Dhule woke up along with everyone else for the first time since he had started traveling with the Weybond family. He helped the family pack everything up and ate the breakfast that Sagra had made, Yesugen sat next to him as the two ate. “You sleep well?” She asked.

  “Best I’ve had since Carsioli.” He replied.

  “That happens when you listen to instructions and don’t stay up too late.” Sagra muttered while looking over the porridge he made.

  “Yes Sir, it won’t happen again.” Dhule sat up straighter when he spoke to Sagra.

  After breakfast the family left for the road. The vast majority of the morning was almost painfully uneventful, not even a ruin or building for Dhule to ask Yesugen about. That was until just before mid-day. While riding through a forest a tree fell directly in front of the wagon. “Do you know how to fight Dhule?” Yerentai asked from the front.

  “Yes, but not well with anything I currently have. Why?”

  “Okay, there’s bandits out here, get in the wagon, it’ll be easier without someone untrained on the field. Sagra hand me the hammer.” Dhule quickly unsaddled from Veyr and climbed into the wagon, as he entered the wagon he saw Yerentai’s hand in the wagon being handed a hammer made from an orange stone that emitted heat waves by Sagra. “Everyone stay inside, bottleneck them.” Dhule pulled out his dagger and looked at the back, where he had just climbed in, hoping that no one would enter.

  From inside no one was sure what was happening outside, only the sounds of screams, grunts, and the sounds of sparks flying. None of this distracted Dhule from the back of the wagon, even if he was hoping that no one would come in he knew that it would be the easiest target.

  As the noise outside started to settle down and the people inside started to let their guard down a gaunt man, dressed in mismatched leathers and holding a chipped and broken handaxe, opened the back of the wagon and climbed in, his eyes locked with Dhule for a split second before either of them acted. Dhule charged at the man as they raised their axe. Dhule’s elbow somehow managed to connect before the axe and he pushed the bandit back. He raised his dagger, holding it in two hands to keep it from shaking too much, and walked towards the bandit, they smacked the dagger out of the way with their axe only to be met by a jab in the face by Sagra forcing them even further back where Yerentai grabbed them by the collar and yanked them out of the wagon. “Leave, everyone you came with is already gone. You’ll accomplish nothing alone.” Yerentai spoke to the man on the floor, who proceeded to scramble away, not getting off their hands for a few meters.

  Yerentai climbed into the wagon clutching at his right side that was now a deep red, “Sagra, would you mind taking over the reins until tomorrow?”

  “Course son, you get yourself bandaged up and some rest.” Sagra moved up to the front of the wagon as Yerentai moved in and laid down. The two women crowded around him to tend to his injuries and Dhule moved out and resaddled Veyr. The rest of the ride was silent aside from the conversations about Yerentai’s health held between him and his wife mostly, with brief interjections from Yesugen and grunts from Sagra.

  At camp Dhule was fidgeting with the Rebec that Yerentai showed him last night, not playing anything just pushing on the strings, before Altani approached him. “Dhule, Honey, would you mind watching over Kara for an hour? Sagra’s going out to look around and make sure there’s still not any bandits still in the area, Yesugen’s taking care of her father, and I’m making dinner.”

  “I suppose, but wouldn’t it be easier for Sagra to watch him? He’s his grandfather, and I can go look for bandits.” Dhule set the Rebec back in its case.

  “Honey, you’re still shaking from this afternoon, I don’t think you’re in any condition to be doing much. I’m just asking you to hold him for a bit, if anything you don’t know how to handle happens I’ll be right over at the fire. And Yesugen shouldn’t take long so she’ll be out to keep you company in just a bit.”

  “Okay, I can watch him for a bit.”

  “Thank you Dhule, I know you haven’t spent much time together but I can already tell that he thinks of you as an older brother.”

  “That’s nice to know.” Dhule gave a small, but sincere, smile as he took the bundle of blankets Kara was wrapped in from Altani. Dhule held Kara carefully, his arms stiff and his posture straighter than it was when he was in the castle. Altani sat near the fire, as she said she would, cutting up meats and vegetables to put into the stew she was making, occasionally she looked up at Dhule and Kara laughing as she saw how stiff he was but didn’t mention it. Eventually Dhule relaxed but not before having the strange thought of this, somehow, being more terrifying than the bandit attack earlier that day, just the idea that he was holding a life in his hands, directly responsible if anything happened to him.

  Kara was asleep when he was handed off to Dhule and stayed that way however he still moved his hands every so often, no more than twitching most of the time however as Dhule relaxed Kara moved quite a bit, reaching out his hand and shifting his face to a state of mild discomfort. Dhule shifted the baby’s weight so they were held in one hand and put his finger in his hand causing Kara to calm down. “You’re much more quiet than Yoro was.” Dhule whispered, “I don’t know where that comes from but it’s nice.” The two stayed in that position for the majority of the time Dhule was told to watch, eventually Yesugen came out of her father’s tent and sat next to Dhule.

