by Aya Knight
“Move behind me, dear.” Thomas firmly instructed the young girl.
A radiant white glow emanated brightly from around Thomas’s body. Gusts of wind violently began to blow from all directions as the light intensified. Thomas raised a palm to the sky and shouted an incantation aloud. A perfect cyclone formed, stopping Beshin in his tracks.
“Yer not gonna’ let a little wind stop ya’, right Beshin?” Another bandit called out. “It’s just—”
A blood-curdling cry rang out and the man staggered back with no more than a nub of tangled meat where his arm once was. Blood sprayed in all directions, showering nearly everyone within the cyclone’s wrath.
“Ye’ fool! Don’t ye’ see that yer’ playin’ with magic here?” Beshin shouted as the bandit fell to the ground in a puddle of his own blood. “See? Take this as a lesson, men.” He kicked the man’s rib cage, releasing the final breaths of air from the bandit’s lungs.
While Beshin lectured his men, Kale took advantage of the moment and jabbed his blade forward. The steel slid effortlessly at an upward angle through one of the bandit’s chest.
Illadar used the distraction to slip past his previous opponents and make way for Beshin.
Thomas stood his ground, protecting the young girl from any oncoming threats while maintaining an appropriate amount of energy and focus on the cyclone. He could feel his body growing weaker, yet knew he had to hold on until Beshin was apprehended.
“I’ve got him!” Illadar called out over the noise.
Kale struggled to ward off the many aggressive attacks as Illadar held Beshin captive by the blade of his dagger. From the corner of his eye, Kale noticed the significant amount of blood staining Beshin’s chest.
“We need to get out of here—quickly!” Kale shouted, fearful the bandit leader would perish before their return.
“Come to me at once!” Thomas commanded. He wrapped an arm around the young girl.
They fought their way to the old sorcerer and huddled close. With every press of Illadar’s dagger, Beshin’s throat milked blood over the blade’s edge.
“Alaria!” A barrier of protection encased them from harm. “Sasarenta!” They watched from safety as the cyclone crashed in like a vicious tsunami of sand. The bandits raised their hands above their faces before the impact struck their bodies, tearing through their flesh and crushing their bones.
When the dust settled, Kale and his friends stood completely alone. The many lit homes had darkened, with windows shut tightly. It was an atmosphere completely different from what they had entered into. They stepped over miscellaneous body parts as they left the destruction behind.
They distanced themselves from the village as the sky began to tint with pink hues. A morning breeze caressed their worn bodies, adding slight relief to their burnt skin from the previous days under the sun. Illadar kept Beshin under close watch as he allowed the bandit to walk ahead of the group, with arms tightly bound by thick twine. They knew it would be crucial to find a safe, shaded location to rest before continuing on their journey. Illadar was the first to spot the small cluster of trees.
As they approached, Thomas reluctantly released a moan before collapsing to the ground. His arms reached out in a failed attempt to break his fall, and for the first time, Kale saw the old sorcerer’s hands. His peach flesh was completely overshadowed by the thick black veins that webbed out in every direction.
“We must get him to shade.” Kale glanced down at Thomas with a look of determination in his eyes. Without hesitation, he lifted his dear friend from the sand and strategically moved the old sorcerer onto his back. He instructed the young girl to remain close and keep up with their pace.
“How I miss the days when I was a strong young man like you, Kale. This old body only gets me so far … how embarrassing. Please allow me to walk, there isn’t much to go before we reach the palms and I’d rather keep some dignity,” Thomas softly spoke.
Kale laughed. “Dignity, you say? I thought the same when you decided to transform me into a human—but I forgive you, old man.” He smiled. “Besides, we were able to catch this scum of a man because you were with us. You’re an amazing sorcerer, and friend. I’m not allowing you to walk in your current condition—that’s final. Anyway, you’re so old that your bones feel as though they’ve turned to dust. You weigh practically nothing,” he said, half-jokingly.
