Tales of a Dead God

Chapter Fourteen: Don't Let Them Hear You

The cool night crept up on the small village as the four headed off. Soft silver light blanketed the earth below as mother moon smiled over the sleeping world. The stars above twinkled for the attention of astronomers and admirers alike.

Ciro wasn't too impressed by the cool dark night and led silently ahead. Gabriel stayed with the boys giving them another lesson on traveling by stars. Theo began naming constellations left and right while Noah discussed more how to read the sky. These lessons went on for the next two nights.

Though he never joined in, Ciro had a small smile when he heard Gabriel excited. He always thought back to those centuries ago when his brother would be up in the early morning hours just watching the night skies. Ahmes would always try to keep him awake but that only ever lasted maybe an hour into the night. How Ciro wished his brother would keep him awake to watch the night skies.

They all decided to rest halfway through the night and continue on later the next day. Once they were rested enough, they headed on. The sooner they set foot in Ifera the better. What wasn't expected was to come upon another village.

It was around midday as they entered the ghost town. The eerie silence caused goosebumps to rise on Theo's arms and he couldn't shake the feeling of someone watching him.

"What is this place?" Noah asked as he peered around. The village was untouched as if everyone picked up and just left. However, that very well could be the case in these times.

A shadow crossed Ciro's face. "Wylan."

Gabriel knew exactly what this place was and instantly wanted to be anywhere but here.

Wylan wasn't for everyone. It was full of a melting pot of magic users, which could be trouble if you crossed the wrong person. Gabriel had seen it plenty of times before with travelers who wandered in without prior knowledge. Most of the time travelers made it out unscathed but there were other times when idiots decided to make deals with some sketchy locals that never went well.

"I don't like this," Gabriel said lowly. He didn't want to frighten Noah or Theo, but time wasn't on their side here.

"We'll get through quickly." Ciro sat straighter and taller. He kept his head still and forward but his eyes were constantly scanning ahead. "Just keep your senses sharp."

Noah leaned over towards his brother. "I wonder what they're whispering about?"

Theo shrugged. For some reason, Noah's voice sounded as if it was muffled by water. He was trying hard to concentrate on what his brother saying, but it was beginning to become more and more challenging.

"I'm going to go see." Noah trotted ahead not noticing the odd change in Theo. "I couldn't help but feel left out of the conversation."

"You didn't miss much," Ciro said.

Noah nodded as he looked around. "This place looks abandoned." He looked over at Gabriel noticing the scowl he carried. "Is this like the last place? Hey, maybe there are some cute widows here as well."

Gabriel snapped his attention to Noah. His cold glare sent chills down Noah's spine. "Would you shut up?"

"Keep your voice down," Ciro stepped in before Gabriel ripped Noah a new one. He sent a warning glance toward Gabriel. He backed off and rode ahead. Noah just sat there looking at Ciro with raised eyebrows. "This isn't the place to make jokes. Dark magic is practiced here and is the perfect place for lost travelers."

A strange feeling washed over Noah that he couldn't shake. As if eyes were watching him like a deer being stalked by a hunter. He was indeed the prey and like a deer, wanted to head to safety as fast as possible.