Chapter 81

 As she and the others ran through the jungle, a thought entered Risha's brain, like an unwelcome guest:

What if something had happened to the boats? What if the island has destroyed them, or swallowed them up? 

If so, they would all be up the creek without a paddle, for there was no way they would be able to swim all the way back to the ship. 

Please, Risha prayed fervently in her head. If any of you Gods are watching this, do not abandon us in this place.

At last, they arrived at the beach, where the boats lay in the sand, just as when they had left them. Risha could almost jump with joy, but she feared that if she did, her legs would give out under her. 

She was not the only one. Many of the others were exhausted from their long run. However, they barely had time to catch their breath, before the first-mate began to bark orders:

"No time to rest yet, men! Get these boats in the water, now!"

"Wait!" Risha called out. "What about Kyros?"

The First-Mate shook his head.

"Look at the sky, we still have an hour, maybe two 'til sunrise and who knows what might happen in the meantime? Our enemies might decide to stop squabbling among themselves and come after us."

"So, you're just going to abandon him ? After he made sure that we could get away?"

"That was his choice. I have to think of the safety of everyone here."

"It's mostly your own safety that you think of" the lynx said, with scorn in her voice. "Back in the jungle, you seemed all too relieved when the leader of those savages told us that they would let us go in exchange for Merees."

"How dare you?" The First-mate growled. "Your attitude is starting to try my patience, lynx."

"Your cowardice is beginning to try mine" Risha growled in retort.

The Two of them each took a step forward and for a moment, it looked as if they were about to come to blows, when Merees stepped between them.

"Both of you, stop it."

The Dragon-Princess did not even raise her voice. Yet, such was the authority found within it, that the two antagonists immediately obeyed .

"For shame, you two." Merees scolded them,as they looked at their feet like a pair of abashed children. "This is no time to bicker amongst ourselves. Now, if Kyros waited to leave the clearing until after the last of us were already gone, then he must not be that far behind. Surely, we can wait at least another ten minutes?" She asked, turning to the first-mate.

"I suppose" the first-mate grumbled. "However, if there's any sound coming from over there (he pointed at the jungle) that signals the approach of those damn bats, we leave. At once."

"Agreed. Risha?"

Despite her current feelings of animosity towards the first-mate, Risha had to admit that what he said was not without reason.

"Fine" she sighed.

"Great" Merees said, satisfied. "Incidentally, does anyone carry a timepiece?"

A member of Kyros' group had one and so, they all settled down to wait for the mountain-lion to arrive. 

By now, the island had settled down, most certainly recuperating from the wounds that Risha and Kyros had inflicted upon it. If they hadn't already been told, none of those present at the beach could have guessed that they were standing (or sitting) on a living entity. 

But they did know and that knowledge did nothing to alleviate the unease they all felt.

Every once in a while, they looked back at the jungle. From deep within it, they could hear voices; the bats, still caught up in their own dispute. 

Suddenly, a new noise appeared on stage, one that silenced all the others. It was a high-pitched shriek and when those on the beach heard it, their blood run cold. 

In its wake came another sound,  even more disturbing than its predecessor.

That of wings, coming closer.

This time, there was no arguing, knowing the danger that was approaching, everyone scrambled to their feet and with a collective effort, got the boats in the water. Moments later, the splashing of oars in water could be heard.

In the second boat, Merees tried her best to comfort Risha.

"We had no other choice" she said, touching the lynx's shoulder. "You mustn't blame yourself."

"Who should I blame then? The First-mate? Or you?"

A sting had snuck into Risha's voice as she asked that last question, but Merees took no notice of it. Or at least, she pretended not to.

"Would it make you feel better?" She asked gently.

Risha was just about to reply that no, it wouldn't, when someone let out a cry:

"Look!"

Everyone looked in the direction the person who had yelled was pointing. Though the distance between the boats and the island had grown with each stroke, they could make out a figure on it, currently under attack by a quartet of island-dwellers.

"It's Kyros" one of the crew announced, quite unnecessarily. "Poor sod, he's done for."

"No, he's not" Merees said. "Stop the boat" she commanded.

