Aftermath: Chest of Souls, #3

By Michelle Erickson

Brenna yearns for Talon’s love, but knows he sees her as a child. She’s determined to change that before her parents keep their word to take her away where Talon will never find her. 

Brenna is unaware the evil that has been searching for her has found her and if it can’t take her, it will take those she loves. 

Talon has read the Book of Benamii and is beginning to understand that if Brenna dies, all hope of freedom perishes with her. He is determined to stand between her and what is coming, no matter the price. 
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michelle Erickson
• Release date: Jul 30, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536595802

Book preview

Chapters

1 Ready or Not

2 The Cut

3 Ogdones

4 Grown Up

5 Special

6 Catalyst

7 Restrained

8 Piggybacking

9 Tantrum

10 Two-edged Sword

11 Unpleasant Truths

12 Xada

13 Caluree

14 Wasted

15 Cured

16 Aftermath

17 Funeral

18 Make up your mind

19 Stir the Soul

20 Escort

21 Priorities

22 Tizzy Fit

23 Better or Worse and Always

24 Setting Foot on the Island

25 Playtime

26 Cooda

27 Related

28 Set Up

29 Living Dead

30 Creepy Things

31 Persuasion

32 Found

33 Consequences

Chapter 1:  Ready or Not

Japh Whyte was ready for an adventure. 

He was ready to see something more of the world and to leave the Ammon Islands behind.  When he returned home, it would be with glory.  His great success as a Raykah Rider would become legendary.  His personal Raykah, Purt, would become the greatest battle Kah in the world.  The thought left him euphoric.

He couldn’t wipe the grin off his face as he readied supplies for the twelve hundred mile journey down the Terisian coastline.  Traveling with him were Mal Kayman and the three Terisians: Dom Silva, Zeal Yassun, and Joz Trebu.

He was in charge of all water travel for the first leg of their journey and was supremely confident in Purt’s abilities.  Thanks to her cleverness, he’d be able to have many stories to tell when he returned.  With any luck, they wouldn’t have to be exaggerated. 

General Han had been solemn and a bit preoccupied as Japh had explained his route.  A bit grudgingly, Han had given his permission.  General Tahlana winced at the volume in Japh’s voice as he showed them the map with the route already traced.  His voice tended to amplify every time he got excited about what he was doing. 

What’s wrong with Han? Mal asked Japh while they were packing their gear aboard Purt.  The General had taken to standing watch daily over the wide ocean.

Rumor has it that he’s keeping watch for a legend – or a prophecy, depending on who you speak to.

Which legend? Mal asked, counting the goat bladders full of water.  The Ammonites had numerous legends.

The White Raykah.

Mal sighed, wishing he didn’t have to pull the information out of Japh.  "Which means what exactly?"

I keep forgetting you aren’t Ammonite, Japh smiled.  In legend, the White Raykah brings the new Ammonite Queen.

What’s wrong with the old one?  Mal rather liked Queen Tahlana.  The feeling was mutual. 

That’s what’s wrong – she’s old.  We’ve never had a Queen this long.

So, should we do anything for Han?

Japh shook his head. He’s been that way since Monus and Talon left.

Mal studied the retreating back of Han and came to the conclusion that Han was probably lonely for the glory of battle, or maybe the man just needed a change of pace.  He knew he did.  Mal was the only one more excited to leave the capital city of Aquishna than Japh. 

Mal hauled his gear to the beach and stood watching the three Terisian’s:  Dom, Joz, and Zeal, who were on board Purt and already arguing about whom was sitting where.

There was a rather gratifyingly large crowd of girls on the beach to wish the five boys their best, and to place ceremonial flowers on the waters after they left.  Not one girl had been able to convince him that the Islands were more beautiful than his freedom. 

As Purt slowly pulled away from the beach area, Mal felt relief.  He thought Joz was happy to be going as well.  Probably because most of the girls on the beach were there for him, some even cried.  Mal grudgingly admitted that for a pretty boy, Joz was actually likeable.  Course, it may have had something to do with the fact his life’s ambition was to get a scar on his too-handsome face.

It still puzzled Mal how the Terisians could still be friends after the kind of hair-raising insults they traded, but figured it was some sort of Terisian brand of humor.  He would have punched anyone who called him the things they tossed around.

Stand up, Japh whispered to them.  Salute.

Mal’s eyes noted both Generals were in the tower where he had been standing after he reached the island for the first time.

