Queen Zezanna

Queen Zezanna - Chapter 22

Eventually, we meet a young woman who is willing to let us off near the border. She warns us, though, that it will take several days of walking through the desert to get where we're planning on going. Our other option, which would add several more days on to our already long journey, would be to head to a port city, such as the city of Yexcha.

We should really be heading to Tzeeru as quickly as we possibly can, and, from there, to Balazi. Much like the forest, though, walking through a desert seems like it'll be really dangerous. We got lucky back in the forest, and ended up getting a guide to take us here, but I doubt we'll get as lucky with the desert.

We decide to get a room for the night, since it's starting to get dark. We'll be able to think better in the morning with a good night's rest. I manage to fall asleep after a bit, and wake up to the sound of someone knocking at the door several hours later.

I crack the door open, and ask the man standing there what he wants.

"My name is Iostar. I understand that you four are planning on heading into Tahilli?"

"How did you hear about that?"

"I hear about everything that happens in this town. It seems like one of the warriors from the Ariabi tribe dropped you off in town, huh? They don't team up with just any outsiders. If you've piqued their interest, you'll certainly pique mine. So, what's your story?"

"What's yours?"

"I'm looking for someone to head into the desert with. It will be a grueling journey, but I am planning to rent a camel and cart so we can travel in luxury with plenty of food and water."

"Then why do you need us? And why head into the desert?"

"Treasure. One of my rivals has treasure hidden in the desert, and I've managed to locate the whereabouts. The cave will be booby trapped, and he might have some people guarding it. That's where you come in."

"We aren't sellswords."

"Maybe not. I'm just curious if you can be of assistance... I can make it worth your time."

"We're not interested." Heroth tells him.

"Lemme let you in on a little secret, then."

"What?" I ask.

"The guards are all restless. There might be someone dangerous in town, it seems. Of course, it could be me, but I'm careful to hide my tracks. If you're going to be staying here long, be careful. If, on the other hand, you happen to be those dangerous people, I advise you to be even more careful."

"Well, we'll be heading to Yexcha soon, so I don't think we need to worry."

"Yexcha, huh? The guards there will likely be restless, too. If you have no fear of the law, you'll be fine, but something tells me that you won't be able to get a ship as easily as you plan. That's all I'm giving you for free, though. Whichever path you decide to take, I wish you the best."

"If we decide to join you, where should we meet?" Emma asks.

"I have no time to waste. I'm leaving now."

"What do you think?" Ysana asks me.

"The castle likely has messenger birds. If they sent out messages to the cities, they may be on the lookout for us. Ysana do you think you could do something about that?"

"I'm not feeling too well. It would be a 50/50 shot."

Ok, so she doesn't think she has enough magic to disguise us for long enough to get to Yexcha, and then to Tahilli. If the guards are looking for us, that will be bad.