The new ship

Part 4: The New Ship

The air was filled with praises and songs, the people were grateful for the water and proud of the pilots that risked their lives to capture it from the sky; music was already going on the entrances of the main plaza, and many of the people still followed Ellya and young Rollut as they moved through the streets. The green and purple colours of the Mabdish pilot contrasted drastically against the brown, red, and white of the locals. She smiled and was happy the people paid attention to him and not the heavy backpack she carried; still struggling a little with all the different changes that were coming their way.

The crowd in front of her suddenly move to give way to a tall muscular man dressed in the traditional combat garments of the Ishdad, his fierce look and the golden sword he carried at his waist left no doubt as to who he was, the powerful Sheik Hamal. 

- Skill and water (Said he, touching his forehead and lips) 
- May they never leave your side (Answered Ellya and Rollut at the same time, bowing their heads and performing the same gesture as the Sheik) 
- You returned earlier (The Sheik mentioned, and looking directly at Ellya he raised one eyebrow) I hope the hunt has been productive enough.

The crowd lower their cheers and the music stop as soon as the Sheik spoke

- My lord Hamal, the "Mouth" could hold no more water than the amount we carry,  as for the rest of the rain we couldn't collect, it was allowed to quench the thirst of the sands and nurture her children.
- Master Huffatl, tell me the numbers! (Exclaimed Sheik Hamal, pointing with his hand at the collector headmaster)

All heads were turned to the collector crew on their heavy carrier skiffs and their tubes, draining the precious water from the "Mouth" into the individual conservation containers.
- 20 bubbles so far my lord... it is a new record for the hunters!

With an amazing speed the Sheik took Ellya on his arms and gave her a powerful hug, as a father does when reunited with his children; while the street crowd around them bursted with victory screams and applause. Seconds after releasing Ellya, Sheik Hamal placed his right hand on Rollut's shoulder and asked him to follow them to the white tent, to speak with the elders.

Leaving the street to the regular crowd, the Sheik and his friends enter the first circle of the white tent, leaving their weapons with the guards before entering the main tent. Once inside Ellya and Rollut sat on soft individual carpet in the middle of the floor, while the Sheik took his seat at the front of the council. Before any word was spoken the Sheik lifted his right arm and a crew of young men and women entered the chamber carrying metallic pitchers, serving everyone a hot cup of Suri, to invigorate their spirits.

Seconds later, the silence of the white tent gave way to Ellya's voice; there she spoke of the route she had taken, of the violent storm that punished her vehicles, and also of the great skill of her pilots during the rain hunt. And while she spoke to the council of elders, her eyes keep looking for a face that was not among the crowd, a face wrinkled with age and full of wisdom that was always present at the right hand of the Sheik... The Dream Master of her people, Master Shura.

- I'm here! (Came a voice from the back of the tent, Master Shura moved to his placed smiling at the surprised look of the young pilots.) I hope the best part of the tale is coming! (Said the Dream Master, placing his staff on the floor while the rest of the elders laughed briefly at the comment) 

Ellya continued until the first part of her tale ended as she encountered Rollut, who then carried on, sharing with the elders the details of his trip and how he was selected by the Dream Master of his clan, who had a vision in which the desert sands were dying as if infected with poison, for just like a wound darkens with venom, the color of the sands also became black. New creatures sprang from the corrupted desert and moved against the clans; and just as the battle was about to start, a powerful battle skiff guided by a mighty warrior on golden armour make the creatures shake with fear. And as the skiff hovered among the corrupted sand, their natural color returned to the desert under the shadow of the skiff.

- That pilot was Ellya (Said Rollut, casting a look on he direction, while the elders exchanged looks; the Mabdish pilot pointed at her backpack) The dream continued with me, as I saw myself traveling over a road of thorns to deliver a green bottle to a champion of the Ishdad; and that is why I came to you bearing a gift for your clan.

Ellya opened her backpack and took the bottle out of the wooden protector, filling the inside of the white tent with a green glow as she showed the crystal bottle to the elders; not a single whisper could be heard as everyone's eyes contemplated the magical creature resting inside the delicate container.

- It is as you have seen Master Shura (Said Sheik Hamal, breaking the silence with his deep voice and making Ellya return the bottle to her backpack) We are thankful to the Mabdish for such a magnificent gesture, and we are prepared to continue the dream.
- The Sheik is correct (Exclaimed Master Shura, and getting back on his two feet aided by his staff, he added) And thanks to the efforts of the elders and the strength of the Sheik, we have something to show you.

