by Aya Knight
“Will you please help us find the way? I fear for Neelan’s life and need your guidance.” Kale placed his own pride aside and pleaded with Zandol.
The Emerald Prince nodded. “I shall; follow me.” As he turned, his voice dropped. “But know, I have also come to warn you. Your mother fears that danger lurks near. She has instructed me to tell you the importance of keeping your eyes sharp, and your instincts alert.”
Kale paused a moment and furrowed his brows in thought. “Did she say what kind of danger is near?”
Beshin interrupted with mad laughter. “Ye’ say danger be near? Aye, I knew me men would come lookin’ for me. Ye’ best be watchin’ yer tracks—I’m sure an ambush is comin’. No one trifles with the Imbola Clan and lives to tell.”
Zandol inspected the bandit leader. “I see it is without question that you’ve successfully invaded the Clan’s village.” He huffed, “What an ugly human.”
“My thoughts exactly.” Kale looked toward Beshin with disgust.
In that moment, Kale found himself slightly regretful for wasting away so many years in solitude. He realized how much enjoyment he might have had if only he’d left his den and united with his brethren. Kale enjoyed Zandol’s company and found their similar personalities comforting.
The group followed Kale’s lead as he walked steadily behind the large dragon apparition.
Eventually Zandol stopped in his tracks. “This is as far as I can take you. We are in the same vicinity as before, though with the ever-changing winds, it is impossible to know where the entrance is. From this moment, you must trust in yourself, Firehart. Until next time,” Zandol bowed his massive head, “farewell … and may the dragon’s rise again. I have faith you will rescue the unborn and return to Zasha safely.” He faded away as quickly as he had appeared.
Kale sighed. “Well, let’s begin. I have the stone, so I think it would be best if we all remained together—especially with him.” He motioned toward Beshin.
“Do ye’ maggots intend ta’ tell me what ye’ plan ta’ do with me?” Beshin questioned.
“You don’t deserve the pleasure,” Kale shot back. “Keep moving.”
“We’re going to need to quicken our pace, my friends. See there,” Thomas pointed to a cloudy haze in the distance, “a sand storm is approaching. It could be deadly should we not find shelter in time. Our very surroundings will attack our flesh like many tiny daggers.”
“We absolutely cannot fail. Let’s keep going.” Kale trudged through the sand, holding a firm grip upon the star-shaped stone in hopes of an indication that the sinking hole was near.
The wind began to increase and the tiny bits of rock stirred against their ankles. They knew that soon, the storm would be upon them. The sky darkened and Kale shielded his eyes from the constant gusts which blew violently against his face.
“Kale! We’ve gotta’ get outta’ here! The storm’s comin’ in too strong!” Illadar called out over the heavy wheezing of wind.
“I’m not leaving yet! We must be close—please, wait a moment longer!” Kale frantically began to kick at the sand, yelling out vulgarities in anger.
As the wind lashed at their bodies in a steady rhythm, Thomas pulled Kale by the arm. He yelled out, but Kale could hear nothing over the raging gusts.
Despite Thomas’s efforts, Kale forced his body forward against the invisible pressing force. The storm had increased to where even the simple task of walking was a challenge. In a final attempt of desperation, Kale thrust his arm out, gripping the stone within tightened knuckles.
To his astonishment, it began to react. He nearly dropped his jaw in surprise, but quickly caught himself before any sand entered through his lips. His heart raced with excitement.
The group struggled with each step, and their faces now felt incredibly raw from the constant grains of sand that grazed their skin. They moved forth, watching through squinted eyes as the stone emitted a vibrantly powerful light that increased as they moved.
Kale heard a faint noise and looked to his side to find Illadar and Beshin missing. Taking a leap of faith, he tightly gripped onto Thomas and jumped, pulling the old sorcerer with him. Their bodies immediately slid down into the earth, and Kale couldn’t have been more thrilled to feel the suffocating sands squeezing at his ribcage.
