The city of Murklog bog had seen better days. If probably wished it could recall a few of them back.
Nadia and Nya walked closely together through the polluted streets, their feet muddy and bruised after days of long slogish travel. Both were immensely fearful of their surroundings and the intimidating brutish inhabitants passing them by through the muddy streets. They only had each other. And no one could protect them now.
A fat black hog merchant dragging heavy carts through the muddy street suddenly bumped into Nadia's shoulder, splashing water with each heavy hoofed step onto her now discolored dress. Telling the two girls to get watch where they're going and stay out of the middle of the road with a loud huff. An even louder grumble, before pressing on.
Stay close to me. Nadia whispered to her sister beside her, latching her bow tighter in hand, more warry of their surroundings and it's passerby's. Nya obeyed and the two treged on off the sides cautiously and quickly to not attract any more attention. Dozens' of terrifying locals were staring right at the two small spiders from doorways and high open windows as they walked through the city of green sludge and blackened wood in the dark of night. The smell of smoke and rotting wooden houses encompassing every space of the polluted air. Murklog bog was a city placed in the middle of a vast unkempt swampland. With scores of unevolved insects and mosquitoes picking at it's residents with an unrelenting persistence every moment of the day. The old mining town had once been a prized and frequented location. But once the oil fields had dried up and the monarchy left. All that reminded was a crumbling wound that refused to heal from lack of care. A cesspool of scum and ruffians as far as they could see. But it was all they had to go on. And they had to be carefull.
Where are we going? Gestured Nya.
We're looking for someone tough enough who can help us find mom. Said Nadia. Eying multiple suspicion inhabitants standing against wooden railings watching them above with sick intrigue.
Will..Will we see her again? Nya asked hopefully.
We will. If we find the right person for the job that is."
And dad too? Nya asked.
Nadia didn't respond.
Just keep walking. Nadia snapped. Not wanting to be reminded. I want to get out here as soon as possible and you should too.
The two walked along the boardwalk path for quite some time before coming to a halt at the center of the small town. A decrepit old building the size of a large barn stood before them. A local saloon called the dead man's drink. The only saloon. Probably the nicest place in town, which really wasn't saying much considering the rest of the housing. Beside the doorway stood a towering figure. A fierce looking snapping turtle with thick arms folded inward and his shell backed up against the wall lazily. Beside his waist rested a large dented axe covered in dried blood. You lost little bug? The snapping turtle bouncer asked Nadia as she approached toward the doorway. An amused grin forming across his face.
Nadia stepped forward unafraid and looked him in the eye. "I'm looking to hire a mercenary. She asked. Know where I can find one?"
Ha! The turtle laughed. My! You're a bold one ain't ya? Well you came to the right place I woudl say!" The turtle already intrigued stepped closely forward, his curiosity peaked by the two little strangers. As well as something else.
"That's a nice little bow you go there." But little girl's shouldn't carry such things. It'd get you into trouble around these parts. Mark my words. I'd be happy to take it off ya hands for you.
I don't need your advice. We need to get inside. Stop us. And I'll shoot you.
HA! The turtle laughed before slapping a knee. You'll shoot me! That's a good one.! WHew! After wiping away a tear. The turtle stepped aside to let the two enter into their own risk.
You're funeral. He smiled.
The girls walked past the turtle bouncer and slowly swung the saloon doors open.
The music suddenly stopped. Dozen's of patrons slowly turned their gaze toward the two small girls standing in the dim light of the doorway. They soon lost interest and returned to their revleries, whether that be drinking, gambling, or other less prudent activities with some female guests. Nadia didn't want her sister to see this. But she wouldn't dare risk leaving her outside alone.
She gripped tighter to her little sisters hand and walked cautiously through the saloon up to the barkeep to have a seat in between a towering bison and hawk having a laugh about something. The sound of cheery yet ominous music in the air. The barkeep. An elderly brown Bison with a thick unkempt beard began eyeing the two girls from behind the counter as he cleaned the interior of a mug with his apron before setting it back on the shelf.
You lost? The bison asked. Scratching his ear of flies.
I'm looking for hired help. Nadia asked the towering figure. "I need someone cheap yet skilled.
