T

he journey through the forest took many days, but Darek never noticed it at all. If anything, his time in the forest felt very short because every day was spent working towards his

Sorren had told Darek that the most important task for the day was to train his body. Darek would practice by swinging his daggers. This endless repetition helped to tone his muscles and increase stamina. While he rode on Thedes, he even got good at slicing off tree branches that Thedes would purposely put in his way. Once in a while Sorren made Darek get off Thedes and run with the wolves, which was, needless to say, impossible. Darek would be left so far behind that everyone was in bed by the time he arrived.

Sleep provided no solace for Darek because it was during the dreams that Sorren would take the time to instruct him. Sorren made it a priority for Darek learn the proper stances in order to achieve the highest combat potential. Though most of the time was spent learning how to fight, Sorren also felt that sparring would provide the needed experience for practical application.

When they had first begun, Darek couldn’t understand why they would bother training during their sleep. After all, it was fake and merely an illusion. However, he came to understand that with Sorren’s help, dreams were indeed useful.

Darek wasn’t able to grasp how he did it, but Sorren managed to take full control of the dreams while he slept. In this dream world, everything had to be established and created. Sorren had to apply the laws of science that would be relevant to their training.

Sorren took the training very seriously, and with his preparation, he went above and beyond anything Darek had come to expect. Sorren unleashed his creativity, going wild with his imagination such that no two dreams were ever the same. He would fabricate a number of breath-taking environments for them to practice in. Over the course of his instruction, they would train anywhere, from the depths of the sea to the tops of mountains.

Under the ocean, Darek was forced to hold his breath and every time he imaginarily drowned, they would have to start over. On the mountains, the air was thin and left Darek breathless.

But even though Sorren seemed strict during the dreams, he did give Darek some periods of rest. Darek would sometimes meditate under the roof of a dojo to maintain his concentration and focus. Darek would also sometimes lie in the summer meadow and experience the beauty of nature.

These dreams that Sorren crafted for Darek were amazing. Even if it was only for a few nights, Darek felt like he had spent an eternity traveling the galaxy, training and meditating. However, it was a bit embarrassing because, while he tried to keep his training a secret from the others, almost everyone was concerned to see him sleepwalking throughout the nights.

This exhausting routine continued until they finally made it out of the forest.
Rathos sniffed the air. “The scents are changing. The desert is not far from here.”
“Oh, great. I finally get to walk around in the wonderful desert— again,” said Darek. “At least I won’t have to deal with these pesky bugs anymore.” He checked his clothes for squirmy little bugs. Whenever he found one, he’d be grossed out and would flick it away with a dagger. “Why the desert? Isn’t there an easier route?”
“We can’t avoid it because the desert spans across the continent,” replied Rathos. “However, we are merely passing by. We’ll reach the mountain range soon.”
Darek glanced back. He was most interested to see how Azura was faring. She had fully recovered several days ago, but he was still worried about her. Any normal person would take weeks, if not months, to recover from the damage she had suffered.
“Are you okay?” Darek asked her, “Is something bothering you?”
Azura slowly shifted her gaze back and forth, watching the forest warily. “Hasn’t it been a little too quiet? I know we’re not being chased or anything, but what about the monsters? Ever since we stepped into this forest we haven’t had a single encounter. That has me worried.”
Darek beamed. “It’s never too quiet for me. Maybe we’re just lucky.”
“Ah, about that,” replied Rathos. “Over the past century our group has been working to get rid of the monsters from this region. You’d be hard pressed to find any lurking around.”
Azura wasn’t satisfied with his reply. “I don’t know. I have an uneasy feeling about this.”
Sorren asked her, “Is this coming from your intuition?”
Azura shook her head. “I don’t rely on intuition.” She pointed to a few smudges along the dirt path. “Look at this trail. Something went ahead of us.”
“Nice observation,” said Sorren. “I don’t think it’s anything we have to worry about, but we might as well proceed cautiously.”

Just as Rathos had said, the desert was not far off, and soon the group began their dismal trek through the sandy wasteland. Rathos sent the rest of the wolf pack back to the mansion; from the group of wolves, only him and Thedes were to continue on this journey. Rathos transformed into a human for the trip across the desert; there was no longer any need to run long distances. Thedes, however, refused to be human. Despite the rising temperatures, he stubbornly remained as a wolf, but he decided to walk upright since no one would be riding on his back.

The blistering heat wore Darek down. Dragging his feet in the sand, Darek was thankful that Rathos had insulated their shoes with rubber, but it was not enough to stop the heat of scorching sand from seeping in.