“I think next time I’ll turn you into a stinkbug.” Thomas cracked a smile and closed his eyes to rest. Despite his insecurities with the situation, he knew that he needed food in order to fuel his body. Casting magic required a great deal of energy, and for that he had needed more than the previous night’s helping of snake.
Once under the small cluster of palms, they seated themselves upon a few of the many rocks scattered around the area. As the group relaxed their bodies, Thomas began to lose focus on his surroundings. He knew it was imperative for him to excuse himself before losing control of his own nauseating reflexes. He stood and moved as fast as his weary body would allow, behind the trees, and at a short distance from the group. He immediately folded over in pain, spewing vomit from his mouth as his body fought to clean the toxins produced by using magic while in a weakened state.
“I can help you.” A soft voice spoke.
Thomas nearly gagged on his own fluids as he turned in response. He hadn’t noticed anyone following him, let alone so closely. The young girl gazed at him compassionately; her bluntly cut bangs curled just above her brows, revealing deep brown eyes. Long black spirals cascaded over her shoulders and onto a plain purple dress which hung to her knees.
“My dear,” Thomas quickly wiped his mouth, “you should not be seeing this mess. Please return to the others and rest.”
“I said I can help you. You need it,” she spoke with confidence and was not willing to accept being turned away.
Thomas chuckled, despite his condition. “How old are you, child?”
“Eleven. I do have a name, you know.”
“My sincerest apologies, dear. Please tell me your name.”
“My name is … well, you can call me Otha.” She smiled brightly.
“Otha it is; a pleasure to meet you. As I’m sure you’ve already heard, my name is Thomas.” He returned a smile, forcing his body to stand upright. “You are quite the brave little girl.” He patted her gently on the head, causing her cheeks to stain with pink.
“I want to show you something.” Otha lightly tugged Thomas’s arm. She held out a closed palm. “Please take this.” She uncurled her fingers to reveal a brown nut.
“A shroo nut?” Thomas questioned.
Otha nodded proudly and gestured for him to take it.
Thomas knew that shroo nuts were not plentiful on Ravondore and could be bargained for a nice sum of coin to the right taker. Shroo nuts were so rich in vitamins and nutrients that just one nut could replenish even the most starved man’s energy. Some claimed the nuts were grown with magic because of their extraordinary ability.
Thomas glanced at her in awe. “Thank you, dear, I truly appreciate this offer, though I cannot take something such as this from you.” He looked over at Kale and Illadar. “My friends are also in need of food, I simply couldn’t allow them to suffer while I enjoy such a delicacy.”
Otha’s eyes narrowed. “If you don’t take it, I’ll crush it on this rock and send it back into the earth. Then it will be useless to us all. So take it.” Her face suddenly softened as though she realized her words were overly harsh. “I mean … please take it.” She added sweetly, “Besides, I have more food in the bag I brought. But I won’t share unless you eat this.” She shoved the nut near Thomas’s face.
“All right, dear, you win.” Thomas chuckled at her persistence, though grateful for her aid.
He crunched down on the nut, grinding it with his teeth into
many small pieces before forcing it down his extremely dry and burning throat. In just moments, the remaining black lines within his veins began to fade, and he felt an incredible amount of energy surge through his body.
They returned to the others who were baffled by Thomas’ complete recovery. Thomas explained the situation to them and informed the group of his young savior’s name.
“Aye, I knew she was a thief. Bet she’d come to claim me treasures. Shame I couldn’t add that pretty lil’ head to my collection.” Beshin snickered. “No child would just happen ta’ have a shroo nut, as though it were nothin’ more than a pebble in her pocket. Ye’ fools will get yers when she runs off with yer belongins’ tonight.” He laughed in amusement.
“Close your mouth.” Illadar jabbed an elbow into Beshin’s rib cage.
