The Desert World

Rating: Will change as the story goes on. There most definitely will be m/m and Mpreg, but that’s for later.

A/N: thanks for the reviews *cries* I’m so happy and thank for catching my mistake I’ll try to fix that as I go. I’m going to start working on some pics of my characters. When those are done I’m going to put them up. Ok I’ll have the third up as soon as I’m done with the fourth. I can usually type up a chapter in one day. But I’ll post them once a week, I’ll tell you ahead of time if I’m going to miss a post. This one is a little longer because… well I couldn’t find a place to leave off at. If it sounds like I’m rambling in the story tell me. Well on with the show… er… I mean story.

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He hung from the ceiling by his wrists; the smell of blood was everywhere. It surrounded him, smothering him with its smell. The sounds of a festival could be heard outside the bared window up near the ceiling. He gave a wicked grin as the jolly sounds clashed with his mood. How he wished to be down there in the crowd, but he got caught and now he was waiting for the verdict. A door opened and a dirty yellow light flickered on above him. A hand grabbed his chin and lifted it up so he was now looking into a pair of yellow eyes.

“Such nice looking eyes, I’ve never seen eyes that look like amethysts.” The yellow eyed person fingered the white streak of his hair. “What’s his name?”

“He won’t tell us.” A voice said from somewhere, he could care less.

“Really?” Yellow eyes let his head fall back to where it was. “List off.”

“Yes sir.” There was a rustle of papers as yellow eyes walked off to the side. “Attempted murder, owning a weapon, resisting, running, and he has the mark of a slave.”

“What kind?”

“Assassin.”

“Hmmm…… punishment?” More rustling of papers and he heard walking. “I see.” It grew quiet and he waited. The sound of boots and then they were behind him. The pain ripped through him and he felt his body swing. The sting from the blow was mind numbing. That’s when he felt the air ripple and static electricity.

‘Shit.’
**


Dryden jerked awake and looked around. He was lying in a tent, that’s when it came rushing back. His back felt like it was on fire. Sitting up he saw Luka’s form five feet away, his back was to him. Slowly getting up he walked to the flap of the tent only to stop. A sent he never wanted to smell was close. ‘Shit.’ He slipped out of the tent and crept up to another tent. He could hear voices, and there was one he never want to hear again.

“Are you sure you’ve never seen this boy?” the voice asked

“Yes.” That had to be Luka’s father.

“Just to make sure we’re going to look around.” Dryden heard the shuffle of feet and he moved away. The tent opened and a man walked out, yellow eyes looked around the tent. His bald head was smooth, Dryden smirked at least his parting gift was found. Even in the dark he could tell the man was tall. He shifted and his elbow rubbed against something. Reaching for it he picked it up and quietly walked along the shadows, following, the weapon glinted in the light of the torch.

He smirked wickedly, as his pupils became cat like and the eye color darkened. ‘Basturd will pay for what he did to me.’ He was getting ready to pounce when a hand clamped over his mouth and another on his hand with the weapon.

“Drop it.” The voice hissed in his ear. “Drop it or I’ll make you.”

‘No, the basturd is getting away.’ He winced as the grip on his arm tightened and Dryden let his hand go limp. As soon as the grip loosened he ripped him arm away and spun, bring his fist up. He was about to connect his fist to their face, only to stop. The girl from before was staring down at him.

“Ari did you find him?” Luka’s voice was soft as he walked up to her.

“Yeah.” She grabbed his raised arm and yanked him around so Luka can see him. “Let’s go before he sneaks off to kill the visitor.”

Luka looked down at him and for some reason he couldn’t look him in the eye. So Dryden let his head hang in defeat. “Yeah let’s go.”

Ari pushed Dryden forward. When the three of them got close to the edge of the camp Luka looked back, “Luka?” Ari looked back, noise could be heard.

“We’re going to have to run for about a mile.” He looked at Dryden, “Are you up to running?”

“One mile?” Dryden asked.

“Yeah.”

Dryden shrugged, “A walk in the park.” He was use to pushing his body to it limits and beyond.

Ari grunted and shoved him forward, “Start running.” He looked at Luka and then turned running as fast as he could.

Luka whistled. “Little guy can move.”

Ari looked behind her. “Let’s go. They’re getting closer.”

“Right.” They both ran after Dryden. Liam came around the corner and smiled.

“Good luck, Luka.” He turned and walked back to his tent, he had an unwanted guest to get rid of.


