Weird Island of those Hell Spawned
Apr 20, 2021 16:24:49 GMT -5
Post by themirrorthief on Apr 20, 2021 16:24:49 GMT -5
Bloody Jack Nye and the Island of the Hell Spawned
The little boat filled with grim faced men quickly paddled back towards their ship.
The mate spat before tossing ashore Bloody Jack's sword. Jack was surprised
at the gesture from his former shipmates. Still, they'd put him ashore with pistols
aimed at his back and nothing else. It had been a fair fight but Bill Smith had
friends and Bloody Jack had none.
Jack cursed his luck. It had all been bad since his old captain Black Vulmea had
vanished. The sea was his life and fighting was his trade. He took up the sword
and admired the way it gleamed beneath the burning tropical sun. He wasn't fain
to give his former shipmates the satisfaction of watching them sail away. He
trudged down the beach, his steps long and powerful. Bloody Jack's long mass
of unkempt black hair trailed in the breeze. His dark eyes flashed with anger and
a hint of madness. It wasn't the first time he'd been forced ashore on uncharted
lands and he was certain he'd live to sail again.
Almost four hours later he'd circled the entire island. It was larger than he'd
supposed at first. He was drenched in sweat and finding water suddenly
became his first priority. The beach had held no secrets, it was time to turn
inland and explore his new, and hopefully temporary, home.
Using his sword, the former pirate hacked his way forward. It was slow going and
his mouth soon felt like lump of dried meat. He wiped his brow and battled through
the thick foliage until he stumbled upon a tiny spring. Immediately the thirsty man
dropped to his knees and slaked his burning desire for anything wet. Feeling much
refreshed he relaxed for a time and sat upon a falled log. He found his pipe and
tobacco pouch. The little leather bag was full but he had precious few matches.
After smoking he decided to build a makeshift campsite by the spring. There was
no guarantee that fresh water existed anywhere else on the island. He sat
and contemplated the chattering monkeys, a good source of food if he could
bag one.
Later Bloody Jack, a nickname given to him by Vulmea himself, resumed his
exploration. An hour later he had found nothing of note but that turned out to
be only a prelude to a shocking surprise. He came upon a city, or at least what
had been a city. The ruin appeared vast and old. It was surrounded by thick
walls and in the distance he could see the remains of once proud towers. The
sailor stood momentarily awed. This was the last thing he had expected. It
seemed evident that this scrap of land had, at some long ago point in time, been
the center of some great culture. Gripped by intense curiosity and lacking
anything remotely better to do, he naturally investigated.
HIs first task was to find an entrance and this was quickly accomplished. He
discovered a huge iron gate. It was ruined and covered with rust. After a few
hearty shoves the thing creaked open enough to allow Jack entrance. Once
inside there was much to marvel at.
Although overgrown with weed and vine, Jack found it much less suffocated
by the jungle than one would be led to suspect. Cobbled streets and courtyards
were almost untoched by heavy foliage. Vegatation creeped through here and
there but it was a simple matter to distinquish with the naked eye the glory that
had once reigned in this strange place. Most of the large houses were collapsed
or rotted away but some still stood and what majestic palaces they had been!
Obviously this city had once been host to great wealth and power.
Bloody Jack noticed something mildy disturbing. It was very quiet inside the city
walls. No chattering monkey sounds reached his ears and even the birds seemed
subdued in their singing. The din of noise outside the walls was decidely more
subtle inside. It was odd, very odd. Still, Jack did not long dwell on such phenomena.
His was an inquisitive and courageous nature. He feared some things but such
rarities of conscious were mostly alien. He trusted his strength and his sword.
However, he grasped the hilt of the long blade a hint more tightly.
Nothing seemed amiss in the ruin. It was a dead city, a memorial to bygone times and
glory...nothing more. He searched at will for anything that he might make use of
during his struggle for survival. He uncovered nothing, just bare walls and the rather
overbearing gloom that one might find in an ancient graveyard. He eventually
came upon what seemed to be a walled palace. He easily gained access to the
secluded ruin by means of stout vines that grew in a random pattern along the
wall. At first his eyes noticed little different from what he'd foud outside. Perhaps
this had once been the sanctuary of the King, there were hints of opulence. The
architecture was more complex, the stonework more advanced, and the courtyard
was littered with the remains of finely wrought sculptures. Bloody Jack walked
about somewhat awed and once again aware of the silence. In fact, the quiet
greatly contributed to his next discovery. He hear crying or moans!
Perhaps it had been his imagination, isolation could play tricks on one's senses it
was said. But he heard it again. No, there was no mistake. A third noise enabled
him to get his bearings in relation to the sound. It had come from a foreboding old
tower that stood a few yards off to his right. Jack approached cautiously. The
moaning seemed human to him but he knew that was impossible, or was it? Did
some remnants of a native culture remain in this desolate old ruin? Who was he
to say one way or the other. Jack was a newcomer and could only guess at the
long history or the current events occuring in such a stange land.
Bloody Jack entered the old stone building and the moans grew louder. Inside all
was dust and spiderwebs. He worked his way down a long passageway which was
nearly pitch dark. He came to what appeared to be a doorway. He could see light
beyond but the opening was almost totally covered by vegatation and vines. He
hacked his way though and entered an large open area. HIs eyes grew large
and his jaw dropped. Inside, he saw a large platform constructed of dark obsidian
stone. In the center of this structure sat a large cage.
Inside the cage stood a woman who was easily the most beautiful that Bloody
Jack had ever encountered during his long travels. She was very young but
her hair was almost pure white. Her eyes were huge and lovely. Her skin was
pure alabaster and she wore bracelets of gold and silver. Jack gasped despite
himself. The woman had wings, wide white and yellow wings. The pirate felt
a tremble run through his mighty thews. What wonder could this be? Had he
gone completely mad from hunger and lack of strong drink?
The woman grasped the bars of her cage and eyed the newcomer just as
curiously as he eyed her. "Who are you, why have you come here?"
"My name is Jack Nye, my shipmates abandoned me here to die...but who are
you most gracious of ladies? Are you a vision, or some magical creature no
man has ever had knowledge of before?"
"I am called Lorette and I am most miserable here in this cage stranger. Yet,
it appears this is my fate for I cannot escape."
"I will help you!" Jack declared.
"NO, NO," the angelic vision almost shouted, her voice musical and magical just
the same. "My master is due here any second. You must be away or he will
slay you..please leave at once! I do not wish anyone to die on my account. I could
never forgive myself for such blind selfishness as that."
Jack moved closer, he longed to look deeper into her huge dark eyes. "I fear
no man. If he interferes I will carve him into a fine meal for the birds and the
maggots."
"No..no! You must flee, I sense he is almost upon us even as I speak! Away and
save yourself kind stranger. No mortal can save me from my Master. He is not
a man at all you see, he is a ...monster!"
