Nord did have the army rest all the next day, and the orcs seemed happy for it. They sweated a lot under this harsh desert heat. Some had even gone so far as to shave themselves, normally a shaming gesture for the orcs. But his young nephew was changing things. Last year any of the orcs would have said, “Never in a thousand years” if Nord had told them someone like Lov would be in charge.
Orcs lazed in whatever shade they could find, but the Anuunaki ran around as if the sun didn't bother them. They sent a part of the column ahead, looking for water and Nord was grateful.
The army started to move as the heat of the day passed, their captains pushing them on throughout the night. They covered as many miles that night as they had in two days' travel before. Nord was happy he had made the decision to switch their day/night cycle. The cool of the star filled sky was a respite from the day's heat, and the general could tell his soldiers would sleep tomorrow. Even the Anuunaki might be forced to take a rest period, they had been pressing hard.
The next day passed in a simmering heat. The air shimmered and wavered where it bent in the heatwaves off of the sand. It looked like water in the distance, the sand seeming to crest as the waves of the ocean did. More orcs shaved this day, as the ones who had done it the day before extolled the feeling of the wind against their skin.
It was funny seeing just how pale the orcs were beneath all of that hair. The skin of their bodies was white compared to their hands and faces. Later that day, a sandstorm kicked up, blowing across the dunes for three hours before settling down. Sand filled the air for hours afterward, but the army was still grateful. The dirt brought a brief respite from the harsh rays of the sun, though they chaffed a little as the storm wore on.
The sunset that day was beautiful. Pinks and purples lit across the sky, Nord was unable to find words to describe it.
They covered more ground today, but most of the orcs were running low on water. The Anuunaki halved out their rations, not needing as much water as their hominid companions. Nord was thankful, he had been conserving as much as possible, as his mouth was dry like the sand around them.
The heat was unbearable without actual water to drink. Nord set up a little trap with his urine to filter water from it, so he would have something to drink tonight. He tried to teach as many orcs as he could, but knew that not enough of them would learn.
That night they had no problems, the army made good time. But the next day Nord knew they were in trouble. Quite a few of the orcs were stumbling around, hallucinating and talking about water on the horizon. Only the Anuunaki kept them from charging off in search of it. They struggled to keep the orcs on track, heading in the right direction.
During the night they moved slowly, only making half the time of the two nights before. Now Nord was beginning to hallucinate from dehydration. The little bit he was able to have was nothing more than a tease now. Zae took control of the army as Nord degenerated into insanity, every fiber of his being bent on finding water.
The Anuunaki pushed hard the next day, hoping to find hydration for their companions. They knew if they didn't, people were going to start dying. They didn't find any water the entire day, and the orcs were worse for having traveled in the sun. Some died in the heat of the afternoon, being left behind to rot in the desert. The Anuunaki marched tirelessly through the night, struggling to hold onto their sense of direction and keep a grip on their charges.
As the moon stood high in the sky, they found an oasis. Large trees surrounded a spring, offering a shady sanctuary in the desert. The body of water itself was wide enough to sustain fifty to sixty people at a time. They started tossing the orcs into it, letting the water soak into their skin. After recovering, the orcs would fill their water bottles up, trying to squeeze as much liquid into them as they could. The army spent the next day around the oasis, recovering from dehydration.
Nord drank greedily from the large pool. He needed to find a way to thank Zae for keeping them on track. Leading wasn't part of the agreement when they bought the Anuunaki.
Nord began to worry when Lov and the others hadn't caught up after the army's second day at the oasis, but maybe the boy needed more time to recover. The water level of the pool was half what it had been when the army had arrived. Nord would stay here as long as he could, waiting for his nephew to catch up.
Chapter Seventeen
Lov collapsed to the sand out of breath. He and Lily had been playing tag, and now the young man was exhausted. The sun still shined down on them, but they weren't far into the desert. “Lily, don't go too far.” He called out after the child.