As Kale and Thomas fell against the firm ground, they were immediately swarmed by the sand-people. Before any words were exchanged, they were lifted and carried through the dark tunnels.
“What in Pan’s name is going on?! I’m beginning to wonder if Beshin isn’t the only one being taken captive. Where is Neelan? Put us down at once, we had an agreement!” Kale demanded.
The sand-people took no regard to Kale’s words as they continued on, until reaching the large, open village. They were seated next to Illadar, and surrounded defensively. Many men with staves in hand stood at attention, keeping careful watch upon their actions.
After many moments, they could see the hunched figure, wrapped from head to toe in dark cloth approach.
“Welcome back. This is a joyous occasion indeed. We have taken the Imbola Clan leader prisoner until the celebration is over, then the sacrifice shall commence.”
“And after, you allow us to walk free, with Neelan?” Kale questioned.
“Correct. You shall go your way, and we shall finally have the peace we’ve so longed for.” Reem replied.
“And what about the eggs? When will I get them into my possession?” Kale began to grow impatient after such a long journey.
“This will come at the celebration; as will the young elf,” Reem stated. “For now, rest. We will wake you when it is time.”
“You truly expect me to sleep without having seen that Neelan is safe and well? I refuse!” Kale protested.
“She also rests now, and will require all the strength she can muster on your journey out of this desert. I advise you to try, while able. Once the ceremony has concluded, you must leave here at once, or risk certain death. When we move on from this earth, the Guardians will leave this place as well—there will no longer be an oxygen source from the craters. The limited supply will deplete rapidly. Do not bring forth your own demise—rest so you will have strength to protect those you cherish in this world; and the future of your brethren.”
Kale rubbed his forehead, which still ached from the excessive sun exposure and forceful sand storm. He hadn’t recalled ever falling asleep in the small hut, yet there he lay, slowly regaining a conscious mind. Reem loomed over him, insisting it was time to wake. A bright light shone in through the window and Kale could now see Illadar and Thomas standing just outside.
“Join us, dragon. The celebration has begun.” Reem extended a cloth-wrapped hand.
Kale was surprised to find that Reem’s hand felt extremely human-like. Not at all as he had expected.
They emerged into a commotion of song and dance, and Kale couldn’t help but wonder how he had managed to sleep through the noise. It was rather amusing to Kale, seeing the formerly solemn sand-people with such a cheerful demeanor. The men moved in similar fluent motions, and Reem explained it was a traditional dance known to their people—a recognition of new beginnings.
Their movement suddenly came to a halt and Kale could see the raised platform being carried toward him. It lowered to the ground, and in an instant, Neelan burst from behind the sheer curtains.
“Oh, Kale!” Neelan leapt into the air and landed with arms snugly around Kale’s neck. She wrapped her legs around his waist and leaned close to his face. The heat from her breath caressed Kale’s lips with anticipation. “I’ve missed you so …” She softly spoke while gazing deep into his eyes.
“And I you—more than you could know.” Kale leaned forward, allowing his lips to press lightly upon hers as they passionately embraced as though no one else existed.
“There’s food left?” Illadar questioned while gripping his stomach in hunger.
Reem clapped his hands and two sand-people stepped forward, holding a large animal speared through the center. It was golden brown and appeared to be fully roasted.
“You never can tell what’s going to venture across the sinking sand,” Reem explained.
Kale was certain that if Reem actually had a face, he would be smiling.
They feasted quickly and soon were instructed to gather at the large doors. The sand-people assembled in two parallel lines, facing in with their heads bowed and arms stiff at their sides. Reem guided Kale and his friends before the chamber entrance and once again requested Kale’s hand.
Kale bit his bottom lip in preparation for the blade to slice into the tender meat of his palm. The blood oozed out from each side of the pressing steel, and Kale withdrew his arm, gritting his teeth as he slapped his palm upon the massive door. The foreign words, written on both panels, illuminated as the door milked at his wound.
