The Midnight Desert Part One

Soren was inside his cell, his head hung down. He reflected on everything he had done. Trying to kill Caroline. And an elf who fought his own people to try and save the life of a good king. He heard footsteps. He turned his head and saw guards coming towards him, with manacles. The guard entered inside. "King Ez ordered you to be placed with your father,"

He was bounced and chained and taken to the cell, his father was trapped in. When he saw the cell, he saw his father fast asleep. He was pushed inside. He sat down on the bed opposite him, watching him. He didn't move a muscle. He sighed and lay down.

"So…." Viren's voice sent cold chills up his spill. "You're in here with me,"

"I heard you committed treason,"

"I broke a few rules,"

"You used the king's seal to call a meeting and lied to the other leaders,"

"A man does what he does for the future of humanity. But tell me…is it done?"

Soren didn't answer. He didn't want to.

Morning arrived and so did Ezran at the valley of kings and queens. He came to his father's statue. Caldor, Opeli, Corvus and a few soldiers were with him. He grew worried for his sister every second. Caldor placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's gonna be okay," he comforted. "We're gonna get Willow back,"

Ezran remained more petrified than ever. He heard footsteps. A shadow loomed upon them. He turned his head and saw Kasef marching toward them. He wiped his tears away. He hasn't let the cruel prince see him like this. His sister's captor marched upon him, the cold eyes of his supporters glaring at him.

"Is my sister alive?" demanded the young king.

"The princess is alive and well," said Kasef. "She is being well taken care of,"

"I doubt that," sneered Ezran. "Return my sister and Pyrrah to me. Or I will inform the other kingdoms of your treachery,"

"You think they'd believe the words of a child king?" scoffed Kasef. "I told them how you intended to deceive us into thinking your former high mage would kill its leaders just to provoke war,"

Opeli was flabbergasted. "You dare tell the other kingdoms that we tried to deceive you?"

"They want revenge for their kings and queens. And you stand in the way of our revenge,"

"How can you want revenge against a nation that didn't harm your father and the real enemy is locked in our dungeons?" demanded Caldor. Once again he was ignored by the arrogant, cold-blooded prince.

"Either you join us, or your sister and precious dragon friend will be done for,"

"You dare threaten the princess's life?" bellowed Caldor, stomping down. "You think your father…."

"I am not my father!" shouted Kasef. The guards tried to move on him. "Take me captive and you will never see your sister alive again…King Ezran…" he said mockingly. "Join us…or she dies at dawn,"

"What made you so cruel?" the king demanded.

"A ruler does what he does to ensure the future of his people. And his kin,"

"What you're doing is cold-blooded murder," Opeli sneered. "You attack Xadia, this will end everyone's lives!"

"And many of the elves had nothing to do with what happened!" shouted Ezran. "My sister…"

"Shut up!" roared Kasef; his voice was a thundercloud booming, bouncing off the canyon walls that spooked crows into the sky. "You are in no position to make demands, foolish king. Join us. Or she and everyone in your kingdom die. Your call. Your choice. You're the flame that will light this war," he turned but suddenly spun back around. "And don't even think of using your moon magic tricks," his finger was aimed at Caldor. He gasped. "I'll know if you try to sneak in and rescue her,"

He turned and left, his soldiers beside him. No one said or did anything lest they risk Willow's life. Ezran was frozen. Bait croaked in his hands.

"King Ezran, you cannot submit to his demands," Corvus feared for Willow's life but he knew they couldn't let Kasef win like this.

"I can't let him kill Willow," Ezran was close to tears. "It's either peace or her blood and our kingdom's is on my hands,"

"Then we try and rescue her," Caldor wasn't afraid of Kasef's threats.

"No, it's too risky. That could get Willow or Pyrrah killed. Or you killed,"

"He has to be bluffing,"

"No," Opeli shook his head. "The king is right. We cannot take that chance,"

"Then what are we to do?" asked Corvus.

Ezran knelt in front of his father's statue. "I wish to be alone please,"

Reluctantly the four grown-ups and soldiers left him, kneeling in front of his father's statue. He cried out slowly. "What do I do Dad? What do I do?" a tear fell onto Bait's head. He croaked in sympathy. "What do I do Bait?" he hung his head down. "What kind of king would I be if I put peace before my kingdom? What kind of brother would I be if I allowed them to spare Willow but endanger Carol? What kind of friend would I be to declare war on Raylan's home?" he did nothing but just kneel there for endless moments wishing his deceased father could give him the answers to saving his sisters, his kingdom and ensuring peace.

