Ch. 1

A Call To Arms

Sandal steps in sand moved in dichotomous rhythm with the heavy breathing of the running man. His white and gold armor glinted in the sun as he dashed through the sandy fields that lined the island's coast. The high log walls of the nearby fort were a welcome sight, a refuge from the pirates that ranged up and down the shores. The Sunspears had managed to fortify the docks of Chahbek Village, evacuating citizens north to Kamadan along the coast. As a loyal Istani he would have preferred to stand and fight with his brothers, but he had important news and the Spearmarshal must receive his warning. Kormir stood on the docks, calling out orders to her commanders as her forces marshaled around her. With heavy clomps along the wooden pier the young man slowed to a stop, falling to his knees as he gasped for breath.

"What news runner?" the Spearmarshal asked.

"Two corsair vessels… just run aground… south of the village," he panted, "Civilians evacuated… but my men… they're… they're still out there."

"How many?" Kormir asked him.

"I don't know… fifty, perhaps sixty?," he guessed, "And more on the ships. They're catapults fired… the village is burning."

The Spearmarshal's countenance darkened. She had not the man power to stop such a force. If their defense fell here, Kamadan itself would be in danger. They had to stop this surge.

"Well," came a voice from behind her, "Looks like you really needed my help after all."

Kormir turned, and a smile drew across her face. She stepped forward and embraced the ranger, hugging her tightly in greeting.

"Rakiv," she said with a grateful sigh, "How good of you to come."

"I thought you wanted to meet me in Kamadan?" the ranger asked with a small smile of her own.

"Things have worsened since I wrote," the Spearmarshal admitted, "Our forces are spread thin, defending against corsair landings all across Istan. We were not prepared for such a bold move as a strike against the city itself."

"What are you up against?" Rakiv asked, stepping past the other woman and surveying the units of Sunspears standing ready.

"At least two score corsairs, and two ships besides," Kormir said, "I trust my men's valor… but I have only a handful of soldiers, and we exhausted our artillery during the last attack."

Rakiv was silent for a long moment, weighing her options. A moment later an idea came to her and she strode back down the pier towards the ship.

"You there!" she called up, "You and your ship owe me a debt I think."

"Makin' a demand of us aye?" the first mate responded.

"Aye," the ranger nodded, "I need a couple of your firebarrels."

"Jus' the pair?" the mate asked.

"I'm a good shot," she responded.

"They're yers," he shrugged, "I'll have my men roll 'em down."

"These corsairs are easily discouraged," Rakiv said, "And we need to break their morale. Have your men lead a counter attack to take back the village. I'll see to the ships and their bombards."

"We remain outnumbered," Kormir put in, "I cannot knowingly send my men against such odds."

"What was it you always used to say to me, old friend?" Rakiv smiled, placing a hand on the Spearmarshal's shoulder.

"You never fight alone…" Kormir responded after a short hesitation, and then nodded, "You are right, Dwanya forgive my lack of faith."

The Spearmarshal turned from her ally and strode towards her waiting troops, who looked up eager to hear their commander's words.

"Men, we cannot allow the corsair's a foothold here. If we do, then our defense of Kamadan will surely fail," she called, "We stop them here. We will raise our spears and remind them why, since the sun first dawned over the earth, we Sunspears have been the protectors of all Elona! For the lives they have taken, for the people you defend, and for the free earth on which you stand… we will fight! We will drive them back to the sea! And we will be victorious!"

The clang of spears on shields was deafening as the assembled soldiers cheered. The Spearmarshal turned to a burly warrior who sat on a crate at the pier's edge.

"Commander Koss," she said, "Divide our forces and take your division down the eastern path through the marsh. Flank the pirates and be ready to attack on my command. My forces will escort the ammunition to the catapults and then charge the main corsair force to draw their attention. I will give the signal when it is time for you to strike."

"As you wish Spearmarshal," the warrior nodded, before turning his head, his blind eye almost seeming to focus on Rakiv, "I just hope she knows what she's talking about."

"Will you require any assistance with the catapults?" Kormir asked.

"Nope," Rakiv responded, half turning to glance behind her, "I've got all the help I need."

The ranger's crocodile companion crawled up to the group, a pair of red barrels tied to its back. It gave a croaking sound and bobbed it's snout as it looked up at its mistress.

