The Shaman Shack

The Shaman Shack, free flow of juju, all day everday. For Reviews, Analysis and Editorials visit lovely: Centropolis

[shamanshack-blog]

Its a laugh

The jester sat forlornly in the corner, not much to his name. His clothes tattered and torn, his painted face a smudge of ironical blood and bone. He coughed again, wincing as he felt his broken ribs shift beneath his torn and smudged clothes. He didn’t have much time left to his life he knew, but still, he wished he could have done something more for his beloved, for his only friend in the whole world. Cruelly ripped away from him, powerless to do anything, she had been totally savaged by the brute of a man who was her arranged groom.

All he could muster to was glare at the man, but that glare was sufficient for him to be beaten for what felt like hours and then dragged and dumped in the cell.

He coughed again, pain convulsing through his body, a ball of bloody spit fell out of his mouth and landed on his lap.

“Hoi there, man of the old country. Why are you here?” A voice called out.

His head twitched, painful aches all the way up and down his neck and spine sharply reminded him of the condition his body was in.

“Hoi hoi, are you there man?” the voice continued.

“What do you want.” He croaked out after a long pause.

“Hoi hoi, the man is alive. Most excellent. Say, what are you in here for?”

The jester was silent. His strength was ebbing away and this curious youthful voice was almost too much for him to bear in the depths of his own private hellish despair.

The door to his cell creaked open and a youth came in, a boy he assumed. He was so fatigued he couldn’t even care who that person was. Copper coin to kick the prisoner over for some bored rich youths to amuse themselves possibly. An accident, youths getting out hand when visiting a relative. A grim smile played across his broken lips.

“Hoi hoi, you can even smile man. That is really good.”

The figure closed the door behind them and walked towards the jester crouching before him. They wore a brown coat in an unfamiliar pattern and on their head perched a strange triangular hat.

The figure tossed their head back and suddenly the jester realized the youth was actually a young lady.

A croak of surprise escaped his ripped lips and the lady smiled at his surprise. “Hoi yes brother. I am a Bian just like you. Another stranger person in this strange land of the Northerners.”

“How… why” the words softly slipped out of his mouth.

“The how and why are unimportant brother. I come to you with a gift for you brother between us of the golden groves. Would you like your revenge brother?”

“Revenge.” the word had rung so long in his mind that he feared it had become his own personal chant against that villainous duke.

“Yah, revenge. I can give it to you brother. I just need your help and assent.” Her dark eyes showed nothing but curiousity and eagerness shining.

“To kill him… are you a Yaba? Sent to claim and rend my soul? Nothing… nothing is worth dealing with a Yaba.” He made to sit out the final word but bloody dribble cascaded down his chin.

“Oh my my” the lady said as she dabbed at the dribble with a cloth she took out from her coat. “Hoi no brother. I am no Yaba. I am simply one of the old country who saw a  brother in need and I thought I should offer up my services and assistance.”

The jester kept silent, fractured thoughts kept racing through his mind. On one hand he dearly wished his revenge, but what was worth the destruction of a man’s soul. At the same time, the horrified tearful look on his beloved princess’s face. The thought that she would be forever ever bound to that terrible brute of a man through marriage until the day she breathed her last. He breathed in a deep shuddering breath. No, if he could give her anything, any final gift from this broken body of his..

And after all was the lady not a Bian? One of the old country. In a land of strangers, who could one turn to but their own?

“Promise me my vengeance and the safety of my love, and all of I have I pledge to you. Whatever use… you may find from a broken jester like me”

The lady’s white teeth shone brightly in the gloom of the cell. “Well, lets get started then.”

> 

The guards came the next morning to find the broken jester covered in blood. Bloody trails were all over the wall like some frenzied art had been attempted to be drawn in crimson. They dragged the broken man to the execution site, and put placed him on the executioner’s block.

The sun was shining, the air was of course rancid with the air of any other town. People, animals, but as the jester breathed in his last living moments, he was content. He looked up at the noble stand, catching a glimpse of his beloved, face paralyzed with terror and despair before the executioner shoved his face downwards.

The crier read out his crimes, almost a short stories worth of carnage and debauchery were thrown onto his name. Not that he had much of a name beyond that of ‘Jester’.

The sun shone, the axe blade swung, the lady grinned widely in the crowd.

+++

“What a fine slaughter” Vogel muttered as he made his way over blood slick cobblestones. Diced bodies and corpses lay everywhere around the execution area. Nufira was grinning happily, siting on the execution platform.

“No survivors?” he asked.

“Ah, no no. There is still an absolutely terrified princess in the noble stands. My deal says she lives.” Nufira replied, swinging her legs playfully in  joy.

“Hmm… well, you seem to have acquired yourself a good sklav.”

