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Archives: A New Balance

Chapter 16: Desert Post: Camp

    The mysterious dancer led the group through the desert with expertise. It was, after all, her natural habitat. The wind had picked up over the course of the day, throwing sand into the air and causing the surface they moved over shifty at best. Of course, Rose navigated it with expertise. She always seemed to know where she was going.

    After several turns and alterations of course, the group found what Rose was looking for. The lean-to was old, but stable. Large enough to shelter a group of travelers like themselves, it would provide the necessary shelter from the wind and the sand it carried. A few old tools and forgotten supplies laid scattered amidst it. The lean-to hadn’t been used for a long time, or so it appeared. “We should rest here. If the wind picks up much more, then we shouldn’t continue anyway.” Rose fell from Leaf’s horse like a feather, her streams of silk scarves floating gracefully behind her as she approached the lean-to.

    It was common for thieves to employ these old things. In fact, thieves were often the ones to construct them as a place to hide after looting. Rose felt at home in these places. During the wars, it wasn’t odd to rest there while heading to her next target.

    During the ride, Zira had to don her cloak again, this time to hide from the flailing sand. She could have summoned Sylph to protect them, but keeping the air elemental’s attention all day was draining. She planned a more powerful summon to try and find Leaf as well, she couldn’t drain her spiritual energy.

    The dark elf slipped off Thunder’s back and moved her hand to the gelding’s neck. She paused beside her horse, looking at her companions, trying to gage their trust in Rose thus far. She was so annoyed by the human’s show-stealing flirting, she couldn’t be sure if her distrust was due to her own pride or something deeper. Women that seductive were rarely trustworthy. They fed on the power their beauty and sensuality gave them, and that power often corrupted.

* * *

    Kilij snuck behind a great rock. A small cavity was empty therein, and he creeped in. A sand storm was rising and he needed a shelter. It was suicide to go on in a storm and, anyway, the group had stopped in a lean-to.

    That was another great idea of his lover. The two of them had often used lean-to during the war, and they knew well where they stand. Every stop in such a shelter was delaying the group and, furthermore, a way to leave tracks for the eyes of the assassin only. As usual, Jleslie was perfect. The group could no more go on without her, and she led them without any problem.

    The sand was beginning to reduce the light, but Kilij could still see the lean-to. The group was gathering around Jleslie. That party might be not as boring as I supposed. Some of them might be worth fighting, and some of them look like magic-users. Kilij had had lot of fun avoiding to be seen, especially with the wyvern-rider. More that once he had to use his magical cloak to hide, but no one could have noticed him.

    Kilij readjusted his veil while looking at the lean-to. He must be ready to face everything, including a betrayal of some of the party’s members...

* * *

    This was a time for quiet thought for Edwin as the group let Rose lead them. Coming up to the lean-to, he could understand why they had to rest until the wind died down. Patting Night Raven’s mane, he jumped down and brushed off some of the sand on his armor. The chances of finding Leaf were becoming more and more focused on this Rose and he did not like that at all. Looking over to Zira, he was not sure what she thought about Rose, but he would ask after he could get her away from the others. Making his way to the lean-to, he saw if there was anything of use in the way of forgotten tools or supplies.

    Zira noticed that neither Rose or Edwin bothered to take care of their horses’ needs, leaving them standing in the open to deal with the gusts of sandy wind. Zira led Thunder forward, then took the reins of the Rose’s horse and Night Raven, and took them to the leeward side of the lean-to.

    She did what she could to make them comfortable, but they had little feed, or water to share. She probably could summon up a well from the water table underground at least, but there was nothing she could do to feed them. Water was the most important though.

    Despite the wind, Patience kept true to her name as Ashe guided her behind Zira’s Thunder. “Good. Girl.” Ashe patted her nose as she settled herself into the spot Ashe led her to. “Patience.”

    It was true. Rose seemed to have no care for the horse’s well-being. It was obvious at the very least that she knew little about animals. She examined the lean-to, deciding it to be stable. Despite the shelter, Rose did not drop her veil, which still covered most of her face. Instead, she sat down in the center of the shelter and leaned back relaxingly. The wind was strong, but it didn’t bother her now that comfort was found, though that comfort was relative. Compared to her previous experiences with travel, it wasn’t half bad.

