Shield of Fire
Road to Friki Mountain

Rivers of sweat were running down from Crini’s head, all the way down her back as they were walking through the path to the mountain.

Even a simple task like that seemed impossible under the high temperatures and the rough climate of the Anivean desert.

At first, it was Crini’s thought that the extreme ecosystem around here, was affecting only her that much. But a brief look around proved her wrong.

By now, she had split the group into four groups according to their city.

The Quatonians – represented by Poinary, Jato and Loftak – were likely most affected as they are keener to water and the dried environment harms them the most.

With panting breaths and pace recording a diminishing tempo they were making short stops at several intervals to drink some water. Crini remembered the talk with Jato. “We need to replenish the water levels in our body otherwise dehydration could be deadly for us.” He had said, explaining how Quatonians have a closer relationship with the water. “Some – elders mostly - are capable of manipulating it.”

The Sopolians were next. Moiki and Zoiki were adapting a bit better to the situation but still, they were showing more suffering. Triana however, was marching with her head up straight, pretending not to be affected by anything but everyone could see the extra effort she was making. Crini wondered why they don’t use their mechanical wings to transport all of the group to the mountain – avoiding the long hours of walking under the blood-boiling sun. She made a mental note to ask Zoiki once they regain their strength.

The Encreeans were looking in a much better state, the heat having a mild effect on them, but still seeming to burn their pale skins. Ripping parts from the hem of their shirts - Helion and Lura - used them as covers placed on their heads to protect them from the sun’s rays.

Finally, the Aniveans were somewhat enjoying their walk, the sun blazing above their heads was nothing to bother them. They even made jokes along the way and laughed, while the others were struggling with panting chests.

Crini was longing for the sunset and a nice place to settle for the night. She followed the lead of Encreeans, tearing up one sleeve and tying it around her head to make some shade for her eyes. Her left hand was feeling numb and painful for a long time she had to keep it up to block the sun from hitting her eyes directly.

The mountain was standing in front of them all the time, small layers exposed after some time of walking. But still, the foothills were out of sight.

“I hope there’s a place with water somewhere around or close to the mountain,” Jato said with half a breath trying not to lose his pace.

There was some consumption of water, but they should be extra cautious with it.

Ezpa – without stopping – turned around and marched backwards, his face meeting with Jato’s. “If I recall correctly, there are some cavities which contain water suitable for drinking. We can also bathe at the luminous cave!”

“Isn’t it exciting?” Ada turned to Crini from beside her. Crini was sure Ada can walk much faster, but she stayed behind to keep an eye on her. The last time it hadn’t gone so well for Crini.

“I guess so,” Crini said short of breath. She had to do twice the effort they did and that was bringing her quicker to the brink of exhaustion. “I’ve never left the palace, you know.”

“Are you joking?” Ada’s amber eyes grew big in surprise. “What you’ve been doing all this time inside the palace?”

Working my ass off as a slave was the first thing that came to Crini’s mind. Thankfully, only in her mind and she didn’t express this verbally.

“I was providing information about life on Earth and assisting whenever I could.” Crini gave a more vague and diplomatic answer.

As she turned her head back ahead she spotted Tadal’s head slightly turned, giving her a look over his shoulder. Of course, he would be listening. Like thought, Crini would be stupid enough to expose her true role.

“So…” Crini took a long breath in to gather strength. “What’s that luminous cave?” she asked making a gesture with her hand to point towards Ezpa who was further ahead of them.

Ada’s smile on her tanned face grew even bigger. Her amber eyes seemed to glow with excitement. “Oh, I thought you’ll never ask! The luminous cave is a thermal spring inside the mountain. The walls are covered by bioluminescent micro-organisms that thrive in this type of environment and make the cave’s dome magical. No matter how many details I give you, you have to watch it yourself.”

Crini’s curiosity had been triggered. Never in her life on this planet had seen things beyond the palace’s walls and every place, for her was a new experience. But she couldn’t forget the purpose of her presence here and of course, the dangers that were waiting at the corner, ready to vanish them from existence. She had a prince to guard.

Her feet were feeling numb and painful with veins that pumped blood so hard that she could feel the tiniest contraction of them. Fatigue was getting over her, and - guess what - she was not the only one.

Everyone’s pace had become slower the longer they were following the path. Prince Tadal said that they are close as the mountain’s shadow was falling on the path, providing them with a welcoming shade and making the journey more sufferable.

As the sun began its descent on the clear sky above them, Triana started pushing the group to move forward faster to reach the mountain before the darkness comes, by shouting.

“Come on life of Ethnos! We are the chosen ones to honour the glory of Leukos! We can do better and we shall do it! Up your legs and bigger steps!”

Confusion flooded Crini at Triana’s words and she made a mental note to ask someone about her meaning when they will finally replace shelter. Perhaps Zoiki and Moiki - these were the scholars.

“I can see the entrance!” Prince Tadal exclaimed with enthusiasm that soon - like a wave - flooded the others as well.

Everyone’s paces quickened pushing themselves with greeted teeth and clenched fists to run. Crini’s powers were starting to give up on her and soon the distance between her was noticeable.

Ada had left her side caught up in the excitement that finally had made it. Her tempo broke and her steps were irregular, causing her to slowly stop.

She wanted to shout at them for help but her chest was rising up and down so fast that her voice was gone away in a dried throat.

Crini thought of clapping her hands as hard and loud as she could to give them a sign, but something grabbed her from the waist, landing her over a hard shoulder.

“I’ve got you.” A deep voice echoed that put Crini’s mind at ease. Thankfully, she wouldn’t have to collapse unconscious on the ground again.

She couldn’t see the face of her saviour, but from the uniform and the silver straight-long hair, it was quite easy.

However, she couldn’t feel not surprised that Helion had come to help her. The nobles were in general not very helpful so far. But apparently, not everyone.

Crini was amazed that Helion kept his speed up without slowing down from the extra weight of her, folded over his shoulder. His hand was around her waist in a tight grip.

When he finally stopped, he lowered himself and leaned forward to drop her off.

“Thank you” Crini’s voice came out hoarse. Her cheeks were burning red from shyness. Helion’s steel-grey eyes pinned on her.

Without changing his serious expression, he leans forward his head giving her a nod. There’s a tension charging the air around them, making Crini uneasy but she founds it difficult to get her eyes off Helion’s.

The voice of Loftak breaks the awkward moment between them, crying out from a few metres away. Heavy steps rise to a small cloud of dust as the latter approaches them.

“We have a problem, you need to see this.”