The Rowboat came to a halt. So did its twin, which was a bit further ahead, but whose passengers were equally curious as to what the Princess was intending to do. 

Merees stood up, just as the boat was rocked by a wave, causing her to lose balance. Risha reacted promptly, wrapping her arms around Merees' waist.

Lynx and dragon smiled at each other.

"Thanks, hon" Merees said.

"No problem. I figured that you weren't planning on taking a bath. Your magic's back I take it?"

"Yes. I know a spell which should allow us to save our friend. It requires focus on my part though,  so...."

"Say no more, we'll keep our traps shut. Right, guys?"

Everyone agreed and silence settled over the rowboat. Turning her attention back to the island, Merees took a deep breath. She had not told Risha and the others that the last time she had just been a child when she had last attempted to cast this spell and said attempt had not been crowned with success.

This time, things will be different.

Sending a silent thought to her long-deceased tutor in the magic arts to watch over her, Merees took a deep breath and began...

*****

On the beach, Kyros continued his fight against the bats. A fight which, although he did not like to admit it, was not going well for him. The Mountain-lion was an experienced warrior, but his opponents both outnumbered him and had the advantage of flight.

Shutting his ears to the bats' taunting, Kyros concentrated on blocking their attacks, as best as he was able. In the corner of his eyes he could see the boats,  way out there. He might be able to swim out to them and if not? Well, drowning would most certainly be a quicker and less painful death than whatever his foes had in store for him.

Not that the bats were going to let Kyros choose. They kept circling around him, cutting off his escape route.

Did Kyros blame the others for not having waited? No, if anything, he blamed himself. Leaving the leader of the bats alive had been a mistake. Still, the leader had been unconscious at the time and Kyros could not bring himself to slay a defenseless enemy. He had done that, many years ago and had vowed to never repeat the experience. 

Of course, he might have been able to reach the beach in time, if not for the briar patch which he had fallen into. 

Bah, no point in ruminating on what could have been. Face it all, old boy, it looks like this is your final stand.

That's when Kyros' feet left the ground and, to the astonishment of his foes, he began to drift out over the ocean, like some sort of feline cloud. 

While at first, Kyros was just as taken aback by this new development as the bats, it didn't take long for him to figure out what was going on. Obviously, magic was involved and Kyros could think of only one member of the expedition who would be able to perform a feat such as this. 

Under any other circumstances, the mountain lion would likely have profited from the experience. How often was it that one of the wingless races got the chance to soar through the skies? At the moment, however, he was too exhausted to enjoy himself. All he could do was trust that Risha's lady-friend knew what she was doing.

*****

"Almost...there" Merees grunted through clenched teeth.

As Merees worked her magic, Risha gazed up on her in quiet admiration. Admiration which was only increased by the fact that her beloved was obviously struggling, her forehead shiny with perspiration and her breath coming in short bursts.

Despite this, Merees persisted, moving her arms as though she was pulling on an invisible line. 

Risha hugged Merees tighter, both to communicate her support, but also in the hope that somehow, some of her strength would be added to that of the Princess' own. 

That's when the 'line' snapped. There was a splash and Merees staggered backwards and collapsed on top of Risha. 

The Lynx extracted herself from underneath Merees. The Others were leaning over the side of the boat, looking in the direction where Kyros had fallen.

"He hasn't come up yet" one of them said.

"He wasn't that high up in the air. Surely, he could not have drowned."

Risha only listened with half an ear to the conversation around her. She was focused on trying to comfort Merees, who was lying on her back, breathing heavily.

"Failed again" the daughter of King Sharan mumbled weakly. 

"You did your best, babe" she said, patting the dragon's hand.

"Maybe, but my best wasn't good enough and this time, it may have cost a good cat his life."

"No-one is going to blame you" Risha tried to reassure her. And if they do, they'll have to deal with me, she thought.

They were all about to give up hope, when suddenly, Kyros' head broke the surface. A cry of cheer shook the boat and the next moment, the mountain-lion was helped into the boat, tired, wet, full of scratches, but alive.

"What was that you said about your best not being good enough?" Risha asked, nudging Merees with her elbow and smiling cheekily.

