Swamp of Death - Chapter 62

 DORULL SAGA - SWAMP OF DEATH

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CHAPTER 62

 

 

In and around the burnt rubbles of mercantile guild’s building gathered quite a lot of townsfolk. Wishing to find out more about the unfortunate events of the night before, they were making quite a ruckus. Several soldiers unsuccessfully tried to keep them at a safe distance. Despite all of the fires being put under control, there was still a danger from possible collapse of the two remaining walls.

But it seemed, people did not mind these warnings. Opportunity to find out more, or something new about the accident, was a good enough reason for the risk. Two of the most powerful persons in Vallsynk lost their lives that night, and once the rumors surrounding their deaths started circulating, there was nothing stopping ever so curious townsfolk. Suspicion of foul play at large grew even more, once the name of councilor Enepel Zaanven got thrown in the thick of it.

By morning, everyone in Vallsynk was acquainted with the rumor, significantly complicating Xavnier’s affairs. Hidden behind the heavy, brown curtain, halfling was anxiously peeking through the window of the mansion, looking at the main square. Last night’s turbulent events made him the sole councilor of the mercantile guild, but Xavnier felt unsure if he was ready to take on with that commitment. Eilonna’s sweet talking, her intoxicating way of making promises and vows, gave him the courage and willingness to face the ordeals. But, this seminal upswing, this eagerness subsided a long time ago.

Strength of Vallsynk was in direct correlation with its mercantile council, of which halfling became a full fledged member, more than three decades ago. And in that time, he never had to change his routines. Rules and guidelines were set in place, as a way to divide the responsibilities and workload amongst the councilors. This left a lot of time for Xavnier, to do numerous ongoings he had on the side.

Eilonna’s tempting offer seemed ideal at the time. But, halfling eventually began to realize, he would never have the freedom or time necessary for continuation of his affairs. Someone else might’ve had to take over the role of managing the merchant’s guild. Mere thought of that, made halfling malaise from nausea. He had to find a way to keep the guild under his control.

Xavnier spent almost the entire night contemplating every possible outcome. With every passing minute, he was more and more unsure about the decisions he made. But, there was no turning back. Councilors were dead. It was up to him to take over the ruling of the city. Eilonna did offer him some help, which he would probably need. But, he wasn’t eager to ask her for it. Halfling had to think hard, before meeting with councilor Falkner.

The way and ease in which Eilonna eliminated his associates, showed Xavnier how powerful she truly was. Surely it wasn’t a coincidence, she picked him, being the one with the least allies among those with high positions. There was a time when he looked at the rest of the councilors with ridicule, as they were trying to please all of those potentates from the south. That did not matter to him, at all.

But now, everything has changed. He had to do the same exact things. And because of that, halfling now wished he’d listened to all of the advice from the other councilors. He could certainly use the help and backing from a trusted ally. For now, Xavnier could not make himself to trust councilor Falkner. His gut feeling was telling him Eilonna was hiding something. The way she approached him with the plan of the assassination, so blunt, and without the reservation, must have meant someone else, much more powerful was involved. Xavnier knew he couldn’t trust anyone, until he found out more.

Consolidating his position and stature was a priority. He will play his part in Eilonna’s plan, for now. He had to prove himself, he is ready to be the lord of Vallsynk. And this was the perfect opportunity to do so. Crowd gathered around the main town square was eager for answers, Xavnier knew he would be the one answering them.

Silent knocking on the door, interrupted the pensive halfling. He nearly tore one of the curtains, as he jumped surprised.

“My apologies, sir. Sorry to bother you.” through the ajar doors stick out the balding head of his personal butler “Guardsmen are reporting on Issurk's delegation immediate arrival.”

Xavnier knew the moment he dreaded for the entire morning, finally came. It was his duty to welcome lady Eilonna in the official capacity. And that would’ve meant the confrontation with all of those prying townsfolk, gathered around the town square.

Prisoner of the Amulet - Chapter 21

 DORULL STORIES - PRISONER OF THE AMULET

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CHAPTER 21

 

In the meantime, admiral Naarbul Sariyk returned to his quarters, situated on the opposite side of the ship. He hastily slipped out of his uniform, before pouring a full glass of 1992 SCREAMING EAGLE CABERNET. He acquired it through one of the vard smugglers, who frequently traveled to the far away planets. From which exactly this beverage originated, the admiral had no clue. But he was certain he wished to visit that planet himself. Judging by this wine, he could only dream what other delicious things were awaiting him there.

He kept the two bottles of it, so he could raise a toast with his closest associates, after the completion of this mission. But because of the unforeseen events from the past couple of weeks, he changed his mind. They were too close to a complete disaster. That geologist would have blown the lid wide open, exposing their secrets. Fortunately they managed to stop him. And to Naarbul, that was a good enough reason to open one of the bottles. They were lucky. He knew that very well.

