章 128: Freed
Kaga jerked awake, shivering an shaking as she curled up on the hard floor panting. Tears flowed down as she recalled the sacrifices made by others for her. Her last handmaiden hid her in some shacks and switched clothes before leaving her to draw away the searching Empire soldiers.
Without the Spirit Lamp and her as the key to the CIty Protection Spell, the Empire's dragons swooped in and tangled with the city's griffins while siege engines attacked the city walls. With the Empire Knights wreaking havoc behind lines, the city fell rapidly and the city inhabitants fled.
She was later captured by slavers who followed behind the Imperial Army, who traded gold for life, healthy bodies. Cutting her long hair short with a dagger and being on the run for over two weeks, she looked like any other refugee on the run. It was also probably due to her depleted both magic and physical powers from casting the City Protection Spell, the slaver's appraisal of her was that she was unfit as a prime slave, and was cast with the undesirable and dying leftovers.
She attempted to escape when her magic recovered, but unluckily she was stopped by an anti-magic formation cast into the slave holding pens which earned her a beating and anti-magic collar. She and many others were transported from one holding pen to another before reaching the southern trade hub of Woschester.
After a week of horrible treatment in the pens, a buyer came and said he needed bodies to clear the land near the uncharted forest and they were sold. Another two weeks of hard travel, several died along the way from the harsh conditions before they arrived at this place. Kaga laid shriveled up wondering when they will have some porridge to eat and drink.
-----
UNS Singapore, Command Bridge
"Gods, what a mess! It's been three days since the goblins landed yet they are still running around... like a cockroach!" Captain Blake sighed as he read the after action report from Major Frank. "The goblin mop up is taking too much time and resources away from us."
"Yes, Sir," Frank agreed, "But we need to clear them out thoroughly or we have an unknown cancer at our flanks."
"Agreed too," Commander Ford added, "Despite the overwhelming victory at the defense of the beach, there are still hundreds shattered and hiding along the beach. We can't take the risk of having an enemy there. It's better to finish them off once and for all, or we have to spend resources just guarding against them."
"3 deaths and 47 injured from Delta company, the recruits suffering no deaths only 5 injuries due to mishaps," Blake read from the report. "And we lost a single F/A-1 Cobra on landing."
"Sir, the pilots are still new to night combat and landing," Lieutenant Commander Tommy replied. "The good thing is both the pilot and co-pilot suffered minor injuries and will recover in a couple of weeks time."
Blake nodded as he continued reading the report, "Ordnance used, 70% of all rocket stocks, 80% of all mortar bombs and roughly 295,680 6.5 mm Black Powder (BP) rounds fired."
"Estimated goblin deaths at roughly 21,000, with roughly 2,000 still hiding along the beach still," Blake put down the tablet and looked at the three commanders. "That's not counting the 12 deaths and 24 heavily wounded Marines of Alpha Company. That's almost half the fighting strength gone from an experienced combat unit."
"Sir," Frank spoke up, "It's my fault, Sir!"
"No, no," Blake waved Frank down, "I am not assigning blame here, we just could not foresee what dangers are in the dungeon. Even with having an entire platoon fighting the Boss of the level, it was almost wiped out even with all kinds of precautions we took."
"I think we should suspend exploration of the Dungeon till we consolidate our forces first," Blake said. "What do you all think?"
Ford looked at the other two and nodded, "We have been constantly encountering external threats without having a proper chance to rest and recuperate. Thou the Dungeon did offer us substantial rewards like the nitroshroom, but its dangers are just too overwhelming at the same time."
"What you are saying is?" Blake raised his eyebrow at arched his fingers together.
"Stop digging deeper," Ford replied.
"Sir, I think we should stop the exploration, and limit it to Level Two for our resource needs, and avoid deeper exploration," Frank said.
"I concur too, Sir," Tommy replied.
