Chapter 2 (Part 2): Cathari falls
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The cadaver army were as relentless as they were stupid. Bullets after bullets fired into the throng, blasting their bones into dust but their comrades neither seemed to notice nor cared. They retaliated with volleys of arrows from their poorly strung bows but now that Shizurii was prepared, their shots hit nothing but the barren rocks.
Cathari falls proved to be a very good bastion, its rocky and uneven terrain provided excellent cover from the arrows. They found an excellent vantage point perched upon the fall's low hills; a small cavern with a good view down to the land below. From their position Shizurii could see clearly the horde below: grotesque skeletons of animals, human and some demonic beings. They had mismatch bones, like some distorted puzzle. On top of a one of the skeletons with a human ribcage rested a hawk skull; another skeleton looked like it was made with only leg bones.
The cave had only one road up, making the skeletons' vast numbers a little easier to bear, Meia could hold the entrance as long as they came no more than two or three at a time. But it was also the only way down, it would only be a matter of time before they were overwhelmed.
Shizurii retreated back into the small cave as arrows clashed against the hillside, far from their target. She laid down her ammunition belt on the floor and counted-
"
Ni, yon, loku, hachi...*" Eight magazines left, ninety six shots.
"We can't keep this up," Meia growled underneath exhausted gasps of air. "Where's Iwoji?"
"He's exploring the cave, looking for escape route," Shizurii announced as she reloaded her pistols. "I have less than a hundred shots left."
"Make them count, we have company again" Meia shouted as she steeled herself for the next wave.
Shizurii looked on quietly as Meia fought. Dried blood caked a dozen wounds across her arms and legs, yet she fought on with fervor and zeal, cutting slashing and hacking at the skeletons that attacked.
Meia was not an immediate family member, she was not born into the Mizukira family. A year ago, Shizurii had met her and helped her locate the wreckage of a pirate ship. After that she swore allegiance into the family and took the name of Meia. At first, she appeared cold and distant, always lost in the thoughts of a past life. She would stare endless into the oceans for hours. Once, Shizurii made the mistake of startling her while she was lost in her thoughts, within seconds, Meia had drawn her sabre and pressed it against her neck, a move so swift, Shizurii had barely seen her move. Yet now, Meia stood between her and a horde of undead creatures, battling to protect her.
Shizurii shook the thoughts out of her head and locked her pistols at a skeleton advancing on Meia's flank.
Gunshots rang obligato to their racing heart beats.
"
Nii san... Where are you?" The musketeer whispered to herself.
*
Drr'Rjork wondered for a moment as he raced stealthily towards the mansion. What was it that Karthaes was keeping a secret that had intrigued Master Rvön so much?
A shadow retreated in the corner of his eye, causing the creature to almost trip over itself, if that was even possible. Drr'Rjork stopped dead, looking at where he had seen the disturbance. Short feelers sensing the air for danger.
Nothing.
Shrubbery gaited gently in the night breeze. The moonlight shone everstrongly, casting an eerie glow around.
Must have been a ferret. Drr'Rjork thought to himself as he hurried along his way to the mansion.
The Master would not be pleased if he took his own time.
*