Jack had seen enough already to not dout the words of the beautiful winged
creature. In fact, at that very moment he heard strange noises...something large
and powerful was approaching. He was not afraid but there were forces at work
here that he scarely understood. Perhaps it would be best if he hid himself in
order to better understand the nature of this thing he must soon slay, for slay
it was his intention. There should be no misunderstanding about that he
mused. His sword was eager to taste blood. Just the same he darted behind
a huge fallen stature and waited. A moment later he heard a massive, bellowing
voice, "Lorette, I am come my lovely!" Then the thing entered the hall. It was
not a man. Jack's eyes widened in shock and a cold chill ran the length of his
spine!
From his hiding place Bloody Jack Nye marveled at this thing he had never expected to see
had he lived to be a thousand. It was not a man, although in part it appeared to be something
similar. The thing was easily seven feet tall and it had the head of a large bull! A pair of deadly
horns dominated the creature's head and its nostrils were wide and ugly. Jack had heard tales
of such a creature...a minotaur! It snorted madly and malevolent eyes searched here then there.
"Something is amiss here my lovely, I smell the foul odor of a man! Where might he be hiding?
I am hungry and nothing would taste so sweet as the flesh of a pathetic human."
The thing stomped about on hoofed feet. Its torso, legs and hands appeared almost human
although they were huge. Long claws grew menacingly from massive paws and the creature
carried a giant club that twitched anxiously. Despite the horrible aspect of such a monster,
Bloody Jack Nye felt his blood commence to boil at the monster's insults. He shifted his position
behind the huge sculpture only slightly when he felt a prick in his hand. Jack quickly glanced down
to find a dagger blade protruding from the debris beneath him. He snatched it up instinctively
and inspected it quickly. The dagger was old and made of bronze. Jack shoved it into his
belt, he needed all the weapons he could find at the moment. Then he stepped out into the
open and faced his nightmare.
"I am here you foul spawn of a she pig and a reptile. Eat me if you will but I'll slice your liver
into bits for a nice stew before this day is done!"
The minotaur eyed the craven man. Then he threw back his enormous head and roared with
laughter. The booming voice seem to shake the very ground where Jack stood. The pirate
swore another oath an approached the monstrosity warily. "Please flee if you can poor ignorant
fool!" Lorette pleaded. Her voice and steeled the seaman's resolve. He would see such a
beautiful woman free should he have to kill a hundred such abominations. The minotaur
charged at Jack swinging the huge club with great strength. The thing was fast for all its great
girth but Jack's feet were nimble, having long experience with fighting on a blood drenched, slippery
deck. He darted away and struck, to his amazement the point of his lethal blade barely made a
prick in the monster's hide. Despite driving the point with a mighty lunge only the faintest wound,
like a pin prick, appeared on the minotaur's steel like flesh.
The minotaur's laughter burst forth again, "I have been stung worse by a mosquito you pathetic
little man. How I look forward to dining on your soft flesh...would that you were larger though for I
am very hungry today."
The battle raged for some time after this fashion. The minotaur would strike with its heavy club
and then claw after Jack as the Pirate leaped away. Several times the pirate's blade would make
contact with the hide of the thing but with no more apparent success than a drop of blood here
and there. The monster was enchanted for its skin was like armor. Jack had stamina far beyond
that of most men but the sweat poured from his brow and his breath became labored. How could
one kill a thing impervious to cold steel? Jack hurled heavy bits of stone at the minotaur but they
too only bounced off whilst the monster laughed in delight.
Eventually Jack began to tire tremendously. The thing's club came perilously close to the man's
head on more frequent occasions. Cornered and desperate, jack drew the dagger and hurled it
with all his remaining strength. He was not an expert at throwing knives but by luck the hilt of the
dagger struck a glancing blow against the minotaur's right eye. The thing experience pain!
It shook its great head and tears appeared to form in the offended eye. "You will pay for that
little man, great will be the pain you shall feel before you die!"
Jack sucked in great gulps of air and gathered his strength during this temporary lull. The minotaur
wiped at its eye and glowered furiously. Jack had one last, desperate play left. "Board the bastard,
the prize is ours!" he screamed and charged underneath the monster's plunging club. Expertly he
struck with the point of his long blade. The minotaur's right eye was pierced and several inches
beyond. It tore away from the fight, taking Jack's sword with it. The thing screamed in agony and
finally jerked the sword free. A great deluge of dark blood burst forth. The minotaur looked
dumbfounded and wandered about as if in a daze. At last it collapsed, from the wound itself or a
loss of blood, Jack could only guess. The great beast soon breathed its last and Jack breathed a
sigh of relief. Still, he smiled at his great victory and lifted his blade to salute the Gods of war and
death.
He sat down heavily until he caught is breath. What a story to tell in some wharf rat hole whilst deep
in his cups he mused. No one would believe it save some starry eyed boy who longed to go to
sea. Jack laughed and suddenly remembered the woman. He found the bronze dagger and tucked
it safely away...a godsend. The woman had retreated to the back of the cage and remained totally
silent...apparently stunned at what had transpired. Jack hammered on the cage's iron lock with
a large stone. Three dozen very violent strokes later the thing fell apart. He swung open the
gate and the woman brushed past him in a rush.
Jack was startled by the sudden movement and caught off guard. Without a single word the
beautiful winged woman took to the sky. She shot upwards with great speed and soon became
nothing more than a tiny dot against the heavens...then she was gone. Jack shouldn't have
been surprised, how long had the woman been imprisoned thusly? A century for all he knew.
Jack sat and rested. He wanted nothing more than a drink of the cold spring water. Finally these
thoughts motivated him to rise and take action. He used his sword to hack off a leg from the
dead minotaur. Here was meat and plenty of it. He threw the bloody trophy over his shoulder
and left the ancient ruins altogether.
That evening, his hunger and thirst abated in fine fashion, the pirate sat and smoked. He was
not one to meditate overmuch but he contemplated his fate and all the marvels that he had
witnessed this day. Eventually exhaustion overtook his heavily muscled body and he slid down
and drifted into a deep sleep. The first tendrils of new dawn crept into his eyes at last and he
woke as was his custom every dawn. And his blood was chilled.
He heard loud sounds, strange sounds. His dark eyes opened to the scene of another dark and
mysterious nightmare. Several strange man-like creatures were drinking from his little spring.
Unlike Lorette, these things were nothing like humans. They had huge scaly wings and their
voices were like insects. Their hands were gnarled and clawed like the minotaur. Their entire
bodies were covered in metallic looking armor that appeared natural. Their huge, bug like eyes
darted here and there nervously. They seemingly had overlooked the sleeping human but this
indiscretion ended the instant Jack leaped to his feet and jerked his sword free. The creatures
also carried sword like weapons and they drew them to meet the challenge.
Instantly a desperate battle commenced. The monsters flapped their wings furiously and struck
at the man. They were hardly expert swordsmen but Jack was heavily outnumbered. He slashed
at one thing's midsection and he fell, protesting loudly and clutching its side. Jack hacked off
another's arm and it took the air screaming in agony. The pirate became a whirling dervish but
suddenly he felt a painful shock in his thigh. He fell to one knee, continuing to wield his blade
feverishly. Then something heavy struck his head and he yielded to dark oblivion.
