Chapter Four: Tense Travels

The caravan exited River Belle Path without encountering any additional monsters. They were relieved when finding their papaopamus unharmed. Without delay and without speech, the caravan members prepared for departure.

Nalia threw the Crystal Chalice into the wagon bed and took the reins. Firal grimaced when seeing her within his seat. When he approached her, she aimed a hostile glare at him. He immediately halted, staring at Nalia intently, all but his eyes hidden behind his visor. The two Lilties gazed at each other for nearly a minute, both as still as stones.

While the Lilties were doing this, Iliana and Raku untied and bundled the massive rope which had attached the papaopamus to the tree. When the rope was put away, Nalia turned and forced the papaopamus into motion. The wagon moved forward, and the caravanners traveled alongside it. Firal stayed where he was for several seconds. Then, with a glare occupying his face, he followed.

Though some were exhausted and bruised from the battle with the Giant Crab, none were majorly damaged. Kayan possessed the worst injuries, and these were merely scrapes and small cuts within his flesh. As the journey began, he stepped into the wagon, where he cleaned and bandaged his wounds.

Raku, Vaterium, Firal, Tiya, Yuniel, and Iliana all isolated themselves as they walked. They traveled silently, looking at the road and the surrounding countryside and only occasionally glancing at each other.

Iliana, however, looked at Nalia many times. The female Lilty never returned her gaze. Iliana remained separated from Nalia for many minutes. Finally, after much hesitation and doubt, she moved toward her childhood friend. "Hi," she said so quietly she could barely be heard.

Nalia did not divert her eyes from the road. "Hello."

"May…may I join you?" Nalia did not reply, nor did she move. Iliana stared at her for many seconds. "Nalia, listen. You know I understand your pain. You can't blame Raku for your parents' deaths."

The Lilty turned then, directing a strong glare toward the Clavat. "I can do whatever the hell I want. Those damned Selkies haven't done a thing for us."

"You know as well as I that they couldn't join the caravan. Raku's parents volunteered to take care of our city's farm, to provide our greatest source of food, to perform the greatest physical tasks. They've helped us survive."

"Oh yeah? And what about our parents? Those Selkies may help, but they are nothing compared to our parents! They sacrificed their lives in order to protect Tipa. Can you say that about the Selkies?"

"Perhaps not. But Raku's here now, isn't he?"

"Of his own free will? Doubtful."

Iliana paused. "You can't assume that, Nalia. You have no right to judge Raku by his parents or by his race."

"I have every right!" Nalia shouted.

When hearing Nalia's sudden, loud voice, Iliana stepped away. The Lilty glared at the Clavat for several seconds then turned back toward the road. Iliana continued to accompany the Lilty. While Iliana stared at Nalia, the Lilty refused to confront the Clavat. After a few minutes of gazing at her friend, Iliana slowly moved away and stared only at the ground directly in front of her.

The caravan continued southwest for the remainder of the day. Because traveling through River Belle Path had occupied a fair amount of time, the Tipans left the river with only a few hours of daylight remaining.

During the middle of their travels, Tiya approached the wagon. When she knocked, Kayan said from within, "Come in." He had been inside the wagon for the duration of the journey.

Pulling aside a curtain, Tiya saw Kayan sitting on the floor of the wagon, the map of the world stretched out before him. "Are you alright?" the female Selkie asked.

Kayan raised his eyebrows. "Oh, of course. I was just studying the map."

"Can I have a look?"

"Of course." Tiya stepped carefully over the map and sat beside Kayan. The Clavat pointed to the map. "This is where we are." His finger lay at the southern edge of the mainland, identifying a road within an outcropping of land labeled "Tipa Peninsula." "Once we reach the main road, we'll head north toward Mushroom Forest. Hopefully the Myrrh Tree will be available for us."

"How does that work, anyway?" When Kayan twisted his head in confusion, Tiya continued, "I mean, what determines the 'availability' of Myrrh Trees?"

"Oh. Well, Stiltzkin was kind enough to include that on the map." Pointing to the "Notes" section of the parchment, Kayan read aloud, "'There are thirteen known Myrrh Trees within the land, all of which possess similar traits. Each takes ninety days—or three months—to accumulate a single drop of Myrrh. This drop will not fully shape until a Crystal has been placed near the tree, at which time a mysterious bond between the Crystal and the tree will advance the development of the Myrrh and cause a single drop to form and fall. Once a Myrrh drop has exited the tree, it cannot be returned, and the tree shall require another three months before reacquiring the ability to produce an additional drop.'"

