Through deserts and jungle part 2

Soon Edward, Amala and Gwon were running back to the camp. Everyone else woke up and got out of the tents.

"What the hell are you doing up during the day? And why are you running from the town," Doreen asked with a temper.

"Enough talking, we have to now get out of here!" Edward yelled and pointed behind them.

Tens of Saracen riders were riding on horseback to their destination.

"What the hell did you do!?" Joan yelled.

"I said we have to get out of here," Edward yelled again.

~~

They were able to hide from the riders and they eventually started to ride back to the town, losing all motivation in finding them.

"What the hell you idiots!?" Joan yelled.

"I knew you were reckless Edward, but Amala," Doreen yelled then.

Liana then saw Gwon who just finished the lamb's leg and looked pleased.

"Why does it feel like this was all your fault....?" Liana said and looked at him.

"I guess your gut feeling is wrong," Gwon said brushing off the entire incident.

"IT WAS ALL YOUR FAULT, YOU GLUTTON!" Amala and Edward yelled in unison.

~~

The next night, they continued their journey toward the capital city of Kairouan. After around six hours of climbing through the mountain range, their jaws fell to the ground as they saw the scenery.

A large jungle with giant lakes maintaining its beauty with the almost never-ending water. Small and large towns could be seen popping up here and there on the shores of the lakes.

"So I guess this moon world really is green in some places," Yosef said as they took in the beautiful scenery.

~~

For two days they were walking through the thick jungles. Large trees shielded them from the sunlight, enabling them to travel during the day.

Some roads were built to be used by travelers, but they would garner too much attention if they used them. Merchants and large caravans constantly used them as they also were traveling to Kairouan. They instead were forced to walk through the thick canopy, hoping no wild beasts would attack them.

They passed many towns and villages that looked different. The towns and villages looked wealthy, with the people not having to save water. People went every morning to the ponds and lakes to collect water.

People grew rice on the edges of the lakes and wheat inland. The lakes were full of fish and lamb was grazed on green pastures. It was like another world compared to the desert where many people still lived in.

As they passed the villages, the aroma coming from all the tasty food made their knees weak. Edward suggested going and stealing some, but all of his ideas were shot down.

~~

"Well, I think we should be getting close to Kairouan. We are passing more and more villages and towns so we must be getting close to the center where a large city must be," Doreen explained.

"Finally...I am getting tired of tracking through these mosquito-infected forests," Haley said with an annoyed tone.

Everyone looked at her.

Rufus then pulled her to the side of a lake's shoreside so he could talk to her in private.

"What the hell is wrong with you? You have had a bad attitude for a long time," Rufus said to her as they were alone.

Before Haley got to answer back, a large scorpion-looking monster rose from the lake, trying to attack the two of them. Haley quickly summoned five spears made from crystals that punctured the monster, killing it quickly.

Neither Rufus nor Haley flinched.

"Nothing is wrong....." Haley said and walked away.

~~

After two days, they arrived at a large mountain next to a large lake. On the side of the mountain was a large city built, with no wall surrounding it. No warriors were seen guarding the city nor did it have any watchtowers. It looked like any army could easily march in and take it as it had no defenses.

A large palace was carved to the highest point of the city, with many terraces on its side. Hanging gardens made the palace look like it was alive.

The city itself easily housed almost half a million people. The building grew smaller, the lower and further one walked from the side of the mountain.

"How are we going to sneak into that city?" Joan asked.

Bouzid just kept walking forward, not trying to conceal herself anymore. They decided to follow her.

As they entered the city, the people stared at them in shock, but no one attacked them. They had no idea what was going on.

They passed through houses where the mothers ordered their kids to get back inside like they were afraid of them. No soldiers or guards though could be seen to come and arrest them, even though they passed a few of them.

When they reached the palace that was built on the side of the mountain, five witches were waiting for them.

"Bouzid, we have been expecting you for a while....." one of the witches said.

The four other witches surrounded them all as the one giving orders surveyed them. She then lifted her scythe and pointed at Rufus.

"He will come with us, with you Bouzid," the witch said.

Rufus stared at Doreen, hoping she could at least join them, but the witches would not relent. They had to obey, or else they would have to fight their way out.

"We will wait for you here Rufus. We know you can do this," Doreen said, giving hope to him.

Rufus then entered the palace. The walls were colored azure and dark blue with precious stones used to make beautiful illustrations. Flowers and other plants were hanging from the many balconies.

One thing though grabbed Rufus's attention. Instead of bees or butterflies flying among the sea of flowers, grasshoppers and locusts were sitting on top of the plants. Many of these were the size of a man's hand and the more inside they got into the palace, the more locusts he spotted.

Rufus and Bouzid then entered a large hall that was filled with the chirping of millions of locusts. These insects looked different though and as Rufus walked towards them, they turned into sand and again reappeared as he walked past them.

"Do not be afraid of them. They will not hurt you...unless I order them to," a woman said who was sitting on tens of pillows on an altar.

The witches escorting them and Bouzid bent their knees in front of this woman. Rufus then felt a strong divinity coming from her. The same level of intimidation as the emperor had.

"Welcome to Kairouan, King Rufus. I am queen Satifa of the desert," the queen said with a confident smile.