MAP SYNCING WITH VESSEL INFORMATION SCREEN… UPDATED…
WSS ENTERPRISE
DURABILITY – 1000/1000
CREW – 10/20
SPEED – 12 Knots
DIRECTION – NORTH NORTHEAST
LOCATION – COLORADO RIVER
WEIGHT – 1234/2000
WEAPONS – 4/4 SWIVEL GUNS
I closed the window and pulled up my mini-map. The view showed me a top down map of the immediate area, ten miles by ten miles, I zoomed out and it showed me a wider view, a square of one hundred and fifty by one hundred and fifty miles. I went even further out, and it showed me fifteen hundred by fifteen hundred miles. This map showed the North American continent from mountain range to range, east to west, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south to Great Lakes and Canadian Forest to the north.
Most of the map had an opaque haze covering it, showing where I hadn’t been, while The Springs, The Fortress of Earth, the rest of the areas I had been, didn’t have the haze. I focused on the small blip, a glowing blue dot, which showed our position. Currently, we were on the Colorado river and following it north to the Platte river. In my day the rivers didn’t connect, but I had my theory, that in this time, with none of the modern dams and manipulation of the riverways, that they connected.
It was a hunch nothing more, and if it didn’t pan out, we’d have to lift and carry the boat. But, if it did, well we had pretty much a highway system across the continent and I was going to exploit the fuck out of it. It was a pretty good theory based on a lot of historical research and data, and it was logical.
Hundreds of thousands of years ago, the land between the Rockies and Appalachians was covered by an ocean. All the land slopes downward from range to range, being the lowest in the middle between mountain ranges. As the time went by and the water drained out, it drained from high to low, creating all the rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. Without interference, these waterways would continue to try to flow towards the way nature intended, as water flows the easiest way, connected and going in their natural inclination. Until, we interfered and diverted them all.
Why do I think this? Well, just look at a topographical map, and see where we have built all our dams and things. The main reason though, is our study on trade in the Americas before Columbus. The Native Americans had an extensive trade system that stretched from the Incas in South America, all the way to through the Aztecs in Central America, up through the Southwest of the North America, all the way over to the Atlantic, then down to the Caribbean.
How was this possible? Remember they didn’t have horses, camels, or pack animals during this time period. They could have run it but that’s not likely. We know that almost all the Natives lived on or by the water like every other civilization in history. If you extrapolate from there, it makes sense they use the waterways for trade.
“When do you plan on stopping for the day? I don’t fancy sailing unknown waters at night, especially with this crew of puffers and fairies.” Patty said, coming up to my side.
I hid a grin, not wanting to egg the man on, then closed the map and turned to the big man. Besides, I had traced the route I wanted and found the place I wanted to overnight at.
“We’re making good time and the crew is much better now. Although, yeah, it was rough earlier. Another hour and we are going to hit a small cove. We will go ashore there and make camp.” I told him.
There was a small lake right before the intersection where the Colorado River meets the Gunnison River, and that was where I wanted to camp. It would offer escape to the water if we needed, or land if needed, you never knew. I had been there in my time and there were high cliffs on one side, water on another, and then forest. It was the perfect place to hide and defensible.
“By the gods this country is amazing. I’ve never seen such beauty, such bounty, so much life.” Patty said, shaking his head and leaning on the side of the boat. “You are blessed to be here. It’s good land.”
I joined him and took in the view surrounding us. It really was breathtaking. The water was so crystal clear you could see all the way to the bottom, it wasn’t far only four feet or so, fish teemed in the river, swarming around the bottom of the boat. I blew my mind how many fish there were, with so little humanity in the world the abundance of life was staggering. It felt like I could just reach my hand down there and grab a trout, salmon, or occasional gar.
There was forest on one side and rolling plains on the other. The day had been breathtaking vista after breathtaking vista, but with all the mistakes and problems, we hadn’t been able to appreciate it. Now though, with Billy on the tiller and the wind filling the sails, I could.
A few hours went by without incident, the sun was getting low on the horizon as we passed a bend around a hill, and the lake came into view.
“There’s the lake, beach ahead and to port.” Silent Mouse called out from the crow’s nest and pointing
“Patty if you please.” I said.
“Aye, aye Captain.” He replied. “All right, ship that sail and get those oars out, let’s go arselings!”
The sail went slack as the lines were loosened and then the sail was pulled up and put away, while the rest of the crew grabbed and banked their oars, we had gotten to the point where we could function well with three oars per side. I had Silent Mouse on the lookout for a good place to beach the boat and he’d found one. Thanks to my spot on the bow, combined with my enhanced vision, I could see where he was pointing.
On the far side of the lake was a perfect spot with a little beach and small clearing surrounded by forest on one side, cliffs on another, and the lake for the rest. It was like my memories, except way more trees, no people, and no roads or anything. The layout though, that was familiar.
The boat slowed, and we cruised under the power of the oars, while on the lookout for anything dangerous, even with my Danger Sense active. The lake was relatively flat as the wind had recently died down, and we coasted closer and closer to the beach.