With raised eyebrows and a smile, Tiya commented, "He sure does enjoy extended sentences."

Kayan chuckled. "Well, I'm sure he has a lot of time on his hands. I've heard moogles are immortal."

The two stared at the map in silence. Then, after a few seconds, Tiya said, "I'm so grateful Sol gave us this map. We need guidance."

Kayan looked at the Selkie. "You think so?"

"Oh yeah. We shouldn't have left without any original caravanners. We're far too inexperienced to handle ourselves out there. We were lucky to survive that battle with the crab." Tiya turned her eyes from the map to Kayan. "You fought really well out there. I saw you helping Vaterium, and Nalia, and you helped me. I think we need that: we need your strength."

Kayan frowned. "My father said the same thing."

"Your father's right." Tiya glanced at the map. "You seem to be the only one looking ahead." Facing the Clavat, she continued, "We all need that. And we may need you to teach it to us."

Tiya stood and left. Kayan watched her go and then stared at the wooden wall before him as the wagon slowly rolled along the cobblestone road.

While Tiya was speaking with Kayan, Vaterium slowly approached Yuniel. He walked a fair distance behind her for nearly a minute. Then he stepped forward and murmured, "Um…excuse me."

Yuniel halted and turned. "Oh. Hello. How are you?"

"I'm…I'm fine." He remained a fair distance from her, rubbing his feathery hands together.

"Would you like to join me?"

Vaterium nodded and stepped beside her.

As the two walked alongside each other, Yuniel turned and said, "I don't think we've officially met. My name is Yuniel."

"I'm Vaterium."

"Nice to meet you." Vaterium nodded, and both watched the road.

After several moments of silence, Vaterium said, "I…I was curious about your magic."

Yuniel turned. "My magic?"

"Yes. I heard you talking about it yesterday…and I saw you using it against the crab…"

"Vaterium…have you never before witnessed magic?"

The male Yuke looked at Yuniel and shook his head. "Is that not normal?"

Yuniel quickly raised her hands. "No, no. It's fine. I just…well, my parents taught me all about magic. They told me they learned everything they know while living in Shella, the home of the Yukes. They said every Yuke is raised to master the art of casting magic. Did your parents not teach you?"

Vaterium turned away. "No," he whispered. "No they didn't."

Yuniel watched him. He gazed at the road before him, watching the seemingly random pattern of stones travel beneath his feet. After a minute of silence, she said, "I can teach you." When Vaterium looked sharply toward her, she quickly said, "Not that I have to. It's up to you. Nobody needs to know magic. But, if you would like to learn, I can teach you."

Nodding, the male Yuke replied, "I would like that."

"Great! We can start tonight, after we've set up camp. It'll be easier and safer that way."

"Thank you."

The two continued walking together for a few more minutes. Neither spoke during that time, however. Vaterium eventually moved away, quietly placing himself beside Raku. The male Selkie had remained separated from the rest of the caravan since River Belle Path. Raku and Vaterium nodded to each other and then continued in silence.

During the remainder of the trek, the caravanners were quiet. While Nalia drove and Kayan sat within the wagon, the others walked behind the vehicle. Tiya, Yuniel, and Iliana traversed as a group, and Raku and Vaterium traveled together. Firal marched apart from the other members of the caravan.

As the sun set, they reached the intersection where they had met Sol Racht. Working silently, the eight humans set up camp and prepared a fire. They ate dinner without speaking, staring at the fire or at the star-filled sky.

Some minutes after all food had been consumed, Kayan stood. "Listen," he began. "I think we need to start talking to one another. We found out many things about each other while fighting in River Belle Path, and that is not the place to be discovering such essential information. We need to know the fighting capability of every individual. We need to work as a team."

Kayan looked toward Nalia. She was glaring at him. "I know most of us don't know each other," the Clavat continued, "but that's exactly why we need to talk. And we can't hold any hostility or assumptions—at least, not until we thoroughly know one another." Glancing at every individual, Kayan said, "We're all here for a single purpose: to protect our city. We all have our different reasons, and we have the right to preserve those reasons. But not one of us was forced to do this. Each chose to be a part of this caravan. As such, we must respect and trust the motives of every individual. If we don't trust each other—if we don't work together—we endanger the very people we seek to protect."

Every caravanner stared at Kayan. While Nalia continued to glare, the others stared without physical expression (although the faces of Yuniel, Firal, and Vaterium were hidden behind their helmets). After a few seconds had passed, Tiya said, "What should we do?"

Kayan sighed and replied, "Well…I guess we should figure out our abilities. Yuniel, I know what magic you can use, but the others do not. Will you elaborate for us, please?"

