THE COALITION - 2005 Episode One "The Fall of Broughcut" Miss O'Brien was nearly finished with the history lesson. "and, children, when the dust finally settled it was the eldest son Antony who prevailed." She cleared her throat and continued, "The days that followed were filled with adjustments by all sides. It was very important to the new King that the wounds of his countrymen be healed rapidly. He did this by allowing his two brothers to maintain their separate realms and he allowed them to continue to rule -but as Lords. The three brothers each did his part to rebuild and then to expand the Broughcut Kingdom. Together we flourished, the three lands becoming one under the banner of King Antony." At that moment there came a pounding at the door. It swung open and a battered soldier crossed into the room. In an urgent voice he commanded, "It is time." Miss O'Brien slowly closed the book on her lap as the students looked to her for instruction. She spoke calmly, "Tommy, would you please take down the flag." The boy hurried over to the banner displayed on the wall. Reaching up with trembling hands he removed it from its station and brought it over to his teacher. She gently took it from him and touched his cheek tenderly. The soldier standing in the doorway spoke again, "We must leave - NOW." "Alright children. I want you to line up in single file and follow me." The class moved out of the building together. All around them children were loading into transports and men at arms were rushing about. Miss O'Brien stood beside the vehicle her students were assigned to. As the soldiers loaded the children in the back, she stood in stunned silence and absorbed all that was happening around her. "How could so much have been sacrificed for the Kingdom - only to come to this" Buck loaded the last of the supplies into his wagon. He had done his best to maintain the castle for Mac, and was not about to leave anything undone before he left. He preferred to stay, and had not King Antony himself requested his help with the evacuation of the children of Broughcut - he would have stayed with Castle Broughcut. Now that the last child was on board, the soldiers urged the small caravan to go. Miss O'Brien was to be one of the drivers - none of the warriors could be spared from the battle. It was now up to the teachers to get the Broughcut children out safely. Shawlee climbed up into the cab of her transport and watched as Buck climbed up into the lead wagon. Her mind instantly flashed on Mac. She thought how glad she was that he had not lived to witness this day. The fleeing of Broughcut. As the small group of refugees headed toward Vurki Territory, the teachers watched the soldiers turn back toward the front. Each walked in silence and each already knowing his fate. * * * * * * * Episode Two "The Spread of Darkness" The commander moved through the rubble of the Keep, stepping over the broken bricks and broken bodies of his enemies. They had fought well. It had taken his forces the entire morning to breach the walls and lay waste to the once mighty kingdom. His soldiers hustled about scavenging weapons and gathering up the few survivors. His army would be hungry and fresh meat would be their reward. Warwolf found himself staring at his hands. The human form he now found himself in was very adaptable indeed; and as physical forms go, quite efficient. They had all been pleased with this realm, after all - when exiting the dark world, one could never be sure where one would end up. "Could have been lizard-folk." He chuckled to himself at the thought. But no matter what form he arrived in, he - and the others - always had these damn red horns. The sound of his second approaching pulled him back to the now. "We found these," Durham reported as he presented the objects to his commander. Warwolf took hold of the scepter and crown and held them loosely in his hands. Blood was still dripping from the metal and jewels. He stared at the objects for only a moment, and with his face void of expression he said flatly, "Toss them in with the rest." With slightly more enthusiasm Warwolf asked, "How many survivors?" "Not as many as we hoped, six I think. Seems all the children escaped," answered Durham. "Pity, pity," muttered the commander half under his breath as he absently kicked at a torn and bloody piece of material with his boot. The fabric at his feet was made up of three colors; red, blue and gray, and the numeral eight was emblazoned in the center. "Pity." Later that night after feasting, Warwolf found himself once more looking down at his hands. He found human flesh fascinating. Tough, yet frail. Death comes easy to these forms, and that fact benefited him immensely. He literally puffed up at the thought that it was he who had chosen the spot to enter this world and that an army had followed him. His army. Only the giants had been aware of his entrance, yet even so they did not discover the full strength of his forces until it was too late. Once the giants had been crushed, it was just a matter of time. His thoughts were disturbed by Durham entering his tent. "It was a good day," Durham spoke as