"Just don't ask me to do it again" Merees said, with a smile of her own.

****

In his quarters, the Captain had just finished listening to his first-mate's recounting of the events that had taken place on the island. Risha and Merees were also present, but not Kyros, who was being patched up by the Ship's medic.

"That's quite a story" he said, sucking thoughtfully on his unlit pipe. "I'm glad you got out of that place in one piece."

"Sir, shouldn't we make a report of this island in the next harbor? The First-mate asked. "So that other sailors might know to avoid it?"

"We will, but I fear that not many would believe us. No, other people will set foot on that island and some of them will not be as fortunate as you were."

Later, as they laid in bed together, Risha turned to Merees:

"Mer, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

"What is it?"

"If Kyros and I had not wounded the island, would you have accepted the bat-leader's offer?  To become the next sacrifice in exchange for our lives?"

"I would have" Merees said, after a moment's pause. She stared up at the ceiling. "My father once told me that the needs of many outweighs the needs of the few, or the one. I would laid down my life to say you all, but mostly to save you."

"But you wouldn't have saved me" Risha protested. "Because I would have stayed with you."

Comics That Should Be Translated: Silence

Originally published in 1980, Silence is a graphic novel by the Belgian artist Didier Comés (1942-2013).Set in Beausonge, a fictional village located in the Ardennes, some decades after the second World War, it tells the story of its titular character, a young man who has been mute since birth.

Possessing considerable physical strength, Silence is nonetheless mocked and exploited by the rest of the village, particularly his 'master', Abel Mauvy, the richest and most powerful man in Beausonge. 

Not that Silence realizes any of this, pure of heart (or simple-minded, whichever you prefer), he knows nothing of hatred or the evil that dwells within the human soul.

However, an encounter with the blind woman who lives in the outskirts of Beausonge will change all that. It is this woman, known only as 'the sorceress' who will reveal to Silence the truth behind his origins and spur him to assist her in her revenge against the village who has made them both suffer. 

Silence made a great impression on me when I first encountered it in its Swedish translation many years ago and I'm happy to say that time has not diminished its potency. The Drama that unfolds is dark and utterly absorbing, blending the everyday with the fantastic and exploring several themes (good and evil, love and  hate, resistance against tyranny superstition, the treatment of 'the other' in society and so on). Comés' black and white artwork perfectly matches the writing, being very expressive and atmospheric.

As for the characters, Silence's innocence, his connection with nature and his empathy with all that lives makes him a moving and sympathetic protagonist, while  his antithesis, Abel Mauvy is one of the most striking portrayals of human evil I've come across in comics. 

As a rule, the characterization is superb, with each character from the blind sorceress, to her rival, the villagers and others all being memorable in their roles.

In conclusion, Silence is without a doubt a masterpiece. However, now that I think about it, its a bit strange that this is the only comic by Comès I've read, despite being aware of his other works for years. 

I think its about time that I did something about that.

Conquests of the Longbow

 Compared to that of their biggest competitor, LucasFilm/LucasArts, Sierra Entertainment's output of graphic adventure games during the 80's and 90's has always struck me as being all over the map in terms of quality. Now, I'm not saying that every LucasArts game is superior to every game made by Sierra. I would definitely take a Gabriel Knight or  Quest for Glory over say, Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders (coincidentally the one game from LucasArts that most closely resembles a Sierra title) any day of the week. However, I do maintain that the weaker titles from LucasArts are still on par with an average game from Sierra.

Which brings us to the subject of this review. A game which is not (and I must emphasize) one of Sierra's average games:  1991's Conquests of the Longbow.

This was the second Sierra game that had Christy Marx, remembered mostly today as the creator of Jem and the Holograms, as the lead designer and writer. The First being Conquests of Camelot: The Search for the Grail, released only the year before. 

Both games has the player take on the role of a famous character from English legend. In Conquests of the Camelot it was King Arthur and since Conquests of the Longbow's secondary title is The Legend of Robin Hood, no points for guessing who you're supposed to be in this game. 

