"So I can clean for him?" He whimpered as he cried and begged.
"No, you were practicing main skills of an engineer. You would have a better life then you do now, if you head out there to find a job." he sternly said. He then started to make his way up the steps still with Myles attached to him. He then shook Myles with his foot and slowly closed the door. He then disappeared within the darkness of the night the light of the moon dimly lit the window of the room where Myles lay with tears filling his eyes and his hay. The shadow of feet passed by only once and disappeared from sight in the fields.
Ranon looked in disbelief, he felt so surreal that he just left. That next night they should leave. For someone will know of his disappearance. So they had planned all morning, Myles and Annie. While later that day Ivan had been looking for Jerich to clean the bandages, but he then heard the news and was shocked. Ranons friends and their slave owner Pam came to the farm as well. Their plan was also told. Brian was the last; he needed to know the full plan other than Ivan.
They quickly left that night. Walking up the stairs and slowly climbing the ladder. Ivan carried few items of importance plus a tent, while the rest did the same (except for extra tents for the one they had one big enough). They saw that there had been cuts in the wall of the barn.
"He must have used the sickles that were left up here." Ranon said while he looked at the cuts.
"Well then I guess we're making a better escape that otter isn’t getting away from me!" Myles said, while tying sheets and rope together. "We can use the sheets for tents if we stop anywhere, and the rope full pulling anything if anything is damaged like a bridge or something." He was showing desperation and dedication to find his friend.
He threw the rope and got it stuck in the window, he then started to pull it, "It should be enough to hold us one at a time while we repel from the fourth story." He then climbed out hanging tight by the rope; he then bounced up and down all the way to the ground and held it for others. He then whispered loud enough for the next person. The last one closed the window, and as they had the rope, Myles quickly pulled off the rope from the window, closing it shut.
They then trekked their way to the small river, which they followed. It took them under many bridges, and the sun was soon to rise. They then saw the town of Tarentum in sights. As they got out of the thick grass and knee deep water, they walked into town.
They walked into an inn known as the "Stable Keeper Inn". A young blonde girl who was the inn keeper was sweeping for the next opening. They also saw a Petarian cat that had walked upstairs serving the breakfast to anyone who had probably ordered the day before.
"Excuse me ma'am but have you seen this otter?" Ivan asked giving specific details about fur pattern, clothing and eyes while Pam and her slaves went upstairs to ask any patrons. Annie went towards a kitchen to see if anyone else had seen Jerich.
"Yes I have," She claimed but looked with a sad look, "but he left to go to a place he called Wiyan. I told him he could find a way through the refuge ships. He rode on the one called The Wind-Rider."
"Do you know if the ships are still in port?" Ivan asked.
"No, they left flying towards Wiyan just this night." She said, while after then Ivan growled, and Ranon saw the Lieutenant from the farm, come towards the inn's window.
She then came in talking to one of her personal guards. "Well, I'm tired of working those stupid shifts of night, while Captain works the day shift. The Clan has its own affairs to why we attack the Human nations and the Legion."
She stopped to see Ranon and Myles looking and Ivan talking to the innkeeper. The guard then sat down in a chair as she turned to sit at the table. The Petarian cat girl came from upstairs and quickly went into the kitchen and pulled out a candle for the two, and thanked them for being in her presence.
She looked at Ranon and continued her talk. "As I was saying," she then grabbed some grape juice in a mug and took a sip. "The enemy has held up well at Wiyan, but what about the refugee ships."
"Heh, it seems that Sharpclaw has his own way. He has the 1st Highlanders, the Wolf Tribes high guards to secure any ships to make sure they enemy isn't bringing enemies upon the ships." He then took a sip from his drink.
Ranon sat down, and saw Myles had joined him. Ranon leaned over towards Tamika. "Hey, I could do that for you," she then looked over at him as the guard spit his drink out back into his cup. "I mean, I can help. I can be an eligible refugee to get upon the ship."
"How do we know you’re not a spy or you won’t just run?" The guard mentioned.
"Hold it, Ragnran, he might have a point." she held up her hand and listened.
"My brother here is looking for his best friend. Our master is over there, you need to talk to him. We heard that our friend is on the refuge ships."
"We can get there, but we don’t know if Captain Sharpclaw might attack the ships." She replied.
"If we leave now we could get there, but once to Wiyan, we might not know, your friend might be gone." The guard added.
"Listen to us! Our friend is out there, and we don’t leave him behind. We might be able to stop Sharpclaw from hurting innocent people! Besides maybe we can help secure the garrison without a fight." Myles added. Myles explained some of the details of where he was going, but nothing else was told.
Ivan then looked over at the group. He then approached the Lieutenant. "May I ask what’s going on ma'am I hope my best slaves aren't bothering you?"
