Prologue
He was brought into this world to save the Moonbloods. A lost soul bound by destiny. Dust fought to protect the innocent and even died to protect them. Darkness had engulfed the world under the reign of general Gaius a man who thirsted for the genocide of the Moonbloods thinking they were an impurity of the land. he nearly succeeded. But on a fateful day two souls died and combined into one creating a being the Moonbloods called Sen-Mithrarin; Dust was born from these two souls. With memories lost and an identity unknown Dust fought his way through countless battles and enemies to reach Gaius and finally learning the secrets that had plagued his existence. But it did not come without cost. In his victory Dust was unable to escape death and was sent back to the life thread…or so it was thought. Ahrah the sword who aided in Dust's journey miraculously survived and with him a spirit as well flew off to the unknow. As another chapter of his life begins another story begins as well. Although not known to those who witnessed Dust's survival, he, Ahrah and Fidget were whisked away to a sea of sand. A place where only those born in this environment know how to survive. Desert dwellers who somehow thrive in the environment, one in particular, her fate is about to be entwined with his. A wolfen warmblood as white as snow and eyes glimmering of the deepest blue sapphire and her companions; soon they shall meet.
Chapter 1: The Falling Star
*Thump Thump Thump*
Torin, the camel who's been with me ever since I started wandering through the desert, clomps along over the sand as I walk. It seems silly but I like to walk through the desert, there's something about feeling the sand between my toes that I like.
"It's so hooooooot!" a cry comes from the tiny pouch that Torin is carrying. Smiling I turn to the moving mass inside the pouch. A creature a strange but cute mix between a cat and an owl pokes their head out of the pouch "Hama (Hah-Mah) can't we find some sort of shade? This heat is killing me!"
"haha I would think you should be used to the heat by now Teal." The name fits him perfectly considering his fur is a teal color.
"Ugh…how can you stand it wearing all those layers like that; you look like a mummy!" I pull down the cloth acting like a mask down smiling at the creature.
"Well as stupid as it may seem the layers help me keep safe from the heat and sand Teal."
"you make me hot just looking at you…"
"perhaps if you would shut your mouth then the hot air would decrease slightly…" an annoyed male voice comes from my back where the only thing that can be found is a rather large (Arabian) broad sword, it's length reaching just about my height. The sword being so large it rather unusual but aside from that it's also covered with unusual markings that glow the same red you would see during a sunset as well as giving off a strange aura.
"Soren." I say not surprised that the sword of all things can talk.
"Oh shut up you giant butter knife! It's not like you could even understand what hot and cold are!"
"true but does that really give you right to complain about something you should be used to?" Soren replies.
"No one asked you you crazy talking sword!"
"Are you still blowing off hot air? I'm telling you, you would cool down a bit if you closed that gaping hole you call a MOUTH."
"Why you-!"
"ok you two stop fighting. Look it's not that much further Teal all we have to do is get there and we'll stop for the night."
"mgh…"
"believe it or not I's actually quite cool under here." I open the cape I have on revealing some space for him to occupy, "You can hide in here if you want." Teal with an exhausted look on his face leaves the pouch and hides in the folds of the cape.
"Ahh…so cool…" I hear Teal say comfortingly before continuing on. over sandy hills we continue our journey until we reach a small natural rest area. A tree that somehow has managed to grow in this harsh place casts a merciful shadow over a small pool of water. no one else seems to be around so we stop here. I release Torin from his reigns allowing him to drink from the pool before I take a few of the larger packs from his back. Teal waste no time in escaping my cloak and kicking back in the shade using the tree trunk as a pillow. Before I sit down I remove Soren from my back and let him rest against the tree as well. Although it does protect me the layer are uncomfortable and I remove them for the time being before laying back myself.
"Say Hama? How much farther to this oasis you were talking about."
"Well…at the pace we're going now we should make it there before night falls completely." I say closing my eye letting the cool of the shade revitalize my body.
"Are we really going to sell all that stuff."
"that's the idea Teal. We can't keep traveling without money. Wild Zar hides will get us a decent amount for a while."
"Be thankful that we did not run into any Zarkin while we were at it. it was rather risky tracking the Zar through the night since that is when they hunt." Soren says, "Nothing attracts them faster than fresh blood."