“Humph.” Otha looked away as she sat herself next to Thomas. She pulled up her pack and unraveled the tie. “You still need to eat more, Thomas.” Her hand slid inside the bag and pulled out a thick wheel of cheese. “For you,” she glanced at Thomas, “and … them as well.”
“My, you truly are quite strong!” Thomas exclaimed as he felt the weight of the yellow cheese. “This means a great deal to us and we will not forget your generosity. Thank you, Otha.” He carefully broke four large chunks and one very small piece for Beshin. Despite his strong desire to let the bandit starve, he knew it would only hinder their mission to risk the man’s life before returning to the sand village.
The cheese was incredibly sharp and flavorful. After each enjoyed their meal in silence, Kale licked a final crumb from his fingertip and glanced up at Otha.
“Why is it you were in a bandit camp? There were guards present—we saw them. There is no way you could have strolled in to find rest for the night as you say. You purposefully snuck inside of the walls, and I would assume it was for a greater purpose.” Kale’s eyes intensely locked with hers in an attempt to read her expression.
Otha sighed, “I suppose I’ve nothing to hide now. Beshin was right.” She dodged the expected glares of surprise on their faces. “I was trying to take some of his rare artifacts I heard were rumored to be in his possession. But I truly meant no harm!” She looked down shamefully. “My parents died from a terrible fever and I have to take care of myself.”
“Have you no one else to look after you, dear?” Thomas questioned sympathetically.
“I rely on no one—it only makes you weak.”
Thomas’s eyes widened at her words. “Impossible …” He muttered and shook his head.
“So where do you plan to go from here?” Kale interrupted Thomas’s thoughts as he pressed Otha for more answers.
“Not sure,” she casually replied. “I prefer to keep moving. There’s a whole world to see.”
Otha’s words reminded Kale of Neelan. Her free spirit and drive for adventure were two of the things that drew Kale to her. His chest tightened as he realized just how badly he was missing Neelan. Though, they had only been apart for a short while, life without her felt hollow.
“You’re welcome to stay with us as long as you’d like, dear,” Thomas added.
Otha didn’t reply, but instead leaned against Thomas and wrapped her tiny arms around his body. She nuzzled her head into the pit of his arm like a frightened child.
The group spent the remainder of the day sharing stories and making small talk. Eventually the sun began to set and they settled into their sleeping arrangements. Before laying to rest, Thomas used his dagger to slice down many of the palm leaves. He knew that they would embark upon their trip early and would no longer need the shade. He explained to the others that the leaves were edible.
Kale curled his lip at the thought of eating leaves, but figured they might prove to be of aid if they should grow weak from hunger. Knowing the night would be long and tiresome, he opted for the first shift in hopes of sleeping without worry once done. Beshin had been securely tied to one of the palm trunks and Kale assured the group that this time he would not fall asleep while on watch.
Thomas took the second shift, taking gentle care not to wake Otha who had fallen asleep with her arms slung around him. Illadar had the final shift, and woke feeling rejuvenated after earlier filling his belly with cheese and resting. He stared up at the sky, thinking back upon his past and the wife he so longed to hold in his arms once again. Though years had passed, there wasn’t a single day that he didn’t think of Kleana. The sun began to rise, filling the sky with a majestic array of hues. He rubbed his glassy eyes and sat upright. He immediately noticed the empty indentation in the sand where Otha once lay.
Illadar looked in all directions. “Get up, the girl is gone!”
Chapter 11: The Chamber
“What happened? I’m surprised you would allow a young girl to venture off before daylight.” Kale spoke as though there was a lump in his throat. He coughed, clearing the phlegm as he sat upright.
“I wouldn’t do that you dimwit. I’m certain I didn’t hear anything. She was there when I first took watch; then seemed to just … disappear. Look around kid, there aren’t any footprints.”
“The wind could easily conceal them,” Kale replied to Illadar.
“There is barely a breeze—it’s impossible,” Illadar defended his theory.
