The_Red_Lands

Chapter 95 -Vengeance

Vengeance

"By the Nord Pass!"

Chu noticed the eyes under the hood widen as the man unconsciously stepped back. Even during this initial shock, the man did not relinquish his hold on the boy.

He twisted the sword to generate a new scream while dropping the crossbow and gripping the boy's shoulder. This sort of reaction to maintain or keep an advantage could only be done by an experienced hand.

"Ah, I see how it is. Looks like you still have som...

Chapter 94 -Mobilization

Mobilization

Miki held the small dipper over her head and dumped the warm water.

After a night of keeping watch, she just wanted to take a quick bath and find something to eat. Last night she along with Toll manned the eastern watchtower until midnight. Mr. Thomas and Amanda relieved them and covered the shift until the first light.

Presently, Jim and Clod were on guard duty.

The warm water cascaded down her body but did nothing to hide the dark bags u...

Chapter 93 -Goodbye

Goodbye

Chu woke up prior to midday.

Since they left the farmer and his sons on the road, they had hurried along the grassland. Coming across the first tree on the open plain, the group halted the progress. They all needed that well-deserved rest.

After a quick meal, they continued without delay in following the trail. Out in the open grassland, it would require a skilled tracker to trace this near-nonexistent path. But with Lucy and a large canine accompany...

Chapter 92 -Meeting Farmer Cork

Meeting Farmer Cork

"Don't tell me after all the time we spent together you still haven't figured him out, Lucy. Under all that crazy and idiotic facade lies a knowledgeable and dependable person. Ming only acts that way around us because he can't change this skin easily."

On a lonely dirt road, winding along the grasslands, two young children walked while engaging in quiet conversation. The moon and stars overhead, together with the gentle, silver-lit countryside...

Late Releases

To my small clique of supporters, sorry for the late release. I have experienced the horror of a computer hard drive failure. For three days, I have lived through a time of internet and computer deprivation.

The first thing I did after hugging my new PC was to get your chapters out. I have also decided to get that Zombie tale out for a bonus and hopefully I will get an extra chapter out next week.

Thank you for your support in helping this novel continue.

Deuce Apocalypse -Chapter 2

The Beginning

Amidst the bustle of the city, a young man squatted at the side of a building.

"Everything's changed."

Commuters rushed by, some showing clear panic on their faces, while the majority simply went about their daily lives. How many of these individuals would lose their consciousness tonight. How many of them would be persuaded by loved ones and family, only to turn into soulless, hungry beings tomorrow?

'Could a person marked as a zombie actually ...

Chapter 91 -What could go wrong

What could go wrong

On a lonely road after midnight, three children were presently engaged in some wanton acts of violence. No matter the country back on earth, such brutality shown against the elders of society could never be tolerated. The law would have long hauled these hooligans off to jail.

"Damn Stiks! Why the heck does this illudon watcha ma callit feel so goddam real!"

A bandit shouted as he got pummeled in the head.

He currently lay on the gr...

Deuce Apocalypse -Chapter 1

The Return

Simon controlled his breathing, as the horde stumbled along passed his hideout.

These sorties by him, for food and precious water grew more frequent in the passing months. The scarcity of basic items now caused countless clashes between survivors. Tightly knit hunting teams broke apart and fought to the death for a once common bottled water.

Death came easily from a backstabbing friend, as from a mutation. Rumors of cannibalism began to surf...

Chapter 90 -Wrecking Havoc

Wrecking Havoc 

Ming stiffened as he experienced a flashback. Since the time he first entered the slums. He like most newcomers faced harassment from the already entrenched members. His time spent in the company of a certain group during his first winter was priceless.

Groups formed from shady, like-minded individuals in the slums usually had one goal in mind.

'Hold out until spring for the bandit recruitment.'

Since they had a goal that ...

Chapter 89 -Graduation

Graduation

 "Hey, I need an early sleep before the boss returns. Wake me if you ever need anything."

Twig yawned as he turned on his back and further made himself comfortable on the soft grass.

"What the hell man! So I'm the only idiot around here?"

His companion immediately replied angrily.

'And what kind of lousy name is Twig by the way?'

Slime thought to himself as he shifted on his s...