They all did as they were told and then Japh lightly tapped Purt on the right side of her head and she slowly turned, her sleek rubbery mass headed toward the coast of Teris.

General Tahlana had vocally reminded Japh over breakfast that morning, Purt ees belonging to de peeple.  You test if she be a true Kah, she test your knowledge.

General Han added, When you return, you’ll be elevated to Raykah Rider.

Japh had absolutely beamed, no matter how Tahlana had scowled.  Mal was aware it was one of their highest honors and one that Mal had coveted - until he was asked to become one. 

Mal wasn’t really sure why General Tahlana favored him, but it hadn’t changed his mind about staying.

He loved the challenge and enjoyed the Islands.  But in spite of all the time he had ridden Raykahs, there was still something missing. 

General Han had taken him to the side before they left.  His bewhiskered face troubled and disapproving.  General Tahlana asked me to tell you that you will be made a Commander over the Armada if you will stay.

Stunned that she would make such an offer to him, a mainlander, without trial, was flattering.  For a half second he envisioned staying, but it was no use. Sorry, General Han, Raykahs are exciting to ride, but it’s time to move on.  He wasn’t ready for commitment of lasting duration. 

General Han looked relieved; nodded, clapped him on the back, and went to give Tahlana the news. 

For now, it was good to leave the Islands behind and look ahead.  Whatever Mal was looking for, he wasn’t going to find it riding Raykahs for the rest of his life. 

Purt was still growing, but very strong for her size.  She easily held the five of them on her wide rubbery back.  Additional strain was added by using her tail to pull a large dory full of provisions, stored in waterproof goat bladders.  Mal looked back at the dory.  Lunch seemed a long time away. 

Japh came to stand by him, a smile in his words, Hungry already?

I always look forward to my next meal.

You don’t need to worry, Mal, Purt will get us there, I know how much you hate boats.

Mal understood then that the dory was, in effect, an added precaution in case Purt didn’t perform as predicted. 

I thought Tahlana said it was hard to tell if Purt will do as commanded.

My Queen says a lot of things, Japh muttered.

You think she wants you to fail.  It wasn’t a question.

She hates my family, you saw that for yourself.  But she likes you, so she’ll never curse you, Japh forced a smile.  "Purt is the best and she’s going to prove it.  She’ll be the best Raykah in the Armada!" 

Mal hoped, for his sake, he was right. 

Zeal entered the conversation. Why didn’t Tahlana like the test you chose?

The length of the journey is twice what others have chosen, Japh answered, looking south at the open sea.

It’s a good thing she didn’t know the rest of the plans, Joz said with a shudder. 

Speaking of which, how much did they know?  Dom asked. 

The Generals approved the test, or we wouldn’t be here, Mal answered for Japh.

Japh nodded. But Han had to convince Tahlana about the overland part.  In the end, she only agreed because I might get killed.

Japh said it with sarcasm, but Mal knew it was true.  Hatred for the Red Fin Clan was an oddity among the Islanders and one of Tahlana’s weaknesses.  Yet, Japh’s family didn’t complain.  At least, not where Mal heard them.  He liked them all, even if they were loud.

Out at sea they saw some high-flying gulls, and an albatross headed inland, but for the most part, the day was peaceful. Sea travel was boring to Mal when he wasn’t guiding a Raykah, so he offered to give Japh a break, but Japh refused, It’s my test, Mal, but thanks.

Does anyone know any stories? Dom splashed more oily-protectant on himself.

There is one legend that my people have, Japh said from his position at the front of the Raykah. There’s a prophecy that someday a great white Raykah coming out of the ocean will herald the coming of the new queen.  It says something like ‘Upon the white wave, the queen shall come wearing the sun.’  It’s supposed to mean the One has been identified.

The who? asked Joz as he stuffed his mouth with the Wixa Zeal handed him for lunch. 

Wixa was a special plant Ammonites used for long distance travels; General Tahlana had ordered many goat bladders stuffed full of them.  They were tasty, but Mal was careful not to ask exactly what the meat was wrapped up inside of them.

Japh shrugged, I don’t know anything about the One, but in the Islands, the legend says the new queen will save our people. 

From what? Mal wanted to know.

It doesn’t say, Japh smiled. 

What did you tell the Generals we were going to do? Dom pressed, unsatisfied with the answer.

Guide Purt to the southern tip of the Terisian coastline, release Purt to return on her own, cross the smallest part of desert that Tahlana could find on the map, stock up in Hunter, and return overland.