Blake looked at the three standing before him and nodded, "Ok, from now on till further notice, exploration of the Dungeon will be stopped, harvesting teams are only to have access to level two that has been cleared. No one goes down into Level Three, anyone caught will be prosecuted."
"And be shot," Frank grinned.
"And survivors will be shot again," Finished Tommy.
"Get out of here, kids..." Blake rubbed his face, covering the smile he had.
Both Officers gave a salute and left the Bridge leaving Ford behind with Blake. "Captain, regarding the trade deal with Falledge, you think its a good idea?"
Blake nodded, "We can secure a line of supply from the town, why not?"
"But it's in the enemy territory," Ford replied. "It will not be a stable source of supply."
"Yes, I know," Blake agreed. "That's why I want to milk it as much as I can before it gets discovered."
"Well, 10 tons of seeds, a thousand heads of muffalos and two thousand egg-laying bird wyverns," Ford replied from memory, "It isn't a lot to support our population of fewer than 9000 humans, elves, orcs, and three hungry dragons..."
"Well, its a start," Blake said, "City Hall is still at its baby steps, but these are seed stocks crucial for our food needs for the future. Besides, we do not know if the merchant friend of our Claymore One leader is reliable yet. It's like a test to see if he can deliver."
Ford nodded, "Then how about the transporting slaves crap?"
"If what Sergeant Tyrier reports is true," Blake rubbed his chin, "I don't mind opening up the Pass for the freed slaves. In fact, I would even like to meet with the person doing this, especially if they are from the Isles. That's another trade option there."
"And you can poach on the freed slaves to join us too right?" Ford shook his head.
"Hehehe," Blake grinned, "You know me too well!"
"Well, according to our good Sergeant there, the merchant Otoro Arther should have a batch of freed slaves to be transported to safety within the week," Ford said. "But do you think this Otoro guy will accept?"
Blake flipped open his tablet and pulled up the files on Otoro Arther, "Owner of North Star Trading, 31 years old, Son of Baron Arther, Kingdom of Goldrose..." There were several pictures of Otoro in the file too, most likely taken from a recording camera from Tyrier.
"Well, we can only wait and see," Blake said. "And hope our good Sergeant can convince his friend."
Ford nodded, "I am assuming you going to authorize the mission to extend over the one month period?"
"Of course," Blake grinned, "There is still so much to learn!"
-----
Somewhere in Falledge
The large barn-like wooden doors swung open and several figures stood before the flood of sunlight shining into the holding room. Kaga sat up slowly and squinted her eyes against the bright lights.
"Alright, everyone!" One of the figures spoke in a loud voice. "We are going to clean you up, feed you and have proper places to sleep. But I need you to be orderly! Come along now!"
Hearing the word food, the hungry people got up and slowly exited the room, and Kaga dragged her swollen and bleed feet along. As she came out of the room, she found her self in a large courtyard with three other warehouses like structures. People wearing white aprons were helping the slaves too weak to walk out of the warehouses and led to what appears to be a healer.
Stalls were set up along the courtyard where bowls of soup or porridge were handed out to the starving slaves while another area was covered up with cloth for people to shower and clean up. She limped her way to the shower area first, as she desperately wanted to feel clean again after so many months of filth.
Entering one of the shower stalls, she found a wooden tub filled with hot water and a female wearing one of those white aprons was saying, "Just wash up and I will remove the dirty water for you," And she placed a pile of clean clothes on the side for her. "For your dirty clothes just dump it here," she pointed to a basket, "We will burn them later."
Kaga nodded and stripped, dumping her dirty rags into the basket and slowly climbed into the tub. Her body was thin to the point where her ribs could be clearly seen, and her tummy was bloated due to malnourishment. Soaking into the hot water, Kaga gave a sigh of relief as the aches and pains in her body faded, despite her burning wounds on her feet.
Using a scrub, she washed off the layers of dirt and filth and had to ask the attendant for the second fill of water in her tub which had turned into a dirty grey soup. After that, she raised off and used a coarse soap to lather her whole body until she was sore and pink before exiting the shower, dressed in a simple clean dress.