He also knew they needed to push this entire episode behind them as soon as possible. And instead place the focus on bettering the flow of information. To make sure nothing similar would happen again. And the ideal person for implementing such measures was none other than the captain of Shteint, Vlaazh Niykav. The admiral decided to call upon him immediately. There was no time to waste. He had to instruct him as soon as possible.

Naarbul swiped over the surface of his work desk, activating the personal external unit. He had just enough time to finish the glass, before the device was ready and operational. Moments later he selected the option of the direct call.

The captain was in his office. He just about finished listening to lieutenant Zharn’s report. And he immediately knew they were extremely fortunate in finding the runaway scientist. His motives were still unbeknown to him. But Vlaazh hoped the admiral will soon manage to uncover them. The sound of the incoming call coming from his hidden unit, told him that could be the case.

“Is everything alright, sir?” Vlaazh hastily accepted the call.

“It is now.” Naarbul said lively “ Catastrophe averted.”

“So he was working alone.” Vlaazh said.

“The thing is, he wasn’t working at all.” Naarbul said “This was nothing but an unfortunate event. A mistake.”

“What kind of mistake, sir?” Vlaazh asked.

“That is why I am calling you.” Naarbul said “It is a mistake that shouldn’t have happened at all. And it must never happen again.”

“I’ll make sure that is the case.” Vlaazh said “What am I to do?”

“You see, the geologist stumbled on one of the relocation plans.” Naarbul said “Someone mislabeled and placed it in the directory with maps or some other documents he used in his research.”

“I see.” Vlaazh said “No wonder he decided to flee. Although I have no idea where and how he thought he could hide from us?”

“He was too afraid to even think, let alone act straight.” Naarbul said.

“What will happen to him?” Vlaazh asked.

“He’s already being taken care of.” Naarbul answered “We now just need to come up with some supposed accident that befell on him. I trust you’ll figure out something convincing.”

“Consider it done.” Vlaazh said.

“Splendid.” Naarbul exclaimed “Only thing left then, is to make sure that nothing similar ever happens.”

“I’ll assign two of my trustiest men to check on the flow of information.” Vlaazh said.

“I’ll do the same on our side.” Naarbul said.

“Anything else, sir?” Vlaazh asked.

“Well now that you mentioned the men you trust,” Naarbul said “How much do you trust your lieut…”

Admiral’s voice abruptly cut off.

“Sir?” Vlaazh asked, before realizing the connection had broken.

He immediately picked the redial option. But the only thing he got back was the automated message informing him the connection isn’t available at this time. His device was still working properly. He figured that one out, as soon as he finished with the short diagnostics check. He tried to call again, but once more, he received the same answer. Vlaazh loudly sighed, switching the call for one of the ship's designated technicians. But just before he managed to confirm the selection, piercing sounds of critical alert spread through Shteint. Seconds later, his communicator beeped. It was Sethra Pallor, the ship's chief technician.

“Captain, we have a huge problem.” her voice trembled.

“What is the reason for the alarm?” Vlaazh asked “Do we have to evacuate? Try informing Ganiwarthal. It seems I can’t connect with them.”

“Sir, it is Ganiwarthal.” Sethra answered “We lost them.”

“So all of our lines are down.” Vlaazh immediately suspected of sabotage, perhaps the admiral was wrong to conclude the matter was resolved “Is this on their end? Can we assist them with repairs?”

“Sir, this is not a malfunction issue.” Sethra answered “They are gone.”

“What do you mean gone?” Vlaazh struggled to accept her words “Where are they?”

           “What I’m trying to say…sir,…is…t-there was some accident, sir.” Sethra fought to hold her tears “Ganiwarthal is completely destroyed.”

Swamp of Death - Chapter 61

 DORULL SAGA - SWAMP OF DEATH

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CHAPTER 61

 

 

Small procession slowly moved over the cobblestone road connecting Issurk and Vallsynk. Heavily armed soldiers escorted high councilor Eilonna Falkner, accompanied by commander of the fort, Yelamir Kaladan. They were riding at the front. Silent, pensive at her own mind, Eilonna hasn't said anything since they’ve left Issurk. Paladin was well right with that, he too had much to contemplate.

Councilor Falkner’s ceremonious, black gown, was decorated in a beautiful elven, gold pattern, weaved around the waistline. Long, silk scarves fluttered, waved and swayed on the light breeze, coming from the lake. With her head down, looking at the ground in front, she was far away in her thoughts, trying to find just one reasonable explanation. Trying to find something that will make sense. That will calm her down.

