Sphinxes of Legend

Introduction

Introduction

Before the storm

I remember awakening to feel weak and unable to move. A cold wind blows the brown sand making it swirl into little tornados. The sky is dark and still except for the twinkle of faded stars that I can barely see. There was no sign of life and I felt terribly alone struggling to regain something of myself. I tried to recall memories, a sense of myself, anything to hint a clue as to who I was, where I came from, and why I was here. Then I remembered my name and what happened to me. There was nothing else I could grasp, but I knew I paid the ultimate price and penalty. Reaching out with my mind I found my cloths and somehow willed the sand to move. Having no body of my own, I had little choice but to use the sand, slowly gaining control of it, using the sands to fill the empty void. I twitched the fingers of my gloves relieved to be able to move. I will the sand to wrap my scarf around my 'head' before slowly sitting up. I was able to see better now, even in the pitch blackness.

"You've paid your price," a females voice rings through my consciousness.

I jump a bit looking around, but no one is there. I finally manage to stand, studying myself. From what I could tell, I had become a Sand Wraith. All of these undead creatures were brought back for some reason or another, but I couldn't remember my own purpose. One thing was for sure, I would have to avoid people or at least move through towns only after nightfall. I pull my two-handed sword onto my back and trek through the desert. I hear a scream and rush to stumble across a girl being attacked by skeletons. I easily smash them, rescuing the girl. My blade has bits of silver ore in it to help fight undead and other creatures affected. Before I can ask the girl if she's alright, she screams backing up further into the corner of her tent and I hear the shouts of men coming close. I flee into the night managing to get away from the crowd. When I regain my energy, I realize that, though I certainly don't feel like a monster, to others I was a monster; a creature of the night.

During the storm

The wind blows harshly; winds rip and tear the sails of the 'Wind Rider' as the hull of the little sailboat rolls from side to side. Thunder flashes; the rain coming down hard like pebbles. It was so dark that only flashes of lightening lit up the sky. Zafari cries out, her voice smothered by the torrents as she grips Kahzaar's hand as tight as she can. Despite her nails digging into his flesh, he still slides from her grasp.

"You have to let me go," he screams through the storm, "The boat is about to go over and you can't hang onto me at the same time."

She coughs nearly swallowing the sea water, "Stop trying to be a hero, Kahzaar. I am not letting go."

He only smiles as the boat is smashed up against a reef and his hand slides. He disappears under the boat and crashing waves; Zafari screaming out his name. Suddenly, the boat rolls giving Zafari little time to hold her breath. It tumbles and flips, debris flying everywhere.

Zafari is barely awake lying on a beach surrounded by wood, rope, and fish. She stares at the big blue sky wondering why it looks so clear. She turns her head to see a blurred shape coming towards her and a gentle voice calling to her before she passes out of consciousness.