Yuniel looked about the camp then slowly stood. "Um…well, I can use all magic known to mankind, I believe. I mean, I need Magicite to cast spells, but I currently have a fair amount of it." The Yuke reached into a small, fist-sized pouch hanging around her neck. She extracted a small, marble-sized sphere from the pouch. Within the transparent sphere was a red, burning, floating flame. As she put away the Magicite, Yuniel continued, "The spells I know are Fire, Blizzard, Thunder, and Stop. I also know the incantations and Magicites necessary to create Gravity and Holy, but those spells require two magic-casters in order to function."

"The Yuke can help you with that," Nalia murmured while gesturing sharply toward Vaterium.

Raku stood. "His name is Vaterium. And I expect you to call him that from now on."

Nalia burst to her feet. "Don't you tell me what to do, Selkie."

Tiya stood and stepped toward Raku, prepared to stop him from attacking Nalia. Raku, however, was still. "I won't. Not unless what you do is harmful and cruel."

"As if a Selkie would have any proper measurement of how cruel something is."

"Nalia!" Iliana cried.

Nalia glanced at Iliana. Then she looked toward Kayan. "You are a fool, Kayan. You tell us not to assume, yet you assume we are all selfless and trustworthy." She glared at Raku for another moment. "That assumption is naïve and false." The Lilty spun around and marched away. As she left, she grabbed her spear and climbed onto the top of the wagon. There, she looked in the opposite direction of the camp, watching the surrounding countryside.

The others watched Nalia go and then stared at Raku. The Selkie continued to glare at Nalia's back for a long minute. Then he glanced about the campfire. His glare slowly vanished as he looked at the others. He sat and was followed by Yuniel, Tiya, and Kayan. "How does Magicite work?" Raku asked Yuniel.

"Oh." Yuniel glanced at the others. When she saw that all eyes were directed toward her, she explained, "Well, it powers spells. Magicite is consumed with every spell. Four types of Magicite exist: Fire, Blizzard, Thunder, and Stop. Most spells require a single Magicite. Gravity, however, requires a Stop and Thunder Magicite, Slow needs Stop and Blizzard, and Holy requires Stop and Fire."

Raku nodded. "If we need a second caster, I am willing to assist you. After all, I lack a weapon."

"Oh. That's really sweet of you…but Vaterium has already volunteered." As she glanced at Vaterium, Yuniel said, "In fact, we should go practice before it gets too late." Looking toward the others, she bowed and murmured, "Have a wonderful night." Then she and Vaterium walked away.

The others stood as well. While Kayan, Raku, Iliana, and Tiya moved toward one another, Firal silently departed.

When the Selkies and Clavats were gathered together, Kayan said to Raku, "You mentioned a weapon?"

"The crab destroyed my racket. I'll just have to use my charm and wit to slay monsters now." Nobody—not even Raku—smiled.

"We'll go to Marr's Pass," Kayan said. "I'm sure we can find a weapon for you there."

Raku nodded and departed. Iliana glanced at Kayan and Tiya. Then, when the other two did nothing, she ran after the male Selkie.

When Iliana and Raku were gone, Tiya tried to smile at Kayan. It looked more like a grimace than a smile. "It'll be alright, Kayan. You did well. It's not your fault."

Kayan looked from Tiya to the dark silhouette of Nalia. "What am I supposed to do, Tiya?"

"Persist. It's what our ancestors have always done." She sighed. "But perhaps we should leave Nalia alone for a while. She needs some time to recover."

"I hope you're right."

Iliana reached Raku soon after he had passed beyond the light of the campfire. When the Selkie turned around, she said, "Raku, I'm really sorry about Nalia. I tried talking to her today, but she just won't listen. She just needs time, that's all. I mean…I mean, perhaps we should leave her be for a while."

Raku watched her without expression. "I'll keep that in mind." He began to leave.

The Clavat hesitated before exclaiming, "Raku!" When their eyes met once more, she stepped away, frightened by the dark mix of emotions within his eyes. "I just…I just want you to know that we're not all like her. We respect you. I respect you. And…that's just her speaking rashly. You are welcome here, Raku. We need you."

Only then did Raku smile. "Thank you, Iliana. You don't have to worry about me." He winked. "Good night, beautiful." Then he walked away.

Iliana watched him go. I hope he's not lying, she thought to herself. I hope he'll be alright.

When morning arrived, the caravan ate quietly and quickly. Nalia remained atop the wagon; she had brought her food up when beginning the watch. She remained where she was as the other seven packed. When they were ready to go, the female Lilty hopped from the wagon's roof to the front, grabbing the reins and silently turning the caravan north.