"Very well, then I leave the bombardment to you," Kormir nodded, then turned her head, "Koss, move out."

The warrior nodded, shouldering his shield and rising to his feet as he turned to bark orders at the assembled troops.

"Units three and four, fall in!" he shouted, as he jumped down off the wood planks and made for the jungle.

"First and second units, stand ready at the gates," Kormir called as she picked up her own shield and spear, hefting the javelin over her shoulder, "Dwanya help us if we fail."

"Don't worry," Rakiv said, patting the woman's shoulder as she strode past her, "That's what you have me for."

"I do hope so…" Kormir murmured as she watched her friend walk away.

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Chahbek village burned, flames and smoke licking their way up from thatch roofs and wooden homes. Corsair patrols marched to and fro in no particular formation, as they searched for more resistance or unturned houses to plunder. Along the shore Midshipman Bennis was having a very good day. The Commodore had ordered him to attack the harbor, and in only a matter of hours Bennis had managed to not only force a landing, but burn the village to the ground as well. The pirate lazily cleaned his cutlass as he watched his men dispose of a Sunspear body, tossing it into the lagoon with a splash of blood and water.

With a satisfied sigh the pirate sheathed his sword and turned to look at his handiwork. He'd surely get a promotion for this one, maybe even another ship under his command. And then of course, there was the plundering of Kamadan itself to consider. His eyes lit up with greed at the thought of all the loot squirreled away in there by the fat, peaceful Istani. Gold, jewels, good food and at least a handful of beautiful women. A lecherous grin spread his ugly features as he dwelled on that particular thought for a moment.

"Shipsman?" a voice broke into his happy daydream, "Shipsman!?"

"What? What do you want!?" The pirate commander snapped at the offending corsair.

"Istani spears coming from the north dock sir," the corsair reported.

"How many of 'em?" Bennis asked.

"Just a handful sir, maybe fifteen or twenty," the pirate responded.

"Hah!" Bennis laughed, "They must be coming to surrender… that or they're suicidal. Well I'm in a good mood t'day… Mr. Duumin!"

"Aye sah?" a squat man stepped up.

"Go n' give those spear fellows a message," the commander waved, "If'n they lay down them spears, we'll let 'em live as cargo… maybe sell 'em off in Kourna."

"Aye, aye sah!" the man nodded and waddled off.

The midshipsman gave a nod and scratched his belly as he watched the pirate go to do his bidding. Yes, he decided, this was a good day indeed. Mr. Duumin climbed the steps of the captured Istani bombard, selecting a half-broken pillar for the pedestal from which he would deliver his message. Clearing his throat he cupped his hands to his mouth and called forth.

"Hooo Sunspears!" he shouted loudly, "We've got your village burned and your people scattered see! We'll be takin' yer pretty city next too, an' there's a load of us ta do it! But our commander's in a good mood see, so if'n ye give us yer spears, we'll let ya live as slaves! So give 'em up nice n' quick like, see?"

The Sunspear regiment stopped, and the pirate peered at them curiously as he waited for their answer. A moment later something flashed, and the pirate blinked as he watched the shiny object fly skyward… before it arched and plummeted. In the instant before the spear struck him the short pirate came to a very quick conclusion. This was not a good day.

"Nice throw…" a Sunspear guard congratulated the ranger.

"Thank you," Rakiv smiled as she watched the javelin strike her target, carrying him clear off the bombard platform and out of sight.

"Did you have to use my spear?" Kormir muttered, giving her friend a displeased stare.

"You were closest," Rakiv explained, before sighing as Kormir remained dissatisfied, "Fine I'll go get it back. C'mon Butter."

The crocodile croaked as it followed the ranger, as she took off towards the catapult platform. Kormir shook her head and raised her arm to signal her troops.

"Forward!" she cried.

The Sunspears raised their shields and leveled their spears, aligning as a moving golden wall. With a shout they charged, sandals churning sand as they rushed through the burning village towards the corsair forces.

"Form up!" Midshipman Bennis shouted franticly, "Warriors up front! Doctors at ready! Spotters ready arrows! Wait for their charge and…"

He was cut off as a heavy creaking noise thundered through the air. Looking up his dark features nearly paled as he caught sight of a red barrel hurtling through the air. His eyes followed the projectiles arc until it crashed into the deck of his ship, exploding with terrific force and spreading fire all across the vessel.