The group were camping on the outskirts of the forest, their mounts needing to take a rest. Beyond a hill was the great Midnight Desert which they would have to cross soon in order to reach the Storm Spire. Raylan had been very quiet since yesterday. Every word, every insult, every accusation thrown at him was a mental wound. He was sitting by himself. The three Adoraburrs tried hopping around to cheer him up but he pushed them away much to their sadness.

Whilst Ethari watched him sadly with a cup of hot drink, Carol was stroking Zym as he was recovering from the effects of the drugs. "You okay, Zymmie?" she asked.

I'm all right.

Felix purred and nuzzled him. Carol smiled.

"Has the worst of it worn off?" asked Ethari, concerned for the baby dragon.

"Seems like it," she said. "What he did to him…it's unforgivable," she had never seen any elf crueller than that Moono. Zym quivered remembering that elf. "Don't worry Zym," she hugged him. "He's never gonna harm you again. Not while we're here,"

I'll burn him if he touches you. Felix promised. He and Zym played around for joy and the Adoraburrs joined in. Ethari and Carol laughed. She turned again to Raylan, feeling pity for him.

She walked over quietly to him. He could hear her still, but he didn't turn to her. "Hey. You okay?"

"I'm fine," he growled.

He isn't. "I know that yesterday was…very hard. But we're safe now and that's all that matters," it didn't cheer him up. "Raylan…"

"I don't want to talk. Please just leave me alone," he said, stalking off again. She sighed. She hated him acting like this. But from what she could tell, he was going through a hard time.

Ethari came over to her. "Give him time,"

"It wasn't his fault what happened,"

"I know that. And so does he,"

"Then why is he acting like this?"

"Everything everyone said has just…really got to him. He's spent his whole life being criticised like that. But being blamed is something else entirely," his words made Carol unable to imagine the tremendous guilt Raylan was feeling, all the pain he was feeling from everything everyone has said. "Come on. We must make haste. If we're to cross the Midnight Desert and reach the Oasis, we must go now," he walked off to prepare the mounts.

"The 'Midnight Desert'?" Carol suddenly remembered that Raylan had told her about that desert and the Oasis back on the ship. She rushed to him. "Raylan told me about the night that he was kidnapped by mages," Ethari looked at her alarmed. "Those mages tried to capture me too a few times. And he mentioned that you and Runaan crossed that desert to save him. Are you sure it is wise? Is there no other way?"

"The queen is dying Caroline. Crossing the desert is the only way to reach her in time. And if we can make it to the Oasis, we'll be safe from the Soulfangs. I take it Raylan told you what they are,"

"He did," Carol didn't like snakes. Ethari could tell by her quivering.

"But that's the only thing we should be concerned about. Once we cross it, we'll be meeting the Sky Patrol,"

"Sky patrol? I take it you mean by Skywing Elves?"

"Exactly. They are eight Sky Elves and Sky Dragons sworn to protect the Storm Spire. Hopefully, my message will have reached them by now. What concerns me is getting them to allow you to pass. I mentioned in my message about you and how you were willing to come here to deliver Zym…but I don't know if it'll be enough to sway them,'

"I'd be willing to try," said Carol bravely. Though she had been nearly killed by Moonshadow elves yesterday, she was not afraid to try and convince the Skywing elves, the elves who could do the same arcanum she could do, that she was a friend. "Perhaps if I showed them my magic, they might be persuaded. And Ethari, can you keep this secret?" He nodded. "I have a connection to Zym. I can feel his emotions and hear his thoughts,".

"Incredible," breathed the blacksmith. "You truly are one unique human. I can see why my foster son is so fond of you,"

Carol pursed her lips and looked down, trying to hide blushing cheeks.

Unknown to them, Raylan had listened to them. He felt his heart racing. But he ignored it and stepped out into the light. "Time to go guys. Chop, chop," the others were surprised to see him like this. He saddled his mount and offered a hand down to Carol without looking. She took it and he pulled her up without giving her a glance.

Ethari mounted his and Ethari and Felix and the Adoraburrs sat behind him. For the next hours, they made the final stretch through the forest, no one saying a word.

Try talking to him. Zym said telepathically to Carol.

But she would always answer. He doesn't wanna talk. It's best if I leave him alone.

Zym shared a glance with Felix. Both were sad seeing the pair like this. So close to each other and not speaking a word. Ethari observed them. He had never before in his life seen a pair so close like this. He felt reminded of himself and his still-alive husband and Lain and Tiadrin. I wonder…

They were very close to the border when they heard a loud rattle of leaves high above. Raylan jumped off his mount, bearing his blades. Ethari held an arrow up with his bow. Carol prepared a spell. Felix lit himself on fire. Zym and the Adoraburrs hid.