The boat skimmed the bottom of the lake bed, the small river stones made an easy landing, I hopped overboard with Freak at my side, landing in the water up to my knees with a splash, while Freak bounded ahead splashing away up the beach to the main land. Billy did the same on the other, and went ahead to check the area, following along after my cat. I heard Patty behind me calling out orders to ship the oars, then pull the boat ashore, in much more colorful language than I’d like to repeat.
We did a quick, but in-depth survey of the area, Freak took the wooded area and then the cliffs, the cat was a climbing savant. In a few minutes we were satisfied that we were relatively safe. Plus, there was no danger sensed from Freak, we motioned the rest of the crew, who had just finished beaching the boat, that all was clear. Originally, I had planned on having everyone sleep on the boat and just anchor close to shore, but Patty had convinced me that the men needed to sleep on land. As no one had their sea legs yet and unless I wanted everyone heaving their dinners out… He had trailed off and left the rest unsaid. I took his advice and we beached.
Everyone met us in the center of the clearing and heaved themselves to the ground, tired from dragging the boat up, the thing was freaking heavy. I decided to give them a few minutes before I let them know we’d be building a fort tonight. I sensed bloodlust, the thrill of the hunt, and then joy from Freak, just as his roar echoed through the clearing and a flock of birds leapt from the trees. A minute later he came trotting out of the woods with a yearling doe in his huge mouth.
He came up and dropped it off in the center of the men, to cheering and much petting. He licked his bloodstained maw, with a satisfied smile, then went to the water to clean himself up and drink. I patted Freak on the side as he went by and sent him a mental thank you.
“All right you guys, before we can enjoy that tasty venison, lets get camp set up. Billy, if you please.” I called out.
“Aye, aye captain. You heard the man, Up and at em you, cunt muffins!” Billy yelled.
<
br /> Groans of protest and exhaustion sounded out, but Billy heard none of it, just drowned it out with more cursing, punctuated with swearing. Most of the groaning was good natured as was the swearing, the camp got setup, I pitched in as well. Shadow Bear and Cunning Wolf took the lead, and I followed along. The old man always surprised me with how spry and strong he was for his advanced age, especially since all the old folks in my time his age, were bed or wheelchair bound, if not dead already.
The rest of the crew dispersed, some gathering firewood, some fishing, others gathering, each doing the plethora of tasks that needed to be done for setting up camp. The last thing I heard was arguing over digging the latrine while Shadow Bear and Cunning Wolf started on the building of the wall.
“It’s finally time to teach you some real Earth Magic boy.” Cunning Wolf barked, bending down, Shadow Bear at his side, smirking as if he knew what was coming, which being one of Cunning Wolf’s students, he probably did.
I suddenly had a terrible premonition, like I was about to be taught by my worst teacher ever. You know that one teacher who haunts your memories. Mine was Mr. Vaughn, just thinking about his voice causes me to cringe. But, in my many years of learning and growing, I realized that he was the best teacher I ever had. He was my Sophomore year Physics Professor.
My first day of class he sent me to the Dean with a referral, what a dick right? Although, I may have refused to give him my hat after wearing it in his class, which was a big no-no, but how was I supposed to know. Either way, I still remember all the physics he taught me that year. Thanks Mr. Vaughn, you were a great teacher, you fucking prick!
Then Cunning Wolf began teaching as he worked, yep, I was right, one hundred percent Mr. Vaughn, suppressing a sigh, I focused on what he was doing and saying.
“First, summon your Earth Magic as I instructed you how to do.” He said.
I did as he instructed, thinking of Moon Flower was a nice catalyst to have, but his way was easier. Light yellowish-brown light surrounded my hands, I glanced at Cunning Wolf, he nodded and continued.
“Now, do as Shadow Bear does.” He instructed.
Shadow Bear bent down and placed his hands on the ground. Magic flowed out of his hands and into the earth before him, slowly the ground began to tremble, Shadow Bear rose slowly, keeping his hands outstretched and the magic flowing like a faucet. As he rose the earth in front of him began to rise, a parcel that was four feet wide and ten feet long grew higher and higher as he stood up. The Jicarilla scion was only a little over five feet, so he stopped the earthen berm when it was chest high at four feet, and then cut his mana off.
Cunning Wolf nodded at the young man and then turned to me.
“Your turn, do the same with the next section, close your eyes and imagine it happening within your Mind’s Eye.” He instructed, gesturing to the next part of the berm.
I nodded and stepped forward, then knelt as Shadow Bear had done, placing my hands out and concentrated. Clearing my mind of other thought, I focused only on the ground. An image of it appeared and I imagined the magic surrounding my hands flowing off like sand through an hour glass, then entering into the earth below me.
“Not bad Law.” Cunning Wolf’s voice sounded. “Now open your eyes and slowly rise the ground with you.”
Opening my eyes, I nodded and did as he said, watching as the ground in front of me trembled and shone with the same color as my Earth Magic. My concentration almost wavered as the area in front of me was almost twice as long as Shadow Bears, it was the same width, four feet, but the length was twenty feet. I grinned, and slowly raised my hands as I stood from my kneeling position, the ground rising with me.
When the ground finally stopped trembling, the three of us were looking at a twenty-foot addition to Shadow Bear’s ten-foot section. My periphery started blinking and I accessed the new messages.