Tyrosh had gone in search of food, asking her two children to keep an eye on each other. Lov had been more than happy, the little girl was like a younger sister to him. Although he had only known her a short time, he felt very protective of her.
Lily looked back, seeing Lov on the sand. She let out a sharp whistle, the signal she and the Anuunaki had worked out. “You didn't have to do that!” Lov called out to his young friend.
The Anuunaki appeared from an empty horizon, grabbing a hold of the young chief and taking him to their camp. Another appeared, bringing Lov a tall glass of tea. Lov thanked the male who brought it, then the ant-like being disappeared into the sand, out exploring the dunes around them.
“You're supposed to be resting!” Lily chastised him glaring at Lov.
The way she placed her hands on her hips reminded him of his mother. She used to do the same thing when chiding him as a child. Lov raised his hands in protest, “You're the one that wanted to play tag.” He said defensively.
“Yes, but I'm a child. As the adult, you should have said no.” She smiled sweetly at him, batting her eyes. “Besides, you were getting surly before I suggested it. I needed to do something to help you burn off the energy.”
Lov considered the child before him. She showed flashes of brilliance and wisdom, while still being an innocent. She was a marvel to behold. Lily reached down, snatching a beetle from the desert floor. She stuffed it in her mouth, sighing contentedly at the taste. Lov's own stomach threatened to bring up its contents at the sight. “That was gross.”
Lily laughed a little before running off into the desert. Lov wasn't worried about the child, Nord had left him plenty of Anuunaki. They would keep an eye on her. She returned before sundown with Lov's mother.
Tyrosh had managed to kill a large herd of buffalo earlier that day, but it wouldn't do to tell her son about that. Instead she offered him a wild goat she had found on the way back. “Here, this will do for dinner tonight.” She went through their supplies, pulling out spices and herbs. She began to rub a blend of sweet spices into the meat. The smell pervaded the area, making Lov's mouth water.
That night, after a generous hunk of shank, Lov watched with his mother as the Anuunaki played a strange game. The women and men paired off, splitting into multiple teams. The larger females would take turns, twisting and turning around while holding onto a male Anuunaki. The males would stretch out from the force. The larger, stronger females tried different holds, holding onto the feet of their male counterparts, or holding them by their middle hands. Lov was amazed at all the different throwing styles. The swinger would let go at a precise point, aiming out for the sandy dunes.
Here, the males shined. Some would compact into balls, sucking in all their limbs and their tail as they soared through the air, and stretching out at the last second to become buried in the sand. Others twisted themselves around, shooting like an arrow. The winners were chosen from distance thrown and burial depth. Everyone cheered the winners, raising a cup to them as they bowed to the accolades.
Lov slept well that night, surrounded by loving family. The stress of keeping everything together seemed to melt away the farther Lov went from the source. Though he continued to feel the now familiar tug. That night he dreamed of the woman he would marry.
Annika was strong and fiery, and already Lov found himself falling in love with her. It scared him, he hardly knew her yet h
e felt connected to her. He awoke many times throughout the night, thoughts of Annika floating in his head. Lov found himself longing for the end of his journey, just so he could get to know his future bride.
He fell asleep as the sun was rising in the sky, more dozing than sleeping as he listened to Lily and his mother play around the camp.
Tyrosh pointed at a lizard crossing the sand. Its brown scales blended into the grains, but it had large purple spots upon it. She was all but touching it as she asked, “What kind of a lizard is this?”
Lily slapped at the elven woman's hand. “Don't touch that! That's a bleeder, one bite and you'll be bleeding out of your eyeballs!”
Tyrosh jerked her hand back, shocked that the young girl had slapped her, but proud of her. She hadn't considered the consequences, only looking to save Tyrosh. “Well, thank you for saving me from that.” She said seriously to the young girl. She wanted to encourage that kind of behavior in her as she grew.
Lily jumped up from the dunes, running across them while laughing wildly. In the distance, Tyrosh could see a large plume of dust rising. It seemed someone was attempting to sneak behind their army. She would have to cut the fun short. She grabbed the young girl, taking her to their camp.
