cyber5:
Apollux Baba Nla

i hail thee ooo

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An attack will soon fall on them

Lol, not as soon as you would expect... or sooner than you expect... Who can say, but definitely not in the way you expect

As usual Khen had been the one to noticed that something is wrong from a distance and Jarrael had allowed him to scout ahead. This was important because they were supposed to meet some people here. It was a rendezvous prearranged for them by Ruel. A group of ten hired mercenaries were supposed to wait for them not far from here till they obtain the relics. His idea behind it is that carrying the relics with them might attract bandits to . But with ten extra riders, it may discourage and keep the prowling bandits at a distance. After meeting the mercenaries they were supposed to together move and link with a trade caravan coming southward from Zin. The caravan is Ruel’s sponsored one, bringing his goods from the north to south for trade. The large size of the trade caravan will provide greater cover for Jarrael and his group.
At this distance they should have seen signs of the waiting mercenaries or at least signs of their camping but nothing. Khen was worried and suggested he go check it out which Jarrael agreed.

When they group got to where the Kyaki bent down and was looking at something on the floor, the sight before their eyes was of pure carnage. The sands around the places appeared scattered, bloods and body parts seem strung to the ground. The bodies that appeared intact have marks of being mauled with deep bloody rough cuts on them. With casual observation, Jarrael noticed that these were the mercenaries they were supposed to meet here. Their dressings, with leather and metal jerkins armor and chain mails. With weapons that are customarily used by mercs. No doubt about it, these were supposed to be their escorts. But what killed them? Sand cats? He looked at Khen, who returned the look and shook his head as if reading Jarrael’s mind and disagreeing with it. He beckoned on Jarrael to come with him.
A little distance from the carnage that appeared to have been a place of battle, he led Jarrael to a point where the sands were relatively undisturbed. He showed him a unique set of foot prints and tracks. The prints were made from a heavy seemingly bipedal creature with two prominent fore toes and one hint toe like that of a large bird. The tracks were walking away from the carnage site to a place that seem to be rocky areas further away from the desert sands.
“When was this? “ Jarrael asked.
“Sometime around last night. “ was the reply he got.
That gave him a pause. If they had not stopped last night to rest their horses and themselves, they would have gotten here before the attacks took place and may have been also victims.
“How bad is it? “ Meera came to join him as she asked.
“Very. “ speaking to others. “Everyone on your horses, we have to ride hard to the next rendezvous. “

Apollux:

Lol, not as soon as you would expect... or sooner than you expect... Who can say, but definitely not in the way you expect

No wahala baba, we dey here

Apollux:
When they group got to where the Kyaki bent down and was looking at something on the floor, the sight before their eyes was of pure carnage. The sands around the places appeared scattered, bloods and body parts seem strung to the ground. The bodies that appeared intact have marks of being mauled with deep bloody rough cuts on them. With casual observation, Jarrael noticed that these were the mercenaries they were supposed to meet here. Their dressings, with leather and metal jerkins armor and chain mails. With weapons that are customarily used by mercs. No doubt about it, these were supposed to be their escorts. But what killed them? Sand cats? He looked at Khen, who returned the look and shook his head as if reading Jarrael’s mind and disagreeing with it. He beckoned on Jarrael to come with him.
A little distance from the carnage that appeared to have been a place of battle, he led Jarrael to a point where the sands were relatively undisturbed. He showed him a unique set of foot prints and tracks. The prints were made from a heavy seemingly bipedal creature with two prominent fore toes and one hint toe like that of a large bird. The tracks were walking away from the carnage site to a place that seem to be rocky areas further away from the desert sands.
“When was this? “ Jarrael asked.
“Sometime around last night. “ was the reply he got.
That gave him a pause. If they had not stopped last night to rest their horses and themselves, they would have gotten here before the attacks took place and may have been also victims.
“How bad is it? “ Meera came to join him as she asked.
“Very. “ speaking to others. “Everyone on your horses, we have to ride hard to the next rendezvous. “

There is fire on the mountain!