Jack regained consciousness and then wished he hadn't. Though dazed brain processes he
realized he was at least a mile in the air! He glanced upwards and saw that two of the winged-
men carried him head down. Each grasped the weighty pirate by a foot and they seemed to be
struggling with his great weight. Still he remained aloft. Ahead of them was another of their
brethern, apparently leading the way. How long he had been in the air was a question that
Jack was to beaten to ponder. He passed out again.
After regaining his senses a second time Jack's mind was marginally clearer. He gasped
as he found himself over another island. His stomach protested furiously as his captors
swiftly descended in the direction of what looked to be a small, yet gleaming palace. Still, quite
a few feet from the ground, the weary winged-men dropped the pirate unceremoniously to
the earth where he lost his breath and consciousness once again.
Bloody Jack dreamed that he heard beautiful music and the sounds of wonderfully melodic
female voices. He felt something cool and soothing against his skin and delightful odors
assailed his nostrils. He felt his head being lifted by soft hands and something sweet and
warm was poured past his lips. His eyes opened. It was not a dream. His head felt strange and
light. His hands were manacled with silvery chains and his body was in a warm bath. Two
incredibly lovely and half naked women smiled at him and gave him more of the drink. It was
very intoxicating, the drink and the women. They were washing him and the fact he was manacled
hand and foot did not arouse him and he wondered why. Instead he admired the round firmness
of he women's breasts and he gladly took more of the strange drink. One of the women
motioned for a powerful looking man who drew near. He did not appear threatening in any way
and Jack did not feel afraid. He felt little of anything except wonder and relaxation. He
felt the man grasp his shoulders and pull him from the bath...then he drifted back asleep.
Jack woke again and his head was clear. He sensed that he had slept a very long time indeed.
He lay on the softest bed his body had ever touched. He was still manacled but he had been
dressed in a simple white gown. The sun flooded through a large open window and a cool
breezed massaged his slightly sore flesh. His head was clear, yes, but he had great difficulty
fully perceiving what had befallen him. He appeared safe for the moment. Jack lay there and
tried to make some sense of it all. After several minutes of this a woman appeared. she looked
familiar and she smiled beautifully at Jack.
She spoke to him in English. Jack was startled to discover this. This was no magical creature
with strange powers of communication. She was a woman. Jack felt an old familiar stirring
in his loins. "I need something to drink," he said flatly. The woman nodded and gave him some
of the same drink as before. He gulped it greedily. "It will help you relax and feel at ease," the
woman said. "But now you must ready yourself, it is time to go."
"Go where?"
"To meet our queen of course, she has a great interest in you."
The woman led Jack through a door where two more women waited. These two were very tall and
athletic. They wore helmets and breastplates. They carried swords and jack had no doubt they
were very proficient in the usage. "They are your escort, go peacefully and you have nothing to
fear...they will not harm you unless you make them."
Jack nodded and decided to play along. Escape was impossible manacled after such a fashion
and even had he dreamed of escape..where would he go? He did not have the faintest clue as
to where he was!"
He walked through great halls as the two warrior women directly him by pointing with their swords.
They didn't say a word to him but he felt their eyes on his broad back. At last he was led into
a great, and opulent room. There was gold and silver everywhere and the floor was decorated with
giant rugs. The walls were painted in colorful frescoes that made Jack marvel although he tried not
to appear impressed. He kept his face stoic and avoided the stares of the many heavily armored
women that filled the vast room. He brought before a throne where a great beauty sat, her hair was
golden and her eyes a bright blue. Her features were like something rendered by an artist and her
breasts were exposed. Jack averted his eyes with from them with difficulty. When his eyes met hers
he could hardly suppress a tremble in his great muscled body. Those eyes bore into him like sharp
drills and he felt naked before them. Still, he managed to maintain a semi-scowl.
"Why have I been brought here," Jack spoke first.
The Queen looked amused. "Why indeed, do you have a name?"
"Jack Nye I am called by my shipmates."
The Queen leaned back..."a sailor then? Few reach these remote shores for truly we are hidden by
a device that is known only to us."
The words made little sense to Jack but he was curious.
"What do you intend to do with me?" he asked.
"Why of course I intend to breed you to as many of our women as possible. And I shall be the first."
"I have many questions," Jack said.
"Of course you do, I anticipated that and I may have anticipated some of the questions as well."
The queen paced about the opulent hall. She seemed distant, melancholy...Jack continued to
marvel at ther beauty and bearing. Here was a lady from a most noble line.
"I rule here, my name is Moleena. This island is called Tsars and my people are the Tsarst. We
are an old and ancient race, descended from a people that used what you called magic. These
very islands are shrouded from the outside world by magic. Obviously you found your way
here and that must be the will of our Gods. Ours is a rich and prosperous land. For that very
reason we have long been at war. Many have died, most of our warriors are women now...we
have only a handful of men left to man our walls against the invaders. You fight well and you
are very strong...you can give us strong sons that will eventually turn the tide of war in our favor.
The flying ones that brought you here are the Aton, they serve us well...at least for now. We
share much of our bounty with them." The queen fell silent for a moment and Jack was quick
to speak.
"How is it that you speak my tongue so well Your Majesty? I am dumbfounded by this mystery."
The Queen's lovely eyes sparkled and she smiled slightly, "another came many years before.
My grandmother fell in love with him. He stayed for years and she learned his tongue...this
language called English. He told wonderful stories of one called Jesus and even better stories
of his own many adventures in the world beyond ours. My grandmother wanted all to hear these
tales and she made his tongue our tongue. Our native language is all but forgotten now but no
matter."
"Who was this man, and what happened to him?" Jack's curiosity was piqued.
"He called himself Solomon Kane and he was a great man. He dwelled with us for ten years and
then simply vanished. I supposed you could say he escaped the island and continued his
travels. My grandmother was heartbroken but she never forgot. She spoke of him until
her death."
"Go now Jack Nye," the Queen sat down wearily. "I have much to attend to today. You
will be well cared for and I grant you the run of the our city. However, do not attempt to leave
us. It would not go well for you. The Aton would bring you back and you will be punished. Yet,
I hope you will not desire to flee, our women can be very accomodating and your life here
will be good."
Jack bristled at the thought of being kept a prisoner but he kept silent. He would escape, but
at a time of his own choosing. He was escorted back to his room where he found his own
clothes cleaned, patched, and pressed. He felt much better about many things after he
found his sword and bronze dagger there as well. He dressed but did not go out. There
were many things to be considered. Food was brought and he ate. More drink was brought
and he indulged. He found their strange brew much to his liking and it helped him relax.
Towards evening Jack fell into a slumber. He woke to a subdued tapping on his door.
"Come in," Jack barked, not quite finished with his nap.
A very pretty and very young maiden entered the room. "Who are you lass?" Jack asked.
