by Jon Kiln
In the distance, Myriam could see the crag. It was a large black outcrop, seemingly in the middle of the desert as though it had been dropped there by some giant. Myriam could sense the tension in Perseus. He was constantly looking back, anxiously, and she realized they were all in mortal danger. She stared longingly at the rocks and wished them closer.
As the crag loomed before them, Myriam was beginning to believe they would all make it. Then suddenly, chaos exploded all around them. The worms had sensed them and whilst they were actually seeking water, they always craved for meat.
The carnage began.
Wyatt’s camel was the first to fall. A huge worm reared out of the ground as the sands parted. Its high pitched screech was deafening and Wyatt seemed to somersault as his ride was lost. He landed some distance away from the monster.
As Myriam turned in her seat, she saw three hideous creatures rearing out of the sands. The monsters resembled giant worms, but their heads had huge gaping mouths that were filled with row upon row of razor sharp, serrated teeth, clearly well adapted to tearing meat to shreds before swallowing it.
Wyatt’s camel had lost its footing, slipping into the hole that the worm had created when it reared off the ground. The creature hovered above the luckless camel, and in one swoop it darted in a downwards motion, its jaws clamping onto one of the camel’s back legs. As the worm forced its great weight into a backwards motion, the leg ripped away from the body.
Wyatt took out his broad sword and hacked at the side of the worm’s ugly body. A thick, yellow substance spurted in an upwards fountain from the injured beast. The monster cried out, seemingly requesting help, and others came to its aid before it disappeared back into the ground.
The poor camel was still alive and writhing around, emitting a pitiful cry of fear and pain. Maybe it also was crying out for assistance, but unfortunately for the poor beast, none came. All its cries managed to do was alert another monster to its presence.
A worm hole opened up to its side where a huge beast came rushing out, raising at least ten foot into the air, half-in and half-out of the sand. It dropped back down, its gaping jaws burying into the soft flesh of the camel, dragging it underground.
Blood seeped through the sand, turning it a crimson red as the other worms converged on the feast. This did not placate them though. If anything it made them worse. They now had the smell of blood and could sense that there was more to be had.
Perseus and Ganry struck the hind quarters of the remaining camels to speed them up. They had to get to the crag quickly, while the worms were preoccupied with the fallen camel. There was only a few more feet to go and soon the rest of them were safely on the rocks.
Myriam watched on in horror as she realized that Wyatt had been left behind. She could see him running for his life, but he still had some distance to go.
Ganry turned his camel around, intending to head back out, but one glance and he knew it was hopeless. He noticed the rippling sand and saw the worms were moving too fast. He was never going to make it.
Linz realized that his compatriot was in danger, and he readied his camel to ride out to help him. Ganry reached out and held Linz’s beast in check by the reins.
“You cannot save him,” Ganry said sadly. “To try would mean certain death.”
Linz drew his sword from its scabbard and turned to the former mercenary. “Take your hands off of me.” Linz could not stand by.
Ganry kept a firm grip on the reins. “I do not wish to see you die needlessly. We will need you if we are to be successful in this mission, but if your honor forces you to ride out to your death, then I will not forcibly stop you.”
Myriam watched on, feeling helpless. She too wanted them to save Wyatt, but knew deep inside it was not possible. She laid her hand on Linz’s arm.
“Please, Linz,” she begged. “Please, I do not want to see another death today.”
Linz looked on hopelessly as he saw his friend surrounded by the monsters. He watched as Wyatt turned to him and waved for him to stay there, and not to try to be a hero.
Wyatt stood firm as the ground below him opened up, and a desert worm with gaping jaws came rushing in an upwards motion out of the sands, grabbing him by the midriff before dragging him below ground. The other worms screeched in triumph before they too dived back into the sands to feed on their prey.
“Nooo!” Linz screamed out his grief, as his friend was taken by the creatures.
He watched, unable to tear his eyes away form the scene in front of him as the final moments of his friend’s life were played out. The yellow tinge to the sand was now mixed with red as Wyatt’s life blood seeped out of the ground. Linz’s whole body was wracked with grief and he felt the stinging hot tears flooding down his cheeks.
14
That evening was spent in absolute silence upon the coldness of the rocks. Linz sat and stared at the bloodstained sand where his friend had spent his last moments of life. Even in the pitch darkness his eyes found the spot. He made no attempt to sleep. This night he would grieve for his protector and trainer. Though he had no plans on how he could kill these beasts, tomorrow was the start of his life when he would plan revenge on every sand worm he was ever to meet.
Myriam slept restlessly. The cold, hard rock surface was uncomfortable, and the visions of Wyatt’s death plagued her dreams. Her mind was in shock and her body exhausted. Losing Wyatt had made her realize just how dangerous this mission was. Despite Wyatt’s death she was determined more than ever to continue. Wyatt would not die in vain. She would not return to Palara without her grandmother.
Although they stayed upon the crag in absolute silence, the sand worms did not leave. Even the next morning they could see the sand rippling as the worms circled the crag, as if awaiting their next meal. Perseus was surprised, as it was unusual for the desert worms to hunt their prey for any length of time. They are more opportunistic hunters, often finding prey by accident. This behavior was out of character. He sensed there was some other hand at play in keeping them here, although he did not share his thoughts with the others.