Ellya smiled, happy to know that his people was prepared to do their part to fulfil their part of the dream; but even if she was exited at the promise of a new adventure, there were still lots of things to go over... she was the fourth champion of her tribe, a new one would have to be selected once she go away; and there was also the issue to find the one behind the incident with the sand pirates. She knew there was need for a new strategy in order to avoid the fate that Rollut's men had shared, and for that she had to speak privately with both the Sheik and Master Shura.

- Let us walk outside now (Said the Sheik to the young pilots) There is a  big surprise waiting outside for you.

Elya and Rollut followed Sheik Hamal and the Dream Master to a hidden exit at the back of the white tent, they were a little surprised to discover the tent was connected to another one; the presence of two armed guards indicated there was something valuable inside. The guards stood aside as they saw the Sheik, allowing the visitors to enter and see a very unique battle skiff. 

The shape was the one from a heavy battle skiff but with the elegance of an individual combat skiff; the large vehicle had 3 crew spots and 2 seats for pilot / co-pilot interaction. It was a true masterpiece, crafted with hard wood interlaced with at least three layers of stone oil, the skiff had 7 hovering stones and a large retractable ram at the front.

- This is the sword of the Ishdad! (Exclaimed the Sheik Hamal, and placing a hand on Ellya's shoulder he said) The path that you will travel will be tough; but with this skiff and your skill, there is nothing you can't achieve!
- There is also something for you (Said Master Shura to young Rollut) As we are ready to honor your courage and the great sacrifices made by your clan.
- May the flag of your clan stretch over the seven deserts (Responded Rollut, humbled by the words of the Dream master) 
- I forgot how formal the people of the shadow trees were (Said Sheik Hamal, smiling at Rollut and making his way back to the white tent) - You are welcomed to stay as long as you please young one (And getting closer to him and Ellya he whispered) Once we are done with lunch we will think of the best way to inform your Sheik that you are safe... without letting someone else gain knowledge of the important news... 

Ellya nodded, happy that the Sheik had been able to notice the same issue she had seen while listening to Rollut's tale; now all that could be done was getting ready to continue the Dream...

The Dream

Art by Pedro Lara

Part 3: The Dream

Aboard the gigantic water carrier known as "the mouth" Ellya and her new friend Rollut were having a private chat, here he was going to explain the nature of his long journey, and also the reason why the gift must remain hidden.

The Mabdish clan were famous for their mechanical knowledge, also for their fishing and farming skills; they lived on the southern region of the plains of promise, a little more than 3 weeks away from this territory.

- How many started the journey with you (She asked, while Rollut finished the last piece of his fire crab steak) And what was their fate?
- I left my city 16 days ago with a total of 6 ships (And drinking some water he added) - We lost 4 warriors to the Mantis People, the rest to the pirates.

She nodded, now she knew the route they followed in order to get here so fast... they had crossed directly through the insect tribe territory. This was forbidden on normal circumstances, for no one wanted to provoke another war; and the only way it was acceptable for the Mantis people was if the travellers took less than 2 days to leave their lands. The fact they took such a dangerous path, survived the wrath of the poisoned weapons of the insects and also the pursuit by the pirate raiders, spoke highly of the pilot skills.

The number of ships was also an indicator that this was an important event, for the Mabdish usually travel with 4 up to 5 skiffs; to have 6 ships protecting a gift for another clan was not normal.

- We will have our people sing a song to help them on their passing through the dream. (Said Ellya, looking at the young pilot with respect in her eyes, putting a hand on his shoulder) And I will see personally that the sacrifice your clan has made is not forgotten.
- Thank you "Knife of the sands" (He acknowledge her words by touching his forehead, and continued) Our Dream master was given a powerful sign. (He walked over to his backpack on the table and extracted a small wooden box) 

She looked at the box, admiring the nature of the wood as that material was rare on Ishdad lands.

- According to his part of the dream you will require this item to fulfil an important task. (He placed the box on the table and opened slowly, as the room was suddenly filled with a soft light coming from within a crystal bottle.) Try not to wake him up yet; the chance for doing so will come on your part of the Dream.

Ellya had heard the legends about this creatures, and even seen their shapes and faces on pots, necklaces and even decorative carpets; but to witness what other have seen only on dreams... was something else.

- I've never seen such wander with my eyes! (She exclaimed, looking at the treasure inside the bottle) It is a green Genie!
- Indeed it is, and is now yours (Said Rollut, closing the box and moving it closer to her) My part of the dream has been fulfilled, now it is your task to complete the rest of what lies ahead.