"I am called Nosa and I have come that we may do our duty to the Queen." She kept her
eyes downcast and seemed nervous. Jack could easily understand why...so already he
was required to do "his duty?" The Queen was not one to waste time, although he thought
that Moleena was to be the first. Obviously the Queen was delayed by matters of court
and poltics. No matter to Jack, he found Nosa very fetching indeed. "Come closer lass,"
he requested.
Jack did not stand, the girl approached and he took her by the arm. She trembled at his touch
and her eyes remained firmly on the floor. "You came unwilling?" he asked. The girl did
not answer but merely trembled again as he genlty massaged her soft arm.
Jack released her. He was a lusty fiend to be sure but it struck him as unmanly to take
advantage of such a young girl simply because it was ordained by the child's superiors.
"Sit for a little while and then you can go.. I will tell no one that you disobeyed the Queen.
I have been guilty of many crimes but this...rape...is not to my liking. T'will be our tiny
secret my fair lass."
The girl looked up suddenly and stared wide eyed into the pirate's eyes. She appeared to
be very alarmed. "Oh no, we MUST do our duty!" She half shouted before dropping her
simple gown to reveal her nakedness. With surprising strength she shoved Jack back onto
the bed. Then she leaped atop him with amazing nimbleness. "We MUST do our duty handsome
stranger...the Queen demands it and so do I!"
Jack was stunned but the softness of the girl's body rapidly gave birth to other desires, desires
kept long dormat at sea surrounded by filthy sailors. Their bodies melded together as one and
soon all thoughts of fleeing Tsars fled the brawny corsair's mind. After an hour of intense love
making Nosa left him satiated in all respects. He downed a healthy dose of the local brew and
collapsed into a long deep sleep.
Jack woke suddenly. He did not recall where he was at first. He instantly recalled the sounds he
heard..shouts, screams, clashing blades...a battle! He glanced out his tower window and saw
hairy barbarians attacking the walls, some were already inside the grounds of the palace! Jack
dressed quickly as only a warrior can. He grasped the sword in his right hand and the dagger
in his left. Then he raced from his room, his heart soaring at the opportunity to hone his art..the
art of dealing death.
Jack made his way onto the grounds in seconds. The situation was not good, the women warriors,
and a few men were hard pressed by a large number of howling savages. Some were painted
blue or red or white. All seemed mad. One such hurled himself at Jack. The pirate ran him through
then lashed out with his boot to displace the dead man from his blade. Another slashed at Jack with
a large stone ax. Jack decapitated the man and looked towards another foe even before the head
struck the earth.
It did not take long to find additional foes, they were everywhere. Some were covered with blood, their
own and that of the Tarst warriors. The women warriors fought well but there were simply to many foes
and the brutes were powerful and quick. Jack ran two more through and deftly dodged a spear. He
snarled and rushed the man who threw it. The hairy antagonist did not turn and flee but spat at
Jack. In a way the pirate admired the fool even as he sent the heavily bearded head flying through
the air. In this manner Bloody Jack slashed and cut with sword and dagger with such fury that even
the air durrounding him seemed drenched in blood.
A huge warrior suddenly leaped in front of Jack, he was a true giant and carried a massive club. The
barbarian was even larger than the Minotaur Jack had killed and he was three times as mad. He swung
the club with amazing dexterity. The blood soakded corsair misjudged the man's speed and barely
managed to dodge the club only to catch a glancing blow from the backswing. It barely grazed Jack's
scalp but his senses reeled. A bloody mist filled the swordsman's eyes and he struck blindly with
his blade. He felt his steel make contact and there was a great roar. Jack stumbled back, wiping
at his eyes furiously. He knew he was doomed, many dark figures danced before his clouded vision
and they were closing for the finale. Jack cursed them furiously and struck with all the might his
waning strength could muster. Then he should have died.
Suddenly Jack felt slender but powerful arms slip beneath his. A soothing voice urged him to be
still and he felt the sensation of his body leaving the earth. He was dead and the angel of death
had come for him. He had not expected it to be like this. Of course he had never died before
either. "It is I, Lorette...be still o man and I shall take you to safety before its to late."
"Lorette! You have returned to me."
Jack slumped and let himself be carried through the smoke filled air. The rushing wind against his
face cleared his senses somewhat and he found himself high above the battle. He heard Lorette
panting heavily from the strain of holding him aloft. "You must put me down," Jack gasped.
"And I shall, just a bit further." Soon Jack found his feet on solid ground. He had almost completely
recovered from the blow to the head but he didn't object to the water Lorette gave him. He drank
deeply from the little urn and dosed his head with the rest. "We must go the rest of the way on foot
for you are large and I have not the strength to carry you aloft."
"NO, I must return and aid the queen. The people of Tars have been kind to me!"
"You are wrong foolish one, the Queen is hidden safely in a secret lair beneath the palace as are
most of the nobles...and look there if you fear for her people." Lorette pointed to the sky.
Jack stared in amazement, the sky was filled with those strange flying men called the Aton. Each one
carried either a bow or a long pike. The bowmen fired arrows at the barbarians while the pikemen
dashed down and speared their foe at will. The barbarians answered with rocks and spears but
to little avail. It was obvious that they must flee or die where they stood. "Come," Lorette half
shouted. "This is the opportune time for you to escape this island, while the Aton are busy with
killing."
"I'm not sure I want to escape," Jack mumbled, his mind retreating to the night before and the soft
embraces of the lithe Nosa.
"I was a prisoner for a long time human. It grows weary over time...even a golden cage cannot
long be tolerated. Men like you are not bred for the life of a housepet my friend. You freed me
and now allow me to free you...now follow." Jack begrudged her words but they rang true.
The two strange companions struck out at a quick pace. In a quarter hour they reached a little
harbor. A boat waited. "Here is a vessel to take you away from this ancient land where you do
not belong."
"But where do I go? These waters are unknown to me, I could wander aimlessly for weeks until
I die from exposure." Jack was confused.
"No!" Lorette exclaimed and she pressed a small object into Jack's bloody palm. "Why its a
compass! And a very old one at that." He marveled at the object as only a son of the sea would.
With her urging him on, Jack got into the boat. It was sound and there were two strong oars.
A large urn and some food promised nourishment. "Long ago I helped another escape from these
lands," Lorette declared. "If you row hard and stay due north, you will reach an island well known
to your kind. There ships occasionally stop. With luck and some patience, you will be back
with a deck under your feet in a short while."
"How long is the journey?"
"Two days and nights, no more if you bend your back."
Jack nodded somberly, "and that I shall. I owe you much. Can you remain with me for awhile
yet?"
"I shall go with you for a little ways and then I must return. One such as I cannot leave the
shrouded lands, lest I die quickly." Jack listened and did not doubt her words. It was pointless
to try and understand everything he had seen and heard.
They talked quietly and Jack wished he had gotten to know this friend better. Then she
shyly whispered goodbye. "I shall not forget you Jack Nye."
Jack watched as she rose high into the sky. Then with a wave from her slender arm she
turned back towards the islands. He watched her go and then layed to with the oars.
