Wind swept across the endless sea of dunes, buffeting two lone cloaked figures, the only life for miles. They had been traversing across the endless wasted land for some time now. They searched for a gleam in the sand that wasn’t always there. The suns heat only made worse by the gloss white sand that seemed to reflect and magnify the heat back on any who dared walk through this infernal hell. But these travelers were not the average merchants that hopped from town, nor were they the raiders who would prey upon the former, but even raiders know better than to travel to this depth of hell. But these two were not driven this far for hope of monetary gain; no they were driven by the need to find something worth far more.
As they neared their invisible goal they could see the refracting light ahead that would make it seem as if the sun its self was on the endless sands. What they traveled so long for was at the center of the mountainous dunes, and if they had not known better it would have been just another .
They slid down the dune hills and landed on what appeared to be just another of the millions of dunes, after scanning the object before them with knowing eyes, they could soon discern the gaps in the rust toned grating, a perfect camouflage for the dessert. As they approached, the smaller and darker dressed of the pair pulled out an oddly shaped stone from a pouch under his cloak. He stood atop the grating and kneeled down, eyeing both the stone and grating. The grating itself could not have been told apart from that of the sands by an untrained eye. It was sand worn but still had an elegant look to it. Adorning it were strange runes that had no meaning to the two. Playing with the stone, Rask, stared aimlessly at the grating while his fingers stroked across the fine carved runes on the strange stone.
“See any patterns in the grating that could match the ones on the stone Rask?” The taller one asked. “Because the longer we stand here, the longer we risk being baked alive.”
Rask acknowledged the tall monk with a slight nod, making an annoyed expression without turning to face him. He continued to scan the faceplate of the grating. It seemed rusted even though at the same time its gleam proved that not to be the case. It seemed indestructible. He gave it a heavy stomp that caused his compatriot to stumble back.
“Was the really necessary?” The monk asked.
“Aren’t Monks supposed to be ready for anything, Gavan?” Rask replied with a smirk.
Gavan neared the stone threshold. He ran his fingers across the unintelligible carvings that were identical with the ones on the stone that Rask possessed. The two stood there in silence till they decided it was getting dark and the wasted land had the chill of death that nipped at weary traveler’s heels. Many travelers underestimated the vicious nature of the silent desert’s night. But the cold would not be the death of the learned two. They set up camp close by the grating and took turns keeping an eye out while the other slept.
Rask lay awake, waiting for his turn to keep watch. He kept his eyes shut to give the llusion of sleep in an attempt to save his friend some worry. When his arm was nudged notifying him it was time, he was up in an instant. Gavan smiled knowingly and sat leaning against a large rock, he stared into the sky, the light of Ocetian, the largest of the four moons filling his eyes, he was soon asleep.
Rask sat atop the grating, his legs crossed and his hand outstretched, the stone in his hand. He rolled it around thoughtfully. His eyes fixed upon its surface, and the runes that covered it. Thoughts and memories swirled through his mind. “Father….” He spoke out softly into the night. “What’s it worth?” Rask contemplated throwing the stone and walking away from this mysterious place forever. This was Dad’s obsession, not mine, what do I care? Bitter thoughts making his stomach churn. “One more night couldn’t hurt I guess.”
A few hours passed, and the night began to wane, Rask sat in the same position, his mind now filled with curiosity towards the grating and the stone. He scanned every inch of the stone, memorizing every rune. His mind was racked with his father’s notes. He traced out the runes absentmindedly with his thumb as he thought. The sun’s first rays poured out across the horizon. Rays of light struck the stone and illuminated its surface, the stone shone brightly, catching Rask’s attention. He looked down at the stone with tired eyes. Immediately his eyes shot fully open. The runes lit up in brilliant light as his thumb traced over them. He finished the pattern of the final rune, the stone erupted in light. The grating below him began to groan and creek as it began to move. Rask exploded onto his feet. “That idiot!” he yelled out triumphantly.
Gavan awoke to the sound of scraping stone and a screech that would give deaf men goose-bumps. He shot up into a defensive position and reached for hit long walking staff. Being a monk he was trained in both hand to hand combat and that of his favorite weapon his staff. He scanned around for his companion and saw him seemingly dancing upon the grating, a massive entrance appeared beside him. Gavan let out a groan, “What’s going on, who’s an idiot?”
I really liked it you two, can't wait to read tomorrow's post.
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