Forget Where We Were (reupload!)

Chapter 2

The moment he was sighted, people started scrambling - to meet him, to tell people of his arrival, to prepare things to accommodate him. Perhaps they could bring him to the tent where Kaveh was resting, so that every single thought that began to rot in Alhaitham's brain could finally cease. They would go home and return to the peaceful days of their constant push and pull.

Of course, none of that happened.

He was escorted to the main tent, where Kshahrewar scholars were busy working. So, they had the gall to continue the project. Alhaitham stepped inside, making the scholars freak out.

"Acting Grand Sage!" One of them went over to him, "What can we do for you? The project has been going smoothly the past month, sir. We could give you the reports in a bit, we were just accounting for the losses for this week."

"Losses?" Alhaitham tried to breathe, gathering simple words as much as he could to express a sentiment that seemed to feel bigger than himself. "How are you counting on the loss of your leader, then? Under which line item would he fall under? Natural disaster hazards? Unforeseen ley line movements? Hostile group and monster attacks? Which is it?"

"We-well..." The scholar started to sweat and it was not because of the desert's scorching heat. "Master Architect Kaveh told us to continue the project, even if something were to happen. He made us all sign sworn statements that we would complete everything no matter what. Even if his location remains unknown as of the moment, we were bound to proceed, Acting Grand Sage. It was well within Master Kaveh's wishes."

"You speak of him as if he were dead," snapped Alhaitham with a force he did not know existed in him. "To whom do I talk with regard to the search, then?"

A sigh was heard behind the Acting Grand Sage, "Alhaitham."

He turned to face the General Mahamatra, "Cyno. At least the Matras had enough intelligence to prioritize this matter."

Cyno's eyebrows shot up, "You deem this relevant enough to come all the way out here yourself, Acting Grand Sage. I wonder why? If it were another scholar..."

"If you do not have anything else to report, then might as well return to your duties, General," Alhaitham crossed his arms over his chest. "I do not wish to waste my time."

"You're wasting more time here. Those Kshahrewar scholars are under command to continue working. Don't disturb them. We have also secured the area of the sinkhole. Follow me, there's something you need to see down there," replied Cyno before leading Alhaitham away from the main campsite.

The Acting Grand Sage hated traversing through the sand for long periods of time. Sand kept on getting into his boots. The silence of the desert was cold and tragic, unlike the peaceful and serene silence Alhaitham wanted to maintain in his life. He took a deep breath and dismissed the thoughts, focusing on where Cyno was leading him. They headed down, down, to the lowest the surface could go.

Alhaitham noticed a small stream-like oasis nearby, and it should be enough to keep a small settlement with fresh water for food and bath. He took in the rest of the area and found nothing wrong with the location. It was the perfect place to keep people alive in the desert, so why...?

When they arrived at the site where the accident happened, Alhaitham frowned. It was a sinkhole, alright, and the terrain below introduced more sources of water. The beginnings of an ancient tunnel system were evident from one look. Alhaitham watched Cyno reconvene with his team of Matras securing and studying the area, most probably keeping them up to speed.

At this point, Alhaitham would have taken out the book he was currently reading while waiting for them, but for some reason, he could not just do it. He stood there quietly, the thoughts in his head too loud to silence. Kaveh must be somewhere down there, hungry and complaining. He must need water. He must have incurred bruises or wounds from the fall. He would need to be brought to Gandharva Ville once they find him. Cyno must have tipped off Tighnari of the situation already.