[gift] Desert Journey - Ch 2

Matthias walked a little behind, his body raising a cloud of dust with each step, but his presence did not disturb the harmony of the night. Raeve knew that enemies might lurk in this silence, and his hearing was at the ready. In the desert, even the rustle of a grain of sand could mean something far more dangerous.

- Are you sure the raiders are here? - Raeve asked without turning to his companion.

- Yes. I've seen them. They're holed up near the water source. Ready to do anything to keep us out, - Matthias answered, his voice tense, as if hiding something more.

Raeve knew Matthias wasn't one to tell such things unless he was sure. But something in his tone was alarming. It wasn't the first time they'd faced a threat, but something about this story didn't feel right. As always, Raeve trusted his feelings more than his words.

The sand beneath their feet grew firmer as they neared their destination. Raeve felt the air change - the smell of water was stronger, as if the very ground in front of him was whispering the proximity of a spring. They approached an old, ruined building that had once been inhabited. Nothing portended trouble, but something was wrong.

- 'They're here, - Raeve said suddenly, his hearing picking up a faint noise, as if metal objects were touching each other.

- Be alert, - Matthias warned, and his hand rested on the blade hidden beneath his cloth.

They walked a few more steps, and then they heard quick, heavy footsteps approaching from different directions. Matthias instantly drew his knife, and Raeve wasted no time in checking the position of his cleaver.

Slipping into the shadow of one of the building rubble, they stopped, peering into the night desert. Suddenly silhouettes appeared on the horizon. Several figures, slightly warped, like mirages in the heat. Their movements were quick, and Raeve knew they weren't just random travelers.

- Raeve, we can't handle the two of them alone, - Matthias said in a whisper, his face tense and his gaze searching for a way out.

Raeve smirked, not answering. He knew there was a chance of survival - he just had to use his abilities and a little luck. His hearing had already picked up the first rustle that came from whoever was ready to attack first. All that was left was to make his opponents feel that they were actually trapped.

- We shouldn't be afraid of them, - Raeve replied. - We know their weaknesses. I've been through worse, Matthias. So have you.

The next moment, as if on cue, they sprang from their hiding place and rushed to the attack. Raeve used his horns and tail to bring down the first attacker, and Matthias, moving with lightning speed, met the others with confidence. The night that only moments ago had seemed hazy and full of uncertainty became the scene of their determination.

As the last of the raiders were defeated, Raeve stopped, feeling his breath hitching. But his body, despite the fatigue, was ready to move on. The spring was near. The water they had dreamed of was already on the horizon. But Raeve knew it was time for another challenge. The clash with whoever controlled this source was not yet over.

- Come, Matthias, - Raeve said, moving forward again. - Our goal has not yet been accomplished.