As soon as they had begun walking, the caravan wordlessly broke into the same groups as the day before. Kayan, Yuniel, and Tiya followed at the rear of the pack. Raku and Vaterium walked alongside the right of the wagon while Firal was alone on the opposite side.

Iliana began near Nalia. After a few minutes of watching the Lilty, however, the Clavat moved away, where she knew Nalia could not see her. Iliana's eyes fell to the ground.

Raku did not miss the Clavat's hesitant failure to approach Nalia. Watching Iliana, he said with a smile, "Good morning, Amiability."

Iliana turned. "What?"

"Is this not your divine name, dear goddess? Unless I was mistaken."

Iliana did not smile. "Ah. Yes. I remember."

"Then your memory is strong. Perfect. Tell me a story."

With a confused frown, Iliana replied, "A story?"

Raku's smile only expanded. "Yes. I grow tired of my boring speech. I'd rather hear your words." With a wink, he said, "Or, if you like, I could continue with the metaphorical descriptions. Your beauty provides unlimited literary resources for my witty tongue."

Finally, Iliana smiled. She wasn't completely blushing this time. "Oh no. That would be horrid." After a pause, she continued, "Why would I want that?"

"Exactly! I'm sure you tire of my foolish, inadequate comparisons. Now, a story!"

Iliana grinned, her blush vanished. She had slowly moved toward Vaterium and Raku and now strolled beside them. "What kind? True, or fiction?"

"Your choice. But don't spoil it! I'll decide whether you speak truth or lies. Not that a goddess would lie, of course."

Looking somewhat mischievous, Iliana replied, "You'd be surprised." She paused. "I have a story. My father told it to me many times when I was a child." Raku watched with a small, genuine smile, his silliness vanished. Vaterium turned his head, watching Iliana with unknown emotions.

The Clavat cleared her throat. "In the beginning, the world was a peaceful place. The air was clear, the skies blue. The roads were open and calm. There was no miasma, nor any monsters. The four tribes lived together in a glorious age of prosperity.

"The world was pleasant…until darkness came. Miasma flooded the world. The world remained; the grass stayed green, rivers ran strong, stars still dotted the night sky. Yet their lights grew fainter, only the brightest stars persisting beyond the darkness. A plague fell over the land. The miasma spread like fog, clouding the world, choking the skies. All flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, beasts, all mankind. Miasma spread, killing all it touched, and hope dimmed.

"But darkness is not infinite. There is always light. Yet some lights cannot be seen until night has vanquished all else. When miasma threatened to destroy everything in its path, a flicker of hope battled the darkness. Crystals rose from the corrupted Earth, shedding light where none could be found. The four tribes found shelter within the Crystals' embrace, rebuilding their lost civilization.

"The Crystals were, however, limited in power. Like flames, they dimmed over time. The most courageous members of each race journeyed across the land, braving the miasma which had claimed so many lives. The tribes cautioned these individuals, insisting that only death awaited them. But they held their course; they held their faith in the Crystals which had delivered their salvation. Carrying chalices carved out of crystal, the brave warriors traveled across the land. They set out against death itself, ready to sacrifice their lives to restore the Crystals that watched over them.

"Many died in the wilderness of the new world, slain by the monsters which had spawned from the evil of the miasma. Yet none succumbed to the miasma as their ancestors had; the Crystals protected them, their light promising safety from the flood which had tainted the land. The warriors held onto that light, and with it they persevered. Though it dimmed, the light guided them to the Myrrh Trees, trees composed entirely of light, shining as the Crystals shone. The Crystals and Myrrh Trees were drawn together, their divine natures converging. The light within each tree gathered to form a single drop of pure light. No man could touch this sphere of light; only the Crystal Chalices were capable of holding such power. With the blessed gift of the Myrrh Trees in hand, the warriors returned to their homelands, restoring light to the Crystals and life to their peoples."

Iliana smiled. "The miasma has been unrelenting in its need to consume all, its monsters threatening all who oppose it. Yet the four races live on, defying the miasma despite all odds. Now, brave members of each village and city carry on the legacy of their ancestors in Crystal Caravans, preserving their world with the strength of the four tribes and the blessing of the Crystals."

Raku nodded with a huge smile. "An excellent story."

Iliana grinned. I expect he'll spend ten minutes praising it now, she thought to herself.

The Selkie slowly, tenderly placed a hand on Iliana's shoulder. "We'll do as they did, Iliana. We'll make your mother proud."