"Well we were desperate right?"
"We should not have been that desperate. But at least we did manage to get what we needed."
"Yeah but can we not do that again? hunting at night is not fun." Teal says. I laugh slightly.
How long has it been since I left home…since I found Soren and Teal, or they found me would be a better way of putting it. the sword just stuck in a stone in that cave. I was so freaked out that the sword was talking and then Teal showed up out of breath. at first I found it annoying having them around but somewhere along the way I started enjoying having them around. It's been the three of us ever since then. I really haven't even though about my home since then…I wonder how you're doing though…grandpa. I left without saying goodbye so I'm sure you're worried…but I'm sure just like everyone else…you've let me go…
…
"Hey Hama! Wake up? you've been snoozing for an hour now!" I feel Teal jump on my chest waking me up.
"I hate to admit it but he's right Hama; if we are going to make it to the oasis before nightfall we need to get moving now." I open my heavy eyes and sit up yawning. Stretching I let off a weird sound,
"Ah…I needed that nap." I say smiling,
"That's nice but can we get going now? I'd like to get somewhere safe before it nighttime." Teal says balancing on my shoulder. Getting up I make quick work of unpacking things and saddle up Torin once again. looking at the position of the sun I notice I've taken up more time than I wanted to. "We'll have to ride the rest of the way. You'll have to pick up the pace for us boy." I say patting the camel lovingly. Torin responds by letting off a loud noise before kneeling down allowing me on his back. Once I'm on he stands. I lightly tug on the reigns to pulling him in the right direction before gently kicking his sides, "Hut-ah!" at my call Torin breaks off at a fast yet steady pace. Torin takes up over sandy hills and deep dunes that would have been difficult for me on foot, with ease. All the while he travels I look up at the sky noticing the time as the sun starts to sink under the horizon even further. It's position starts to worry me, "Torin you're doing great just pick up the pace a little faster boy. We're almost there." he jerks forward as if understanding picking up the pace. The sunlight starts to fade leaving only orange tinted clouds in the sky.
"Hama up ahead look! There's stars on the ground!" looking forward at Teals words I find a sight that relieves me,
"Those aren't stars; they're moon stones! It's the oasis!" Torin picks up his pace again seeing our destination and gallops across the finish line. The Oasis is a sight for sore eyes as a large clear lake of water sits surrounded by a fairly decent sized village. Travelers stop by here on their journey to restock on supplies and find refuge from the dangers of the desert at night. Since it's nightfall the shops and stores are closing for the night and many of the people are returning home for the night. "Ho!" I pull back on Torin's reigns bringing him to a stop. He pants hard as I get off his back and rub his neck in appreciation, "Thanks Torin…you did great. Let's get you settled in for the night and you can have a nice long rest." Again he calls as I head for an inn. I untie the reigns as I place Torin in the pen for the night. Unsaddling him I take my things with me to the inn next door. Teal gets the door for me since it's hard for me to open at the moment.
"Ah Hama…I had a feeling I'd see you sometime soon again."
"Hey Mortimer." I greet the inn owner who always takes care of me when I come by. as I get the money ready he arranges things for me to get a room. Mortimer is surprisingly gentle for his size but even so he's a rather gentle black bear bear. (A.N. hopefully when I describe what kind of animal they are supposed to look like I'll give the name of what animal they are supposed to be.)
"The usual I take it? a single bedroom." I place the money on the table in exchange for the key,
"Thanks Mortimer."
"Ah hello Teal. I didn't see you there."
"Hey what does that mean? I've been on Hama's shoulder the whole time!"
"Heh I'm sorry my flying friend I just meant that usually you're easy to spot since you tend to be talking most of the time." I cover my mouth so not to laugh at the unintentional insult Mortimer just gave as the innkeeper goes about his business.
"I'm not that bad am I?" teal looks at me with big pleading yellow eyes as if he's about to cry.
"Do we really need to answer that you blabber mouth?" Comes Soren's voice.
"Grrr Shut up you giant tooth pick!"