Those two combinations don't usually mix together kid. It's either cheap and stupid. Or expensive and skilled. Never the two together.
I have money. Nadia said cautiously.
You hear that Kroso?!! The Eagle said aloud drunkenly, listening in on their conversation bored. The little bug has got money! HAHA!!!
Care for a drink little bug? The Eagle said aloud hiccuping. Approaching forward to get a better look at the two of them.
I'll pay for it. A man suddenly shouted from a booth in the very back. Scram bird. Barkeep water for the two ladies. If you please.
The barkeep listened and quickly filled two relatively clean glasses.
Best get over there you two. The bison whispered. Avoid others. They ain't safe to be around. Especially out in the open. I trust that one though. Might find some luck with him if you ask me.
Nadia nodded and took their drinks over to the booth. They stopped dead in their tracks by what they saw.
The Alligator sitting at the booth in the shadows was of a dark textured green. With scars and crude stitches littering his body. He was immensely muscular. With rounded forearms and biceps exposed for all to see through his sleeveless black jacket held tightly against his torso by a diagnal strap holding a frightening collection of throwing knives. He had long black hunting pants, with shotgun shells, a steel chain, and a dented machette tied to his belt. He had no shoes. And had place his muddy disgusting feet on the table for all to get a whif of. That made Nadia uncomftorable. But not nearly as much as the loaded shotgun and cleaver he had currently placed right across from her and her sister. Ready to fire or cut on any who gave him trouble. Which wasn't much anymore. He had taken care of all of them years ago. As evident Nadia guessed by the necklace of sharp teeth hung around his neck like a trophy.
What can I do you for? The Alligator asked. Scratching his chin as he began the negotiations. Refilling his glass of orange whisky.
Nadia breathed in heavily and sat down with her sister beside her.
My sister and I need safe passage through enemy territory. You're a mercenary? If I overheard correct?
He smirked. You overheard correct. To a degree.
To a degree? Youre' Not then?
Not entirely. He smirked.
Naia was growing irritatied. So what exactly are you? Mercenary? Bounty Hunter? Assasin? Tracker?
The Alligator then picked up his tankard. Took a long calm slog of it. And set it back down with a loud clank to look her in the eye.
I'm whatever the client needs me to be.
Nadia grew tense. Yet. Hopefull at the discovery. Perfect. Just what she needed. If she could afford it that is.
I'll cut you a deal. Me and my sister are trying to find our mother. We got seperated a while back. If you help us find her and protect the two of us along the way. Ill pay you forty oros for the job.
I don't accept that currency. He stated truthfully. Besides. Woudln't do much good in these lands anymore. Forty or forty thousand. What you got is most definatley worthless since the goverment that ciruclated it left these lands. No deal. Keep trying. I'm sure well work something out though. He smiled. Taking another swig of his drink.
Nadia was growing furious. She couldn't bribe him with money. Maybe..
I have silk? She said hastily. Growing more desperate. Golden colored strands. Very rare and very valuable. You could sell it. Make a lot of money for it. Or I could...I could. She hesitated. I could go in debt to you. Keep making it for you even after the job is done. You'd be very weatlhy.
Perhaps. he said. In about thirty years If I could wait that long. Do you know how much silk I would need you to provide to cover the rather valuable services I provide. A lot. Thanks But no deal. I'm sure what you and your sister make sure is pretty and shinny to those who want to wear something nice. But I have no interest in selling silk or starting a rug shop. Sorry. Keep trying. We'll figure something out. He took antoher swig.
I...Nadia hesitated. I have this bow. Its pure solid jade. Nya Grabbed her big sister on the arm.
What are you doing? She gestured? Don't it isn't worth it.
It is if we get mom back.
She placed the bow on the table. The Alligator eyed it for a brief second. Then her a second longer.
Where'd it come from? He asked.
Father.." Nadia. Muttered. She can't belive she was doing this.
The Alligator raised a brow.
Stop you right there. He said Sliding her bow back to her. I don't take family heirlooms. Too much emoitanl baggage for both parties to deal with. If you want to help you and your sister. You got to help me.
Nadia was growing more tense. But she had to do this. "How.