"Spotters fire on the bombard! Don't let them get off another…" the midshipman began.

Again he was interrupted as a horn blast sounded from the charging regiment. At the sound of the horn the jungle marshes came alive, as mud caked Sunspears sprang forth into formation. Koss leapt out first, raising his machete high and giving a roar before recklessly charging forward. The line of spears behind him echoed his shout as they formed up, leveled their weapons and charged.

Panic spread through the corsair lines as the first charge hit them first, Sunspear shields clashing against corsair defenses. The lines struggled against each other as Midshipman Bennis shrieked for his men to protect their flank. The maneuver was too slow and in moments Koss was among them, spinning, swinging and kicking his way into the fray. Muddy spears found their marks in corsair bodies as the warrior's charge plowed into the corsair formation, garnering bloody screams from the impaled pirates.

With another thunderous boom the second catapult fired, sending its payload spiraling through the air before crashing into the second ship. As the ship burned a cheer went up from the Sunspears and they pressed their offensive. Though they held the advantage in numbers, the bewildered corsair group was failing, their defensive line breaking as the Sunspears sprang upon them.

Satisfied with her work Rakiv quickly scaled one of the bombard pillars, drawing an arrow and notching to the bow. Below her the battle raged, spears and swords flashing and clashing as the corsairs fought back hard. A Sunspear went down under a heavy shield blow and as the pirate raised his sword to finish the job, the ranger loosed her arrow. The shaft neatly pierced the pirate's torso and the downed Sunspear leapt to his feet to finish the job. From her vantage point the ranger loosed arrow after arrow, keeping a careful eye on the Sunspear troops. Every advantage the corsairs gained was immediately brought down by the ranger's shots.

As his ranks quickly thinned Midshipman Bennis suddenly saw his imminent defeat. His ships destroyed and his men being quickly downed by the Sunspear brigades, he realized he had but one option left. Turning quickly the pirate began to run, as fast as his feet would carry him. The marshes weren't far, perhaps he could loose them in the jungles. It was a much better chance than he stood if he chose to fight. Run away to fight another day had always been his motto, and this was just the time to exercise his belief.

From her perch Rakiv's eyes narrowed. A pirate, a commander by the looks of his clothes, was getting away. The ranger jumped from the pillar, landing in the bowl of the catapult and whistled down to her crocodile.

"Butter, pull!" she shouted.

The reptile croaked and managed to pull itself up onto the lever. Resting its weight on the lever it gave a wave of its tail, clicking the lever down and releasing the catapult. With a wild whoop of both fear and exhilaration the ranger woman was borne aloft, sailing over the battlefield and towards the muddy marshes. Her aim couldn't have been better, and the escaping Midshipman turned just in time to see her heels as she landed directly on top of him. The ranger struck the pirate, and both went skidding through the muddy water, the woman surfing the man before tumbling off of him and into the muck. The woman rose first, flinging a veil of muddy hair from her face as she notched an arrow to her bow.

She whirled to face the pirate, just in time to leap out of the way of a savage sword strike. A coward he might have been, but Bennis had not achieved his rank for nothing. Though he had no intention of dying, the pirate was tough, and would be damned if some woman brought him down. The ranger ducked another swing and was forced to block a kick that would otherwise have sent her sprawling. The pirate stumbled back and the ranger raised her bow and released her arrow. The pirate grunted as the force made him stumble back and the arrow head stuck in the leather armor on his shoulder. With a disdainful snort he snapped the shaft and came at her again, swinging his broad cutlass.

The ranger's reflexes kicked in as she blocked and parried his blows with her bow. A swift and sudden kick to his gut doubled the pirate over and the ranger brought her knee into his face hard, toppling the man backwards. The pirate landed on his back with a splash and Rakiv notched an arrow, rushing to finish him. The corsair was not done yet and he swung out with his free hand, slinging a spray of mud into the archeress' eyes. Rakiv turned away, eyes stinging as she tried to clear her vision. Seizing the opportunity Bennis attacked, laughing wickedly as he swung his blade. It was a pity he'd have to kill her, taking her captive would have been a lot more fun. The ranger stumbled back, narrowly avoiding his strikes as she clawed mud from her eyes.

