“Caldeya was attacked and captured by a mighty enemy just a few weeks ago,” she began, and recounted her escape from the kingdom’s capital city. She told them of Baldaron, his army, and the man’s mastery of Scourge. She then explained the Legend of Light, the Radia, and how they were the only hope at matching Baldaron’s dark and twisted magic.
While the rest of the townsfolk fell into stunned silence, Barlov took in the account with a measure of calm. “Then, am I correct to assume that you have traveled this way to find the Radia which was placed inside the Sandstone Mausoleum?” he asked.
Raissa nodded, and looked back at her companions. “Our group was originally very different from what you see before you. Aside from Joth and my guardian, Dayneth, Elisstriss and her fellow Aesur only joined up with me earlier this day. Before, our party had included other friends of mine, as well as my brother, Prince Tridian. He had left Caldeya days before it was attacked with a regiment of soldiers to scout the ocean, and we were lucky enough to encounter him after we marched through Sleekleaf Forest. We were separated from my brother and our other companions when monsters controlled by Baldaron attacked our ships out in the ocean.” Raissa noticed Barlov’s gaze harden, as well as several terrified faces throughout the crowd. “My brother still lives, however, as do our other friends. They are currently in possession of Xogun’s Radia, which we obtained from its resting place in Sleekleaf Forest. We hope to reunite with them at the Sandstone Mausoleum.”
Barlov nodded silently, clearly requiring a few moments to take in all of the shocking information. As Raissa allowed him to reflect over it, Joth broke in. “I’m thankful to say that the other soldiers who accompanied me to the summit at Caldeya also survived the attack,” he said. “They remained behind at Geldiar to bolster the town’s defenses, and help out where needed in the countryside. I’ll make sure to tell their families that they are safe.”
“A good idea, Captain,” Barlov agreed. “They have recently started to worry as to where all of you were. Knowing that all of you still live will bring them comfort.” The mayor of the Azure Sands Outpost looked away from Joth and faintly shook his head in disbelief. “Although, that comfort may be short-lived when they hear why they are in Geldiar. This is truly a remarkable turn of events. If there is any way our town can contribute to your quest, Princess Raissa, we will do our very best to accommodate you.”
“Your hospitality is already appreciated by all of us,” Raissa said. “Simply spending some time resting inside these walls will be invaluable to us before we depart for the Sandstone Mausoleum.”
“Then, I hope that we are able to do all that we can to prepare you for success on the rest of your journey,” Barlov said.
“I’m certain that you will,” Raissa said. She looked about, her eyes scanning the crowds of townsfolk. She made a deliberate attempt for her gaze to fall upon as many of the men, women, and children as possible to let them know she spoke to each and every one of them. “And I promise, your aid will go a long way in helping us save our kingdom.”
16
Even though the Azure Sands Outpost was the first proper settlement Raissa had seen in weeks, she spent little time resting after she was introduced to Mayor Barlov and Joth’s family. Instead, she went with Aydri to help prepare dinner, despite numerous protests that “the Princess of Tordale had no place laboring for others”. Raissa dismissed every argument with a smile, and cheerfully assisted the many cooks inside the fort’s barracks, who saw their normal meal preparation suddenly include a great deal of additional work with the nearly two-dozen guests they now had to feed.
Although Raissa and the Aesur were invited to eat in the barracks, the dining halls were not nearly big enough to contain the large gathering, so they sat outside on one of the fort’s spacious lawns. Normally, the desert’s relentless heat even made eating an ordeal while outside, but as the sun slowly slipped from the sky, it actually proved more comfortable to sit in the fresh air rather than to cram inside the barracks.
Shortly after they finished eating, the guards at the top of the nearby walls announced that a number of creatures they called “Grimali” had approached the town. Almost immediately, Maro hurried to the ramparts, scampering up the stairs so quickly that even Joth could not keep up with him. Aydri eventually went to join them, and she invited Raissa to come with her to see the Grimali.