* * *

    Jeren, on the other hand, was still in the air. The wind storm was something he was forced to fly through instead of above. With the sand kicking up so high, it became hard for him to keep his eagle eyes on his companions. Many times, he was nearly blinded by it. Wind in the face was one thing, but sand? It stung more than winter weather! While everyone else gathered around, Jeren was still somewhere in the sky, possibly looking for a place to land.

* * *

    Zira smiled to Ashe as he took care of his horse. Giving them all a pat, Zira went into the lean-to and it instantly felt far too small. She could barely keep from sneering when she saw Rose. The sudden anger that the woman elicited in her was a surprise. She bit her tongue to keep from reacting further. Was it such a good idea to accept her help?

    Zira glanced outside to see Kai and Dorian riding up and began to wonder just when Jeren was going to land. She turned her gaze to Edwin, and her red eyes met his, expressing the powerful emotion she was trying to control. She wasn’t angry at him, and that much was obvious, but the look could have easily been mistaken for lust.

    Edwin watched Zira take care of his and Rose’s horses. He could not believe he was that stupid to forget the needs of Night Raven. Sighing, he would have to remember to take care of own steed from now on. Watching the others, he was glad most had made it to the lean-to, through he could not help but worried Jeren was still out in the mess of all.

    In most cases, Edwin would have admitted that Rose had an alluring appeal to her, but with how she appeared and how Leaf had been taken Edwin was not going to trust her until she proved herself. Even he was not going to trust her with his life. Turning his head, he could not help but turn his gaze toward Zira as he tried to get his thoughts away from what has happened the night before. When his eyes meet with hers, he could not help but get lost within their enchanting allure. Something was going on with Zira, but he was not sure what it was.

    He turned and headed over to Zira, shaking his head slightly, trying to figure out a way to talk to her with out drawing too much attention to them, especially from Rose. “Sorry, next time I will remember to take care of Night Raven myself, I just got lost in thought... To much is happening.”

    Zira nodded absently to Edwin. “Good,” she said. “Respect her and she’ll respect you,” the dark elf added, but she was obviously distracted. Where was Jeren? Was he lost in the storm? She glanced out the door, hoping to see a sign of the dragon rider, but only Dorian and Kai were outside, taking care of their horses.

    “I’m going to try and help Jeren down,” Zira announced, then stepped out of the lean to.

    “Take care of your horses,” she ordered Dorian and Kai as she walked passed them.

    The dark elf walked around to the side of the lean-to, then climbed up onto the roof. She pulled her hood down over her head to protect herself from the sand, at least momentarily. Raising her hands up to the sky, she began to call to Sylph. “Spirits of the Wind, come to me,” she started. Once she felt the shift in winds, she knew they answered. “Seek out the wyvern and her rider. Tell me where they are,” Zira instructed, and the spirits departed.

    Moments later, the spirits returned and a breeze tugged at her cloak, blowing upwards from behind her and directed her southwest. With her answer, she called to them again. “Sylph, spirit of the Wind, break your breeze around me and open a path to the wyvern.”

    As if an invisible wedge was placed in front of the lean-to, the wind broke around the building and opened up a calm path from her to Jeren.

    Much to the surprise of the dragon rider, the air cleared out in a pathway, showing him exactly where Zira, at the very least was. While it didn’t solve all of his problems, it certainly helped. There was no solid place to land and he couldn’t land too close to them in this weather... Normally, landing in fields was choice, because the ground was solid, but softer than stone. Sand could be a real issue, because some heavier animals tended to sink into it, or so he heard. No matter what, Jeren thought to himself, this is going to be a rough landing.

    With no other choice, Jeren and his grand mount began to descend into a whirlwind of flying desert. With no choice but to close his eyes, he left landing to her. The torrent shook the small dragon violently. Nightfire struggled to maintain herself in the air, but the rushing and swirling winds fought her. The world began to meld together in a mess of browns and yellows. And then, it hit. Like he simply fell out of the sky, they hit the sand uncontrollably. Nightfire’s legs hit the sand first, but it did no good but drag sand around. The more she sunk in , the more she lost her ability to keep up. Soon, her belly struck the surface hard, and began to roll over. Nightfire’s wings flapped wildly, trying to regain a sense of balance. With all speed, Jeren ripped off the security rope and without any hint of grace, threw himself from the tumbling dragon. Jeren looked up to watch his poor mount roll onto her back with a painful cry before skidding to a stop.