"Knock it off you two…" I say still smiling as I head for my room. Once inside I lock the door and breathe and unwind all the layers of cloth around me until just my normal robes are left. the desert during the day is blistering hot and the layers help to keep the sun off and keep cool but they are very uncomfortable. At night however it feels nice and cool. There's no need for them. there's a nock on the door as I take a drink of water from a tankard that was left for such use. Unlocking the door Mortimer is there with a tray of food.
"Ah…Mortimer you know I can't pay for this until tomorrow right? I only had enough for the room. Not to mention I have some food still in my bag."
"And you keep that for when you head out again. in the mean time you will be eating a proper meal while you stay here." he gently forces the tray into my hands and I smile.
"thanks, I'll pay you back as soon as I get the money tomorrow." Mortimer shakes his head,
"Now there will be none of that. Paying for the room is more than enough you don't need to worry about anything else."
He's never once asked me where I came from or what I'm doing out here on my own for someone so young. He just takes care of me like I'm his own…thanks Mortimer.
I had nearly died when I first came here to this oasis. I was tired hungry and alone. When I woke up Mortimer was there taking care of me placing a cold cloth on my forehead. Not once did he ask me about where I came from or even if I was lost he just took care of me. when I decided to leave he told me to come back any time and that I was always welcomed to stay. I smile at his gesture.
"Thanks Mortimer I'll be sure to eat it all." With that I close the door. I sit down and start eating. It's so good I can't even remember the last time I had a meal like this. I share of course with Teal giving him the roll and some of the meat on the plate. He too gobbles it up down.
"So we sell the hides tomorrow then what? Do you have a place in mind where we should go next Hama?" Soren asks after I finish the last of the meal. I take a long drink of water before answering,
"actually I was thinking we could stay here for a couple of days and rest. See if we can find any juicy info on a good treasure or something or even if some of the locals need help with something.
"Rest sounds nice…but if you're going back out in the sun I'm staying in the room…please?" Teal asks.
"If you are going to continue to complain about the heat why not just shave your fur off then…?" Soren Says.
"Why don't you shut your mouth for two seconds and give the rest of us some peace and quiet you butter knife excuse of a sword. You don't even have a mouth to begin with!"
"Can you two stop your bickering for the night? I'm sure we're all tired so come on let it go." I intervene for the millionth time, " as I sigh I plop down on the bed heat exhaustion most likely getting to me, "Let's just get some rest for now. We can decide what to actually do once we have sold the hides." Teal comes over and rests on the pillow beside me. we quietly look out at the stars from the window.
"Say Hama are there any constellations out tonight that you can see?"
"Hmm. Let's see…there's Sphenn, the north star we use as a compass is located in it's tail see?" I point to a set of stars that seem to make a cross with a zigzag tail at the end. The star at the end shines brighter than any other around it, "You see it?"
"Yeah."
"Is there a story behind that particular constellation?" Soren asks,
"no not really but it's supposed to be based off of a dragon that used to exist here in the desert called Sphenn. It watched over and protected the desert and those who lived here. or so it goes. That's why the guiding star is apart of the constellation."
"Did your grandpa teach you that too?"
"…yeah…" Teal didn't mean it but the mentioning of my grandpa makes me somewhat sad and I stop talking.
"Hey how about the next place we go is take a visit to your home?!" Teal jumps up happy about the idea, "It's been a long time right? How about we go and see it."
"I hate to admit it but I agree; I'm also quite curious about your village." Soren says. I bite my lower lip as they continue to try and convince me,
"N-no it's ok. it's way too far from where we are not too mention it would be a waste of time. There isn't anything really special about my village anyway." I say turning away from the window. "anyway let's get some sleep."
"Aw come on Hama…it's your home. Don't you want to see it?"
"No! I'm never going back there!" I shout. I start at the fact I snapped at Teal. I turn over to face him, "I'm sorry Teal but…I just…I'm not ready to go back there yet. It's personal…" I pat his head apologetically and he smiles,
"Ok…" with that we settle down and go to sleep.
…
Fire is all around in a village of one of the tribes that live in desert. Many of the dwellers are running for their lives as if something is happening. No one is even bothering to put out the fires consuming the village. Blood curdling screams cry out as the villagers start to fall. Shadows riding black horses suddenly come into view hunting down the villagers and killing them one by one. Men, women and children alike are cut down as the shadows draw closer to them. other horse riding shadows set fire to he homes forcing those in hiding to flee only to meet the same fate. Some shadows make their way to a familiar looking tent like home. An elderly wolfen warmblood cowers in the corner. The shadows raise their weapons against the man,
"No!"