“I believe she has gone purposefully—though I cannot say how, or why,” Thomas added, “See here.” He motioned toward a neatly stacked pile of food.
As Kale and Illadar inspected the fruit, dried meats, and cheese, Thomas lifted a folded piece of cloth near his face. He delicately brushed a finger over the peach colored square of linen. The old sorcerer narrowed his eyes and examined the ornate designs embroidered into the fabric. Thomas quickly shoved the cloth into his pouch, unnoticed, and resumed an inconspicuous demeanor.
“If we moderate rations, this food should easily last until our return to the sand village.” Illadar’s mood appeared dramatically lifted at the thought of no longer aching in hunger.
“I guess the girl left to go wherever she planned to venture next. I wish her well,” Kale added in appreciation for the food.
“I hope she’ll be all right out there on her own. It’s a rough world—especially for a child.” Illadar gazed off into the distance, still baffled as to how she managed to slip away without notice.
They hurriedly ate a strip of dried beef before packing their belongings. The group wasted no time in putting ground between them and the Imbola Clan village. Still cool, the gentle breeze felt refreshing. Yet, they knew it wouldn’t take long before the rising sun would reflect from the sands and transform the barren land into a torturous terrain.
“Gather all belongings—we will be teleporting momentarily. Though, with the ever-changing landscape, I cannot focus on a nearby landmark to bring us near the sinking sand, I can get us roughly a day’s walk away. It should reduce our travel time by an additional day we cannot risk. I am feeling rejuvenated now—teleportation should not be an issue. Just keep a firm hold on our friend here,” Thomas spoke while gesturing toward Beshin.
They gathered close, and Illadar tugged firmly upon Beshin’s bindings.
“Ready yourselves.” Thomas closed his eyes and whispered.
With a zap, they were gone.
The group was thrown upon a sandy area near a cluster of shrubs. Illadar hastily tightened his grip upon Beshin, which had loosened during the gravitational pull of teleportation.
The bandit spat orange vomit from his mouth as he stood upright. He fought to show no weakness from the occurrence.
Illadar smirked and tugged Beshin firmly along. “No rest for the foul.”
“Thomas,” Kale spoke, “this was your landmark? Desert shrubs?”
“Indeed. It was the only thing I could recall which didn’t shift or reshape beyond recognition. Otherwise, we would be walking from the de
sert border in which we arrived.”
For a full day, they continued their journey across the sweltering desert before Kale began to grow frustrated and impatient.
“This ridiculous thing doesn’t work!” Kale shouted as he shoved the star-shaped stone into a pocket.
“It is because you are not close enough to the sand-village, young Firehart.” A deep voice spoke.
Kale turned to see the nearly transparent green dragon standing behind Thomas.
“Thank goodness you’ve come. Which direction do we go from here?” Kale spoke in the direction of Zandol.
“Pardon?” Thomas questioned.
“Not you—him—I mean, Zandol, that is.” Kale pointed over Thomas’s shoulder.
“Well, this isn’t awkward at all,” Thomas replied sarcastically.
“What are we gonna’ do now? I’m certain the pit must be close. I’ve managed to stop most of Beshin’s bleeding, but he’s still lost a lot and is gettin’ weaker by the day. So help me; if this bandit scum dies before we’re able to free Neelan, or get back the other things, someone is going to pay. I didn’t cross this desert nightmare to leave empty handed.” Illadar said while looking in all directions for any hint of a clue.
“Could ye’ at least not talk as though I can’t hear ye’? Bloody fools,” Beshin added before filling his mouth with saliva and spitting on Illadar’s boot in spite.
Illadar growled angrily and dug the tip of his boot into the sand to remove all the milky white mucus. “Disgustin’. Soon, is not soon enough for us to hand you over to the sand-people.”
Kale ignored Beshin’s vulgar behavior and approached Zandol. As a human, Kale was in awe at how massive the green dragon appeared in comparison.