Let me see a strand of your silk. Need to check it's quality.
I thought you said you weren't interested in silk? Nadia snapped. Growing red in the face.
I said appearance wise. Not quality wise. Now please.. A strand? He reached out his hand. I won't be here all day.
Nadia sighed and pulled out a long single strand before snapping it with her pincers. She placed the web line into his hand and sat there wtih her arms folded uncomfortably while he started a curious inspection of it. Stetching it wide apart in his fingers. Seeing if it could break. Testing it's tensile strength and durabilty. Finally he placed and stretched it wide across on the dirty table and pulled out his machete.
Nadia was scarred he was going to use it agains her for offering up such shoddy payment. And was immensely relieved when The machete instead came down with a loud crack aginst the table. No one in the bar paid any mind to the damage or disturbance not wanting to interfere. Espeically the bartender. The crocodile dragged the weapon back and forth repeatidly against the surfaced of the table trying to make a dent in the thin strand. And when he pulled his blade upward. Nadia saw another of the biggest toothiest grin's from a hidous reptile she had ever seen in her life. Only this time she wasn't scarred.
That'll do nicley. He said, placing his machet back in it's sheath beside his thigh. I've heard spider silk is stronger than steel cables. Just never seen it up close. It holds up well. I'm impressed that the stories I grew up with were true. Tell you what. I might have another use for you and that silk of yours. You know how to use that bow as well If I may ask? Might come in handy.
Nadia. Tilted her head upward. "Yes." She replied. A little bit quicker this time.
Ya daddy teach you?" He asked.
Yes. She said.
Good. Here's my offer. Both of ya's come work for me on a few..... commisons. Provide your silk for traps, lures, and tripwires. Little one there beside you can help out around camp. Cooking cleaning, setting up tents. All that woman's stuff. With every job done. I'll consider the work you provide a portion of youre fee covered during our travel's together. Once it's all done. I'll help you find youre mother. On that I promise you with a gold fucking seal the likes of which you've never seen. Deal?
How long would we need to work for you?
The Alligator leaned back in his chair. Giving it a great deal of thought.
Six months.
Nadia coudln't wait that long. The trail to find her mother would be cold by then.
No deal. We'll never find my mother.
Kid. When I say I find someone. I find someone. Time is no object.
What about death? Is that one? Because that's what she will be if we delay any longer. She coudl be dead in an hour, tomorrow, or a week for all I know. But what I do know. Is that I have to save her. Not run arrands for you.
I'll admit..Said the Alligator. You make a good point. Tell me. Do you know where your mother was last heading?
Nadia thought. Trying to recount the memory.
Sorrum. She blurted having remembered. She was taken by slavers. To Sorrum.
The Alligator bit his lip. Irked by the news. "Now that's somethin I didn't know about. Messing with Savanese slavers is risky bad slag. I'm a freelance independent mercenary. I don't fight for armies. Or with or against nations stupid causes. Neutral status keeps me out of the spotlight and under the radar just the way I like it. Messing with the savvanese. Now that's a dangerous proposition. Messing with their cargo. Even more Dangerous.
My mother is not cargo!! Nadia Screamed. Standing up straight and slamming her fist against the table.
Of cource she isn't. The Alligator said. Trying to salvage the deal. He sat there in silence, tapping his taloned finger against the table trying to estimate if the risk was worth it.
You said she was taken as a slave right?
Right. Said nadia.
Then they won't kill her. A dead slave is no use to anyone. No offense. That means theyll keep her alive long enough to make a crap ton of silk. And long enough for us to find her. And to do odd jobs along the way.
Along the way?
Yes. Here is my Final offer. So listen well. And listen good. I don't play babysitter. Shinning night. Or defender of the innocent. You and your sister come work for me and pull your own weight. And more importantly do what I say when and where I say it, no objections. You want to stay alive and keep moving in the field I do? No weighing. No complaining. No getting cold feet no matter what people or beasts we deal with. We do billboard contracts and small hunting gigs here and there on the way to Sorrum. Savanese have shut down all portals and placed strict roadblocks at every checkpoint from here to the coast, so it's a long four month journey on foot through jungle, forest, and desert, one town to the next. But we will get there in time eventually so don't you worry, and if you're lucky and wealthy enough by the time we arrive. You can both chip in what you earn along the way and buy you're mother's freedom from whoever has bought her. So in conclusion. That's two months shaved off. Free mount travel. Free food. Good experience dealing with and seeing the world at large. Plus I'll let you and you're sister take fifteen percent of each job cut along the way to save up to buy you're momma's ticket out of there. The Alligator began twirling his dagger on the counter.