he moved toward the table set in the center of the large quarters. He took a goblet from the table then moved and sat down beside his commander. "Yes, it was," Warwolf said as he settled back with a large cup in his hand, basking in the glory. "So what do we know about these Vurki?" Durham asked, his mouth now full of meat. "Very little, actually. They are nomadic, not much organization, and live in small isolated bands spread out over a very large area. It will take time. I do not believe the Vurki will fight the same way as those we have dealt with thus far." "Neither will we. We'll divide our army. Units must be sent out to locate and destroy them." ?Yes, but with only six survivors, our pantry is now bare. How do you propose I feed a marching army with such limited livestock in tow?" Durham let out a loud belch and rubbed his visibly full belly with his blood-stained hand. "That's your problem, not mine." * * * * * * * Episode Three "The Reunion" The smoke hung thick at the rear of the small caravan as the group moved steadily toward an unknown fate. Shawlee shifted in the front seat of the cab as the vehicle bounced down the road. She was aware of what was happening behind them, the images of her brothers flashed through her mind as she blinked out the tears in order to better see the road ahead. Humanities only hope was now in the hands of their greatest fear - the Vurki. She worried silently about their welcome. She was certain that the Vurki would allow her and the children safe haven, but she wasn't so certain about what they would do with Buck or with the other teachers for that matter. The roadside they now traveled was littered with the debris of the refugees that had proceeded them. Shawlee wondered about their fate as well.
The Vurki had long ago sworn off the trappings of civilization and the people that treasured them. The Vurki way of life was one of hardship and daily trials. Shawlee knew this first hand. She also knew that if the invading creatures with the red horns could be stopped, the Vurki were the ones to do it. The caravan pushed forward through the night. Shawlee now led the way and her transport was the only one with the lights on. She peered diligently at the road ahead for any obstructions or potential problems that may slow the moving line of vehicles. She had no intention of stopping until she put a safe distance between her charges and the monsters behind them. Suddenly Shawlee slammed on the brakes, behind her she heard the shouts of children as they pitched violently forward. Standing in the middle of the road was a lone Vurki warrior. Her hand flew to the weapon on her hip and before she could draw it to bare, he was on her. His powerful hand grasped hers and in a blink of an eye he was holding her gun. Then he smiled broadly at her, and she knew that smile. "Boowie!" Shawlee pushed the door open and flew into the strong arms of her dear friend. "Yes, girl." Shawlee pushed away slightly and gazed into his eyes. Boowie appeared as if he had not changed at all. In the light of the headlamps he looked exactly the same as she remembered him those many years ago. "I'm so glad to see you, we..." the words halted as emotion threatened to overtake her. She stood silently for a moment. Buck came running up beside her, ominously waving a long metal bar in his hand. He kept his eyes on the Vurki as he spoke, "Miss O'Brien, are you ok?" Shawlee turned to him and answered, "It's all right, Buck. Boowie is an old friend." Buck tilted his head slightly, "Old?" Once more her attention was drawn to the fact that Boowie had not seemed to have aged at all. It had been years since she had last seen him. Boowie had been the one that delivered the news of Mac's death to her as she resided in safety among the Vurki. Boowie broke her train of thought, "We must go... they are close behind you." "Broughcut?" She asked, fleeting images of her brothers once more flashing through her mind. "Lost," was the Vurki's one word answer. With a renewed sense of urgency, the caravan pushed forward, being led deep into Vurki territory by the mysterious man known simply as Boowie. Several times during the night they were forced to stop. Vehicles were breaking down and the horses needed to rest. During these breaks, the teachers would redistribute the children and the loads, casting aside treasures which could no longer be carried. At each stop, Boowie would disappear for a time then reappear with information about the enemy's progress. They drove forward until all were fighting fatigue. The vehicles were running dangerously low on fuel and it was just a matter of time before they were all on foot. Boowie suddenly stopped the procession. The drivers took the opportunity to rest as the Vurki quickly disappeared into the early morning mist ahead of them. Boowie moved toward the familiar smells. It had been many years since he had set foot on Vurki land and the early morning sounds once more refreshed him. As he approached the encampment, he wasn't entirely sure how he would be received. He knew that most of his friends would be dead by now and that no one would recognize his