26 Disembark (1/2)

”Dear, we are about to reach the outer ring of the Oasis.” Matriarch Hera muttered as she approached her husband of over 25 years. ”Don't worry dear, we've been through worse.”

Ipnak stood on the ships deck, with his hand on the keel stone. All sand ships came with a keel stone that connected an earth spiritualist with the ships keel, allowing the spiritualist to slide the ship on the sand even without wind.

Ipnak was wearing his chieftain's robe, decorated with a shale horn, a symbol of Shale village. Ipnak heard his wife's words and sighed. ”Yes, yes we have. But this is not just us Hera, this is everyone.” Ipnak mumbled, his voice barely audible. ”You know how ruthless they can be.”

Matriarch Hera hugged Ipnak from behind, her arms wrapped around his chest.

”If you are thinking that you have failed the village, you are wrong. What you are doing now is protecting the village and everyone in it.” Hera said with a tranquil look on her face.

”Our reserves were not enough for all of us to reach the border, and even if we did, we would have to pay taxes to be allowed to pass into Raavi territory.”

Ipnak stayed silent, he remained that way as Hera continued to talk.

”You have to stop being this way, this mission is to save the village.” Hera said in a sobbing tone.

”This mission to the Oasis is a death sentence, and I am nothing but a butcher. I gave them all fake hope.” Said Ipnak flatly.

”We will succeed, we still have the crystal. Sanam may be gone, but her sacrifice was not in wain. The sword is still in human hands, and Haruki is safe. She did her job as the sword keeper, now we must do ours.” Hera muttered.

”You had the foresight to send the children away, and now we are going to meet the chieftains of Yaris and Guar Village, to discuss the plan.”

”You are right dear, you're always right.” Ipnak turned and hugged his wife.

”Ahem” one of the village warriors coughed as she approached the old couple.

Matriarch Hera pushed her husband aside and resumed the stern look she always caries around.

Ipnak smiled and turned to face the warrior. ”Vin, what happened.” Ipnak asked. ”you seem flustered.”

”Chief, we have reached the ridge. Two other sand boats are visible, they have the proper identifying flags.” The warrior replied, hurriedly.

”Good, raise our flag, and set anchor as soon as we reach the location.” Ipnak said.

************

In an open field of Ice and mist, an emerald shadow danced about. Every time the shadow flashed, a portion of mist in its former location would retreat. A chubby old man with a stubby beard, covered from head to toe in an umber fur attire, kept sprinting after the shadow. He tried to catch the shadow, but every time he got close, the shadow flashed and vanished into the distance.

”Why are you being so stubborn. What you are trying to do, will not go well with the other lords.” Lord Rolf persisted as he raced behind the Emerald shadow. ”You know this better than anyone, I can't protect you from them.”

The Shadow kept moving, it criss-crossed through the field, only leaving behind a trace of sword essence.

”Will you just stop and listen to me.” Rolf Yelled. ”Fine, then I'll make you listen.”

Rolf's body started to grow larger. His entire body started to undergo a transformation as his ears became rounded, his wobbly belly turned into a muscular six pack, fur started to pop out from his thick neck, and turned into a golden mane.

Rolf's eyes widened, and he was finally able to see the shadow's movements clearly. He pounced, and reached the emerald shadow before it could jump again.

However, just as his hands were about to touch the shadow, the entire field of ice and mist started to glow a brilliant blue.

Icy mist coagulated around Rolf's body, and turned into solid Ice. Rolf tried to move, but the thick Ice prevented him from doing so.