Even in the shade and having used Floretta’s spice mix, SJ still felt as though she were sitting by a roaring fire. The sand’s intense heat made survival questionable, despite the dust drifter’s presence.
SJ was busy guzzling more water and had refilled a small bowl for Kibble. The heat must have been affecting Kibble as he was not his usual self and stayed sprawled out on the cooler rock surface, lazily lapping at the water. The sun didn’t seem to move in the sky, and time passed at an agonisingly slow pace. Fas was resting with his eyes closed; she wasn’t sure if he was asleep, as he didn’t move and made no sound, except for the slow rise and fall of his chest, which was the only sign of life.
It must have been hours later when the sun slowly began its descent. The shadows slowly lengthened from the rocky outcrop as it sank towards the horizon. Fas stirred.
“I think it’s time we get going,” Fas said.
They hadn’t spoken all day. Although SJ could not sleep because of the heat, Fas had eventually fallen asleep.
“I’m not sure how anything survives out here,” SJ said.
“With great difficulty.”
“Are you okay, Kibble?” SJ asked.
Kibble let out a squeak as he stood and stretched, his little body shuddering from the effort.
“I can’t believe I have drunk almost two waterskins today.”
“That’s why we required cactus taps. They will allow us to refill our skins outside of a town,” Fas said.
With the receding sun, the temperature was dropping slowly, even the slightest reduction a pleasure compared to the constant dry heat. As the sun lowered, the brilliant white of the day gave way to a golden hue. The dunes were now casting their shadows as they prepared to leave their shelter.
“We will continue in the direction we were heading,” Fas said.
“There isn’t really anything else we can do but that,” SJ said.
“Hopefully, as the light fades, any town will be easier to see. Ideally, we will find a town and get the supplies we require, and in the future, we should only travel at dusk and dawn.”
“Why not at night?”
“No. It’s not advisable, even with night vision, to navigate the desert without being able to see it clearly; it’s very difficult. The dunes will continually shift, so the only method is really to use your map, but then you won’t see the features clearly. Never mind seeing anything on the surface of the sand. Additionally, I’m unsure of the various creatures or beasts that inhabit this area. There may be several nighttime predators, both land and sky-based.”
“It would be nicer to travel at night when it’s cooler,” SJ said.
“Let’s go,” Fas said as he moved down the outcrop before he transformed.
“Are you well?” SJ asked Kibble.
He squeaked. “He’s good,” Dave translated.
SJ shrank before climbing onto his back, and with a beat of his wings, he lifted into the sky as soon as he lifted above t. Asrocky outcrop, a gust of warm wind hit SJ, nearly sending her from his back, not expecting it.
“Argh,” she cried, gripping onto the mithril collar.
Fas looked up from where he had finished transforming. “Night winds are normal. The temperature change brings them.” He said, beating his wings and kicking up clouds of sand as he lifted into the air.
“This way,” Fas said as he turned and headed back towards the path they had left earlier.
SJ had her map open and was watching as they returned to their previous path before again heading in the direction the markers had been going. The wind continued to be gusty, and its sudden bursts regularly buffeted them. Fas appeared unaffected because of his size, but Kibble had to battle them when they hit.
The sands below looked bleak and empty, their vast emptiness stretching out before them. The dusk’s shadows brought movement from below, as creatures of various forms emerged from their hidden depths in the sand. SJ watched as a scorpoid appeared, its red carapace appearing almost black in the light. It scuttled off across the dunes in search of prey. SJ shuddered at the sight of it emerging from beneath the calm surface.
As the sun set, the temperature dropped further, and although still warm compared to the day, SJ shivered, holding the cowl close around her face. There were no signs of light in the distance, and after an hour’s journey, SJ was getting concerned.
“Maybe we missed it?” she called to Fas over the night’s breeze.
“There is little point in turning back just yet. Let’s keep going for a while longer,” Fas said.
“Are you still good, Kibble?” SJ asked.
He turned his head, squeaking happily.
“Okay, but if you get tired, just say. I can always fly if I need to.”
The sun had now fallen, giving up the day’s fight, and the night sky had turned indigo. It appeared cloudless as the stars appeared. Their beauty and brilliance on such a clear night were stunning to behold. SJ sat looking upwards as they flew.