EARTH MAGIC LEARNED…
EARTH MANIPULATION (LEVEL – 1)
This is the most basic of skills in the realm of the element of Earth. By accessing your connection with the earth, you are able to manipulate the dirt, soil, essence of the earth with your hands. Depending on the size of the area and type of substance used, your Magic Points, or MP will be affected accordingly. Once your MP is exhausted the manipulation will end and you will have to wait till your MP regenerates to use the skill again.
“Not that tough is it?” I grinned at my friends, shrugging slightly, and waving the windows away.
Shadow Bear shook his head resignedly, as if saying, of course he can do it. Cunning Wolf scrunched his face and gave me a sour look.
“Okay, no need to be a dick, finish the wall yourself, come on Shadow Bear.” Cunning Wolf snapped, stomping away, Shadow Bear shrugging at me and following in his wake.
I shook my head resignedly. All of The People were affecting my speech patterns and idioms. That’s what I get for being a dick. Oh well, back to work.
TRACK 29 – REBELLION (LIES) – ARCADE FIRE
MOON FLOWER
The sun was just starting to rise as the Crow village came into view. It was a rough night, we had ridden hard and recklessly. The Nirumbee had chased us throughout the long night, every time we’d rest, they would catch us. Though our horses were fast, the monsters were relentless, and they made up for their lack of speed with stamina.
We thinned their numbers as they attacked, but it didn’t seem to matter, there were so many of the bastards. The night was hazardous as well, more than one horse tripped and almost fell, luck, the gods, or both were with us though, and no rider or beast was hurt. Throughout the moonlit flight, we fired arrow after arrow, until I had to call a stop as we were all low on ammunition.
The Crow were an intelligent people, and like most of the other tribes built their villages on hilltops, which were defensible and gave a good view of the surrounding area. The Crow were also one of the few tribes who built walls around their homes. The walls weren’t anything to text the fuck home about, as Law would say, I loved idioms, they made everyday speech so much more fun.
I shook my head clearing it of the idle thoughts. I was tired if I was musing while running from blood thirsty goblins. I raised my fist, the sign a command for the rest of the Riders to slow and wait. They did so silently, I nodded in satisfaction, then made two quick gestures to Dancing Lion. We had been practicing Sign Language, as my fiancé called it, it was an extremely effective way to talk without words.
‘Wait here, I’m going to check things out.’ I signed.
‘Yes, First Rider, be careful.” She signed back, my sisters doing the same.
I nodded, then squeezed Winston with my thighs, he bucked his head in response, but was quiet, sensing the need for silence, I loved my War Horse. The hill started a couple hundred yards away, so I had plenty of time to study the place. Riding up the thirty-degree grassy incline, I made my way cautiously but quickly around the hill as I approached, making my way there circumspectly.
As I did so I noticed a few things about the Crow home. The first, was that it rested on a butte, that was a few hundred feet high, and surrounding by a grass ocean on all sides. There was no water source that I could see, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t a well inside the wall, and I used the term wall loosely. The wall was just a bunch of rocks piled on top of one another, about ten feet high. It was more a hill then a wall, that surrounded the village. There was one opening on the back side of the hill.
The closer I approached the more detail that was available. I began to see heads and torsos sticking out above the rock piles. I made it back around to my fellow Riders and filled them in on the terrain and situation.
“Well, isn’t this as fucking great as the tits of freezing witch!” Stone Fox swore.
“You mean, as cold as a witch’s teat.” I corrected.
“What’s a teat, as a matter of fact what’s a tit’s?” Dancing Lion asked.
“I’ll explain it all later.” I sighed. “There were people up on the rocks, the entrance is on t
he other side. Follow me but be on your guard, my guts tell me things aren’t right.”
A chorus of nods came at me and I turned, trotting off back towards the entrance to the Crow village. The sun was halfway risen from the earth and the light was much better now. We marched in an arrow formation, with myself at the lead, my sisters paired behind me, and so on. I could make out the people hiding behind the rock walls now, and they did not look good. They were haggard and emaciated, but mostly they just looked tired, resigned to some awful fate. I got a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. There would be no reprieve here, none at all, if anything, we were these people’s saviors.
Murmurs ran through the Crow as we got in hearing distance. I heard whispers of strange animals, and legendary beasts most of all. When we were in hailing distance of the entrance, really just a makeshift barricade made of various bits of wood, I halted Winston and the rest of the Riders. I turned in the saddle and motioned my sisters to my side, they obliged by riding up on either side of Winston.
“Yes, dear sister?” Night Star asked, with an arched eyebrow.
“What possibly could you want?” Ice Blossom said, a split second after, with an overexaggerated sigh.
“You two are the wives to the sons of the Chief, so approach the gate and let’s figure this shit out before the army of goblins comes and eats us all.” I said, getting exasperated, even running for our lives all night wouldn’t stop my younger sisters from fucking with me if they had the chance.
“I believe they’d eat you first because you’re so sweet sister.” Ice Blossom said, in a monotone, then clicked her heels, and her and Night Star trotted towards the gate giggling.
I Am Gamer II Page 16