The sun was rising high in the sky, and now the rocks were red hot. They had plenty of water and food, but little protection from the suns harsh rays. They would not be able to stay here much longer, but the worms would not leave.
New tremors began and could be felt under the the ground. For a moment everyone feared that the desert worms were trying to dig through the rocks. The ground around the crag was a maelstrom of whirling sands, and it was obvious that there was much activity going on below the surface.
It was Hendon who resolved the mystery.
“Fear not everyone. I sense that it is the desert worms who are now under attack. They are fleeing from huge, long snakes or lizards. It seems we are being rescued by the Akkedis, and if you thought the desert worms were big, wait until you see these beasts. These are our allies, Perseus, aren’t they?” he asked, hopefully.
“The Akkedis are no one’s allies. You should never trust them, ever,” Perseus warned them. He knew how devious these creatures could be, and while he was grateful for their help, he knew that there would be a price to pay. The Akkedis do not help anyone unless it was for profit.
Gaping holes appeared in the sands, only this time instead of desert worms, giant serpents slithered out of the holes and onto the rocks. Riding on the backs of them rode smaller lizard creatures.
Soon, the Queen’s party was completely surrounded by the scaly skinned creatures. Ganry put himself by Myriam’s side, hand on sword. He did not draw it just yet as there was no point in antagonizing their rescuers, but he was ready all the same.
Perseus stood at the front of the group and stepped closer to one of the serpents. The rider dismounted and greeted him as he approached. They were in deep discussion as Perseus gesticulated and pointed away at the horizon.
“Do you know what they are saying to each other?” Myriam asked of Hendon.
“Yes, it seems we are to fly away from he
re on the backs of these creatures. Not only can they burrow through the sands, but they also have wings to take us into the skies.”
Perseus and the creature finished their conversation and he came over to update them.
“We will each of us ride on the backs of these winged serpents,” he told them as they gathered around him. “We will be accompanied by one of the smaller creatures who will guide us to our destination.”
“What about the camels?” Hendon asked. “Are we to leave them at the mercy of the sand worms?”
“The worms have gone. The Akkedis leader tells me that at least four are dead. They have now fled and will be in no hurry to return.”
Perseus could see that Hendon was still concerned. Being able to speak to animals gives you an insight and an empathy to their plight.
“Camels are used to roaming this desert, my friend,” Perseus assured him. “They know how to make their way home. They will be safe, I promise you.”
That seemed to satisfy Hendon and he walked over to the camels and spoke softly to them, as if reassuring them. Perseus followed him, as he also loved the desert beasts.
“Perseus?” Hendon said to him. “They tell me that the lizards kept the sand worms here. Why would they do that if they planned to rescue us?”
“I sensed this was so,” Perseus tried to explain. “Never trust the Akkedis. Be wary at all times and stay close to your Queen.”
“Why do you continue to travel with us now that we have new guides?” Hendon asked of Perseus, wondering if he, too, could be trusted.
“My master assigned me with this task. I stay until I am of no more use.” With that answer he turned to leave the young human male, feeling he had answered enough questions. He did not wish to reveal his real reasons.
Myriam felt apprehensive about flying on the backs of these creatures, but she was happy to be seeing the end of this treacherous desert that had already taken the life of one of their party. How many more lives would be lost in the search for her grandmother?
Perseus’s warning about not trusting the Akkedis was fresh in her mind, as was her dream that had shown her grandmother was with the Akkedis, so what choice did they have? At least this way they would reach their destination quickly. She just hoped they weren’t rushing into a trap.
They were strapped into saddles on the back of the flying lizards with a guide at their backs, directing the flight. Each sat apprehensively, and a little puzzled at how such cumbersome creatures could take to the air. As if in response to their uncertainty, huge wings were unfurled from their sides, beautiful and almost transparent, filled with intricate patterns in various colors. They glistened like gossamer. The lizards seemed to furl up slightly before suddenly springing forward at speed, until they shot over the end of the rocks with their huge wings beating a rhythm as they soared into the sky.
Myriam loved the experience of flying. She relished the sensation as the winds rushed by her face. Never had she felt so wonderful as she did high in the skies of the world. If only humans could fly, they would travel their journeys so much quicker, and never be attacked by sand worms.
Ganry, on the other hand hated it. He was a man who liked to have his feet firmly planted on the ground. He even hated being on a boat. It was not natural, and if the great maker had wanted them to fly he would have given them wings, he reasoned. He had agreed to strap himself on to this giant monster only because Myriam had insisted. The sooner they were back on the ground the better.
Hendon held up his arms in exhilaration as the winds blew across his face, blowing his hair behind him. He felt like he was experiencing how a bird glided through the skies. Everything below was tiny, even the tallest trees seem to dwarf below them.
Linz felt much like Ganry. This was not where a lake man belonged, and he sat stiffly, gripping his reins as if his life depended on it.
Perseus simply accepted this was a necessary evil. He could not do his duty if he could not enter the city of the Akkedis. He had a task to do and soon all this would be over.