“I think I saw something,” Dave said excitedly.
‘Where?’ SJ asked, looking back down.
“To the northeast. Pretty sure I saw a light.”
SJ turned and stared. She saw nothing at first, and then she spotted it. On the horizon, the faintest glimmer of light. It was only a pinprick in the night sky.
“Fas. Northeast, I think I saw light,” SJ shouted excitedly.
He turned his head and looked before banking and changing their flight path.
As they approached, the pinprick of light changed, the cluster of individual lights becoming apparent.
“It’s definitely a town,” Dave said.
SJ just stared towards it as they neared. SJ discerned a shape within the night’s darkness. Tall walls surrounded it, torches burning brightly on watch towers spaced along its length. The relief she felt at finding a town was immense.
“Let’s just hope they are friendly,” Dave said.
The sound of life from within the town’s walls reached SJ. Hammering on an anvil, the calling of traders’ voices. The time, or rather, the lateness of the hour, made the scene peculiar.
“It appears that the town comes to life at night,” Dave said.
‘It does,’ SJ thought.
Fas turned before getting too near and dived towards the dunes. Kibble followed, landing smoothly next to Fas as he transformed. His claws sank easily into the soft surface of the sand.
SJ jumped down from Kibble and grew. As he stepped from foot to foot, lifting them from the sand.
“There is a trail just over the dune,” Fas said, climbing.
SJ followed, as Kibble took off, landing on her shoulder. It was her turn to be the mount.
For every step up the dune, it felt as though she slipped two steps backwards, and by the time they reached the top of the dune, SJ’s legs burned. She couldn’t imagine walking through the desert sand. After cresting the dune, it sloped down before meeting with a roughly marked trail. It wasn’t a cobbled street, but someone had roughly constructed it with sandstone blocks, this close to the township.
Flickering torchlight could be seen atop the town’s walls. SJ held her cowl closed around her face. The sand whipped up by the gusts of wind stung any uncovered skin. Fas had his head down as he trudged along the path.
The gates to the town were closed, constructed from the same type of sandstone as the walls; their surface looked pitted and worn, either from the bombardment of sandstorms or from other creatures that may inhabit the desert. Where the gates stood, the sand had stacked against them by the wind.
“This is horrendous,” SJ said. Although they had felt the gusts of wind while flying, being on the desert floor was an entirely novel experience.
Fas didn’t respond as they reached the gates. This close to the walls, their staggering height made SJ feel miniature even in her fully grown form; they must have stood at least sixty feet high.
SJ looked over the gate’s surface before noticing a metal ring to one side. She lifted it before bringing it down with force—the thunk of the metal on stone. They stood for a few moments before there was a scraping sound, and a panel in the gate opened inwards.
The face of a being SJ had never seen before appeared in the opening. It wasn’t draconian or kobold, but did have a reptilian appearance.
“Yesss,” the being said, as a forked tongue flicked from its lips.
“We are looking for provisions and lodging,” Fas said.
The creature glanced at both of them, its tongue flicking in and out.
“Where are you from?” the being asked.
“Killic, to the North,” SJ said.
The being didn’t appear to have eyelids, and SJ watched as a membrane blinked across their surface.
“You are far from home,” the being said.
“We are,” Fas agreed, not expanding on why they were there.
The being stared for a few more moments before his face disappeared, and the panel was closed.
SJ looked at Fas, frowning, who just shrugged. Before they could react, a grating sound was heard, and the opposite gate moved. It slowly pushed outwards, the sand that had built up at its base being pushed away. It was a slow process before it had opened just enough to let them fit through the gap.
“Come in,” the being said.
They entered the gate, and SJ was glad to be out of the gusts of wind as the gate closed behind them. The area by the gates was brightly lit, and lanterns hung on poles that appeared to run along the street that led away from the gate. SJ removed her cowl and shook her hair out.
The being that had let them enter was definitely not humanoid. Well, that wasn’t entirely true; its upper body was, but its lower body was that of a snake. SJ stared in amazement. Snakes were definitely related to it, but she did not know what species it was.
“Naga,” Dave said in response to her thoughts. “They are serpentine, frequently found in desert and swamp regions. Some may also be found in coastal areas.”
She looked away from the creature. The naga paid her no attention as it spoke.
