Chapter 5

Revelations

Almost as if by thought the two wrath-like bodies containing three ibs, began to float out over the Southern Ocean, gaining speed as dwa-bur upon dwa-bur of the gloomy gray sea sped beneath them. From a height that allowed a view of the planets curve the two made their way to the shadowy and virtually unknown side of Kregen: Schan! Just as distance was coverd, so was time spent. What would normally have taken weeks, even in a marvelous Shank sea vessel, would only take a handful of burs for these two traveling the planes of Kregen. And so it was that after a relatively short period of time they espied rocky islets and larger fog enshrouded islands, one that even rivaled Hyrklana in size, that soon made way for the mainland of the westermost continent of Schan. Gloag strove to keep the landmarks to memory as the two ghosted down for a closer look. Following Shusha’s lead they made their way down the coast until finally a city of huge proportions was revealed. Walled, the city was and built of magnificent edifices that had a decidedly non Pazzian bent to them. The walls protected half the metropolis while the harbor it was ensconsed on did likewise on the other half. And protection was needed as Gloag saw. For a horde of strange diffs even now assaulted the 100 foot walls, while refugees attempted to flee that apparently doomed city by sea and flier!

Manning the six foot thick walls were fish heads, of the Schturgin species. Along side them were the much feared snake-heads or Shtarkins. Both were a bane to Paz, especially those who inhabited the environs of the Southern Ocean. But, who was attempting to overwhelm the defenders? Snake-heads? Looking quizzically at Shusha . She answered " Those snake-heads defending the besiged city of Terzul are from the interior of this continent of Shar. They are similar to but in bitter conflict with their fierce brethren the Neeshargs, who even now assail a stronghold of their desperate allies, the Shanks. To understand this seemingly strange alliance, we must journey deep inland of Shar. Let us leave this battle, but take one last look at who your real enemies should be. Peering through the smokey mist (for Terzul was afire), he decried massive crucifixes arranged out on the plain just outside the massive city gates. Upon them were Shanks and Shtarkins of both sexes and all ages. Nailed they were to their crosses, but supported by a seating platform of sorts, so as to keep the writhing bodies from tearing free of their torture racks. Neeshargs did their grisly work here and no captive was allowed the respite of death. Scales and skin were flayed from their victims, genitals removed and taken as hideous souvenirs to be worn hanging risslaca hide belts. Eyes and limbs were carefully removed so as to avoid massive blood loss, but not one whit lessening of pain. Their screams of agony and pleading for death to Ishtish assaulted those on the ramparts who of necessity must view the monstrous actions of their snake-headed foe and were music to the Shargs cruel ears. "This is but one rear-guard battle of many currently waged along the northern, western, and southern seaboards of this massive continent. And yes Gloag, the Shanks you so desperately want to avenge yourself on are from this very city below. You and your allied forces may be too late for vengeance, but if not you could always join the Shargs in their assault, eh?"

Not sure why, but feeling crimson-faced, Gloag looked away. The Shchturgins had been savage beyond belief, or so he then thought. These Shargs were of a cruel level beyond human conception!

The journey continued to the interior. There smouldering cities dotted the landscape. Crosses with thee remnants of victims remained just outside the walls. Most, mercifully were dead, if not whole. "This could be Mehzta" thought Gloag as he gazed upon the ruin and destruction before him. Swooping low over one such unfortunate city he observed the four-armed Shargs laying the whip to chained parties apims, Shanks (Schturgins and Shkanes, two-armed and four-armed), as well as their two-armed related snake-head Shtarkins. For some reason an unusual quote from Prescot crossed Gloag’s mind, "Only on Kregen." What an odd thing to say as his Lord had when witnessing savage depravity. "Where else but Kregen, indeed!"

"Come Gloag barked Shusha, we have one more area of Schan to view, before we return our ibs to Mehzta. Then we can discuss in detail the implications of what you and Klarg have both witnessed." And so they floated on, eventually to the eastern extremity of Shar. There, a primitive fleet of sea vessels discharged thousands of Neeshargs . But they looked nothing like invading conquerors. Instead they had the same look of fear the Shanks had in Terzol, grimfaced but apprehensive. The reptillian diffs kept looking back across the sea, as if fearful of what might follow. "Now what", thought Gloag, "could cause the Shargs to be so full of dread?" As the implication of this thought sank in, he looked at the grim-faced Shusha and felt an uncontrollable chill rise from his groin, travel up his spine , and explode in his brain.

Gloag was immediately aware of two things: the dread of what lay overseas from Shar and that he really didn’t feel like crossing that gray white capped sea from Mehzta anymore. No indeed ...

The journey back to Paz was accomplished in silence but not blindness. Gloag followed Shusha at a higher altitude than before, but try as he could, the shrieks of torments from the crucified Shtarkins and Schturgins could not be silenced.

Espying their rigid bodies on the craggy hilltop overlooking the nameless sea separating Paz from Schan, the three ibs drifted back into their respective bodies. Shusha maintained her hold on Klarg and after a moments respite and acclimation , faced Gloag.

"What think you now Gloag. Is the thirst for vengeance still driving you?" The silence of Strombor’s titular head was a responce which bespoke volumes. "I thought as much and had hoped such would be your answer. But dear Gloag, we of Aphrasoe view events in Schan with great apprehension and have unsuccessfully attempted to sway events overseas. Would you like to hear in more detail, of that which you and Klarg have briefly witnessed?" After a moment of indecision, Gloag numbly shook his head in a nervous vote of affirmation. "Then let us make ourselves comfortable" the now voluptuous Shusha suggested. Sinking down to earth in cross-legged fashion, they faced one another as the Savapim maiden began her recitation, while an enthralled Gloag listened and learned ...