I suggest you accept what i'm proposing. There won't be a better offer. Think of it as a fun vacation. Take it. Because lucky for you. I gotta soft spot for kids and their parents. Trust me. No one else in these parts does.
Nadia quickly glanced towards her little sister. That was all she needed to convince her.
Deal.
The two shook. The pact was made. There was no going back.
Alright. Deal is a deal. Now that that's squared away. Just let me finish this drink. And the Five of us. Will be off come sunrise.
Nadia. Paused as she sat halfway up in her seat.
Wait. The five of us?
Yea. Sorry forgot te mention. I have an aquantance I work with on every job. As well as a little pet of mine who I travel wit. Don't worry. They wun't give eitha of ya any slag of trouble. I trust them with my life. Of that I am certain.
Name's Durgan by the way. The reptile said.
I didn't ask. Said Nadia.
No but you were thinking it. I always know what someone is thinking. And if we're traveing for four fuckin months togetha I'd like te know what each of you's name's is. Cause I ain't callin you bug one and bug two all along te we.
I'm nadia. This is my sister Naya.
Good. Now we're partners Nadia and Naya. From here. Until the foreseeable future. Try not to fuc it up. Right this way.
The little creature as he had described was actually nothing of the sort. It was instead astoundingly massive. A large four legged Bestial monitor lizard the size of a large waggon with a dark greyish green skin pattern. It had long sharpened claws and fangs that drooled profusely against the ground it rested it's pronounced snout upon sluggishly. It looked venomous. And the smell was even more horrible.
Aniba! Called out Durgan with a hearty growl, and whistle. Come here girl!
The Monitor lizard slowly rose from it's feet, lumbering over to it's rider, while dragging it's tail and talons against the mudd with a lethargic disinterested attitude. It began sniffing the air much more intently as it approached. With it's venomous saliva forming in even larger quantities than before which Nadia didn't think remotely possible. She stepped further back not wanting to get any of it on her feet.
Brought you a treat. Said Durgan. Holding the bag further behind trying to hide it just a bit longer.
As if on que. The creature nuzzled it's pointed snout more aggressively against it's owner's back and shoulder. Almost taking him off his feet. Impatient for whatever he had in store for it.
Alright Alright..Laughed Durgan, trying not to topple over. Here you go. Ya Greedy bastard.
Nadia was expecting a small piece of dried meant or some treat from the bag. What came out was instead an entire dead unevolved pig. Still fresh and dripping from the butcher as Durgan held it raised high in the air. He seemed just as estatic about the prize as his pet was the way he was eyeing it. That worried Nadia. She could almost feel it coming.
"Oh..god don't." Thought Nadia. Covering her little sister's eyes in disgust beside her.
As if she need further evidence of his intent. The crocodile mercenary suddenly and without warning used his own teeth to rip the dead hog in half and tossed the larger piece into the gaping jaw of his monster while keeping the head for himself. Nadia shuttered at the gruesome sound as both reptilian beasts cracked their sets of bones like twigs and tore into the red flesh and purple guts eagerly in an equally nauseating fashion. For a split second. Nadia couldn't tell which of the two was supposed to be evolved they were so much alike.
I think I'm going to be sick. Said Nadia. Muffled under her hand, trying not to lurch forward. She had seen her fair share of blood before while out hunting with dad. But she had never seen him actually skin anything before during their time together. This. Was so much worse. It was adborhant in it's display of gruesomeness. No wonder father kept that part of his job to himself.