“Haven’t I? Such an obedient one too. 

[shamanshack-blog]

Warm up 1

No no more time. The cards flipped lazily on to the table as the dealer.

I gestured lazily to the dealer. So what about it I asked? “What about what?” Was the non-commital reply.

“Have it out then man. What troubles you on this night. It is written on your face plain for all to see.” I answered back.

“Does this amuse you? Does it amuse you this whole scenario? You know damn well what cause my face to look like such.” He replied.

“I can’t say I derive much amusement from being kept in the dark. I am hardly a strain of fungus that thrives on the absence of the sun.” I twirled a card between my fingers as I said it.

“You’re a damned cursed rogue you know that? I wonder if you truly have a heart.” The dealer had stopped flipping cards now. It was just him and me at this table. His breathing was laboured. He was staring at me. There was a faint creaking sound of leather under pressure as he tightened his gloved hand.

I decided the gentleman was quite deluded and right now he was starting to make me nervous. I pushed away from the table and walked off giving him a nod just before I turned away.

Instinct made me glance over my shoulder as I walked away, and there as though suspended in the air before my eyes was a poker chip. It was as though time had slowed down for me. I twisted and rolled forward the chip graving across my forehead and leaving a furrow across the thin skin there.

Blood immediately began to stream down into my eyes from the cut, my eyebrows insufficient to keep my vision clear from the crimson flow.

I staggered back onto my feet, my right hand came up wiping away the blood.  I stood and faced the dealer. He was still behind the table, breathing in and out rapidly, arm still outstretched from throwing the chip at me. I wiped my eyes again and glanced over my shoulder. The chip had actually ended up being embedded in a slot machine, a faint wisp of smoke trailed out from where the chip had impacted. The hall had gone silent save for the automated rings of poker machines and the soft sizzle of damaged electronics.

“You calmed down enough yet then from that little outburst or is this going to get awkward” I said, ignoring the stinging pain above my head.

[shamanshack-blog]

Unlucky Dozen Pt 2

Halfon made his way down the marbled corridors of the Cartographers Guild. He clutched the leather bound journal close to him as he made his way up the granite steps.

As he pasued as he reached the ornate wooden door of Leke’s office and rapped on it rapidly with his knuckles. A few moments passed and Halfon shifted his weight from foot to foot awaiting a response. With the sound of stone gently scraping against stone the door slid to the side.

Lekes was seated behind his large wooden desk, poring over a map scroll, an opened compendium beside his arm. He looked up as Halfon entered the room and gestured to the chairs in front of his desk. “Have a seat Halfon. Were you able to turn up anything at all?”

There was the sound of stone scraping and a dull thud behind Halfon as the door slid back into position. Halfon padded softly across the red carpet and pulled up a chair. Sitting on the edge of his seat as he waggled the journal towards Lekes. “I think my good friend, you have truly obtained a remarkable specimen” Halfon said, eyes shining with excitement.

“Oh? Do tell.”Lekes said, steepling his fingers atop the desk.

“It took me a good amount of research but I finally found something that may match that specimen of yours” Halfon said as he flipped the journal open at a bookmark. “Look” he said, pointing towards a full page sketch. A hunched over creature, crouched on all fours glared up at Lekes with large oval eyes. The creature’s face was featureless apart from its pupiless eyes. Its elongated arms ended in hands with six fingers. It legs were shaped like a frog’s but its feet were similar to its hands.

“This creature was spotted by Terazio during his fourth expedition into the Varm Wastes. He sketched it shortly after into his journal.” Halfon said.

“Ghastly looking beast isn’t it?” Lekes said, mouth twisting in disgust. “Still, could be quite fascinating to study them in the wild. What did he name them?”

“I think Terazio called them Grakaks.” Halfon said.

“Grakaks? What kind of name is that?” Lekes asked.

“I believe he named them from the sound they made.” Halfon said. “No not from their mouths, they don’t have any visible ones on them anyway.” He added, seeing Lekes arch an eyebrow. “Apparently they crackle essence between their slender fingers like miniature lightning bolts. We consigned them to the annals of myth legend and left them there. Who’d heard of such nonsense before?”

“Dumb beasts using essence in complex ways.” Muttered Lekes.

“Exactly. It was inconceivable.” Halfon flung his arm back, gesturing at the myriad stuffed beasts and skulls that lined Lekes office.  “But now, we have the hand of one, or something that looks close enough. Did you check for stitches?” Halfon said.

“No, there is no stitching to be found on this. I examined it closely myself. Besides, there is no incentive for a forgery to be sent to me. The contract was for soil samples alone.” Lekes said. He stroked his wispy thin goatee, lost in thought.

“I think, we should mount a proper expedition. If this creature does exist who knows what we could learn.” Halfon said.