  “You two seem to be getting along.” She teased.

  “Pretty simple when they’re sleeping.” Dhule answered, “And when I don’t have to do anything.”

  “Yeah maybe.” The two sat in silence until Altani came to pick up Kara and announce that dinner was done, Yesugen went to get her father and ready him for dinner.

  Dhule stayed sitting down as he normally would, however this time Altani called for him to follow her to the pot before dinner started. “Come here Dhule, indulge us and pray.” She patted the ground next to her. “Just for tonight at least, if you don’t want to do it after that you don’t have to.” Dhule sat down next to Altani and sat almost perfectly still, not knowing what to do. As Yesugen and Yerentai emerged from the tent, Sagra came back from the woods. Sagra sat on the other side of Altani and Yerentai and Yesugen between him and Dhule.

  Everyone reached their arms out to grab another's hand aside from Altani who was holding Kara, instead Sagra put his hand on her shoulder which Dhule mimicked. Yerentai then started the prayer, “Einhard, keeper of warmth when night’s breath chills our bones, kindle within our hearts the flames of courage and hope. Nothelm, whose lantern pierces the mists of unknown roads, sharpen our sight and steady our steps in lands unseen. Tostig, whose turning face marks the passing of seasons, grant us grace to endure change, and wisdom to embrace its gifts. Together we walk, by fire, by path, and by time, and in your names, we find our strength. Praise be.”

  Eating the stew Dhule knew it was no different to any of the previous meals he ate with the family, however, for some reason, today it tasted better. “So Dhule, what do you think, are you going to join us in prayer now or was it not your cup of tea?” Yesugen leaned over and asked.

  “It was foreign, but not bad.” Dhule responded.

  “Prayer?” She questioned. “Prayer was foreign to you?”

  “Yeah, we don’t really do it in Shushkan culture. We worship the gods, but more ambiently than your family. We hold celebrations for them but mainly it's just living in the world granted to us by them. We see with the light of the stars, granted to us by Brahim, we live on the planet, constructed for us by Rabya, and everything exists in the space created by Ruhul. The fact that we live with the gifts we were given is praise enough for them.” Dhule looked off into the distance as he talked, he wasn’t sure whether or not he was looking back at the Central Wastes but it felt right to him.

  The rest of the night was uneventful and played out as any other night normally would, however this time Dhule was given an extra hour of watch and his shift was moved to the middle, in place of Yerentai’s.

  - ?? -

  Dhule woke up later than the rest of the group again but not as late as the other times it happened, still early enough to pack up before they needed to leave, and eat breakfast with everyone else. Sagra once again took control of the reins after questioning Yerentai and deciding that he was still too hurt to be driving the wagon.

  The morning passed fairly uneventfully, sun dappling the fields and meadows surrounding the road that stretched on ahead for what could be construed as forever, conversations were replaced with the sound of Yerentai playing the rebec from inside, much better than Dhule ever thought he could be. There wasn’t a cloud in sight which made the thunderous crack in the distance even more distressing, the caravan stopped in its tracks, more on instinct rather than any direction given by a rider. Looking over the eastern horizon the source of the sound revealed itself, a creature larger than any singular structure Dhule had seen in his life, two tusks that could, seemingly, tear the sky asunder hung from its face, various spikes and ridges lined the creature’s body, crackling with static electricity that more closely resembled bolts of lightning.

  The caravan stayed still and silent for the next couple minutes until the creature disappeared beyond the horizon.

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  “What was that?” Dhule asked Yesugen, who still hung out the back of the wagon.

  “A Blitzkrieg, another monster, but much more dangerous than any of the others we’ve seen.” She answered back.

  “How so? The other two both seem pretty dangerous already.”

  “Did you see it son, the sheer size of it makes it more dangerous.” Yerentai replied from inside the wagon.

  “Oh, right, that makes sense.” Dhule looked back to where it last was, “Is there anything else about them, just in general.”

  “Yeah plenty, as I’m sure you could tell, they create and expel massive amounts of static electricity. Their presence and power led early New World Maburans to see them as demigods.” Yesugen expanded on the creatures. “And their electricity is so powerful it could kill you if you even touch them.”

  “Yeah, so, I’ll definitely stay away from them.”

  As the wagon wheels creaked down the road, Yesugen and Dhule continued to talk about whatever they saw along the side of the road, Dhule asking questions and Yesugen answering. By the time the caravan settled down the air had cooled, the sun had set, and the static in the air had dissipated.

