Chapter 7: The Night Watch

Selia stood on guard on the edge of the giant chasm, watching for any signs of disturbance. It was night over Pailan, the stars blinking in a cloudless sky. One would never have guessed that just last evening the desert had been wracked with storm clouds. Yet for how clear the sky was now, there was a palpable feeling that the storm had never truly let up. The air was thick with a malicious ozone, like some dark entity was holding its breath, preparing to exhale a cloud of noxious thunder. Selia clenched her sword tightly; the morning could not come fast enough.

Beside her, her friend Faro shivered. "I always forget how cold the desert is at night," he muttered. "Let's hope some Urts show up, I could stand to get my blood flowing."

Selia rolled her eyes. "Let's hope not. I'm tense enough as it is."

"No, you'd sooner get frostbite than go to war."

Selia elbowed him in the ribs. "Behave."

"Ow!" Faro complained, massaging his chest. "Look, at the very least it would be exciting, wouldn't it? Might make a nice change of pace." He cast his gaze around. "Nothing ever happens in Pailan."

"We live in a *desert*."

"I know, I know." Faro sighed. "One of these days, I might just pack up and leave."

Selia glanced at him. "And leave your home behind? I know you better than that."

Faro turned to retort but stopped himself. Selia was right, of course, though he'd never say it out loud. He had too many memories of the desert village to leave it behind. She smiled at him; his silence was answer enough.

It was a mystery how the two of them had become so close. Selia was a doctor, Faro worked as a potato farmer. Selia lived her life in peace and quiet, Faro was always looking for conflict and excitement. Selia was repulsed by the thought of violence, Faro was the first to pick up a sword when the time came. Their close friendship was as illogical as could be. Yet somehow, it worked. Selia enjoyed the excitement he brought into her life, and he appreciated her level head. The desert had a way balancing extremes like that.

At that moment, Selia was pulled from her thoughts by a sudden puff of sand cresting over a dune. Faro spun to face it, brandishing his sword. "Show yourself!" he barked.

There was a pause. Then, a woman appeared over the dune, her hands raised.

She was dressed in a dark green tunic, the fabric worn and tattered. Her eyes were the color of holly, and her blond hair fell past her shoulders. She was rather slim, and she stood lightly on her feet, as if preparing to leap at a moment's notice. She was carrying nothing but a leather pouch, from which several glints of steel were visible.

Selia stared at her for a second, then turned back to Faro. "Put your sword down, she's not a threat."

Sighing, Faro lowered his blade. "So close," he muttered.

The woman glanced at him. "Hoping for a fight?" she asked. Her voice was as ragged as her appearance. "Don't worry. You might just get one before the night is through."

Faro frowned. "I'm guessing you've run into those green-skinned freaks?"

"Word travels fast these days, doesn't it?"

The woman slid down the dune to stand in front of Pailan's guards. "My name is Laura. I come from the village of Rutat at the desert's edge. We need your help."

Inwardly, Selia shuddered. "You're the second refugee who's come to our door in the past day. The Urts must be moving quickly."

Laura nodded. "They attacked my village at dawn. I don't know how many there were, or whether Rutat still stands, but I know my people need help. Arms, aid, shelter, anything you can give. For however many still survive. Please."

Selia looked at her. Despite her light stance, she was clearly exhausted. And in the faint light of the moon, Selia could see her cheeks stained with old tears. A wave of nausea and pity rumbled in the depths of her stomach. Kalann's message was right; the war was coming whether they were ready for it or not.

"Faro," she said, turning to her friend, "stay here and keep watch. I'll bring her to Hother."

Faro nodded, spinning his sword idly. "Just don't take too long. I'd hate for you to miss the fun if it ever shows up."

Laura managed a faint smile. "Thank you."

As she stepped forward, however, a howl sounded from nearby. Selia spun around to see ten dark figures racing across the sands at breakneck speed.

Laura's face grew pale. "They followed me!" She reached into her pouch and drew out a pair of daggers.

"Oh, good," Faro laughed. "The fun showed up!"

Selia wet her lips as she raised her sword. She had been hoping to avoid conflict, but there was no choice now. The time to get help was passed- the Urts were almost upon them. She could see their mottled green skin in the moonlight, rippling with muscle. Nightmares in the flesh. "Spirits help us," she whispered. "They'll tear us apart."

"Not if we tear them apart first!" Faro shot back. He leveled his sword at the Urts. "Come and get some!" he roared as he charged forward.

Selia couldn't help but smile. That was Faro, alright. "We'll hold them off," she said to Laura, already starting to run after him. "Get to safety!"

"No thanks." Laura was running beside her. "I've got a score to settle with these monsters."

Selia caught a glimpse of her face; eyes narrowed, lips set. No changing her mind. She turned her attention back ahead of her. Three against ten. The odds were not in their favor.

*Then let's hope fortune smiles upon us tonight.*