Sword of Stars

Chapter Twenty Five. A Plan.

Garek peered over the dusty ledge down to the valley that led to the endless sands. This pass was the only way in and it seemed to be guarded.

The land leading up to the pass grew increasingly barren the closer they got. The earth became dry and cracked, sparse patches of grass turned brown, trees were mere frames of their former selves. Garek knew that that sands themselves would be far worse.

“My scans tell me there are around fifty men in that camp,” Jon said. Garek still wasn’t used to his strange two tone voice. It was also weird how Jon could look at something and see varying layers of information. He attempted explaining it to Garek but it only made his head spin.

“Fifty?” Aeryn frowned as she shielded her eyes from the blazing star above. “Just to guard the pass?” She was lying on her stomach on the other side of Garek. He could just make out the unwashed scent of her hair. It wasn’t bad it was simply there, reminding him that she was present and near.

“It does seem excessive.” Garek nodded. “Do they look like Shadowed Ones at all Jon? Are they with the Being of Chaos Maihym?”

Garek heard the mechanical whirr that indicated Jon was using his cybernetics. He could zoom in his vision to see great distances up close like looking through a telescope. Another marvel of the past.

The cyborg shook his head. “They look normal to me, however, they do seem a bit on edge, nervous even, as if they are expecting something.”

Garek squinted and tried to make out the details of the camp through the dusty air. It didn’t help much. “It looks like they have Feldoran colours on them.” Garek glanced across at Jon who nodded confirmation.

“Could we sneak past?” Garek said to Dezolzen who was on the other side of Jon.

“I could,” the assassin grunted.

“Right,” Garek said. He figured that meant only he could and he was probably right. “My theory is that the Shadowed Ones captured these poor men and have forced them to guard the valley pass. Perhaps we can reason with them?”

“We don’t know what has been done to them for sure,” Ryn spoke up beside Aeryn. “Was Chaos used on them?”

“Something to consider.” Garek agreed. “Okay, here’s my plan...”

The group nodded as Garek told them the plan and once they all understood they made their way to the positions he had specified. Garek hopped down the hill carefully and loosened the Sword of Prophecy in its scabbard before making his way towards the encampment.

***

Garek saw the moment when he was spotted. One man pointed and another ran into the camp, no doubt to get reinforcements. The remaining guard put a hand on the hilt of his sword and his stance changed to one of caution.

“Halt!” the guard called as Garek got close enough to see the man’s facial features. He was sweating heavily in the heat and although his eyes were hard, Garek could see signs of fear. Despite that he had the look of a veteran about him.

Garek stopped and moved his cloak slightly, showing that he was armed.

The other guard came back with a handful of armed men. Jon was right, they were nervous about something.

“My companions and I seek passage into the Endless Sands,” Garek spoke strongly so that all could hear. He made sure it didn’t sound like he was asking permission.

“Companions? What companions?” the guard asked with amusement. The other men laughed nervously as their eyes darted around looking for the hidden threat. Some even drew swords. “Calm down!” Spittle flew from his mouth as he yelled. “He is but one man.”