Chapter 9: The three Captains of Melba
Elemor woke up from his slumber feeling his head heavy. How long has it been since that night? He couldn’t remember clearly. His left eye was covered with an eye-patch and his hands chained. “And I thought I was already dead” he spoke to himself and looked around the dark, cold dungeon he was in. He heard footsteps and the gaze of someone familiar staring at him from outside. “It took you quite some time to wake up. I started to think that you were done for”
“Well it’s an honor for me to see you around here Nagia.” He tried to make fun of his situation and he looked directly on her, she was dressed ready for campaign, with her black hair tied back and her two-colored eyes (one red and one blue) looking at him with pity. His vision was still blurred but her voice was clear. “Tell me what you have learned from your battle with the Priestess” she asked him serious. He smiled bitterly· she just came for information he thought: “You stand no chance against her, she is strong and her companions will help her always”
“I will decide that!” she said angrily and she turned her back to him leaving, but before she disappears behind the door she turned again: “General of the Air Elemor you are removed from your duties and your position. You will spend the rest of your life locked here as a punishment for your betrayal. Think about your actions and when you decide to whom you must place your faith let His Majesty know” and she left from the dungeon leaving him praying to that girl’s actions wishing that she could make Nagia realize her true self, just like she did to him.
“I found it!”
“You found it!” and they both started to yell and dance from joy inside the wagon between the stored boxes. Lily’s tattoo was shining under the map revealing the next location of the God. Darth, who left the driving on Limon took the map from her hands and looked at the spot. He gave the map back to her and he jumped into the trapdoor. “Show me Monica the place”
“This is it Dings, it says Bone Desert” and suddenly the wagon stopped abruptly. “Limon what happened?” Lily shouted from the inside on the top of Monica’s body
“Stupid why did you stop? Monica continued
“He is just shocked from the word don’t worry” Darth answered them helping at the same time Lily get up and Monica pulled Dings from the boxes that fell on him. They got out and they found a shocked Limon petrified on his position “Darth you know what we must do if we have to travel to the Bone Desert”
“Yes I know” and he started to count his money
“Why are so worried? I can see that this place is in the middle of the ocean so we just need a ship”
“No one travels there Monica” Dings said “They say it’s cursed and it is also protected from the mermaids”
“Mermaids!” Lily and Monica said excited
“Flesh-eater mermaids” Dings corrected and their smile disappeared in an instant.
“The only ship that can travel though that part of the sea is at Melba a commercial port not far from here, I would say two days in a row, but our problem is the Captains” Darth explained
“Captains? That ship doesn’t have only one?” Lily asked and she felt the violet color of Limon’s Heart Light becoming a deep purple.
“Anyway our money deposit is enough to buy everything we need but we can’t enter Melba like this” and the idea came to him
“Why don’t I like his smile?” Monica told Dings and he hid behind her feet.
They entered Melba disguised as a poor family. Lily and Monica wore black wigs and they were walking covering their heads with hoods. Dings was hidden inside a basket on Lily’s hands while Darth shrunk the wagon using one of his potions which were hidden inside his room (still no one was allowed to enter) and he was carrying it inside his cape’s pocket. “It’s the worst idea you ever had Darth!” Limon scolded him as he walked near him “Quiet Limon you are transportation and you can’t speak!” Darth shut him. Limon was painted brown in order to cover his golden scales (Monica enjoyed painting him all over his body before they enter Melba) and was carrying some bags on his back while Darth was holding his bridles. Melba was the only port that survived the War and now it was a commercial center for traders, merchants and for ships capable to travel nonstop all over Denmor. After they passed the main gate without being noticed from the guards Darth asked Lily if she could trace a voice from the wind “I can do it, I think”
“Try and find anything you for Minto, a man called Minto” and Lily placed her hands on her ears like she was trying to listen the conversations around her “Fowl!” (Find!), and a strong sea breeze rushed all over Melba. None paid attention to that, they thought it was normal and they continued their business, while Lily was trying to find her breath again. Monica held her from the back blowing into her face. “I used that spell for the first time, but I found him. I heard a man’s voice coming from a place called “Hook” not far from here.”