Chapter 88 -Tracking the killers

Tracking the killers

 "Chu, why do I have to keep sharing my jerky with this wolf? How come he doesn't bother you guys?"

Ming complained as the wolf beside him scarfed down another piece of dried meat from his hands.

"Stop feeding the wolf and hurry up, I can barely spot Lucy when she disappears over the hills."

Chu replied as he jogged away.

Ming could only groan as he followed. They had been jogging over the grasslands for about two hours....

Chapter 87 -Choices that affect lives.

 Choices that affect lives

Mr Thomas moved closer and slowly removed the hay uncovering the body beneath. The baby lay still with her small hands outstretched. The old man lifted the child off the ground, scooping her up by his one arm.

"She still feels warm."

"Her smell was stronger a few moments ago, but it faded when we arrived. When we noticed the small stiff hand, I called for you. I did not want to uncover her, lest we had to witness something sim...

Chapter 86 -Storm

Storm 

Mr Thomas slowed the wagon to a standstill. Although he carried out his own conversation with his wife, the sudden movement and accompanying words in the tray did not escape him. He placed a finger to his lips indicating Mrs Thomas to remain silent.

"The scent is faint but not too far from here, Chu I want to take point."

Lucy jumped off the wagon on receiving a nod of confirmation from Chu. She slowly began advancing along the dirt road...

Chapter 85 -The Calm before the Storm

The Calm Before the Storm

In the first week of autumn, Chu built a solid tower about fifteen feet high at the eastern entrance. A trapdoor and ladder provided access to the platform overlooking the fields from behind the log wall.

The platform could hold two men comfortably while iron bars installed on the four large windows thwarted attacks by climbing creatures.

It made no sense to a military man like Mr Thomas.

"Why the hell did you waste this slow...

Chapter 84 -Busy Summer

Busy Summer

The residents of the farm did not have the luxury to rest during the summer. They constructed buildings, toiled in the fields, and took part in mandatory archery training in the evenings.

At night the women and girls did some knitting and sewing near the fireplace while the men and boys gossiped about some rumor.

"Chu didn't I eat Snowbear meat once?"

"Yes, yes for the umpteenth time you ate Snowbear meat."

"See Rugol, I told you so!...

Chapter 83 -Building a Base

Building a Base

The cave entrances had been blocked and camouflaged. With all the work scheduled at the farm, he did not have the time to sit back and concentrate on this veritable gold mine. He did not spread the discovery to his core members, simply instructing them to keep the location a secret.

In the next week, Clod had everyone out in the fields. Another temporary quarters was built near the south entrance for the village members. It was not unusual for vill...

Chapter 82 - Eww, so slimy!

Eww, so slimy!

"What the heck are these things?"

Chu walked out from the passage entrance into the cavern. Under the flickering light cast out from the torches, he saw the creature.

'A Barrel Worm'

Living up to its name the round barrel entity moved with the speed of a snail on the rock floor. Chu moved cautiously to the side for closer inspection. The 'worm' ignored his presence and continued on its path. As mentioned by Thomas, it was as wide and lon...

Chapter 81 -Production and discovery.

Production and Discovery

The next day a tired and visibly fatigued Griz and Kim both left the village. Under heavy guard, the caravan headed to Karst and eventually to its stop in Haven.

After waking and discussing all night they had agreed on a suitable plan. The wooden cogs and complete well water package were to be made by Chu in the village. These would be quality tested at the farm and stored in a large shed.

By the time this was happening, Kim would be...

Chapter 80 -An invention to shock the world.

An invention to shock the world

They were now well into the last month of winter.

"Brat you better have a good reason for having me waste time in this backwater village."

The burly man scowled as he spoke roughly to the little boy. It was ironic that not even a year ago he himself also lived in this 'backwater village'.

Instead of squirming or exhibiting fear from a man who could more than break him in half with a slap, the boy s...

Teaser

 Chu groaned as a the cloaked man stepped out of the tent, while pushing him back slowly and keeping the sword buried in his gut. 

"Being ambushed by three kids. How the hell can I face the Master."

The man muttered as he raised his other hand. Chu now noticed the crossbow in his hand.

"Let me show you how to really use a crossbow. You would have never had a future if a butchered little corpse can frighten you. I'll put you all out of your misery. First you t...

Chapter 79 -What can you do?

What can you do?