    Jeren struggled to get up, only to feel an aching pain in his back and neck. The knight coughed out the sand he got a face full of as he struggled to where is mount laid. Jeren wasn’t sure how far off he was from the lean-to. It could be a little ways away, or it could be over a mile. Jeren hadn’t been able to see as they went down. The knight made it to his pained mount, who groaned in protest. “Nightfire!” he called out. The weather was getting worse. “Are you hurt?” She groaned, struggling against the sand. Jeren heard an uncomfortable snap as she spread her wings, though they didn’t seem too weak. The knight had heard about dragons being able to adjust their own bone structure when injured. Perhaps that was it. Her small legs didn’t seem to be doing much in the sand. “Alright baby... I’ll get you out of this...” The knight desperately fell to his knees and began to dig with his hands, trying to get the sand away from her surely crumpled legs underneath her. At least she was right-side up now. “Come on, Love,” he said, “I need you to push up with your wings.” The beast pushed herself up as best she could wing her muscular wings. She heaved upward, revealing her legs somewhat. She pushed on her legs as well, trying to pull them out. With a lurch, one taloned foot broke free and laid flat. Soon, her other leg was free and, weakly, the dragon regained movement, though not well. The sands in this area were particularly fine and thus very shifty. Not good for a dragon...

    Zira saw the wyvern come down, but she was lost behind a dune. She could hear the commotion of their landing and feared the worst. The elf hopped down from the roof to the lean-to and dashed across the sand. Soon enough, she found where Nightfire struggled in the sand, and reacted quickly.

    “Gnome, spirit of the earth, give the wyvern solid ground!” She summoned the earth elemental and the sand beneath Nightfire hardened to sandstone.

    Jeren didn’t even look at Zira. His mind only had room for one: Nightfire. The two of them were all each other had, up until now. Losing Nightfire for any reason would probably kill someone like the dragon knight. His life revolved around her. Seeing her in agony drove him wild. As The dragon struggled to lift her feet, Jeren pulled at them with his own arms, as if his own arm muscle could do much to aid her. But soon, the sand solidified around them, making walking easier. The dragon got her footing, but one of her wings still seemed shaky and she was favoring one of her feet. Nightfire’s head snaked around, still shocked from the fall. Jeren latched his arms around her head, holding it as close as he could manage. “I’m so sorry,” he muttered over and over again to the aching dragon.

    “You gotta move, sweet heart... You gotta. Are you ready? Good... Follow me slowly,” he continued, slowly pulling her head towards Zira. Like a horse, her body followed wherever her head was taken, so Jeren walked backwards in whatever direction Zira came from. All of the while, he gave words of encouragement to the beast, telling her how well she was doing, despite her struggles in the sand.

    Zira noticed Nightfire’s discomfort and was concerned for the wyvern. The dark elf hurried down the dune toward Jeren and Nightfire to offer what help she could.

    “She isn’t hurt bad, is she?” Zira asked as she reached Jeren.

    “She landed on a wing and one of her legs got dragged under in the sand. Come on, Love... I won’t know how bad they are until I can check her out,” Jeren said, his eyes never leaving his ailing comrade in arms. “There is something you can do, though. I’m willing to bet that she won’t be able to make it up that dune because her claws will sink too deep. I hate to be a bother, but is there something you could do about that?”

* * *

    Dorian was extremely lost, but not in the direction sense. The adventurer was so out of it, that he had not realized that they had set up camp until Zira had snapped at him to take care of his horse. The young man offered a slight nod, and did what he had to, before trying to find himself alone in the camp, which would have been a hard thing to do. Dorian sighed, and tossed his ponytail, before reaching into his bag, and looking at that necklace again. “Leaf... stay strong... we’re coming for you. I promise...” Dorian said, before closing his eyes, and squeezing the necklace in the palm of his hand.

    Zira had ran off, and Edwin was not going to push anything at the moment, seeing how distracted she was. Then there was a loud roar out in the sands. “Oh no, that can’t be good.” Looking over to Dorian, he shook his head slightly. “Dorian watch out for everyone here. I am going to see what is going on. I have a bad feeling Jeren has had some trouble.” With that, Edwin darted toward the sound of the roar.

    Dorian gave a slight nod as he watched Zira and Edwin head off. The adventurer let out a sigh, and placed that pendant back in his pack as he looked around their small camp, just to see who was left. Truthfully, he was worried about the roar he heard earlier, and he was worried about Leaf. But he decided to walk around the camp, just to think the current situations over in his head.