face. He was equally certain that all four Tribes of the Vurki would know his name. * * * * * * * Episode Four "The Challenge" Warwolf strolled the perimeter of the encampment. Everything was going just as he had planned. Not even the slightest resistance had been met. Well, none that had mattered to his army, anyway. Now it was just a matter of mopping up these Vurki scum and the dawn of a new age would begin. Scouts had been sent out at first light to establish the whereabouts of the enemy. It was almost dark and so far, none had returned. "Odd," he thought to himself. "Very odd." The last of the fresh meat had been devoured during the day, and from here on out his men would be on dry rations. Of course, there would be plenty for his inner circle. Rank has its privileges, after all. Once more his thoughts drifted to the form he now found himself in. These bodies that he and his men now occupied. He reveled in the new sensations; hunger, exhaustion, fear. How these weak-minded humans ever managed them was surprising. Almost admirable. He moved slowly through the scattered fires. They had made camp in the woods just on the edge of what the maps had declared Vurki Territory. Beyond the trees and out in the vast prairie that lay before him was his next victory. All around him his vast army rested and by the time he made his way back to his tent, Durham was waiting. "Have a nice walk?" "Yeah. I really like legs," Warwolf replied. Durham chucked, "Me too. With gravy." Warwolf moved past him into his quarters. "Anything from the scouts yet?" he asked as he sat heavily upon a cushion. Durham walked to the table, "Nothing." "Seems odd - don't you think?" "Yep," answered Durham as he carried a large piece of meat from the leg on the table. "Your thoughts?" Warwolf shifted in his seat. "They are all dead." Durham sat down beside Warwolf and shrugged, "Why else would they have not reported by now?" "Thirty? And not one returned? They MUST be dead," he finished with a mumble. "How much longer before the main body of our troops arrive?" Warwolf asked. "Two, maybe three weeks." "TOO LONG. I will speed them up myself. You will take this army over the boarder at dawn and seek out these Vurki." Durham continued to chew as he spoke, "From what I understand, they have a pretty tight boarder patrol. These Vurki will more than likely be our first test." "Good, then we are decided." "Well?" Durham swallowed. "Yes?" "Well, Wolf, you sure going back now is the right idea?" "WHY?" Warwolf demanded more than asked. Undaunted, Durham continued, "I'm thinking it may be viewed as.... well, a weakness. Turning tail at our first real challenge." Warwolf jumped to his feet his eyes ablaze, "You know better than most - if ANY wish to challenge me, I will gladly show them just how weak I am!" "Easy now..." Durham offered apologetically as he unconsciously scooted back on his cushion. "You let it be known among the men...Anyone... Anytime." Warwolf growled. * * * * * * * Episode Five "The Council" He moved slowly through the woods, his steps as light as the wind that blew around him. It was an easy task to elude the first set of guards placed at the border. The ones guarding the encampment, however, would be a much greater challenge. The man known as Boowie would use every trick he had learned over many years to enter the camp undetected. The mark of the Bear was the first he had seen as he slipped silently past the guards. As he traveled deeper into the heart of the camp he noted the marks of the Dragon and of the Lion. It was obvious to him that a great council had been called together. When he was at last in sight of the summit tent, he noted the mark of the Eagle. From his travels through the camp he had seen the marks of all four of the Vurki clans. In Boowie's long life the four clans had never occupied the same soil. Boowie approached the heavily guarded tent slowly, the robe of his clan draped over one shoulder, his head bent down. "That's far enough," the largest of the guards warned. "You know you're not suppose to be here. Now state your business," the large guard moved toward him ominously. Boowie slowly raised his head, "I seek a council," he replied, his hands dangling empty at his side. "The Chiefs are very busy," piped up a smaller guard. His comrade shot him a warning glare which silenced him immediately. "Tell them that Boowie is here with news of our enemy." When the large man heard the name, he instinctively took a step backward. He quickly regained his composure and moved to the doorway. "Watch him...close," he instructed his companions before moving into the quarters. Once inside he stood for a moment and listened to the ongoing debate. Chief Tanjon, the leader of the Dragon Clan, was the first to notice him. "What is it?" the elder asked the nervous guard. The guard snapped to attention, "A man who has called himself Boowie wishes a council with you." When those in the room heard the name, some narrowed their eyes in suspicion while some widened their eyes in wonder. Chief Tanjon asked above the low muttering around him, "Are you certain that was the name this man gave?" "Yes."