“Too hot,” Darek grumbled. “Can someone pass the water? I need to cool off.”
“The water?” asked Azura, sounding a bit concerned. “Weren’t you supposed to have the water?”
“I was? But I don’t have it.”
Azura rolled her eyes. “Then who has it?”
The group stopped and rummaged through their bags of supplies. They found everything that they would normally need—except for the water. No one had any water.
Agitated, Thedes grabbed Darek by the neck. “How could you forget such a vital thing? We reminded you over and over again in the forest. You were the one who was supposed to stock up!” He tightened his grip; Darek choked and gagged.
Azura was about to interfere but, to her surprise, Sorren went ahead of her.
“Let him go,” said Sorren. “No use in fighting over it now.”
Thedes growled, “Why should I listen to you—you feeble human?”
“Because if we move quickly, we might find an oasis up ahead,” said Sorren. “The faster we solve our problem, the less painful it will be.” Sorren glared at Thedes. Immediately, Thedes could feel a fear rising in his chest. Backing away from Sorren, Thedes released Darek and went back to minding his own business.
“Thanks,” Darek said, gulping air. “I thought he was going to snap my neck for a second there. But, honestly, I never expected you to back me up.”
“I take responsibility for my actions. Seeing that it is partly my fault, I couldn’t just ignore it,” replied Sorren.
“Your fault?” Darek blinked, looking perplexed.
Sorren took Darek aside and whispered, “The training we’ve been doing has some side effects on the mind. If you haven’t properly rested in a while, you may become absentminded.”
“Ah, is that so?” said Darek. “But even with a semi-valid excuse, we’re still in a heap of trouble. Maybe we should head back. We could die out here.” Darek took special notice of Reza and Drey. Unlike everyone else, they were strolling through the sand without any complaint or worry. Darek walked beside them and said, “What’s your secret? You guys don’t look thirsty. Are you hiding some water from us?”
“No. We just have a higher tolerance for heat,” replied Reza.
Unsatisfied by their reply, Darek returned to Sorren and asked him, “Do you think they’re hiding something from us?”
“It doesn’t matter,” replied Sorren. “Even if they are hiding something, it’s not good to try to force it out of them. Just leave it be.”
Darek agreed with him and dropped the subject. After all, it was only speculation; to accuse someone of something without evidence would dissolve any thin bonds of trust they might have. Darek had already experienced being framed for something he didn’t do, and it made him reconsider judging people by what they look like or what they have supposedly done.
The desert was a place of solitude that these travelers could not enjoy. A slight wind rustled about, shooting sand into their weary eyes. The loads of sand spread out before them in plain sight only served to dampen their spirits, as they had no idea when they would ever reach the end of it. Their dry throats only served as a pesky reminder for their perilous situation.
“Look, a cave in the mountain!” exclaimed Azura, pointing. “A good place to cool off.”
Rathos nodded, wiping off the sweat from his chin. “But water is still a pressing issue. We must find an oasis soon or we will die regardless of how much shade we find.”
“Should we turn back?” asked Darek. “It’s only another hour of walking back.”
Rathos said, “We should. Even though we’ll waste time, it’s necessary.”
Stepping into the crevice of the small rocky mountain, they went inside and found that it was fairly shallow. It appeared to have been used as a shelter in the past. There were remains of a snuffed out fire, some soft cloth on the floor and a simple wooden table. There were also other assorted useful items, including barrels for storing water.
“Do you think someone still lives here?” asked Darek.
“Highly unlikely,” said Rathos, sniffing the air. “The scent of fire and ash is not strong.”
When Sorren walked in, his knees felt weak and he slumped to the ground. Darek, who was next to Sorren, took hold of him and laid him on the ground.
“Hey, is something wrong?” asked Darek.
Moving sluggishly, Sorren grimaced. “I’m f-fine. Just a little tired.”
Rathos looked worried. “Place him on the mat. Let him rest.” Placing his hand upon Sorren’s forehead, Rathos ran a quick check for a fever. Sorren was burning red hot. “I’m not a doctor…I can’t say much. But he has a fever, that’s for sure. It could be a heat stroke or some kind of infection,” said Rathos. “Whatever it is, he’s suffering and we need to help him relieve it. He’s in no condition to go with us.”
“Talk about bad timing,” said Azura. “What should we do? He’ll dehydrate rather quickly. We don’t even have water for ourselves. Going back to the forest will take too long.”
“Then maybe there’s nothing we can do for him.” Rathos stared at Sorren, searching for an answer to this new riddle.
“We just need to go straight out there and bring back some water,” said Darek, suddenly brimming with energy. “It’s as simple as that! We can’t just sit here and think about it!”
“I like your enthusiasm.” Rathos smiled. “And you’re right. We should try to find water. That is the only solution, regardless of how impossible it might be. If we’re going to do this, we do it efficiently and safely. Anyone who is tired should rest here for now and help us later.
“For the rest of you, we’ll split from this central point and search every direction except where we came from. Only move in a straight line. The desert can be disorienting, so you have to go in a straight line and return in a straight line. Drag your feet in the sand if you have to. You should only walk out for about half an hour so you will return in an hour. Anyone who does not return in an hour, we will search for you. The main priority is water.” Rathos dug out several used water flasks from their bags. “I will give everyone a flask in case you find some. Second priority is food and travel. If you happen to stumble across any herds of wild animals or monsters, let us know.” Rathos paused. “Are there any questions?”