“Thank you Lily, I will handle from here. When I am done I will let you know. Don’t let your guard down and Monica… I leave her to your care” and he left following the crowd into the busy roads, disappearing from their sight. They followed Dings’s directions and they reached a small shop which was selling pies and they sat at the benches near it eating together. Dings ate his inside the basket and Lily fed some of hers to Limon, who still couldn’t speak. “Lily is it me or Darth has become… you know… more kind to you? He used to be harsh and a little rude but now he seems to be gentle and protective”
“Is that so? I didn’t notice that. Perhaps he decided to change on his own” Lily said and on her mind came his words on that night his strong holding his head lying and sleeping peacefully on her lap and she felt embarrassed, embarrassed she allowed herself to remember and even more when she thought what she told him that night. “Are you feeling well Lily” Dings’s head appeared from the basket “Your face is red”
Darth entered the pub “Hook” and looked around. Expect from some small changes the place was still the same as he remembered all those years, with the smoke from the pipes and the strong smell of alcohol. He went to the bar and ordered a glass of rum. “Your taste never changes” a man’s voice was heard behind his back and Darth turned to see him. The last time he saw Minto he was a small boy crying behind his father’s back and now 20 years later he has grown into one of the most fearsome captains in Denmor. He, together with his brother and his little sister managed to control a great part of the trading stations in Melba and become respected from all the other captains despite their young age. “It’s been a while, my friend and they shook hands as Minto guided him into a quiet table away from the crowd; they took their glasses and sat. Minto offered some of his tobacco but Darth refused kindly “You changed my old friend” he said surprised on a good way.
“Minto, I need your ship.” He said when they were settled down
“And straightforward as always” and he laughed “May I suppose that it has to do with the battle in the mainland? Yes I heard from some merchants when we reached the port last night” he continued when he saw his expression changing.
“I must reach the Bone Desert before Nevol sends any other than Elemor. And if my premonition is correct Nagia will be on her way soon”
“Firstly, you said Bone Desert, you know how dangerous it is and I am not speaking only for the mermaids. If you, and I repeat if, you reach the Desert the heat is so strong that can even set you on fire. How do you expect to survive there?”
“I have already bought the properly transportation, and besides, I am sure that you are dying to meet the One from the Old Myths. If I remember correctly you were a bookworm when you were young!”
“And I still am, as I have gathered many goods from the Ebu trees, which were discarded around Denmor. I have a lot questions about her too” he said with a scientific look making Darth think that he could easily treat Lily and Monica as experiments and not as humans.
“So do we have a deal?” and he placed a heavy pouch near his hand under the table
“I am always happy making business with you my friend!” and they got up walking outside from the pub, heading to the dock. “Lily” he whispered and the breeze blew though him: “Meet us at the dock, on the 5th platform. I will be waiting there.” And he followed Minto.
Ten minutes later Lily and Monica arrived at the 5th platform where they saw crew members loading a big cage with some strange birds inside: “Lingies!” Dings whispered with excitement but they soon reached Darth who made them signal to come closer. A man was with him looking at them with curiosity and excitement: “Oh no it’s Minto” Limon commented with fear
“That’s Minto?” Monica asked when she saw the sunburned man with eyes at the color of the sea greeting them
“Nice to meet you my ladies, I am Captain Minto, one of three Captains of our “Dimitra””.