Three had gathered to graze on the palm trees at the wall, and several more roamed not far from the fort. Raissa thought that they were beautiful creatures—built like a horse or an elk, but nearly three times the size, with long necks that craned up to the palm trees’ crowns to grab the choicest leaves. A pair of thick, black horns fell behind their heads. Their pelts were dark brown, while white stripes ran over their flanks.
Eventually one of the Grimali noticed the humans watching it. The tall creature turned to them and slowly approached the wall, its long snout coming just shy of the parapet. Maro quickly grabbed a handful of green palm leaves that had been stored on the top of the walls, and extended one to the Grimali. The creature obliged without a moment’s hesitation, and began to munch on the leaf that Maro excitedly offered.
As Raissa watched, she finally realized that she had seen the Grimali somewhere before. “I remember why the Grimali seem so familiar,” she said aloud as she looked at Joth. “You have one engraved on your shield.”
Joth smiled and nodded. “It’s funny you mention that, because that was one of the very first things that Alamor noticed about me. He asked about it while were walking through Sleekleaf Forest one evening.”
Raissa looked back at the Grimali that Maro fed. “He probably would really enjoy this right now. I think he would love seeing the Grimali so close.”
Joth grinned and patted his young son on the shoulder. “I doubt as much as this child, though. It’s like I told Alamor, the Grimali, alone, make Maro content to live out here in the desert. He’s even tried to get one as a pet!”
Raissa laughed, but Maro seemed to think it was a perfectly reasonable endeavor. “I still don’t know why you and mommy won’t let me keep one,” the boy said as he stretched a second palm leaf down to the Grimali.
Aydri rolled her eyes. “Because, like we’ve told you before, by the time it was full grown, it wouldn’t even fit in the stables. Unless you’d like to build the town a brand new one.”
Joth threw back his head and laughed. “Yes, if Maro had it his way, we wouldn’t be riding our black horses when we’re on patrol. Instead, we’d be riding the Grimali.”
Raissa giggled. “I actually think that would be sort of fun.”
Maro was thrilled to hear someone share his sentiment. “That’s what I always tell everyone!” he exclaimed, making Raissa laugh again. He then handed the Princess of Tordale a palm leaf as the Grimali finished the one he had been feeding it. “Here, your Highness, try feeding it to him.”
Raissa gladly acquiesced and reached down with the long leaf. The Grimali accepted it just as casually as the others, grabbing it with its long tongue before chomping away with its flat, boxy teeth.
When the Grimali had finished, it turned away from the wall and slowly began to walk back out into the desert. The other two Grimali eventually followed, and soon the three creatures joined with the rest of their herd and marched off toward the darkening horizon.
“Aw, they’re leaving a lot sooner than they usually do,” Maro said, unable to hide his disappointment.
“Do they normally stay around the town at night?” Raissa asked.
Aydri nodded. By the grin on her face, Raissa guessed that the woman knew from experience. “If there’s enough leaves for them to grab from the trees, or for someone to hand to them, they’ll stand around here for hours. There have been a few nights where one little boy, in particular, has stayed up long past his bedtime feeding them.” She glanced down at Maro as she said that, but he paid no attention to her as he watched the Grimali wander off, a smile still stretching across his face.
&nbs
p; “Speaking of which,” Joth chimed in. “I think it’s getting late enough that he should make sure he does all of his chores before bedtime rolls around.”
“I agree,” Aydri added, looking at their son again. “Come along, Maro, let’s help everyone clean up from dinner, and then you can play with your toys before bed.” As Maro obediently jumped to his feet and began to follow his mother down the stairs back to the lawns below, Aydri looked at Raissa. “Don’t even think of coming with us this time, your Highness,” she said in a good-natured warning. “I refuse to let you do any more work tonight.”
Raissa laughed and simply nodded back with a wide smile; this time she would respect Aydri’s wishes.
Her smile remained as she watched Aydri and Maro head down the stairs and make their way across the lawn. When they came to the tables where everyone had eaten supper that evening, the mother and son immediately began to gather up plates and utensils to bring back to the kitchens.