“None,” said Darek, as he stood outside, ready to start. This was his chance to help out Sorren and repay him for his teaching. Not only that, but he was beginning to think that Sorren was a pretty decent guy. At first Sorren appeared heartless and wooden. But after getting to know him some more, he didn’t seem that bad at all…unless it was some kind of trick to get him to trust him.
“Good.” Rathos assigned directions for everyone to explore. “Try not to exhaust yourselves, we don’t want anymore cases like Sorren on our hands. One is plenty.”
“Should someone stay with Sorren?” asked Darek.
“I’ll do it,” said Azura.
“No,” said Reza, interrupting her. “Let me handle this task. I won’t be able to cover as much ground as anyone else here. I should stay and watch him.”
“Be sure to do a good job.” Darek eyed her suspiciously, still unsure of her intentions.
“If that is your wish, my master,” replied Reza with a pleasant smile.
The rest of them set out on their search for water, leaving Sorren and Reza alone in the cave. Sorren lay there, breathing like every breath was his last, his face scrunching with misery. Reza watched over him in silence.
Fifteen minutes passed and Sorren’s condition had grown worse. Beads of sweat began streaming down his flushed red face. His body shivered at short intervals. His bloodshot eyes were tearing. He raised his feeble arms and brushed away the tears with his fingers.
Reza just sat there, watching him suffer. Her compassion was stifled by her decision not to interfere. But there was only so much she could take.
I’m sorry, a man’s voice spoke into Sorren’s mind. I thought blocking your memories would help. But now it seems you are suffering the consequences.
You don’t sound like your usual self. Don’t be sorry, Sorren replied. I exhausted myself by entering Darek’s dreams. This is my fault. Do I have much longer to live? Will I make it through this?
Unfortunately, if they do not return with water soon, you will die.
Ah, is that so, said Sorren. Then it doesn’t matter anymore. I’ll accept my death.
Will you really? Your mind changes all the time. But you will undoubtedly want to live once I release your memories.
“Listen to me,” said Sorren, wheezing. “If I lose consciousness, tell Rathos to leave me here with my sword and clothing. This will make a fine grave.”
“What are you saying? Everything will be all right,” Reza assured him.
“I’m going to die. I can feel it.” Sorren closed his sleepy eyes.
“Just wait,” she snapped. “Open your eyes!”
“I…can’t…”
“You have to!” Reza stood up and paced around the room. “I can’t help you. Not now.”
Just then a flood of memories stormed his mind causing his pupils to twitch and bounce around uncontrollably. His mouth gasping for air, he fixed his cold gaze towards the ceiling. His eyes fell on Reza and he remembered whom she was. Tears flowed down his cheeks. It had been a while since he had last seen her, but she still looked the same.
Sorren raised his hand and she took it. “Mother, I don’t want to die yet…Help me. Give me one more life to live!”
“I’m not your mother,” Reza said. “There’s nothing I can do.”
“I figured as much,” Sorren said, lamenting. “If even the truest words of my heart are not enough to move you, then I am glad to have at least seen you one last time.” Sorren said nothing more. He closed his eyes, trying hard to focus on something else other than the unrelenting pain.
Reza chewed her lip as she got up and paced again. “Why do you have to give up so easily?” She stopped and turned to him. “Fine, I shall grant you this favor—but only for this time and this time alone. I shall never aid you again.”
Kneeling down, Reza laid her cold hand on his brow and from the pores of her hand came a cleansing mist that washed off the sweat and tears from his face. She drew a deep breath of air into her nose. The she blew out a small stream of clear, glistening water out of her mouth. The water paraded around the cave like floating globs. Then, with a flick of her wrist, Reza commanded the stream to slide down into Sorren’s throat. Sorren’s anguished face became relaxed. Refreshed, he could feel the fever leaving him and strength returning to his body. The pains and aches were washed away.
“Thank you, Mother. I can now rest easy.” Sorren closed his eyes again and fell asleep.
Reza walked out of the cave into the harsh sunlight. She twirled her hands around in a little dance and small droplets of water formed and swirled around her. The droplets of water came together to create a small puddle of water that she caressed in her hands. Reza then flung the water in the air and it shot forth in a direction like an arrow released from its bow.
“So that’s where the nearest oasis is,” she muttered.
“You found one?”
Startled by the sudden voice, Reza looked to the side. Darek was running back towards the cave. The others were right behind him.
“You saw?” Reza asked Darek, sounding rather cautious.
“Saw what?”
“Never mind,” said Reza. “More importantly, I found an oasis about ten minutes away.”
“You did?” exclaimed Rathos. “Great! I’m glad somebody was able to find one! We better tend to Sorren right away.”
“I already did,” replied Reza. “He’s doing all right now. But he drank all the water I brought back. We’ll need to get more.”
Rathos said, “Show us where it is. We should stock up with whatever we can carry.”
But when they followed the trail that Reza was leading them, Darek noticed something peculiar. There were no steps in the sand. Darek thought about it for a moment, but decided it was not worth looking into. She had saved Sorren, and for that, she earned his trust. CHAPTER 16 Into the Tunnel