Chapter 20
Desert Error
"How much longer?" the little fungus complained out loud, keeping a steady pace behind the Princess. She glanced back, weary from the long journey and said, "Not far, I hope."
Bowser grumbled to himself but did not argue. The three travels had walked through the sandy desert all night, resting only for a brief time. The wind did not help much either; it blew dust in their eyes and the dark night made it impossible to navigate. The stars appeared fainter than usual, but the colourful streaks that flew across the sky were dazzling even if they were only a momentary sight. Strangely, Peach felt an ominous chill travel down her spine while she was watching the shooting stars.
The desert rapidly dropped in temperature, and the fungi clutched the hoods of their robes over their heads and kept their faces low, avoiding any more sandy grains from blinding their vision. Shivering to keep warm, they continued treading through the high dunes shaped by the restless breeze, hoping for an oasis. Peach and Toad hadn't had food or drink since the kidnap and hunger was creeping into their minds while Bowser did not seem the least bit famished. He probably ate a hearty meal when the captives were being left to starve until they reached their destination. They did not know how long they spent in the desert before the hazy copper sunlight peeked over the horizon, indicating the predawn of a new day. Toad collapsed on his knees in exhaustion and Peach knelt beside him, placing a hand on his back. She turned to Bowser who stood before them impatiently.
"Bowser," she said, "I think we should stop for awhile, Toad needs to rest."
The turtle wanted to protest, but he could not resist her imploring blue eyes. He let out a defeated sigh and Peach smiled thankfully. It was the first gentle smile she gave him, and he cherished the beautiful image.
A slight shuffling noise startled them, and they looked around, now knowing where the sound the caused.
"W-what was that?" asked Peach, frightened, standing up suddenly. Bowser gestured her to stay low, and she submissively obeyed. The reptile flexed his claws and growled threateningly, hoping to scare off whoever was lurking in the dark dunes and impress the Princess at the same time. He gazed at the desert, surveying for movement. Straining his ears, he could not pick up any more suspicious sounds, and relaxed. Toad and Peach watched him anxiously.
"Just the wind," he said, though doubtful of his answer. He knew he heard something nearby, and so did the others. Well, whoever it was, most likely backed off, or so Bowser thought.
A sharp spear flew, penetrating the sand near Peach's leg, and she shrieked in surprise and horror. Four cloaked figures leaped out of hiding, and surrounded the group with more weapons. Two of them were armed with spears, while the rest held scimitars. The Princess instantly recognized the style of sword. Daisy's guards had them!
"Wait!" she shouted at the armed guards. "We're not the enemy!" She pulled back her hood to prove her statement. The others stared at each other bewilderedly, and one by one they revealed themselves, pushing back their hoods. They did not seem so dangerous, now that the trio knew their true identities.
"Princess Peach," gasped one of the Mushroom guards, bowing down low until he touched the ground and the others followed. The prostration made her blush, but it must be the traditional way in Sarasaland to show respect, even though she never witnessed the submission act.
"I'm sorry we attacked you," he continued. "Please accept our humblest apologies."
"I forgive you," she replied courteously. "You were only following your duties to protect the Kingdom."
"Y-yes," he stuttered. "Is there anything we can do for you?"
"I would like to see Princess Daisy, please."
The desert dwellers brightened at once.
"We'll be happy to serve you, Your Royal Highness," said one of the spear-carriers. "Come with us."
"I hope she will let us rest," muttered Toad so only Peach and Bowser could hear. "The desert walk wasn't exactly refreshing."
"I'm very sure," Peach said. "She was always so nice to use when we visited her, so I can't see why she would reject an unexpected drop in."
"Yea, but that's because Luigi came along," the retainer pointed out. "Believe me, I have a brother who serves her and he says she can become pretty termagant and belligerent."
"Well… she IS quite a tomboy…" she admitted unwillingly, "but that doesn't mean…" she trailed off, Toad would never lie to her.
"Well, let's just hope for the best, shall we?" Peach added in false cheerfulness, her hands in her robe pockets. "Only tiny Luigi-less visit wouldn't harm us."
"We're doomed," Bowser grumbled to Toad while the Princess was not looking and the little fungus nodded earnestly.