I played Conquests of Camelot for the first time fairly recently. I enjoyed it, but if I have to pick which Conquests game I consider to be the superior, I'd pick Longbow in a heartbeat. It improves on its predecessor in pretty much every way. 

To give you an example; my least favorite parts of Camelot were the occasional arcade-sequences, such as when you had to joust against the Black Knight. Conquests of the Longbow does not disperse with these moments, but it does allow the player to bypass them. This does come at the expense of your overall final score (since you won't receive the points you would have gotten if you had conquered these obstacles), but it's nonetheless a welcome feature. 

Another huge point in Conquests of the Longbow's favor is that it plays fair. Sure, I died a few times, but the deaths always felt (for lack of a better term) reasonable. Which is more than I can say for any King's Quest game I've played.

Story-wise, the plot of Conquests of the Longbow should be familiar to anyone with even a passing knowledge of the Robin Hood myth and includes everything one would expect from a story about the Prince of Thieves and his merry men. In case you're wondering; Yes, there is an archery contest and yes, you have to disguise yourself in order to participate in it.

The Player's main objective is to raise part of an outrageous ransom needed to free King Richard, who is being held hostage by Leopold of Austria (the rest of the money is provided by Queen Eleanor, Richard's mother). Of course, Prince John, who rules in Richard's place, would rather that his brother not return at all, while the money is used instead to enrich himself and his lackeys. 

The Game's characterization is overall solid (with the villains being the weakest link). Robin and his merry men are all well-portrayed with distinct personalities and the game does a good job making the bond between them feel genuine. 

Perhaps the most interesting character in the game though, is Marian. Depicted here not only as Robin's noblewoman love-interest, but as an agent of Eleanor's (acting as a go-between between the unseen Queen and the outlaws of Sherwood Forest) as well as a Druidic priestess and while you do end up having to rescue her from the Sheriff at the end, for the most part, this Marian comes across as strong-willed and accomplished. Exactly the kind of woman you'd believe Robin Hood would fall in love with.

Conquests of the Longbow also contains multiple endings. At the end of the game, you're put on trial and depending on your actions, you might find yourself either handsomely rewarded, or swinging from a rope. 

So far, I've been singing this game's praises, was there any part of it I didn't like? Actually, yes. At one point in the game, you have to capture a pixie by throwing a net in front of him, something that quickly became an exercise in frustration. Earlier in the game, you are required to play Nine Men's Morris (an actual medieval board game) against an old soldier, so that you can win a magical jewel from him and while not as annoying as the pixie-catching, the time I spent on it, made me breathe a sign of relief when I finally beat my opponent and could progress with the actual game.

Oh, and if you've played this game and were able to memorize the Druidic sign-language without consulting the manual, than my hat's off to you.

These are minor complaints though. As a whole, Conquests of the Longbow: The Legend of Robin Hood, is a terrific adventure game, one of the best to come out of Sierra's stable. Highly recommended.

The Venture Bros. Movie

 Recently, The Venture Bros. movie, bearing the fittingly pulp-y title Radiant is the Blood of the Baboon Heart was released digitally and having, seen the film, I thought I'd offer my take on it.

First of all, let me make one thing clear: If you haven't seen The Venture Bros, then this movie is not a good introduction to the series. Unlike other movies spawned off of TV-Shows that I can mention (South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut, the 2017 My Little Pony movie, among others), Radiant is the Blood of the Baboon Heart makes no attempt at being accessible to newcomers, picking up from where the show left off when it was cancelled back in 2018 and being completely steeped in lore. Anyone who comes into this movie without pre-existing knowledge of these characters and their relationships are likely to be left scratching their heads in confusion.

As someone who has seen every episode of The Venture Bros (some emultiple times), did I enjoy the film? Well, before I answer that question, I'm going to address my one major criticism of it.

Radiant is the Blood of the Baboon Heart clocks in at 84 minutes and it packs quite a lot of plot into that relatively brief runtime. To the point, where, at times, the movie feels cramped. Apparently, this was originally going to be the eight season of the show proper, before it was made into a movie and there are times when hat shows. In particular, the antagonist would have benefited if they and their organisation had been built up over multiple episodes rather than making their first appearance in this film.

