Two hours passed.
As they rode deeper into the desert, the sky began to transform, shifting from the bright blues of day to a canvas splashed with oranges, pinks, and purples. The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows that stretched like reaching fingers across the sand. Lorian looked upward, a bright smile appearing on his face as the fading light painted everything in dreamlike color.
"The sunset in the desert is always so breathtaking. I'm jealous you two get to see this every time you venture out," Lorian said. Ignoring the part of his mind whispering about the urgency of the approaching night.
"It's one of the best reasons for a long journey, Lorian." Uro sighs with a faint smile. "All the new recruits are left in awe at such a sight when they first see it. Some even fall off their Unicol or others hoping to just find a place to camp."
"Young master, it's a beautiful phenomenon. No matter who you are, you can't help but praise its beauty, no matter how many times you've seen it," Selene stated as a gentle breeze stirred. Carrying with it the faint scent of blooming desert flowers.
The colors were vibrant, almost surreal, but they became even more beautiful as the heat of the day faded. The sky shifted to a full golden-orange, as if the clouds themselves were an ocean set ablaze.
Clouds bloomed like roses, unfurling in deep crimsons and molten gold, illuminated from within by an otherworldly light. They churned and rolled in silence, painting the sky in breathtaking color.
What truly captured them, though, was not just the sunset. Lorian's eyes lit up, Uro's smile widened, and Selene hummed softly.
Between their fiery petals, the slow rise of a crescent moon, massive, carved in sapphire and shadow. It looked impossibly close, as if it were nestled within the planet's atmosphere, clinging to Cosmo like a living thing. It glowed with a pale blue, casting its cool light across the sand.
No one said anything, their focus still on the skies. Not even noticing the flashing of yellow on the compass. But they knew those beasts were also too busy staring at the sky above both in its beauty and its warning of what is coming.
"Check the Sun-Moon Jill," Uro said after a moment, dragging his gaze from the horizon.
Selene reached into her weathered bag, and a swirling grey light shimmered from within. A soft luminescence seeped through the seams, still leaving Lorian slightly in awe each time he saw it.
These bags were a marvel of Rolay City, crafted through the mastery of the Rulers Ascendant. The Grand Architect's schematics had made it possible to carry vast spaces inside something so small.
Selene pulled out an hourglass that displayed an enchanting glow on her face. The top half of the hourglass shimmered ethereal golden clouds, swirling together in a tapestry of fiery oranges and velvet purples. The bottom half revealed a radiant moonlit glow, where tiny points of light and drifting fireflies seemed to dance in miniature constellations.
The Sun-Moon Jill was a dual chime of time; the top represented the present moment while the bottom foresaw what was to come. The seamless transition between the two halves evoked a sense of harmony that tracks the time in the desert. This hourglass served as an essential ally, a guide to those who are traveling.
"It's seven right now, we have an hour or two before the sky begins turning fully dark." Selene said as she watched the slow transition of the top and bottom half.
"That's cutting it close but we're fine." Uro as he stared ahead and then called out to them. "It's there. Nuya town."
Lorian's gaze shifted across the golden sands. In the distance, he spotted a massive beast's skull, horns protruding in every direction. Above it hung a weathered sign, he guessed it must say "Nuya." With a burst of anticipation, he nudged his mount forward, and together they rushed toward the promise of shelter and stories at journey's end.
…
After five minutes they reached the massive skull, almost the size of a building. He noted the massive watchtower which is a striking blend of bones, stone, and wood, each structure having cracks and dust. But his eyes went back to the massive skull, it was covered in sand, but not cracks and gave off a light ethereal glow.
"Halt!"
Lorian golden eyes shifted up to see a man with short brown hair standing on the railing of the watchtower.
A deep red scarf draped across his shoulders, grey tunic with the front split modestly, revealing the hard muscle of his chest and a dark leather harness that crossed it. Dust could be seen on the man's dark trouser and stains on his soft-soled shoes. The man jumped up from the tower, landing before them and then as he opened his mouth.