Raissa glanced at Joth. The man stood just beside her, also watching Aydri and Maro. He smiled, but his was one of unspeakable pride in his beloved wife and child. The more that Raissa looked at him, the more she got the sense that Joth was impossibly happy with the blessings he knew in his life. He seemed to have all of his desires satisfied in the company of Aydri and Maro.
As that realization came to Raissa, her smile slowly faded. “Joth, listen,” she eventually said, her words only coming gradually. “I’ve been thinking about this for the last few days, and if you would rather stay back with your family while we move ahead on the rest of our journey, I won’t try to stop you.”
Joth did not answer Raissa immediately, nor did he even look at her. He kept his eyes fixed on his wife and son as they continued to help the other attendants clean up from dinner. After a lengthy silence, he finally grinned. “I appreciate that offer, your Highness, but I have no plans to abandon you just yet.”
“You wouldn’t be abandoning me,” Raissa insisted. “You’ve already helped our cause more than I could have ever imagined. You’re the only reason why Dayneth and I were able to make it across this desert. We don’t have much further to go; I’m sure we could get to the Sandstone Mausoleum on our own, and then the Aesur could guide us through the Tower Mountains to Skyscape.”
“You’re probably right, but I’m not remaining by your side just to make sure you that don’t get lost,” Joth countered. “When I agreed to join you on this quest all the way back in Geldiar, I didn’t do so expecting to bow out halfway through. I had every intention to see this through to the very end, and that hasn’t changed because I got a nice reminder today of the beautiful wife and the lovable son I have here.”
“Would you still feel that way if I told you that I do not plan to stay here for more than another day?” Raissa asked, a foreboding edge in her voice.
Joth finally looked in Raissa’s direction. He seemed unfazed by what she said. “Yes, I would. You could even want to leave tomorrow morning, and I would be awake as soon as the sun came up and marching out of the town’s front gate right alongside all of you.”
He let his eyes settle on Raissa, as if to solidify his answer’s sincerity.
Raissa could not bear to face him for long. She eventually turned and nodded silently, having nothing to say in response to Joth’s unflagging dedication to their journey. She was not entirely surprised by his answers, but it still amazed her just how committed he was to their task, even with the sacrifices it required of him. Despite spending nearly an entire day with his beloved wife and young son, the man was willing to say goodbye to them at any moment and embark once again on a quest that brought the risk of death at every turn.
“Your Highness,” Joth said. She looked up at him once more, and his grin had leveled into a warm smile. “I can see that you feel guilty over this. Please, don’t be. This is my own choice. I’ve made choices like this for my entire life; they’ve been necessary for me to carry out my duty as a soldier of Tordale. This is not the first time that I’ve had to look away from something that I love dearly in order to contribute to this kingdom, and I’m certain it won’t be the last.”
Raissa still could not entirely conceal the sympathy and regret she carried. “But what will Aydri and Maro think? You just returned today after weeks of being away from them. How will they be able to deal with you leaving again?”
“They’ll be disappointed, no doubt, but they’re a lot stronger than you might think,” Joth said. “They’re a military family—they understand my responsibility just as well as I do. It’s not the easiest life for them to live, but luckily for me, they respect and admire the work that I do. They know that even if I’m not always around, I’m doing something they can be very proud of. That provides them a great amount of solace to help them cope with my absence. They know that they’re serving the military and the kingdom, too.”
“And how do you deal with it?” Raissa asked.
“Not so differently from them,” Joth answered. He looked back to the courtyard where they had all gathered for dinner that evening, where Aydri and Maro continued to help with the cleanup duties. His eyes softened as he watched them. “While I’m far away from these walls on a mission, very few moments go by where I don’t think of my wife or my son. Knowing that they have such pride in my work, knowing that they look at me as a hero for the sacrifices that I make, it allows me to carry out my tasks without any regret. I’m only able to be the soldier that I am because of their unfailing support.” Joth snickered for a moment before a chuckle escaped his lips. “It also has seemed to inspire Maro. I can’t make a foolproof prediction for what a six year old boy has in store for him the rest of his life, but based on what I’ve seen and heard from him lately, he’s well on his way to someday being a proud soldier himself.”