“A new war beast even, perhaps.” Lekes said.

“Yes. Well, we can get some of the explorers heading that direction within a month or so. Should be interesting to see what they turn up.” Halfon said, snapping the journal shut.

“The younger ones? Forget that. I’ll go myself. It has been a while since I’ve had a chance to track down something this interesting.” Lekes stood and began pacing his office. “Besides, it’ll give me a chance to try out some of my new techniques. I best start readying myself. I think I still have my light pack here somewhere.”

“You might want to give yourself a bit more time to prepare than that actually. Spend some time hiring a bodyguard.” Halfon interjected.

“A bodyguard! Halfon, I may be aged but I am a Cartographers Guild explorer you know.” Lekes turned to face Halfon with an amused look on his face “I’ve not lost my skill my friend. A bodyguard would be hard pressed to keep up.”

“This one is available quite cheaply actually. One of those strange mystic monks from the Dhan region. Basic living expenses that sort of thing. Might not be a bad idea especially if you’re trying to seize a potential war beast.” Halfon said, tugging at his sleeves.

 “I’ll give it some thought.” Lekes said, staring at the polished skull of the first war beast he had captured. "Either way, it'll be... interesting times." 

[shamanshack-blog]

Powder, Shot and Rapier Pt2

"That is one hideous clock" whispered Shuizhu to Donverde, "Who the hell designs most of these places anyway? Maybe we should have a interior decorator service or something. Buy from Securite sans Frontieres, get a free make over. From tacky to tasteful, order today and we'll throw in a free crate of small arms ammunition of your choice. Hell, I might pay for it out of my own damn pocket so I don't have to keep staring at this nouveau riche crap." 

"You're just sour because you lost the bet." Donverde replied. He was sitting upright in his chair, eyes closed. His hands were neatly folded over his leather satchel, an expression of serene calm on his face. A besuited Buddha, Saville Row enlightenment.

Shuizhu grunted in response, shifting in his seat. The cushioned wooden chairs were nicely finished but damned if he wasn't going to find something to grouse about whilst Ghubar finished negotiations with the minister. 

“Just relax. You obviously haven’t had enough to drink. Or maybe you’ve had too much. It is hard to tell with you.” Donverde said.

Shuizhu stared at the clock that had set off his tirade. A garish brass and gold fronted grandfather clocked swung its pendulum back and forth, the gold bob a child like fist waving tauntingly at him. He felt like he really hadn’t had enough to drink. Motifs of cherubs and animals roiled down the clock’s side. All covered heavily in gold leaf.

Two of the minister’s aides sat flanking either side of the clock. Fixed wan grins on their faces. They weren’t really too sure how to react to the arms dealers sitting across them. They had been ushered out rapidly as Ghubar had begun personal negotiations. So unexpectedly, they sat facing each other in the corridor before the minister’s office.

Shuizhu caught the eye of one of the aides who started up and stared straight back at him, a frozen grin on his face. “Hi, could I get some water over here?” Shuizhu said, motioning with his hand. He leaned over to Donverde “You want any water?” he asked.

“No, I’m fine. Just relax.” Donverde replied, unmoving from his position of calm repose.

“Just because you haven’t downed any whisky…” said Shuizhu. “Yeah, just a glass of water that’d be great” he called out to the aide.

The aide looked around nervously for a moment. Then put the files he had been clutching back on his chair. Made a nervous half bow with the grin still fixed on his face and started off down the corridor in search of water for these mysterious gentlemen.

Shuizhu leaned back in his chair, rubbing his throat. He glanced around the room, wondering if they had installed surveillance equipment. It was quite likely the CIA or one of the country’s Western allies had had their specialized “contractors” look over the building during the previous bombing attack. No tell tale wires poorly plastered over, nor strange small grilles in the décor.

His train of thought was interrupted as the double doors of the minister’s office opened and Ghubar and the minister emerged broad smiles on their faces. They looked all the world like two schoolboys who had just discovered a common bond.

The pair came to a halt just before Shuizhu and Donverde who had stood up on the minister’s approach.

“Gentlemen, your friend here drives a hard but fair bargain. It has been a pleasure doing business with you.” Said the minister.

“Thank you minister. As always, Securite sans Frontieres appreciates your business and hopes you will continue to do so in future.” Ghubar said with a slight bow.

The minister gave a curt nod at the other two, shaking Ghubar’s hand warmly one more time before embracing. He turned to return to his office, gesturing to his aide to follow.

Shuizhu found a small grin playing across his lips as the aide he had sent looking for water would probably catch hell from the minister for being missing.

Ghubar began to speak but Shuizhu brought a finger to his lips, eyes glancing towards the decorations on the walls. There could be bugs.