“Rules are ssimple. No killing, no ssstealing. Anyone committing either facesss the death penalty. Minor brawlss will be overlooked, but if anything getsss damaged, expect to be kicked out of the town. If you disssagree with ssomeone, I ssuggessst taking it to the elderss to resolve.”
Fas nodded in understanding.
“Where’s the inn?” Fas asked.
“Ssstraight down the sstreet. You can’t misss it,” the being replied as he turned away and slithered into a doorway of what must be a guard hut.
They turned and headed into the town. The buildings were rather strange-looking, reminding SJ of varying-sized igloos; none of them had straight walls, and they were all built from the same sandstone. The sounds of a busy township floated through the night sky, and everywhere was lit by lanterns or torches. The streets were wide, and although sandy, the sand was hard-packed.
They walked past a building with its doors open. SJ looked inside and saw a being blowing into a metal tube, and as it did, it twisted it in its hands. It was then that SJ realised it was a glassblower. The glowing orb of molten glass at the end of the tube expanded.
“Glassblowers,” SJ said, surprised and impressed.
“You can get the best glass from a desert region. They have many experts in working with the material, especially their goggle makers,” Fas replied.
As they continued down the street, they passed a tanner. The hides of several beasts stretched out on racks, and the resounding hammer of a blacksmith continually filled the streets. The beings in the town were of mixed races, but there were more naga than the other races. It was a strange, almost alien environment. In the corner of a large open area, they found the inn. Its unusual appearance came from a large dome with several smaller domes on top. Fas led them to the door, a hanging drape covering it, and they heard pipe music from inside.
The cool air of the inn washed over SJ as they entered, raising goosebumps on her skin. Inside, the domed space hummed with activity. After the oppressive heat of the day, it was a significant change. Small stools accompanied sandstone tables spaced around the open floor, matching the walls. Lanterns shone brightly, lighting the interior with their amber light. A naga slithered between the tables, serving various patrons of differing races. In an area by one of the curved walls, a band played music. The phantom sound of pipes accompanied by the beating of a drum filled the room. The walls were decorated with tapestries showing scenes of battle, most of which featured the naga, with what SJ assumed were lizards or gila beasts.
Fas approached a sandstone counter, its smooth top highly polished, appearing glass-like. Behind it, a broad-shouldered naga with vibrant, deep red scales rested its forearms on the surface, watching the band play. A linen towel was draped over its shoulder. He turned his head as they neared and pushed off the bar. His eyes were the colour of molten gold.
“What can I get you?” he rasped, his tongue testing the air.
“We are after lodgings and supplies,” Fas said.
His face swept across them both and rested on Kibble, who was sitting on SJ’s shoulder. It stared at Kibble for several moments before it replied.
“One or two roomss?” it said, looking back at Fas.
“Two, please.”
“Five sssilversss a day per room. That includess water rationsss. If you’re after suppliesss, visit the Scorpion’sss Den on tradersss’ row and assk for Yael, turn left out of the inn and follow the main sstreet. Ssshe’ll fix you up with whatever you need.”
Fas paid the fee, and the innkeeper slid two keys across the counter.
“Ssstairsss on the left, third dome,” it said, turning back to watch the musicians play.
Fas picked up the keys, handing one to SJ.
“We may as well go and find the trader first before we do anything else,” Fas said, turning back towards the exit.
SJ turned to follow, and as she walked away, she noticed the innkeeper again turn and look at Kibble in her adapted vision. She felt a cold chill run up her spine.
The street outside was much warmer, and the heat difference hit SJ as they stepped out of the inn.
“That naga was looking at Kibble,” SJ said.
“I doubt many have ever seen a miniature wyvern before,” Fas said.
“It didn’t feel as though he was looking at him for that reason. It made me feel uneasy.”
Fas frowned, looking at Kibble. “Probably nothing to worry about, but we can keep our eyes open.”
Kibble squeaked in response.
Trader’s Row wasn’t hard to find, the cries and shouts of vendors filling the night air, brilliant lanterns coating everything in their light. Several of the domes had awnings draped outside, and the stalls were overflowing with desert wares: cured hides, scarves, and several sold boots.
SJ stopped to look at the boots, which were specially designed with soles scaled to grip the sand.