* * *

    The wind was still breaking around the lean-to with Zira’s Sylph spell. She still held Sylph’s attention to protect Jeren and Nightfire from the sandy wind, and she still hadn’t fully released Gnome. “Spirits of the Earth, create a path for the wyvern’s steps,’ Zira bid the elementals, and a path of sandstone formed out of the dune in front of Nightfire, the path would continue ahead of the wyvern’s steps until Zira told Gnome to stop.

    Slowly and carefully, the distraught knight led his best friend across the solidified sand. His face looked like tears should have been crossing it. He could do nothing but look into Nightfire’s eyes and call out encouraging words. The black dragon groaned with every step and limped her way after him. Jeren couldn’t help but feel responsible for this. It was his call to land as they did and it hurt her in the end. I did this to her... he kept whispering to himself. There would be no happy arrival at the camp. No joke about bad weather.

    As Edwin made his way up the dune, the dark form of Jeren’s mount appeared at the top. The knight was walking backwards, holding on to her neck like his life depended on it. “I’m so sorry...” he kept saying to her, even though she probably couldn’t hear it over the wind. The knight saw nothing but her. No world existed to him anymore. A dragon knight owed as much of a duty to his dragon as he did his country or his comrades. After all, half of the title was the dragon. In Jeren’s mind, half of himself was suffering. Like cutting of a limb, losing a dragon was one of the worst things a dragon knight could go through. Nightfire was by no means dying, but it hurt just the same to him.

    Even with the Gnome’s magic, getting back down the dune was tough for Nightfire with unsure footing and a lack of balance. But soon enough, both made it to the lean-to. With a pained groan, Nightfire curled up into the sand and spread out her good wing like a tent. Her head snaked in, making a clever shelter for her face. It even looked to have room enough for a couple of people as well. Whenever there was bad weather, Jeren would always sleep under her wing with her. Instead of entering the lean-to or climbing under her wing, he continued to check her out, despite his bad back pain...

    Zira waited near Jeren, concerned for the safety of Nightfire. Her magical support was no longer needed, so she released Sylph and Gnome; “Spirits of the Air and Earth, I thank you.”

    When she ended the spell, her head swam for a moment and she staggered. The dark elf put her hand to her temple and tried to will away the feeling of vertigo.

    Frowning, Edwin made his way up the dune. He could only stand there, seeing Nightfire walking and it was clear that the noble creature was in some sort of pain as Jeren was helping her up the dune.

    That was when he noticed that Zira stagger. Not really being able to help with Nightfire, he could at least be there for Zira. Running over to her, Edwin placed his hands over her shoulders to help her regain her balance. “Do I even want to know what has happened?”

    Zira rested herself against Edwin’s support until the sense of vertigo passed. “Just a little spell fatigue,” she assured him. “I’m fine now.” Though she wasn’t sure if she could complete the powerful seeking spell she needed to.

    “Nightfire had a hard landing on the sand,” Zira explained to Edwin. “It was too soft for her to get her footing and she hurt herself. I don’t know how bad.”

    Edwin nodded as she told him what was going on. He turned to look back to the path that Jeren and Nightfire had taken. “I pray that she is not hurt bad. Let’s get you back to the lean-to and then I will see if there is anything I go do for Jeren and Nightfire.” With that, Edwin moved to help Zira toward the lean-to if she needed any support. She said she was fine, but he was going to careful with this weather around them.

    When Edwin offered to take her back to the lean-to, Zira shrugged away his support. She didn’t want to be ushered off as an invalid. “I’m fine now,” she insisted.

    The dark elf strode forward to Jeren and Nightfire. While Jeren could see wounds, Zira would be able to feel them with a little focus. She went to the wyvern’s head, hidden under a massive wing. Crouching down and peeking into the shadows under the wyvern’s black wing, she cooed, “Nightfire...” If she could make eye contact with the wyvern, she could try and find out where the pain was.

    The dragoness looked at Zira for a moment strangely. This was the first time the creature had ever met an elf, so her presence was an odd one for sure. Nightfire looked unsure, but let the eye contact happen. Her leg and wing were hurt, but nothing that wouldn’t heal itself. Her left side felt bruised, but, other than that, she was fine. It wasn’t the first time she had taken a tumble. There was far more concern for her rider in her eyes than there ever would be for herself, though.