"Oh no," she said then looked at him. "I believe you have a ride to find your friend." They looked at each other and cheered. "Listen we will take my personal airship. It's small enough to land upon the deck of the other and dock off of it. It will be a short ride, trust me on this."
They all walked out as the innkeeper wished them luck. As the party followed towards a small Patrol Boat, it was more likely a sailboat with three cannons on it than a ship. As they all got in they went into the mid-deck of the ship. It was the living spaces such as a small kitchen and an area for a bathroom and two bedrooms. They could feel the boat rise and hear the wings open up on it. They felt a rough skid, then a heavy lift upwards, and then a small balanced feel. Everyone felt a feeling of lightness, but it was all just them floating in the clouds. They could see the sun above the clouds as the rose, the puffiness of the clouds shown like small hills or mountains of white dust.
About an hour had passed, Tamika came from above deck to the kitchen of a cabin where everyone stood or sat. "Listen I see the ship column and I see the ship you described. We sent signals for us to land, we will land here shortly. Ivan do you know the plan, and once you get a count we will leave and escort you fully to Wiyan."
"Yes, and we will ask Commander Daniel to friendly give up the keep, and have a tactical movement of all citizens and troops to Valormon." Ivan replied.
"What if that Captain comes by to attack the fleet?" Myles asked.
"Then I will confront the troops and the General myself." She said looking at her sharp blade.
They then heard the guard yell of a landing and they heard and felt a small bump. They then went above deck to find themselves on the side of The Refuger along with two other vessels the Tameir and the Er'thanor. Only two of the ships had at least two four inch guns.
"Halt, why must you land a ship of war to board a ship of neutrality?" a Human guard asked the ship’s navigator.
"Can't you Humans wait until my leader comes out? I always get yelled at for being the first one seen!"
Tamika came from below deck. "It's ok Humans; I'm only here to drop off refugees that couldn't make the port in time. I also come to give warning and to look for missing persons. I request to speak to the officer of this convoy." She told the guard as the rest of the party got on the refugee ship.
"Yes, ma'am, follow me to Captain Welton's quarters. And the missing persons?"
"Oh yes, a Rivian," she then told the description of Jerich, "He came aboard about a night ago."
The guard looked at her and complied. "Yes we did have an otter that came upon our ship; we will check the description and make sure the validation is correct."
"Ok then please send a guard to get him for his family." she said walking towards the quarters with the guard. "Ranon, Ivan you guys know the plan." she whispered as she went through the doors.
A guard came and took them about one deck below, "Please may some of you remove your clothing and items please; we need to be sure all safety." The guard took the males into one room, as the three females went with a female Wolf looking like guard. "Now we must check."
"Isn’t this a bit tad weird? I mean you could have checked us for an inspection with our clothes on?" Ivan asked as he stood there waiting.
"Yes and the last time we did that we found one of the Resistance fighters was carrying two explosive crystals within his ribs which he cut and sewn, the ship was blown into two as it crashed over the Hildranon Channel. That’s why we do such weird inspections, as for you anthros; eh you have a tad bit of luck for having the fur." The guard said with a small laugh.
Ivan sighed as he was the first checked, he had a clear. As for Ranon, Brian, Myles, and Dev, they got their searches thereafter. The males had gone a bit lower on decks, and they waited in a room that looked much like a dining hall. They then saw two guards carrying the otter by both arms.
"Let me go! I didn't do anything...." He yelled while he kicked backwards with his paws and tried shuffling around until they sat him down. After his struggle he looked over to see Ranon and Myles. "Ah, so you did come to my offer."
Ranon growled, "No we came to bring you back home! You don’t know how much Myles has been through looking for you. Now we got the Human guards looking for us, and now the enemy forces are looking for us."
"Gah Why'd you bring them here?" he replied after spitting out his drink. "Do you know what could happen?"
Well you would probably figure that out, by then the sound of an alarm went off and a guard came down. "All hands on deck, no matter the cost." He then went up with the crowd while Jerich looked at them, Ivan stayed as well as the neighbors. Brian, Myles, and Ranon went to the top deck; to find Captain Sharpclaw with the 1st Highlander Regiment of Wolves were there. On a big airship which made the travel ship look small to comparison.
"Where are the people from the Bansur farm?" He asked the guard.
"We don’t know you would have to check the logs." The guard said after then panicking due to the size of the massive Hyena that held him.
"Put him down Sharpclaw!" Tamika and Captain Welton yelled. "We have your people, but we need a requisition from you."
“What would that be to give the Humans a chance to win pup?” He asked laughing.
"I'm no pup; I work along the great General Foxlion himself! I have no need for your Wolvish tongue! Besides you have no meaning of the Rights of the Common Warfare!" She yelled at him, she knew inside that she had no strength, but she had the heart to go against him.