“What’s with the Greek name?” Monica answered puzzled
“That was the name of a girl who came with an Ebu tree long time ago and married our father” a woman’s voice was heard behind her and Limon froze on his position. Same eyes as Minto but red haired and carrying some boxes with her Clyone was staring at Limon’s back. “Ah my sister, Captain Clyone, second in charge after me. Clyone those are our passengers. Please guide them inside and I will join you after I finish with the rest; and they followed her inside the ship, entering the captain’s central Room. The ship was big enough (someone might call it a caravel) but at the same time its angles and its masts were designed to survive even the most violent storm built with silver instead of wood. When the door closed behind them Darth became more relaxed and allowed the girls to take of the hoods and the wigs. Clyone was startled from the color and the length of their hair as also their identical faces. “It can’t be… Minto I will kill you!” but Lily approached her touching her with her left hand showing her Heart Light: “Captain Clyone I understand that we are putting you in danger but at the same time we are deeply grateful about your help” she told her smiling. Clyone stared at her turquoise color until Lily took her hand. “Well I always wanted to meet the Priestess, but at the same time” and she looked at Limon “I want to punish someone for his actions!!” and she started to hunt Limon inside the room while he was begging for help from the others, but Dings, Lily and Darth laughed at him while Monica looked at him with annoyance. “That’s enough Captain Clyone!” Minto entered the Room followed by his brother Edolem. He had brown eyes but his physique was making him look twice bigger than his older brother; he was holding maps which were unfolded on the table. There were routes beginning from their current position spreading though all Denmor. “Well now, all we have to do is to find the safest route to the Bone Desert” Minto begun
“I suppose going though the small islands from the west would be safer, plus we will be able to hide if we have trouble” Edolem continued and looked at the girls.
“Clyone take the ladies to the lower decks, and show them to their rooms. We need to discuss with the others” Minto told her and she guided Lily and Monica though the stairs lower to the ship. There were many doors when they arrived and as they were passing Clyone explained them the rules of the ship and their dining hours. They entered the room which belonged to them; simple with a small window from which you could see the night sky with a bunk and a small desk. “When you are settled I will come again. There is something I need to show you!” and she closed the door smiling.
“Lily are you ok? You look tired”
“I just need to sleep for a while, and I will be ok” and with her sister’s help she lied down to her bed and closed her eyes.
“My Lady beware of your surroundings, you must never be tricked by them!”
“Azure, why, why do I must be careful? I do can see into their Heart Stones but there is no danger at all!”
“Learn to fight, be strong for those you want to protect! Never lose to the darkness”
Lily opened her eyes and got up. Her head was spinning from the headache; the past weeks Azure has been teaching her all kinds of spells that could be useful to her but she was lacking sleep because of that. Monica was already dressed and helped her change while she was informing her that they had already left Melba and Clyone came to escort them. When they finished they met Clyone outside and she guided them to a big dusty room, under the main deck. “This is our storage, here we keep everything that comes with the Ebu trees.” And she opened boxes with anything you didn’t expect to see: teapots, self phones, Victorian dresses, kimonos, guns from the Dark ages and even computers and the destroyed parts of airplanes and spaceships. “But the most strange is this” and she showed them a gramophone. “This was used to be a gramophone” Monica told her “It was used in order to play music”
“Clyone do you have any vinyl disks?” Lily asked her
“Big black round circles with a hole in the middle” Monica said when she saw Clyone’s puzzled face and she brought them a smaller box containing ten disks. Monica took one and placed him on the gramophone making it play. The sound of violin and the piano filled the air making Clyone jump from excitement. She left the room quickly grabbing Lily from the hand and followed by Monica and took them to her room. ”My brothers are going to make a feast on the deck tonight, celebrating your arrival, and I also want to take out that gramophone thing too!” and she opened her wardrobe taking out dresses, trousers and jewelry boxes like a maniac. “Clyone, how are you acquainted with Darth and the others?” Lily asked her while Clyone was choosing earrings for her.
“Years ago, my father went bankrupt. He lost his fortune because the King’s Army ordained everything in order to prepare for a mission against the Northern Rebels. At that time Darth helped him overcome his difficulties and invested a great sum of money for my father helping him built everything from the start. That’s why we own him a lot, and that’s why we help you. Partially my brother is interested on the Myth of the Priestess so he is really curious.” And she gave a blouse to Monica. Lily was holding the earrings touching them unable to wear them. “Lily why don’t you wear your earrings!” but Monica’s angry face made her realize her mistake: “I am sorry Lily, I didn’t know”
“It’s ok that way you will choose the best clothes for me. Also… what’s your relationship with Limon?”