Ellya spend the rest of the trip contemplating the different options this new event could have upon her future, for she was chosen by both the Sheik and the Dream master of her clan to be the new leader of the Ishdad; but now...

- Now I should be thinking of a song to honor the fallen (She said to herself, looking at the golden sand of the desert and thinking of the fallen pilots) I will make it a good song to be heard.

But even if she tried hard to distract her mind creating a song, her thoughts were fixed on the wooden box and its content. After listening to the events lived by Rollut and his men, Ellya was sure that someone else was behind the savage pirate attack on the Mabdish skiffs, that was the most logical explanation as to how they could have overcome so many the pilots; and it was more likely that the mastermind had knowledge of not only the route but also the nature of the precious cargo.

Someone wanted that green genie off her hands...

She had remained silent about the conspiracy ideas, trying her best not to question Rollut for she wanted to speak with her elders first; but for now the only thing that mattered was to complete the dream.

Ellya smiled at the sight of the flags in the distance, the red tents circling the Sheik mound bursted with people waving their hands; and she could heard the horn blast indicating the presence of a guest.

As they finally entered the citadel of Sheik Hamal the people greeted them like heroes, and while others rejoiced and congratulated her she gave the order for the collectors to transport the water to the vault. The young ones were all over the foreign scout skiff, looking at the design and the many colours of the Mabdish clan insignia. Rollut was also an interesting figure for all, specially due to his green clothes and purple armour. Ellya smiled at her people, took a little drink from a water-skin and moved among the crowd to see the elders.

The battle and the gift

Art by: Pedro Lara

Part 2: The Battle and the Gift

As the rest of the caravan was left behind at a safe distance and guarded by warriors in case of a potential trap, Ellya moved her vehicle to enter combat range followed closely by one of her battle skiffs.  As she speed up while trying to keep as close to the sand as possible, her eyes focused on the four pirates riding the famous black terror birds known as Iras. Their target was not the water caravan but a small scout skiff from a neighbouring clan, battered and heavy damaged the skiff was still in once piece. Judging by the way the Iras birds carried their heads Ellya learned 2 important things, that the chase had been long, and that they were quite exhausted.

She knew the pilot was injured, for the vehicle was covered with enemy arrows and spikes; yet the punishment had not been able to break the fighting spirit of the driver. Impressed and inspired by the courage of the pilot, Ellya didn't waste time, she pulled a couple of levers and let the flags carry her instructions to the other combat skiff at her side, as well as the pilot escaping from the pirates.

Putting on a heavy war helmet and pulling the cord of her upper armour, she moved the battle skiff to a collision course with the first pirate.

Following the flag instructions, the scout driver quickly moved in between the approaching vehicles, lifting his hand in a signal of victory as Ellya and her warriors continued their path to engage the enemy pirates. She braced herself for impact as the look of terror from the bearded men riding the monstruos birds turned into a disappearing cloud of blood, dirty feathers and pieces of armour.

Turning her skiff around, Ellya saw how the long spears of the other battle skiff crew took care of a second enemy and his beast, while the remaining pirate survivors stop the chase and evaluated the new situation from a safe distance. A little surprised by the fact that the enemies were still within view, she turned her eyes towards the scout skiff... whatever he was carrying was valuable enough for this savages to risk their lives, and that make them a potential threat.

She stood up and and silently picked up a black flag and pointed at the 2 pirates on top of the dunes, her crew and the other battle skiff prepared the long range bomb throwers and wait for the signal to throw the spore capsules. Casting a final look at the pirates she smiled as they started to run away; but it was a little late for them to escape. Ellya gave the command and the deadly projectiles flew with mortal accuracy, striking both their targets and covering them in a deadly cloud of poisonous spores.

Even though they ran away, they will be dead in less than 5 minutes... 

As she send the other  battle skiff back to the caravan, and her crew collected any useful remains from the dead pirates and their mounts, she took a water skin and got down of the vehicle, walking towards the damaged scout skiff. The pilot did his best not to struggle as he came out of the vehicle, he stretched his legs and back then bowed in gratitude and greeted her in formal fashion.

