Dragon Tide Chronicles: Dawn Rising

Chapter 41: The Gulch of Sand: The Chaotic Desert

Chapter 41: The Gulch of Sand: The Chaotic Desert

Dry, barren, and lifeless. That’s just about enough to sum up what I am seeing… yet, you must admit, the Chaotic Desert has its own serene quality to it. Its giant sandstone cliffs and plateaus, and its towering sand dune inspire a majestic might to it. On a day like today, it was almost beautiful, the sand gleaming like glass.

However, Alexander has warned me about its more sinister side.

The Chaotic Desert is home to many dangers, most famous are the sandstorms. The killer storms whip up in seconds; the mostly flat plains of sand are vulnerable to the dangers of the mighty winds of the ocean. Marauders cruise the dunes in deadly swarms, seeking out weak travelers to rob and leave to die amongst the cruel sands. The few towns in existence are small and much of the law of the wild is really all there is, the power of the government unable to maintain order with so little resources.

As we drove on, I can’t help but notice Alexander’s impassive look, as if nothing really matters to him. It’s almost as if something’s bothering him.

“Ok, what’s wrong, Alexander?” I ask, getting annoyed.

He stays silent for a moment, then glances off into a part of the desert.

“Prepare yourself. Marauders.” Somehow, I knew that wasn’t the only thing bugging him, but I knew I wouldn’t get anything out of him this time either.

He checked the speed of the vehicle, and cursed. “Good as time as any,” He snarls under his breath.

“Huh?” I ask, confused. He stopped the car and got out.

“All of you, out. No point in riding the transport, they’ll overtake us.” Blue Hurricane symbols appear on his body.

“Umm… Alexander? Why did those just show up?” He smirks.

“Stand back, pixie. Or you’ll be electrocuted.” He kneels down on all fours, and a violent energy can suddenly be felt. His eyes glow with an intense bright blue.

“Uhhh, Alexander? What’s going on?” I ask, very nervous.

“I’m shifting, you stupid excuse for a butterfly.”

“Hey I’m not an insect you know…” I choke off as a massive explosion of electricity is unleashed, Alexander its epicenter. When the energy field disbands, a large white scaled, and blue winged dragon appears in his place. It stood eye to eye with me, and had piercing blue eyes, and long curved fangs, like a viper, ran down its lips. The Hurricane symbol was located on its shoulders, forehead, chest, and back. Its tail was long and whip-like. I studied its dome shaped head, and reached out to stroke it.

Don’t even dare, Danica Crown. We’re not friends, so DON’T GO PETTING ME LIKE SOME FRIENDLY PET!!!

Sorry. I squeak mentally.

You better be, Alexander’s voice growls in my head. All of you- on my back. We don’t have time to waste here. You’re riding on my back, don’t argue just do it!

Ore looks at me. I just nod, and we all get on Alexander’s back. His powerful muscles lurch as he takes off into the sky.

Hold on! This’ll be rough, the Chaotic Desert’s terminals are dangerous.

And boy, was he not kidding. I honestly felt from the moment we got up, that I was going to puke.

“ALEXANDER! I’M GOING TO PUKE IF YOU DON’T SLOW DOWN!!!” He slows, but it only helps a little bit. He starts coasting, almost surfing idly on the currents of every flowing wind.

“How much longer will it take us to get to Sunneroria?” Ore yells over the wind, which was howling like a banshee.

About another hour. It would’ve taken us a few days by vehicle anyway.

Ore nods, then gets a thought in his head. You can always tell. He will nod sharply, then make a ‘Hmmh.’ Sound in his throat, and then will promptly ask a question.

“So Alexander, what’s your big city in the sand like? Is it cool and awesome, like maybe tall spires and sandstone buildings and…” He shuts up immediately as Alexander growls menacingly.

We are exiles, living in the desert, no adequate resources, and being forced to depend on the Gems for economic aid. Do you really think that Sunneroria will look that pretty? The few nobles we DO have are by no means rich by your standards. I work many different jobs in the government myself, just to help with the immense workload we have out here.

“I’m sorry Alexander. I was just curious.” He said dejectedly.

If there ever was a sight to check out, it’s the Sunneroria Wall. No wall has ever been as thick, nor as tall. You’ll see. Although not a city of kings, or a city bejeweled with grace and fortune, Sunneroria does command a certain… awe whilst one is in its mighty walls. The Chromatics are regarded as barbaric in comparison to the gems, and it’s true, many of us have our anger issues….

I giggle quietly, but he just ignores me.

But we are not savages. When you see our city, don’t judge the people. They are a people oppressed and weary of a conflict that still to this day makes their hearts ache with grief and suffering.

I look puzzled. “What conflict are you talking about that would make people so upset?”

I’m talking about the Aladorian Blood War.

I frown. “You guys still feel the pain after all these years?”

To us, Crown, the pain and the hatred feels like it just happened. For all of us.

                                                   As though the war never ended.