Came the confident reply of the guard. "Show him in." The warrior turned and within moments standing before them was the one who called himself Boowie. Tanjon wasted no time, "The name you have tossed out means many things to the Vurki people. One that would claim to be this man must also be prepared to prove it. You are not as old as some would think Boowie should be, yet much has been rumored of the man called Boowie. Many think he can not die. Just as many believe he is a myth.? "I am not sure how I can prove to you who I am." Boowie stepped forward into the bright light. He stood before the assembly and continued, "There may be a few who still remember me. Some of you here might have fathers who would know me on sight. But alas, most who would know my face are now dead?.but the truth is whether you believe me to be Boowie will not soon matter, for if you do not listen to me now we will all be dead by the end of the week." He turned slowly to face each man that was assembled, pausing long enough to allow each of them to see into his soul. From a dark corner his voice boomed out. A voice as recognizable as the man who bellowed it, "Aye?.That be him alright." Law Bos O'Neal, the trusted ally of all four Clans of the Vurki, stepped from the shadows and approached his old friend. He looked directly into his eyes as he spoke, "Arrr...there be no mistakin' it...this be Boowie alright." A broad smile swept over the Vurki's face. With Law Bos at his side, all was not yet lost. * * * * * * * Episode Six "Durham's Promise " Durham wound his way through the smoke of the cooking fires that dotted the landscape. He moved confidently among the men, some recognizing him with nods of greeting, others looking right through him unaware of his position. The Ganga who comprised this army were a fickle bunch, but they all had one thing in common. Each one of them had been promised whatever they wanted to get him here. The Ganga had been prisoners of Darkland, locked firmly behind The Gate. Durham had always known that he alone would never be able to break free. He knew he needed help, lots of help. Befriending Warwolf had been a necessity. To have attempted the breakout without his power and assistance would have been folly. Warwolf had the gift. The ability to unite the Ganga and influence many of them to do his bidding, something that Durham could not do. But Durham had Warwolf's ear, and for now that would have to be enough. The voices inside grew louder as he approached the large canvas tent. No guards were posted here, none were needed. Durham slipped silently through the opening and stood quietly. "Come in!" shouted Crusher as he rose and offered Durham a seat on the soft cushion beside him. Durham strolled over and sat down among them. "I see you all are getting some rest," his eyes passing from one to the other. He locked eyes with Pike, the youngest of the three, who merely returned a neutral stare. "Adjusting," answered Mayhem. "Getting enough to eat?" Durham asked the group, again looking at the silent Pike. "Yes, adjusting to that as well," Mayhem replied. "Good!" Durham slapped his legs with his hands as he answered. He then wasted no more time getting to the point, "We have work to do. Warwolf is leaving to hurry up the rest of our army. They have full bellies and are lagging behind. We think his presence will, shall we say, inspire them," Durham smiled briefly and then continued. "So - we are left to lead the first assault on the Vurki. We will crush them just as we have crushed all the others!" Durham scanned the three, looking, searching for any reaction to his words. There was none. "And all that you have promised?" Pike spoke first, his tone challenging. Durham turned slowly towards him and raised his eyebrow slightly (an effect he had just recently mastered). "Yes Pike. And all that I have promised." "We are depending on you and your promise," Mayhem injected. "It will all be as I have promised. We will not