    Zira won the wyvern’s attention and locked her eyes with one of Nightfire’s large eyes. After a few moments of seeking, Zira found herself a link to Nightfire’s emotions. She couldn’t read the wyvern’s thoughts, but she could sense her emotions, and pain. Zira felt a phantom ache in her arm, along her side, and what felt like a wing. Nothing was too serious though. She also sensed Nightfire’s worry for Jeren.

    Breaking eye contact, Zira gave Nightfire’s sleek, scaled head a stroke. “Thank you for letting me in,” she murmured, then crawled out from under the wing.

    Zira went to Jeren and placed her hand on the dragon rider’s shoulder. “Jeren, she’ll be fine. She’s just a little bruised up, but nothing severe,” Zira told him.

    “If she is in pain, it is not fine,” Jeren replied softly. “When she hurts, so do I.” The knight was still dazed from his own impact, but his eyes never left his mount. Nightfire was everything to him and nothing could replace her. “I must sleep with her tonight and comfort her. I am sorry I cannot join you all.”

    Rose watched with disinterest at the touching scene out in the dust storm. “Oh please...” she muttered, pulling up her veil. He was attached to a beast! How stupid was that? It wasn’t human. That pathetic mini-dragon was nothing like a human. It was nothing like Zira or herself, with attractive curves and a face that melted men to nothing. What did they teach dragon riders? She wondered if they taught those boys to love those beasts in every way. Disgusting!

    “We should get to eating soon. The more time for rest, the better around here. Besides, it will be getting cold quick,” the dancer said, leaning on her arms leisurely.

    “Alright,” Zira nodded. She wasn’t going to fight him. In fact, she found it very honorable. “How about you though? Are you hurt?” she asked. Zira heard Rose talking about dinner behind her, but she wanted to make sure Jeren didn’t need any more help.

    “I’m a bit sore, but my pride is my only major wound,” Jeren said, running his hands carefully across those beaten scales. “Don’t worry about me, Miss Zira. I’ll be just fine in due time.”

    Zira nodded. “At least get yourself some dinner, alright?” the dark elf said, then turned away. She headed back to the lean-to, slipping into thought as she walked. After a short rest and meal, she would attempt a ritual to find Leaf. She would have to do it out of Rose’s sight, perhaps taking Edwin with her to make the woman think that it was some lover’s rendezvous.

    Shaking his head with a soft sigh through with a smile, Edwin let Zira go off on her own. “Well, I can not deny I admire her strength.” He turned to move back at the lean-to, watching Zira head toward Jeren and Nightfire. “I should have known she could take care of getting herself back with out much trouble. If anyone can help those two, I would say it would be her,” he said to himself.

    Edwin returned to the lean-to and nodded to all within, and moved to check on the horses. Patting Night Raven gently, he took the time to get adjusted and see what everyone else was up to.

    This lack of attention is suffocating, Rose thought to herself as she leaned back. This was perhaps the first time that men simply ignored her. She was, without a doubt, the most beautiful thing there and they barely even looked at her! What was with these people? The dancer sighed audibly, hoping someone would care to join her lonely self...

    The dark elf sat down inside the lean-to next to Dorian and exhaled heavily. Zira leaned back, propping herself up on her hands placed on the ground behind her. “Nightfire and Jeren had a rough landing on the sand,” she explained the the men inside. “Both have some superficial wounds, but a night’s rest and a meal should do them some good, but beyond sacrificing a horse, I don’t know how we’re going to feed a wyvern out in the desert.”

    “You don’t,” Rose replied quickly. “That’s why you don’t know how to.” There was nothing to eat or drink it a desert. Nothing big enough for a wyvern, anyway. Things lived there and found water, but nothing on its size. The beast would have to fast. There really wasn’t a way around it. There were nomads around and some of them traded, but rarely. Most livestock stayed away from this area, so it would be tough at best. The only hope she saw for him was to fly back every so often. After all, he did move considerably faster than they did and he could scan below for them on his way back.

    Zira glared sharply at Rose from the corner of her eyes. She didn’t care for the sarcastic response the dancer gave. The dark elf broke out her rations and began to eat. She had to get a little food in her before attempting a spell to find Leaf.

