Chapter 9: The Sands of the Desert

Solren was excited about the day. It had been two years since he was introduced to gathering and survival skills by Horen, his mentor in the Darai tribe. Seven years old, though small by the standards of his past life, in this world it was time to begin his true training to survive in the vast wilderness of Dorne.

That day, it was time to learn how to hunt in the desert. His instructor would be Kael, the best hunter in the tribe. Kael was a tall man, with sun-darkened skin and the piercing gaze of an eagle. Despite his tough appearance, Kael was known for his kindness and patience. Solren had heard the stories of how Kael had brought down a lone sand snake, one of the most dangerous predators in the desert.

Kael had a special way of recounting his exploits, a mixture of humor and respect for the creatures of the desert, reflecting his understanding and appreciation of the inhospitable nature that life gave them. For Solren, listening to Kael was like a gift, a window into the wealth of experiences before him.

"Learning to hunt is more than learning to kill, Solren," Kael began as they walked together across the golden dunes. "It's about learning to respect the desert and all the creatures that live in it. Every life is precious, and we should only take what we need to survive."

Solren was struck by Kael's wisdom, and she listened intently, carving each word into his heart. Although he had the memories and mind of a grown man, Solren knew that in this world, he was still a child, and he had much to learn.

The sun was high in the sky, and the desert heat was sweltering. But Solren didn't care. He learned to love the desert and to adapt to its brutal climate. After all, it was his home now.

Kael stopped his steps and pointed to a series of markings in the sand. "Look at this, Solren. These are the tracks of a desert basilisk. See how the tracks are deep and wide? This indicates that it is a large creature, possibly close to 20 meters in length."

Solren leaned down to examine the tracks more closely. He could see the truth in Kael's words. The thought of facing such a large creature was terrifying, but also exciting. This was his path, his life in this new world.

With renewed determination, Solren looked up at Kael. "I'm ready, Kael. I'm going to learn all I can and be the best hunter the Darai tribe has ever seen."

Kael's laughter echoed in the still desert air. "That's what I like about you, Solren. You're always up for a challenge. All right, then. Let's get started."

And so began Solren's training, under the blazing sun and the vast sands of the Dornish desert.

...….

The training continued for several days. Each day, Kael showed the children a new survival technique. Solren watched and learned quickly. It wasn't every day they encountered dangerous creatures, but there were always potential dangers lurking in the desert. Kael taught them how to spot desert sand snakes and scorpions, how to avoid shifting dunes, and how to find water in cacti.

The most exciting lesson for Solren came the day Kael taught them how to hunt desert lizards. Although they were not as large as desert basilisks, they were still slippery and fast creatures. Desert lizards were elusive, disappearing under the sand at the slightest sign of danger. However, Solren, with her knowledge gained from her past life and learning from him in the tribe, was able to track and catch one with astonishing accuracy. It was a small achievement, but one that filled Solren with pride and confidence.

As Solren adjusted to life in the desert, the Darai tribe began to change in small ways. Under Solren's guidance, the water collection system improved, providing fresh, clean water to all members of the tribe. With each small advance, the tribe grew a little stronger.

One day, Kael took them all to a particularly dangerous place in the desert. It was called the Dune Sea, a vast sea of sand that stretched as far as the eye could see. The dunes were treacherous, with quicksand and undercurrents. However, it was also home to many desert creatures, some of which were vital to the tribe's survival.

Solren's eyes sparkled with excitement as he gazed out over the dunes. It was dangerous, but it was also an opportunity to learn more about the desert and its creatures. Solren knew that he had to overcome the challenges of the Dune Sea, not only to survive, but to help his tribe thrive.

.....

"Listen everyone," Kael began, his voice cutting through the noisy desert wind, "this is the Dune Sea. Here, the desert is the most treacherous. But it is also here that you will find the creature most valuable to us: the Ooruk. "

"Ooruk?" Horen asked, his brows knitting together in confusion.

Kael nodded, "The Ooruk is a type of desert worm. It is a nocturnal creature, it hides during the day and comes out at night to feed. Its meat is rich in water and nutrients. It may look disgusting at first glance, but it is vital to our survival in the wilderness."

Solren's eyes lit up at Kael's description, "Could you show us how to catch one, Kael?"

Kael looked at Solren and nodded, "Sure, but you'll have to be very careful, Solren. Ooruks are skittish creatures, but they can be very dangerous if threatened."

