2 Chapter 1

The night's cold, wind like breeze swam across, romancing every object around. The trees danced to the soft melody of the passing wind, humming the tune of the night. The sands were not left out as the pace of the wind increased ferociously- going up in raging spirals, threatening to displace anything they come in contact with.

Yes! Even a blind man would know a storm is already knocking at the door for lightening has made the sky look gracefully eerie and thunderclaps also fought to make their presence known. Flashes appeared concurrently in the sky, as if the gods were at war or maybe they're just testing out their supernatural powers. Who knows?

Even in the pitch dark clouds, a mystery no one could explain occurred. There was a full moon! Full moon? In a storm? That's something no common folk could decipher. On a regular night, in a storm, the clouds were always heavy with darkness, starless and moonless. The pale moon revealed a man, more like a boy, dashing like a pursued prey or maybe he's even the predator- around the jungle. His graceful and sleek strides makes it obvious he's already accustomed to the forest because he seemed to know his footings.

Panting heavily, in his late teens, having a little muscular body similar to that of a veteran warrior, sandy- brown hairs plastered across face in the now raging rain, a boy jumped a fallen tree trunk. Even though every cross and turning was known, the only source of illumination was the full pale yellow moon and the aid of the flashes in the sky, random illumination was provided.

The gods must definitely be at war right now because the once pale yellow moon has turned to a bright crimson like color. The blood color has also registered a creepy effect, making anyone who dared to be around have an ominous dread of evil.

In the clearing, deep inside the Laia Forest, just metres away from the running boy were two hooded figures. They seem more to be gliding than running. Their black cloak might as well be as scary as their identity. Their deep, sunken and bright green eyes shows a clear indication that they're inhuman. They have the similar facial structure of a human with the exception of the three horizontal gill- like structures they have on the both sides of their nose. One might say they are inhuman  since their faces are  white like snow.

They're in hot pursuit of the boy and they seem to be gaining ground.

Not one sign of exhaustion etched on their face, while the boy, with panic, fear, sweats, rain and scratches from some branches looks like someone whose legs are going to give way any time soon.

Lydan wondered why he was running. He wondered how he got to the Laia Forest in the first place. He had been sleeping when he heard commotion. His legs started working on their own accord and he sprinted into the darkness beyond. I've been running for hours nonstop, he thought. Adrenaline made weariness refuse to set in. He himself was happy at that, then his growling stomach reminded him of his hunger.

His race was put to an abrupt end when he came face to face with a chasm, so wide that he couldn't see the end and it stretched endlessly into the darkness.

I can't go round it. That is same as giving them a clean chance of catching me. Whatever have I done to be chased? No, those are questions for later. I should turn back a little, try gaining speed and I'll leap. Yes. That's what I'll do. I should make it to the other side.

With the cloaked figures closing in on him fast, Lydan took some steps backwards, tried to calm his breaths and then, he dashed like a possessed man.

I will make it

That was all he could think about but as a human, doubts always arise at every slight opportunity. He reached the edge of the canyon and hopped, he hopped with all his might since his whole life depends on it.

I'm almost at the other side. I'll surely reach the end . He seemed to be flying or rather gliding in air. The feeling of cold air against his face was heavenly. He was enjoying the moment. Unfortunately, he misjudged the size of the canyon for no matter how far he glided, his fall was still certain. Lydan flailed as he plummeted down the canyon, the darkness engulfing him as he descended. His screams were muffled by the raging storm. He tried desperately to grab something to break his fall but unfortunately for him, it seems his luck had run out.

His anticipation for death, or looking on the brighter side- maybe crushed bones, was cut short when he landed on his feet like a proud warrior. It was as if he just fell for few, harmless seconds but he was sure he fell for minutes. He noticed the sound of the raging storm ceased and there was in fact, no sign of a concluded storm. Not even a slight drizzle. Everywhere was silent.

Shockingly enough, the landscape changed. There was no sign of wild life or living thing at all. All around is just a vast barren land, so vast that all you see is a replica of barrenness. Brown, powder and dry sands filled the landscape. The scorching sun pouring out its frustration upon Lydan. So, here he is, in the Xansa Desert. Of all places to land, it is the Xansa Desert. Home to the desert trolls. Brutal creatures who kill anything on sight. Black tanned skin which has hardened with the intensity of the harsh desert sun. Scary to the core.

What great luck do I have; He blurted out sarcastically.

Lydan was surprised at how much courage he possessed. No hint of panic in his system. He looked equally calm like a teenager that's used to the landscape. Even though his mind was screaming and panting, his face looked composed and calm.

He quickly looked around and to his relief, the hooded creatures were nowhere to be found - or as he thought, until he found them at his front, a stone throw away from him, bearing down on him furiously. He bet he could see silver fangs and jagged teeth like sea rocks. Looking at them, still paralysed by their sight, Lydan braced himself for the impact that never came. Instead, another strange thing happened.

The dry sand seem to suck him in, accommodating his presence, feeding him the lullaby of his fears. And suddenly, without warning, the sands gave way for him. His fear knew no bounds as he began to sink. As if they magically parted way for him to slide through, half of his body, from his leg up went through first. For the second time in few minutes, Lydan finds himself flailing hopelessly, into blacker darkness. Filled with panic of the unknown and fearful anticipation of what's going to welcome him down there.