I Spy, a Lie

Part Two

3 Months Ago, Azanaky, Old War Zone

            The trenches were huge, they seemed to never end. Landon smiled with pride, as he looked at Dusty’s awed face. He knew she was going to love visiting one of the old war sites.

            “This is amazing Landon!” She ran one of her small hands on the sand ledge, while tucking her long blonde hair behind her ear. He could see her baby blue eyes sparkle in amazement. She was beautiful, the golden sun reflecting off her tanned skin.

            Landon took a seat next to her, his strong legs hanging off the ledge. He grinned at her, “I’m glad you like it. Who knows maybe you’ll even get to see some of the tanks, if I get permission that is.”

            Her face only got brighter. “Do you really think I’d be able to?” Dusty’s expression matched that of a child celebrating its Birthday. She was just too cute.

            He couldn’t disappoint her, “Of course,” Landon patted the ground, signaling her to sit down with him.

            She took the hint, and sat by him. She casually took his hand into her own, and asked, “Landon how much longer will the war last?” Her eyes went hazed over. “It’s not like our men had meant to kill those Azanakain’s.” She squeezed his hand tightly. He’d remembered when the war first started sixteen years ago. He’d only been nine, Dusty was seven. Her parents were soldiers, and went to fight. Landon recalled the rainy day back in the homeland when Dusty got the news. She’d cried for days on end, never leaving her lightless room. She didn’t eat or communicate with anyone. It made him sick to think about her like that, and what she looked like when she finally came out. Her skin pale, eyes glazed over, hair flat, and knotted, she was so thin.

            He squeezed her hand back, trying to remind her he was there for her. “I’m not sure.” He whispered, his voice trailing darkly in the wind that blew the desert dust at them.

            She coughed harshly, from in hailing the dirt. The small partials stung her lungs; she was not use to the harsh weather of the desert. She was led into Landon’s chest. Her eyes closed, trying to avoid getting any dirt into them.

            “We’d better get back to the base.” Landon said keeping his hands to her neck, and in back of her head, keeping his own head down. He didn’t want to keep her out too long, the wind would get worse soon. These sand storms could get bad; they’d lost many good men to the sand beasts.