Kissed by Chaos

Kissed by Chaos (33) - Al-Hera

Yay, finally finished chapter 33 after a HUGE break. Hopefully you'll like it. If it interests you, the Cave of Al-Hera is based on Jeita Grotto in Lebanon. Enjoy!

Kissed by Chaos

Chapter 33 - Al-Hera

Raafi led the army out the gates of Mirzan and began trekking through the insurmountable mountains of sand that lay on either side of the kingdom. The further he got from his home, the higher his heart rose in his throat. Soon he felt like he would throw up what little he had managed to shove down that morning.

Pushing down the wave of nausea reaching up through his body, Raafi looked to his right. Claire walked beside him, looking more than just beautiful – she looked fierce. Her long hair was braided down her back, a few restless wisps tucked impatiently behind her ears. The morning sun shining down on it made it seem lighter than usual, somewhere closer to red than brown. Her eyes glowed with determination, set firmly on the seemingly endless path ahead. Why did those eyes refuse to look into his own? He knew it had been risky to kiss her like he had, maybe even foolish. Now, she wouldn’t even talk to him properly. And it was all his fault.

 “Claire?” he braved, and watched as her eyes tentatively rested on his face. “Are you tired?”

 One corner of her mouth lifted every so slightly as she replied, “My sister and I walked to the gates of Mirzan, no matter how long it took us. I do not think that his little walk will harm me.”

 Raafi smiled back at her. Of course she was stronger than he could guess. He had never met a girl like her – a woman who was so quietly brave that –

 “Your highness!” called the army commander’s familiar, smug voice. His mood had been sour since the night before. Raafi could only guess that it was because he had been given power over the army, and even worse, the king had scolded the commander. However, there was an eerie happiness in the man’s voice now.

 Raafi turned around and pinned his gaze on the commander. “Yes, Omar?” called Raafi. The commander strode proudly up to him.

 “Your Highness, I believe we are approaching the ‘cave’ you speak of.” Raafi looked ahead to where the commander’s finger pointed. There was a line of stout, dry looking trees that protected whatever lay beyond. They were truly parched, hunched over like tired old men. His stomach filled with a sickening sensation as he stared at the top of the cave visible above the line of trees, hulking over the weak trees.

 “I am glad that Al-Hera awaits us. Can you tell me why it is that you look so proud of yourself?”

 Omar glanced up at Raafi in surprise, but soon the self-satisfied expression returned. “I do not know what you are talking about, your Highness. Of course, your success is my success,” he said almost sarcastically. “I only hope you are not disappointed by the result of this quest.”

 Raafi frowned. “Why would you think that I would be disappointed?” Even as they trekked forward now, leaving behind the barren sand for something unnaturally greener, Raafi’s gut clenched tighter and tighter with nerves. He knew very well that disappointment was the best case scenario. Death, on the other hand, was a much less pleasant alternative.

 “Well, your Highness,” began the commander. “I believe I have been this way before. If that cave is where your little friend believes her beloved sister lies, finding her may not be as simple as you hope.” Omar attempted to pause briefly to build suspense, but he was much too eager to part with the golden information on the tip of his venomous tongue. “You see, there are many chambers in that cave of yours. Tunnels leading in every direction. Perhaps you don’t remember because you were so young, but the Cave of Al-Hera is quite… expansive.”