The wind whistled over Shinbu's body and his black curls blew out of his face to reveal his wide, lifeless eyes. A butterfly fluttered delicately from over the head of the cave, sailing on the strong, snapping gales and landed on his back. It lightly trod across it exhaustedly and eventually it too lay lifeless next to Shinbu. After a long time had passed a hand cupped round the beautiful, little creature and when it opened the butterfly flew joyously into the sky, the sun reflecting off its vibrant wings. Damalza looked up after it and smiled. She turned to Shinbu and knelt beside him; her hand resting on his shoulder. Her eyebrows went low and her mouth tight in a look of deep sorrow. Unlike the veteran party, she had experienced death very little, if at all. She had heard about it in stories but it wasn't even a scratch compared to when it was the real thing. All she could think about was how wonderful life would be if Shinbu had lived. Even though she hadn't known him her heart was broken. He was kind to her and did not deserve this. The feeling of regret and hurt and betrayal was too much for her. She slumped over and lay next to Shinbu, staring into his eyes until the sun no longer shined on them and darkness covered the vast dunes.
Duranthis and Eyedea marched at a steady pace. They had managed to outrun the pursuing goblins and fortunately the crossbow wound wasn't too serious. The odd couple came across the edge of the sea where there was no more caves; only ocean.
"You lied." Eyedea said bitterly. "There are no more caves. Where is the cave Duran?" A smug smile crossed Duranthis' face. His eyes left the tarutaru's and he waded into the water, keeping close to the stone walls edge. The tarutaru followed but found himself swimming instead of wading. Duranthis laughed mockingly. The two waded round for a long while before they reached the secret beach and Duran was eager to get out the water. It was the struggling Eyedea who noticed the goblins and quickly pulled Duran behind the stone wall before he was spotted.
Two goblin ambushers seemed to be talking. They both then turned round and headed into another cave off the side of the beach. "Now's our chance!" cried Duran and quickly splashed onto the beach and onto the white sand.
"Where is it buried?" Eyedea asked warily,
"Give me a minute." Duranthis searched the small, tight pocket on the side of his harness and pried a folded piece of tattered paper out. He eyed it carefully then turned west, counting his paces until he reached the desired spot. "Right here!"
"Let's get digging then!"