June 7th, 3030
The days that followed blurred together in a whirlwind of new experiences and hard-won knowledge. Itus threw himself into the training with a fervor that surprised even himself. Each day brought new challenges, new skills to master, and new respect for the harsh beauty of the desert.
Sahara, the older woman, proved to be a patient and knowledgeable teacher. She showed him how to find water in the seemingly barren landscape, guiding his hands as they dug into dry sand to reveal hidden moisture.
"The desert only seems lifeless to those who don't know how to look," she told him.
"There's water here, if you know where to find it."
Zephyr, the enthusiastic young man, taught Itus the art of celestial navigation. Under the vast canopy of stars, Itus learned to read the night sky like a map.
"The stars are constant," Zephyr explained, pointing out constellations. "When everything else shifts and changes, they remain to guide us home."
Mirage, the elderly man with the mischievous grin, instructed Itus in the construction of solar stills for water collection. His gnarled hands moved with surprising dexterity as he demonstrated the technique.
"The sun gives life, but it can also take it," Mirage warned. "Learn to use its power, and you'll never go thirsty."
Day by day, Itus absorbed the wisdom of the Dune Walkers. He learned how to dress to protect himself from the sun's harsh rays, how to move to conserve energy in the oppressive heat, and how to find shelter when the elements turned against him.
One night, as they sat around the campfire, Itus looked at the faces of his newfound friends. Gratitude welled up inside him, threatening to overflow.
"I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
Sahara smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting the flickering firelight. "It's our way, child," she replied. "The desert takes, but it also gives. We must help each other to survive."
A comfortable silence fell over the group, broken only by the crackling of the fire. Itus took a deep breath, steeling himself for the question that had been burning inside him for days.
"Can... I... Can I ask you about the Heralds?" he ventured hesitantly.
Mirage's eyes narrowed slightly. "What about them?" he asked slowly.
Itus felt his heart racing. The words tumbled out of him in a rush. "Do you know them? Do you know where they are? Do you—"
"Hey, hey. Slow down," Mirage interrupted, holding up a hand.
Itus felt his cheeks flush. "Right, sorry," he mumbled.
Mirage's expression softened. "But to answer your question, we know where they are."
Excitement surged through Itus. "You do?" he asked, barely able to contain himself.
Zephyr leaned forward, his expression serious. "Careful, though," he warned. "The Heralds are not to be trifled with."
Sahara sighed, her eyes distant. "But if you're determined. Their sanctuary lies three days' journey to the east. Look for the crystal spires that rise from the sands."
Itus felt as if his heart might burst from his chest. "Oh my god," he breathed. "Thank you. You are the first people I've spoken to that could actually give me a definite answer about where they are."
Sahara's smile was tinged with sadness. "No reason to thank us," she said. "You still have to get there on your own, and you might not like what you find."
Itus nodded, determination settling over him like a cloak. "Yeah, but I'm willing to take the risk."
As the conversation turned to lighter topics, Itus found his mind racing with possibilities. After all this time, all these setbacks, I might finally get some answers, he thought.Â
That night, as he lay in his tent, sleep eluded Itus. His thoughts swirled with anticipation and anxiety about what lay ahead. Am I ready for this? he wondered. What if I don't like what I find?
But as the first light of dawn began to creep across the sky, Itus knew in his heart that he had to see this through.
The next morning, Itus rose early, his pack now properly supplied thanks to the Dune Walkers' generosity. As he prepared to leave, the entire group gathered to see him off.
Sahara approached, holding out a map. "This will guide you," she said. "Remember what we taught you."
Itus took the map, clutching it like a lifeline. "I will," he promised solemnly. "I promise."
Zephyr stepped forward, clasping Itus's shoulder firmly. "May the winds be at your back, friend," he said.
Itus nodded, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He turned towards the desert, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. As he began to walk away, he couldn't resist turning back one last time to wave at the Dune Walkers.
With each step, Itus felt the weight of his quest settling more firmly on his shoulders. The Heralds await, he thought, his resolve strengthening with each passing moment. And so do my answers.