Chairman,we want more

Nice job man,ur back to back to back update...was dope....

Oga dis ur story dey sweet me

As Jarrael led the ride on his horse pushing it for all the speed it can muster, the images of what he had just witnessed filled his heart. This wasn’t the first time he will be seeing brutal death scenes, he had created lots of his own, what bothered him are the details. At first glance one would readily conclude that the mercenaries were attacked and killed by sand cats, well that area is close to their territory and with what his group had experienced, the cats could very well have hunted around that place. But the problem is when sand cats hunt and kill, they go first for the soft tissues of their prey, like the nose, mouth and innards. They hardly ever eat the real muscle flesh, those are left over for the desert scavengers.
From what he had observed from the remains, they were brutally killed and partially devoured. What was eaten out of them are the hard flesh chew away from bones, the soft tissues where left alone, that is not the work of sand cats. This still enforce the feeling that something is hunting them. What ever it is knew they were supposed to meet with the mercenaries around that time. Who or what ever is after them is privy to details of all their trip and movement. They have to hurry and catch up with the trade caravan before they are cut off.

From a distance the caravan appeared like a long thin shadow on the desert sand. Khen was riding back to meet with the group, the hoofs of his mount throwing up heavy sands and dust behind him. He had gone to scout ahead when the shadow appeared in the horizon.
“They are the ones we are supposed to meet. “ he said as he got to the group. “They had been informed to expect us, led by a man called Raffus, with him are a hundred hired mercenaries to serve as guards for the almost five hundred desert oont beasts of burden, carrying precious stones like gold, jewel and ruby. Other items for trade like spices, raiment, animals, food and seeds. I was informed that more than half of what they carry belongs to Ruel. “
“Alright let’s quickly ride ahead and catch up with them. “ Jarrael said as he urged his horse on a fast canter.

The caravan was of an average size, having several hundreds of the long necked and legs of the oont, with hoofs spread wide to better help them move on the heavy sands of the desert floor, big lipped and humped back. These are specially breed beasts of burden that can carry twice their body weight for very long distances. But with what Jarrael can see, the caravan took with it several wagons, so the amount of load carried is way much higher. He noted the paid mercenaries that acts as guards for the caravan. They were all hard eyed men, well armed and armored with looks of war veterans. They were strategically placed along the long length of the caravan to better cover and protect every angle of it. The nationalities of the mercenaries were diverse, though made up of mostly northerners. There were few southerners and fewer still from far off continents.
Jarrael was observed with suspicion from the ever vigilant mercenary guards as he rode to the caravan, but after his initial introduction and taking Khen with him who had earlier met them, he was allowed to come in and directed to Raffus who leads the caravan.

Raffus was of average height, sun burn skin, with heavy mustache and curly beards that marked him as n Amirian. His several colored silky clothes reinforced that too. With bulging stomach made so by over indulgence in meat fat, poor ale and beer. His heavy turban covered his hair and most of his neck. He was sitting in a well decorated carriage, pulled by four strong stallions, the only type of carriage Jarrael guessed is among the caravan.
After the initial introduction, the Amirian spoke to Jarrael. “Your coming was anticipated and prepared for. But I was given the impression you were supposed to be more than this. “
“Yes Raffus, but we never got to meet our escorts, they were all dead before we got to them. “ Jarrael replied him.
“Not unlikely considering that this is a hostile place. “ After a while Raffus asked. “What could have killed them, bandits or wild animals? “
“I can’t tell at this time, since none of them survived long enough to tell me what attacked them. “
“Well that is unusual, in the desert, the few things that regularly attack and kill travelers are well known and no mystery about that. Are you certain of you assessments? “