The trio kept their silence until they emerged blinking, into the hot dusty Mediterranean city. Donverde broke the silence “So, we begin offloading tonight?” he asked.

“Yes, bring the Pax Global in, we can begin offloading straightaway. Customs won’t be an issue. Have the mercenaries ready as well. They’ll only be staying here a week or two at best. In the meantime, they can enjoy the weather, get a kill or two. Head off to holidays after.” Ghunar replied.

“Tch, you’re not supposed to say the M-word Ghubar. They’re professional security consultants.” Shuizhu said.

“Mercs, consultants, hired guns, whatever it is, they’ll be here. Two weeks at best. Right now, I say we go celebrate a job well done.” Ghubar said.

~

Later on the hotel balcony, wreathed in clouds of shisha smoke, the trio watched as the air raid sirens went off, and beams of light probed into the night sky. There was one difference however. As the planes made their way unseen in the darkness, traceable only through the howl of their engines, several points of lights flared on top of buildings around the city. So small to be unnoticeable amongst the city lights unless one was watching for them and knew where to look.

The lights flickered momentarily and then faded away. In the darkness several warheads were now streaking towards laser designated targets. The night sky was lit again as the fighter jets dumped flares, trying to silence the warning tones of their onboard computer. Lock. Lock. Lock.

It was useless, the flares and countermeasures had been designed to break infrared locks, not the precise guidance of a laser. Tungsten steel darts found their mark, shredding through vulnerable avionics and ailerons alike.

The trio continued watching, slowly puffing on their hookahs as a shrieking metal ballerina fell through the night sky. Its right wing missing, performing a series of burning pirouettes before finally ending the show with a spectacular crash into an apartment. Its encore, a great fireball that erupted from its remains, as jet fuel and munitions detonated half a minute later. 

In the distance, cries and the discordant sounds as people rushed towards the scenes broke the peace of a slumbering city. But in the darkened balcony there was only the clink of whisky tumblers gently being toasted.  

[shamanshack-blog]

About a Boy

  Omar was but a simple boy.

He cared not for the finer things in life

All he needed was the dirt under his feet, the clear blue sky, the shining stars at night

What need for he the riches of the Imperialistic Westerners?

But Omar has not yet realized that the Westerners were never content with what they had

They came, always looking, always searching

Our people have been killed they said. Our people have been murdered. Your kind did it. Your kind are guilty

And they slaughtered Omar's people in the thousands

His village was wiped out in a night

Planes of the infidels he was told. Screaming eagles of doom and destruction that had obliterated his village in a single silvery swoop

He was transported after that, with what was left of his family. Of his eight brothers and sisters only two remained. There was no time to bury them for Israeli trucks came to take them away with fierce soldiers pushing and shoving their mother and them.

Their house and all the rest were crushed and driven over by a monstrous bulldozer that tore down two storey houses with ease

He ended up in a camp. A temporary camp he was told. Lies, he already knew at a young age. All lies. The dirt here was different from the ones back home. There was the aura of disease and pestilence which seemed ingrained into its grains

Still, Omar made the most of his life. He made friends with some children who like him, were survivors of a wrecked home.

He enjoyed his time with them. There was nothing to do in the time otherwise. They spent it trying to become proficient in an Imperialistic Western game called soccer.

Slowly he began to heal, perhaps inside and out. There was still naught to do but now he had the comfort of friends and a sense of predictability in his life long gone that terrible nights many summers ago

Alas for him, it was not to last. As the sun beat down on another fine day, he and his friends played soccer as was their wont.

Omar had the ball, and was about to pass it to Ahmed when Ahmed suddenly stiffened as a puff of red appeared on the side of his head.

Omar stared at the blood and the gaping wound which seemed to suck him unto itself deeper and deeper down into a hole of red and purple

He ran. He ran as though nothing else mattered

He managed to make it back to camp with only a few scrapes and bruises.

Unlike twelve of his companions who lay dead. Target practice for a bored army squad.

He thought rest and relief would appear as he finally trudged round the last corner towards the camp.

It was when he found out the massive pillar of smoke blotting into the sky was not the bonfire he had thought it was  in his desperate flight back.

The camp looked like a scene out of hell

Attack helicopters looking for all the world like malevolent black hornets, darting back and forth belching fire and smoke from their noses. People fell. The stench of burning flesh was everywhere.

And somewhere a boy began to scream...

[shamanshack-blog]

Do you know?