That aside, I did enjoy the film. My favorite characters (Rusty, the Monarch and Dr. Mrs. Monarch) all got plenty of focus (I could have used more of the Alchemist though and was surprised at how little Brock had to do). Red Death, of course, stole every scene he was in. I really liked how Hank's and Dean's story-line was resolved, showing that these two are probably more emotionally mature than most of the adults they know. Visually, the movie looks good and the voice-actors perform their roles well (as I expected).

Lastly, the movie provides answers to questions that fans of the show have been asking for years. Such as; the identity of Hank's and Dean's mother and whether or not Rusty and the Monarch are related? 

Radiant is the Blood of the Baboon Heart may not join the ranks of my favorite animated features, but it is an entertaining film and, if it is indeed the last Venture Bros. related thing we get (I hope not), a worthy conclusion to a saga that has been going on for nearly two decades.

Go Team Venture!

Oh, and in case you were wondering: Yes, there is a reason for the movie's title.

Chapter 80

 Risha and Merees did not waste any time. As soon as they were alone, they began to make their way back to the clearing as quickly as their feet could carry them. 

Despite their great haste, they found themselves slowed down, as they tripped on roots, or got entangled into vines that had not been there before. Almost as if the island itself was trying to stall their progress. 

When the lynx and the dragon finally arrived at the clearing, they found the others  lying lifeless on the ground, with the remains of half-eaten fruit being strewn all around them.

"Are they dead?" Merees whispered.

Risha shook her head.

"No, I can hear them breathing, but faintly. Let's wake them up."

She went over to Kyros and tried to wake him up by shaking him gently by the shoulder, but to no effect. The Mountain-lion did not stir.

Realizing that she had to resort to more extreme measures, Risha grabbed hold of Kyros'  shirt and slapped him hard across the face. After three slaps, his eyes opened.

"What's the matter?" He asked, drowsily. "Why are you hitting me?"

"I'm sorry" Risha apologized, "but I had no other choice."

Meanwhile, Merees had managed to rouse the first-mate, using a similar method. With the two men awake, the women explained what had happened: That the island was inhabited and that those who lived here were not exactly hospitable.

Kyros agreed that the best course of action they could take would be to wake their comrades and leave the island. However, the first-mate was of a different opinion: 

"You claim that the two bats you met were hostile..." He began.

Risha was about to ask him what the hell he meant by that, when a sound could be heard. It was the sound of many wings, drawing closer and closer. Both Risha and Kyros reached for their blades, but the first-mate ordered the swords to be kept in their scabbards.  

The Two felines obeyed, though Risha did so with ill grace, muttering under her breath. The Next moment, the denizens of the island appeared and the lynx's eyes widened at the sight: 

She was not sure how many bats there were. She counted at least seventy of them, but she could tell even by a quick glance, that she, Merees and the other members of the expedition were vastly outnumbered. 

Some of the bats wore loincloth, while others displayed everything. Many of them had adorned themselves with bracelets or necklaces. Risha noticed that these were made of teeth and bones. She felt a shiver run down her spine.

"You got any fire left in you?" She whispered to Merees.

"I'm afraid not" the Princess whispered back. 

"What about your magic?"

Merees shook her head.

At this point, the first-mate stepped forward, his right paw raised.

"Greetings, island-dwellers" he said. "We come in peace."

At the head of the swarm was a bat larger than any of the others. His fur was the color of snow,  his headdress was a skull and his breastplate fashioned from a rib-cage. Embedded in his own skull, his eyes shone like rubies. 

"Greetings land-walkers" he said, in a hoarse voice (both Risha and Merees noticed that, unlike the brother and sister, he spoke the common tongue perfectly). "You have set foot on our island and have partaken of its bounty. Normally, your lives would therefor be forfeit.."

"What do you mean 'normally'?" The First-mate interrupted, guardedly.

In response, the leader of the bats pointed at Merees:

"The Dragon" he said. "Give her to us and the rest of you shall be allowed to leave here unharmed."

"What?!" Risha stepped forward, eyes blazing. "Listen, you creep! Take your offer and shove it, we are not interested!"

The Bat looked at Risha as if he had just now noticed her.

