Diamondlot

The Shamir Swamps

About two weeks had passed at sea, and they had finally entered the southern realm. This area was unlike the North as the land here was made up mostly of trees and swamp water. Maggie did her best to find the driest land in the area so she could anchor her boat and allow everyone off her ship. The instant the anchor was dropped, she ordered everyone off her ship, especially Jawad.

The villagers slowly exited the ship first, followed by Sediya and then Leyyah. Jiyah, Nadya and Reina stayed by a bit longer to say some parting words to Maggie. Jawad wanted to listen but Maggie ordered Riya to attack Jawad, forcing the Mangolor to run away from the attacking monkey.

The three girls simultaneously thanked the pirate lady for all her help. Maggie gladly accepted their kindness and surprised the trio by telling them she was going to stay for a while longer. When asked why she had the sudden change of heart, she told them, “You three seem to be a magnet for trouble. And where there is trouble, there is bound to be endless treasure!” Not certain if Maggie had given them a compliment, but they were still filled with joy that Maggie was going to be around for their journey.

With the villagers lost and without homes, Leyyah volunteered to stay behind and help them set up camp and build some shelter for the time being. Sediya and Maggie followed Leyyah to assist her while Jawad made his way towards the three girls.

Reina: So I guess we will all just stay here and help the people?

Jawad: Nonsense, there is a matter with which I require your assistance.

Nadya: Where are we even anyways?

Jawad: We are in the Shamir Swamps. A place that used to be much more pleasant and teaming with life but now is home to some of the most foul creatures, Ogres.

Jiyah: Ugh, I don’t like the smell of this place. Hurry up, tell us what we need to do so we can get it over with.

Jawad: There is a path through the Shamir Swamp that leads right to the Barren Wastelands. If you three can secure the passage there, it will be much smoother than taking the long way around.

Reina: That sounds like it will be a piece of cake compared to what we have been through.

Jawad: Well, there is an Ogre that lives there that is very protective about his ‘property.’

Nadya: Wait, I thought you are the Great Mangolor. Can’t you just handle this ogre yourself?

Jawad: Excuse me! I need to keep myself in top shape in order to cast the spell to free the great wizard! I can’t be wasting my energy like that!

Jiyah: Figures, not only did we end up with the wizard with the lamest abilities but he is a total drama queen too.

Jawad: Hey! I’m not a …

Reina: It’s okay! Jawad please stay here and make sure everyone is safe. Nadya, Jiyah, and I will get us access to the Barren Wastelands.

And thanks to Reina, everyone was able to compromise and stay focused on the task at hand. Jawad stayed to help the villagers get settled, while Jiyah, Nadya, and Reina, proceeded further into the Shamir Swamps.

The deeper they got into the swamp, the more foul the stench. The ground beneath them was very mushy, making it very difficult to move through. They eventually came to the area where they noticed a shack that looked to be inhabited by a large creature. Judging from the size of the entrance, they suspected it was probably the ogre than Jawad had mentioned. Knowing that fighting on the current terrain would be ill-advised, the three girls quietly snuck through the area.

Nadya was taking the lead and scouting ahead to make sure the scene was safe for Jiyah and Reina to follow. Once Nadya gave the signal, they quietly made their ways towards her. However, Jiyah felt something or someone was watching them. Her hunch was confirmed when she saw a small dart coming towards Nadya’s back, so Jiyah leaped forward and pushed Nadya away.

Nadya was confused as she fell on her back, but Jiyah went to pick up the dart that had been fired and she recognized whose it was, Ishaan. The two mercenaries appeared from hiding with Ishaan stating, “I’m impressed you survived the poison.” Nadya and Jiyah were not in the mood for conversation. They were more concerned with the ogre appearing than having to fight the two mercenaries. “We will be taking the rogue from here, no point in resisting, just turn her over.” Eshaan threatened but Nadya and Jiyah refused to back down.

Ishaan and Eshaan drew their weapons out and as they were about to strike, The royals guards stumbled into the fray. “Halt!” Ranak shouted to the two freelancers. “Our orders are to apprehend the target alive and unharmed!” Aaryav emphasized. Ishaan replied, “There has been a change of plans.” Eshaan laughed and continued, “First one to capture the rogue gets to decide!.”

The mercenaries and the guards continued their arguing, which was causing a huge commotion, awakening the creature that was sleeping in its home. It bursted out of the door and released a massive warcry. It was an ogre standing nine feet tall and it was equipped with a war hammer ready to strike its foes.