So, they don’t know anything about the treasure? Dom seemed over anxious to Mal.

Japh shook his head, I never mentioned the word treasure.

Mal looked at Japh, understanding what wasn’t said.  The Generals were not stupid.  While Japh had never mentioned the side-quest to retrieve the treasure of Ogdones, the Generals had to be aware of the legend itself.

In Mal’s mind, the treasure was pure Terisian fantasy, despite the trio’s insistence otherwise.

I know you don’t believe in the treasure, why did you come? Joz idly asked Mal.

It seemed like a good idea at the time.  Besides, someone has to keep you three in line.  Japh has enough to worry about, he was only half-serious.  While he didn’t believe in the treasure, he knew they needed help.  For some indefinable reason, he felt responsible for the three. 

You didn’t have to come, but I’m glad you did, Japh said quietly.

Mal pushed the pleasure at the words away.  He didn’t really deserve Japh’s trust or admiration.

Yeah, taunted Joz, With Dom’s lousy sense of direction, we could end up in Sogo.

The fight began at that point and Mal nodded at Japh’s unspoken plea.  They had agreed, if the Terisians fought, after they had been warned, they’d get thrown overboard and they could swim for a while.

Zeal, Mal sourly noticed, was smiling, although he wasn’t participating.

Evidently, Joz was hoping to get a scar of some kind to mar his pretty face, which of course, made his friends avoid hitting him in the face just to irk him more.  Mal was beginning to think breaking Joz’s nose would solve a lot of problems. 

It didn’t take much to stop the fight – one shove and the pair hit the waves.  Purt was trained to stop the moment one of her riders fell off. 

When they surfaced, Japh frowned at them, I said no fighting.  You could hurt Purt.

They nodded, Joz looking as if he was fighting his fear.  Mal knew how he felt.  Dom, Zeal, and Japh loved swimming.  Not so for Mal and Joz.  They could do it, but avoided it as much as possible.  When Mal had confessed this to General Han, instead of laughing, the General looked at him very seriously and said, Eat more.  Fat floats.

It had taken a moment for that to sink in, but Mal finally began to laugh, That explains Dom’s desire to be a fish, but what about Zeal?

General Han smiled, puffing out his long moustaches, If I hazard a guess, it would be his habits.

What?  Mal was puzzled.

Think of Joz and Zeal, who moves the most?

Mal understood then.  Zeal, unless on a horse, preferred to sit still and could maintain his weight, keep a few pounds of fat to keep him afloat.  Joz moved constantly.

The General’s face grew somber, The time will come when they’ll be nearly as strong as you are.

Wrapped in pleasant memories, Mal took a deep breath of the salty air.  He felt free again and it was invigorating.

*

What are you going to do after? Zeal asked him as they waded through waist-high surf and prepared to spend the night on a deserted stretch of sand.

I haven’t thought that far ahead, he lied as they gathered firewood and sank two long pieces into the sand to hang their clothes and a long thick blanket that would block most of the wind from reaching them in the night. 

As he started the fire, deep inside, he knew what he was going to do.  But anytime he thought about the Lost City, he felt as if a thousand butterflies had been turned loose in his stomach.  He quelled their flight by promising himself that someday, he would return to the city and kill the creature that had made him an orphan.

What are you going to do? he asked, blowing on the spark that caught in the dry grasses and driftwood they had gathered.

Zeal, slender and pale in the fading light, got his blanket from the goat bladder he had brought, and laid on his back, I guess I meant what you’re going to do with the treasure.

I don’t know, Mal answered honestly; thinking, what did one do with make-believe treasure?

You and Talon both get a share for saving us, even if Talon couldn’t be here to claim it.

Mal wasn’t sure Talon would live long enough.  Before he left with Monus, Talon told Mal that he liked the Ammon Islands.  Mal didn’t think he’d return any time soon.  There was something more to Talon Ryhawk, a sense of readiness for impending attack. 

If you were with Talon out in a field, you could count on doing twice the amount of normal work.  And then, out of nowhere, be shot at, kissed, or stood on your head, maybe all at once.  Mal had no intention of being pulled under by the powerful undertow that accompanied Talon’s destiny. 

What do you think Talon’s doing? Zeal asked.

Monus didn’t say, Mal answered, watching Dom trip, fall into the surf, and rise up to see who pushed him.

Monus doesn’t say a lot, Zeal snorted.

He’s one of the best Generals of our day, Mal said, defending his foster father.  And he plays a great game of Steps.

You miss him.