“As certain as I can be Raffus, so I recommend that we should be extra careful. The guards should be told to be more vigilant, especially at night because that was when they were attacked and killed. “
“Fret none my friend, nothing to really worry about. Wild animals like the sand cats and pit vipers avoid huge gathering of people like this and even bandits will think twice before attacking a trade caravan of more than a hundred men protecting it. “
“If you feel that way. “ Jarrael said as he beckoned on Khen to join him. “I’d request you add Khen here to any group of scout you have, he has the best eyes in my group and an excellent tracker. “
“Very well then. “ Raffus looked out from the side window of the carriage and called out. “”Muzzin! “
A small thinly built man ran down to the carrige. Raffus addressed him. “Muzzin I want you to take this man here, his name is Khen, to Abulla, your head scout. Inform him I wish him to add Khen to the men who scout for us. “
“Yes my lord. “ Muzzin said as he led Khen away.
“That is taken care of. Would you care for wine? “ Raffus offered.
“No, I need to get my people settled in. “ Jarrael said as he walked away from the carriage. The caravan seems to have a whole lot of other traders with it. That is normal, because for safety and to beat down the cost of transportation, traders pull resources together and organize a large caravan. Each trader has a separate area occupied in the caravan, with his own beasts of burdens and wagons carrying his goods. Besides traders and merchants, there were women in the caravan too that are whores to serve the needs of the men around. Jarrael noticed a LovePeddler tent been erected as the caravan stopped to set up camp. Someone among them was offering to sell cheap ale and roasted beef.

Scouts have been sent ahead to locate suitable place for a camp, the mercenaries had taken the tine to divide the watches and those who will be handling them as the night approached. Huge burn fire was been made in the center of the camp and multiple other smaller fires were scattered around, to both prepare the night meal and warm them against the freezing breeze of the desert. It was a busy camp as multitude of conversations, laughter and even a song accompanied by a pipe flute whiff through the air.
Jarrael ate quietly as Meera watched him with concern. Gamba was sitting down a bit distance opposite him but taking repeated look at him. Thrace has already curled himself into a ball and slept off after his meal. The stars were out in mass tonight filling the dark heavens with numberless sparkles. The first moon was just rising up over the distance.
“What troubles you Kez? “ Meera asked him as she sat by his side.
“Those who were supposed to be our escorts were attacked last night. “ the light from the burning fire before him gave his appearance a more sombre look. “I’m having a feeling same might happen this night. “
“Well that may seem unlikely, seeing we are in the mist of a much larger group. “ Meera paused for a while thinking deeply. “Although I’m sure if it’s a determined person, whose target we are, may still find a way to get at us despite the large crowd around us. “
“That I had never doubted. “ he turned to his sister shaking his head. “But what does it all mean. Could the Nemphis priest have known about all we are doing? Could he be the one who struck yesterday? Though I doubt that, the escorts were killed by something like an animal. I’m feeling I should be worried. “
“Well whatever it is I will face it with you. “ Meera said resting her head on his shoulder.

Nice work man... Following closely... I now believe the merchant is alot more than he seems... He shouldn't have known where those artifacts were without some magic of his own

I will face it with u...nice work

This story is so very visual in my head....
Appollux, your writing skills is great I must say again.

Thanks man,more ink to ur pen

I have been reading through since the first day but today I went back to the map for catch up on Jarrael and co's journey. The map despite roughly done is an excellent work of art with originality and uniqueness of the story. Who is the stalker before the herdsmen attack is it Thorn or the herdsman's spy. Think its Thorn. The action in Thorn's escape is a detailed one good to read but the fight with the monstrous insect soul leech is too short.
Waiting for the next action with yet to be identified attacker that murdered the 10 escorts .

It's not the sand cats that killed those mercenaries, it is the dreaded Muk-Anolis.

[quote author=JohnGainsville post=59762669]It's not the sand cats that killed those mercenaries, it is the dreaded Muk-Anolis.[/quote