Next, she limped her way towards the healers and had them help her with her feet. She was curious as to why there was such a good treatment but decided to just make the best out of the moment first.
The healer wrapped her feet in a foul-smelling salve which was cooling to her feet. The healer also brought along a Magesmith who carefully removed the anti-magic collar from her chaffed neck, and more of the foul-smelling salve was applied to her.
After thanking both the healer and Magesmith, she left to find food at the food stalls. The smell of food made her mouth water and after queuing for a while, she has gotten a bowl of porridge and she sat down on the floor and wolfed the hot food down.
Once satisfied, she started to observe her surroundings, finding it strange that someone would spend so much effort for some slaves. She wondered what their agenda could be and she watched the crowd of people and beast men mingling around, holding bowls of hot porridge and dressed in clean clothes.
Suddenly someone stood on top of a small raised platform and rang a small bell, catching the attention of everyone. "May I have your attention please?" Once he has gotten everyone's attention, he continued, "I have good news for you. From now onwards, everyone is free, no longer a slave."
After he spoken those words, the crowd broke into a wild discussion. "But, it is still not safe for you to be here, therefore, we will have to move you out to another place where you will be safe!"
Kaga touched the slave brand burnt onto the top of her right hand and wondered where will they be bringing them to.
"Where will you bring us to? Is this real?" Someone yelled, asking the question Kaga had. "What if we want to stay?"
"There is no point staying here," The man replied, "Staying here and getting caught by the Empire will be death waiting not only for you but also those that helped you! Therefore, you must leave here!"
The crowd kept quiet after hearing that. "Don't worry, we will bring you somewhere safe, where the Empire won't reach you."
"But where is safe from the Empire?" Someone yelled again. "
"We will bring you to The Isles."
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章 129: Green Troubles
Tyrier Lodess blew out a blue smoke ring as he leaned back against the posh sofa, savoring the smooth smokeleaf taste rolling in his mouth. He sighed contently as he watched the small crowd in the Clubs and Royals Gentlemen Club mingle among themselves and wondered how many of these sons of bitches jumped over to the Empire side on the first signs of trouble.
"Tyrier!" A voice calling his name snapped him out of his wandering thoughts and he looked around, seeing the fat form of Otoro Arther walking over to him with a large smile pasted over his face.
"Hello, old friend," Tyrier gave a wave and gestured Otoro to join him at his table. "Have a seat."
Otoro dropped his heavy mass onto the chair and it sank visibly and managed to somehow support his weight. "One thick cut, Ruby Stag steak, medium raw with a side of fried taters." He gave his order to the uniformed waiter serving at his side. "Also a bottle of fine red fire."
Tyrier waved away the waiter who looked in askance, "I have eaten."
"So," Tyrier turned his attention to Otoro while continuing to puff his smokeleaf cigar. "What do you think of the deal?" He asked after they were left alone.
"There is no problem for the livestock and seeds," Otoro said as he went into full business mode. "But the trade route through the Uncharted Forest..."
"Well, if you can deliver the goods, you don't have to worry on my client's end," Tyrier gave his assurance. "They can take care of transporting the goods once it is delivered to the agreed location."
"But the Empire might take note of the shipment..." Otoro pressed on. "It is risky..."
"Come on, old friend," Tyrier shook his head, "I am sure you know how to move goods in and out unnoticed by the Empire."
"Hmmm," Otoro finally nodded, "Its a deal, and the payment?"
"Payment will be on delivery," Tyrier smiled, "Don't worry, if this deal goes well, there will be more contracts in the future."
Otoro nodded again, stuffing a napkin onto his collar, and kept quiet as the waiter returned with a plate of dark red meat and a bottle of amber red colored wine. Tyrier waited till Otoro finished a mouthful of the rich looking meat before asking, "Regarding the other contract, what is you and your client's answer to my client's proposal?"