"I demand the non-attack on the city of Wiyan, there are too many refugees, and the forces there will be enormous. You’re going against all odds!"
"Are you going against orders?"
"Not if I ask the Dog Clan Leader himself."
"Fine you petty fool! You have no understanding of war!" He then saw the mountainside. "Navigator take us off this vessel, we start our attack at sunset."
"No!" She tried to grab him as he boarded the ship. He soon got away.
"We'll get him Tamika, trust me on this. He will be killed, trust me on these words." Ranon then patted her and moved towards the group. He saw her slightly crying on her knees, because she knew this wasn't him.
Chapter 6
The Last Battle and End
They soon landed in Wiyan; they walked quickly to the keep, not almost at a run but a fast paced walk. They quickly opened the door. Tamika was first in and quickly told the Commander the plans of the assault. "Daniel the Dogs will be attacking! We have to end this conflict without the civilians getting hurt!"
"We cannot move, they already been shelling the high ground. If we don’t defend we will lose the providence of Fire's Edge, then Long Hope."
"We will be good enough to fight back! We need the civilians out of here before we defend. The ships are waiting, and I saw a destroyer that could be useful." She then looked at him with the look of encouragement.
"I can trust you, even though you are an enemy, do you have proof of this?"
"I can say for that sir." Myles stood up; he talked proudly of the battle plans heard from Tamika.
"Now I can trust you, but our numbers are lower."
Tamika then replied, "But we have the high ground. Use your cannons, your muskets and rifles, your arrows and javelins will darken the skies. Your ballistae will decimate the enemy siege towers and catapults. Use your defenses and we can get all the civilians out of here and pull out a full retreat to Arn."
"We must make plans, but we must make haste for sunset comes soon." Commander Daniel final decision was approved of Tamika's orders. He knew that once all the supplies were gone they would have enough airship power and artillery from afar to destroy the mountain base.
Everyone was suited, Myles, Jerich and Erin were equipped with bows and arrows, and they were supposed to be on the first wall which was the heaviest of all defenses. Ranon was equipped with little plate armor but mostly chainmail; he was with Dev, Annie and Brian, while Ivan, Tamika and Pam was fitted with heavy plate to be with the Commander.
---
The sun had soon started to set and the sound of cannons lit up the sound of the strongholds silent stare. The fields around were covered with these ants that were carrying spears, swords and weapons of all kinds. Two massive boats of metal shadowed the sun from the right down upon the fields. They knew that this battle would or might be their last. Myles was the one to be the first of the volleys. The leader of the archer militia stood at the wall close to Myles. "Take aim! Steady! Steady! Men take fire!” He yelled as the first volley of arrows and ballistae shot. Catapults and ballistae’s from the last wall near the keep, fired as well upon the airships.
Down below soldiers saw the hail of arrows and giant ballistae, some carrying ladders and others behind a few siege towers. One of the towers was hit by a boulder that bounced off the metal airships. Many men fell and most ran to the walls.
"Men open fire!" The next volley shot from the archers, and then a loud boom had come, then whole wall shook. It was being hammered. "Keep down!" the leader yelled, and then when Myles looked to where he was he was gone.
"The gods," he whispered to himself as he saw the huge chunk of wall next to him. "Agghhh....." He yelled in pain as he moved. He saw that pieces of metal and stone were up his leg and he was cut on the right ribs with a large piece of metal.
"Myles take charge, you’re next in command!" yelled Jerich from the far left.
"I am?" he yelled back, as then Jerich gave him the yes. He then looked to the right and left of the long wall. "Brace yourselves! Hold the line!" He yelled with all the strength of his lungs. He then collapsed and held his wound as he leaned against the wall.
Night had soon fallen. There had been at least six more volleys that sunset before the archers ran out of ammunition which others had to go to the keep or port to get the supplies. Many ships had left and some had come in with supplies. Ones left to drop off supplies then take refugees back towards Arn.
Myles had passed out from a loss of blood, but was soon awoken by Jerich bandaging him. "Here, you'll be fine, we still need you. Listen bother, I'm not leaving you until we get to Alioth...” he then chuckled, "You hear me?"
Myles had little response, he spoke a little of yes's and no's but not a full other word. He was barely speaking anything at one time. He groaned a bit and mumbled as Jerich finished bandaging.
"You’re lucky that I'm here, I'll always be with you trust me..." Jerich soon gave him a hug and Myles had shut his eyes again. Jerich sat there with him until he would awake in the morning. Jerich looked again and fell asleep himself.