I'll go with you

Jarrael’s eyes snapped open, his right hand going for the sheathed scimitar at his back when he saw the face bent over him about to wake him up belongs to Khen. He withdraw his hand from the scimitar and slowly lifted Meera’s head resting on his chest. He must have drifted off to sleep sometime during the night.
“What is it? “ he asked the silent Kyaki as he stood bent over him.
“Guja there’s a problem. “ Khen said quietly almost in a whisper. He paused a bit as Meera stirred and sat up with eyes open and then continued. “While scouting, I saw two of their scouts dead. “
“How were they killed? “ Jarrael asked after taking some heartbeats to assimilate what he just heard.
“Just like the escorts. No they were not devoured. “ He added as a reply to an inquiring look from Jarrael. “But the killings are similar. And… “ here Khen seem to choke back on his words.
“What else? “
“Those same strange tracks were around the dead bodies. “ Khen look intensely into the dying flames before them. “I feel this is something really bad, it’s strange and unusual. Also I saw signs ahead far off in the distance what might be some hooded campfires which will suggest riders of some sort. “

“So seems it’s clear now that we are been hunted and I have a feeling who ever that is will be after what we carry with us, the relics Ruel sent us to retrieve. “ Jarrael stood up pulling Meera with him. “Let’s go and secure our cargo and prepare our mounts, we may have to leave in a hurry. “
Looking around for others, Jarrael was surprised to find that Gamba was sitting, with his axe on his raised knees and hands resting on the handle. His eyes were open and looking at him. So the Hokunian had stayed awake most of the night.
“Gamba why didn’t you take the time to sleep and rest a while? “
“I was watching over master and lady Thorn. “ Gamba said as he slowly got up.
“There was no need for that. There are enough people around to do that. “
“Yes master but a determined enemy can still strike his target even in the midst of a crowd. “
Well Jarrael couldn’t fault the Hokunian’s logic. “Wake up Thrace and tell him to get ready to move out. “ He pointed at the direction where the acolyte was sleeping and snoring loudly.
“Do you think we may have to leave the caravan and move on our own? “ Meera ask as her eyes watch around the camp, with many tents set up and the curtains entrances bellowing in the wind. Fires have all died down to mostly glowing ambers save for the central burn fire that the guards on watch duties had continued to feed constantly with woods.

“It’s appearing that way although I can’t help but feel that Ruel making the arrangements for a caravan cover of this magnitude must have known this to be the safest way to travel through the desert with what we carry with us. “
While Jarrael was still speaking, a sound came into the camp rousing every one up.
“Up to everyone, we are under attack. We are under attack. Everybody to defensive positions! “
“Let’s move. “ Jarrael said to others heading to where their horses were tethered.
“What’s going on? “ Thrace said as he stood up with a yawn and stretching his body Gamba standing beside him and glaring at him after waking the acolyte from a deep sleep. Thrace looked around in confusion. “Why is there noises and everybody seem to be running around aimlessly? “
“We are about to be attacked, so get ready to fight. “ Jarrael replied him as he went through their baggage till he saw the trunk where the relics were kept then turned to Gamba. “Stay here and guard this with your life. “
“Yes master. “ The Hokunian replied.

Woods were thrown into the dying fires and they blazed afresh. Sleepers were rousted and almost everyone stood up pulling out weapons. Some still struggled, wiping the sleep from their eyes, pulling on hastily armored leather corsets and chainmail shirts. Hands grabbing the readily available weapons mostly swords, axes, spears and someone had a big crossbow already fitted with a dart. Just then heavy thundering sounds of horse hooves sounded coming towards the camp. “Get ready! Hold the line! “ Some one screamed.
As Jarrael watched, a hastily formed line of defense was been set up, two row of men holding long shields and spears. Facing the direction they heard the attack coming from. That is one thing bad about a night attack, he mused sadly. The numbers of the attackers usually feel way larger than it actually is. So the advantages of surprise, seeming superior numbers and the upper hand belong to the attackers.
Just then something flashed across his mind, If they were the target as previous events had led him to believe and that they will want to take away the relics, then a frontal attack is a poor form to accomplish that not unless that attack is a…
“Hey turn around, the real attack is a flanking maneuver to come in behind and get us from the back. That attack is a distraction. “ Jarrael screamed turning back to face Gamba who was with their baggage. “Watch behind you too. “

