Patch of Druid-Chapter 27 – We Are Not Alone

Over the last two days, their journey had been filled with hardship and exhaustion. They couldn't avoid the scorching heat of the day, and the freezing nights drained whatever strength they had left. Their bodies were worn down, and their water supplies were nearly gone. Every step across the sunbaked sand was painful, yet they kept moving, knowing they couldn't afford to stop.

Despite her fatigue, Lyra remained alert. In one of the ruins they passed, she noticed signs of life—small burrows dug between the cracked stones. She stared at them for a while until she finally spotted tiny figures darting among the shadows.

Mice.

They were fast, but she was faster. With patience and the skill of a hunter, she managed to catch a few. It wasn't much, but it was better than starving.

When she returned to Alex, he raised an eyebrow at her.

"Mice?" he asked, seeing what she held in her hands.

"Yes, mice," she replied, slipping them into her pack.

"I've never eaten those before."

"Time for a new experience," she said with a faint smile.

They continued on.

Despite his exhaustion, Alex could feel his strength slowly returning. His back still ached, and the scabs on his wounds occasionally cracked open, leaving fresh red marks on his shirt. But he knew he was healing. He wasn't as weak as before, and each passing kilometer proved his body could still endure more.

Twice during the journey, they encountered unpleasant surprises.

The first time, they spotted several figures moving across the sand in the distance. They had no idea who the people were or what their intentions might be. Alex and Lyra didn't plan on finding out.

Without a word, they dove behind the nearest dune, pressing themselves into the sand and watching the strangers from cover. They were too far away to see any details, but close enough to stir unease.

"Who are they?" Lyra whispered, watching them slowly disappear eastward.

"No idea, but we're not going to find out," Alex replied.

They waited until the figures vanished behind the hills of sand, then cautiously continued on their way.

A similar situation happened the next day. This time, there were more of them. Alex first noticed the dust rising over a dune, then spotted a group of people in long cloaks, heading in the same general direction as them—but at a greater distance.

"Someone again," he whispered.

Lyra didn't hesitate. She grabbed his sleeve and they quickly hid behind a dune.

"If there's that many of them, it's probably a caravan," she whispered.

"Or a band of raiders," Alex muttered.

They watched from hiding until the strangers vanished from sight.

"Just because someone survives out here doesn't mean we should be glad to see them," Lyra said, still looking at where the travelers had disappeared.

"I agree," Alex said, cautiously standing and checking to make sure the way ahead was clear. "Better to avoid trouble."

Once certain no one was following them, they moved on.

The sun was beginning to set, spreading golden and crimson hues across the horizon, when Alex broke the silence.

"Do you have any siblings?"

Lyra glanced at him in surprise.

"Why do you ask?"

"Just... walking through the desert, and I figured a bit of conversation wouldn't hurt."

Lyra sighed softly and looked ahead.

"I have a sister. She's two years younger."

"Where is she now?"

"In our city. My mentor is looking after her."

"Is she like you?"

"No." Lyra smiled faintly. "She's completely different. More fiery, full of life. Talks too much. Maybe it's her age."

"So that means..." Alex glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "How old are you, anyway?"

"And you?"

"You first."

"Twenty-one."

"I think I'm twenty-two, if I remember right."

Lyra raised an eyebrow.

This content is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

"You sound like someone much older."

Alex chuckled softly.

"Sometimes I feel that way too."

After a moment, Lyra glanced at him sideways.

"And you? I don't know... I don't remember."

"You don't want to talk about it?"

"I really don't remember. I'd tell you something, but every time I try to focus on my past, nothing comes. It's like something is blocking my memories."

"I get it..."

"The only thing I do remember is that I come from a very distant land. And I was brought here."

Lyra bit her lip.

"I figured as much... Okay, I won't press you. But someday, will you tell me?"

"If I remember, I promise I will."

That afternoon, as they neared their destination, the scent of smoke reached their noses.

They immediately looked at each other, their bodies tensing in readiness.

"Fuck," Alex muttered, clenching his fists. "There always has to be something."

Before them rose a massive stone pillar, beneath which a fire burned. From a distance, they could also see three camels tied to stakes driven into the ground.

"Those aren't ordinary travelers," Lyra whispered.

"Could be a merchant... or slavers," Alex said quietly, analyzing the situation. "Either way, we have to sneak up on them."

"We're not spending the night outside the barrier," Lyra confirmed, gripping her dagger tighter.

Their only option was to get closer without being seen.