The Clavat almost halted, her smile vanishing and her step wavering. Then, following a long pause, a small smile returned.

Vaterium turned away, his spiked helmet facing forward. After many seconds of silence, he murmured, "Where did it come from?"

Both Raku and Iliana turned toward him. "Where did what come from?" Raku said.

"The miasma."

"It's just a story," Iliana replied slowly. "Nobody's known a time without miasma. It's simply part of our world."

Vaterium did not respond. When the Yuke said nothing, Raku turned back toward Iliana with an eager grin. "Ah, so you told a story of fiction!" Iliana frowned. "You'd best tell a true tale for balance." Rubbing his chin in exaggerated thought, the Selkie snapped and exclaimed, "I know! A story about you."

Iliana hesitated. Then, with a renewed smile, she began a story involving herself and her younger brother.

Vaterium was unable to pay attention this time. Surely, the miasma must have come from somewhere, the Yuke thought. Stories don't originate from nothingness. The miasma…it's not natural. Life could not have begun with such a widespread toxin in the atmosphere. He stared at the horizon, watching the road disappear into the distant, purple haze of the miasma. Where could it have come from?

The remainder of the day passed slowly. Iliana and Raku chatted all day, and Tiya, Yuniel, and Kayan conversed some, yet it would never be long before the caravanners remembered the arguments of the day before, feeling the invisible tension which choked the air.

For five days and nights, the caravan traveled in this way. During the last couple days, the Clavats, Yukes, and Selkies were all marching together. Although they did not speak often, their initial awkwardness faded, the six caravanners slowly establishing comfort and friendship among themselves. Though Vaterium silently watched from the edge of the gathering, he was within the group. Firal and Nalia, on the other hand, remained separated, each alone and silent, watching the world without mirth.

On the fifth day, the caravan encountered the Miasma Stream.

A massive bank of miasma stood before the caravanners like purple fog, its inner contents invisible from the outside. The stream towered over the land, its top far lower in elevation than a mountaintop yet nonetheless unbearably tall. Purple tendrils diverted, swirled, expanded, and disappeared into the surrounding atmosphere as the Miasma Stream drifted slowly eastward.

The caravanners watched the stream grow in size as they approached. Their step did not slow. Yuniel subconsciously rubbed her feathery hands together. Both Iliana and Tiya turned pale. Kayan retained a calm demeanor but sweated beneath his light armor. The other four, however, showed no signs of fear. Nalia glared, her glower only increasing as the stream grew larger. Firal and Vaterium coldly stared at the Stream from behind their helmets. Raku strode toward the Stream with his back straight, his eyes intently watching the slow-moving river of death.

At the edge of the thick, visible stream, the caravanners felt the miasma itself pushing against them, willing them away. The papaopamus halted and whined, anxiously shuffling its feet and searching for escape. Nalia kicked the beast and yelled at it, but it did not advance.

Raku calmly stepped forward and petted the papaopamus. He comforted it, whispering its name. Leaving one hand on the creature's head, he looked at Nalia and held out his free hand.

The female Lilty glared at him, but he did not falter. Neither budged as they stared at one another, their eyes unblinking despite the evil winds that touched them.

After a minute of the silent standoff, Nalia threw the reins at him. He neither flinched nor blinked, grabbing the leather ropes with amazing speed. The Selkie slowly turned away. Nalia, on the other hand, continued watching him, looking down upon him with open contempt.

Raku looked back at the others. They watched him with a wide mix of curiosity, worry, and wonder. Scanning their faces, he noted Kayan's calmness and raised a hand toward him. "Kayan," he said quietly but firmly, "would you please hand me the chalice?"

Kayan paused only briefly before grabbing the Crystal Chalice from the back of the wagon. The Clavat slowly handed Raku the item, watching the mysterious, enticing myrrh within shimmer and swish before looking once more at the Selkie.

Raku nodded to Kayan and then looked back at the others. They all watched him, ready for his next action. "Let's go." He faced the Miasma Stream. With reins in one hand and the Crystal Chalice held forth like a lantern in the other, Raku led the wagon forward, his fellow caravanners following.

The road which the caravan walked upon slowly transformed from dirt into gray, flat rock. No live plants or beings were visible within the stream. The miasma thickened, its poisonous air turning from purple to black as the light breaking through the toxin lessened. However, this darkness was battled by the Crystal within Tipan chalice. The light penetrated the miasma, illuminating the black carcasses of dead trees within the stream.

As the eight moved forward, the Miasma Stream grew stronger. Its current became more rapid, pushing against the humans. The caravanners hid on the east side of the wagon. Nalia, however, remained exposed at the front of the wagon, sitting straight and calmly despite the fell gale's force.