“He used to be my pet, but he burned my room and since then I haven’t forgive him!”
Monica and Lily started to laugh even when Clyone told them to stop making her feel embarrassed
“And I thought that he was your boyfriend or something!”
“How can a dragon become a boyfriend Lily?”
“That’s right! Even if he was the last man on Denmor I still wouldn’t go out with him!”
Darth sat near Limon when their work was over. Minto agreed to let them travel with them but only if they worked as crew members. He carried ropes, cleaned the deck, even climbed to the sails in order to replace them. Now he was trying to eat something while Limon had already eaten “You don’t seem to be hungry Darth. What’s wrong?”
“I am worried about something, but I hope I am mistaken”
“Well at least you were not used as a sponge!” Dings interrupted him when he sat near them. The puppy was wet and water drops were falling around it: “Minto said I should help in the kitchen but they used me for cleaning the dishes!” But before he could have an answer Minto welcomed his sister and the girls on the deck guiding them to their seats. The crew members were amazed from their appearance and whistles of excitement were heard. Monica was wearing brown trousers together with leather boots while her white shirt was tied beneath her breasts, leaving her waist exposed, and her hair were tied on a strand; Lily on the other hand, after Clyone’s pressure was wearing a skirt together with a strapless blue blouse which was covering slightly her shoulders, her hair were falling on her shoulders while the tattoo’s golden line could clearly be seen making circles, starting from her palm, around her arm. “Why do I feel like everyone are staring us?”
“They are Lily” Monica whispered to her ear and they sat near Clyone in a different table from the others.
Minto got up and he introduced everyone to the crew. Soon the whole ship was partying as the music and the food were coming nonstop. Minto and Edolem danced together with everyone while Monica was trying to cheer up Dings. Clyone was bugging Limon and Lily was discussing cheerfully with everyone. After a while Darth sat near her offering a glass of water: “Are enjoying yourself?”
“Very much! Is it always so lively?”
“When there is a good reason. Hey, do you want to rest for a little?” he asked her when he saw her pale face
“That would be great, thank you” and they walked to the prow. Although it was cloudy the wind was blowing softly and the sea’s waves were like a song to Lily’s ears as they were crashing on the moving ship.
“You seem to be more tired these days”
“I can’t rest enough; someone has been tutoring me every time I fall asleep”
“You mean Azure?”
“Every time I close my eyes strange letters and spells appear inside my head memorizing one after another. At school there was less homework to do!”
“Do you regret it? Coming all this way from the Valley and the Golems in here traveling into the second worst place, after the Capital, knowing that it would be dangerous?” and he looked at her shining amber eyes.
“It would be a lie to say that I am not afraid; but I have done things that no human would ever do, meet so many people and… perhaps, if I will be able to discover my powers, as a Priestess I will give you a blessing.” And she patted the boy’s hair smiling. “Oh I almost forgot” and she took out from her pocket a necklace. It had a silver small chain holding a silver butterfly with small diamonds on the one side. Lily took Darth’s hand and gave it to him. “What is this?” and he pried it carefully.
“This necklace was a memento from my mother; I want you to take it”
“You know I can’t accept this; it belongs to you”
“You will take it because I enchanted it” and the necklace became warmer on Darth’s hands
“When I am close it will become warmer and warmer, the same goes conversely if I am not.”
Darth saw her waiting for his answer with impatience; he smiled and wore it under his clothes: “I will treasure it, I promise”
“Lily!” and Clyone approached them “Lily please help me with your sister, it seems that the rum was too strong for her!”
“You gave her rum?! Monica can’t stand alcohol”
“Same goes for Limon!” and they watched the drunken dragon flying on circles around the ship’s sails.
“Sorry Darth but I am taking her” and Clyone took Lily from her hand heading back to the others.
Darth took off his pipe ready to smoke but he, instead, threw her on the sea. He touched the necklace Lily gave him looking at the sky: “A blessing you say?” he murmured but only the sky and the sea heard him.
