I WILL FIND YOU.

Chapter 98: Deadlands

Cough... cough*

"I get why this place is called the Deadlands." Minda said, a light cough escaping because of the dust that blew past.

"MinMin, you need to cover up." Kai quickly reminded him as he covered Minda's delicate nose with his scarf in response.

The had been traveling through the Deadlands for half a day now. At first, it wasn't too bad but the further they went the more desolate and grim it became. The soil was dry and devoid of plants with a few trees that had barely any leaves and look ready to topple over scattered about.

The cold wind filled with sand and dirt worried Kai the most. Minda had been feeling better, but now that they had entered the Deadlands the temperature had dropped again and they had little protection from the Northern winds.

Minda didn't complain about Kai's little movements to cover his face and wrap him up tight in layers upon layers of clothing. If he was honest with Kai he would tell him his body ached from the cold and it was hard to see with all the dirt blowing in his face. But he wasn't honest because he wanted to be on the horse instead of the carriage together with Kai.

"Honey, is it always this bad?" Minda proceeded to ask.

Kai looked around. He had travelled through the Deadlands dozens of times as a soldier. Each time the land seemed to look as desolate as the last.

"It's still summer so it's warmer than usual but yes. The Deadlands are always this terrible." Kai said. Minda curled up in Kai's arms.

"How do the people survive here?"

"It's not easy but they manage. Once we get to the border it does get better. Over there we have the mountains to protect us from the wind and the land is more fertile so we can grow some food in the area around the barracks." Kai explained.

"Won't the fields get destroyed when there is a battle?"

"The enemy has never managed to get that close."

Minda struggled to imagine what the border area Kai often mentioned looked like. Sometimes he imagined a large castle or fortress. Other times it was this big long towering wall as far as the eyes could see. Now he pictured a quaint little farming village. Whatever the case Minda was eager to see the place Kai used to live.

...

Traveling through the Deadlands wasn't only depressing but also fast paced. General Lei had a limited amount of supplies and they needed to move far to find a water source.

"Honey, shouldn't we stop to take a break soon? It's already way past noon." Minda asked.

"We won't reach the next rest stop with water for at least another hour." Kai said.

"Will... will the horses be okay?" Minda asked despite his own body being the problem.

After half a day Minda's body was aching and he wanted to get off the horse and ride the much smoother carriage but they never stopped long enough for him to make the switch. Kai who had been riding together with him obviously noticed his troubles but pretended not to see.

"It's only a little longer. Then we'll have an hour break." Kai said. Minda uncomfortably wriggled in response. Kai lightly grabbed Minda's tender hips and began to massage them. His touched was meant to be soothing but Minda whimpered from the pain.

"Sorry, MinMin." Kai whispered. His heart aching when he realized how much pain Minda was in.

"I'm okay. Just a little surprised by your sudden touch." Minda said. His poor attempt at lying was easily seen through by the ever observant Kai.