A large sign hung from a shop front—the picture of a scorpion with its stinger in a striking position burned into its surface.
“That must be it,” SJ said.
Fas ducked under the awning and entered the shop.
“Welcome to the scorpion’s eye,” a wizened kobold said as it squinted through very thick-lensed goggles. Behind the counter, a forge glowed, and a kiln stood with its door open, several glass objects inside.
“What can I get you?” she asked.
“Are you Yael?” SJ asked.
“I am.”
“Great. Our innkeeper sent us to see you. He said you are the best to get desert provisions,” SJ said.
“I have everything needed to venture into the desert. What were you after specifically?” Yael asked.
“We require desert canteens, a cactus tap, goggles, and I don’t suppose you have any sand cloaks, do you?” Fas replied.
Yael grinned. “I do indeed have sand cloaks. You have come to the right shop. I received a new order just yesterday. Let me see. Let me see,” Yael said, resting her hand on her chin as she looked them over.
“One moment,” Yael said as she ducked through another drape into a back room. A few moments passed, and she reappeared carrying two neatly folded cloaks. “These should do you,” Yael said, placing them on the counter.
The material of the cloaks looked lightweight, and they had a sheen to them, the lantern light inside the shop reflecting from them.
“How many canteens did you want?”
“Six, please,” Fas replied.
“Here you go,” Yael said, lifting the strangest-looking canteens SJ had ever seen from beneath the counter. They appeared woollen and SJ couldn’t help but frown.
“Ahh. I’ve seen that look before,” Yael said. “The wool sweats, drawing heat from the inside, keeping the contents cool.”
“Oh,” SJ said, surprised.
“Right, let me see,” Yael said as she scrabbled under the counter before lifting a rather strange-looking device. “One cactus tap.”
SJ had expected to see something similar to a keg tap, but this was anything but; it was shaped more like a set of callipers. She had no idea how it could be used and would have to ask Fas for a demonstration.
“And finally, goggles. If you follow me, I can get you sized up.”
Yael led them across the shop to a stool, and they sat down individually as she took measurements of their faces, scribbling away on a small notepad.
“Okay. All done,” Yael said as she finished measuring Fas.
“How long will they take to make?” Fas asked.
“Oh. I will have them completed by tomorrow night. You can pick them up then.”
SJ suddenly thought. “Could you make a pair for Kibble?” She said, lifting him down and placing him on the stool. He sat proudly, with his head in the air.
Yael frowned, either not having seen or paid him any attention. “Umm,” she said as she gently took hold of Kibbles’ head, turning it. “A wyvern? Hmm... Tricky, but I should be able to fashion something, yes.”
“That would be fantastic if you could.”
“No problem,” Yael said, as she took Kibble’s measurements, before turning back to the counter.
“Right, that will be six silvers for the canteens, four for the tap, seven each for the cloaks, and the goggles will be thirty silvers a pair. I’ll do the little-uns for twenty. So one gold, four silver. I’ll let you have the lot for a gold.”
The cost took SJ by surprise. She had never expected the items to cost nearly that much money. ‘Is that a fair price?’ SJ thought.
“Yes,” Dave replied. “The cloaks are coated in aloe resin. They reflect heat but also trap heat in at night. The canteens are specially imbued to work the way they do, and the cactus tap is something you will only ever find in desert regions and is reasonably priced. Never mind the goggles, which are made to order only. There is no point in buying a generic pair of goggles; they wouldn’t fit you properly and wouldn’t stop the sand.”
Fas didn’t even question the amount as he called a gold coin to his palm and placed it on the counter. As Yael packed up the items on the counter, SJ noticed the three large scars running along the length of her arm.
“Looks nasty,” SJ said.
Yael glanced at her arm. “Gila beast. It took offence to me stealing its eggs,” she chuckled. “Nasty beasts and have a violent temper. I thought the eggs had been abandoned. I was lucky to get away as lightly as I did.”
“Where did it happen?” Fas asked.
“Oh, southeast of here, a long time ago now and a long way from here. I was young and foolish back then and thought I could take on the desert myself. I now know better,” she smiled.
“Thanks. We will be back tomorrow for the goggles,” Fas said.
“I’ll see you then,” Yael said cheerily.