She stood in the entry way, tossing a cup of water onto her son. He sat up from his cot, coughing and sputtering. “We have a problem.” She told him gravely.
Lov followed her from the tent, looking to where she pointed. He could see a plume like the one his own army was raising. “Looks like the break's over. We'll need to get a move on tonight.”
“I'll let the Anuunaki know, you go get some more sleep. I know you had a hard time last night.” His mother took Lily's hand, walking with her in search of one of the ant-like beings.
Chapter Eighteen
The Anuunaki moved quickly across the sand. Their small party made much better time than the larger army. Everywhere they saw signs of its passing. A mass of men moving like it was reshaping the entire countryside. “At least the trail is easy to follow.” Lov joked with one of the Anuunaki It shook his head at him, before going back to reading the ground.
The travel was beginning to wear on Lov when they came across an oasis. It might have been beautiful at one point, but now that his army had passed through the land seemed torn up. He would have to talk to Nord about maintaining more cleanliness and harmony with nature amongst the men.
They still spent a few days near the water, checking to see if the plume was still following them. On the morning of their third day of rest, it appeared on the horizon. Lov shook his head in disappointment, and that night they resumed travel. A few days later, they found the army sitting on the sandy grassy plain that stretched out from the desert towards Heart. Lov's army was spread out in a massive camp, within a half a mile, Lov could see another large body of people.
The orcs cheered as he rode through the camp, happy to have their leader back. They had been sitting talking with the other army for weeks, and the warriors were getting restless. Lov was lead to Nord, sitting in a meeting with the commanders of the army. “...can't just kill them. Do you know what my nephew would do to any of you if you actually did something that stupid? He'd string you up by your damn intestines!” Nord watched his nephew enter the tent, and nodded to him. “And if any of you have a problem with it, take it up with him.”
Poit jumped from where he was seated, “We want to fight! You've kept me and my fellow Garta on the baggage train, and we want our glory!”
Lov shook his head at the small orc before him. “You're not going to be fighting against anyone unless they attack us first. Get that through your head.” He glared down at Poit, and the small captain backed down. “Those people across from us, they could be our allies. Why would I let you kill them?” Lov glared around the tent, looking at each of the orc leaders. “Hasn't me keeping you all alive taught you anything?”
“It's taught us we only have the power you give us.” Manatua said, standing from his seat. “You took the ax away.”
“And you conspired against me.” Lov stepped to the front of the room. “You haven't shown me you want it back. I'm not going to let you use my weapon against me. Besides, do you imply your power comes from my ax?”
“You gave it to me!” Manatua shouted back at the young chief stomping his foot down on the ground. Lov was younger than the young shaman himself was. It grated against Manatua's honor.
“And I took it away when you acted like a child.” Lov glared at the man he once considered a friend. “Now sit down while I talk about more important matters. You want it back? Show me by following my orders.”
He made a chopping motion, cutting off all further conversation. Manatua sat sullenly, but he sat. “We have a sizable force coming up behind us. We've seen a large plume, like that left behind by our own army, a few days behind us. They should be here soon, and I have no idea who they are.”
Lov began to pace in front of the group. “If they come in peace, give them peace. As I said earlier, I don't want to alienate any allies.” Lov glared around the room at the gathered soldiers. “If battle breaks out, and I find out we started it, I will castrate whichever captain let his people get violent. Keep control of your men! But remain vigilant.”
Lov looked to the top of the tent they were in before saying, “And may the gods grant them the wisdom to not attack us.”
Nord sent out scouts, looking to see who was approaching them. They reported back that a battalion-sized group was coming up on their rear. They appeared to be on their last legs, running from someone or something, with women and children in their midst.
When they were close enough to spot Lov's army, the group raised white flags of peace in the air. Their weapons were kept in their sheathes, and there really were women and children riding amongst them. The lead rider called out frantically, “We come seeking protection!” He wore silky white clothes that covered him from head to toe, the better to block out the harsh sun of the desert.