have to return this time. We will be able to remain beyond the time allowed." "We don't want to go back to Darkland, my friend. After seeing this this world, we can't bare to think of it." Crusher said as he moved to the small table set with plates of meat. He stabbed a piece of meat with a large knife, tore a chunk off and chewed as he continued. "When you first approached us for the break out, when you told us to listen to Warwolf, you claimed he had the Key." Crusher moved slowly as he returned to his seat. "Have you seen the Key?" Mayhem spoke up immediately, "We have fought each other for eons. Battle is life. But for a chance, even a small one, to remain free of that pit, the chance is worth putting aside these things." Crusher backed down as Mayhem's words had a calming effect on him. Durham stood and walked to the exit. He paused and spoke to them without turning. "Follow Warwolf and all will be as we want. We must for the first time in our history join together. It took all five of us to break out. It will take all five of us to remain free. Sleep well, we must learn what these bodies limitations are." Durham turned to face the three. "Because they're ours now." With those words Durham parted, slipping out of the tent and into the cool night air. Unconsciously he grasped the chain around his neck and let his hand slide down to grab hold of the Key. He stroked it reassuringly as he walked. The night air made him shiver, a sensation he had never experienced before. Releasing the Key, Durham snatched the collar of his shirt and held it tightly closed against his throat, warding off the chill. His mind was racing. Pike is becoming suspicious, this much he was sure.
* * * * * * * Episode Seven "Long Life" Law Bos and Boowie were gazing into the flames of a small cooking fire only a few feet away from the tent where the Vurki Council was engaged in a great debate. "Arrr...so it now just be the pair of us. Tell me, how is it that you nar changed a bit since we last met old friend?"
"Arr that lad sure knew his stuff he did. Kept me alive for many a year," his voice faded as his last images of Toddanson passed through his mind. Standing beside his brothers as the massive black army bore down on them. Destroying everything in their path, not even a tree stood beyond the moving line of death. Law
Bos described his helplessness to his friend. He told him
how none of the radios were working, apparently jammed by the
evil force moving through the realm and confessed that once he
knew Broughcut was lost, he headed off to warn the Vurki.
He was convinced that it was the isolationism of the others that
had cost them so much. None had united. Law Bos
had been given an opportunity to speak to the Vurki Council and
used his time to try to convince them that they must come together
as one, as a great army to destroy this enemy. If they
did not, he warned, if it was left up to each tribe to battle
for their own territory, then all would be lost. This enemy
was not some ragtag band of mindless creatures. No, they
were well organized and well equipped. They were fresh
from countless victories and they were a foe to be reckoned with.
Law Bos tossed the still hot coal back into the fire and wiped his hands on his shirt. "So, what be yer story?" Boowie squatted down beside the small fire and began to slowly poke at the hot embers with a stick. He seemed to be lost in the dancing flames. When he spoke, his voice was one of distance. Law Bos squatted down next to him and caught himself more than once having to lean towards the storyteller as the tale unfolded.
"Arrr you be talken about the Knights of the Painted Orb," Law Bos said softly not meaning to interrupt. "Yes...yes..." the Vurki paused slightly then continued. "In the story, at least as I remember it, was mentioned evil creatures with red horns. When I heard the descriptions of the invaders of Colossus, my mind returned to the story. I needed to investigate it for myself."