Raku pushed against the Miasma Stream. However, he was growing weak due to the full exposure of his body. The miasma pushed at him, threatening to blow him away. The chalice grew heavy in his hand, the miasma seeping into its skeletal body, pressing against it like a ravenous predator. Raku halted, his body lowering as the chalice pulled him toward the ground.

A hand gripped the Crystal Chalice, pulling the chalice upward with a slow, determined effort. Raku looked upward, his long, blue hair pressed against his face by the winds.

Kayan stood by the Selkie, his hand firmly gripping the chalice between them. The two looked at each other. Then both grimaced and, though exhausted, exerted themselves together to haul the chalice forward.

The Crystal Chalice shuddered in their hands. Light pulsed from the Crystal, forcing the miasma away from the caravan. Kayan and Raku gasped as the winds vanished, the chalice in their hands suddenly seeming to possess no weight at all. Though exasperated, they stood straight and looked up.

A blue sphere of light surrounded the caravan. Blue light emanated from the Crystal, somehow visible as it drifted from the chalice. Utter darkness surrounded the sphere. The miasma swirled and hissed as it blew forcefully past the rock path, yet it did not touch the light of the Crystal. The five behind Raku and Kayan moved forward, joining the two at the center of the protective sphere. Every caravanner—even Nalia—observed the scene with awe.

Raku and Kayan still held the chalice between them but were still. The Selkie lowered his eyes and saw that Iliana stood beside him. She watched the miasma and light with visible wonder painted across her face. Her skin glowed blue within the light of the Crystal, her long, shining hair now the same color as Raku's. "It's just like you said," he whispered to her. Despite the noise produced by the harsh winds of the miasma, Iliana heard Raku. She looked toward him, her mouth still opened in amazement. "In your story. The Crystal protects us." Iliana smiled, her face beautiful and radiant in the light of the Crystal.

"It won't when we advance," Yuniel warned. Every caravanner turned their eyes toward her. "Just as it did on the way here, the miasma will threaten our lives on the journey out." She spoke without looking at the others, her shining helmet facing the dark wall of miasma at the edge of the sphere. "My father told me of this place. He said the miasma was like a creature, doing all in its power to destroy the living." She paused. "He said the stream would thicken and darken when the Crystal defied it. He said it seemed to fight back…as if angered by our survival."

The others watched the swirling miasma warily, some shuffling their feet nervously. Raku watched them. Looking at Iliana, he saw fear within her eyes.

Raku reached his hand out and gently took Iliana's.

The Clavat looked up in surprise. Raku gave her a small nod and moved his eyes from her to Vaterium, who stood beyond her. Following a small pause, she turned. Slowly, she extended her hand and took the Yuke's striped, feathered hand. Vaterium flinched but resisted jumping away. He hesitated before awkwardly gripping Iliana's hand in return. After further hesitating, he raised a hand toward Nalia. Due to his height, the gesture was easy, his hand and chest at the same level as Nalia upon the wagon.

Nalia scowled. Snatching the reins Raku had dropped, she kicked the papaopamus into action.

"Wait!" Raku cried. "Nalia, wait!" Staring ahead, the Lilty did not alter her course. The papaopamus walked forward, calm once more due to the Crystal's warm embrace.

Raku sharply turned his head toward Kayan and all beside the Clavat. "Grab hands, quickly! We must be ready for what awaits!"

Kayan nodded and hurriedly grabbed Yuniel's hand. Tiya and Yuniel quickly joined hands as Tiya reached her free hand toward Firal.

Firal let out a single, quiet, disapproving, "Hmph." Then he marched forward, his unsheathed spear balanced atop his shoulder.

Raku grimaced but refrained from shouting orders at the Lilties. "Come on. We can't let them exit the Crystal's protection." The Selkies, Yukes, and Clavats stepped forward as one, the chalice balanced between them. They took several steps together, nearly catching the Lilties who rode and marched ahead of them.

A massive gust of miasma slammed into the sphere of blue light. The barrier shattered, the Crystal's light dimming. Wind hit the caravanners' backs, forcing the humans away from the center of the Miasma Stream.

Tiya's hand slipped out of Yuniel's feathery grip. She stumbled, the miasma shoving her forward. Her arm rammed into the exposed end of Firal's spear. She screamed and fell onto the surprised Lilty. The two tumbled forward, the wind carrying them toward the edge of the path.

Despite the chaos enveloping him, Raku saw the two falter. "Damn it! Iliana, take the chalice!" He guided Iliana's hand to the Crystal Chalice and edged forward.