“Protection from what?” Lov shouted out as the small army pulled up short.
“The Titans! They've gone insane!” The rider gestured back to his followers. “My family and I were looking for our herd of crickets. They appeared from nowhere and just slaughtered us where we stood. My kin never stood a chance.” Lov's mother walked up behind her son, Lily's hand clamped tightly in hers. “Dios mios! Mrkl, is that you?”
“Uncle Joha!” The young girl shouted, letting go of Tyrosh's hand and running across the sand to the man on his horse.
“Oh, little one, we thought we had lost you.” The man replied, jumping from his mount and gathering the young girl in his arms. His silky white robes were covered in dirt from the desert, and he wore a large rag around his head. Lov didn't spot any jewelry on the man, but some of the women sported gems on chains. Either he lived simply, or he hid it well.
Lov chased after the young girl, but pulled up short when the man picked her up, carrying her as if she were his own. “Who is this, Lily?” Lov asked the girl, glaring at the man.
“My Uncle Joha. He's the sheik, he takes care of us.” She hugged her uncle and he laughed, picking her up onto his shoulders.
Lov tensed when he tossed her up, but relaxed as she settled comfortably setting her hands on Joha's head. “Yes, and she terrorizes the crickets. And also drives the old ones insane. But they love her.” The child beamed from her perch atop her uncle's shoulders.
Lov considered the group behind the man. He saw elders and children amongst the ranks, if this was a ploy, he couldn't resist it. They all seemed simply dressed. “Fine, but keep your noses out of trouble. And stay out of the way if it comes to action.” Lov gestured towards his lines, leading Joha to Nord. “If you want to fight, talk to my general, Nord. He'll find a way to integrate you into the army.” Lov gestured to the Anuunaki. “Those that don't want to fight need to have busy hands. Ask the Anuunaki for things to do. Basically, shut up and do as you’re told until the war is over. If you can't a
ccept that then you can't have protection.”
Joha's tribe, distant family members, loosened their belts dropping their weapons to the ground. Joha looked at the tall elf before him. He was skinny, but his height still made him intimidating. The sheik bowed to the tall elf and gestured to the desert behind them. “Titans are coming. A large force, easily enough to number my entire family.” The man all but shook with fear, and Lov could tell he had to lock his face into a neutral expression. “They've already killed two tribes, and it seems they are coming for mine next.”
“Where's the dust then?” Paxtal called out, gesturing to the empty sky. “With that large a force, there would be a lot of sign.”
“They burrow.” The'oak told him, speaking from the opposite side of the circle. “In sand, they go into it. Fills them with it, makes their swings carry more force.” He ran to the back line, gesturing out into the desert. “Watch the sand, you idiots! Someone tells you an army of the fiercest fighters ever is coming, and you're paying attention to anything but your asses!”
Lov could see the net of his Talons tightening around him with that kind of a threat. “We need to head to the grass.” He took a second to assess the farmers spread out before him. He looked to Nord, pointing across from them. “I'm going to go talk to them. You bring the army over when I tell you, got it?” Lov took off running across the grassy sand, not even waiting for a reply, and heading towards the veritable army of farmers before him. Four Talons took up positions around him, sprinting to keep pace. But Lov was quicker, and he began to separate from them. Lov focused, booming his voice to be heard like thunder. “Jacob! Hakim!”
The army of farmers before him stirred at his voice, looking towards Lov. Some pointed and gestured as the young half-dragon drew closer. Others raised weapons wondering if this single man posed a threat. Lov's voice thundered out again. “Jacob! Hakim!” He watched as a path began to open through the farmers' camp, and his mother's two friends came running from the group. In seconds, Lov was standing before them. “I need to move my army off the sand. We're coming onto the grass. If you don't want to die, I suggest you don't fight us.”
Breath of the Titans: The False Titanbringer: Complete Trilogy Page 40