“Ugh! That’s enough.” Kale withdrew his hand protectively.
The doors rumbled and shook before creeping open to reveal the rancid smell of the skeleton chamber.
“You may enter, dragon. Your companions may join, but know that only you can retrieve that which is intended for your own hands. I cannot accompany you this time; though I will wait just outside. Your destiny waits.” Reem bowed.
They watched as Reem’s body disappeared behind the sizable doors; shutting them within the death-filled chamber.
Chapter 12: Deception
“This is rather unexpected.” Thomas inspected the room in better detail. “I presume we must take caution with each move. I find it rather odd that Reem has not joined us.”
“Let’s get this over with so we can return to the surface.” Kale approached a large, red egg.
“Hopefully the storm has passed, or I think I’d rather take my chances down here for awhile longer,” Illadar replied. He reached a hand out toward a vibrant blue and yellow egg.
Illadar’s finger had barely grazed the egg’s shell when he felt a painfully firm grip upon his forearm. His eyes shot down to see the bony fingers of a skeletal corpse pinching into his flesh. He vigorously shook his arm and leapt back. Many animated corpses sluggishly stood and made way toward Illadar.
“Kale, look!” Neelan called out. “We’ve got to help him.” She hurried near the skeletal zombies and raised her arms in the air. “This way—I’m over here!” Her voice echoed across the room as she attempted to distract the walking dead in her direction. The skeletons pressed forward, never acknowledging Neelan’s existence.
Illadar withdrew his claymore and steadied his footing. He swung the blade forward, smashing through the many skeletal bodies. Their bones fell to the ground in misshapen piles without any further movement. As Illadar began to regain confidence in the situation, he felt a pair of bony arms wrap around his torso from behind. He struggled to break free from the astoundingly strong grip as pain began to overtake his senses. The skeleton’s teeth tore at Illadar’s flesh, digging into his meaty back with every movement of its jaw.
Kale and Neelan swiftly raced to Illadar’s aid. Neelan was the first to approach, and without restraint, she slammed her foot into the skeleton’s body. Its pelvic bone shifted and the animated corpse lost its footing.
Kale seized the moment and pulverized the skeleton’s spine with his elbow.
Feeling no pain, the skeleton held its grip on Illadar. Kale and Neelan could now see the heavy amount of blood that saturated his tunic.
“Kale! I now understand Reem’s words—only you must touch the eggs! Quickly—place your hand upon the egg Illadar has touched,” Thomas commanded.
Though uncertain, and hesitant to leave Illadar with the attacker, Kale did as instructed. The moment his palm caressed the outer shell, Illadar moaned in relief and buckled to his knees. The skeleton had fallen to the ground in a loose formation of bones.
“Reem should be grateful that my sword has no ill effect on his body. I’d be tempted to slice him in two after this. I can only wonder if it was his walkin’ corpse that tore my back open. Bloody nightmare this place is.” Illadar struggled to his feet. He sighed and attempted to glance over a shoulder to inspect the burning wound.
The egg felt warm beneath Kale’s touch and he couldn’t help but admire the beauty of its shell.
“I wonder if I also came from an egg as magnificent as this.” Kale gently lifted the egg into his arms, captivated by the thought that a renewed hope had come for his kind.
The skeletal arms, which had so protectively held the egg, fell effortlessly to the corpse’s side. Kale smirked, feeling a surge of joy race through his body. It was a moment filled with emotion; he swallowed hard in an attempt to clear the lump from his throat. “I can feel it … the life inside. It’s—a female.” Kale brought the egg to his forehead and closed his eyes as the moment brought a closeness he had never felt before with his brethren. “I’m naming you Hope.” He grinned. “You’re the first dragon I’ve ever touched—well, you will be soon enough. I promise I’ll get you to Zasha safely.”