  Dhule sat on a rock playing Yerentai’s rebec, he had learned what sounded good but couldn’t remember any of the songs from his past and what they sounded like. Sagra walked up behind Dhule holding two cups of tea “Do you still hold your knife like it’ll bite you?” He asked, handing one of the cups to Dhule.

  “Uhh, I haven’t had the chance to wield my dagger too much, but I thought I held it pretty well.” Dhule responded, “I fought that bandit off didn’t I?”

  “Sure, but you didn’t use your weapon when you did it. You hit ‘im with your arm and then got your dagger knocked out your hands, and after that Yerentai and I took ‘im out. You should learn how to take care of threats by yourself.”

  “Is this you offering to teach me how to fight?”

  “Maybe, but not tonight, think dinner’s almost done and it’s getting pretty late. If you ask me when we’re on the road I’ll think about it.”

  The rest of the night was mostly uneventful, the family prayed, ate dinner, talked, and eventually went to sleep. Dhule was once again in charge of taking the first watch, however, unlike every other night something happened as Dhule stayed up.

  Dhule could feel it, something was in the shadows of the trees. He could ever so faintly hear footsteps in the distance and, possibly his eyes were playing tricks on him, but he could have sworn he saw the glint of metal. Dhule took his dagger out, now that it had been pointed out he could see how badly he held his dagger, but that didn’t matter too much right now. “C-c Come out, I know you’re there. Show yourself or leave.” Dhule turned around as he heard something behind him but as soon as he did he felt a point to his back and a breath down his neck.

  “Good job, can’t keep my guard too low now can I.” The figure chuckled, the voice was clearly the same as the one that assaulted him when he met Veyr. “Has anyone ever told you that your knife skills need work?”

  “W-who are you? And why are you here? What could you possibly want from me?” Dhule asked, knowing he likely wouldn’t get an answer.

  “Oh, my plans have nothing to do with you, but you and the people you surround yourself with are quite fascinating, a bunch of people and monsters kicked out their homes, only to rally amongst each other. Truly intriguing, all of you.”

  Dhule could feel the figure’s blade push slightly into his back, not quite enough to draw blood but enough to be slightly painful. “Leave them alone, they haven’t done anything.” He said in pain.

  “Tch tch tch, oh, you’re quite naive aren’t you. Weybonds usually travel in company, I haven’t seen many with less than 5 families, but here they are all on their own, and that’s a natural fire, not an Ardorstone in sight.” The figure shook their head as they started to pull their sword back. “And to your other point, if I wanted any of you dead, you’d be that way.

  As soon as Dhule heard the light click of the sword being put back in its sheath he turned around, getting a good look at the figure’s face, he had spiked blonde hair on a thin face with a chiseled jawline, he wore heavy armor and gauntlets made from large scales. “What do you want? If I have nothing to do with your plans then why are you following me?” He asked.

  “Hmmm.” The man stood in silence for a few seconds before rushing at Dhule with almost inhuman speed, stopping right before his face, “Because I find you interesting, that’s why I follow you. Something about you interests me, and you can’t do anything about it. I’ll be on my way now, let's keep this meeting between us alright, unless you don’t want anyone in this camp to wake up tomorrow morning.” The figure then disappeared as Dhule blinked.

  Dhule stood in place for minutes only moving once he stopped focusing on the conversation and started hearing the ambient noises of the forest that snapped him out of his trance. He spent the rest of his watch in complete silence, and went to sleep almost immediately after waking up Yerentai.

  - ?? -

  The next day was blissfully uneventful, the ribbon of dirt that was the road cut through miles of grass fields, the horizon changed from being jagged mountains and hills to an almost straight line of blue, a body of water larger than any Dhule had seen before. He and Yesugen had been talking since breakfast, he enjoyed these talks with her, they grounded him, made the endless roads feel just a little bit shorter. “Do you think the ocean is really endless like the legends say?” Dhule asked.

  “I dunno, Mom says it’s a path to a bunch of new land but according to one of Dad’s friends there’s a wall of ice surrounding the continent. I think the first option is more fun personally so that’s what I believe but who really knows.” Yesugen looked up at the sky as she spoke, likely imagining her idea of the world beyond Mabura.

  “That does sound fun doesn’t it?” Dhule also stared off into the sky, “Maybe it’s both.”

  “Huh?” Yesugen looked back down at Dhule and tilted her head.

  “Maybe both are true. Maybe more land exists but you have to pass through the ice wall. But you’re right, who knows.” Dhule looked back down, smiling as he finished his statement. “I suppose I don’t have a say about the sea and what’s going on with it. I’ve never seen it before after all.”