Mal denied it.  Actually, I don’t.

Japh was helping Dom to his feet and Joz was laughing so hard, he had also fallen into the water.

Mal settled onto the sand, when it appeared Japh was handling things.  What are you going to do with your share of the treasure?

Build the best stables in the world, Zeal said dreamily.  I’ve already got the plans, he tapped his head.

Where?

Maybe Utak, if I can find the way in.

Dom and Joz began to wrestle once they got to dry sand.  Mal and Zeal watched.  Waist-deep in water, Japh untied the dory from Purt’s tail, signaling Purt she was free to ‘bottom feed.’

Japh joined them near the blazing fire and called out to the wrestlers, You two!  Stop and get your wet clothes off before they start to chaff.

The duo looked up in surprise at Japh, who was already stripping down to his underwear and using his blanket to dry his pebbled skin.

Tell me again about the location of this treasure, Japh said to Dom, whose face was red as he struggled to remove his pants.

It’s in the cut, Joz said, already stripped and getting the food ready to cook. 

Did you see that?  Zeal asked.

All of them looked the direction Zeal was pointing, out at sea.

Japh rose to his feet and stared, all of them quiet.

I thought I saw something white, Zeal said in puzzlement, his eyes scanning the water.  They watched for several moments.

Let’s eat, Mal said, whatever it was, it’s gone.

Six days later, still surrounded by the vast Restal Sea, the word desert had little meaning.  There was nothing but ocean in sight the entire time.  Mal had a few qualms, remembering wild Raykah attacks.  Evidently, he wasn’t the only one who felt odd about sleeping on top of a fish.  The special salve that Japh had produced made the cold bearable, but Mal still preferred land.

What about the wild Raykahs? Joz looked out at the sea.  Dom and Zeal had already had words about who was sleeping in the center of the Raykah.  Both were disgruntled when Mal had plopped down in the middle, already covered with the salve that kept him warm if not dry, and glared at them.

Wood, Japh explained, makes a different sound in the water.  Like I said before, it’s very unlikely a wild Raykah will attack a tame one.

Then what’s that? Joz said, coming to his feet and pointing out at an approaching wake.  Every one of them knew only one kind of animal made that kind of v-shaped wake.

Into the boat! yelled a pale-faced Japh.

Blankets and comfort were abandoned as the Terisian’s ran down Purt’s tail.  Once they were in the boat, Japh cut the dory adrift.  Mal and Japh remained on board Purt.

Head for land! Mal yelled at the trio and pointed west.

The three Terisians seemed frozen in place, watching the approaching wake.

It’s going to ram us! Mal yelled, crouching in defensive form, his knife held ready.

When it hits, Purt will start using her tail as a defense! Japh warned, tapping his Raykah to stop.

Joz and Zeal were rowing the dory as fast as they could for shore.  Purt slowed, but continued to move forward, despite Japh’s tapping.

From shore, Dom was screaming at them to jump off.

Then the wake disappeared.

With his heart in his throat, Mal waited.  Five minutes later, chunks of Raykah flesh rose to the surface of the water.  Mal looked at Japh for an explanation, but Japh was cloud-white and looked shocked.  The boys on land were looking at the floating chunks of Raykah as well.

Purt turned when they got close enough and threw her tail on shore.  Mal quickly hurried off and Japh reluctantly followed, his eyes troubled.

What happened? panted Dom, as if he were the one that had been rowing.

Japh blinked, focused, and said, Something killed the Raykah that was going to attack us.

The only thing bigger than a Raykah is a whale, Mal said stiffly.  Is this something new, or is there a flesh-eating whale out there?

Japh shrugged, but Mal thought he heard Japh say under his breath, Or another Raykah.

From that time on, Japh had Purt keep the coast in sight.  Mal knew it wasn’t for his own sake that Japh did this, but for the rest of them.  He appreciated it, although he remained silent about the entire thing.  He knew Japh was comfortable with land being nothing more than a strip of grey in the far distance.  It was comforting in Mal’s opinion to keep land in sight the last four days. 

This is going to take more time than I thought, Japh said, subdued by the events that had unfolded.

Will they punish you?  Zeal asked, looking concerned.

No.  It’s just...I wanted Purt to finish faster than the others, the wistful tone entered Japh’s voice although Mal could see he was trying for nonchalance.

What do you think it was? Dom nervously looked around.  His eyes were more alert now they’d had a taste of danger. 

A Raykah, Japh admitted.

