Chapter 36
The wind tugged at Ava’s tunic as the party rode through the ever-changing landscape, now approaching the outskirts of the Wastelands.
Miles of endless sand dunes were visible in the distance, hardly any trees to be found.
Rock formations peppered the terrain, not large enough to be called mountains, but… perhaps buttes?
Casimir halted their party. “We must abandon the horses and continue on foot. The sand will be too soft and deep. ”
Three soldiers dismounted and gathered the horses, waiting for Ava to make a portal so they could return to Mosshaven.
Luna approached on soft paws, rubbing against Ava’s leg.
“Are you going to be alright in this desert?” Ava asked.
Of course. All the animals will be fine. It’s just the horses that will struggle. Their hooves are much too clunky.
“And your paws aren’t?”
Luna let out a little snarl. My paws are perfect for the sand. How dare you question that?
Luna trotted over to Sabriel, winding between her legs.
Casimir turned to Gisela. “Can you have Pascal scout out the safest path while we rest?” She nodded. Seconds later, Gisela’s raven cawed and spread his wings, flying off into the horizon.
“I must admit, your dirty beasts are quite handy,” Jareth quipped, striding up to the group.
Aro lumbered by and nudged Jareth’s leg so hard, he fell back on the sand. The bear glanced at Jareth, growled, then joined Sabriel and Luna. Casimir looked at Aro and chuckled.
“What did he say?” Jareth grumbled, climbing to his feet and dusting off his navy tunic and brown pants.
The group had forgone their armor, knowing it would be too hot to wear it. It was likely useless anyway against the rumored monsters that lived here. Armor or not, they’d be killed if one got a hold of them.
Casimir smirked at his brother. “He said call him dirty one more time and see what he does.”
Jareth had the sense to look a bit frightened at the idea of Aro coming after him, but he laughed it off, trying to hide it.
A caw pierced the desert air as Pascal returned, landing on Gisela’s shoulder. Ava stood, finished making the portal for their soldiers and horses, while Gisela addressed the group, relaying the information Pascal gathered. “Let me see the map.” She held out her hand to Jareth.
Reluctantly, he pulled it from his pocket and handed it over. Gisela unfolded the parchment and pointed to the location they assumed was the cave. It hadn’t been explicitly marked, seemingly in some type of code Orion had created, but Jareth was almost positive that’s where it was.
“Pascal says if we go this way”—she ran her finger along the map from where they currently stood to their destination—“we will encounter too many dangers. He suggests going around this way.” She drew a separate path.
“Into the canyons?” Casimir asked.
“Yes,” Gisela said. “The desert is flat until we reach those canyons and then we must venture down and go through them. The open sands are much too dangerous.”
“Why are they too dangerous?” Ava asked.
The group was quiet, no one seeming to know the answer.
Imsel spoke, their voice foreboding, “Jarǒuki’i.”
Everyone’s heads whipped in their direction.
“What is this?” Maeryn asked.
Imsel’s brown eyes were full of fear as they continued, “The Jarǒuki’i rule the desert. They are the apex predators. Giant insects with hundreds of sharp legs and many pincers. They are nearly impossible to kill due to their armored bodies.”
“How do you know about these creatures?” Casimir asked.
“I read.”
“What do we do if we see one?” Raine asked.
“Run.”
“Perfect,” Ava muttered. “So, according to Pascal…if we go through the canyons, we’ll avoid these Jarǒuki’i?”
“I believe so. Pascal thinks this way would be safer, but there are no guarantees.”
“What else do you know of these creatures?” Casimir asked Imsel.
They shrugged. “Not much. But they are known to make traps in the softer sands. For their prey to fall through and be devoured below.”
The thought of falling through a trap of sand and being eaten by a giant insect that sounded like some type of mutant centipede, made Ava’s stomach churn. Surely, they’d be able to sense if the texture of the sand changed or if there was a trap ahead of them.
“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 Jarǒuki’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.