“The canyons are our best bet,” Gisela said. “The ground is harder and if there happens to be a trap, we can climb the walls to avoid it.”
“Are there any other monsters we need to be prepared for?” Raine asked.
“I do not know,” Imsel answered. “The Jarouki’i are the most feared. But I would not assume they are the only foul beasts who call the Wastelands their home.”
Raine brushed his hair behind his shoulder. “Well…who’s ready to traverse through the most terrifying place we’ve ever gone?”
“At least we shall be entertained by your silly ways, captain,” Maeryn chided, but she had a small smile on her face as she looked up at him. He winked back at her.
“This fucking sand.For the love of The Mother, I hate this fucking sand!” Raine cursed behind Ava.
“Poor baby. Are you getting your precious hair dirty?” Ava said over her shoulder.
“Not just my hair. It’s in my boots and my clothing…it’s everywhere.” He groaned.
“We’re all in the same situation,” Jareth said, his tone unamused.
“But none of your clothes are as nice as mine,” Raine retorted.
They’d been walking several hours through the dunes—a sea of beige as far as the eye could see. Scarves were wrapped around their heads and faces in a fruitless attempt to keep the blowing granules away. Ava pulled hers up further, shielding her nose as a gust of wind stirred up more.
They were close to the canyons now, the ground gradually sloping as they made their way to the path below. The desert was almost completely barren save for sparse shrubs with two-inch-long thorns peppering their branches. A few tall trees reminiscent of palms from the human world grew in clusters, but most of the terrain was empty. Naked.
Desolate.
Ava walked up front with Casimir, Raine and Maeryn behind them. The three remaining members took up the rear and half a dozen soldiers surrounded the group as they pushed through the oppressive heat. Their animals stayed close, vigilant for any signs of trouble.
“Are your paws okay on this hot sand?”Ava asked Luna.
It’s uncomfortable but not painful.
“Good. Have you smelled any predators yet?”
No. So far it seems to be clear.
“The canyons appear to be shaded so that will give us a break from the heat.”
It will. We’re almost there.
A skittering noise came from Ava’s left. They turned to the source, readying themselves for a potential threat. Something small moved over the hill, appearing before them. The group breathed a collective sigh of relief.
“Just a lizard,” Casimir said.
The reptile scurried close, pausing and evaluating the group. It was stunning. Golden scales shimmered in the sunlight as its little blue tongue tasted the air. A neon green beetle scuttled by and the lizard snatched it up and darted away, crunching on its meal as it disappeared into the horizon.
Though Ava was fae and living in her homeland of Eorhan, she would never tire of her love for animals. The wildlife biologist in her desired to sit and watch, recording her observations in a journal and learning about every species in this world. Maybe once the war ended, she could do this as a hobby.
If they survived.
37
The canyon walls loomed over the group as Casimir led them into its depths, Ava at his side. The shade was a welcomed reprieve from the oppressive desert sun and the towering mesas sheltered them from the harsh wind and sand.
Casimir removed his scarf, the others following suit, no longer needing the protection. The walls were a clay red, jagged rock formations sprinkling the edges of their path and reaching to the sky. It was quiet. No sounds aside from their party’s footsteps or the occasional grunt from one of their companions.
“How are you holding up in this heat?”he asked Aro.
Glad to be in the shade.