Boowie poked at the embers as if they would some how blaze back to life, but knowing they were dieing. He looked up past the fire into the darkening camp before going on with his tale. "When I arrived the ship docked in a war zone. Bodies lined the wharf and the huge ships of the Giants were being used as hospitals and were full of the wounded and dieing. The streets were packed with Giants. I did my best to avoid getting trampled and soon found myself in the middle of a full retreat. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Giants?..running." Once more Boowie lowered his head and poked lightly at the ashes of the fire. "A rear guard was in place attempting to slow the advance of the enemy. The Giants were lined up shoulder-to-shoulder in a final stand to protect the retreat as long as possible. So proud...So determined. A solid line of Giants, weapons drawn, teeth gritted and fighting for their very existence." "That first wave struck us hard and in an organized manner. These were not the crazy screaming hoards of our fairytales. These were well armed, well trained and experienced warriors. Stronger and faster than any I had ever fought, including you old friend." For the first time in his tale Boowie looked over at Law Bos. "That good aye?" The Vurki shook his head confirming his statement before he continued, "The battle raged into the night. We fought relentlessly, as did they. Wave after wave crashed upon our depleting line as more and more of the Giants fell. By the time the moon had risen, they called off the attack. We rested for the first time in hours, taking in fast gulps of water and swallowing hurried mouthfuls of food...and that is when I saw her." The Vurki looked his friend in the eyes, "She was beautiful. She was not of the race of the Giants and she should not have been there. That is what drew my eyes to her, she seemed...out of place and from a time long ago. She moved through the troops with a waterskin, filling their cups, whispering words of encouragement. Touching them?and as she passed by, each man seemed to be revitalized. Her robes were dark gray and when she came to me, she knew my name." The Vurki stood slowly, but with the ease of a man a fraction his age. He kicked gently at the still smoldering coals, "She placed a small glass vial in my palm, a vial half-filled with a purple liquid and told me to drink the liquid, a small sip, every morning, until it was gone." Boowie reached in his pocket and pulled out a small glass vial half-filled with a dark purple liquid, "The thing is - well, the liquid is never gone. Every morning for nearly 30 years I have taken a small sip from this vial, and I haven't aged a day since I started drinking the stuff." At that moment they were summoned by the Vurki Council. A decision had been made. * * * * * * * Episode Eight "Before the Clash" The caravan had been moving steadily all morning. Warwolf rode silently at the head of the column. He smiled at himself knowing that as Durham's forces slammed into the Eastern end of the border, he would soon be hitting the Western end. No way could the Vurki defend them both at once. This thought pleased him. One thing he was sure, by the end of the first battle, either he, or Durham, would have their first base in Vurki Territory. * * * * Meanwhile, Boowie and Law Bos stood silently in the tent. The slight crackle of the small fire was nearly drowned out by the whirling of Law Bos. Funny, now that Boowie knew about his old friend's circumstance, he was noticing more little things about him. All eyes were upon the pair. Tanjon, Chief of the Dragon Clan, broke the silence. "We have decided. We have considered your claims and believe them to be true. We have - on this day - united the Vurki Nation. As the two of you have stated, it will take this Coalition to defeat our enemy." "The wisdom of the Vurki has always been our best weapon," Boowie responded respectfully and with a slight bow as he spoke. He believed; no - he knew , that as a member of the Dragon Clan, a man's wisdom far surpassed his muscle. To harness the wisdom of the Dragon was a spiritual quest for him. It was the Dragon Clan who had created the Cambara, the sacred oath having been named after the scale which protects the heart of a dragon. "Wisdom alone cannot save us," the Chief responded. These words were shocking to hear out of the mouth of a Dragon. Straightening slowing and with a slight narrowing of his eyes, Boowie asked, "Why would that now be the case?" "Arrr... I not be likin' this" Law Bos mumbled. The whirling sound coming from him being offset with the occasional rattle and bang. "It is with you, Boowie, that the fate of the Vurki Nation shall rest." Boowie's eyes grew wide as he stammered slightly. "I...me?" "Yes Boowie. Have you not said you have fought our enemy in the past." The question was more of a statement. "Yes." "Then who else shall we count on?" "What of the War Chiefs... Surely the best warrior of each Clan would be better suited. Surely one of them..." From the circle rose a barrel of a man. His shaved head and