How come it didn’t attack us? Joz asked.

Japh shrugged, It wanted to, but something bigger – stronger – pulled it down.

Too bad we couldn’t see it in the dark, Mal said.  He noticed that Japh hadn’t said everything that he thought and he wanted to find out what Japh suspected.

I’m pushing Purt pretty hard, Japh seemed reluctant to talk about the almost-attack.  Maybe at the speed we’re traveling, it sounded threatening to the wild one.

Maybe whatever killed the wild one will come back, Dom said with a quaver in his voice.

If it was coming back, I think it would have by now, Zeal tried to comfort his cousin.

Maybe it isn’t hungry – yet, Joz said with dread.

Let’s spend the night on the beach, suggested Mal.

Japh’s mouth thinned, undoubtedly thinking about losing his chance to break the speed record for Raykah.

Mal was as eager to feel dry land under his feet as any of the others.  There was no defense against something big enough to pull a full grown Raykah under.  Not with the weaponry they had.

Chapter 2:  The Cut

Eight nights later, Mal watched as Japh wandered disconsolately along the shoreline, he had called three times for Purt, using the long blow tube.  She was still missing.

Maybe the weather threw her off, Mal suggested, not believing it, but hoping to sooth Japh’s frayed nerves.  He thought it likely that whatever had killed the other Raykah, got Purt.

Japh didn’t want comfort. Purt doesn’t care about the weather, all she has to do is swim deeper.

So we’re a bit late, so what? the insensitive Dom barked.  He was eager to be gone.  Tonight should be their last one on the beaches.

I’m not Ammonite born, Japh said, kicking more sand over the fire.

Shocking – neither am I, Zeal tried for levity, but it didn’t work.

Purt isn’t mine, not until she proves she can float, Japh sat on the sand near them

What? Joz continued pacing like an expectant father.

Floating means leaving sight of the Islands.  If a Raykah bolts for home during their test, they’d never be allowed to float again; most end up being killed because it’s felt they can’t be trusted.  Free Raykah aren’t battle-worthy unless they pass the floating test.  If she doesn’t return with my family crest tied to her tail horn, she’ll be killed.

The pain in his voice was so raw, not even the Terisians could mistake it.  Seeking to spare his friend, Mal took the conversation, Because Japh isn’t Ammonite born he had to get special permission to return overland.  Crossing even a small portion of desert is considered the ultimate test, even for a Mainlander.

Japh jumped to his feet, She’s back!  Japh yelled, looking perturbed.  She must’ve found better eating below the waves, Japh told them, immensely relieved as he ran out to greet her.

Yet, Mal observed, there was something different about the way Purt acted since her return. Once they boarded her, Japh had to continually touch-point her in the direction they needed to go.  It hadn’t been necessary before.

Japh’s frustration was only broken by his anxiety, I can’t figure it out, he told them.  She wants to head out to sea again.  Normally, after a storm, I have to push her to get far enough away from land to practice maneuvers.

Mal understood Japh was now under pressure to keep Purt’s quest within a reasonable time limit.  The storm that came in had delayed them.  Japh hadn’t complained or mentioned it, but Purt’s desire to go to sea had added strain.

What do they do for the Raykah’s who return? Mal asked, more to get Japh to stop being so nervous than for any other reason.

She’ll be honored with a special goat-herb meal and her name will be added to the holy pillars in our temple as a Kah – with a notation made of how far she floated, Japh’s green eyes were shining with excitement.

What about her rider? Zeal asked, still chewing the wixa.

Japh’s face fell, No mention is given unless the rider returns within a month of the Kah.  General Han asked Tahlana for more time because my test was so difficult, but she wouldn’t relent.

Mal scowled.  Naturally.

Japh’s enthusiasm for heading south was subdued.  Mal figured it was because of the upcoming farewell to Purt, coupled with the knowledge she had not done as well as Japh had hoped.

The Terisians rowed the dory to shore and Japh signaled Purt to throw her tail up on the beach.  Reaching into his pocket, Japh pulled out a bit of colored flag, very likely the Red Fin Clan’s family crest, and tied it to Purt’s tail-horn.  Mal watched as Japh lovingly swam to where her two sets of eyes were, put his head against hers and seemed to keep it there a very long time.  Finally, he gave her the signal for home and she gracefully slid under the waves, heading north.  Japh watched until she was out of sight.

So, Japh said as they made their fire and set up camp, where do we go from here?  He addressed his question at large, but as usual, it was Dom who replied while they cooked their fish.