Kayan hesitated only a moment. "No, Raku! We have to stick together! The wind's too strong!"

Raku glanced at the Clavat with a glare. "We are together! I won't let them die!" The Selkie released the chalice.

Wind smashed the Selkie, tearing him away from the group. He tried to dig his feet into the rocks beneath, but the wind had long ago eroded the path into a flat, smooth surface. His feet slipped out from under him, and he rolled toward the struggling Tiya and Firal.

The Selkie was quick, though. Seeing he was about to ram the exposed Lilty and Selkie, Raku pushed off the rock beneath him. He tumbled over the two, painfully hit the rock beyond them, and continued to slide forward.

"Raku!" Tiya cried. She threw out her hand, but it was too late: Raku was beyond reach.

Nalia gripped the wagon tightly, her silver gauntlets digging into the wood. She had abandoned the reins, the miasma too strong for her to control the papaopamus.

A burst of wind shook the wagon. The board Nalia held split, allowing the wind to carry her away. She crashed into the rock below, her armor protecting all but her bare head. Her head whipped back and hit the rock, causing her to black out.

Raku flipped onto his stomach. His legs slid off the path, and he shoved them downward. He found footholds in the rock wall below, the westerly wind unable to erode the east wall. Raku glanced downward; the wall disappeared within the purple abyss below.

His arms and head above the edge of the rock road, Raku snapped his head up. Tiya and Firal approached at a rapid rate, tumbling chaotically over one another.

"Grab the edge!" Raku shouted, his voice barely audible over the howling winds.

Firal kicked away from Tiya, grabbing his spear along the way. The weapon slid from Tiya's arm. Tiya screamed as blood spilled out of her body and vanished into the purple storm. While Firal straightened himself and easily grabbed the edge with his one free hand, Tiya was unable to steady herself in her injured state.

Cursing, Raku flipped his legs onto the path. The wind caught his legs once more, threatening to tear him away. With all his might, he held himself atop the path, threw out his arms, and caught Tiya.

Despite his heavy armor, Firal pulled his body upward with a single hand. He paused, however, when seeing Nalia's unconscious body sliding in front of him. She moved toward a point several feet away from Firal, her small body carried easily by the massive winds.

The male Lilty paused only a moment before lowering himself and steadying himself on the wall. With the expertise of a trained warrior, he flipped the spear in his hand. The weapon sliced through the air, thrown in such a way that it would neither touch the rock wall nor stray into the winds above. Firal caught the spear just beneath the deadly, curved tip and extended it toward Nalia.

Nalia rammed into the hilt of the spear. Firal grimaced yet, despite Nalia's momentum and the torque of the spear, held both the weapon and Nalia in place. The tip of the spear pressed against his strained arm, but the blade did not penetrate his steel armor.

Groaning loudly, Raku held both himself and Tiya in place. He lasted only a few seconds before his feet slipped and the wind shoved him away.

A hand grabbed Raku's calf, just above the top of his leather boot. Tiya started to slide away, and Raku grabbed her, holding her tightly against him as she cradled her wounded arm. Raku glanced upward. Kayan stood above him, his fingers wrapped tightly around Raku's exposed leg.

"Pull!" Kayan shouted. Iliana, Yuniel, Vaterium, and Kayan moved together back toward the wagon, their arms entwined. Together, they and Raku assisted Tiya into the bed of the wagon, where the Crystal Chalice was safely stored. When the female Selkie was safe, the group moved cautiously toward Nalia and pulled her to safety. Firal pushed their helping hands away and jumped atop the papaopamus, willing the creature forward with the reins.

The winds diminished as the caravan trekked forward. Light returned to illuminate the world, restoring purple color to the miasma around them. Several minutes passed before they exited the Miasma Stream. They halted after placing a fair distance between themselves and the stream, their tired bodies falling gratefully into the green grass.

Tiya stepped carefully out of the wagon when it had come to a stop. "Wait," Raku said while walking toward her. "You need to rest."

"I'm fine." She stepped forward and instantly wavered. Raku grabbed her and lowered her to the ground. "Kayan," he yelled without looking away from Tiya, "grab water and bandages." Kayan moved into the wagon without hesitation.

Raku made Tiya drink water and then poured an unused bag over her arm. She cringed but did not cry out or push him away, instead allowing him to tightly bandage her bleeding wound.

Firal hopped to the ground as Raku took care of Tiya. He grabbed a bag of water, inspiring the others to do the same.