    Dorian remained absolutely quiet and to himself for most of the day, droning out the sounds of his companions. In fact, he was quite unaware of some of the changes to his group. All that was on his mind right now was Leaf. The young man let out another sigh, and made his way over to Zira, sitting beside her. For about the first time all day, the young adventurer finally said something. “Zira... is it even possible? No, I shouldn’t even ask. I know we can find her.” The young man spoke in barely a whisper. “I promise you, Leaf... I’ll get you out... I’ll bring you back safely...”

    “Didn’t I already tell you that I’m taking you in the only direction they could have taken her?” the dancer said with a sigh. “With me on your side, darling, you’ll have their throats in time.” Rose adjusted herself, but made no apparent intention to move herself. Resting in the draping silk of her costume, she seemed completely at ease.

    Zira’s sensitive hearing picked up Dorian’s whisper. “Damn boy, you’re really caught up on her. We can’t have you moping about all the time, we’re going to need you to be alert, you understand me?” Zira replied to Dorian.

    The adventurer offered a nod to Zira, and spoke softly, “Sorry... I’ll be more alert.” Dorian looked at that pendant once more, before storing it in his pack again. “I made a promise to Ryna, Zira... That I’d keep an eye on her. ... I’m not doing a good job, am I?” The young man sighed, and pulled out a few rations of his own. “We’ll find her. I know it.” He looked over at Zira, and offered a smile.

    Zira casually leaned back, putting her back to Edwin’s shoulder as she spoke to Dorian. “Well, what else is there to say then?” she replied with a smile. He had mentioned Ryna, which brought Zira’s thoughts back to the two they left behind in Hilt. She didn’t want to send a message to them about what happened to Leaf for the risk of endangering Ryna’s pregnancy.

    The adventurer cracked a small smile at Zira, before speaking once more. Dorian looked at the pendant in his hand before continuing. “I guess you could say I’m an explorer... an adventurer.” He cracked another smile at Zira before continuing, “I usually find myself in places no one’s been in quite awhile. That’s where I found this...” Dorian held up the pendant for Zira and Edwin to see. “I was planning on giving this to Leaf, but...”

    “That’s lovely,” Zira said, looking at the necklace. “I’m sure she’ll love it. We’ll find her, no worries, alright?” She placed her hand on Edwin’s thigh, then leaned back a little more to look up at him from his chest. “Would you like to go out to get some fresh air, honey?” she asked the mercenary, sweetening up the act as his girlfriend. They were close to becoming a couple, but they hadn’t taken that step yet. Hopefully he’d play along and understand that there was a reason she wanted to leave the lean-to.

    Jleslie sighed. That was cute. He fell for her. Another love story, she was sure. If only he knew that love rarely worked out. Jleslie herself was a rarity among it. She had a real match to her; she had a man who knew everything about her and was addicted to every inch. Better yet, she liked him back. He wasn’t physically attractive, as she was, but he had what she really liked.

    “My darling dearest,” she said aloud to her distant lover. “I hope you are well.” As if to put a seal on her message, she blew a kiss out of the lean-to.

    Having had his mind wander off for a moment to focus on dealing with what had happen to Jeren and Nightfire, Edwin was surprised to see the necklace that Dorian was going to give to Leaf. Luckily for both him and Dorian, before he could have said anything that might have cause Dorian to start to dwell on fact Leaf was still missing he felt Zira’s touch to his thigh, making him look at the larger picture of things. “You will have your chance Dorian to give it to her, and she will love it.”

    “I would like that a lot sweetie.” While he would actually enjoy the time a lone with Zira, Edwin was sure there was something that Zira need to talk about or else she would have not been so blunt. He moved his hand gently to stroke against her golden blonde hair with a smile.

    “If you could excuse us, Dorian.” Edwin nodded to Dorian before taking Zira’s hand with a soft touch to lead her away from the lean-to, keeping a listen for anyone that might be following the two. After making sure that they were alone, Edwin turned to face Zira. “So what is going on? Not that I mind getting away from the others to be with you, but there is more than that.”

    Zira pulled up her cloak hood again as they stepped outside. This time, it was to protect her face from the swirling sands. It was probably suspicious, but it was the best she could do. Thankfully, Edwin caught on instantly. When Edwin stopped, Zira leaned in toward his ear to speak without shouting and risk being heard. From a distance, it would look like she was kissing him. “I want to try another spell to find Leaf,” she replied. “We need to find a dune to shelter us from this wind. I can’t waste energy summoning Sylph again.”