…
"Grandpa!" I sit up in bed looking at my surroundings. I find myself back in the room at Mortimer's inn. To my left on the bed Teal snores with his mouth open and tongue hanging out to the side. Rubbing my eye I look out the window; judging from the stars and them position of the moon in the sky only a few hours have passed since we fell asleep.
"Hama?" I turn to Soren only a few feet away, "Are you alright? You seemed to be having so sort of dream."
"Yeah it was just a bad dream…sorry."
"it seems to have been more than that. You called out for your grandfather when you woke up."
"I know but it was nothing just a bad dream. I think the conversation earlier must have been on my mind."
"If you say so…but if you need to talk I will listen." I smile,
"thanks Soren, I-" a light shines in through the window and I turn to look at what it is. the light seems to be coming from the sky so I look up. the Guiding North star is glowing brighter than I've ever seen it before. "What is…"
"Mgh…Hama turn out the lights…"
"Teal wake up."
"Mh…wha…WHAHHHH!?" both of our jaws drop as the star suddenly starts to fall shooting across the sky and passing over the oasis. As I watch it fall a strange surge of electricity seems to course through my body. it's like the star is telling me to follow it.
"Come… please find me…" I lose sight of it as it leaves the view of my window.
Leaving the room I head outside watching where the star went, Teal holding onto my shoulder as I do so. Just as I reach the outside I catch sight of the start landing somewhere to the west of the village. Other dwellers start to emerge from their homes due to the shaking of the ground caused by the impact. The murmur as the watch the fading glow diminishes even further. I head back inside for my room and grab my cloak and cloth before crabbing Sorren.
"What happened out there?" he asks.
"I don't know I think a star fell."
"I know that look; you always cause trouble with that look Hama. You're going after it aren't you?" Teal asks.
"that was pretty close the Oasis. We can't just let it go, what if something happens?"
"if we go out there we run the risk of being hunted by Zarkin. They hunt at night Hama. It was one thing last time since we needed the money the hides would get us but we got lucky the last time. If we go out there now we would be pressing our luck…I would strongly advise you not to investigate until morning." "Soren says.
I would be lying if I said that it wasn't curiosity but something about that star. It was as if it was calling me…
"This is going to sound strange but I feel as if I have to go to it. it's like something was telling me is needed help. I feel as though something bad will happen if I don't."
"But Zarkin hunt in packs…and they're hard to see at night." Teal says.
"Not to mention there are other night stalking creatures that we could run into." Soren says.
"I know it's a bad idea…but if feels like an even worse idea to just leave it alone. I can't explain it…" it's quiet for a long time before anyone speaks. Soren is the first to speak,
"Alright…if you feel this is the right choice then I will of course go with you."
"This is a bad idea…but then again you always have crazy ideas."
"Then we're in agreement?" I ask. No one protests, "then let's go." I leave the rest of my things only taking what I need and head downstairs. Mortimer is there looking out a window in the direction that the star fell. When he turns he notices me.
"You're not seriously thinking about going out there are you Hama?"
"I have to. besides someone might have been caught up in that impact we need to know what the damage is." he sighs,
"that's highly unlikely; no one is crazy enough to travel the desert at night."
"I'd like to think of it as being daring not crazy."
"That makes no difference. Look someone will go and check in the morning; in the mean time you should stay here."
"Mortimer I can't…something about that star is different."
"Well I should say so; it's not often a star falls from the sky." He retorts.
"You really won't change your mind?" I shake my head " Wait here." I do as told as he goes to the back for a moment before coming back. In his hands Mortimer holds something wrapped in a piece of cloth, "The town isn't surrounded by moonstones for no reason. The Zarkin only hunt at night because they can only see in the dark. They hate light. This moonstone should offer you some protection if you get cornered by them." I take the gift.
"thanks Mortimer." I head outside and back to the pen where Torin is. he along with all the other steeds are roused and antsy from the commotion. He protests slightly as I try to put the reigns on him again.