The following days were filled with intense lessons and practical experiences. From learning how to find the little mounds the Ooruks left behind, to the best way to dig to avoid scaring the creature. The entire process was cautious and meticulous. Solren, Horen, and the other children immersed themselves in their lessons, each having the opportunity to capture their own Ooruk.

The capture of his first Ooruk was an important milestone for Solren. He was excited and proud, but he also developed a deep respect for the creatures of the desert and the hard lives each led.

....

Learning about the creatures of the desert did not stop with the Ooruk. The desert was full of life, yet hidden from view by those who did not know how to search. Kael taught the children how to recognize the different tracks and marks that the creatures left behind.

Solren found that despite its apparent aridity, the desert was full of life and wonder. Each day she brought a new discovery, each encounter with a creature a new respect and admiration for the resilience and adaptability of life in the desert.

In addition to the Ooruk, there were many other animals that the tribe depended on. Water beetles, which could burrow down to underground water and store it in their bodies. The sand chameleons, whose shifting skins were a source of natural dyes. Even the birds of the desert, with their feathers filled with special oils, were valuable to the tribe.

Each creature had a role in the survival of the Darai tribe in the desert, and Solren realized how intricate the web of life was.

One night while they were camping, Kael gathered the children around a campfire. "Tomorrow," he began, his voice softer, "we will begin learning about the most dangerous creatures in the desert. The Desert Basilisks."

.....

In the desert, the night does not promise rest. He moves in a blanket of polar cold, almost as relentless as the heat of the day. But despite that, the Darai tribe did not let that stop them. As they advanced, each member of the party carried torches that made shadows dance across the arena. The glow created an illusion of warmth in the frigid night.

Solren listened to Kael as the man spoke in soft, calm tones, describing the methods of tracking and hunting. Kael's words flowed naturally, like the water of the Roine River, through which the Darai traced their lineage.

"Desert Basilisks are not dumb beasts," Kael explained, "they are intelligent and extremely deadly creatures. We have to be cautious and methodical."

One of the torches lit the path, highlighting the basilisk's footprints in the sand. They were deep footprints, each the size of a small shield, and the distance between them revealed the massive size of the beast.

Kael's description of the creature was not far off the mark, the desert basilisk was a gigantic serpent with short, powerful legs. This allowed him to move through the desert with surprising speed and agility for his size.

They walked for hours, following the basilisk's tracks. Despite the danger the creature posed, there was a strange sense of excitement among the hunters. To them, this was a test of their skill and courage. For Solren, this was a valuable learning experience.

At one point, Kael stopped in his stride and knelt down to inspect the tracks more closely. "These tracks are fresh," he said quietly, "the beast can't be far away. Be ready."

Kael's words brought a chill down Solren's spine, but at the same time, he felt a burst of anticipation. Although he was young and not as experienced in hunting as the others, Solren knew that he had an important role to play in this mission. And he was determined to prove his worth.

....

Kael rose to his feet, his tall, imposing figure bathed in the glow of the torches. "Stay together and keep your eyes peeled," he ordered. His voice, though soft, carried an edge of firmness.

They all nodded, their eyes now sharp in the darkness, searching for any sign of the basilisk. Solren joined them, her small gray eyes scanning the sandy landscape. He knew his eyesight wasn't as good as adults', but he was still determined to be useful.

They advanced cautiously, torches burning and weapons at the ready. The silence was almost overwhelming, broken only by the crunch of sand underfoot and the occasional howl of the wind.

Suddenly, Horen, who was leading the march, stopped. "There it is," he whispered, pointing his spear into the distance.

At first Solren saw nothing but the vast expanse of sand. But then, his eyes caught a slight movement. A long, meandering shape that moved across the sand, creating a ripple on the surface. It was the basilisk.

The group fell silent, watching the creature move forward with no idea that it was being watched. It was huge, its serpentine body stretching for many meters.

Even from a distance, Solren could feel his overwhelming presence.

"It's one of the biggest I've ever seen," Kael murmured, his voice barely a whisper.

The sight of the creature reminded everyone of the danger they faced. But instead of feeling afraid, Solren felt excited. This was his world now. A world where life and death coexisted in a delicate balance. And he was determined to live in it his way.

