The Dark Path: Stygian Days

Going Elsewhere

Going Elsewhere

[Archer’s POV]

I got up and opened my eyes. Looking outside the car window, I discovered we were in a desert. How the heck did we get here? How long was I asleep?

The hood of the car was open and I could hear somebody banging the engine parts. I looked at the back seat at Sierra. She was biting her fingers.

“What’s going on? How did we get here?” I asked her.

“Miles insisted on going this way. He said it’s the only way to his secret place, whatever that means.”

“What the hell…” I got out of the car and walked towards Miles who was at the front of the car. “Miles, where are we?”

“We’re halfway there! Just give me some time to fix this thing.”

I pushed his shoulder. “Miles, tell the truth. Do you really know what you’re doing? Do you have any idea where you’re taking us? Or has your big ass ego decided to bring us into the middle of nowhere?”

“I…er…” Miles said scratching the back of his head.

“You don’t have a damned clue what you’re doing do you? Miles, this place is a freaking desert! Why in the name of everything that is holy did you drive us out here?”

Miles didn’t respond.

I spun just around and gripping the top of my head. “Great…just great. We put a ‘genius’ behind the wheel and now we’re going to end up frying like eggs.”

Sierra poked her head out from the car window. “Is the car going to fixed anytime soon, Miles? Do you know what’s wrong?”

“It must be something to do with the battery or…something.  I’ve done some repairs to cars before but I don’t know how to handle stuff like this.” Miles said as he stared at the engine that had smoke coming out of it.

“Look, let’s just find somebody who can get it fixed. First, let’s look for some bit of civilisation. What was the last place we passed?” I said to Miles.

Sierra spoke up first. “I think we passed some small town about half an hour ago.”

“Great! That shouldn’t take too long.” Miles said happily.

“That’s thirty minutes by CAR! We’re going to travel by foot! It’s going take more than half an hour. In case you haven’t noticed, it’s a sauna out here! I’ve been out here barely more than ten minutes and I’m already sweating out a bucket!”

“Archer, calm down. We’ll find some help and then we’ll get it fixed. I understand why you’re getting all worked up. It’s hot but it’s not that hot.” Sierra said.

I glared at her. “Not…that…hot?! I would just like to remind that you’re the Fire Elemental. This oven-like temperature would be barely faze you but for the rest of us, we’re getting roasted!”

“Hey, don’t talk to me with that tone and volume like it’s my fault! If anyone should be yelled around here, it’s Miles!” Sierra said pointing at Miles.

Miles raised his hands in defence. “Alright, I get it! It’s my fault! Just let it go already will you? You two act like I’m the only person who has ever made mistake in his life. Well, sorry, Mr and Mrs Perfect!”

I rubbed my temples hardly. “Okay, listen. Arguing definitely won’t help our situation here. How about we just keep quiet about this and go look for help? We’ll walk to the last stop and ask for help. It’s a long walk so just try to withstand the heat.”