They waited for their ride at the opening to the cliffs, outside of Babylon’s outer defences. It was a long wait but when they heard the helicopter approaching over the horizon they stood at the edge of the desert with trepidation. The General did not sound happy when Shaw finally reached him to explain their absence, but what he reported brought more terrifying questions.

Balthazar toiled in his workshop deep in the dungeons where he was guaranteed absolute privacy. Not even the High-King was privy to all the rooms down here. The elder might’ve won over the man’s trust, but he couldn’t afford to let his idealistic nature deter him from what needed to be done.

Asim lead Shade down an alley between two huts into a cave system built into the cliff. Shade had left Scarlett to play with the other children, telling her via sign to stay in earshot of the others while he followed the olive skinned guardian. He kept his wits about him as they walked deeper into the cave, though he didn’t believe the man harboured any hostility towards him.

Asim was kind enough to let the group stay for a couple of days, in exchange for aid around the settlement.

The funeral was a sombre affair, as they often were. Almost all of the great Houses attended, as did the council and the royal family. Say what you will about the man, Clive Ferndale was a beloved fixture in the politics of the Realm. His absence will be felt for many years to come.

None of them ever thought riding a Dust Worm was possible out here in the wasteland. In fact the idea was so insane that most of the scavengers believed they were in fact dead or dreaming. But as terrifying as it was, it was also the most thrilling experience in Shade’s life. Watching the sands whip by as the desert stretched out around them took his breath away.

A storm rolled in from the East, blanketing the sky with dark clouds which rumbled ominously. The Oracle stirred from her bed alone, draping the covers over her shoulders as she crossed to the window. She gazed up at the sky thoughtfully.

Well, wouldn’t be the first time we were up the creek without a paddle , Shade thought.

It became evident that they couldn’t reach the next checkpoint in time, so they were forced to camp out for the night. They found an isolated spot on the edge of the desert where the sands stretched out for miles. Perfect place to see in all directions, even if it was in the open. They set up makeshift tents around and under the jeep and truck, sheltering from the winds which kicked up sand and dust. Hanks volunteered to keep watch first.

Valerius sat in his office, sipping from the decanter next to him. Today had been a long day and exhausting on all fronts. He mulled over the report General Hanson had given him, rubbing his eyes considering all the implications that came with it. Foolish girl , he thought to himself. He still couldn’t believe Emelia would grow up to be so brash.

A few hours before Balthazar would find the tomb, Shade and Scarlett left the graveyard to return to the bike Shade borrowed. “Do you think the others will be mad?” Scarlett asked anxiously.

Emma prepared herself for the argument waiting for her when they returned to the Realm. What she got was her dad in her face immediately. “WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING, YOU STUPID GIRL!” he bellowed.

It was difficult to describe the anguish someone feels when they are forced to watch someone, they care about, die in front of them. But there’s a special kind of pain that comes from not being allowed to express it.

It was pitch black for a moment and some of them panicked they had phased into solid rock. But then Scarlett made her skin glow and the enchanters summoned a light from their wand tips. They examined the catacombs stretching out beneath the graveyard, old coffins rotting and bones spilling out onto the ground.

Silence fell over the chamber as the General stepped into the chamber. He cast an eye around the beautiful illusion, briefly distracted by the images on the walls and the flowers illuminating the room. But then he turned his attention to the young people gathered in the middle of the room, his gaze falling suspiciously upon them. He was surprised to see a sorceress here, as well as Shade and his ward. He turned to the high-Princess, who shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.

they descended into a dark chamber in single file, the stairs not allowing any more room. Shade led the way with Scarlett right behind him, using her magic to illuminate the path. Emma summoned a light with her wand and led the others down behind them, walking carefully, watching their step.

The sound of swords clashing vibrated the walls, the force behind the blades making their owners teeth rattle. the shrouded figure stepped out of the invisibility bubble and shoved Alex back. the sorceress stumbled back, surprised by the strength of her attacker, quickly catching her footing to lunge back and deflect the follow up bow from a fist with her arm.

The emotional outburst had left Emma drained. As a result she was sluggish in her walk as they trekked further across the wasteland. David stayed by her side, lost in thought but remaining as a comforting presence for her. Alex, meanwhile, had forged ahead. She kept in the direction David pointed her, but she needed the space to fume.

The spell brought them to a large open space, what remains of a garden. They materialised and startled the swarm nesting in the area. It took Alex a split second to see the threat before drawing her swords and whirling in a circle, decapitating them before they could make a sound. Emma and David immediately dove to the ground, looking around to find ghouls lurking in the bushes. They emerged with snarls and the pair dispatched them with some quick bolts from her wand or spell

After several trips, planned or otherwise, into the Unknown Region, Emma realised she didn’t need to pack as much as she first thought. She retrieved the gold armour Brunhilde had made for her, which she kept in her room. She equipped the dagger and her wand, gathered some supplies from the kitchens for food and drink, put away her diadem and pulled on her jacket. The last thing she equipped was the belt buckle with the gemstone. She didn’t want anyone to know she was leaving