Oh..Sorry about that. Said Durgan. Thinking she was taking more noticeable discomfort towards his beast behavior rather than his own. He quickly swallowed his snack whole in front of her, and gestured for his beast to finish up and do the same. Haven't fed her in a while. She get's pretty involved with feeding time. On the bright side. She won't have to eat for a couple of weeks. And neither will I. So at least you won't have to see us snack together for a long time. And don't worry. He chuckled. She don't eat bugs.
Arachnid. Thought Nadia. But she wasn't stupid enough to say it out loud this time.
Hey! Prickleback! Get off you're lazy spiked butt and say hello! Roared Durgan, wiping his hands clean of the pigs blood before letting out a loud uncomely belch. We've got customers.
Five more minutes. Mumbled the strange young man. Tossing over in the saddle above the beast.
Stay behind me. Nadia said to Nya. Eyeing the large beast tied to the post. And this new stranger.
You were out late again weren't you? Asked Durgan. Well this is you're walke up call. Don't make me get the bucket again.
Can't help it...Food in this town...Too good. Just like the women. He mumbled.
Well manage some good manners and introduce yourselves to our new partners. Said durgan. Punching his partner carefully on the shoulder not wanting to touch his hair. Come down off my saddle and say hello. Before I make Aniba do it for you.
The Monitor lizard snapped at attention ready to swipe her tail and sweep off the freeloader at her master's command. The tired man was suddenly not feeling so tired anymore. He sighed in defeat and proceeded to stretch his arms wide in the air with a loud exagerated yawn and backflipd off the bestial monitor lizard onto his clawed feet in front of them all. Splashing in the mud with a wicked smile on his face even as he landed.
"I'm up." He smirked.
He most certainly was. He was much shorter than Nadia expected though. And much more handsome than his frightening reptilian associate. He looked to be in his early twenties, and was slouched over in a rather aggressive and restless posture. His grey fur and sleek black spiked hair swooped behind his back. Nestled to the brink with sharpened quills along his spine all the way to his tail, with even more decorating his muscular forearms for good measure. He was rather fit and revealingly dressed to her embarrassment she tried to hide. Only wearing black cloth and padded leather on his shoulders, and simple patched up trousers with a few items and weapons tied here and there. He was Barechested with white face paint along his torso and across the bridge of his black rounded nose. He was both friendly and terrifying at the same time. Green eyes that practically shone in the dark with a white crescent moon tattoo in the center of his forehead acting as a third eye. As well as an even more gleaming pointed smile that seemed to glow in the shadows he blended so effortlessly into.
This is my accomplice. Explained Durgan, making a wide encompassing arc of his arm to his shorter friend. Best tracker and assassin I can find these parts. As well as best musician. Can keep you up for hours or lull you to sleep with his flute without even trying if he so chooses.
Nadia kept still. Nya appraoched closer curious. The porcupine knealt further toward the ground and reached out to shake her little sisters hand with a chivalrous attitude.
Charmed. He said with an honest yet frightening smile. Name's Baraxis. Baraxis Nightwalker. But my Friends call me Barax for short. Or Prickleback if you like.
Me personally? Durgan smiled. I call him Pricklebutt. Feel free to use the moniker.
Of that I still take a great deal of offense. Smirked Baraxis. Now. That we've got the pleasntries out of the way. Let us be off! A glorious morning awaits us!! Baraxis then jumped back onto the saddle and summersaulted through the trees like a well trained acrobat. Using his clawed feet to swing upside down onto individual branches before Vanishing into the forest to collect breakfast.
Morning? Asked Nadia confused. It's midnight.
He's a nocturnal. Explained Durgan. For him he's waking up bright and early. Seems often pretty lazy during light hours. But trust me. At night. He can move and kill like he's not even there.
Can you please put away your neclace? Asked nadia. Its disgusting and I don't want Nya seeing it. She's seen enough horror as is. She doesn't need to keep seeing you wear the dead you've killed.
My necklace isn't made from the bones of my enemies. He said with a newly calm voice. Some like army ants decorate themselves in remains and skins as an insult. A sighn of their superiority over other's they have killed to remind them they are nothing but meat for their swarm. For swamplanders. It's different.
With a sorrow silence. Durgan glanced down and carressed the withered old necklace inbetween his thick fingers. Affording a gentle touch he never used or afforded for anything else.