"Are you in charge?" He asked, smirking.

"She's not" replied the first-mate. "I am." 

"And yet you let one of your underlings talk over you." The Bat shook his head in mock amazement.

"I am not his underling" Risha growled.

"Nor am I" said Merees, "and if the reason you want me is because I killed one of yours, you should know that he and his sister attacked us."

"Lies!" Shrieked the sister in question.

She was about to address her leader in their own language, telling him not to believe these filthy land-walkers, but one look from him told her that he had best keep her tongue still.

"I apologize for the behavior of of these young ones" ,he said. "It was their first scouting mission and apparently they decided to act on their own. They were under no orders to attack you. At least, not at the moment. No, we want you for an entirely different reason:

You see, this island that you are currently standing on is actually a living being. A being on an endless journey through the oceans of this world."

"That explains why this island could not be found on the Captain's maps" Kyros said, while stroking his chin thoughtfully.

"Exactly. My people have lived on this island for ages, ever since we were driven away from our homeland. It shelters us and keeps us fed. In exchange for its hospitality, we provide it with sustenance."

"By killing anyone who sets foot on your island." The Words had not been intended as a question and Kyros' voice had grown dark as he uttered them.

"Yes, once we sacrifice our...visitors, their life-essence are absorbed by the island and becomes a part of it. Forever."

Risha let what the leader of the bats had said sink in. She glanced first at Merees, then at the first-mate and saw her own horror and disbelief reflected in their faces. 

"Its been years since anyone last set foot on the island", the bat continued, taking no heed of the effect his words had had on his audience. "And our guardian is slowly growing weaker. So, when I learned of your arrival, I was relieved. When I found out that one of you No!was a dragon, I was ecstatic."

"I think I understand" Merees said. "Because we dragons are among the World's most long-lived races, you assume that my life-energy is greater than that of my companions." 

The Dragoness' voice was steady as she spoke, though her hands, trembled slightly.

"Precisely. So, what are your answer? Will you sacrifice one to save the many? Or will all of you perish here?"

While this conversation had been going on, Risha's mind had been working at full speed. There had to be a way out of this situation, a way for her to save them all. Well, mostly Merees and to a slightly lesser extent Kyros, with the others as a bonus. Then, it struck her: 

If this island was alive, then it could be hurt. 

It was worth a try. What did they have to lose?

With one rapid movement, she drew her short-sword and, with a roar, drove it into the soft ground. Beside her, Kyros, having caught on to Risha's intentions, did the same.

As the Lynx and the mountain-lion pulled out their blades, the island began to shake violently. The Leader of the bats let out a wail and, fell limp to the ground.

Immediately, Kyros pounced on the fallen bat, aiming the tip of his sword at the leader's heart.

"Listen!" He called out. "Stay where you are, or your chief's essence will be the next to feed your precious island!"

Now it was the bats' turn to be frightened, not all of them understood the mountain-lions' words, but they did not need to. The Situation was clear to anyone with eyes in their heads.

"Don't listen to him!" Shrieked the female-bat, who was seeing her chance to get revenge slip away. "The Land-walkers have dared to harm the island! Kill them!"

"No!" One of her fellow bats protested. "The Chosen's life is too precious, we have to do what they say."

While Kyros kept the bats at bay and they, in turn argued among themselves, the two women and the first-mate quickly went about the job of waking the rest of the expedition.

"Is everyone up?" Kyros asked, not taking his eyes off the squabbling chiropterans.

"They are" Risha responded, as she helped one crew-member on his feet.

"Good. Then, leave this cursed place."

"What about you?" Merees asked.

"I'll be right behind you."

Kyros waited until the last member of the expedition had left the clearing, then he lifted up the still unconscious leader, and started to walk backwards out of the clearing, using the white bat as a shield. The Mountain-lion waited until he was a safe enough distant from the clearing, then  he put down his burden and ran towards the beach.

Two By Weyman

 Fame, as I trust we all know, is a fickle lover. Take for example Stanley J. Weyman (pronounced Wyman). A British author, who lived from 1855-1928. While largely forgotten today, during his life-time, Weyman was a best-selling author, whose work was admired by such names as Robert Louis Stevenson and Oscar Wilde and although I've only read two of Weyman's books, so far, they were enough to convince me that his present-day obscurity is undeserved.