Hendon felt his staff vibrating and then he sensed the old man laughing.
“Do you like flying, Barnaby?” he asked in his mind.
“I love flying,” Barnaby chuckled in Hendon’s head. “I had heard those blasted worms rumbling the sands around you, but I see you’re safe for now, my boy, so I’ll be off.”
Hendon felt Barnaby leave his mind. Hendon liked Barnaby and wished he’d stay longer as he felt sure that he was an integral part of their mission. He wondered where he went off to when he left him, it did not sound like he stayed upon this world.
Perhaps when you’re a spirit you can flit between worlds. As he flew on the back of this creature, with his thoughts on Barnaby, he observed in the distance that there was nothing but sand in every direction.
Yet, the lizards were flying lower as if their journey was coming to an end. He hoped this was not a trick and they were not going to leave them stranded in the desert. He looked over at Perseus who seemed calm and unconcerned, so he decided that all must be well, and as the lizard swooped lower, he awaited the landing with slight trepidation.
15
In the distance they could see a large oasis on the horizon. This must be their destination, thought Myriam, but it looked far too small to be the Kingdom of the Akkedis. Perhaps they were stopping for water?
The lizards, as they approached the oasis started to circle it, each time getting lower and lower until they were almost brushing the tops of the trees. Then in front of them, an avenue appeared. A long stretch that looked like a straight path cutting through the trees. The lizards swooped down into the gap as they flew lower and lower until they were eventually on the ground.
Everyone dismounted their rides and gathered together. Perseus spoke with the leader and they were told to follow him. He led them between a gathering of tall palm trees and behind them were many large boulders. A passageway appeared between the boulders which seemed to get wider as they walked along it. High upon the boulders, Ganry spotted the look-out guards. His warrior senses warning him of danger, and he would need to be extra vigilant.
“We could not flee now even if we wanted to, Ganry,” Myriam said to her bodyguard, seeing his discomfort. “If this is to be a trap then they have lured us in well. All we can do is remain alert. I trust and rely on you Ganry to warn me of any impending danger.” She spoke in a quiet voice so only he could hear her words.
He said nothing, but she knew that he had heard her. She too felt uncomfortable in this place.
As the rock walls seemed to get higher, the pathway appeared to be leading in a downwards slope. Soon they entered an entrance to a cave and here the guards were numerous. The air was fast becoming cooler, but there was no damp smell that Myriam would normally associate with caves in her lands. The passageway led into a huge cavern, which gave them the option of many other paths. The underground space was well lit and a hive of activity.
Myriam observed as Ganry approached Perseus, and they were soon in a deep discussion. She was glad Ganry was here. If this was a trap, then he more than anyone else would know how they could make their escape.
***
A new guide appeared and led them down one of the many openings. Torches burned in sconces, illuminating the dark passages. They seemed to be walking deeper and deeper as the ground beneath them sloped ever downwards. Often they passed other passageways that led off in different directions.
Myriam thought the place must be a huge catacomb, and they would never remember their way out of here without a guide. Finally they arrived on a platform that looked down upon what could only be described as an underground city. As Myriam gazed in astonishment, she could see streets and rooftops, and there was even a market square.
“What an amazing place,” Hendon spoke with wonder in his voice. “Who would have thought there could be such a huge city beneath the sands?”
Ganry viewed the city with different eyes. He did not marvel at its wonders, or conside
r the finer points of how such a city was built. He was a man of action and violence, and they were in a city that held many dangers. His prime focus was on how they could fight their way out, should it become necessary.
Ganry turned to check on Myriam, and from out of the shadows appeared Ghaffar.
“Greetings, Queen Myriam. This is an honor for my people. Never before have we had human royalty as our guests,” he said, bowing down to her.
Myriam smiled, almost relieved to have found the little man at last. Ganry however, was much more suspicious at the sudden appearance of the little monk.
“Please come this way. I would like to show you where you will be staying on your visit to our humble city.” Ghaffar indicated for them to follow him.
At the bottom of the ramp which led down from the balcony, they were met by a huge lizard that stood on all fours and had short legs, a long snout, and hard knobbly skin. Its long tail swished from side to side. This creature seemed more like a domesticated animal, or a beast of burden, as it had a huge saddle upon its back.
Ghaffar climbed up the saddle and took a seat, indicating for the others to do likewise. A driver sat upon a smaller saddle attached to its broad neck, and he used a whip to direct the lizard.
“Much like using a horse,” Ghaffar said to Myriam. “The Ingwenya are our means of transport within the icy. They can even take us under the water. Quite useful, especially in battle. Such a lot of teeth.”
Myriam was unsure whether he was joking, or threatening them, but she sensed nothing aggressive in his tone. Glancing around at the others she saw that Linz was staring coldly at Ghaffar. He had been present at the death of his uncle, Chief Clay, and held him responsible for that.
She hoped that if revenge was on his mind, it would wait until they had freed her grandmother. Although she wondered if any of them would manage to ever escape from these caves. How long were the Akkedis going to remain courteous towards them? She wanted to let them believe that they had her where they wanted her, which in reality they probably did, though she did have a few tricks up her sleeves.
