Eric nodded. “So we're out of the cave, now what?”
Anuzat pulled out the map from earlier. It was made of cloth and frayed at the edges. “Chiefdom of Kyraa” was printed along the top in faded black letters. The Yacian Mountains were on the far left and the rest was endless sand and scattered oasis. In the center of the desert was a crater and at the center of that a dot marked a shrine. Anuzat pointed to a dot nearby.
“This is our destination: The Stone Pile.”
“That's what it's called?” Eric asked.
“The people of Kyraa are nomadic.” Anuzat explained. “They're not fond of permanent dwellings but they made one for diplomacy.”
“So it's their capital city?”
“In a matter of speaking,” Anuzat said. She rolled up the map and returned it to her pouch. “I recommend going back to the caves until dark.” Eric felt a chill at the notion. “That is, unless you prefer to burn up out here.”
Tiza saw nothing wrong with this. She walked back to the caves where they almost died, dropped her pack, and used it as a pillow. Nolien shrugged and followed suit. Eric eventually joined them. When darkness fell and the stars lit up the sky, Team Four continued their mission. Anuzat ordered Tiza to use her cloak as a sled for Basilard.
“It'll get dirty,” she said teasingly.
“Why should I care?” Anuzat said.
To Eric's surprise, they chorused, “Only tents do that.” Then, they giggled.
Eric urgently nudged Nolien, unable to take his eyes from the strange scene. “Since when are Tiza and Anuzat best friends? Just the other night Tiza called her 'Cranky Client.'”
“Oh, it happened while you were asleep. They have more in common than they thought.”
As hot as it was during the day, it was just as cold at night. Soon after their trek began, Eric shivered enough to clatter his teeth. The crippled mage created a ball of fire in his hands, but it vanished in five seconds. It was there, he was briefly warm, and then it was gone and he was colder than before.
“Trust me, it's worse during the day,” Anuzat said.
“Easy for you to say!” Eric shouted. “You have fur!”
Tiza and Nolien stared. It made him uncomfortable.
The chill was bad, but the sand was worse. With every step he took, his feet would sink. It was worse still when they reached a dune. The sand would pull harder and fall into his shoes. Just one was enough to make all three novices stop to catch their breath.
Here Tiza proved her endurance. The others carried their own weight; Tiza carried hers and Basilard's. He weighed more than she did and yet she lasted longer than her companions and still had enough air to brag about her training. “Spider Daylra made me do this as a warm-up!”
The desert wore her down nonetheless. She sweated bullets, breathed heavily, and slowed to a crawl. Nolien offered to trade places, but she shouted him into submission. She was determined to carry Basilard until she had to be carried.
Anuzat was hindered by the sand as much as she was by the temperature. Her large feet acted as snowshoes and her legs were strong from hopping. Her fur was both insulating and protective gear for handling cacti. She broke off pieces for later consumption.
Other animals wanted to get them first, from black-tailed jackrabbits to scurrying horned lizards. It was ironic, Eric thought, that stars give life to worlds and yet only in their absence could all these creatures come out of hiding. A nocturnal lifestyle would shape their lives and contrasts with Ataidar excited him. He was sure it was represented in Kyraan folk lore and Anuzat grabbed his collar before he stepped on a monster.
It was a human-sized grasshopper. Its exoskeleton was slimy and its forelimbs were metal. Tiza raised her sword but Anuzat stopped her and pointed. It heaved and tugged but couldn't move an inch. Its limbs weighed it down.
“Just don't step on them. That would trigger an adrenaline defense mechanism.”
Five dunes later, they ran into giant deformed beetle-like creatures. They produced lethal gas, enjoyed breathing said gas, and ate their dead fellows. As long as the team covered their mouths and avoided bumping into them, they could walk by in safety.
Shortly after midnight, they ran into a third variety. These were praying mantis the size of dogs, capable of quick movement, and smart enough not to kill themselves. However, their forelimbs couldn't cut wet paper. They were so weak, Tiza challenged her teammates to a kill count game. She won and lorded it over them for hours.
