Legends Of Zyconia Part 28

Terrek headed out, the army followed close behind. He rode Streak, alone. Desert stretched out before them forever. He was still tired. Even Streak seemed tired. However, the army was energized and full of life. He was both resentful and envious of this.

Jessica rode up beside Terrek and spoke gently, "I wanted you to know, I think Celarus is going to survive."

"That's good. He may yield a lot of vital information the Council can use against the Vicar and his minions," Terrek muttered.

"Yes," Jessica said as she ventured to broach another subject.

"Terrek, I know you are having problems with Diana and I want you to know that if there's anything I can do, all you have to do is ask," she said quietly.

Terrek glared at her.

"There is no problem, Jessica," he said flatly.

"Oh," she said quietly backing off from the subject.

"Return to your duties, Jessica," Terrek said coldly.

"Of course, Commander," Jessica lowered her gaze and guided her horse back into the crowds behind.

No one could seem to stay out of it could they, he thought.

They were traveling to a part of Zyconia that he'd never seen before. Deserts were not his favorite place to be. The council hadn't even explored this region. Terrek looked up. The wind began to pick up. Sand blinded him. Swirling clouds of granules peppered everyone.

"It's a sand storm!" someone yelled from behind Terrek.

He pulled a small animal skin from his horse's armor and wrapped it around his head as a hood.

"Just keep moving!" Terrek yelled to those behind him.

The army pressed on as layer upon layer of angry sand attacked. The sun became clouded and the world became dark. They were forced to protect themselves placing garments to their faces to protect their lungs. Yet they moved on, and soon the wind subsided.

Terrek, aggravated, looked at the map they'd received at Utopia City spread before him. He lifted his eyes and stared out at the Silent Sea less than a hundred paces away. "According to this map the crystal should be on that sea," Terrek said.

He looked toward the shore and saw the remains of a small wooden boat.

"I'm going down to the shore to determine if that craft is sea worthy, Zachary make camp," he commanded.

Terrek looked at his aides, "Perrin, Hemoth, Jason, and Jessica you will come with me."

"I'm coming too," Diana said aggressively.

The rest of Terrek's aides parted to let Diana through. Terrek's face was pained.

"If you wish," he said.

The shoreline was rich with vegetation, and it appeared that the old fishing boat floated well enough. Terrek ordered everyone into the boat and Hemoth grabbed two oars and began rowing.

"The map says the crystal should be here," Terrek said, straining, his eyes combing the lake's surface.

"Maybe it's on some sort of small reef or floating craft," offered Perrin.

Hemoth slowed, his arms tired.

"It feels like something is grabbing at the oars," Hemoth said eerily.

Suddenly a huge tentacle swung up across the middle of the boat. Expressions of horror swept across their faces. With a downward thrust the boat was torn to splinters, and its crew was sent flying into the water. Tentacles wrapped around all of them as they were pulled down, down, down into the dark depths of the Silent Sea.

TO BE CONTINUED...

TO READ FROM THE BEGINNING GO TO: LEGENDS OF ZYCONIA PART 1

TO READ THE PREVIOUS PART GO TO: LEGENDS OF ZYCONIA PART 27