Lore of Eternal Shadow: The Fugitive King

Chapter Twenty-One

The day went by slowly for the party. After the mountains disappeared off of the eastern horizon, there were scarcely any landmarks to be seen. Through the grey sand-like ash they seemed not to be moving at all. The sun was the only indication of the passage of time, obscured as it was through the pale grey haze. It burnt only an orange orb through to the ashen land below.

It was afternoon. Jannick had noticed Salgan was sometimes observing the landscape behind him. "We're being followed," concluded the Sussurri quietly.

"How can you tell?" asked Runa.

"The ash, or sand, or whatever you want to call it keeps moving," explained Salgan.

"What are they?" asked Alyssa.

"I don't know," said Salgan, "they're damn good at hiding themselves for sure; looks like they're biding their time. If I were you I'd pick a god and prey."

"Why?" asked Alyssa.

"Because if they can survive in this lifeless dust, they've got to be extremely tough," answered Salgan, "I only hope we can defend ourselves tonight."

"Great," Alyssa lamented.

The afternoon grew late and soon the party set camp. Tiberan was very helpful here; he'd provided tents and extra bedrolls that were very comfortable. Jannick and Runa cast some slow burning fireballs and everyone roasted sausages, meat, and vegetables.

Salgan felt something on the edge of his mind. "We've got company," he said. From somewhere in the distance came a low clicking sound.

"What's that noise?" Tiberan asked looking up from the flames, halfway done roasting a sausage.

"The thing that's been following us is ready to strike," Salgan grimly replied.

As if to also answer Tiberan's question, the outline of two hairy legs came out of the darkness. Tentatively a giant spider's head appeared. It had eight glowing red eyes and two long pincers jutting out of its face. The spider's form slowly crept further into the fire's light. Its body was covered in dense hair like cactus bristles that ran all the way down its legs. Zicone's muscles tensed and his hand clenched tightly around the hilt of his sword.

"It can't be," Tiberan gasped.

"What?!" Salgan asked impatiently.

"This is a sand spider," Tiberan answered, "The legends say that before the wars they were quite plentiful in the forested areas."

"Then why are they called sand spiders?" Runa asked.

"The history lesson is appreciated," Salgan said sarcastically, "but do you think it could wait until after?" He hurled a ball of dark energy at the spider.

The energy hit the spider, diffusing harmlessly into the creature's hair. "What!?" Salgan cried.

"That's what I was getting to," said Tiberan, "the land was in so much turmoil and war that the spiders became immune to most forms of Zey^Rey magic."

"Well that's just great!" Salgan shouted.

Zicone's blade flashed from its sheath. Zicone danced in one movement toward the spider and sliced off its front two legs. The spider lost its footing, allowing Zicone to jump on its head and stab the thing in the neck with great force. Green and yellow goo oozed from the creature's head as it fell lifeless. Zicone retrieved his sword and scraped the blood (if it was blood) onto the creature's large thorax.

"That was awesome!" Tiberan cried.

"Thanks," Zicone chuckled, "I didn't think I had it in me either."