She opened one purple orb just in time to catch sight of an overhand swing as he brought the cutlass down on her. She responded by gripping her arrow tightly and jabbing it upwards, catching the man's arm in mid-swing. Bennis shrieked in pain as the arrow-head pierced his forearm, and raised his free hand in an effort to punch the archeress. The blow never came as a loud hiss sounded behind the pirate. In a spray of mud and water the crocodile attacked, its green body leaping from the marsh and its mighty jaws closing around the man's arm. Bennis screamed as bone cracked and splintered under the crocodile's bite, before the animal's sheer weight dragged him down into the mud. With a rapid slither Butter dragged the pirate away, the man screaming and struggling as the crocodile dived for deeper waters. As water filled his lungs and the crocodile's jaws tore at him Bennis had a sudden and painful epiphany. This was not a good day, not a good day at all.

Rakiv winced sympathetically, there were times when her pet proved to be even more brutal than she was. After a moment's thought she shrugged, at least this would save her from having to feed him for the next couple of days. Throwing back her muddy red hair she turned away and strode out of the swamp. The Sunspears on the beach had fared well, having slain most of the corsairs and taking captive the few who had surrendered. Kormir wrenched her spear from the silent corpse of Mr. Duumin and propped the weapon over her shoulder as Rakiv squelched onto dry land.

"The commander?" the Spearmarshal asked.

"Dying," Rakiv responded, rubbing her face on the back of her glove.

"You didn't finish him?" Kormir asked, mildly disturbed.

"Butter's workin' on it," the archeress said as she strode past the Spearmarshal, "Is that all of them?"

"Yes, the village is safe…" Kormir nodded, giving her friend a curious glance.

"Good," Rakiv nodded, spitting out a clod of dirt, "Cause I could use a bath."

"We will head back to the city," Kormir nodded and turned to her commander, "Koss! Have the men round up whatever we can use and see to their wounds. Take the prisoners to Churrir fields, inform First Spear Dehvad to keep a close eye on them. Meet me in Kamadan when you're done."

"Yes, Spearmarshal," Koss called as he saluted.

"Well…" Rakiv said, "Two ships downed, an invasion stopped, a city defended… and not a single casualty in the fight? I'd say we had a pretty good day, wouldn't you?"

"Mmm… a good day indeed," Kormir nodded thoughtfully as she turned and strode away.

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Kamadan was a city well deserving of its title. A sprawling costal metropolis, the Jewel of Istan was the center of markets and trade for all of Elona. Ships from Cantha brought loads of silk and spices from the far south, while Kournan vessels brought Vabbian riches from the north. The mighty flagships of the Istani Navy towered over all other ships in the port, their great masts visible from nearly anywhere in the city.

In Kormir's chambers at the Consulate, Rakiv stepped from the steam filled bathing room with a sigh of contentment. After using rivers, streams and waterfalls for over a year, a proper hot bath was heaven. The ranger slipped into a plain red dress, the length of which came to about mid-thigh, as she wrapped her hair in a towel and drew back the curtain. She stepped down into the main room of Kormir's quarters, where the Spearmarshal relaxed in a simple white dress of her own. Seated at the table in the room's center were two other persons. Koss held up a pitcher, pouring some frothy citrusy mixture into a bowel. The other was a pretty young woman who wore full paragon armor and sipped slowly from her own bowl.

"Ah, Rakiv," Kormir said, looking up, "Come, sit with us."

The ranger nodded as she padded across the room, sliding into the chair and crossing slender legs as she rubbed the towel through her hair.

"You already know Commander Koss," Kormir said, "This is Castellan Alendra Soleer, one of my best and brightest tacticians. She'll be your guide and liaison while you're here."

"A pleasure to meet you Ranger Maelstrom," Alendra said with a nod of her head, "I have heard much about you."

"Nice to meet you Alendra," Rakiv smiled, "I guess things have changed a lot since I was last in Istan."

"Indeed they have," Kormir nodded, "But for the moment I am more interested in where our defenses stand. Alendra?"

The girl put down her bowl and unrolled a large map of the island across the table. All four leaned in as Alendra placed her hands on the map.

"To be honest Spearmarshal, it's a mess," Alendra admitted, "Corsair ships have dropped anchor all over the island, and their raiding parties have moved inland. As you know the first, and largest invasion, was on the beaches at the Cliffs of Dohjok. We successfully defended Champion's Dawn, and pushed the corsairs back across the cliffs. Unfortunately the bulk of their forces retreated into the jungle here, around Lahtenda Bog. They've set up base camps in the bog and have all but taken over the Blacktide outpost."

