They had traveled northeast, hours on end, to get to the desert lands by morning. They were still covered by the trees, taking a break, when Dearon started pacing looking at one of his gadgets.
"Out with it, Dearon."
"The temperatures are already high." He whispers, glancing at a sleeping Caleena, curled up against a horse that had laid down to relax. Cyrus had convinced her they all would take an hour's rest, but as soon as her eyes closed they'd gotten up from their fake sleep.
In truth, they had traveled far longer through far worse before, but Cyrus wanted to pace his sister as long as they could before their options were limited.
"And?"
"And they have not been this high in a long time, brother. I dare say word has already been spread of our departure."
"Because of the heat?"
"Because only one thing can change the temperature so quickly this far near winter."
"The storms," Zav says.
"Precisely. I think King Nikandr has upped the steaks."
"Is it safe?" Cyrus asks.
"As long as we find the sand caves. I am more concerned for the night, actually, when the temperatures drop for the night."
"The storms stop then?"
"Not exactly. The Orlov brothers have the power of wind, yes? The youngest one, Prince Alexsandr, controls the winds during the day. He brings the air from Valas over to the sands, creating sandstorms and heat to defend the border. There are some days where if I got too far, he would make the storm so thick I almost drowned in sand. But at night, that is when the oldest brother, Prince Mikhail, brings the icey temperature from the north down. Get caught in either without shelter and you are insured death."
"We have traveled with you through the desert, I have never seen caves." Zav says.
"Yes, you have only gone halfway. It is the second half that is troublesome." Dearon looks at his gadget.
"Why is the oldest not King?" Cyrus asks.
As far as relations to the other Kingdoms, Cyrus only knew of the basics. It had never occurred to his parents to understand them more than what was on the surface. He had known the Kingdom of Siezalle had three brothers his age, but he did not know much past that. He had assumed King Nikandr had been the oldest.
He now realizes how foolish it was to not look further into each Kingdom, but that is how little hope was about peace among them.
"It is just how the fallen King and Queen wished to be. All my findings on any of the Kingdoms has been either through passing nomads through borders or through our library, which the King was well enough to stockpile on. In fact, your father, well the King at least, may be the only King who has books from far and wide. And I think I now know why, I believe your real father traveled back and forth for years among the borders, unnoticed, providing reading to your mom."
It was not unheard of. While the Kingdoms closed themselves up for defense, some did often let people in to help their economy. Dasos had lost a few families to Valas so far.
Only Chechiniv remained closed to all, the island hidden in mist.
"He really did love her." Cyrus realizes.
"So what do we know about them, the brothers?"
"The oldest is a hot head, so I have heard. Prince Boris, very much jealous of his brother. The King I have heard is a reasonable one, has only ever done the best for his Kingdom. Historically speaking, his bloodline has always put their people first. And it shows, they are doing better then the rest of us. They want very little."
"And the youngest?" Zav asks.
"Prince Aleksandr? I am afraid I have heard very little of him. Just that he handles the border."
"Brother?" Caleena calls. She stands and stretches, taking note of the boys. "Is everything alright?"
"Yes, we were just getting ready. I think it's time we start into the desert. Are you rested?"
"Yes. You do not have to worry about me, you know." She pets Zav's horse and it nudges her hand.
"Very well," Cyrus nods to Zav.
They climb onto their horeses and Dearon pulls out the map. "You know, if we reach the waters edge we can give the horses water then, save us some of ours."
"Is that risky?"
"I do not believe so. The Ryūjin are found in the deep waters, more north."
"Then I agree." They had brought jugs of water, but if the temperatures were concerning to Dearon now, it only meant hydration would be that much more important.
"Dearon. Is that one of our maps?" Caleena asks. They do not rush to the end of the trees, their horses walk easily.
"No. This is of the Siezalle Kingdom. Why?"
"You have never showed me that area before. To the far north."
"That is because I have no map of it. I was never sure how much land was between the land and Kingdom of Sakura. I will not lie. I have been told farther north is more dangerous. And the King never let me travel that far before." He goes to say more but thinks better of it.
"What is it?" She asks.
"I just think that it might be more important to go farther and farther for resources. If any of the Kings feel the same and were previously restricted by their parents, well....there is more unknown mapping out there I suppose."
"You were always the clever one." Caleena laughs.
"Careful Princess, say things like that and it will go straight to his head." Zav warns with a grunt.
"You must jest, Captain. If not my brain, what do you keep me around for?"
"I have been asking myself that very question for years."
"You wound me, brother. It is not matter, though. It just so happens I enjoy your company, just the same. Tell me, Zav, what is it you enjoy again?"
Zav hits the back of Dearon's horse causing it to run forward and Dearon to nearly fall off at the jolt.
But Dearon only laughs, all the way to the desert opening.
YOU ARE READING
Tides Of Bones
FantasiThe five Kingdoms of Kelbur once lived in Harmony. At least, that's what the stories say. There was a time where travel was plenty and they stood as a united front. Then the Gods came. Each brother breathed Their powers into the royal bloodlines, fo...