Just recently, and all of the sudden, she found out there are people who knew about her ancestry. About her parents. She learned about the people who knew about the secrets of her life. The secrets, well hidden even from her. But for what reason? From whom were Saekul and Zaanven protecting her? She thought she was safe here, in the far north. Was she wrong? Perhaps vard knew something more, when he decided to intervene and change their agreement.

From what she was told, every member of her family had either been incarcerated or killed. She did not know all of the details, but they were accused and branded as traitors. They became renegades from elven ways and customs. Eilonna was left alone, here in Issurk, under the protection of lord Olveen Zaanan, who soon enough assumed the role of her grandfather. And he did keep her safe, promising no one was to find her, or hurt her. But now, everything seems to be coming back. Did someone find out who she actually was?

Again, she immediately thought of Vlaazh. Vard was helping her in so many, different ways. Perhaps, he could also help her with this. She almost forgot, she was introduced with this crafty helper by the lord Zaanan himself. And vard certainly helped her a lot. He helped her climb up to the position of power, once Olveen had passed. Eilonna had so many questions. She was getting angry, knowing those answers would be difficult to obtain. She could always try and demand for it straight from Vlaazh, but she was a bit afraid of him.

Vards were always helping her, but their enigmatic, secretive ways and the manner in which they conducted their business, scared her for some time now. Their isolation from the rest of the world was quite strange to say the least. But Eilonna respected their wishes to stay that way. It seemed, in all of their secrecy, Vlaazh kept the secret of her ancestry as well. But why, and to what purpose, councilor Falkner was yet to find out.

Official invitation to the last farewell of the deceased Vallsynk councilors, was a perfect opportunity for Eilonna to meet with Saekul. She was yearning for answers, and the commander of Vallsynk armies certainly had some. If nothing else, the elf owed her that much.

Brothers of War - Chapter 1

 DORULL STORIES - BROTHERS OF WAR

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CHAPTER 1

 

It was still an early morning when the column of fifty odd horsemen, rode inside Vur-Paan, an orcish village on the far north of Chaygor. Seemingly this was nothing strange, considering here even the youngest ones had an affinity to ride. It was often said that orcs learn to control the horse before they even take the first steps. Which wasn’t far from the truth.

Horses roamed freely here, in Chaygor. In herds that often surpassed thousands of specimens. They were gorgeous animals. And yet wild and unbridled. Fast, strong and fierce. The true lords of the fields and plains. Orcs soon find out that without these noble animals, they had no chance of taming the wilderness of Chaygor.

But first they needed to learn to tame the horses. This skill was perfected over many generations, becoming an art. And now it was almost inherent in every orc child. Up to the point even the ten year olds had the knowledge to tame their own horses. And the proficiency to ride them on par with the grown ups.

But the horsemen that rode in Vur-Pan that morning weren’t children. They weren’t orcs even. They were humans. All of them were soldiers. All of them, young officers. All of them, wearing uniforms of villages, towns and cities they were coming from. All of them were armed. But still they weren’t on the warpath.

The war ended a year ago. The war which held humans and orcs in feud for the past three decades. The war that took away many lives on both sides. Broke many families. Destroyed villages and towns. Created the disdain between these two races. And left them with anger and hate and intolerance. Something they were now trying to rectify with this peace treaty. They were trying to rebuild the bonds between these two races. These soldiers haven’t come here to wage war. They came in the name of peace.

One of the soldiers was Thorin Lutir, the lieutenant from Issurk. Military town and fortress at the south of Tanmar, a region bordering with Chaygor in the east. Thorin was tall, with broad shoulders and strong arms, reaching almost to his knees. His fists resembled mallets. They were rough looking, due to often use of weaponry. His dark-brown, almost black hair was tied into a short ponytail.

Preferably always clean shaved, since the first day he joined the army, Thorin decided to let his beard grow, just before they ventured on this journey. And now, after more than two and a half months on the road, he looked more to the wild mountain man, than an officer.

Despite being only twenty eight years of age, Thorin was an experienced soldier. He joined the service more than thirteen years ago. With the last ten spending as an active participant of battles in war against orcs and their allies. In war, he thought it lasted for far too long. This war which could perhaps even be avoided, took away several of his closest friends.

The war left a deep and permanent mark on Thorin. It could be said it shaped him. And perhaps most importantly, it gave him a lesson in life. This was a bit absurd, seeing the only certainty in war was death. Or perhaps because he was personally responsible for the deaths of dozens of orcs.

It is war. He heard others saying. Kill or be killed. They are just fucking orcs, who gives a shit? Many of his combatants projected open hatred towards this race. With it they were probably trying to lower the guilt they were undoubtedly feeling deep inside. The skirmishes definitely haven’t started from hatred or intolerance. They formed in due time, but only because of the real reasons the war started. Because of the fight for territories. And because of the fight for the resources.