"Then they have achieved a foothold," Koss snorted with displeasure.

"Yes, but it is one we can afford to let them have," Kormir said, "After their defeat at Champion's Dawn they lack the numbers to make an attack, and the bog is unkind to visitors. I imagine disease and the Skale will thin their numbers well enough. Alendra, please continue."

"All our other hotspots are small invasion forces," Alendra said, "We lost a small fishing port in the Mehtani Keys, and have stationed our forces here in Kodlonu Hamlet to keep them out of the main land. There have been spottings of corsairs roving through the Cliffs of Dohjok, likely scouting parties. The only other real problem is a large landing force that dropped anchor here, in the northern most waters of Zehlon Reach."

"Have we evacuated the area?" Kormir asked with concern.

"We tried," Alendra chuckled, "But actually the villagers put up such a fight that the corsairs could hardly move inland at all. They mostly stay on their ships, as the locals have been hunting them if they move into the marshes."

"We're also getting quite a few new recruits from that region," Koss said, "It's bolstering our numbers and keeping the corsairs out."

"So there is no threat to the diggings then?" Kormir queried.

"Not at all," Alendra said, "The corsairs would have to get through the Reach first, and those villagers just aren't about to let that happen."

"Diggings?" Rakiv asked curiously.

"Oh, yes you haven't heard," Kormir nodded as she pointed to the map, "I've instituted a small outpost here, an excavations camp in the Jokanur hills, just outside of Fahranur."

"Fahranur?" Rakiv blinked, "You're excavating the First City?"

"I believe Fahranur has much to teach us," Kormir said, unrolling a parchment that depicted a sketch of the great city, "Much knowledge was lost when our ancestors fled the city. Knowing our past is the key to our future. I hope that in Fahranur we can learn more about our past, and about ourselves."

Rakiv leaned over to look at the picture. It certainly was an amazing looking city, larger and grander than Kamadan. It had been a ruin for centuries, and none dared venture near it for fear of the horrible plague that destroyed the city.

"Oh, that reminds me, there is much to do," Kormir said, "The excavation must proceed, despite this invasion. I am heading to Champions Dawn to speak to the Quarrymaster to see if he will lend us some of his men for the diggings. Koss and Alendra I want you to stay here. Koss, you are to ensure that Chahbek is refortified and that our costal defenses are repaired."

"Yes Spearmarshal," Koss nodded.

"Spearmarshal, I thought I was to assist Ranger Maelstrom?" Alendra blinked.

"I received a letter this morning informing me that we are to receive a very important guest soon," Kormir said, "Grand Warmarshal Varesh Ossa and her commanders General Kahyet and General Morgahn will be arriving at the Consulate Docks tomorrow."

"Warmarshal Ossa herself?" Koss exclaimed, "What does she want?"

"Her visit is largely diplomatic," Kormir said, "But the Warmarshal is also interested in our excavation efforts. Fahranur holds history for all of Elona. She has also promised to lend us Kournan forces to help drive back the corsairs."

"Well that's a welcome addition," Rakiv commented.

"Indeed," Kormir agreed, "To this end, Castellan Soleer, I wish for you to ensure that all is in readiness at the Consulate to receive our guests. I will return tomorrow morning to meet the Warmarshal. Once your work here is done, meet up with Ranger Maelstrom."

"Yes Spearmarshal," Alendra nodded.

"And as for you my friend," Kormir turned to Rakiv, "I have a special job for you."

"Yeah?" Rakiv asked, "What do you need?"

"It seems that the excavation of Fahranur has caught more than a few eyes," Kormir said, "It's become of particular interest to The Academy, one of the greatest guilds responsible for training mages and casters. The site is of great historical importance, and they sent a scribe here to consult with me. I was supposed to meet him at the Sunspear Great Hall, but I was wondering if perhaps you could go and collect him for me?"

"Sure," Rakiv nodded, getting up as she flipped her towel over her shoulder, "I'll head out there now."

As she walked away the ranger paused and then turned to Kormir.

"Er… what's his name?" she asked, "So I can find him when I get there."

"Oh! Uhm…" the Spearmarshal sifted through several scrolls before producing the letter she required, "Uhh… his name is Kydar," she said, reading the name off the sheet, "Kydar Raelesin."