Chapter 20

We sailed for a long time. We lived off the food the merchants had left on the boat as long as we could. Charles had of course complained it wasn't good enough. I almost had gotten used to his complaining, and did my best to ignore it.

I didn't like being on the water again. I thought of the last time I almost drowned, twice. No one could save me this time.

The trip was overall surprisingly smooth. There were no storms, and fortunately no pirate encounters. It seemed odd to have a safe journey.

We arrived in Solaris. The kingdom was sandy and dry. We entered the port, claiming to be merchants. We sold the remaining products we had, which wasn't a lot. The port town was small, I had not seen any Vendov soldiers or their banner. Solaris appeared to be safe for the time being.

Everyone wore short and light clothing there. The sun baked the land.

"It's so hot. How do people live like this?" Charles fanned himself with his hat.

I went into the shops in attempt to find a map of the Calkhorn desert. There wasn't one. Everyone told me how I was crazy, how so many unknown horrors waited there.

Carlo's book didn't give specifics either. The only way I could find out was to go.

I planned to go east, away from the coast. I was going to go into the desert alone.

"I think you should reconsider." Charles said to me. I was packing my sack to bring with me into the desert. Inside contained Carlo's book, food, and plenty of water. I brought my sword and knife as well. I considered bringing my bow, but it would've been too much to carry. I left it in the hands of Charles.

"I appreciate your concern, but I have to." I said.

I thought if there was anything more I wanted to say to Charles. He could have been the last person to ever see me alive. There was nothing.

I left. The book was the closest thing I had to a map. The morning was hot. The sand seemed endless. I began to tread through. I sank down with every step. I could see nothing except sand and the blue sky. I looked back, considering turning around.

Sweat began to run down my face and the rest of my body. I had brought water, but I had to use it sparingly. I wore long sleeves and my cloak to prevent getting burned by the sun. It was hard to breathe. I had to keep stopping to catch my breath.

Night time came, the desert became dark. Sleep was nearly impossible in sand. I rested on my pack, and slept with my knife in hand. It had become a bit cooler at night. I had thought of traveling at night, but I knew there was no way I'd be able to sleep with the sun peering down on me. The sky was clear, I could see the stars. They provided the tiniest amounts of light in the pitch black wasteland.

I awoke with the sun and continued on. Another day of nothing. I revisited the book to see if there were any significant details I had missed. The book didn't speak of any creatures specifically, just that all were terrible. None that I had seen yet.

It was night time once more. My knife clenched in my hand as I slept on my back. There was a sound that penetrated my ears moments before sleeping. It was a soft sound. Singing. Someone was singing. Their voice was angelic. I sat up. The tune continued. I couldn't make out the words. A desire possessed me. A desire to find it. I left my knife and sword behind me. In the darkness, I began to wonder in the desert. The magical sound called me, pulling me towards it.

I walked. I didn't know for how long, nor did I care. I had no other thoughts besides finding the voice. It pulled me towards it, the voice got closer. It enhanced in sound and beauty with every step. There was a light over a pile of sand. I went closer to it.

When I saw it, I fell to my knees. It was a man. A beautiful man. His hair was golden and curled. His eyes were A deep violet. He was tall, and was dressed like royalty. He had a light beard. My eyes couldn't believe it. He was the most attractive person I had ever seen. I was not worthy of his presence. He closed his mouth, but the sweet tune he was singing played in my ears.

"What are you doing all alone in this desert, handsome king?"

My stomach and heart fluttered. I couldn't believe a creature of such beauty could possibly be speaking to me. I couldn't find the words. I couldn't ignore him. With all my strength I mustered out words.

"Searching.. For something." I said. I couldn't take my eyes off him. I couldn't think. All I could do was stare.

"Searching? I think you may have found what you're looking for." He said.

Without breaking eye contact, he approached me. My heart pounded faster with every second. I felt like it was going to explode out of my chest.

"Kiss me, your majesty."

He touched my cheek and chin. It felt like lighting had struck my heart. I couldn't disobey him. I had no desire or control not to.

He pulled my face forward with his hand as our lips met. It felt different than any kiss I had before. It felt airy, like I had kissed the wind.

"Well done, your majesty." He said.

"I need you to do something else for me, your majesty. Can you do that?" He said.

I nodded. I had no desire other than to please him. I craved any pleasure I could give to him. In his hand, my knife appeared. The knife I had left with my other stuff I had brought with me.

"Take this." My arm extended out. He set it in my open hand.

"You must listen. Can you obey for me?" He peered into my soul with his violet eyes.

I nodded again.

"Anything."