long beard immediately identified his Clan. The Bear. The most powerful. Yet adaptability was most treasured by these Vurki. The paint on his chest and face was worn like armor. His voice boomed, "I am RockThorn. I am War Chief To the Bear Clan and to you, Boowie, I say this. I will follow you. My warriors will follow you, but only as long as you bring us victories." The big man folded his arms across his chest and remained standing. Another man rose beside him. The emblem on his black robe marked him from the Clan of the Lion. Cunning predators, one and all, who prided themselves on deception. Law Bos knew that hidden beneath his robe was an arsenal and Boowie knew that the Lion before him had never pledged allegiance to anyone before in his life. He could read it in his eyes. "I am called Onyx and I am War Chief of the Lions. As long as you bring victories, I will surrender my men to your command. But we must be clear on this. Once our common enemy has been defeated, the Lions will return to our province. I am only agreeing to a temporary Coalition. But until the day our enemy is defeated, I will accept your leadership." The man in black lowered his head slightly, but never lowered his eyes. Fluidly a third man rose. He was smaller in stature then the two men standing next to him, but no less of a warrior. His garment, adorned with feathers and bones, gave away his Clan. The Eagle. Death brought by the wind. The Northern-most Clan of the Vurki were ruthless...even by Vurki standards. "I am of the same mind with RockThorn and Onyx." His piercing blue eyes looked deep into Boowie's eyes and held him. Without speaking, his voice flooded Boowie's consciousness. My name is Stardimmer. He released his hold on Boowie without blinking. Tanjon interrupted, "Does that answer your question, Boowie?" The elder Dragon smiled briefly, silently amazed that he lived long enough to see the uniting of the four Clans. Boowie straightened himself fully. He held his head high and his voice did not waiver, "I accept this responsibility and I designate Law Bos as my second in command." "A wise choice. Will you accept this position, old friend?" Tanjon directed the question to Law Bos. "Arr...I'll not be leaving him now." "So be it." With that said, the elder struck the ground with his clenched fist and the others within the circle quickly followed. "Boowie, you now have control of all Vurki warriors. The remaining Vurki people, the ones who cannot pull a trigger or wield a sharak, will soon be evacuated. We have two of the Giant ships available to us, and we will turn to the sea. We must harvest it now in order to live." Tanjon stood slowly and moved toward the group of five men. They were a sight to behold. "This must be won by the end of the season. We will not survive the winter unless we have time to prepare for it. Time is essential. Go now for they are coming." The elder squeezed Boowie's shoulder before moving past him. He left the tent and the others followed behind him, leaving four warriors looking to Boowie for their first command. * * * * The two great armies prepared for a season of war and the first test was about to begin. 3 - 2 - 1 GO! * * * * * * *
Episode Nine "...And So It Begins..." Boowie stood among his commanders, each nodding in agreement as he laid out the defense strategy for the outpost. The army of Vurki who had been milling about waiting for orders gathered closer to the leaders. A spontaneous line quickly formed in front of the new Vurki Warlord and Law Bos was the first to notice. "Arr...this be for you." Boowie nodded slightly to his old friend. Stepping between his commanders, he stopped in front of the growing line. Glancing slowly from left to right down the entire length, he knew what they waited for and his spine stiffened as all eyes were upon him. Slowly he withdrew the Sword of Roan. The blade glistened in the sun as he raised it deliberately over his head. The talisman held much power and faith for the Vurki. It was this very Sword that the great Chief Brontac used to rally his people so many years ago. Now Boowie held it aloft. He scanned the blade for just a moment and then drove it deep into the ground at his feet. A deafening roar erupted from the throats of the Vurki Warriors which echoed across the plains. As the warriors broke formation and raced to their defensive positions, Law Bos cocked his head slightly. In the distance he heard the enemies reply. "So it begins," he whispered to himself, as he moved out to inspect the positions he had been assigned. **** Durham paced back and forth. The scouts had returned and the reports were worse than he had expected. "How could they have gathered so many so fast?" He thought to himself as he listened to the details. His mind was whirling when a courier covered in dust burst into the room. He held an urgent message for Durham. All were silent as he opened the note, then he grinned. He quickly explained to the others that it was a message from Warwolf. Durham was being instructed to act as a feint. His forces would continue with their attack on