Out of the two books I've read: The Man in Black and Count Hannibal respectively, it is the latter which best seem to represent the type of story that made Weyman's name famous in his day. An historical adventure set during the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre and featuring a complex, morally ambiguous lead character, Count Hannibal is a thrilling read, one that comes highly recommended to anyone who is a fan of the works of Rafael Sabatini and Alexander Dumas. 

The Man in Black is different. While, it too, takes place in France, this time during the reign of Louis XIII (with Richelieu making the obligatory appearance), it is not an adventure-story, though it certainly does not lack in suspense.

This time, the  story follows a young boy (age 12), who suffers mistreatment at the hands of adults, including the titular villain. Though I don't think I spoil anything if I say that things turn out well for him in the end.

With its child protagonist and relatively short length, its fair to say that The Man in Black was intended for younger audiences. However, like all worthwhile children's stories, it can easily be enjoyed by adults. This adult found it highly engaging. 

Chapter 79

 The Merchant-Ship was on the third month of its voyage, when the lookout cried out that land had been spotted. 

Upon hearing this, the Captain, who had been busy going over the maps, promptly left his cabin. On deck, several of the passengers and some of his crew had gathered by the railings. The Captain made his way over to them.

"Incredible" he muttered, shaking his head, as he stared at what was within rowing distance from his ship.

"I'm sorry, Captain" said Risha, who was standing next to him. "But I don't see what's so incredible about that. It looks like a pretty ordinary island to me. Even has a forest growing on it and everything."

"That's just it, young lady" the Captain replied. "There aren't supposed to be any islands that size in these waters."

Feeling the need for a smoke, the Captain sent one of the crew back to the cabin, to fetch his pipe. Once the precious object had been delivered, the Captain lit the pipe and puffed at it.

"I've made my decision" he announced, after a moment's contemplation. He turned to the black-furred canine who served as first-mate. "Jansen, take a group of men and investigate that island."

"Aye, aye, Captain."

"Captain" said Risha, "I should like to come along on this expedition."

"As do I"said Merees. "It will be nice to be on dry land. If only for a little while."

"I'm sorry" the Captain said, "but I must ask you to stay. Who knows what dangers await on that island? I can't let my passengers take any risks, especially...."

"...Especially when they're two defenseless young women" Risha interrupted. "Is that what you were going to say, Captain? Don't worry, we can take care of ourselves."

"I have fought beside Risha and I can confirm that she tells the truth, Captain" said Kyros.

Realizing that there was no point in arguing, the Captain gave in and somewhat later, two rowboats left the ship. Risha and Merees traveled in the second, as did Kyros and three more members of the mountain-lion's group. 

Once ashore, the expedition set forth into the lush jungle which seemed to cover most of this mysterious island. Jansen the first-mate took the lead, using his cutlass to clear away some vines, and the others followed. 

They had all been prepared for a harrowing march through wild, uncharted territory. However, this jungle turned out to be more accommodating than most of its kind: The Ground, bar the occasional root, was smooth and easy to walk on and the air was filled with the pleasant fragrance from a variety of colorful flowers.

Eventually, they came to a clearing. There, the first-mate gave the order to make halt. A decision that was met with universal approval, for they had walked for many hours and were in need of rest and nourishment. 

The Latter had priority and soon, the salted fish brought from the ship roasted over a campfire made out of dragon's flame. Everyone ate with good appetite, with several members of the expedition picking the succulent fruits dangling from the trees and adding them to their diet. 

After he had finished his own meal, Jansen wiped his muzzle with the back of his paw and looked around. He immediately noticed that there were two less people in the clearing than when they had entered it. 

"Anyone know where the two skirts went off to?" He asked.

No-one had and the first-mate turned to two of the crew.

"Go find them" he ordered. "They can't be too far from here."

The Sailors were about to leave, when a voice stopped them. It was Kyros, who was sunning himself on a nearby rock.