Blast the beats through my ears

all because, its important to know

Charred bodies, left over from the sum of my fears

All we'll be are feasts for crows

All I can say is

I’m sexy and I know it

So don’t come questioning this

All these can’t be hits

[shamanshack-blog]

Milia Vaseli

Wing Commander Milia Vaseli in a contemplative mood before a routine patrol. (Identification provided by http://rakurakukakikaki.tumblr.com/) [TVOC]

[shamanshack-blog]

Da na da na na nuhhh

Falter but never fall in the clasp of absinthe I dream Claxons sound on those who answer no call No one escapes times stream

It deafens but does not please Bodies move to soothe the pulse.  But the rhythms give no ease

++++++++

Unreal

A haunting moment.

Ghostly visage ill lit by strobe lights.

He gestures to his worn green shirt

a hole in the centre.

The music is deafening.

I ask him what is up.

A sad look overcomes his face.

He fades into the crowd. 

[shamanshack-blog]

Steel Man City

Shattered paradise where dead men lie

Burning rubble of home and hearth

Roaming eyes do not cry

Only grave the cratered earth

[shamanshack-blog]

Figment Bloodage Thursday

Small wisps of steam rose up from the cup of tea sitting on its saucer on the table. Tolouse reached a hand out to pick up the tea. Small scars crisscrossed the back of her hand, raised lighter trails across the skin like a demented person’s version of tic tac toe. Her fingers trembling as she tried to get them into the cup’s handle.

There was a tinkling sound as the cup jangled against the saucer, tea gently sloshing within. She let go of the handle, drawing her hand slowly back to herself.

Over at the kitchen counter Jack was slowly preparing another cup of tea for himself. He looked over to her at the sound of her cup shaking. “Did you sleep well dear?” Jack asked.

“It was a bit rough, yeah. But you know I get these moments dear.” Tolouse said. Her eyes wide and unfocused.

Jack stepped away from the counter and towards her. He took her hand in his and brought it towards the cup. He gently guided her fingers through the handle and brought over her other hand to stabilize the cup. The cup still shook lightly, but he kept his hands over hers and guided the cup slowly to her lips.

She looked at him as she sipped slowly from the tea. Then closed her eyes as she felt the warmth of the tea suffuse through her body. She closed her eyes and he gently removed  his hands.

“It’ll be alright Tolouse. You’ll sleep better tonight alright? Don’t fret too much.” Jack said. He smiled gently but his eyes showed a similar lack of sleep and crows feet radiated from the edges.

Tolouse opened her mouth as though to speak, but then paused. She looked down at the table and sipped her tea again slowly not daring to trust herself to speak.

Jack turned to the kitchen counter, slowly pouring the boiling water from the kettle into his mug. He watched the water slowly turn a dark brown as the tea leaves infused the water in swirls of colour. After a few moments, satisfied that tea had enough time to infuse he threw the tea bag into the bin and sat himself down across Tolouse at the little wooden round table at the centre of the kitchen.

None of them spoke, the only sound in kitchen coming from the tick tock of the clock on the wall. They occasionally gave furtive glances around the kitchen as though expecting something to happen, but their movements were slow.

“I should cook some breakfast” said Jack.  “Maybe some eggs and toast. What do you reckon dear?”

“Mhh…” said Toulouse, cup still clutched close to her lips, eyes watching the steam from her cup drift up slowly.

“Dear, would you like anything to eat?” asked Jack again, placing a hand gently on her arm.

“Mhh? Oh no… no… its fine dear. Not really much of an appetite. Just not really hungry.” Tolouse said slowly. She sipped noisily from her cup.

Jack stood up from the table and started pulling out plates to prepare cooking an omelette. He pulled open the drawers and said “Seem to be missing the knives dear. You didn’t happen to do them along with the dishes dear?”

“No! No I didn’t! Can’t imagine where they’d gone but I suppose there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for where they’ve gone. And anyway you don’t really need knives anyway do you? I mean, its only an omelette and toast so you definitely don’t need knives? Too sharp for omelettes, too sharp!” Tolouse snapped her words out quickly.

“Its alright its alright. You’re right, I don’t need knives just a fork to beat the eggs.” Jack said as he hurriedly stepped over to Tolouse. Stroking her back to calm her down he said in a softer voice “No knives dear. Nothing ok. Its fine. I think you just need some sleep yeah?”

“Yes sleep. Sleep. That’s it. Just some sleeeep.” Tolouse stretched out the last word, hissing it through her teeth.

“Yeah, that’s it. Just some sleep” Jack said as he hugged her. He held her closely. Suddenly there was a hiss of metal cutting through the air and then a loud twang of vibrating metal that filled the room.

Jack felt Tolouse go rigid in his grasp, a soft keening sound escaped through her lips before she hurriedly raised her cup to her lips and began slurping the remains of her tea as fast as she could. When the tea had been rapidly drained she still had the cup pressed to her face and a soft sucking noise as she continued slurping non-existent tea in the cup.