“Bring them to me.” Thomas gestured in his direction. Without laying touch upon the eggs, the old sorcerer closed his eyes and hovered a palm above each shell. “Alaria!” He spoke as a barrier of protection was cast upon the three. “As you know, this will only sustain them from one direct, damaging hit. Without being able to touch the eggs, this is the only protection I can offer.”
Kale gathered the eggs and gently placed each within his large brown bag, padded with layers of cloth. He slowly slung the straps over a shoulder and raised a clenched fist to the heavens. “We did it! I cannot believe we finally have them.”
Neelan, Illadar, and Thomas each placed a hand upon Kale’s shoulder. There was a moment when Kale felt as though he was the luckiest individual within the entire world of Revaxis to have such amazing friends who cared so deeply for him. This was not their journey—it was his—and yet, here they remained, so loyally by his side. Yet again, they risked their lives to help him achieve his sought goals. He knew that never again could he willingly return to the life of solitude he once so longingly clung to.
“All right, Kale; let’s get out of here before I get teary eyed,” Neelan halfheartedly joked. “We’ve come this far, and now it is time to find Zasha—your mother.” She smiled.
They approached the large doors with haste, and upon Kale’s touch, they rumbled open. The sand-people remained stationary with heads bowed. Reem tapped his staff to the ground and the doors closed upon Kale’s exit.
“I see you have obtained what you’ve come for, dragon,” Reem spoke.
“I did.” Kale nodded.
“I came for somethin’ also.” Illadar added. He thrust his tightly closed fist into the side of Reem’s head. The impact caused a sizable indent and Reem stumbled to hold onto his footing. “That’s for not warnin’ us about your crazed dead bodies in there.”
Reem tilted his neck as his eyes illuminated with a vibrant orange glow. “Oh, but I did—you just did not listen.” He rapped his staff upon the ground and a sand-serpent raised its vicious head from beneath Illadar’s feet.
The serpent shot up, swiftly slithering its grainy body around Illadar’s torso; locking his arms tightly in place.
“Do not be foolish when the opportunity to leave this place draws near. I won’t hesitate to abandon you here with him to rot.” Reem motioned toward the serpent. With a slight shudder, Reem’s head began to take shape once again.
“I think everyone needs to calm themselves,” Neelan spoke. “We wish to leave this place, and you desire to move onto the afterlife. We should continue onto the cerem
ony and stop this ridiculous behavior.”
Reem’s eyes faded to black and the snake crumbled away at Illadar’s feet. “Forgive me.” He bowed. “The young elf is right.”
Illadar sighed. “Yes … I too apologize. I shouldn’t have allowed my emotions to consume me.”
Once back near the huts, Thomas performed a minor healing spell on Illadar’s back while awaiting Reem’s return with his men and Beshin.
Soon, many steady footsteps could be heard and vulgarities filled the air. They knew at once that Beshin was being escorted for the ceremony. A wide crater snapped and hissed as bubbles of molten rock boiled far below. Despite the incredible depth, a natural vibrancy shone brightly from the crater’s mouth.
Reem waved his hand, and his eyes flickered orange as the sand surrounding his feet maneuvered into a solid platform which hung out over the fiery pit. The group knew this would soon be the place where Beshin would take his final breath.
The sand-people began to chant in a foreign tongue and, within moments, Beshin was forced forward with hands bound behind his back.
Beshin’s thick, black beard had thoroughly absorbed the sweat which continuously rolled down his cheeks. The beads of perspiration now dribbled down upon his chest, matting his tattered shirt against his flesh. Though well aware of his planned demise, Beshin revealed no hint of fear. His rough demeanor remained strong, even in the face of death itself. He looked forward with his rotted teeth bared and a sinister grin. Beshin abruptly stopped in his tracks, once within distance of Neelan.
“Ye’ didn’t tell me that yer’ wench had such a body. Even if she is one of them.” His eyes traced upon her long, pointed ears. “I’d love ta’ see what’s beneath those fancy clothes of yers’.” Beshin chuckled to himself.