It was a fine tale he carried with him if nothing else. But only drunkards and children would
believe it. He wiped his brow, grimaced and bent to his rowing. He glanced at the ancient
dagger in his belt to convince himself it was not all just a drunken dream.
END
The little boat filled with grim faced men quickly paddled back towards their ship.
The mate spat before tossing ashore Bloody Jack's sword. Jack was surprised
at the gesture from his former shipmates. Still, they'd put him ashore with pistols
aimed at his back and nothing else. It had been a fair fight but Bill Smith had
friends and Bloody Jack had none.
Jack cursed his luck. It had all been bad since his old captain Black Vulmea had
vanished. The sea was his life and fighting was his trade. He took up the sword
and admired the way it gleamed beneath the burning tropical sun. He wasn't fain
to give his former shipmates the satisfaction of watching them sail away. He
trudged down the beach, his steps long and powerful. Bloody Jack's long mass
of unkempt black hair trailed in the breeze. His dark eyes flashed with anger and
a hint of madness. It wasn't the first time he'd been forced ashore on uncharted
lands and he was certain he'd live to sail again.
Almost four hours later he'd circled the entire island. It was larger than he'd
supposed at first. He was drenched in sweat and finding water suddenly
became his first priority. The beach had held no secrets, it was time to turn
inland and explore his new, and hopefully temporary, home.
Using his sword, the former pirate hacked his way forward. It was slow going and
his mouth soon felt like lump of dried meat. He wiped his brow and battled through
the thick foliage until he stumbled upon a tiny spring. Immediately the thirsty man
dropped to his knees and slaked his burning desire for anything wet. Feeling much
refreshed he relaxed for a time and sat upon a falled log. He found his pipe and
tobacco pouch. The little leather bag was full but he had precious few matches.
After smoking he decided to build a makeshift campsite by the spring. There was
no guarantee that fresh water existed anywhere else on the island. He sat
and contemplated the chattering monkeys, a good source of food if he could
bag one.
Later Bloody Jack, a nickname given to him by Vulmea himself, resumed his
exploration. An hour later he had found nothing of note but that turned out to
be only a prelude to a shocking surprise. He came upon a city, or at least what
had been a city. The ruin appeared vast and old. It was surrounded by thick
walls and in the distance he could see the remains of once proud towers. The
sailor stood momentarily awed. This was the last thing he had expected. It
seemed evident that this scrap of land had, at some long ago point in time, been
the center of some great culture. Gripped by intense curiosity and lacking
anything remotely better to do, he naturally investigated.
HIs first task was to find an entrance and this was quickly accomplished. He
discovered a huge iron gate. It was ruined and covered with rust. After a few
hearty shoves the thing creaked open enough to allow Jack entrance. Once
inside there was much to marvel at.
Although overgrown with weed and vine, Jack found it much less suffocated
by the jungle than one would be led to suspect. Cobbled streets and courtyards
were almost untoched by heavy foliage. Vegatation creeped through here and
there but it was a simple matter to distinquish with the naked eye the glory that
had once reigned in this strange place. Most of the large houses were collapsed
or rotted away but some still stood and what majestic palaces they had been!
Obviously this city had once been host to great wealth and power.
Bloody Jack noticed something mildy disturbing. It was very quiet inside the city
walls. No chattering monkey sounds reached his ears and even the birds seemed
subdued in their singing. The din of noise outside the walls was decidely more
subtle inside. It was odd, very odd. Still, Jack did not long dwell on such phenomena.
His was an inquisitive and courageous nature. He feared some things but such
rarities of conscious were mostly alien. He trusted his strength and his sword.
However, he grasped the hilt of the long blade a hint more tightly.
Nothing seemed amiss in the ruin. It was a dead city, a memorial to bygone times and
glory...nothing more. He searched at will for anything that he might make use of
during his struggle for survival. He uncovered nothing, just bare walls and the rather
overbearing gloom that one might find in an ancient graveyard. He eventually
came upon what seemed to be a walled palace. He easily gained access to the
secluded ruin by means of stout vines that grew in a random pattern along the
wall. At first his eyes noticed little different from what he'd foud outside. Perhaps
this had once been the sanctuary of the King, there were hints of opulence. The
architecture was more complex, the stonework more advanced, and the courtyard
was littered with the remains of finely wrought sculptures. Bloody Jack walked
about somewhat awed and once again aware of the silence. In fact, the quiet
greatly contributed to his next discovery. He hear crying or moans!
Perhaps it had been his imagination, isolation could play tricks on one's senses it
was said. But he heard it again. No, there was no mistake. A third noise enabled
him to get his bearings in relation to the sound. It had come from a foreboding old
tower that stood a few yards off to his right. Jack approached cautiously. The
moaning seemed human to him but he knew that was impossible, or was it? Did
some remnants of a native culture remain in this desolate old ruin? Who was he
to say one way or the other. Jack was a newcomer and could only guess at the
long history or the current events occuring in such a stange land.
Bloody Jack entered the old stone building and the moans grew louder. Inside all
was dust and spiderwebs. He worked his way down a long passageway which was
nearly pitch dark. He came to what appeared to be a doorway. He could see light
beyond but the opening was almost totally covered by vegatation and vines. He
hacked his way though and entered an large open area. HIs eyes grew large
and his jaw dropped. Inside, he saw a large platform constructed of dark obsidian
stone. In the center of this structure sat a large cage.
Inside the cage stood a woman who was easily the most beautiful that Bloody
Jack had ever encountered during his long travels. She was very young but
her hair was almost pure white. Her eyes were huge and lovely. Her skin was
pure alabaster and she wore bracelets of gold and silver. Jack gasped despite
himself. The woman had wings, wide white and yellow wings. The pirate felt
a tremble run through his mighty thews. What wonder could this be? Had he
gone completely mad from hunger and lack of strong drink?
The woman grasped the bars of her cage and eyed the newcomer just as
curiously as he eyed her. "Who are you, why have you come here?"
"My name is Jack Nye, my shipmates abandoned me here to die...but who are
you most gracious of ladies? Are you a vision, or some magical creature no
man has ever had knowledge of before?"
"I am called Lorette and I am most miserable here in this cage stranger. Yet,
it appears this is my fate for I cannot escape."
"I will help you!" Jack declared.
"NO, NO," the angelic vision almost shouted, her voice musical and magical just
the same. "My master is due here any second. You must be away or he will
slay you..please leave at once! I do not wish anyone to die on my account. I could
never forgive myself for such blind selfishness as that."
Jack moved closer, he longed to look deeper into her huge dark eyes. "I fear
no man. If he interferes I will carve him into a fine meal for the birds and the
maggots."
"No..no! You must flee, I sense he is almost upon us even as I speak! Away and
save yourself kind stranger. No mortal can save me from my Master. He is not
a man at all you see, he is a ...monster!"