---
Up in the keep someone had walked in the guard told him to stop. He halted in front of the Commander Daniel. He had black ears, fluffy ones at most but white tipped. He had a fox tail it was a bit ragged but still right. He walked with a boot shaped to his feet, as well as robes and plate armor over the robes. Tamika walked up to the stranger. She gave a motion of a clap, then a fist with a hand of a clap which collided after the clap. Last it was followed by a position of arms by the side, and a small bow of the head.
"Lunaris Velenius naturial Lieutenant Tamika." The stranger claimed.
"Assistant Clan Leader Foxlion, glad to meet you as well." Daniel showed the same motion as Tamika did as Foxlion looked at him.
"So glad to meet you, I couldn't wait to sign the treaty and give the tribute. Soon this conflict will be over, and Valormon will let me hold my position if our two glorious clans ever win this dang war."
"So let it be so forth, but we must make quick hasting. For the sunrise will lead to the end of the battle."
"How would you know this?" questioned Daniel.
"I can foresee due to the crystal within my head. It is of the sacred bloodline of the Council of the Druidic Calling. The crystal is only owned by few of our races, and few of the Wolves."
"Ahh.... I see, but do you have confidence with our troops, or with yours."
"I'm sure our Dog Clan troops will hold. They are smart enough other than the Wolves. The 8th Regiment will not hold back their honor though. I will try my best to keep them from destroying it. The minority of the Dog Clan such as the Down-Ears wish to gain their spot within the Dog Clan Council."
Daniel chuckled a bit and then replied, "Well the government for you Dogs and Wolves still isn't fulfilled and it never will be, but we still have to find a quick way to fix these actions such as this small action that could change the history of the Human race."
"I will do my best, for the Dog Clan Leader himself will help attack, but that will be in the future, for now he is Pervuma, to finish off the war, soon he will be here." He then waved his hand then creating a small ball of magic and looked at it.
The figure was muffled in the magic and couldn’t be transferred through, "Are we good Foxlion?"
"Yes, sir the Council has approved of the treaty."
"So let it be, as long as Master Greynon doesn't have Sharpclaw attack then we should be complete." The magical ball disappeared ad Foxlion nodded. Then he looked back up towards Daniel.
He stared within Daniel’s eyes, pull his cloak over his back, "Tamika, follow me. Daniel, your back in charge I have other matters to attend to." He then walked out the door with Tamika following.
"What was that all about Commander Daniel?" Asked Ivan after the large doors shut.
"It means we got a confrontation soon..." He then looked at the doors of the hall and stared.
----
Tamika had followed to the first wall the moon shone upon the wall, and blood and wounded covered wall. "Why would we go against our own race?"
"It's due to the cause of us... My child, it is one of Lunaris's curses. We may be more in touch with nature, but we suffer a major bloodlust, an unsustainable government, and a clash between our own kinds to find a purpose not found." He stared upon the plains of tents far off while the moon shone upon the walls, buildings and the plains themselves. He then looked at Tamika while facing the fields.
"Sir I really do miss the plains of Duski, my mother lived there for years. The Clan Leader's mate Elora had known my mother. They still will never know my last name due to its Duski Tribe's current leader, since you're away." She then looked down while holding the edge of the wall.
"Of course, I will always know of the duty from this day, of Lieutenant Tamika True-Heart." It was given to you by your mother. She had a trait that was given for her own kin." He then started to walk away towards the docks.
She had followed him to the docks. He had soon got to his small airship which had more guards around it. Profoundly Aleksandr, and Haythem of Task Force 455, themselves were legends. She then asked him one more question. "How will I cleanse his heart, surely he is corrupted from the bloodlust!"
He turned his head as he and the guards got on the ship. "You will know the time child, you will know...." He then flew off within the small metallic ship with few sails. It took off towards the Northern Star (or Polaris for the Dog Clan tradition) and it disappeared within the night sky.
----
The morning had started to arouse with explosions. Jerich had woken up that morning to the loud thunderous booms of the airship. He had seen Dog Clan and Wolvish troops walking up the stairs. He stood up as the Dogs reached the top. He pointed out his crossbow. "Hey! Get back you!"
The Dogs jumped some yelling and trying to calm him down, "Hey hold it! Calm down." They then explained that they were part of the 8th Regiment, the 4th Platoon Expeditionary Force. Jerich had calmed down and lowered his weapon but he watched. "We thought you were amongst the dead, don't worry you will be safe..."
"What about my brother," He then slightly held Myles that was still unconscious, "What about him! Can you do something about that....?”
"We can see but we have to take him with us...." The guard offered a hand, and he called over for a stretcher as well as other men to collect any more wounded. They moved him on the stretcher and Jerich followed, they made their way downwards towards the camps below. "Don’t worry you'll be fine with us, we'll take care of him."
"I'll stay with him the whole time." Jerich said as they walked into a medical tent where he stayed watching his brother.
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