Arrival

The ship with advanced technology flew toward a certain destination in the sky. A symbol of noble Ravenwood was carved into the ship with their theme of blue and red. That is a strange combination but an eye-pleaser.

Inside the ship, there were four people aboard. Duke Fotios, his wife, seer Jess and Aaron.

The other one is interesting, Doctor Lui. He is the sole person who heals and checks their health.

Ravenwood House trusts the doctor with their life, not because of mere emotion. All doctors who graduated from the School of Imperial have to swallow an oath.

They also served Houses. Jess and Lui were similar. They both come from noble schools, and they both served at House Ravenwood.

But the authority of Jess is higher in the Ravenwood household since she gave birth to a successor. Even though her status is only just concubine.

Aaron who is studying the desert asked Doctor Lui.

" Doctor Lui, do you know the history of the desert? I can't find anything about that except their class system."

" Why? Do you need to know about that?" Doctor Lui asked. His voice carried wisdom, unlike other charisma which is truth.

Aaron nodded. " History repeats itself. That is why I need to know the history to create a new path for my people."

Duke smiled. That's the ideal Ravenwood. Care and honesty.

But Aarok doesn't know about the answer he gave. He only said what fits the narrative. He understands the weight of his words but doesn't have the heart to feel them.

" Not much is recorded in Emperor's library but there is a legend involving the desert. During our youth, my friends and I always talk about."

" So what it is?" Aaron asked.

" The legend of an ancient hero, the light bringer create the desert. The people from there worship the hero. I don't understand at first why they worship the hero who makes the harsh desert."

" So our curiosity raises and we begin to search for an answer."

" Do you find the answer?" Aaron asked. He was interested in the hero part. He never heard about this.

Doctor Lui nodded. A smile formed on his lips. " Legend says, thousands of years ago this continent had been invaded by Walker. Not to confuse Sandwalker they are not the same. Walkers were savage, the world was dark and cold."

" Soon the light fell in the darkness and the hero was born. He shapes this continent. And drive off that walker into the desert, they were eaten by the God of the desert. That's the story behind them. And Sandwalker believed that they must guard the desert against Walker if they ever come out."

Aaron rubbed his chin, and his eyes showed great interest.

" That is a nice Myth for them," Jess said.

Doctor Lui nodded. " I support it as their way to find peace in hell."

Duke Fotios interpreted the silence. "We must make the desert their heaven. So that our House can face our ancestors."

Aaron wondered about that. The Emperor's Order only tells them to rule. There are no words or mention of changing the desert. He knew that House Ravenwood is not a good guy.

As he gazed upon the ring he wore. He picked up Jess's unnatural movement. She seems tense as he can see her stiff shoulders.

"What's wrong? Mother."

Jess shook her head. " Nothing. It is just some bad memories popped up."

Aaron's interest died the moment she declined his offer. But the Duke, on the other hand, knows what vision Jess is seeing. The lovely caring Husband doesn't show any worried or expression except, a cold gaze.

Aaron was used to this. His family is cold, there is no warmth. Like other people talked about.

" Oh. I forgot about another interesting thing about the desert." Doctor Lui said.

" Another legend?" Aaron asked.

" No. It's flesh."

" There is a wave of phase coming out from the commoner mouth."

" Phase?"

Doctor Lui nodded. " Wait for a second!" He took out a small book from his coat. The book was covered in black leather. And you can see large golden-coloured words on it.

It said ( Mai).

Aaron thought, ' It must be his wife's book. '

A sweaty hand slowly flipped the pages and intensely gazed in search of the answer.

" Found it. The Phase was

May the light guide you to peace.

Follow the dark trace.

Soon we will meet the star, the dragon and the one.

It can be Death itself. Or something more.

What matter is the choice he makes."

"Sounds like they are waiting for some guidance," Duke said.

***

The desert doesn't choose a side.

The glazing sand part slashed Aaon's skin. There was no wind and yet, the sand flew. It burned.

He coughed blood. Instead of the usual red, the blood was black. Almost as if his body was made from the darkness.

He felt cold. The feeling change, it doesn't stay in place.

But he is a human so he walked.

Aaron walked. He endured hell. There's no tear in his eyes. Because nature doesn't allow us to fall.

A single drop of tear vaporized.

The way he walked is unnatural. He needed to walk in a way that the creature in the sand doesn't catch him.

Dance. That is what Sandwalker called. This dance allowed them to walk the desert. Or otherwise, God will eat you.

Aaron felt his heart ripped apart. He is scared.

***

" Aaron, Wake up."

Jess shook his body. He woke up.

" Oh. I fell asleep." Aaron murmured.

" Look like you don't get enough sleep," Jess said. She took out a water bottle and passes it to Aaron.

" Thank, Mother."

He opened the bottle.

His finger touched the ring. A ray of force beam shot out. You can't see it with normal eyes.

A beam touched the water. The ring doesn't show any change. ' It is safe. ' Aaron thought.

He took a slip.

" Are we here?" Aaron asked.

Jess nodded. " Your father and Doctor Lui are preparing for the arrival ceremony with Desert's mayor."

Doctor Lui walked inside the room.

" Great. You are awake. Now, come."

They both walked toward the entrance.

Duke is waiting. He saw them arrive and nodded. He approached Aaron and patted his clothes. Making sure there are no eyesores.

Of course, he doesn't find anything.

The wall opened up.

Revealing them, a massive crowd.

They all cheer. Chanting a word repeat.

" Roshan Whitlock!

Roshan Whitlock!

Roshan Whitlock!"

Duke doesn't care about that he instead walked toward a man. Aaron followed. Jess and Doctor Lui were guided by female slaves.

The man with bright clothes nodded at Duke. He smiled.

" Welcome, Duke."

" Yeah, what are they saying?"

" Nothing sir. They are saying about the name of who will save them. Don't mind them. Just fools words."

" I am surprised that you managed to gather that many people." Duke was saying about the crowd.

Duke gave a noble wave at the crowd.

" I am a mayor, Duke. At least I have to show this kind of show to House Ravenwood, ruler of the desert." The mayor makes a disgusting smile on his ugly face.

Aaron looked at the people standing outside the cover. He felt the heat just by looking at them. ' Fools. '