His arms still around Tolouse and bent over, Jack lifted his head and looked around the kitchen and past Tolouse. There still vibrating from the force of impact was a kitchen knife, blade half buried into the wooden chopping board that lay on the kitchen table. Jack slowly turned his gaze upwards, heart pounding, inwardly dreading what he might see.

A forest of handles stuck out from the ceiling. All the knives in the house had been stabbed into the ceiling until only their hilts were visible. Jack swallowed again and careful to not make any sudden movements, slowly lowered his gaze and hugged Tolouse tighter. “Just need some more sleep dear” he muttered to Tolouse.

[shamanshack-blog]

Powder, Shot and Rapier Pt1

Shuizhu leaned back in his chair moving his body out of the hot Mediterranean sun and into the shade of the table’s umbrella. 

Across him Ghubar and Donverde puffed lazily on their cigarettes, occasionally pausing to scan the area cursorily. None of them spoke, quietly enjoying the seaside breeze and the atmosphere of the seaside cafe. The sea breeze shredding the clouds of tobacco smoke before they could gather.

Ghubar jerked his head up and stared across the bay as a roaring sounded in the distance. The others followed his gaze. A pair of planes streaked just above the waves. Two silver blurs of atop the sapphire blue of the sea. As they neared the coast they surged skywards climbing for height. As they cleared the seaside buildings they twisted in a dive towards an unseen target. There was a roar as they let off a barrage of rockets and flashed away, metal glinting in the sun through the thick coils of black smoke rising.

Muffled thumps sounded in the distance and shook the ground. Thick black oily smoke reached for the sky like so many tendrils seeking out the sun. 

“Well.” said Ghubar, stubbing out his cigarette. “Nice to see the information was correct.”

Shuizhu made a normal committal grunt and reached for his beer, draining half the glass with a gulp. “Naecon is always spot on. So now what gentlemen? Finish up here shall we and head towards the minister’s office?”

“It is a nice day out though. Surely we could enjoy it a bit more. The ground offensive won’t reach here for a few hours. Haven’t had a good smoke in the sun like this for a while. Russia was just awful.” Ghubar said, gesturing with his hands around them.

“I’ll tell you something. In five minutes the cafe staff are going to come out and begin shutting this place down. Spooked as hell that all that bombing is going on.” Shuizhu replied. 

“Make a bet on it then. Twenty pounds shall we say gentlemen? Either we are coerced to leave before we have had our fill of sun and sea or we get to stay. Sounds fair?” Donverde interjected. 

“Sure why not.” said Shuizhu, placing a twenty pound note on the table. “And to hedge my bets, I might just get one more iced coffee before we have to run.”

“We’re not going anywhere for a while man, relax.” said Ghubar, leaning back in his chair. A wide grin across his face. “All that powder and shot will stay where it is.” 

[shamanshack-blog]

Figment Twin Clover Harvest Pt1

Mystic Spears

Queendom of Magul

Sujaya looked at her sister Vidyul across the table, sadness in her eyes. 

"Mother passed away last night dear sister" Sujaya said, hands tracing a pattern into the table cloth. "It was sudden, the Arhzet said her body just failed and the shadow took her. There was nothing they could do." 

Vidyul, sipped from her cup, saying nothing to her younger sister. 

"It is time isn't it? Is it sister? I really don't want to have to do this. All this talk about maintaining the balance but why does it have to come like this?" Sujaya said, tears glistening in her eyes. 

Vidyul put her cup down delicately with a clink. "Sujaya dear, it is because of who we are. You might not feel it now. But soon, with mother's untimely demise we will be compelled by our very own blood to seek the throne. But before it gets out of hand, the most suitable one shall claim it." Vidyul said. She was only a few years older than Sujaya, but that was more time she had to reflect upon the need to keep the balance of power. Whoever took the throne would be a young queen, unlike most heiresses they still had their youth and agility. 

"But Vidyul, I really don't want to fight you dearest sister. Surely one of us could just take the throne and the other goes into exile? Anything is better than death." Sujaya said. 

"Unfortunately my dear Sujaya its in our blood. Watch." Vidyul said, extending her hand across the table as though to stroke Sujaya's cheek. Sujaya's hand came up and deflected Vidyul's hand as though it was a blow. 

"See, Sujaya dear. It has already begun." Vidyul said, stone faced. She continued "Your body is automatically guarding against any physical movement by me. Probably any magic I try to use will be instinctively blocked. Even if I were to try to heal you. The blood knows the right order of things. There can only be one queen bee in the hive after all." 

A downcast look came over Sujaya's features. She looked away from Vidyul, out the room window which showed the citadel courtyard below. Outside the sun shone golden, and the breeze that came through the open window was warm and balmy. Unbidden thoughts of their childhood together sprang into her mind. Choking back tears, Sujaya spoke softly "I don't want to kill you sister."