- Skill and water (He said, bowing a second time and taking the right hand to his forehead) 
- May they never leave your side (She answered, making the same motion with her hand, looking at the metal dagger on his belt and the skill in his greeting; this was not a simple pilot) You need to be more careful if you are to become a new leader for your people.
- Your eyes can indeed see through sand and stone! (Exclaimed the young pilot, with respect and awe) I am Rollut at Maller dal Mabdish.
- I am Ellya at grennar dal Ishdad
- All my clan know who you are (He answered, looking at her once more) Ellya the maiden of the wind, the knife of the sands...

Ellya smiled and gave him the water skin, trying not to laugh at the "titles" she carried for winning the Red canyon gauntlet 3 years in a row; and for killing the pirate lord Oghmed during the last pirate invasion. She waited until he was ready to speak once more, and as the water skin parted from his lips she saw that his eyes were sparkling with new energy.

- I see the travellers spoke the truth when mentioning your famous water skins 
- And I see the skill of the Mabdish lives up to their fame (She said, looking at the clan insignia on the damaged scout skiff) I look forward to hear interesting tale behind your long ride.
- You honor me (He responded, drinking a little more water.) To share words with you and your clan will be a most welcomed experience.
- I see your strength is returning (She turn her eyes to the skiff) Now, please tell me if whatever you are carrying there could endanger my caravan?

Rollut paused for a second, took a deep breath and looked at the members of the skiff crew behind his rescuer, then he said...

- The ones that know what I carry are friends to your clan (And looking at the pirate corpses he added) And as for those that could have an idea, you already return their bodies back to the sand.
- Well said; but you did not answer my question.
- My apologies for my poor answer... (He began, but was cut short by her voice)
- No apologies required (Ellya said touching her forehead slightly) I understand now that you are following a dream quest.
- You mind is even faster than your battle skiff!
- I wish that were true (She smiled a little and signal for the crew to return) We shall continue our chat in a place with fewer eyes.
- As you command (And getting back on his skiff he whispered) It is a gift for you

Ellya nodded and waved to Rollut, wondering what could a clan from the other side of the desert could be sending to her or her clan

- Follow close, we have much to talk

Coming Home

Art by: Pedro Lara

Part 1: The return

When you carry the hope of your entire people on your shoulders, the first and most valuable lesson that you learn is in the art of not making mistakes.

The sands of the 7 deserts were like the teachers of old on that subject, quick to punish those who were careless and unable to follow the rules of the "Nomad protocol" with dangers such as deadly sandstorms, vicious creatures that can't be seen; or even a band of savage pirates.

Ellya smiled beneath her rider mask, an accelerate to move her combat skiff ahead of the caravan, she made a stop as her vehicle reach the top of a small dune, then took a small spyglass from her belt and putting it to her right eye goggle, she gazed through the crystal in search of the "Navigational Totem"

The totems were a series of tall spikes made out of metal, ceramic and wood; this structures formed a reference net to navigate the sands of the 7 deserts in a safe manner, providing any "educated" traveler with important and precious information.

As her eyes gather the data from the pillar, she pulled a small lever from the control panel, and the rest of the caravan saw how a green flag came out the back of her skiff.

30 more minutes going straight and they will be home once more...

She move her eyes to the coming vehicles, and without thinking she started to count them once more, going over her mental list, as if it was a type of prayer that would protect her people while they continue to move across the sand.

4 battle skiffs with two warriors each, 1 Turtle skiff loaded with new clothes and exotic items, 2 individual combat skiffs as her own, and finally, casting a huge shadow on the rest of the vehicles came "The Mouth", a massive vessel with a six men crew, and as tall as 5 battle skiffs put on top of each other; from the upper walls the young ones could be seen throwing enough Putrid bombs to confuse the nose of any predator on the area; but never as many as to be noticed by smarter enemies, making sure none followed the ship and her valuable cargo as it moved slowly over the burning sands.

The only thing she was not so happy about was the fact her trophy loot did not include any EM serpent heads, so her chances of having Master Alleph creating a new "venom glove" were still quite low; a situation she look forward to change during the trading fair coming next week.

Looking once more at the caravan, Ellya couldn't help but to feel proud of her people, not only for their great skill as pilots or for their courage during the storm, but for the combination of both. Thanks to that not a single vehicle had been lost during the rain hunt; and that was certainly an important achievement to be noted and to brag about at the gathering of elders, she had a reputation to maintain after all. 

And as her mind slowly came back to the present, a small cloud of sand near the totem caught her eye. Even though she already had an idea of what could be behind the origin of the cloud Ellya didn't allow her mind to wander, she took the spyglass once again and focused her gaze on the distant scene, her pulse quickened as she confirmed the dark figures within the cloud... Pirates!