Book 4: Chapter 12: Arrival

Book 4: Chapter 12: Arrival

When Zeke woke up the next morning, the first rays of light were already streaming in through the single window of the private room of the carriage. A groan involuntarily escaped his lips as he tried to rise. Zeke looked down and took in the state of his body. He gasped, taking note of the condition he was in.

His palms had dozens of scars crisscrossing them. On top of that, his clothes, hair, and body were smeared with half-congealed blood. He found a patch of clothing that seemed relatively dry and wiped the palms of his hands clean. He grimaced. There was a strange, acrid taste in his mouth. Looking at the clumpy stain on the floor, it was clear he had thrown up in his sleep.

His lips formed a bitter smile. He had really overdone it this time. Out of all his research binges, this was the worst as of yet though not by much. However, thinking back to the last scenes before passing out he remembered something else.

He searched his surroundings, eager to find the result of his spell, but the only thing he found was another puddle of blood on the floor where the [Blood Manifestation] should have been. The spell must have run out of Mana while he was asleep. A shame, he would have liked to observe it for a bit longer.

Dragon, are you okay?

I am ok, whelp, the Dragon said, surprising Zeke with the speed of his reply.

How was the body?

It was satisfactory, it said after a moment. You did well.

Zekes eyes widened. This was the first time the Dragon had said something even remotely nice to him, and the experience momentarily caught him off guard. However, he soon turned his brief embarrassment into a chuckle and replied smoothly, I am glad to hear that. Cant wait to see you in action.

The Dragon's voice turned bloodthirsty and predatory. Neither can I.

***

The sun was already high up in the sky when Zeke emerged. He had used the last couple of hours to get his body back into a presentable shape. He had been somewhat successful, as all the scars and blood were gone alongside the paleness of his skin. He was also wearing his last set of clean clothing, making him appear neat and tidy. However, there was no hiding his gaunt face. The two weeks of malnutrition and lack of sleep would take more than a couple of hours to make disappear, even for him.

Zeke squinted at the bright light. Spending so much time indoors had made him unaccustomed to its harsh glare. But after a few moments of furious blinking, his surroundings came into focus and his jaw dropped.

All around him was an endless plain of sand. No matter where he looked, all he could see was an infinite expanse of sandy waves. It looked like an ocean of golden water, frozen in time.

So, this was a desert.

Zeke had, of course, read about the desert. In fact, he knew everything about it. The creatures that lived here, the temperature difference between night and day. He had even memorized the map of this entire kingdom. However, none of that had prepared him for the sight in front of his eyes. After all, the true majesty and grandeur of nature werent something that could be conveyed in mere words.

In the next moment, the sound of muffled footsteps drew his attention. Zeke recomposed himself and turned in the direction of the approaching noise. From behind the carriage next to him emerged a young man with brown hair and fierce, amber eyes.

Leo carried two bowls of food, and he seemed focused on not spilling its contents as he walked through the sand. However, the moment his gaze met Zekes, a smile instantly blossomed on his face. About time you came out. The guards were beginning to think you died in that hole.

Zeke squinted at his brother. Why would they think that?

Immediately, the smile was back on the chiefs face. It became clear that he placed much more importance on Leo. No wonder. He had seen his brother in action every day, while Zeke was still a mystery to him. It was evident that Jai also didnt put much stock in the new spell he had claimed to be learning.

Ohh, thats a shame, but I guess it cant be helped, Jai said as if it was a pity. However, to Zeke, it was clear that the man didnt care much if he actually kept his word as long as he got his hands on Leo. The place is called the Lions Den. Youll be able to find it without a problem by asking around. With one last nod, he turned back to his discussion with Rahul.

Zeke also motioned for Leo to follow as he made his way to a secluded spot. His brother looked at him dubiously. We are splitting up?

Zeke shook his head. No, Ill be joining you soon. I just dont want us to have our debut in the Rings of Samsara at the same time

Leo immediately caught on. You want to hide our connection?

Zeke smiled. Leo, despite his honest nature, could be surprisingly shrewd at times. Thats right, and when I eventually join you after a couple of days, you should act like you dont know me.

Leo nodded. Fine. But is this really okay? We didnt come here to play around, did we?

Zekes face grew somber. Thats the other reason I need a few days. I am going to find out as much as I can. Who knows? I might even be able to meet with a member of the Gemkar family directly. But it wont hurt to have a backup plan.

Leo nodded slowly. Ill see you in a few days, then.

***

With every step, the distant outlines of sandstone walls grew more distinct. And before the sun reached its highest point, they stood in front of a monumental gate.

It was like nothing Zeke had ever seen.

Towering high above them was a colossal, enigmatic stone sculpture. Carved with precision, it featured the body of a reclining creature, part human and part beast, crowned with a regal headdress. Its eyes gazed out towards the horizon, exuding wisdom and mystery. Its powerful paws, intricately etched, added to its grandeur. Bathed in golden sunlight, the statue seemed to guard the city behind it silently.



The actual entrance was between the paws of the creature. Even so, it was wide enough to allow ten carriages to pass side by side, further illustrating the size of the beast. Truth be told, Zeke had never seen any structure as massive as this. It was the height of a small mountain.

How long had it taken to carve something of this size with this level of detail?

Zekes train of thought was disrupted when he noticed the band of city guards approaching their caravan. The guests were asked to disembark. They would have to make their way into the city on their own merit. However, Zeke was pleasantly surprised as Jai motioned for him and Leo to stay as he went to speak with the leader of the guards.

Zeke couldnt hear their conversation, but the leader glanced in their direction for a moment before nodding his head once. He also hadnt missed how Jai had discretely slipped the man a couple of coins. That could come in handy. After that, Jai returned to the caravan, and they made their way inside without any further obstructions.

The moment Zeke stepped through the giant gate, his mouth dropped open. However, he wasnt the only one who reacted like that. Leo, beside him, looked even more shocked. Even the guards, who must have been here countless numbers of times, had looks of awe and reverence on their faces.

Rahul stepped up beside him with a smug smile on his face. Welcome to Swarnaloka. The jewel of the desert.