    Pulling his own hood up, Edwin nodded without another word. Tilting his head to the side, he scanned the sands for a dune that would work for the shelter. The problem was finding a dune was easier said then done, since many would either be too small or unstable, but he would do his best to find one stable and large enough, as well as not too far from the lean-to so they could find it again.

    After a moment, Edwin noticed one that might work. Taking hold of Zira’s hand, it was easier to just lead her there than try and tell her. Moving slowly so it would only look like the two were on a lover’s stroll, looking for a place to be alone, he whispered into her ear, “Will this work?”

    Zira let Edwin lead her along, and he found a decent dune to hide behind. It blocked the worst of the wind, but it was still quite sandy. “Ugh, I’m really starting to hate the desert,” Zira complained. Her clothes were full of sand by now, and she couldn’t wait to be back on solid ground and near water.

    Kneeling down, her knees sank into the sand, and she did the best she could to ignore the sensation of sand filling up her boots. She had to focus on the spirits. She closed her eyes and cleared her mind, then reached out into the darkness with her thoughts.

    “Spirits of darkness, hear my command,” she spoke. “Lend me your power to seek what I have lost, lend me your sight through the shadows,” Zira began to recite her spell, made up on the spot. She was never good at the poetry spirits liked, but she had the commanding will to make her spells work.

    Shadows swirled around Zira, seemingly drawn out of the night itself. “What is it you seek, dark sister?” they whispered to her.

    Having done his part, Edwin could only stand and watch Zira in action. Moving slowly and quietly on the sand, he stood so he could help block what wind that was not blocked by the dune. This was something Edwin never had a chance to watch up close, having missed seeing Zira work her magic with Nightfire, and he was almost lost into the casting.

    Shaking his head, Edwin reminded himself that he could not let himself get lost in his own thoughts. Zira would be mostly focused on the spell so he would need to keep an eye out for anything that could bring harm to both of them.

    “I seek an elf-blood named Leaf,” Zira replied to the dark spirits.

    “We know the one you seek,” the spirits replied.

    “Find her for me,” Zira commanded.

    “We will do as you ask,” the spirits agreed, and the shadows lifted from around Zira. The dark elf remained where she knelt to await their return.

* * *

    Outside the lean-to, Kilij was watching the band since the beginning of the storm. Without Jleslie’s help, none of them would probably have survived to the storm, and, even in the shelter, they had to use magic to help them. They hardly passed their first test in the desert. How could they provide some kind of entertainment? Once more, Jleslie had been wonderfully efficient; the band seemed now to be confident with her, and she was the vital heart of the expedition. And wonderfully attractive. My delicate rose has beauty as petals, and blades as thorns.

    Suddenly, Kilij saw the dark elf and one of the adventurers going out. Kilij smiled sadistically. Well, my dears, it is really hazardous to have a lover’s date in the desert. You will learn it quickly... Concealing himself in his magical cloak and being as quiet as an hunting hawk, the assassin began to creep to the top of the dune.

    Kilij smiled with satisfaction. Well, they aren’t that bad after all. Nice idea indeed, to use magic. A smart trick, but an hazardous one. A wicked smile appeared on the assassin’s lips. Slowly and quietly, Kilij got behind the man, concealed in the shadows of the dune. He slid behind the dune, only a few meters from Edwin.

    And he waited, silent as an hunting cat. He knew the adventurer would turn to the dark elf. And when he did, Kilij rushed to him, agile as a snake, unsheathing his dagger to stab the young man.

    Trying his best to keep his focus on watching for anything or anyone, Edwin could not help but let gaze wander over toward Zira and all that she was doing. He did not even expect that it would be much of a mistake until out of the corner of his eye caught a flash of movement heading toward him.

    By pure luck, Edwin shifted his body ever so slightly to cause the dagger to slash across his hardened leather breast armor. Jumping away as fast as he could, he drew his sword out in a flowing motion, standing as ready as he could on the sand, growling as it was slowing down his movements.

    Zira, who had been in a meditative state, was snapped out of it by the flourish of action from her side. Awkwardly, she tried to stand in the sand, but her feet sank deeply and her boots were filled. Staggering, she drew her sword at the black shadow that struck at Edwin. Were they still being followed?

