18

They had journeyed for four days on end, when they finally saw a wagon with three people In it, they stopped the wagon to ask for directions, and were told that they were near the villages that were before the outskirts of the Kajolin empire and that it should only take a few hours with their camels. They made for their camels after thanks and greetings were exchanged and went on their journey towards the villages.

It had been hours before they noticed gradual change in the soil and saw some patches of grass on the floor as they moved on. It was plain land with dry crops ready for harvest scattered all around the fields. They dismounted their camels and sold it over to an animal herder for some few gold coins and went into the villages looking for a lodging for the day. The houses were made of clay bricks, with artistic designs of various shapes, plants and wildlife on every house. the people dressed majorly in clothes made from brown fabrics, their hair braided and designed with colourful beads and strings as they went about their various works.

They found a vacant house near the market furnished with all the necessities, but the owner insisted on pay for a whole month. They paid after much bargaining with the obstinate owner and moved into the house as Emma grumbled about the greedy man.

They headed for the market after having a bath and lunch to shop for a few clothes and some personal items. The market was crowded with many people and stalls on opposite sides of an isle, as people called out to passerby's to buy from them. Hei Yue stared at the different wares in wonder as they walked from one stall to another. They bought a few robes, dresses, tunics, and trousers and headed back to their house. The inside of the house was too hot, so they headed out of the house and sat at the doorsteps watching people heading to and returning from the market as the sun set. Emma closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of the fading sunshine on her face. She saw him dressed in his white and golden robes walking towards her as the last ray of sunlight shone. He smiled at her, as she danced towards him alluringly. It quickly faded, the sky darkening, as rain poured down heavily. They were in a battle field fighting against the Haron people. He fought with all his might, but was pierced from behind by a friend he trusted so much. Tears flowed down her eyes as she ran to him fighting throughout the way, but it was too late, he breathed his last and died without her.

Yue shook her until she awoke from her dream, and wiped the tears flowing down her eyes as he was crouched before her. She leaned into his touch as he caressed her face, but she pushed away his hand suddenly and walked back into the house, leaving him in a weird position.

He sat outside, watching as night set in, the sky was almost bare, except for the barely visible stars that were scattered around the dark sky. He knew Elora was one for gossip, but the way she had told him these words, he knew there was something else she had wanted to say and not this "They say you look just like the dragon lord, and that you act like him. But you are not him, I can feel it." He thought hard on it but could find no other meaning but what it literarily meant. Emma came out of the house with a lamp in her hand, "what are you thinking about?" She asked saying nothing of her behavior earlier. "The dragon lord" he replied, watching a star as it faded away. She tensed wondering what he had been told about him. "You don't have to tell me anything." He said making her to relax " I am just wondering what kind of person he was" "you should head in to rest as we would be departing early tomorrow. He nodded his head in understanding and she walked back in closing the door quietly. He stayed out for a little bit before he stood up and walked into the house.