Fighting pushovers was a relief after the juggernauts in the cavern. It was so easy, Eric allowed himself a little more scholarly curiosity. Mana Mutation truly is random if it gives creatures such useless features. Limbs too heavy to move, a sweet tooth for their own poison, useless claws. The xethras were lethal, but these monsters are a joke.
They walked and fought and walked and fought and walked and fought, a bird pooped on Nolien, walked and fought and walked and fought. The only reason they never collapsed was Nolien's humility. Anuzat was driven to get to the Stone Pile as quickly as possible, Tiza would never admit fatigue, and Eric didn't want to be a burden, but Nolien wasn't too proud to call a break. He watched the group and insisted that he was the tired one, which Tiza was eager to believe. When the sun breached the horizon, Anuzat herself called a halt.
There wasn't an oasis nearby, nor large rocks; not even sand dunes. It truly was the middle of nowhere. Eric said as much, but she didn't listen. Fists joined together in front of her chest and her eyes closed in concentration, she inhaled and glowed with soft brown light.
“Art of the Nomad: Sand Shelter!”
She jumped high into the air then slammed the ground with glowing feet. Her impact displaced a wave of sand that would have buried the novices if they hadn't moved out of the way in time. The shockwave still knocked them off their feet. The sand curved inward and created a ceiling while pulling air inside. The novices looked from the giant sand castle to each other. A hole opened at their feet and Anuzat's head poked out.
“Hop in.”
Tiza shrugged and dragged Basilard behind her. The boys followed. As he crawled through the tunnel, Eric realized they'd be cool all day. A desert igloo. “How'd you make this?”
“Who . . .cares . . .?” Tiza let go of Anuzat's cloak-sled and collapsed. She was snoring instantly.
“That looked like earth magic,” Nolien said. “Powerful earth magic.” Anuzat shrugged, put her merchandise down, and lay down.
Nolien said he would do a little more work on Basilard's injuries before turning in himself. Eric told him not to overwork himself and Nolien reassured him. Too tired to argue, Eric went to sleep.
His whole body felt stiff, as if he had been in the same position for hours on end. His wrists, elbows, ankles, and knees all felt as if he rubbed them against a rock all night. His mouth was dry and breathing was difficult. His body moved without his command.
I'm in Kasile's mind again! . . . I wish I knew how this worked . . .Your Highness! Can you hear me? He, or rather she, stirred and mumbled . . . Mumble twice if you can hear me. Kasile's mumble was loud and frightened. I guess I'd be startled too if I suddenly heard voices. Princess, I'm Eric Watley. We met outside the— Kasile mumbled twice, quieter this time.
How?
So it works both ways.
Well, of course. If you're in my mind, you should be able to hear my thoughts.
Princess, do you have any idea where you are?
No. It was the most amazing thing. Eric could feel Kasile's fear as if it were his own. They put me in a sack and blindfolded me. They only take it off for . . . Fear.
He couldn't tell what she was going to say which ruled out mind reading. If I concentrate hard enough, maybe I can trace the link like a phone . . . The only problem was he had no idea how to do that.
Have you been harmed?
No.
Have you heard them say anything?
NO! The only reason they come at all is to force food down my throat!
Sorry
, Your Highness. I didn't mean to upset you.
No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled.
They talked about other things: the state of the kingdom, if anyone was hurt at the Joust, Eric's missions and popular CV shows. On every subject, Kasile was calm and polite. It was as if she were entertaining a guest at the castle instead of being held captive in an unknown location.
“Wakey, wakey, Your Highness! Time for breakfast.” Kasile breathed fresh air as the sack was removed. Your Highness, what would happen if you tried to shake the blindfold off?
Evil Eye.
The gag was pulled out of her mouth and something else was shoved in. Kasile coughed and sputtered, but the food-of-unknown-origin was continually pushed in. It tasted awful. It might have been garbage. Eric didn't know what would get her first: disease, malnutrition, or suffocation.
Evil Eye spiritual technique. By focusing on their conversation, she could block out the awful food. Their leader used it on me at the joust. Extreme hatred, sorrow, or fear are forced into the target's soul using the practitioner’s eyes as a medium. In short, it is a 'death glare' taken literally.