    The assassin rolled back in the sand after his strike failed. Casting sand with his feet to hide him as he stood up, he noticed the dark elf drawing her sword, and her bad move in the sand. None of them was used to desert, obviously. That guy provides much more fun than I feared. Well, they’re not that bad after all. But I’m not here to kill them, just to test. What a shame! I’d rather check my skills on his throat... But let’s have a little more fun. You guy have to face now what you really fear.

    Quickly, he changed his target and cast himself into Zira. A sword, even as light as hers, would never be fast enough to catch his move if he succeed. Kilij hoped she was able to understand his purpose: to make her fall, seize her with his dagger on her throat, and to see how the adventurer would react with the girl as an hostage...

    By instinct Edwin had already started to move closer to Zira, since they would be able to cover each other’s backs to avoid being snuck up on again. The assassin rolled back in the sand after the attack on Edwin had failed. It did not help, but he was moving slow in the sand and was not expecting the assassin to strike out toward Zira and not himself.

    Dropping down to his knees as the man was moving toward Zira, he grabbed one of his daggers from his boots. While he could not get to him, Edwin could only hope Zira was able to get away from him or deflect the attack. He tossed the dagger toward the side of the assassin, trying to distract him long enough for Zira to get the edge in the fight.

    The normally graceful elf tried to avoid their attacker, but her feet only sank deeper into the loose sand. The weight of the dark cloaked attacker fell on her and her sword arm was pinned. She tried to fight back, striking behind her with her elbows and trying to kick.

    “Help!” she cried out to Edwin, though hopefully her voice could carry to the lean-to.

    In a swift move the assassin got behind his fallen victim and pressed his dagger against her throat. Her scream had already probably alerted the others in the lean-to, and Kilij had to act quickly. He stared at the adventurer with an aggressive attitude.

    “What are you going to do?” Kilij asked Edwin sharply. “One more move and she’s dead. You’d rather drop your weapon if you want her to live. And you’d rather not linger, I don’t like to wait. My hands could cut her delicate throat if you don’t make up your mind.” Now, you have to react somehow. Are you worth interest, or should I just kill you now?

    Still kneeling on the ground Edwin could see almost no options at the moment. This assassin was good, and both Zira and himself were not ready to fight in these kind of conditions. He dropped his sword out in front of him. Hidden under the cloak he placed his fingers over the dagger in his other boot. “Zira you are going to have to forgive me, there are not many options before us.”

    Reaching up, his other hand touched under his cloak as he studied the figure, through trying to give her a signal of what he was thinking. Ripping the clasp of the cloak with a quick movement, he tossed it out between him and Kilij, doing his best to try to hide his movements. He wish did not have to do this but he could not let himself get killed or endanger the rest of the group, and he only could hope he could be forgiven.

    Drawing the dagger at the same time he threw the cloak, he bolted forward, jumping into a leap attack to come to the side of both Kilij and Zira. He slashed out at Kilij with his dagger as soon as he could get close enough praying that luck was on his side and the assassin was not ready for him to try to attack.

    Zira was no damsel in distress, however. This dark elf was not going to allow some strange man to hold her captive without fighting back. She ran her hand over her corset and released one of her hidden throwing daggers, then palmed it. She jammed her elbow back into her captor’s side to get him to release her, then to further confuse and distract, she stabbed her dagger into his thigh in the process of ending the elbow jab.

    Kilij tried to avoid Zira’s dagger, but he was too surprised by this bold move to succeed. Loosening his stranglehold and letting his prisoner go, he put his hand on his wound to stop the blood flowing. A strange and disturbing smile appeared on his face. Good Good They’re much better than I thought. I’ll have fun with them But now I have to distract them a few minutes more. I don’t want the dark elf to have the spirit’s answer, whatever she might have summoned.

    The assassin jumped backward then rolled over the ground to conceal behind the sand. Using his cloak’s special ability, he hid in a dune’s shadow, out of the adventurers’ sight. With his safe arm, he took one of his throwing daggers and targeted the dark elf’s shoulder.

    Zira held onto her dagger as the assassin let her go, yanking it from his wound. She wasn’t going to lose another weapon to the sand. She sensed a concentration of invisibility spirits as he retreated, but not enough to pinpoint his location in her current state. Standing at the ready, Zira tried to discern where their attacker went, but before she realized anything, a dagger was flying at her. She tried to dodge, but she couldn’t move fast enough in the sand. Instead of embedding itself in her shoulder, it only grazed her arm. Zira hissed at the stinging sensation, made worse by the fine layer of sand clinging to her.

—-END—-

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