Lorian smiled. "Ah, you must be the amazing watchguard that I have heard about?"
"Amazing watchguard? You have heard about me?"
"Indeed, my friends and I are travelers. And back in the city of Activia some fellow guest at the tavern we dined in talked about Nuya's watchful yet helpful guard."
The man's eyes lit up, laughing before blinking and coughing as he said. "Well, that does sound a bit like me. My name is Roy, the watchguard of this lovely town."
"Tell me Roy, how long have you been protecting this town?"
"Well, um. Five years now."
"You kept everyone in this town for five years. That is amazing, you know I have never heard about any trouble being caused in Nuya. Right, George?"
Uro nodded as he glanced around. "We heard words about many towns like, Silk Town having outlaws ransacking their place. Residents in Milky Town ignoring the guards and guards trying to suppress the people in Boyo Town. But Nuya Town? Nothing but good things."
A massive grin appeared on Roy as he chuckled while Lorian walked closer to him. "This is all because of your wonderful management, Roy. Which is why we feel safe and have an easy time talking to a guard like you."
"Ahh, you three had troubles with some watchguards?"
Selene sighed with a concerned look. "More like they try to take advantage of us. Not allowing us to leave without a special tip ands sometimes not understanding using threats isn't what a guard should-"
"Of course it isn't! They are a disgrace to the Activia Watchguards. Please tell me you guys reported them!"
Lorian nodded with a smile. "We did, but the experience has left a bad taste in us. But it's getting better with a guard such as you."
"Haha, I'm glad. We town watchguards are meant to not only protect the town but make visitors feel safe and comfortable." Roy grinned at them before his eyes winding in surprise, a concerned look appeared. "Ah, right. You guys came straight from Activia right?"
"We did."
"Was there any words on what they plan to do about the recent surge of Beast Tides? The only news I heard was the second prince lockdown, the meeting in Ortiva and many towns requesting aid."
Uro furrowed his brows before saying. "They did send some of their warriors towards to towns-"
"Not those beast tides. Recently, there have been towns close to Nuya that have been destroyed and trampled on." Roy said with a serious look, arms slightly trembling.
"The survivors are still here?" Lorian asked, quickly figuring out how Roy learned about this information.
"They already left, heading towards Activia. They were waiting here for the Orco and Chu warriors to come-"
"Chu Warriors? Sorry for my lack of knowledge but they aren't known for their protecting and guiding people." Uro spoke up, eyes slightly narrow. "Did a crime happen?"
Roy frowns, glancing left and right as he says. "I'm not sure I should be saying this. But I sent one of the Watchtower guards to look at the closest town… She reported collapse buildings, destroyed items and footprints stamp all over, the standard for a Beast Tide. But he also discovered something odd…"
"Odd?" Lorian asked with his eyes slightly lighting up as Roy walked towards the massive skeleton head.
"The Guardian Tome… Was destroyed." Roy said as he gently touched the skeleton, making Lorian blink in surprise, Uro eyes narrowed, and Selene lightly frowned.
The Guardian Tome being destroyed is an unsettling yet terrifying thought. Lorian knew beasts don't touch the skeletons of other beasts. The type of beasts, the strength of it, and the location doesn't matter. There has never been a record or sighting of a beast messing with and destroying the skeletons of other beasts. In fact that's the reason why the legendary Skeleton Graveyards through Anisa Desert still exist. It's believed to be the place where all beasts go to die and have their bones buried.
"You believe it may have been an Outlaw?"
"No, I don't believe they would. Ignoring the fact it's illegal to mess with it, the Tome itself being left untouched does far more good." Roy sighed. "The Tome is meant to deter beasts away from the town and keep them safe. The outlaws would know the destruction of towns means less place for them to get supplies and stay."
The Guardian Tomes are the first line of defense against the beasts as the magic inside still resides in. Magic that gives off an aura and presence that frightens the beasts and makes them believe they were intruding on a strong beast territory.