Jack had seen enough already to not dout the words of the beautiful winged
creature. In fact, at that very moment he heard strange noises...something large
and powerful was approaching. He was not afraid but there were forces at work
here that he scarely understood. Perhaps it would be best if he hid himself in
order to better understand the nature of this thing he must soon slay, for slay
it was his intention. There should be no misunderstanding about that he
mused. His sword was eager to taste blood. Just the same he darted behind
a huge fallen stature and waited. A moment later he heard a massive, bellowing
voice, "Lorette, I am come my lovely!" Then the thing entered the hall. It was
not a man. Jack's eyes widened in shock and a cold chill ran the length of his
spine!
From his hiding place Bloody Jack Nye marveled at this thing he had never expected to see
had he lived to be a thousand. It was not a man, although in part it appeared to be something
similar. The thing was easily seven feet tall and it had the head of a large bull! A pair of deadly
horns dominated the creature's head and its nostrils were wide and ugly. Jack had heard tales
of such a creature...a minotaur! It snorted madly and malevolent eyes searched here then there.
"Something is amiss here my lovely, I smell the foul odor of a man! Where might he be hiding?
I am hungry and nothing would taste so sweet as the flesh of a pathetic human."
The thing stomped about on hoofed feet. Its torso, legs and hands appeared almost human
although they were huge. Long claws grew menacingly from massive paws and the creature
carried a giant club that twitched anxiously. Despite the horrible aspect of such a monster,
Bloody Jack Nye felt his blood commence to boil at the monster's insults. He shifted his position
behind the huge sculpture only slightly when he felt a prick in his hand. Jack quickly glanced down
to find a dagger blade protruding from the debris beneath him. He snatched it up instinctively
and inspected it quickly. The dagger was old and made of bronze. Jack shoved it into his
belt, he needed all the weapons he could find at the moment. Then he stepped out into the
open and faced his nightmare.
"I am here you foul spawn of a she pig and a reptile. Eat me if you will but I'll slice your liver
into bits for a nice stew before this day is done!"
The minotaur eyed the craven man. Then he threw back his enormous head and roared with
laughter. The booming voice seem to shake the very ground where Jack stood. The pirate
swore another oath an approached the monstrosity warily. "Please flee if you can poor ignorant
fool!" Lorette pleaded. Her voice and steeled the seaman's resolve. He would see such a
beautiful woman free should he have to kill a hundred such abominations. The minotaur
charged at Jack swinging the huge club with great strength. The thing was fast for all its great
girth but Jack's feet were nimble, having long experience with fighting on a blood drenched, slippery
deck. He darted away and struck, to his amazement the point of his lethal blade barely made a
prick in the monster's hide. Despite driving the point with a mighty lunge only the faintest wound,
like a pin prick, appeared on the minotaur's steel like flesh.
The minotaur's laughter burst forth again, "I have been stung worse by a mosquito you pathetic
little man. How I look forward to dining on your soft flesh...would that you were larger though for I
am very hungry today."
The battle raged for some time after this fashion. The minotaur would strike with its heavy club
and then claw after Jack as the Pirate leaped away. Several times the pirate's blade would make
contact with the hide of the thing but with no more apparent success than a drop of blood here
and there. The monster was enchanted for its skin was like armor. Jack had stamina far beyond
that of most men but the sweat poured from his brow and his breath became labored. How could
one kill a thing impervious to cold steel? Jack hurled heavy bits of stone at the minotaur but they
too only bounced off whilst the monster laughed in delight.
Eventually Jack began to tire tremendously. The thing's club came perilously close to the man's
head on more frequent occasions. Cornered and desperate, jack drew the dagger and hurled it
with all his remaining strength. He was not an expert at throwing knives but by luck the hilt of the
dagger struck a glancing blow against the minotaur's right eye. The thing experience pain!
It shook its great head and tears appeared to form in the offended eye. "You will pay for that
little man, great will be the pain you shall feel before you die!"
Jack sucked in great gulps of air and gathered his strength during this temporary lull. The minotaur
wiped at its eye and glowered furiously. Jack had one last, desperate play left. "Board the bastard,
the prize is ours!" he screamed and charged underneath the monster's plunging club. Expertly he
struck with the point of his long blade. The minotaur's right eye was pierced and several inches
beyond. It tore away from the fight, taking Jack's sword with it. The thing screamed in agony and
finally jerked the sword free. A great deluge of dark blood burst forth. The minotaur looked
dumbfounded and wandered about as if in a daze. At last it collapsed, from the wound itself or a
loss of blood, Jack could only guess. The great beast soon breathed its last and Jack breathed a
sigh of relief. Still, he smiled at his great victory and lifted his blade to salute the Gods of war and
death.
He sat down heavily until he caught is breath. What a story to tell in some wharf rat hole whilst deep
in his cups he mused. No one would believe it save some starry eyed boy who longed to go to
sea. Jack laughed and suddenly remembered the woman. He found the bronze dagger and tucked
it safely away...a godsend. The woman had retreated to the back of the cage and remained totally
silent...apparently stunned at what had transpired. Jack hammered on the cage's iron lock with
a large stone. Three dozen very violent strokes later the thing fell apart. He swung open the
gate and the woman brushed past him in a rush.
Jack was startled by the sudden movement and caught off guard. Without a single word the
beautiful winged woman took to the sky. She shot upwards with great speed and soon became
nothing more than a tiny dot against the heavens...then she was gone. Jack shouldn't have
been surprised, how long had the woman been imprisoned thusly? A century for all he knew.
Jack sat and rested. He wanted nothing more than a drink of the cold spring water. Finally these
thoughts motivated him to rise and take action. He used his sword to hack off a leg from the
dead minotaur. Here was meat and plenty of it. He threw the bloody trophy over his shoulder
and left the ancient ruins altogether.
That evening, his hunger and thirst abated in fine fashion, the pirate sat and smoked. He was
not one to meditate overmuch but he contemplated his fate and all the marvels that he had
witnessed this day. Eventually exhaustion overtook his heavily muscled body and he slid down
and drifted into a deep sleep. The first tendrils of new dawn crept into his eyes at last and he
woke as was his custom every dawn. And his blood was chilled.
He heard loud sounds, strange sounds. His dark eyes opened to the scene of another dark and
mysterious nightmare. Several strange man-like creatures were drinking from his little spring.
Unlike Lorette, these things were nothing like humans. They had huge scaly wings and their
voices were like insects. Their hands were gnarled and clawed like the minotaur. Their entire
bodies were covered in metallic looking armor that appeared natural. Their huge, bug like eyes
darted here and there nervously. They seemingly had overlooked the sleeping human but this
indiscretion ended the instant Jack leaped to his feet and jerked his sword free. The creatures
also carried sword like weapons and they drew them to meet the challenge.
Instantly a desperate battle commenced. The monsters flapped their wings furiously and struck
at the man. They were hardly expert swordsmen but Jack was heavily outnumbered. He slashed
at one thing's midsection and he fell, protesting loudly and clutching its side. Jack hacked off
another's arm and it took the air screaming in agony. The pirate became a whirling dervish but
suddenly he felt a painful shock in his thigh. He fell to one knee, continuing to wield his blade
feverishly. Then something heavy struck his head and he yielded to dark oblivion.
