Otherworld

Part 24

They reached the edge of the forest two hours after sunrise. A vast landscape of grass and small shrubs lay as far as the eye could see. A few trees grew, but there were dwarf trees that didn't get very tall. Small animals scurried to and fro as they went about their life uncaring that they were being watched.

Bridged stepped out of the edge of the forest first. She raised her face and inhaled deeply. It was strange to be gazing upon land that resembled that back home. Arnold wrapped an arm around Bridged's waist and inhaled deeply too.

Arnold grinned down at Bridged. "It is strange to be outside the forest."

Nakira moved timidly out of the forest. She didn't stray too far from her brother and she refused to let go of Naknaki's arm.

"It's not natural."

Bridged gave the young woman a reassuring smile. "You say that because you are used to being surrounded by trees." Bridged waved a hand at the grasslands in front of them. "Back home we have places where nothing grows and no rain falls. It is full of sand and hot sun, but to the animals and people who live there, it is home."

Naknaki patted his sister on the hand as he stepped past her to stand next to Arnold. "We are on the right track. The edge of the sun must be up ahead."

Bridged shaded her eyes. "I would say that the farther we travel the less we'll see. I believe that the edge of the sun must be a desert of some type." Bridged looked at Arnold. "What do you think?"

Arnold scratched at his beard. "It makes sense. All we can do is travel till we find it."

Naknaki nodded. "Then let us begin."