There was a moment of silence. Vidyul forced a smile onto her face and said  I doubt I'll die so easily my dearest sister. Besides, I don't think you'd be able to do so quickly." 

Sujaya stood up angrily "I have been training hard! I just wished this day would never have come." she said loudly. 

"As do I Suj." Vidyul said sadly. 

"Don't call me that! I am a future Queen of Magul and you shall address me properly!" Sujaya snapped. A shocked look came over Sujaya's face and she clapped her hand over mouth as she realized what she had just said. 

"Sister I..." Sujaya began. 

"It is happening. You can hear the whispers in your head. The thrill surging through your body." Vidyul said as she stood up and began walking slowly to the other side of the room. "You have had less time to research and learn about it. But my dearest Sinny, I have been reading about this since you were born. Whatever happens, know that I'll always love you... Suj." 

Vidyul had reached the racks of delicately carved enchanted rapiers that were the preferred weapon of the royal family. Her own rapier slid smoothly out of its sheath without a sound. "I'll always love you Suj. Now, for the good of the Queendom of Magul, please die quietly and quickly." Vidyul turned quickly and dashed towards Sujaya, rapier poised for a deadly thrust at Sujaya's heart. 

Sujaya saw dust kicked up from the on the ground as Vidyul boosted her speed  magically. Acting out of instinct Sujaya swept her arm in an arc sending a crescent shaped shockwave towards Vidyul. Vidyul dodged to the side, avoiding the shockwave which shattered the table in a spray of wooden splinters.

There was a loud crack as the wave hit the wall, stones cracking from the force of the spell. A pall of dust began to cloud the room. 

[shamanshack-blog]

Figment Double Trips Billed

"Well that was a nice meal" said Bourre as he pushed his plate away. "The chef here always seems to know how to sear the tuna just right doesn't he?" he said, dabbing at his mouth with a handkerchief. 

"Mhh" said his sister Minei as she placed her cutlery delicately back on her plate, taking care to arrange the knife pointing outwards. Someone had once told her that its orientation showcased how much one enjoyed the meal. She couldn't recall exactly the direction, but it was a good chance she guessed right and complimented the chef. 

"I'll get the bill." Bourre said raising his hand to signal for one of the waiters to come over. 

"Wait" said Minei. "I'd like to take a look through the dessert menu. I have heard great things about this place." 

"Alright. I didn't think you could eat that much" said Bourre, lowering his hand reluctantly. 

"Well, when you hear so much about the reputation in a place it makes me curious to try their dishes out. But would you like to share a cake?" Minei said as she flicked through the dessert menu. She was biding her time now. Bourre had caught her off guard but she wasn't going to let him get away with it this time.

This was a bit annoying thought Bourre. He couldn't have prepaid for this meal like the last time he dined with his sister. And now it looked like that the same duel they had been playing out every single time they ate out was going to play itself out again. 

Still, there were still rules to be observed and he couldn't make a deliberate grab for it quite yet. 

"Hmm, I might just go freshen up for a bit." said Minei, placing her menu down. 

"Well thats the wrong way. Washrooms are that way. Also you can leave your handbag, I'll watch over it." said Bourre gesturing. Minei had been making a move towards the counter and stopped. 

"I never know when I might need the things in my bag." Minei replied. And before Bourre could say anything else, swiftly strode to the counter. 

Dammit thought Bourre. I'm too far to get to the counter in time. 

Minei took out her purse, giving her brother a wry grin as she took out a credit card from the list. 

"Lunch is on me today big brother." Minei said as Bourre joined her at the counter. The moment of silence between them punctuated only by the whirr of the receipt printer. 

"Yes, thank you Minei. It was certainly enjoyable." said Bourre. 

[shamanshack-blog]

Figment Unlucky Dozen Pt1

Mystic Spears

Arcanos - Cartographers Guild

Lekes was writing at his desk when there was a knock on his door. The eagerly anticipated package had arrived, one of the messenger boys notified him. He had the boy get one of the service automatons to bring it to his office. It arrived carrying a wooden box, packaged in the usual fashion with a Cartographers Guild arcane lock on it, preventing the box from being opened. 

Lekes took the Cartographers Guild key on his desk and pressed it against the seal burned into the box's lid. There was a brief ticking noise and a flicker of light showing ghostly chains wrapped around the box and then the moment passed. The chains disappeared and the box creaked as though something that had been keeping the wood tightly wrapped was released.  

Lekes rubbed his hands in anticipation, all these days he had been waiting for this package. Months had been spent into securing the attention of one of the explorers who journeyed out on Guild business and more so ensuring the man would obtain what he desired. And now here it was. The soil samples he had requested taken from the Jahirre Plains sealed in neat little glass bottles, with cork stoppered tops all nestled within a bed of straw. The man had even included parchment notes on the surrounding area. Lekes was not a man given to smiling much, but he couldn't repress a grin splitting his pale face as he lifted out the containers.