Otoro cut another piece of meat and chewed thoughtfully before swallowing it. "If your side can provide the protection for the shipment, they are willing to do things your way. But... they can't trust you fully."
Tyrier took a deep pull with his cigar and puffed out, "The problem is more on your client's side. How do we know if they are not really reselling on the other side?"
Otoro put down his knife and fork, and dabbed away the juice and oil from his mouth before saying, "I can vouch for them."
"Then you can rest assured that my client will do all in their power to ensure the safety of the cargo," Tyrier replied with a smile, "But if they wish to stay, you and your clients can't force them to leave."
"I... I can't make that decision," Otoro picked up his knife and fork and started eating again. "I need to discuss with them."
"Well, if you go by my client's route, it will be a lot safer than cutting through the Uncharted Forest," Tyrier said.
"But," Otoro pointed with his fork at Tyrier, "The traveling time by sea will be increased by at least a week!"
"Think about it," Tyrier unceremoniously poured himself a glass of red fire wine. "If my client can secure a safe route, won't you merchants benefit in the end?"
"Your current route is to cut through the Uncharted Forest, then the Sea Plains followed by climbing over the Mountains before going cut through the unknown territory towards the sea." Tyrier pointed out. "My client can ensure safety from half of the Uncharted Forest and to the sea directly. In fact, other then the extended sea passage, I expect the traveling time on land will be faster by at least one week or more!"
Otoro paused in his eating and gave a serious expression, "Are you serious?"
"Do I look like I am joking with you?" Tyrier looked squarely at Otoro and sipped the wine.
"This deal is too good to be true..." Otoro replied, "I never trust a deal like that."
Tyrier sighed, feeling exhausted trying to convince his friend. "Alright, the truth is my client wants to recruit people and also trade for basic resources like food, metals, and crystals."
"If you work with my client, my client can also gain a friendly contact with your client and could also form some trade contracts both ways," Tyrier made up some story on the spot.
"Hmmm, that makes sense," Otoro finished his steak and gave a small burp. "But if the Empire finds out?"
Tyrier leaned forward and whispered, "Why do you think the former Duke is on the run now?"
Otoro's gleamed brightly when he heard that. "Interesting! Very interesting!" He wiped his oily mouth and grinned. "I will contact my client and once they replied, I will give you an answer."
Tyrier nodded and leaned back to enjoy his cigar, hoping that what he talked with Otoro tonight is enough to convince the people behind him.
-----
Seacliff Mining Facility, Field Hospital
A massive silver dragon loomed over James who fired his M2 uselessly at the behemoth. The mouth yawned open and a glow lit up the insides of the mouth before a dazzling bright light lit up James's world.
He jolted awake, sweat drenching his hospital scrubs and winced in pain as his sudden moment pulled his internal injuries. James rolled to his side coughing in pain and realized that a blue light was flashing in the room.
He took a few deep breaths and realized the facility silent warning siren has gone off. A harried-looking nurse hurried past his row and he called out to the nurse. "What's go-going on?"
"It's a goblin raid," The pretty nurse looked deadly pale in the flashing blue lights and white LED lights of the field hospital. "Don't worry, we should be alright, we will be moving everyone into the mines." after saying that, she headed off to somewhere urgently.
"Damn, I was having this sweet dream with this girl..." Someone down the row of beds joked, and those awake laughed before lapsing into painful coughs.
"Sarge," Someone laying next to him asked James, "What do we do now?"
"We can't do shit in our condition," James panted as he laid back on his back. "Just trust your brothers out there."
"Hooraaah..."
-----
Sergeant Collins peered into the darkness with his night vision sensors and cursed. Just a few minutes ago, the outer perimeter sensors were tripped and movement detectors picked up dozens and dozens of sensor returns.
"Turn out the men, and sound the silent alarm, have all non-combat personnel help evacuate the wounded into the mines as we had drilled," Collins instructed the crew manning the Security Control Center. "We got a shitload of goblins coming for us!"