I assume it only works when the practitioner’s soul is stronger than the target's.
Exactly. I would have defeated them all if their leader hadn't come.
The loosely termed “food” stopped, but before Kasile could take a clear breath her hair was yanked back and a thermos wedged between her teeth. The water was even worse. Only sewer water could taste this bad . . . So . . . how were you separated from your guards?
Kasile didn't reply. She was busy spitting the water in her handler's face. To Eric's great surprise, she wasn't struck or even cussed out. The rogue simply put the thermos back in.
I was going to congratulate Culmus, but the Dark Fog hit and the Black Cloaks appeared.
You are quite bold for someone tied up in a sack.
Haven't you heard? I'm more than Ataidar's princess; I'm the descendent of its patron deity.
Really? I thought that was just a national myth.
Fire's Avatar founded Ataidar during the Avatar Alliance two thousand years ago. She's the reason I haven't been raped or fondled; my ancestor is a virgin goddess. Sexually assaulting me is like shouting, “Smite me, oh mighty smiter!”
The generously named “meal” ended and the gag was forced back in. Kasile didn't struggle as it was knotted behind her head and the sack retied.
It didn't stop them from kidnapping you.
That was my fault. Fiol has more important things to do than attend jousts in case a princess can't protect herself. She's too busy to handle my every little problem! I should've been strong enough to defeat them! . . . I really should have . . .
The rogue's footsteps echoed as they left Kasile's cell. The door swung shut and its lock clicked. I don't know whether to be happy they don't come often or sad that I'm always hungry.
Eric could tell she was forcing a smile so he humored her. I'd rather go hungry than be in the same room as that guy. Phew! She giggled and Eric patted himself on the back.
If you're staying long, I can call for mental tea and biscuits.
Eric chose his words carefully. He knew she would be terrified at suddenly being alone again because he himself would be hysterical
I don't know how this works, Princess, but I would assume I'll stay until I wake up.
Wake up?! Then this must be—
Princess! How can you be dreaming if I'm the one asleep?
Oh . . .right . . .. He could sense her blushing. It was strange; he felt her embarrassment as if it were his own, but at the same time he felt sympathy for her.
Soon we'll meet face to face. The thought escaped his mind before he realized it had formed.
You mean . . .. The intensity of the thought, the overwhelming hope and excitement; it was too much, but he couldn't take it back now. If he did, then all that hope and excitement would turn to despair. He couldn't do that. Despite his own problems and having no idea what to do, he wouldn't.
Yes. I will rescue you . . . as soon as I possibly can. The happiness radiating from Kasile was a warm mental cloud that hugged his entire being.
Oh Eric . . . Mr. Watley—
‘Eric’ is fine.
Eric, I thank you.
Enjoying her happiness and gratitude made him feel guilty. Save your thanks until we meet.
Of course. I will expect you soon. Once again, Eric was amazed at her level tone. After a dozen conversations, he felt himself drifting away. Someone was shaking him awake. He said goodbye and opened his eyes. He felt great. His mind and body were completely refreshed; not at all like last time.
“What's with you?” asked Tiza the Shaker. “You've got this goofy smile on your face.”
“Oh . . . I had a good dream.”
Telling her would cause a disaster. She would insist on saving the princess right now, which meant abandoning their client and wandering aimlessly in a desert looking for a princess who may or may not be there. Even if, by some miracle, she was talked out of it, she would think about it constantly. It would distract her from her job and that could be fatal for all of them.
After a head count, Anuzat collapsed the sand castle. Eric didn't see why; the desert wasn't going to run out of sand anytime soon. He decided it was a nomad thing. Anuzat didn't come out and say it but he could tell. She knew how to survive here, she only mourned lost merchandise instead of equipment, and she knew the “Art of the Nomad'.” The jackrabbits waved to her.
Eric was jarred out of his thoughts by Tiza's laughter. He glanced in her direction and saw Nolien scrapping something out of his hair. Tiza jerked her thump upwards and Eric saw why she was laughing. A desert owl was flying overhead and had pooped on him.