the outpost in the East while the main force, led by Warwolf, had their own agenda. **** Law Bos walked slowly behind the line of warriors, reminding them to wait, encouraging them, making them ready to fight a battle in a way that was foreign to them. The Vurki were not used to an entrenched position, and the restlessness of the troops showed. "Easy lads... easy now," Law Bos spoke reassuringly as he moved. His hand moved to his chest as he felt the pain once more. He knew he was in trouble and that he was running out of time. When the apparatus had not arrived, he knew where it would be. The courier would have hidden it as instructed. Law Bos rubbed his chest lightly once more. The mechanism had been built special for him and he knew he wasn't going to last long without it. He had been lightening his load all day. First his pack. Then his coat. Then his extra ammo. Everyone knew something was wrong, but no one dared ask. Snapping back to the present situation, Law Bos looked out across the small expanse of prairie and into the forest. It was early in the season and the trees were still bare from winter. The line of sight was excellent allowing him to watch the first wave of Ganga roll down the forested slope. Law Bos had seen a few mudslides in his day and he couldn't help but notice the similarities. The mass poured down the hill, parting in places as they rushed around trees and obstacles. Like a dark, giant creature, it oozed towards them. "Easy lads... easy now." * * * * Durham stood on the hilltop as the Ganga launched. The sound of the massive army rushing to the attack was one he never seemed to tire of. He reached into his pocket and removed the message from Warwolf. As well as explaining his attack to Durham, he also informed him that a piece of the Map that they had been seeking was rumored to be in the small deserted city of Splatonia. The city rested right on the border of Vurki Territory and had been abandoned years ago (too close for comfort Durham guessed). Durham smiled as he folded the note and returned it to his pouch. * * * * Boowie stood in the tower of the outpost watching as the Ganga tide crashed into the wall of Vurki like great ocean waves slamming into a rocky shoreline. Reports were coming in revealing that the enemy was widening the front. Boowie and Law Bos had both agreed to send a small force into the old city of Splatonia to slow any attack from that flank. That decision seemed to have paid off. * * * * Durham ducked low as he moved among the men. He quickly located Mayhem and explained that the city was the real target, and not the outpost. Durham informed him of the Map piece and together they rallied a force to storm the deserted town. * * * * The Vurki warrior was tucked tight against the wall. Yar was not used to this kind of fighting. He checked his ammo, his gun, and adjusted the sharak on his belt. One sentence kept repeating in his mind over and over and over..."Let them come, Let them come." And they did. They came on strong, racing down the wooded hill in an attempt to make it to the first row of buildings and establish a foothold. Yar and his team opened up on the attackers. The bodies tumbled down the hill as he fired. Impossible to miss, he slaughtered them by the dozen. Yet they kept up the attack. Frantically, the Vurki warrior reloaded as the building around him erupted. Rounds pierced the walls, breaking what little glass remained in the windows. * * * * "Go! Go! Go!" Durham shouted as his men raced into the fray. The ground was soon littered with the bodies of the Ganga, and yet his men did not hesitate. They eagerly flew into battle, each as determined as the next to breach the city and occupy a few of the buildings. At last, as the defenders waned for just a moment, the determined Ganga did it. They were in. * * * * Boowie was pouring over the reports. For some reason the attack had shifted to the Splatonia. As the sun began to set he received a report that the Vurki had lost the first two blocks, but held firm on the border. His only concern was the outpost, and that it remain in Vurki hands. * * * * "Give it to me!" Durham shouted as he snatched the red pouch from the Ganga warrior. He ripped it open and removed a small piece of torn parchment. "Yesss... yess.." he hissed as his eyes grew wide. * * * * The reports were still pouring in and as Boowie read one that was particularly disturbing, Law Bos walked into the room. He paused in the doorway, and leaned heavily on the jam. "Well?" Boowie asked. Law Bos just shook his head no. "How much time you figure?" Boowie wondered aloud. It was more of a struggle than it should have been when he answered, "Arrr... there be no tellin' for sure." Boowie looked deep into his friends eyes. They were still sharp and clear. "We'll find it, don't worry." Turning back to the report in front of him, he continued, "Another army of Ganga has struck and captured our outpost in the east. Law Bos straightened up before asking, "And?" "....AND I want it back," Boowie replied. |
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