He left the SCC carrying his weapon and headed up the perimeter walls, where he saw several Marines were already on the alert and watching their firing zones in the wall bunkers. He quickly left the walls and head towards the parade square.
Two and a half platoons to cover the entire complex walls of over 4 kilometers. With the basic complement of security guards of 50 and his 69 combat effective Marines, each man has to cover roughly 35 meters of the wall by themselves.
By this time, all the combat capable Marines and Security had assembled at the parade square. Collins quickly assigned the troops to their defensive sectors. There were three walls, NW, SE and SW with the main gate, covering the complex that converged to the natural cliffs.
-----
The grass parted as a goblin carrying a crude spear crawled flat on its belly towards the lights of the strange yummy soft skin castle. Hundreds more shadowy shapes crept or crawled behind, all with one goal in their mind and bellies.
-----
"Damn it, how I wish I had a battery of mortars," Collins cursed again as he watched the goblins crawled their way past the 500 meters mark. "A couple of airbursts would seriously ruin their day."
He keyed the section leaders comms and ordered, "All units are weapons free at 200 meters, the facility floodlights will be turned on to signal the attack!"
Acknowledgments replied him and he returned to watching the sneaky goblins. "They are not from the goblin fleet Delta company defeated, so these must be the local goblins, which means there is a nest somewhere close."
"Sarge," One of the techs in the SCC called him, "HQ says reinforcements are on their way, and aerial support is 20 mikes out."
Collins nodded, and saw on the screens the miners and their dependants moving into the mines, while others helped the medical staff push the beds with the critically wounded or support those still capable of moving on their own into the mines.
"Alright, once all non-essential personnel has evacuated into the mines, lock it down," Collins ordered.
"Sarge! The green skins had crossed the 200 meters mark!" A support tech yelled from his station.
"Turn on the lights!" Collins commanded, "Blind them!"
-----
Stationed all along the perimeter walls were several powerful floodlights taken from the spare supply stores of the ship, UNS Singapore. The 225,000 lumens LED lights capable of lighting up stadiums blazed on, instantly illuminating the cleared land surrounding the walls and turning the night into day.
The goblins creeping up to the walls were suddenly blinded as the floodlights came on, most stood up and cried tears of pain at the bright lights in their face and the Marine section leaders seeing the goblins exposed themselves, yelled, "FIRE AT WILL!"
At roughly 200 meters away, most Marines were capable of hitting a man sized target. The smaller sized goblins were harder to hit as they were small and wiggling about in panic, but still many shots torn into the goblins, blowing away heads and limbs.
Knowing that their element of surprise was gone, the goblin chief ordered an all out charge to the walls, most followed his order, while others stumbled half blind in panic. Goblin archers with crudely built short bows fitted arrows and released them blindly towards the walls, hoping by luck to hit something. The gathered reserve of goblins was also pushed up, no longer worried about being stealthy and they charged forward, screaming in high pitch voices for blood.
"Aim for the archers!" The command was passed on, and the men echoed it along the walls.
The attack was coming from the South Western Gate and the South Eastern walls, leaving the North West facing wall quiet of any activity. Collins was tempted to pull some men off the NW walls to support the defenses at the Gate but decided not to commit yet. So far, the goblins had only managed to cross the 100 meters mark, their short legs giving them a disadvantage in closing the distance to the walls.
Cracks of fire and thunder rippled out from the wall bunkers, the heavy lead rounds punching through two or more goblins if they were stacked up closely. Even the lead bullets ricocheted off the ground would seriously injure a goblin if it was in the path of the spent bullet.
"How many are there!" Collins looked in disbelief as the outer perimeter motion sensors beeped madly, and the display screen showed a dark green horde pouring out from the forest edge towards the walls. The computer estimated roughly seven thousand and climbing sensor contacts moving in the forest towards the complex.
"Contact HQ, tell them we got a horde of goblins heading our way, if they don't hurry and give us some support, we might get overrun anytime!"
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