Their second night in the desert passed the same way as the first, only with less food and water. Anuzat closely rationed the rest; right now, it was their most valuable commodity. Eric took his on autopilot. He was busy planning Kasile's rescue but so far, he had nothing. Why did I say-think-that? He didn't know where Kasile was, how to find her, or how to get past the kidnappers. He dropped his head in despair. This'll never work . . . His hand drifted to a secure and padded region of his pack.
Shouting! All around them wild shouting! Team Four instantly formed a triangle around Anuzat as sand exploded around them. A swarm of dark creatures burst out. They were everywhere! In seconds they formed a tight circle, stomped the stand, and sank the perimeter ten feet. They're setting battle conditions! High ground was lost to the attackers and their own mobility was limited. We can't fight like this! They drew their bows. With one voice they shouted, “The Breath of the Desert brings death!”
One took aim at Anuzat. She ignored him. “But with weariness and respect it can bring life as well.” The words came out like threadbare leather. “Put those bows away.”
The one signaled the others and they all put their bows away. Then they stomped the ground and the sand elevated to its previous state. The speaker took their mask off and revealed himself as a silver-white kangaroo.
“Anzu, what happened? Becoming a Sand Stinger used to be your dream.”
“That was before I grew up. We had this conversation the last time I came.”
“Ohh, I remember your first day on a sand waver . . .” The silver kangaroo said fondly. “You were so excited you didn't watch where you were going and ran straight into a cactus . . .”
“Dad . . .” Anuzat growled.
“All the others called you 'cactus stinger' . . .”
“Dad!” Anuzat was blushing through her fur.
“Where's your caravan?” Anuzat's dad asked. “Did something happen?”
“This is my caravan,” Anuzat replied evenly.
Her father glanced at the still unconscious Basilard. “Your mother and I have told you time and again how dangerous that place is. Now do you believe us?”
“I'm alive, aren't I? And I have emergency funds stashed away for just such an occasion.” She finally l
ooked her father straight in the eye. “I'm not coming back.”
“I'm not asking you to,” her father said gently. “I'm only saying that, if you wanted to come back, the Elders would be more than happy to—”
“Dad, I'm on a tight schedule. I don't have time for a stroll down memory lane.”
Her father sighed. “All right, we'll escort you to the Stone Pile.”
Anuzat pointed at Team Four. “They are my escorts! I'm not a little girl anymore! I don't need your help!”
So that's why she gets along so well with Tiza . . . The silver kangaroo insisted, but Anuzat was resolute. With a deep sigh, her father signaled the others to move out.
“All right, say ‘hi’ to your mother if you get the chance.” Anuzat nodded.
He strapped himself onto his surfboard, waved to Anuzat, and jetted away. In his hands, he held wind spells that propelled them along the sand. Like a hovercraft . . .
“Come on,” Anuzat said. “I want to get to the Stone Pile as soon as possible.”
“Wait a minute!” Tiza said, “What was that all about?”
“Oh, just outlaws on patrol.”
“Outlaws?” Eric asked, “The good kind or the bad kind?”
Anuzat looked at him with the same confusion. Nolien told her he was an Otherworlder. Anuzat nodded and said it was a long story. All the most interesting things about Tariatla seem to involve a story so long no one wanted to tell it.
Just before dawn, Team Four was ambushed by a trio of giant scorpions. They were called boack and ranked as D+ class. Tiza was ecstatic, but Eric was scared. Without his magic, he had to use his staff as a club and the claws of the boack were longer.
He sidestepped the tail just as it plunged into the sand next to him. The area turned black and exploded, showering Eric in hot sand and scoring his face. It pulled its tail out and struck again while jabbing at him with its claws. Eric frantically blocked each strike with his staff while dodging the tail. The monster forced him back to the center of the trio's triangle and all the while sand exploded around him. All three weapons darted to impale him and Now! he jumped forwards. The sand behind him exploded and the claws clashed into each other. Eric mercilessly beat the monster between its antennae. Anuzat told them this was the weak spot. After the fourth blow, the monster withered and died.
A Mage's Power (Journey to Chaos) Page 21