Stay on course until we see the first trees of a forest.  From there we’ll know we are within a few miles of the falls.  Dom licked the last of a sticky bun off his fingers, We’ll hike up to where the water’s clear, and fill all the empty water bags and hunt for the rest of our provisions.

When do we find the treasure? Mal said with some skepticism.  He had already told Japh, in private, that he thought they were chasing rainbows.

At the time, Japh had looked at him curiously, So why do you stay?

Mal didn’t have an answer.  It just felt like he had to stay.

It’s a place our fathers called the cut, answered Joz with a show of temper, knowing this point had been recalled too many times.

Mal had heard this before, Cut as in...? he prompted.

It looks like a cut in the desert floor, said Zeal, blowing on his fish to cool it.  Without the map, we would never have found it.  Very few things bothered Zeal.  Mal guessed Zeal’s lay-back personality had something to do with successfully raising the temperamental horses known as Phansils.

Your fathers had a map? Japh was becoming more interested in their destination.  Treasure would make a good ending to his adventure.

Dom nodded and heaped six more fish on his already full plate.  No one really minded since there was plenty for everyone.

Didn’t the slavers take it? asked Mal with his mouth full.

Joz snorted, No.  We don’t even know what happened to it. Dom’s father had it last.

Mal hadn’t really thought about it until now, and was rather ashamed he hadn’t asked before, but now his curiosity was tweaked, What happened to them?

Dom took a deep breath between bites of fish.  We know the slavers killed my dad.  We’re not sure what happened to the others.  For all we know, they could be home.  Something in his tone said he doubted it.  Dom stopped eating at that point, becoming thoughtful as he looked into the fire.  Mal dropped the subject because it seemed too personal and what did it matter, after all, whether they knew where their fathers were?  His own father had been ready to sell Mal right before his father was killed, and he had turned out all right.

A day later, Mal had decided the desert was one place that he didn’t want or need to see again.  After walking miles in the hot dry sands of the desert, they could see – more sand.  Endless sand and feel heat that pounded your head like it was an anvil owned by the strongest blacksmith in the world.

I’d give a week’s worth of food for a horse, Dom complained as pre-dawn light threatened to burst over the horizon.

Dom offering to surrender food was a significant sacrifice, but Mal wasn’t far behind.  He’d give at least a day’s worth if he could find anything to ride that would get them to the abandoned city of Ogdones.

Water, croaked Joz dramatically, clutching his throat.

Keep your mouths shut and you’ll do better, Zeal advised.

What are those? Mal asked, pointing to a dozen or so moving dots in the distance.

Zeal shrugged, We’re right in their path, so we’ll know soon enough.  For now, let’s get to that shade. He pointed to a scraggly bunch of trees next to a huge rock.

They all kept going to the next large scrub brush. The water break consisted of four sips each.

It’s time to tell them! Joz demanded of Dom.  Zeal went silent as stone, but his eyes were intense and right at the moment burning with some sort of inner fury.

Mal and Japh squinted at each other, and Joz looked down at the desert floor as if embarrassed by his outburst.

I...it isn’t anything we can’t handle, but there’s something you should know about the area we’re going into.  Dom looked like a pink-iced cookie cut in the shape of a round-faced boy.  The desert sun had taken its toll on Dom’s light skin.  Japh was accustomed to the sun on water.  Zeal was pale-brown from birth.  Mal and Joz were both olive-skinned and all four were now darkly tanned.  They waited as Zeal nudged Dom to go on.

There are few things...that is, he looked at an increasingly irritated Zeal, Our fathers...we never saw...there’s good news and bad news, he finished lamely.

Sand Slashers live here, interrupted Joz, who looked right at Mal and Japh.

Mal and Japh again exchanged a puzzled look, and Japh asked, What’s that?

Snakes, answered Zeal, his intense eyes looking out over the vast sea of sand, as if in search of them.  They have scuppers on the side that help push them along the ground and that make the glass.

Scuppers?

They’re small holes all along their sides and they somehow suck up the sand and then when the snake’s body has too much sand, its insides turn it to glass and the scuppers eliminate it as it moves. It allows them to travel through dry sand at tremendous speed.

Dom looked sheepish as he told them, They can kill you."

They’re poisonous?  Japh looked around his feet and behind himself as if he expected one to pop out.  Every snake in the Islands was poisonous.

No, Dom assured them.

Zeal heaved a sigh of disgust and shot a venomous look at his red-faced