After wrapping Tiya's arm and helping her up, Raku nodded to Firal. "That was impressive, what you did back there for Nalia. Well done."

The Lilty lowered his water. He watched Raku for several seconds, his eyes unblinking. Then he gave a small nod. "You as well."

Raku nodded. He turned when Tiya lightly placed a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you, Raku."

Firal let out a quiet yet clear, "Hmph." After another long drink of water, he said, "Next you'll be sleeping with him."

All activity ceased. Raku and the Clavats looked at Firal with open mouths, the Yukes with unchanging helmets.

Tiya turned sharply and glared at the Lilty. Although she had heard Firal occasionally say something, this was the first moment in which he had spoken to her. "What!?"

Firal looked her up and down, eyeing the tight, black shirt which failed to cover her stomach, the short, green skirt, the leggings which hid her calves but hardly concealed her thighs. "You're certainly dressed for the occasion."

Tiya growled. Raku raised a hand to block her, but she made no move toward Firal. "You know nothing, Lilty."

"Do I? Or is it you who is ignorant?" The Lilty slightly cocked his head. "Did your mother ever figure out who your father was?" He paused and once more straightened his neck. "I'm sure if you won't sleep with him, your mother will."

Tiya roared and drew her racket with her good arm. "Shut up!" Raku grabbed her. "Let go of me!" She pushed at Raku for only a moment before glaring once more at Firal. "You shut up about my mother! You know nothing, you presumptuous bastard!"

Firal released a single chuckle before slowly saying, "I'm not the bastard."

Tiya screamed, kicking and clawing at Raku to escape. Kayan jumped to Raku's aid, restraining the female Selkie.

A papaopamus snorted loudly in the distance.

The Tipans paused when hearing the noise. Three Lilties—two male and one female—were walking toward them, heading south along the cobblestone road. A papaopamus pulled a wagon behind them. The Lilties looked tired in the heavy, red armor that matched the color of their fire-red hair. Silver pieces of armor covered the top of their hair, holding high the red leaves atop their heads. Their silver gauntlets wrapped around the tops of their spears, which they leaned on for support as they hobbled down the path.

Halting before Firal, who stood at the front of the Tipan caravan, the three Lilties gave terrible salutes. Firal saluted in return. "Oh, is that how you do it?" one of the male strangers asked. "I'm so sorry, commander. Us peasants don't normally salute because we only practice practical things."

When Firal looked confusedly at the speaker, the female Lilty smirked. "Ha! Bet you regret what you said to us before, don't you, Alfitarian?"

Firal stared at the female Lilty through his steel visor. "You must be mistaken. We are from Tipa."

The three Lilties gasped. "Tipa!" They all looked around Firal and saw the Yukes, Clavats, and Selkies standing several yards behind Firal. "We see." The male Lilty who spoke stepped closer to Firal. "We are from Marr's Pass. My name is Rolf Wood. And I recommend you leave this group immediately."

"Rolf," the female Lilty interjected, "we can't just let any old Lilty join us. If we did that, all of Alfitaria would be on their knees at our doorstep."

Rolf Wood chuckled. "We wouldn't want that." He eyed Firal. "Nonetheless, you should consider the offer. You look to be a fine warrior." After glancing at the other members of his caravan, he continued, "I admit we don't look it ourselves at the moment. We ran into the Black Knight, you see."

Firal frowned. "The Black Knight?"

"Don't tell me you haven't heard of the Black Knight! He's said to be the finest warrior in the land." Rolf Wood shook his head. "I've always wanted to see how strong a warrior he really is, so I challenged him."

"He fought with…nothing as disciplined as swordsmanship," the female Lilty said.

"He just lunged at us wildly while shouting something," the third Lilty said with a shudder.

With a hint of admiration, Rolf Wood said, "It was like a great storm, terrible and full of wrath." He raised an eyebrow at Firal. "If you defeat the Black Knight in fair combat, we'll let you join us. Until then, I recommend you watch your back with those other caravanners of yours."

The three stepped past Firal. They stopped, however, when seeing Tiya's bandaged arm. Rolf Wood noted Firal's bloody spear and gave an approving smile. "Though it looks like you're managing." He and his companions continued walking. When he was passing the others, Rolf Wood looked straight at Tiya and said, "Wouldn't want the damn things getting out of control."

Without another word, the Marr's Pass caravan moved onward toward the Miasma Stream. Iliana, Kayan, and Yuniel watched them go in disbelief. Vaterium and Firal stared without emotion.

Tiya and Raku glared at the three Lilties as they limped away. "Well," Raku growled, "now we know what to expect in Marr's Pass."