Lorian nodded, all Outlaws were people who refused to follow the four Utopia City state laws in the Anisa Desert. They were wanted in the city but were allowed in towns as long as they didn't stir up trouble and occasionally helped out the residents.
This isn't a rule but simply the town residents understanding Anisa Desert is a hard place to live in. So a bit of kindness to those who are willing to help out and not trouble them was their motto. And most Outlaws were only criminals from their desire for freedom, not their actions.
"You already sent a magical star for this?"
"Yes, just yesterday. I am hoping for a letter to appear in the Lighthouse Warehouse."
The Lighthouse warehouse was essentially a big house where a dot of light goes to drop off the silk letters. The magical stars were created out of magic with the location one had intended in mind and the warehouse. Then one places the letter in the spheres and then the sphere swiftly flies away, crossing the Anisa Desert in a streak of gold.
Lorian found it interesting that magic can create such things. But they were a very needed existence as it made communication reliable and easy. Unfortunately, it seems only little things like these can be made, nothing bigger than the size of one hand.
"Then don't worry, they should have sent some Chu Warriors to investigate soon enough. That's how I heard Activia works and I have seen the appearance of the Chu Warriors sometimes." Lorian said.
While thinking they needed leave in two days before the Chu Warriors found time to arrive. Or else the gap created would be greatly reduced as the Chu Warriors were too good at their roles as investigators.
Roy smiles at Lorian. "Good, then that's one less worry. Hahaha, I guess it was a good idea to tell you three."
"Well how about you tell us some more, such as about this town?"
Roy's eyes lit up as he quickly gave Lorian and the others a quick summary of the town's market, bar, and clothing stores near the Inn.
"Thank you, Roy! The words of my companions from the inn in Activia don't live up to the reality of how helpful you are."
"Haha."
"Oh wait! Almost forget, does your town have any person knowledgeable on demon tales?"
Roy blink in surprise before nodding. "If it's about the old legends, then old man Kyros knows. He used to tell these tales three years ago but after the passing of his granddaughter, he doesn't anymore."
A look of concern appeared on Uro. "He won't anymore because it brings up memories of her?"
"Well… Yes but more like she was the only one interested back then. Since her passing… No one, not even the kids, has been interested and so Kyros just stopped." Roy brown eyes glance through the trio. "With you three, I can see him opening up."
Lorian laughed. "I hope so, I have been hearing rumors and now finally found time to pursue some knowledge on it. Before heading towards Ortiva to check out their Grand Library's recording of them."
Roy sighed in awe. "Ortiva, I would love to visit it one day. Ever since its new reforms ten years ago, it has truly become the City of Knowledge and fall of its previous Paragon. But I am surprised it isn't your first stop."
"I have learned that knowledge can be found anywhere, if one is at the right place."
"Hahaha. Well go on in town you three, you best hurry it up, night is almost close." Roy glanced up to the sky with a slight frown before saying.
"Thank you, Roy! I promise to visit to talk more tomorrow!"
"Haha, I can't wait! Oh, right! I didn't get your names?"
Lorian chuckle. "My name is David, she is Martha and he is George."
"Welcome to Nuya town, David, Martha and George, enjoy your stay!"
Lorian waved to Roy before moving towards the stables of the right near the watchtower. They left their Unicols there with other Unicols before entering Nuya town. Selene carried their satchel filled with clothing and other important items while Uro had their gold coins.
Lorian eyes caught more buildings made out of wood and bones covered in sand. Many buildings feature arched doorways and windows, adorned with intricate carvings on the wood, most likely from bored children.
Narrow alleyways wind through the town, leading to hidden courtyards and quiet nooks where residents. Lorian heard the sounds of children playing and elders sharing stories, his eyes staring at the tavern before him.
The sign above with the name, Yasoy Bella.
The tavern was a patchwork of wood and weathered stone, a khaki-colored building. A white, spherical statue composed of countless skulls and green plants twined around the building's wooden entrance pillars. Lorian and the others moved, climbing up on the steps and pushing open the doors, sounds of chatter and smell of good enveloped them.