61 Desert II (1/2)

”Ling, pull harder on your side.”

The rope was stretched taut, but the pole still wouldn't stand straight.

”Maga, just stand where you are or the force won't be equal!”

The dragon that started pulling too, turned its head to where the voice of the command was coming from. Since the rope was in its mouth, it loosened in its side. ”That's too loose now, Maga! Don't move your head around too much and stay in place.” The shouting continued.

After the reprimand, Maga turned its head again to pull the rope just right. It sat down in relief when it didn't hear the loud voice again, but it still remained still as it looked at one place. The dragon thought that this adventure was getting boring.

Afterwards, the voice still continued, commanding the others too. ”You better move to the other side, Kisig! You and Kana should move back two steps more!”

It was near noon when the group finally reached an area near the yellow 'haze', but far enough for the harmful 'haze' not to affect them. The sun was high, making the atmosphere at its hottest. There were no other high structures or rubbles around for the group to take shade, hence, the heat from the sun added to the scorching air that the yellow 'haze' was sending out. The men felt as if they were being cooked on all sides.

To get out of the strong, scorching wind coming from the yellow 'haze', they had to erect a tent. As they finished, Ling felt like he had swam in a lava pool, his sweat pouring down his body. But when he thought some more, this was worse than swimming in the lava pool. At least he felt refreshed back in the pool at the forest near their village.

Their water was limited. It wouldn't do to use it to just wash his sweaty body to feel refreshed. The group was carrying enough water for only a week to keep them hydrated during this travel. Besides, it would be a little warm by now so using it to wash himself wouldn't change much.

After eating their lunch, Mayari stood up and told the younger men, ”Leave our things inside the tent, then follow me, boys! I'll show you how to collect the materials we need here.”

Despite the grumbling of the others, Mayari walked towards the yellow 'haze', followed by Ling and Maga. Since this was also a practice for them once they sailed through the Limaw Sea, the two were not afraid even though the 'mist' around the area was far stronger.

Before the six person and one dragon group stepped into the 'haze', Mayari stopped them, ”The sand and stones around this area were normal. The 'mist' would only solidify once we go deeper. Of course, the deeper we go, the stronger the stones we'll get. But I won't lead you deeper than you can handle.

”First, make sure you're properly shielded. I don't want any of you getting possessed by the 'haze'.” When Mayari saw that the boys properly controlled their 'mist' quickly, he smiled and continued, ”Second, I'll have to show you what to collect first before you go find the stones on your own. We'll group you up with two persons each, each of you have to watch your partner.”