Bros you just disappeared . O ya continue na i dey follow

Apollux:
“It’s appearing that way although I can’t help but feel that Ruel making the arrangements for a caravan cover of this magnitude must have known this to be the safest way to travel through the desert with what we carry with us. “
While Jarrael was still speaking, a sound came into the camp rousing every one up.
“Up to everyone, we are under attack. We are under attack. Everybody to defensive positions! “
“Let’s move. “ Jarrael said to others heading to where their horses were tethered.
“What’s going on? “ Thrace said as he stood up with a yawn and stretching his body Gamba standing beside him and glaring at him after waking the acolyte from a deep sleep. Thrace looked around in confusion. “Why is there noises and everybody seem to be running around aimlessly? “
“We are about to be attacked, so get ready to fight. “ Jarrael replied him as he went through their baggage till he saw the trunk where the relics were kept then turned to Gamba. “Stay here and guard this with your life. “
“Yes master. “ The Hokunian replied.

Na does half lizard monster.... Mehn this is going to be a great fight to watch!

zelaws:
Bros you just disappeared . O ya continue na i dey follow

ok let me add a little more ubdates before I get busy again

Just then there was a loud sound like the clash of thunder as the galloping attackers smashed into the steel shield walls of the defenders. Angry cry of pains and curses followed mixed with the crashing sounds of weapons hitting each other and shields. Riders and horses tumbled as they were cut down by swords and spears, some defenders fell behind their shields as the brutal force of the charging horses collided with them knocking them off their feet. Just behind the shield bearers were few archers, who let fly with a little volley of arrows into the attacking horse riders. The arrows only found few targets as the poor lights and the wavering flames make it difficult to accurately pin point a target. But the few that did found their mark, brought them down in a deadly tumble of horses and riders.
Jarrael’s scimitars were already on his fists and his eyes looking at the battle. The initial momentum of the attackers has been checked and the fight seem to be on even grounds now. But the attackers being on horses continue to give them an edge, as they attack from the higher ground and with war bred horses that smashed their ways through the defenders. But the defenders were holding their grounds too, as a rider got hit by an arrow on the neck and another fell from his horse with the protruding spear from his chest.

Jarrael turned as the sound of attack came from behind him. Few of the defenders with him got cut down by another group of riders that came at them from behind. As he watched , a horse rider cut down savagely with a sword which hit a defender on the area between the shoulder and the neck. The cut spurt huge fountain of blood as the defender dropped to the ground and the rider galloped none stop towards their baggage and Gamba.
An arrow flew from Meera’s bow, swiftly going for the rider and hitting the forehead just below the rim of the helmet. The rider tumbled backwards from the horse crashing loudly on the ground. The horse continued it’s race without control. Just behind the first rider were other riders coming, about a dozen. They met little resistance, few fell from the determined attacks from the defenders but others broke through, cutting down the resistance before them and heading towards Jarrael and his group. Gamba raced ahead and stood before a charging horse, unmoving with both hands holding firmly to the handle of his war axe. As the horse got close, he lifted the axe and smashed down on the horse. The axe blade hit the horse on the forehead, but the strength behind the axe moved the axe as it slice through the head of the horse, cutting through flesh, bones, brain tissues. The axe blade continue as it divide the neck in two, going down to the shoulders of the horse. The axe even got to the space between the legs of the rider, cutting it in two. As if that was not enough, Gamba pushed up lifting the horse and rider almost cut in half up above him and letting the cut parts crashed behind him.

boss appolux u are d bomb man, dis is abt to get brutally bloody

Gamba stood up with the rain of blood dripping on him. He pulled out the second axe still held on his belt. With a screamed from battle lust, the Hokunian ran ahead, his axes whirling in both hands, he attacked two riders, his height giving him the advantage of reach. He delivered two slashes at the same time with both hand. The axes buried themselves in the chest of the riders, cutting through their breastplates, ribs and lungs. The back bones was what checked the cutting move of the axe blades. The force of the attacks knocked both riders off their horses and slamming them on the ground. With a simple jerk, Gamba pulled the axes from their victims. Blood spraying and pouring on him. Other riders took note of him and give him a wide breadth.