  “That’s okay, maybe we need some ideas from someone who doesn't understand to make some theories. Sometimes not, sometimes their ideas are stupid but there are a couple good ideas from people who know nothing.”

  By sunpeak the dirt road had transitioned to stone, wheel marks worn into the path from the many travelers before them. The scent of fish and salt clung to the air, the cries of gulls seemed as though they would burst Dhule’s eardrums if they were any closer. The skyline of the city had come into view, mostly smaller buildings, no larger than 2-3 stories, however one building stood out, a tower taller than any building he’d ever seen. “What’s that?” He asked Yesugen.

  “The lighthouse?” She questioned, following Dhule’s hand and where it was pointing. “It’s just to help with navigation during the night, especially for ships. I remember that there’s something special about it but I don’t remember right now. I’ll probably remember when we get there so ask me then.”

  “Alright, will do.”

  The road widened as the caravan approached the city borders, allowing for wagons to separate and many to enter at once. The guards here were much nicer than those outside Carsioli, chuckling at the small jokes Yerentai made, having a small conversation while looking over the passports, and waving as the caravan entered the city. The family walked through the city, to a small inn named “The Kelpie’s Stable” according to Yesugen they could get a discount because Sagra was friends with the owner’s father and seemingly that was true as the cost was about half of what it was at The Copper Hearth. After getting everything sorted and settled down the family met down in the common area where they ate a small dinner. After eating Yesugen approached Dhule, “Hey Dhule, I think I remember the thing about the light house.”

  “Oh, cool, so what’s special about it?”

  “I think it’ll be better to tell you there.”

  “You want to go to the lighthouse?” Dhule questioned not realizing he had walked right into Yesugen’s plan.

  She wrapped herself around Dhule’s arm, causing his face to turn beet red, “Well if you insist. Let’s get going now!” Before she finished her sentence she started to walk out the door, pulling Dhule behind her. As the two left the inn Dhule could hear people inside chuckling about the scene that had taken place.

  As the two neared the lighthouse everything became more quiet. Not because the surroundings became more quiet, in fact the sounds of the surroundings became louder as they approached the docks, however Dhule had tuned out everything that wasn’t Yesugen. She opened a door at the base of the lighthouse revealing a steep staircase that stretched up. Once they reached the top the two were winded, but the view they were greeted with one of the most marvelous views Dhule had ever seen in his life, the moon reflected in the crashing waves, the stars dotted the sky and the coast of an island quite a distance away decorated the horizon. “So what’s special about this place?” Dhule leaned back against the wall, utterly out of breath.

  Yesugen held her hand up as she doubled over to catch her breath, “Just… a… second…” She took a few minutes to regain her stamina. “Right, okay, haaah. So this lighthouse is actually the place dad proposed to mom.” Yesugen stood up straight and walked over to the railing, leaning up against it and looking over the water.

  Dhule followed her over, “Is that all?” He stood silent for a couple seconds realizing what he said, “U-uh, n-not that that’s not important but j-just, um, it seems like there’s more to it than just something special to one family.”

  Yesugen giggled, “I guess it does. Everyone else sees it as a helpful landmark and keeps ships from crashing into the shore. But anything special about it is up to your own imagination, your own beliefs, it’s up to you as to why it’s special.”

  “That’s anti-climactic. You’re telling me there’s no rumors or anything else about this?”

  “Yeah, that’s just how some things are. Something can only be important and special if people see it as important or special. So is there anything we can do to make this special to you Dhule?” She tilted her head as she asked her question.

  “I don’t know.” Dhule kept looking forward, unaware of the fact that Yesugen had been staring at him since he moved up. “What could make it special to you?” His gaze still stuck on the horizon.

  “This isn’t about me, Dhule. This is supposed to be special to you. If it’s special to me that doesn’t mean it will be to you, YOU have to decide what makes this view special, this location, this night, it’s all up to you to make it special.”

  “Then- I guess- It’s special because I’m here with you.”

  Yesugen blinked repeatedly as her cheeks turned red and hot, “Gods, you’re terrible at these types of things.” She looked away hiding her face from Dhule.

  He turned his head to look at her, “W-what do you mean? I didn’t sa-”

  “I mean you’re awkward Dhule.” She cut him off, “But I like that part of you, it’s endearing.” The two stood in silence for a while, somewhere in the middle of their silence Yesugen moved her hand atop Dhule’s. At first he froze, not knowing what to do, but eventually, as Yesugen curled her fingers in between Dhule’s, he started to relax. The warmth of her hand was a nice reprieve to the ocean breeze berating him. “Is it special now?” Yesugen asked, breaking the silence.

  “Yeah, it is.” He smiled as he answered. The sound of the waves eventually became a lullaby as the fire pulsed from above them.