Chapter 10: The Mermaids and the Safari at the Bone Desert.
“It’s so hot! And it’s been only a week since we left Melba! How did the weather change so quickly?”
“It’s because we a getting closer to the Bone Desert; the whole weather will change when we will arrive”
“I only hope the wind will not stop”
Monica, Clyone and Edolem were discussing about their course at the ship’s bridge trying to figure out how to travel faster. Monica noticed that Edolem wasn’t really talk-active around her and Lily but he was reliable and hard-working. Meanwhile Lily and Dings were taking a stroll at the storage together with Minto, showing them their cargo. Clothes, weapons, and spices everything was packed on hard boxes, or was hanging at the walls organized perfectly. They passed the cages of the Lingies, strong birds with huge wings capable to run quickly and even fly at the most harsh climates “Darth bought them, I am sure they cost a fortune” Minto commented and they moved
“That idiot he is cutting from my food!” Dings said angrily on Lily’s hand and they went upstairs to meet the others.
“So my little toys have already sailed huh? Too pity this will be your last journey. Let’s see what our little Priestess can do” and Nagia touched with the tip of her toe the water’s surface as she was sitting on her sea beast, a monster which looked like a prehistoric animal, which was leading her to the Bone Desert followed by a whole army of beasts and sea monsters, all creations from Nevol’s malice, suited just for Nagia. She turned to them ‘My beloved! We will soon meet our enemies! Feast to your heart’s content but The Priestess is MINE!!!”
“From where the hell did this storm come?”
“Reef the sails! Quickly!” Minto and Edolem were trying to sail the ship though this crazy storm. Limon was flying with difficulty, against the strong winds, trying to help the crew gather the sails as the waves were hitting the ship from all directions trying to tear it apart. Darth was helping them checking at the same time if anything could appear from the waves, he couldn’t let his guard down, at least not now. He shouted to the others to tie themselves with the safety ropes and stay close to the gunwales.
Lily and Monica were inside their room together with Dings trying to hold on from anything they could find; they could feel the ship going up and down swinging them without mercy. “Is everyone alright?” Monica shouted to the others trying to hide her seasickness.
“Don’t you even dare to puke in here!” Dings answered while he was slipping to the left and the right of the room’s walls unable to hold on. Lily wasn’t speaking; she was trying to figure why the winds had gone mad, she didn’t do anything: “Azure could it be possible someone control the wind like me?”
“No Lily, only strong alchemy wielders can create storms but they can’t control the wind”
Then Lily started to run to the main deck ignoring Monica’s voices calling her back. If she could calm the winds perhaps the storm could stop, she thought. She got out side feeling the slippery floor and the rain hitting her face strongly. She raised her left hand, transforming her tattoo into her ribbon and started swing it dancing at the same time, whispering into a strange language. But the storm became wilder and a huge wave appeared, coming at full speed from the east ready to crush them: “Everyone hold on!” Clyone shouted and Darth saw Lily standing in the middle of the deck, still dancing and swinging her ribbon. He shouted her name but the thunders were so strong and made his voice disappear.
“Winds of East and West cease your fury! Calm the sea and obey my command!” she shouted to the stormy sky and the winds calmed down just a little before they begin again with more rage pushing the ship and destroying the prow. “Stop right now! Who angers you?” and inside her a sapphire light appeared making her feel like swimming at the depths of the cold sea. “Say the spell my Lady, quickly!”