...…

Kael waved his hand and they all braced themselves. Horen gripped the hilt of his spear, his eyes never leaving the serpentine shape moving in the distance. Solren felt the adrenaline rush through his veins, his heart pounding with anticipation. It was not fear that enveloped him, but some kind of electrifying emotion. This was life in the desert, hard but exciting.

"Horen, take Solren to a safe position," Kael ordered, his eyes still on the basilisk.

Horen nodded, and Solren followed without protest. Although he longed to be in the center of the action, he knew that his place was not there. At least not yet.

They settled on a nearby rock outcrop. From there, they had a clear view of the scene, but were also far enough away to avoid any damage. Horen handed Solren a pair of binoculars.

"Now watch," Horen said, his eyes as intense as the desert itself. "Hunting a basilisk is not just a physical fight, but a battle of wits and strategy."

From his vantage point, Solren could see how Kael and the others moved. They were like shadows, moving silently and precisely across the sandy ground. With each step, the tension intensified. The basilisk, still unaware of his impending ambush, continued its meandering.

That's when it happened. Kael threw the spear at him, a flash in the dark. The basilisk turned, but it was too late. The spear plunged into his side, and the desert erupted into chaos.

"This is what it means to live in the desert, Solren," Horen said, his voice a whisper in the night. "It's tough, dangerous and sometimes brutal. But it's also exciting and full of life. And one day, you too will be part of this dance."

Solren nodded, her eyes fixed on his on the battle unfolding before him. Yes, this was his world now. And he was ready to face it head on.

.....

In the silvery moonlight, Solren could make out the scene with stunning clarity. The serpentine basilisk spun around with astonishing speed, Kael's spear protruding from its side. His golden scales dazzled in the dim lighting, and his eyes, large and expressive, glowed with savage intelligence. Her mouth opened, revealing rows of sharp teeth, and she made a sound, a roar that echoed across the empty landscape.

The hunter figures moved quickly, taking advantage of the basilisk's confusion and pain. They were dancing silhouettes against the contrast of the night sky, their movements coordinated and precise. Spears flew, bows sang, and slings spun and released their deadly charge.

Horen was at Solren's side, his gaze fixed on the battle. "Watch, Solren," he instructed. "Notice how they move, how they work together. That's the key to taking on a Basilisk. You never attack alone. It's a team effort."

Solren nodded, his eyes never leaving the scene. He could see Horen's lesson unfold before him. The hunters moved as a single entity, each attack followed by a defensive move from another. It was a well choreographed dance, born of experience and necessity.

After what seemed like hours, the basilisk finally fell. Its huge, serpentine body crashed to the desert floor, kicking up a cloud of dust and sand. The hunters cautiously approached, making sure the beast was truly dead before celebrating their victory.

"Now the real work begins," Horen said, as the hunters began the meticulous process of skinning and dismembering the basilisk. "Hunting is only half the battle. Now we have to make sure nothing goes to waste."

.....

Despite the beast's size and weight, the hunters worked together to lift the basilisk into a giant net of ropes and wooden sticks. It was a laborious effort, but each of them knew that nothing of this creature could be wasted. In the desert, even the smallest waste could mean the difference between life and death.

"Every part of the basilisk can be used," Horen explained as he supervised the work. "The scales are tough and can be used to make armor. The meat, though tough, is edible and can keep the tribe fed for weeks. The teeth and bones can be used to make tools and weapons. Even the organs internal have medicinal uses."

...…

The procession back to the village was an equally arduous task. Dragging the beast across the sandy terrain was no easy task, but the tribe's spirits were running high after the successful hunt.

As they neared the village, the echoes of drums and celebratory chants filled the air. It was a dignified welcome for the hunters, and for the beast they had defeated. Amid the merriment, Horen clapped Solren on the shoulder.

"Remember this, Solren. This is the reward for hard work and bravery. The tribe will always celebrate the success of one as the success of all."

...….

In the days that followed, the village was a hive of activity. Craftsmen worked on the basilisk's scales and bones, transforming them into useful tools and armor. The cooks prepared the meat in several dishes, making sure that each piece was used.

Meanwhile, Solren was learning. He was not only watching the basilisk being processed, but he was seeing how the tribe worked together, how each member played an important role in the survival of all. This was the true strength of the Darai tribe, he thought. Not in the ability to kill basilisks, but in how they could turn victory into something that benefits everyone.

At the end of it all, Solren hadn't just learned about basilisk hunting. He had learned about the value of teamwork, the importance of each individual in the tribe, and the joy of sharing success with others.