As he removed the containers the straw shifted revealing a package wrapped in grey paper. Strange, he hadn't requested anything like this. It was roughly three times the size of his hand. He finished unpacking the remaining containers, placed the package on his table. 

It wasn't a very heavy package, and with curiosity mounting he began peeling away the layers of wrapping revealing a heavily bandaged hand. Lekes barely registered any surprise on his face. Living in Arcanos meant that if one was startled by anything out of the ordinary you'd hardly be able to even cross the street for all the shocks you'd be getting. Not that there was anything normal about Arcanos in general but the city and its residents tended to have a jaded outlook on life. 

Lekes was getting more and more excited however as he peeled away the bandages. It was a large sizeable hand, at least twice the size of his hand with what appeared to be rather elongated fingers. There was a sixth finger present as well. He peeled back the bandages and examined the hand. It looked dried, and for that matter, burnt. The overall surfaced looked charred and blackened. He prodded it gingerly with a finger. 

"Hmm hmm" he said aloud to himself. "Charring of the exterior, but not caused by fire or burning. Internally burning out from the inside. Hmm.... essence overload? Not human hand though. Species indeterminate. But why send it to me?" 

He looked over at the soil samples. His little hobby of measuring arcane residue in old battlefields looked like it was about to get interesting. He'd have to consult with one of the Guild doctors about this hand. See if they could determine which species it belonged to. And a message to the man he had retained for the sample taking. Was it an elaborate prank perhaps he wondered, or an insult of some kind? 

[shamanshack-blog]

TEVES

Mystic Spears

Volume XV: Autonomous Phenomena - Cartographers Guild Archive - Arcanos 

The humanoid figure known only as TEVES is still a mystery to the Cartographer's Guild. Standing slightly taller than the average man, it is not known who or what TEVES is. 

Information about TEVES is rare as it avoids even scarcely populated areas in general. What is known that TEVES is an avid resource gatherer as well as a builder of considerable skill. 

TEVES has a few patterns researchers have been able to identify through tracking its movements. It is impossible to stay close to TEVES as any attempt to hang around its vicinity, or in the vicinity of its excavation or construction projects results in swift painful non-lethal blows. Attempts to forcibly restrain TEVES have been attempted over the years. Sometimes by mages interested in finding out what TEVES is. Other times by barons or lords who wish to use his construction and excavating skills to their own gain.

Whatever the reason, if force is used against TEVES it retaliates swiftly and lethally. Killing not just those that used force against it but anyone else close by. In this "enraged" mode it will kill anybody it happens upon. According to survivor reports, the enraged period seems to last for a few hours, whereupon it reverts back to normal. 

The constructions of TEVES range from simple stone huts, elaborate fortifications, statue and even arcane devices which leave its discoverers puzzling as to their use. 

TEVES gathers all the resources for the construction projects himself from the surrounding area, felling trees and excavating mines to quarry for metals and stone. 

TEVES certainly holds deeper secrets but for the moment the Cartographer's Guild has classified as anomaly that should be avoided pending future study. 

[shamanshack-blog]

TEVES (Mystic Spear) [Picture by http://phraxos.deviantart.com/]

[shamanshack-blog]

Notes on Akere Arsenal M4 H.E.M "Verfolger"

TVOC

Excerpted from Jaine's Armaments Periodical

The Akere Arsenal M4 H.E.M is a solid offering from the company. Fitting neatly within the mid range mil-spec H.E.M market.

The Verfolger contains the usual features expected of military grade H.E.Ms with , anti-glare and anti-blind coating on durable non fog lenses. Along with a flexible tough body and good quality air filters.

The filter tubes are short allowing for ease of use when shouldering small arms. In addition Akere has increased the size of the filter slots on the H.E.M allowing for better airflow at the expense of filter durability.

Where the Verfolger really stands out however is that the lenses have additional features beyond most H.E.Ms.

The quad lensed appearance seems strange at first as you expect to see four vision lenses when you don the mask. However, on the interior the four lenses are condensed into one viewfield using the latest in H.U.D technology. The four lenses are actually miniaturized specialty sights. Able to be customized for a wide spectrum including ultraviolet, starlight and infrared.

There are two powerful LEDs mounted centrally just above the eyes when the wearer needs light in darkened areas. In addition two specialized torches are mounted above the brow able to shine a variety of light wavelengths. These torches can be customized for the individuals situation, for example mounting infrared torches for use in temperature stable areas.

For purchasers on a budget, looking for a H.E.M with just that extra something, the Verfolger is definitely one to keep an eye or four out for.