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Day 7, Great Desert: Xerxes ruins How unbearable this vast desert could be. All there is to see for miles and miles on end is scorching sand. No trees for shade, nothing. And soon we will be running out of food sources. Miscalculating the appropriate amount of food we would need for our journey across the desert. We still have an ample amount of dried meat left. But the fruit we have brung along had quickly grown to rot under the intense rays of the sun, no matter were we had put. We had ate what we could, but had to throw out the inedible. At the moment there are only two medium sized water canisters left. Being careful with the precious liquid that we took for granted in Xing.
The rays of the sun burn down on my back and body. I had removed my mask and hood; too hot to wear at the moment. Even so I prefer to wear my mask in the presence of master Ling. To mask my facial expressions which at times I cannot help but reveal. 'Such expressions should not be shown to your master', older male family members of mine had stated (also guards to the Yao clan, for that is my family's mere purpose) Also saying that females tend to display every emotion they are feeling, a women warrior being no exception. So further reason to be masked. Yet, I can argue this logic. Even so, I decide not to. If in the end, it is best for our prince, then I shall obey. However, it is to my benefit as well, knowing myself to become easily flustered at times...
After traveling for a few days from the outskirts of the desert we come upon the ruins of Xerxes that master Ling had longed to see. I watch as he halts his camel and remove himself from the beast's back. An amused smile painted onto his face as he walks about, inspecting the deteriorating stone ruins, practically ruble. Showing hardly any evidence of the so called city it was once said to be. Having vanished, along with it's people in one night. Legend saying that the people of this once city had tried to gain the philosopher's stone. I do not know if I should believe such a tale, but, the thought of a whole city vanishing for trying to gain the same such thing we are trying to gain sends an odd shiver up my spine. Would we be subject to such an horrible fate as this? Maybe worse? Perhaps we are crawling into something we should not be searching for? None the less, we need the stone. Despite the dangers.
For the night, this will be our camp. Luckily, the sun will soon draw into the horizon. Taking away the heat, but bringing on the cold. Which we are prepared with a small fire we will make soon.
I hear master Ling calling my name. Saying that he wants for me to inspect the ruins with him and grandfather, and that I should stretch my legs. Fortunately he does not seem to notice that I am writing in this book. I agree that I should stretch my legs, but to be honest. The ruble of rocks around us don't seem to interest me as much, only giving me that odd feeling up my spine. However, seeing our prince so interested in the ruins leaves me to believe that perhaps I could take a sort of interest as well. I must admit, it is amusing to watch him curiously look about and speak his opinion about this or that. Like when we where children and he asked for me to explore the sights of the Yao village and Palace with him. Trying to usher out my opinion of what I thought of a strange statue or deep cavern within a mountain. Remembering these things brings upon fond memories. Now I must ago, it is not good to make someone wait.
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