"Torin listen we need to see what's going on; I know it's dangerous to ride at night but this is an emergency. I promise if anything tries to hurt you they'll have to get through me to do it." there's a few moments that pass before he nervously allows me to put the reigns on. I climb on,
"Hut-Ah!" I get him off on the trail as we head out of the safety of the oasis and into the desert. Strange enough it's not hard to follow the trail of the star since is still seems to give off a faint glow. Torin seems to understand where we're heading and jolts forward a bit. Teal takes refuge in the pouch on the saddle a bit nervous of the unknown surroundings at night. Even I try not to make it a habit not to travel out here at night. There's good reason why we desert dwellers steer clear of it at night. There are plenty of nocturnal creatures that can give a person trouble if they are caught of guard but the main reason are the Zarkin. They're viscous hunters of the night. They lack the means to see in the day time but at night they rule the desert. What's worse is the fact that they are an ambush predator, hiding under the sand waiting for their prey to come to them. giving chase only ever wets their appetite even more than ever. Most of the time if you run into a pack of Zarkin it's most likely you will never come back.
Even so…what is this force that's driving me to find out what is beyond that glow? Why am I so desperate to find out about the star so badly? Just who or what is waiting for me at the end of this travel?
Looking around I try to see if we are still safe; so far so good. There's doesn't seem to be anything coming after us. the closer we get to the glowing of the star Torin picks up his pace as well.
"Easy boy we're ok…just concentrate on what ahead of you." I say gently while trying to comfort the large beast.
"It looks like we're almost there." teal says.
"Be Careful Hama we don't know what this star has brought with it and I am sensing that its glow will soon fade completely."
"right…don't worry once we check it out quickly we'll leave." I promise Soren. I slow Torin gradually now that we're in the radius of the glow. The light is enough to keep anything away for the time being so I dismount, "Stay Torin." He snorts. Slowly I walk closer to the crater now in front of us. as I take Soren in my hands teal comes to rest on my shoulder. At the edge the glow seems to be most intense at the center.
"The energy this star seems to be giving off is meant to protect what ever is inside." Soren says,
"What would a star need to protect though?" I ask mostly just voicing my thoughts.
"I sense no threat from within the light but it would be wise to remain vigilant." With that final word I jump in shielding my eyes from the light. On the inside though the light does not surround me it only seems to be on the outside. What's even stranger is that there is not star but three different things. A sword, a tiny yet unfamiliar creature and a warmblood. My eyes widen at the unexpected surprise,
"Oh my god…" I run over to the unconscious man who's laying face down in the sand. I waste no time in flipping him over. His clothes are unusual to me and they seem unfit for someone who would live in the desert. Ignoring the clothes for the moment I place an ear to his chest and find a heart beat. From the look of things aside from him being unconscious he seems unharmed.
"Hey Hama, this weasel thing looks like it's still alive too." Teal says inspecting the unknown bat winged creature.
"I don't get it…the impact alone should have killed them but…they're ok… alive. How is that possible Soren?"
"I believe that sword may be the answer…" a few feet away an unusual sword with familiar markings glows white faintly.
"Soren those markings they're like yours…!"
"yes it would seem this stranger is a wielder of a brother or mine. it is most likely that it put up this barrier to protect them."
"Brother…? What are you talking about Soren?" there's no time for him to answer as the light fades around us in the crater. "Oh no…"
"Hama quickly we must get back to the Oasis. What ever creatures in the area were kept at bay by the light. We can discuss this further back at the inn I sense something coming." placing my fingers to my mouth I whistle for Torin. Immediately he comes down into the crater and bends down. "Quickly Hama and do not forget the sword." I sling the man over Torin first before going back for the glowing sword and Soren himself. Placing my sword on my back I place the other in a sling on the saddle. Teal places the weasel creature in the pouch with him. as I mount up on Torin behind the stranger a sound like a mix between a cackle a hiss and a growl comes from not too far off in the distance.
"Zarkin..!"
"Quickly Hama!"
"Run as fast as you Can Torin!" kicking his sides Torin breaks off in a dash out of the crater and heading straight for the Oasis with the creatures still on our tails.
Please let me know what you think. RXR please.