"They probably went away to have some privacy" said the mountain-lion. "Let them be. Besides, what could happen to them on this island?"

****

Kyros' assumption turned out to be correct. Some distance from the clearing, Risha and Merees had shed their clothing and were now making love. The Lynx was on top, stimulating Merees' sex with her fingers, while her hips moved in response to the sensation of the dragon's long tongue against her own.

Afterwards, the two lay on the ground, recovering from their powerful climaxes. 

"It's getting dark" Merees observed. "Should we head back to the others?"

"We could" said Risha, who was resting her head on Merees'  shoulder. "Or we could sleep here. After a few more rounds, of course. What do you sa.." 

Risha sat up abruptly, her tufted ears twitching.

"Do you hear that?" She asked.

Merees was about to ask what 'that' was, when she heard something herself. At first, she couldn't place the sound, but then she realized that it was the soft beating of wings. Wings that were getting closer and closer.

They both looked up at the same time. In the sky above, two bat-winged silhouettes could be seen. 

Suddenly, the two bats came gliding down, stopping when they were slightly above ground. Scrambling to their feet, Risha and Merees looked at the duo: A male and a female, siblings judging from how similar they looked.  Neither wore any clothes.

"This is surprise" Merees began. "We thought this island was uninhabited, but I guess you were only sleeping. Oh, permit me to present ourselves: I am Merees, Princess of Vinoli and this is Risha, my..."

"Mer, hon" Risha interrupted, "I don't think this is the local welcoming committee."

Merees had to admit that what Risha said made sense. She did not like the way the bats stared at her with their amber-colored eyes, nor did she like the long claws that both had at the end of each of their thumbs. They looked sharp.

"Listen" she said, "we did not mean to trespass on your land. If you wish us to leave, then we shall."

"You no go" the female bat objected in a mangled version of the common tongue. "Right, brother?"

"Yes, sister" the male's voice was only slightly deeper than that of his sibling. "You stay, you all stay. Forever!"

While Merees were talking, Risha had swiftly reached down and picked up her short-sword. Now, with one move she swung it at the male bat. All it cut though, was empty air. Sudden as Risha's attack had been, he had managed to dodge it. 

Then, the male struck Risha's sword-arm with his wing. The Sudden blow caused her to lose her grip on her weapon and before she had had time to retrieve it, the female bat had snatched it. 

Howling with laughter, the bat-siblings circled above the heads of Risha and Merees, who tried their best to keep up with their movements. 

"Stupid land-walkers!" The Female bat jeered. "You no catch us! You too slow!"

She tossed the short-sword to her brother, who caught it mid-air and began playing with it; twirling it around and stabbing the air. 

Risha watched him with one eye. With the other, she scoured the ground for any reasonably-sized stone, one that would do some damage. Alas, none that fit the description could be found in the vicinity. 

Up in the sky, the siblings were chatting away in their own language.

"What are you going to do with that?" The Sister asked, pointing at the sword. "Are you going to give it to the Chief? I bet he'd reward you if do."

"Not a bad idea", her brother agreed. "But before I do that, I'm  going to try it out."

With his face split by a cruel smile, the male-bat sped downward like an arrow. He held the short-sword out in front of him, its point aimed directly at its owner's heart. 

Before he could pierce that vital organ and impale Risha on her own weapon, however, the male-bat was struck by a jet of fire. The Next moment, his head and wings were engulfed in flames and he crashed screaming into the ground.

The Stench of flesh and fur burning filled the air. Risha fought down an urge to vomit. Her short-sword was lying nearby. She picked it up and went over to the bat, who was writhing around, trying to douse the flames. 

No sense in prolonging the bastard's suffering, Risha thought. 

She raised her blade into the air and brought it down. The Writhing stopped. 

And now, to more important matters.

Risha turned to Merees, who was staring pale-faced at the remains of her work. 

"Are you alright?" She asked.

Merees nodded slowly. She was about to say something, when a wail could be heard from above. For a moment, the female bat glared at her brother's killers with hatred in her tear-filled eyes. Then, she turned around and flew away. 

Just wait, brother. You may have been the first to die this night, but you won't be the last.