Orcs as humans also had the pretense to expand in the region of Tanmar. They too sought to seize control over the Laorn mountains. Over the riches of ores this place was known for. Thorin could not hate orcs for that. They were doing the same as humans. Would he therefore have to hate everyone, just so he could keep his conscience clean. Or he should simply stop generalizing things. To try and get to know other races, their customs and interests, before he could actually judge them.

The opportunity to do so presented itself not long after the very signing of the peace treaty. The opportunity Thorin wholeheartedly accepted. It was then he realized he yearned to learn more about orcish culture. But now, as he found himself on this main village square, he wondered if he possibly made the mistake.

Prisoner of the Amulet - Chapter 20

 DORULL STORIES - PRISONER OF THE AMULET

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CHAPTER 20

 

“Do you have a clean SEMMB laying around?” Avena asked Nharsia, as soon as the admiral left the room.

“Nope.” Nharsia answered “But I can make one clean in no time.”

“Have you ever been inside one?” Avena asked, so Sanomis could clearly hear her.

“A few times.” Nharsia answered.

“And how was it?” Avena continued.

“Not bad.” Nharsia answered, realizing what Avena was trying to do “In between the long walks on the beach and a few romantic dinners with the various attractive companion programs, it's easy to say most would prefer that to the real deal.”

“You can program romantic dinners inside of that thing?” Avena asked.

“And everything else you wish to follow.” Nharsia smiled.

“I like the sound of that.” Avena did the same “What will it be like for him?”

“Oh, it will be much, much worse.” Nharsia answered.

“How much worse?” Avena winked.

“It will be a complete darkness. Complete silence.” Nharsia answered “Without the opportunity to relax and have fun. Or even to rest. Without everything.”

“Ugh.” Avena shivered “I couldn’t see myself lasting there for more than a week.”

“He probably won’t either.” Nharsia said.

“Did you hear that?” Avena turned towards Sanomis “Do you think you can last for more than seven days?”

Sanomis said nothing.

“Are you afraid?” Avena continued “Maggot!”

“Yes.” Sanomis admitted “But still I think I could last longer than you.”

“Perhaps.” Avena laughed “But who cares. Seven days, ten or twenty. Who gives a fuck. Either way, you’ll end up dead.”

“At least I’ll die happy, knowing I outlasted all of you, fucking monsters.” Sanomis thought, knowing it would be reckless and stupid to warn them with an outburst such as this one.

“Would you feel better, saying that to them?” module asked him, as it was the only one hearing the geologist.

“Indubitably.” Sanomis answered through his mind.

“You know what would be even better?” module asked.

“What?”

“Seeing this little bitch, realizing you outlived her.” module answered.

“I’ll bring that beautiful picture with me, when they place me in that storage thingy.” Sanomis thought.

“So this is the end?” the module sounded somber, after taking a few seconds of silence “They are taking us apart.”

“Admiral said so.” Sanomis answered.

“It’s just too soon.” module continued “We only started our adventure.”

Sanomis thought to say something else. To thank this unique, incredible device, on every moment he spend with it. It was the least he could do. But he was out of time.

“I am done.” Nharsia said.

“Can you make one slight adjustment?” Avena asked her.

“Sure.” Nharsia said “What do you have in mind?”

“Can you load the nutritional support emulator?” Avena asked.

“Are you sure?” Nharsia was surprised by the request “Do you understand what you are asking?”

“Oh I sure hope so.” Avena’s eyes widened, as the sinister smile appeared on her sharp face “That way he will stay confined in there. Alive. Forever.”

“Naughty. I like it.” Nharsia smiled, “Consider it done.”

“There you go maggot.” Did you hear?” Avena turned towards Sanomis “Now you’ll definitely last longer in there, than I ever could.”

Sanomis wished to reply. To lash out and throw some insults at her. Perhaps even reveal to her she doesn’t have much time to waste on this unnecessary gloating. But even if he wanted to, he wasn’t able to do so. It was at that moment Nharsia inserted the SEMMB inside the designated slot on the spherical control device, booting the program. One second later, she issued the run command.

The chair moved once again. Only this time significantly more than before. Medem expanded as it enveloped Sanomis. It assumed the properties of fabric. For a moment, the smart compound appeared to look like a full bodysuit. And then it changed again. It liquified itself, in order to gain easier access inside Sanomis’ body. In no time, he was completely enveloped. From the out, as is from the inside. A few seconds later, medem transformed him into a digital entity, before uploading him into the SEMMB.

            The space inside was just as Nharsia described it. Empty. Dark. Somber. If it weren’t for the muffled whir, coming from the life support system, and his erratic thoughts, he would doubt he was even alive. With the fact his module wasn’t with him anymore, and probably stored into one of the other compartments, Sanomis for a moment wished his life had ended. But who knows perhaps soon it will. As soon as the admiral decide to connect his module with one of external devices on this ship.