Jack regained consciousness and then wished he hadn't. Though dazed brain processes he
realized he was at least a mile in the air! He glanced upwards and saw that two of the winged-
men carried him head down. Each grasped the weighty pirate by a foot and they seemed to be
struggling with his great weight. Still he remained aloft. Ahead of them was another of their
brethern, apparently leading the way. How long he had been in the air was a question that
Jack was to beaten to ponder. He passed out again.
After regaining his senses a second time Jack's mind was marginally clearer. He gasped
as he found himself over another island. His stomach protested furiously as his captors
swiftly descended in the direction of what looked to be a small, yet gleaming palace. Still, quite
a few feet from the ground, the weary winged-men dropped the pirate unceremoniously to
the earth where he lost his breath and consciousness once again.
Bloody Jack dreamed that he heard beautiful music and the sounds of wonderfully melodic
female voices. He felt something cool and soothing against his skin and delightful odors
assailed his nostrils. He felt his head being lifted by soft hands and something sweet and
warm was poured past his lips. His eyes opened. It was not a dream. His head felt strange and
light. His hands were manacled with silvery chains and his body was in a warm bath. Two
incredibly lovely and half naked women smiled at him and gave him more of the drink. It was
very intoxicating, the drink and the women. They were washing him and the fact he was manacled
hand and foot did not arouse him and he wondered why. Instead he admired the round firmness
of he women's breasts and he gladly took more of the strange drink. One of the women
motioned for a powerful looking man who drew near. He did not appear threatening in any way
and Jack did not feel afraid. He felt little of anything except wonder and relaxation. He
felt the man grasp his shoulders and pull him from the bath...then he drifted back asleep.
Jack woke again and his head was clear. He sensed that he had slept a very long time indeed.
He lay on the softest bed his body had ever touched. He was still manacled but he had been
dressed in a simple white gown. The sun flooded through a large open window and a cool
breezed massaged his slightly sore flesh. His head was clear, yes, but he had great difficulty
fully perceiving what had befallen him. He appeared safe for the moment. Jack lay there and
tried to make some sense of it all. After several minutes of this a woman appeared. she looked
familiar and she smiled beautifully at Jack.
She spoke to him in English. Jack was startled to discover this. This was no magical creature
with strange powers of communication. She was a woman. Jack felt an old familiar stirring
in his loins. "I need something to drink," he said flatly. The woman nodded and gave him some
of the same drink as before. He gulped it greedily. "It will help you relax and feel at ease," the
woman said. "But now you must ready yourself, it is time to go."
"Go where?"
"To meet our queen of course, she has a great interest in you."
The woman led Jack through a door where two more women waited. These two were very tall and
athletic. They wore helmets and breastplates. They carried swords and jack had no doubt they
were very proficient in the usage. "They are your escort, go peacefully and you have nothing to
fear...they will not harm you unless you make them."
Jack nodded and decided to play along. Escape was impossible manacled after such a fashion
and even had he dreamed of escape..where would he go? He did not have the faintest clue as
to where he was!"
He walked through great halls as the two warrior women directly him by pointing with their swords.
They didn't say a word to him but he felt their eyes on his broad back. At last he was led into
a great, and opulent room. There was gold and silver everywhere and the floor was decorated with
giant rugs. The walls were painted in colorful frescoes that made Jack marvel although he tried not
to appear impressed. He kept his face stoic and avoided the stares of the many heavily armored
women that filled the vast room. He brought before a throne where a great beauty sat, her hair was
golden and her eyes a bright blue. Her features were like something rendered by an artist and her
breasts were exposed. Jack averted his eyes with from them with difficulty. When his eyes met hers
he could hardly suppress a tremble in his great muscled body. Those eyes bore into him like sharp
drills and he felt naked before them. Still, he managed to maintain a semi-scowl.
"Why have I been brought here," Jack spoke first.
The Queen looked amused. "Why indeed, do you have a name?"
"Jack Nye I am called by my shipmates."
The Queen leaned back..."a sailor then? Few reach these remote shores for truly we are hidden by
a device that is known only to us."
The words made little sense to Jack but he was curious.
"What do you intend to do with me?" he asked.
"Why of course I intend to breed you to as many of our women as possible. And I shall be the first."
"I have many questions," Jack said.
"Of course you do, I anticipated that and I may have anticipated some of the questions as well."
The queen paced about the opulent hall. She seemed distant, melancholy...Jack continued to
marvel at ther beauty and bearing. Here was a lady from a most noble line.
"I rule here, my name is Moleena. This island is called Tsars and my people are the Tsarst. We
are an old and ancient race, descended from a people that used what you called magic. These
very islands are shrouded from the outside world by magic. Obviously you found your way
here and that must be the will of our Gods. Ours is a rich and prosperous land. For that very
reason we have long been at war. Many have died, most of our warriors are women now...we
have only a handful of men left to man our walls against the invaders. You fight well and you
are very strong...you can give us strong sons that will eventually turn the tide of war in our favor.
The flying ones that brought you here are the Aton, they serve us well...at least for now. We
share much of our bounty with them." The queen fell silent for a moment and Jack was quick
to speak.
"How is it that you speak my tongue so well Your Majesty? I am dumbfounded by this mystery."
The Queen's lovely eyes sparkled and she smiled slightly, "another came many years before.
My grandmother fell in love with him. He stayed for years and she learned his tongue...this
language called English. He told wonderful stories of one called Jesus and even better stories
of his own many adventures in the world beyond ours. My grandmother wanted all to hear these
tales and she made his tongue our tongue. Our native language is all but forgotten now but no
matter."
"Who was this man, and what happened to him?" Jack's curiosity was piqued.
"He called himself Solomon Kane and he was a great man. He dwelled with us for ten years and
then simply vanished. I supposed you could say he escaped the island and continued his
travels. My grandmother was heartbroken but she never forgot. She spoke of him until
her death."
"Go now Jack Nye," the Queen sat down wearily. "I have much to attend to today. You
will be well cared for and I grant you the run of the our city. However, do not attempt to leave
us. It would not go well for you. The Aton would bring you back and you will be punished. Yet,
I hope you will not desire to flee, our women can be very accomodating and your life here
will be good."
Jack bristled at the thought of being kept a prisoner but he kept silent. He would escape, but
at a time of his own choosing. He was escorted back to his room where he found his own
clothes cleaned, patched, and pressed. He felt much better about many things after he
found his sword and bronze dagger there as well. He dressed but did not go out. There
were many things to be considered. Food was brought and he ate. More drink was brought
and he indulged. He found their strange brew much to his liking and it helped him relax.
Towards evening Jack fell into a slumber. He woke to a subdued tapping on his door.
"Come in," Jack barked, not quite finished with his nap.
A very pretty and very young maiden entered the room. "Who are you lass?" Jack asked.
"I am called Nosa and I have come that we may do our duty to the Queen." She kept her
eyes downcast and seemed nervous. Jack could easily understand why...so already he
was required to do "his duty?" The Queen was not one to waste time, although he thought
that Moleena was to be the first. Obviously the Queen was delayed by matters of court
and poltics. No matter to Jack, he found Nosa very fetching indeed. "Come closer lass,"
he requested.