"Who's there?" Raylan demanded. "Show yourself!"

They looked upwards but saw nothing. "Come out now or I shoot!" threatened Ethari.

From the branches appeared an athletic, agile elf with a pair of black broad wings. She had bushy blue hair, curvy horns and two different coloured eyes. She wore grey armbands, waist-length boots, and blue tunic. She looked mischievous.

"Who are you?" Carol demanded.

"Greetings, travellers. My name is Naimi-Selari-Nykantia," the winged elf greeted. Strange name. "But they call me Nyx,"

"Well, 'Nyx,'…I'm Raylan…but they call me 'Ray'. And I'm in a bad mood," he pointed his right blade at her nose. "So either you fly away now, or I'm going to use these blades to do something that's gonna cheer you up,"

"You must be one of the elves in that message sent to the Dragon Queen and the Sky Patrol," Nyx pushed the tip down. "They received your message and the Queen sent me to help you,"

"Why don't I believe that?" questioned Ethari. "My message couldn't have reached them by now,"

"Oh well seems luck was on your side, Messenger," said Nyx. She glanced at Carol, looking sceptically at her. "And you must be the human girl. Must feel out of place here. You being human and all that," Her mocking made Felix growl. His flames burned more and he growled at her. "What a cute foxie," she said nervously. Zym poked his head out. "Ahh," she cooed. "There he is. And he has his mother's eyes," he blinked at her. "I have been authorized by the Queen to fly him straight home,"

"Oh no, no, no, no, no. I don't think so," Carol hugged the baby dragon protectively, distrusting this so-called acquaintance of the Sky Patrol and the Dragon Queen. "This mission we're on requires all of us. So wherever he goes, we go too,"

That's right. Felix barked at Nyx again.

"Calm your pet down missy," she ordered.

"He's a companion and he is not to be angered like that," Raylan warned. "Now leave us to do our mission," he threatened.

"Okay! Okay!" Nyx calmed him down. "What if I told you guys I could give you all a ride?"

"We're doing just fine on our own," Ethari said. "Now if you'll just fly ahead, we'll make the rest of the way on our mounts,"

"And how do you plan to cross the Midnight Desert?" she challenged.

"We are crossing it," Ethari said. "Without your help,"

"Come on," Nyx encouraged. "Your mounts are not adapted to cross a desert like that. And besides, they'll never be able to carry you in the intense heat. Especially with the sand absorbing all that sunlight,".

"What choice do we have?" Ethari challenged, ignoring the anxious faces of the two mounts who didn't feel like crossing an extreme stretch of sand on which their feet would be burnt to a crisp.

"I can you guys a ride. Save you a week," Nyx offered.

The group shared glances. "What kind of ride?" Carol questioned, crossing her arms, the Adoraburrs on her shoulders giving the winged elf challenging questions too.

"Follow me," Nyx led them through the forest and they distrustfully followed her.

Willow had refused once again to eat anything or drink anything but with guards threatening Pyrrah to starve her, she gave in and helped herself to their hospitality. Pyrrah ate a bit of chicken before being muzzled again. The guards had threatened to kill Willow if she attempted to fire on them. They were tied up again. The girl sniffled, afraid. She wished she was in Carol's motherly arms. Pyrrah purred and she laid her head against her face, closing her eyes.

So, do we have a deal? Asked Kasef.

Ezran sighed. You do. Free my sister and that dragon. Spare my kingdom. But let those who don't wanna be in this war return to their families.

"No!" Willow screamed out. Her brother couldn't give in like this.

She heard footsteps again. Pyrrah growled as Kasef entered. "We saw your brother. And whether or not you are home tomorrow is up to him,"

"You won't get away with this. He will never submit to your demands!"

"He will if it means you live," He turned around and left again, leaving the petrified girl along with the equally petrified dragon.

The group and Nyx came out of the forest and in front of them were endless stretches of black sand. "Here's our ride!"

A giant giraffe-like creature approached the group. It was gold and white and it had sea-blue eyes with bird-like feet, blue feathers at the end of its tail and long flaps dangling on the sides of its face. IT had a huge carrier for passengers on its back and a seat with reins on the top of its head. "My ambler! She'll get us to the Oasis in no time and it'll save you guys a long tiring journey,"

Carol glanced at Ethari. "What do you think?"

"It's better to push the mounts to cross this steaming sand," he said. "I still don't trust her," he whispered.

"I heard that!" Nyx exclaimed.

"You were meant to. Raylan?"