Raissa laughed as she watched Maro diligently hurry across the courtyard, lending a hand wherever it was needed. “It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he turns out that way. You and Aydri have obviously done a wonderful job raising him. I’m certain that he will grow up to be a fine man.”
“Thank you, your Highness,” Joth said. “That is an extraordinary compliment coming from you of all people.”
Raissa turned to Joth again, this time showing him a bright smile that had been absent from her features for most of their conversation. It seemed to be what Joth had waited to see, as he gently placed a hand on her shoulder before stepping toward the stairs.
“If you don’t mind, then, I have things to take care of before the end of the night, namely with our preparations for when we leave. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let Aydri or I know.”
Raissa nodded, and Joth made his way down the steps that led him off the wall. As she watched him go, Raissa felt a great weight be lifted from her conscious. She had been nervous about initiating that conversation with Joth, mostly because she was not sure how he would react to finding out that she wanted to leave the Azure Sands Outpost so soon after arriving. She previously worried that Joth would have been conflicted over her offer for him to stay with his family. She did not want to see the man feel regret over whatever decision he made.
It was comforting for Raissa to know that he was in full support of what she chose, and that he would loyally follow her as they continued this dangerous and wild journey. She was certain that he would think of his wife and son often throughout the rest of their quest, as he likely had done since the beginning, but Raissa understood now that Joth would never let the distance from his family hinder his efforts in whatever mission he may undertake. If anything, it was evident from their conversation that by thinking about Aydri and Maro, Joth would be inspired to lend his abilities to their absolute fullest.
She stayed atop the ramparts for a little while, letting her thoughts settle as she watched the dusk slowly become night within the desert sky. As the celestial canopy grew dark and became filled by swirling galaxies and glimmering stars from far-off worlds, it offered Raissa a gorgeous vista to take in.
There were still many things in Raissa’s future that concerned her, but after her conversation with Joth, she could at least say that one issue no longer plagued her mind.
* * * * *
While Raissa did not want to have an extended stay at the Azure Sands Outpost, she recognized the benefit of, at the very least, a full day’s rest with all of the comforts and amenities that the fort offered. Just how much of a difference sleeping in a soft bed, eating hearty meals, and taking in the atmosphere of civilization for a day or two would actually have on Raissa and her companions was uncertain, but she was eager to welcome the relief, even if it was only temporary. When she woke up the next morning and stepped outside, finding herself surrounded by four protective walls, among so many good, honest people, she was confident that just a taste of this bliss was worthwhile. After encountering the very worst of the desert, where both the environment and its inhabitants were lethal, the Azure Sands Outpost and those who called it home felt like the very best part of the Arid Reaches. The town was as stalwart as it was comforting, defying the harsh environment by thriving in a region that was so inhospitable.
That prosperity came with the blessed flow of clean water from the spring which the town had been built around. Early in the afternoon, Aydri and Maro took Raissa and the Aesur to it so they could pick flowers from the bountiful vegetation that flourished along its edges. The spring’s size amounted to little more than a pond; Raissa had seen larger out on the Plains of Oston. But while standing in the shallows, where some of the town’s children splashed around to cool off on the sweltering summer day, she could see through the crystal-clear surface that the waters fell deep into the ground.
This natural miracle emerged from the earth bearing the promise of life in the unforgiving desert. The invigorating, unspoiled waters gushed from the Arid Reaches’ floor as verdurous vegetation sprang along its rim. Tall palm trees cradling fruit just beneath their crowns rose at the very edge of the waters’ reach. Carpets of jade grass and patches of vibrant wildflowers surrounded the palm trees’ trunks, while clusters of reeds sprouted in the shallows.
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