The next day Chu whistled and skipped through a light snow drizzle on his way to the Smithy. Mr Thomas walked beside him holding in his hands some rolled-up parchments in a small bag. The two bore a stark contrast to the dismal and near-deserted streets.

They had returned to the farm where the boy spent his time scribbling and scrawling for nearly half the night. He did not understand what drove the boy to such lengths under the dim ...

Chapter 78 -The Road of an Artisan.

The Road of an Artisan

 Two months into winter, a small convoy arrived for the Trading Post. The village had now reverted to its silent and dreary winter ways. The Trading Post 'tavern' was no more.

It returned to its original use as a receiving station for trappers, while the once lively surroundings were now deserted.

The two wagon convoy brought supplies for the Lodge. No longer loaded with liquor and supplies for the Military, its main goo...

Chapter 77 -Being to Greedy?

Being too greedy?

While Mr Thomas was conducting new training with the others, the barn enjoyed a sleepy atmosphere.

Not all the residents were relaxing in this usual time of hardship. On the upper floor behind a large desk, a small boy was mumbling to himself.

He fidgeted on the wooden chair, jumped up, and walked around the desk browsing through the stacks of scattered documents. Chu then flopped down on the chair only to repeat the cycle after remembering som...

Chapter 76 -New Training

New Training

It was the first month of winter and the snow was already two to three feet thick on the ground. The grasslands were blanketed in dazzling white with only the outcrops of isolated trees and weatherbeaten rocks breaking the undulating landscape.

A snow drizzle that was falling kept the visibility low and made it hard to navigate this open land.

In this place devoid of human inhabitants, an adult and two small children slowly made their appearance ove...

Community Post

Hi Loyal Supporters. I have been browsing the site and realized that the community post is empty. Unfortunately only patrons can create a post there. I guess it is primed for discussion and general commenting.

I would like to provide a subject for our little group to kick off a discussion in this community section. The next arc is fast approaching, so I want to give you guys a chance to immortalize yourself in this novel.

I need some names for 

• A goblin ...
  2018-05-01 21:25:50 +0000 UTC View Post

Chapter 75 -The Ballad of Assistant Manger John

The Ballad of Assistant Manager John

John walked into the Trading post receiving station located outside the south gate of the village.

"Good morning Master John."

"Good day, Master John."

"Hello Master John, you look wonderful."

Amidst the greetings and welcomes he simply acknowledged the ones showering the praises with a simple nod. He raised his head and beamed in pride as he strutted into the inspection bay like a proud peacock.

At the end ...

What kind of Demon beast would you prefer?

Demon beast raid from the north. Most of us tend to be biased against certain creatures. Some hate the creepy crawly ones with a vengeance, while others have nightmares about larger predators.

As a prime example, I myself woke up one night with a cold sweat after writing about chapter 26. That fear (laugh as you want) still exist after taking in horror movies as a kid. A well constructed werewolf does wonders for my heart.

The story might have some little gore and bloodshed, but I do not...

Chapter 74 -A Great Gift

 A Great Gift

Chu delivered the last of his pelts to the Trading Post.

This time the Trading Post did not buy it, but the new Master was acting as an intermediary between him and another merchant.

Ever since he netted a huge profit last winter, Merchant Kim was very considerate whenever he interacted with Chu. He had been introduced to this boy by Griz after they had made a small fortune.

Chu used his influence on John to make him create his own little Merchant co...

Snippets from the Future.

"Elder, elder. No matter the setback, I will never give up in this world. Sure I was ready to slap Dareck back to Karst but in the end he opened another door. In fact I believe that come next winter our little merchant company is going to make it big. Really, really big!"

Chu rubbed his hands as he thought of all the possibilities opening up. He had seen too many fantasy and medieval times movies from all different cultures not to know the many uses of this simple piece of machine...

Chapter 73B -Fated Circles...

 Fated Circles...

The moon waxed over the grasslands, nearing its end.

The nights were still chilly, but Spring was drawing to a close. Hot Summer was mere days away.

A group of people were hiding behind a small knoll. This small contingent of soldiers lay huddled and also wrapped tightly in thin cloaks. About half a mile away in the distance a small wood, populated with a few trees punctured the plain landscape.

Months of tracking and fighting led the Military to...