Jack did not stand, the girl approached and he took her by the arm. She trembled at his touch
and her eyes remained firmly on the floor. "You came unwilling?" he asked. The girl did
not answer but merely trembled again as he genlty massaged her soft arm.
Jack released her. He was a lusty fiend to be sure but it struck him as unmanly to take
advantage of such a young girl simply because it was ordained by the child's superiors.
"Sit for a little while and then you can go.. I will tell no one that you disobeyed the Queen.
I have been guilty of many crimes but this...rape...is not to my liking. T'will be our tiny
secret my fair lass."
The girl looked up suddenly and stared wide eyed into the pirate's eyes. She appeared to
be very alarmed. "Oh no, we MUST do our duty!" She half shouted before dropping her
simple gown to reveal her nakedness. With surprising strength she shoved Jack back onto
the bed. Then she leaped atop him with amazing nimbleness. "We MUST do our duty handsome
stranger...the Queen demands it and so do I!"
Jack was stunned but the softness of the girl's body rapidly gave birth to other desires, desires
kept long dormat at sea surrounded by filthy sailors. Their bodies melded together as one and
soon all thoughts of fleeing Tsars fled the brawny corsair's mind. After an hour of intense love
making Nosa left him satiated in all respects. He downed a healthy dose of the local brew and
collapsed into a long deep sleep.
Jack woke suddenly. He did not recall where he was at first. He instantly recalled the sounds he
heard..shouts, screams, clashing blades...a battle! He glanced out his tower window and saw
hairy barbarians attacking the walls, some were already inside the grounds of the palace! Jack
dressed quickly as only a warrior can. He grasped the sword in his right hand and the dagger
in his left. Then he raced from his room, his heart soaring at the opportunity to hone his art..the
art of dealing death.
Jack made his way onto the grounds in seconds. The situation was not good, the women warriors,
and a few men were hard pressed by a large number of howling savages. Some were painted
blue or red or white. All seemed mad. One such hurled himself at Jack. The pirate ran him through
then lashed out with his boot to displace the dead man from his blade. Another slashed at Jack with
a large stone ax. Jack decapitated the man and looked towards another foe even before the head
struck the earth.
It did not take long to find additional foes, they were everywhere. Some were covered with blood, their
own and that of the Tarst warriors. The women warriors fought well but there were simply to many foes
and the brutes were powerful and quick. Jack ran two more through and deftly dodged a spear. He
snarled and rushed the man who threw it. The hairy antagonist did not turn and flee but spat at
Jack. In a way the pirate admired the fool even as he sent the heavily bearded head flying through
the air. In this manner Bloody Jack slashed and cut with sword and dagger with such fury that even
the air durrounding him seemed drenched in blood.
A huge warrior suddenly leaped in front of Jack, he was a true giant and carried a massive club. The
barbarian was even larger than the Minotaur Jack had killed and he was three times as mad. He swung
the club with amazing dexterity. The blood soakded corsair misjudged the man's speed and barely
managed to dodge the club only to catch a glancing blow from the backswing. It barely grazed Jack's
scalp but his senses reeled. A bloody mist filled the swordsman's eyes and he struck blindly with
his blade. He felt his steel make contact and there was a great roar. Jack stumbled back, wiping
at his eyes furiously. He knew he was doomed, many dark figures danced before his clouded vision
and they were closing for the finale. Jack cursed them furiously and struck with all the might his
waning strength could muster. Then he should have died.
Suddenly Jack felt slender but powerful arms slip beneath his. A soothing voice urged him to be
still and he felt the sensation of his body leaving the earth. He was dead and the angel of death
had come for him. He had not expected it to be like this. Of course he had never died before
either. "It is I, Lorette...be still o man and I shall take you to safety before its to late."
"Lorette! You have returned to me."
Jack slumped and let himself be carried through the smoke filled air. The rushing wind against his
face cleared his senses somewhat and he found himself high above the battle. He heard Lorette
panting heavily from the strain of holding him aloft. "You must put me down," Jack gasped.
"And I shall, just a bit further." Soon Jack found his feet on solid ground. He had almost completely
recovered from the blow to the head but he didn't object to the water Lorette gave him. He drank
deeply from the little urn and dosed his head with the rest. "We must go the rest of the way on foot
for you are large and I have not the strength to carry you aloft."
"NO, I must return and aid the queen. The people of Tars have been kind to me!"
"You are wrong foolish one, the Queen is hidden safely in a secret lair beneath the palace as are
most of the nobles...and look there if you fear for her people." Lorette pointed to the sky.
Jack stared in amazement, the sky was filled with those strange flying men called the Aton. Each one
carried either a bow or a long pike. The bowmen fired arrows at the barbarians while the pikemen
dashed down and speared their foe at will. The barbarians answered with rocks and spears but
to little avail. It was obvious that they must flee or die where they stood. "Come," Lorette half
shouted. "This is the opportune time for you to escape this island, while the Aton are busy with
killing."
"I'm not sure I want to escape," Jack mumbled, his mind retreating to the night before and the soft
embraces of the lithe Nosa.
"I was a prisoner for a long time human. It grows weary over time...even a golden cage cannot
long be tolerated. Men like you are not bred for the life of a housepet my friend. You freed me
and now allow me to free you...now follow." Jack begrudged her words but they rang true.
The two strange companions struck out at a quick pace. In a quarter hour they reached a little
harbor. A boat waited. "Here is a vessel to take you away from this ancient land where you do
not belong."
"But where do I go? These waters are unknown to me, I could wander aimlessly for weeks until
I die from exposure." Jack was confused.
"No!" Lorette exclaimed and she pressed a small object into Jack's bloody palm. "Why its a
compass! And a very old one at that." He marveled at the object as only a son of the sea would.
With her urging him on, Jack got into the boat. It was sound and there were two strong oars.
A large urn and some food promised nourishment. "Long ago I helped another escape from these
lands," Lorette declared. "If you row hard and stay due north, you will reach an island well known
to your kind. There ships occasionally stop. With luck and some patience, you will be back
with a deck under your feet in a short while."
"How long is the journey?"
"Two days and nights, no more if you bend your back."
Jack nodded somberly, "and that I shall. I owe you much. Can you remain with me for awhile
yet?"
"I shall go with you for a little ways and then I must return. One such as I cannot leave the
shrouded lands, lest I die quickly." Jack listened and did not doubt her words. It was pointless
to try and understand everything he had seen and heard.
They talked quietly and Jack wished he had gotten to know this friend better. Then she
shyly whispered goodbye. "I shall not forget you Jack Nye."
Jack watched as she rose high into the sky. Then with a wave from her slender arm she
turned back towards the islands. He watched her go and then layed to with the oars.
It was a fine tale he carried with him if nothing else. But only drunkards and children would
believe it. He wiped his brow, grimaced and bent to his rowing. He glanced at the ancient
dagger in his belt to convince himself it was not all just a drunken dream.
END