Raylan fumed. "I'll do it for Zym,"

"All aboard then!" Nyx whistled and her ambler came forward. She hugged its face and it lowered its long tail down. The group stepped onto its fan-like end and they were lifted into the carrier saddle. The mounts leapt down and laid down on their feet. Zym, Felix and the Adoraburrs leapt down as well. Nyx sat on the saddle and with a yip on the reins, the giant creature started to carry them across the desert.

Father and son hadn't spoken to each other. Viren had correctly guessed that Soren had failed at what he had ordered him to do. Footsteps approached again. They saw it was Claudia.

"Claudia!" Viren looked relieved. Soren was hurt that whilst he was greeting Claudia with pride and joy, he had received nothing but loathing and displeasure. "Did they put you in a cell too?"

"No. I was put on community service. And stripped of my magic," she lamented.

"That selfish child king…" cursed Viren.

"Is it true Dad?" Claudia questioned. "Is it true that you ordered Soren to kill Caroline? And her siblings?"

Viren was stuck. "Careful," the caterpillar hidden by his left ear out of sight, said. "If you tell the true, you will lose her," The former mage burst out laughing. "Is that what you thought Soren?" Soren sat up straight, befuddled by his words. "Claudia, did you really think I would ask him to do such a thing? Your brother as you know is easily confused,"

"Wait!" Soren spoke up, standing up. "Wait, I know I'm not the smartest but I know that you told me," he refused to see his father lie to his sister like that. "Claudia, he told me to 'Return with the news that King Harrow's children are dead'. You said: 'Accidents happen all the time',"

"Soren, I was preparing you for the worst,"

"No! You told me 'accidents happen all the time'! And you said that Carol and that elf were a threat to everything," Soren knew he wasn't winning this. Still, he wasn't gonna give up.

"I'm telling you, Claudia, he's lying," said Soren. "He wanted me to kill Carol,"

"Don't lie to your sister!" shouted Viren.

"Sor-bear…" Claudia sounded calm. "I'm sure you made a simple mistake and got confused,"

"Time to go!" A guard came and escorted Claudia away.

Soren glanced at his dad, outraged at him for badmouthing him like that in front of his sister. Viren did nothing but his back on him; not much was to be said.

Carol watched the animal companions play around together. Ethari was sitting down, cradling his purple moon opal which matched Runaan's. He missed him deeply. He then pulled out the lotus with its dim-glowing diamond centre. She came to sit beside him. "You okay Ethari?"

"I will be once we find out what happened to him,"

"I really am gonna keep my promise,"

"I know. But I worry about what your home would think of you," Carol realised he was right. It would mark her as a traitor, nevertheless. "And I don't want you to feel like you'd be betraying your brother and sister,"

Carol hadn't quite thought about that. But she still knew who the real murderer was. "Viren did this. And they know they know. We all want peace. And

But if they think otherwise, I'll try and talk to them. I'll them what our father told me,"

"I admire your generosity, Carol But be careful who you share it with," said Ethari. "You and Raylan are as good-hearted as each other. But always remember, sometimes you can't always use it to convince people to avoid conflict," Carol agreed. He looked over towards Raylan still looking into the distance. He was clutching his chest, his pendant. She walked over, everyone watching her intently.

She just stood beside him. She stepped a little closer. She didn't say anything.

"What?" Raylan asked irritably.

"I just wanted to check in to see if…

"I'm fine. Just please can I have some space?"

She huffed. She was about to move when suddenly there was a large thud and everyone fell off their feet and fell to the side, Carol sliding against Raylan. They stood up and Nyx came flying to them.

"What happened?" Ethari demanded.

"Her foot stuck in a hole!" Nyx explained. They looked down and saw that the Ambler's front right foot was stuck in the sand. "The Soulfangs burrow under the ground during the day and make all these tunnels, and if too many are in one place, the ground gives way. I just need to go down and get her foot out. Don't touch my stuff!" she warned.

"Why in the world would I want to touch your things?" Carol questioned, irritated by her question, more tone of voice.

Nyx flew down to help her mount get her foot out. She tried using hand signals but the creature didn't understand her one bit. Whilst the elves were standing up on their worn-out feet, Carol noticed Nyx's staff which had little boomerang's sticking out of it. There was something off about it.

"Why are you looking at it like that?" asked Raylan.

"I…I feel like I've seen this before," Carol reached to touch it when all of a sudden, the Ambler moved again and they fell off their feet. The Ambler's foot was released and Nyx sat back in her seat and they continued on their way.

That's the next chapter done. Thank you everyone for the ideas. What did you all think? Please let me know what you all thought and send reviews. Hope you all are excited for Season 5 next week. Bet it will be very fascinating. See you all soon