“Hantu!”(Vanish) and the storm stopped, the sea calmed and the sky became clear again. “Who called me before and what was that Heart Light?” Lily was wondering but the crew’s voices and joyful screams made her come back to reality. They hugged her and lifted her on their arms dancing around the deck while Monica and Dings were puking near Limon. The Captains were amazed from her powers and Minto started taking notes. Darth approached her and pulled her from the hand “Stupid! What were you thinking? What if the waves had thrown you at the sea?” But before she responds a melody filled the air and Lily walked to the right side of the ship and stared at the sea. “Can you hear it? They are speaking” Lily said
“I can only hear a song” Monica came near to her
“Melur!” (Protect) and the blue line popped from her ribbon covering the ship, protecting it from the song as Lily, using her ribbon, dangled to the gunwale and stepped on it. Everyone on the ship then saw heads appearing from the sea with their red hair and coral eyes shining on the morning sun. They were staring at Lily but none of them spoke. Only the sweet melody was lingering on the air and everyone on the ship trembled from fear, saying that the mermaids came for them. “These are mermaids?” Monica whispered amazed but they weren’t like she imagined them. Instead their colors and expressions were angry and full of hatred. “They weren’t like that at the Old Times.” Limon told her. “Their hair and tails change color reflecting their feelings.”
“That’s why they don’t need a Heart Stone.” Darth continued while he lifted Dings on his arms. “I suppose Lily “saw” them swimming toward us and casted her protective spell”
“How do you know this is a protective spell?” Monica asked puzzled but Darth lowered his head and murmured something about a logical explanation.
“We are not trespassing; we just want to reach the Bone Desert.” Lily said and a pillar of water appeared in front of her; a man with red hair and tail was inside the pillar at the same height as her and bowed. “I welcome you Lady of the Wind, we the Mermaid Clan welcome you at our waters.”
“Were you the ones who created the storm?”
“No, my Lady! This was the power of a strong alchemy wielder, the Sea General Nagia. A ferocious woman, who destroyed almost our entire home, cursed many of the sea inhabitants, making them her slaves.” He said with bitterness
“Are you the ruler of the mermaids?’ she asked with sympathy.
“The only and true ruler of our Clan is the Sea Goddess Clomin, who resides somewhere at the Bone Desert. Our Clan has always protecting her guarding the shores around the land.”
“Is that the reason you are called flesh eaters? She said with sadness.
“I was the one who led them in that path of killing. My name is Arion and I take full responsibility of my decisions. Please my Lady, forgive me for taking away the life you protect!” Lily touched his face stretching her hands inside the water pillar. She could feel the scales on his cheeks and his long hair softly moving into the water. “You must swear to me and to your Goddess that you will never kill again, and you will always help the sailors reach their destination when they are lost into the sea, be it Darvils or Denmorians. This will be your punishment for as long the Gods rule Denmor.”
Everyone then saw the man’s hair becoming blue and his tail pure white as its scales shined like diamonds inside the water. The man together with the pillar disappeared into the sea and all the mermaids bowed in front of her as their hair color changed color. “We shall lead you to the Bone Desert with safety. Let us repay you for your kindness.” And the mermaids started to pull the ship into a different direction from what they had scheduled. Lily undone the spell and stepped into the deck’s floor transforming her ribbon back to her tattoo. “Did you hear it everyone? They will lead us to the Desert!” But Monica said that the only thing they could hear was the song of the mermaids and Lily singing back into a different tune. She headed to the Captains saying that the waters from now on will be safe for all the ships and they gave orders to the crew telling them to return to their posts and repair the prow. “Darth I must speak to Fin. I need information about the Goddess.” And he led her inside the ship. Clyone helped Monica and Dings overtake their seasickness with some of her medicine. Edolem returned to the steering wheel looking at the sea and he threw a bottle.
“You spoke with the mermaids? You never stop to amaze me Lily” Fin praised her for her achievement
“But that idiot ran into the deck while raining and started to dance! She could easily get carried away by the waves!” Darth said informing him what happened.
“Anyway, Elder Fin do you know anything about the Sea Goddess Clomin?” Lily asked and Fin almost got drown with his tea when he listened the name
“C-Clomin? Wait here a moment” and Darth saw him though the mirror running between the books pulling notes and scrapped papers and he came again. “Clomin is not only the sea Goddess but also she is called the Water Goddess. She can control the water in its all forms and, together with Azure can be a terrifying combination. If the mermaids are guiding you make sure to ask them the exact location of her residing place. Also, it is recorded that her temple used to have Light carvings and murals. If you find any trace of them then it will be easier for you and their communication ended. Lily and Darth got out from their wagon and Darth shrunk it again into a miniature hiding it inside his pocket. “Your steps sound heavy Darth… are you angry?”