These are the teeth of my father. My Grandfather. And every ancestor of my family line. We decorate ourselves in the bones, claws, and fangs of our relatives as a sighn of them always being with us in death.
You used to mummify the dead?
We did. In our temples.
Unlike other cultures. We aren't as bothered by death. It was a common occurance during those times. Even more so for those who lived in the harsh swamplands. So we chose to celebrate and ammuse ourselves with it rather than live every day dreading it. Having festivals centered around the dead by digging them up and seating them in chairs at grand feasts besides their loved ones was a way we could connect with our past and with each other and those who were still with us. We even celebrated the hatch days of those who had parted long after they had stopped living." Suddenly as if thinking of a fond memory. Durgan reached for the most withered cracked tooth among hundreds on his necklace. Knowing exactly which one it was. My great great great great grandfather bless his old corpse lived until the age of fity one yet made it to one hundred and fifty seven celebrated hatch days. A record for our family. Ha! He was a lucky one that one to have seen so much. He was there at the start of our empire. And he was there at it's end. Our civilization didn't last long. But we sure were something.
To outsiders our practices of honoring the dead seem adhorant and repulsive, that's why they've tried to outlaw and label them as adhorant pagan practices that glorify death and decay. It's something they couldn't understand if they bothered to try. It did have a great many things wrong with it. But it meant a great deal to us. And that was for us to decide when and how to practice and evolve it. Not others. For death is a part of life. And what's life if it goes on forever with no end to make it mean anything?
You used to eat those you killed.
Only our enemies. Everyone was eating each other back then. Trust me. We weren't the worst.
That doesn't account for much. Replied Nadia.
I...Heard. You fought with the dead? But that part can't be true. It's imposible. The dead can't come back to life.
Oh no. It was possible. Because we did. We invented it. Said Durgan.
Nadia's pincers were wide apart in shock. Durgan smiled.
We did. Long long ago. Our ancient necromancer shamans, priests, and alchemists used secret forumale and magics known only to us. We resurected our berzerkers and greatest mummified warriors to fight along side us risen from their tombs in times of great crisis and war until we were the most feared army in history. It wasn't like the lies history had led you to believe though. Well. Not all of them. They were terrifying. But they were not evil. They were fearless. And their remains fought to defend their descendants and loved ones with the strength and rage of millions even if the spirits of who had once inhabited them were gone. It was almost as if some piece of their past lives still remained to remind them of what they were supposed to be fighting for. And when the final battle came. It was all hands on deck. Living and dead alike. But even then..It wasn't enough. Soon enough we had run out of corpses. Things got so bad we even started resurrecting fallen monarchy soldiers to fight on our side which only helped their justification for wiping us off the face of the planet. A big error on our part. Our civilization collapsed soon enough. We were conquered by the monarchy just like all the rest. But we gave them one hell of a frightful fight they would never forget. So much so that they cremated every corpse they could find of fallen friend and foe alike, burned our temples to the ground and finished it off by desecrating our tombs out of spite and fear of us coming back to haunt them. Killing our priests and burning every scroll and scrap of priceless knowledge they had stored in their libraries. Now. Such knowledge is lost forever. No one alive knows how to resurrect the dead. We aren't even allowed to keep the mummified remains of our loved ones in our homes and tombs to honor them properly anymore. Instead covering them with dirt and collecting their teeth..Is the best we can still do to honor or traditions we haven't been able to practice for centuries. That is why my people back home are fighting to change that. Battling as I once did to liberate themselves from the rule of the Ocean Monarchy by any means necessary. It was a cause I once supported and fought for as a berserker. Not anymore. Centuries of persecution, failed revolts, and poverty has left us bitter and hateful to any who would keep us down or stand in our way. It was something I left behind after seeing it turn so ugly and brutal. I hated the monarchy. But didn't want to butcher innocents just because of assosiation. So I left the horde and the cause. Still wanting to hold on to the old ways yet maintain some sense of honor left after seeing it absent from my family for so long who had become consumed with rage. Just as I once was.
Do you know of some way to bring back the dead. Do..Do you think you could bring back my father?
I'm sorry Nadia. Even if I did. That wouldn't be your father. You know that don't you?