Delmora: The Lost Quest

Madihan

Little lights flickered in and out of the desert ahead of them. Huge dunes lay before them like mountains blocking their path forcing them to take a more winding, blind rout through the sand. Wind howled past their ears and through mountain of dunes. Strange prickly bushes, mostly covered in the golden grains held the dunes together. They swayed eerily in the breeze, the moonlight cast shadows all around them making them dance. The closer they came to the flickering lights beyond the dunes the more tall the dunes became. To their right a huge tower glistened silently, seeming to watch them as they passed bellow it. It wasn't as big as the distance suggested. The tower was erect by a small mountain. It had long since been worn away by the harsh wind. It's details were too dark to make out, it was hiding from the moonlight. Silhouetted in the sky, the shape was round, flags and tattered cloth swung loosely on little poles. The top was rounded and roofed like a castle. They could see no more.

Lance saw Gawian first, he was circling over the dunes. The Ranger's falcon came to greet them and guided them to a little village. It was well protected by sand but inside was a small oasis. Little houses, prickly plants and tall, strange trees lined the town. A small smoking fire lay in it's center. A slowly tickling stream lead from the start of the village to the end. It was guarded by little plants, stones and shade. On either end were deep pools for the water to congregate, they were hidden beneath a tarp with a fine layer of sand. Inhabiting the town were old, grey robed men. They each carried candle lamps in their hands. They were waiting for the newcomers. The stared expectantly as the party stepped into their light. Lance looked around for the Ranger but as usual, no sign of him was present.

"Welcome to Madihan"

An old, short man with a long, white beard stepped forward. He wore a brimmed grey hat that matched his robes. It was pointed but drooped down the side of the brim. The hat was worn and tattered, though it carried the marks of good leather. He stepped forward with his lamp raised.

"My name is Belbog, I am the high elder here, we have been expecting you. The Ranger has explained. We were worried you got lost in the storm." The Elder spoke in a low, deep and haggard voice.

"Thank you. My name is Lance" he introduced the rest of them, the Elder bowed to each of them in turn.

"You all must be very tired, we can assist formalities later. Right now sleep is the most pressing matter. You all look travel worn and hungry, come"

The Elder guided them to a large shelter. Table and food were set. The Elder's took their camel and put it with others next to a water trough. Biter licked at Morn's face and pawed at the sheep meat on Morn's plate. Morn gave her a portion and a bowl of water. The Elder's eyed her warily. Exhaustion hit them where they sat. Simply chewing food became difficult. The Elder showed them to a guest house. Many cots lined the walls and spare towels and cloths hung from them. It was made from cloth mud and twig, the windows and doors brought in the breeze. They piled into the room Edith last.

One of the Elder's tapped her shoulder before she entered.

"we have another room for you" The Elder said.

Edith was confused for a moment, the awkward shyness of the balding Elder gave it away.

"That wont be necessary" Edith said.

"please, I insist" The Elder said.

Edith looked at Lance for help, he gave none. Edith scoffed and rolled her eyes. She was too tired to argue. As she walked out Bitter was marking the house at the entrance. Her tongue lolled out of her mouth and her tail wagged excitedly. She cocked her head at Edith and whined before padding over to Morn's belongings.