“Very angry. And you know why”
“I am really sorry. I know I was reckless but if…”
“Then control you recklessness! You always get in trouble this way Lily; the battle with Elemor even that night you were in danger! Do you realize how much people are expecting from you? You the only hope they have against Nevol!” he said with one breath bursting out his worries.
“Do you think I don’t know that!? Do you have any idea how it feels to sense the death of every single person on Denmor? Every time you see a falling star it is also a scar in my heart!” and crying now she continued “when we escaped from Namur Fin told me about what happened at the city. I cried for a long time before I come out again. I promised myself that, no matter what it takes I will stop Nevol, even if I must be reckless as you say. So please… let me fight my own way!” and her sobbing made her fall at the floor holding her crying face. Darth hugged her fondling her hair: “I never saw that, I never saw your pain and worries. But Lily, never hold your tears again for yourself, when you want to cry you can cry, when you feel like smiling you can smile. Not only me but Monica, Limon, even Dings will support you” and he cleaned her face from the tears smiling at her “come on didn’t I tell you that a smile fits you better?” and he helped her get up. They didn’t notice Edolem staring at them behind the storage’s gates.
“Hold them tightly; they are now ready to ride them!” Clyone and Minto were preparing the Lingies for the others while Limon was taking a flying stroll around the sky. After the mermaid led them to the Bone Desert they disappeared into the sea. The heat was unbearable and Lily together with Monica changed their clothes according to Clyone’s instructions. Thick leather boots, t-shirts and shorts together with hats (everything from Clyone’s giant wardrobe) constituted their general preparations when they finally landed on the Desert. Now they were ready to ride the Lingies, although Monica thought of them as mutant ostriches with three eyes and big wings. Clyone and Minto would accompany them while Edolem would remain in charge back. Clyone sat behind Minto on the first, Monica together with Dings on the second and Lily together with Darth on the third. Limon would inspect from above and everyone begun their search inside the hot Desert.
Four hours later and with the sun starting to set they decided to stop for the night. Just like any desert the temperature was falling at night, and making even more difficult there were many sand storms. Minto and Darth set up the tent while Lily was checking one more time the map together with Clyone. “You should rest a little Lily. It’s no use if you are tired the next day”
“I can still continue, just a little more. Why am I feeling like I miss something?”
“What’s you miss is sleep” and Darth took the map from her hands asking Clyone to take her into the tent “Limon and Monica went for a sky patrol, they will come back soon before the sand storm breaks out.” And together they went inside. Ten minutes later Monica and Limon also returned without finding anything and sat near the fire. “Tomorrow we will continue at the same course. That’s where the mermaids pointed us.” Minto said
“I only hope they didn’t tricked us” Dings said while eating his dinner
“No, they didn’t I’m sure for that” Monica said and looked at Lily’s sleeping face and covered her with the blanket, passing the bottle with the water to Limon.
Later that night the winds were raging outside the tent and Lily woke up. She could hear them calling her, carrying the messages from all Denmor and opened the tent’s door slightly. Suddenly she felt someone grabbing her foot and left a startled voice: “You are careless again. Where do you think you are going?” she heard Darth telling her sleepy
“The winds are talking. I will try to find anything I can from the information they have gathered. Will you let me go?” and she felt his hold lifting from her foot. She headed out followed by Darth and lifted her ribbon to the sky drawing circles: “Melef!” (Appear) and the winds gathered near her ribbon at the form of white pigeons, flying around her flapping their wings around her and Darth “Is that what you see?” he asked amazed
“Only a part at the form the wind indicates me. It’s like a mass of lines blending together creating a shape. Wait what did you say? Are you sure?” she said to a pigeon which was sitting on her left hand; her tattoo started to shine and Lily yelled to Darth “Wake them up! I found her temple!”
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