Dryden closed his eyes as he ran, when he opened them he could see someone standing on top of a sand dune. Man and he just wanted to keep running too. Keep running till he couldn’t run anymore. He skid to a stop in front of Aiden.

“Hello Dryden.” Not even seconds later Aiden was waving, “Luka! About time!”

Luka jogged up to Aiden, “Water?”

“On the horse, here comes Ari. Damn why did your dad say she had to come with?”

“Didn’t want to be here either,” Ari grumbled.

Luka rooted around the bags till he found the flask. Pulling it out he opened it and gulped the water down. He caught Dryden staring at him from the corner of his eye. ‘He looks like he hasn’t seen someone chug water before.’ When he finished he wiped his arm across his mouth and grinned. “Well let’s get going before they notice we’re gone.” Luka climbed up on to the horse and reached down, “Come on Dryden your with me.” Dryden looked at his hand and then grabbed it; Luka pulled him up behind himself. “Hold on.”

Dryden watched as Ari’s form shifted into a gray lioness. Aiden grabbed the hat on the sand and placed it in a bag. He swung himself up onto the horse and nodded to Luka. Dryden was too busy looking at Ari and almost fell off the back of the horse when it lurched forward. Grabbing the back of his shirt, he pulled himself closer to the red head. Wrapping his arms around Luka’s waist, he only tightened his grip as the horse moved faster. ‘I hate horses.’ He growled and Luka laughed. Growling louder, he yelled, “Not funny!”
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Dryden was looking up at the night sky. He counted the stars as he waited; Aiden was cooking dinner for them. They had been traveling for most of the day and had finally taken a break. Luka was watching as Dryden reached up his hand, palm up. Ari was cleaning her sword next to him, “He’ll have to wear a hooded cloak tomorrow.” Her comment made his sigh, that’s right the next town was coming up.

“I know.” Luka said. Watching as Dryden rolled over and showed his back. The boy was using his shirt as a pillow so Luka could get a clear view of his back. It’s only been three day’s since they left and the wound was already healed, a nasty scar covered his back. From right shoulder to left hip and left shoulder to right hip making an X, Luka clenched his hands into a fist. He’ll make whoever did that pay.

Ari nudged his shoulder, he looked at her. “I’ve never seen you clench your hands like that, well since that day.”

“It’s nothing, I was just thinking about something.” What the hell was wrong with him, thinking like that? Not realizing that Ari had moved from his side, his mind was too busy trying to figure out their next move. Well he was trying but his mind kept going back to when he found Dryden chained to the pole. Why was he out there and why didn’t they do that in the city lock up? Luka jolted when Aiden snapped his fingers in his face. Looking at him, he saw the bowl of food. Everyone was looking at him, “Sorry.”

“I’ve been trying to get your attention for five minutes now.”

“Sorry.” He repeated, “Just thinking about tomorrow.”

Aiden sighed he knew he was lying, “You feeling well, you’ve been acting weird lately?”

“I’m fine.” He took the bowl and stood up, “I just need to be alone. Need to think.”

“Don’t fry your brain, Luka!” Ari called to him.

“Ha ha.” He waved her off.

Dryden watched as he walked off; once he was one of hearing distance, he said, “It’s the scar isn’t it?” Aiden and Ari looked away, “Even you two. Forget about it the past is the past. It can’t be undone once it’s happened.” Dryden placed the empty bowl down and stood up.

“Where are you going?” Aiden asked.

“To sleep, I prefer the dark.” Dryden walked off only to stop and glance at Luka. He sighed and walked over, plopping onto the sand next to Luka. The teen jumped at the movement and looked at Dryden. Only Dryden was looking at the moon, Luka looked back at his bowl of food. “Sometimes I wish I could go back in time and change the past. Stop all the bad stuff from happening and everything.” Luka was watching him now, “But then I think about it, I’m the way I am because of those things. I wouldn’t be sitting here, free. So I got a couple of scars, at least I’m free.” He grew quiet and Luka turned to look at the moon.

‘So he knew what I was thinking about.’ They sat there in the quiet, watching as clouds moved across the moon blocking it.

“Thanks.” Luka looked at him, “I haven’t thanked ya for what cha’ ya did.” Dryden was looking at him now. The clouds moved and the moon was brighter, Luka forgot how to breathe. Dryden was smiling, “So thanks.”

Luka coughed and mumbled, “Welcome.”

Dryden looked down at the half full bowl of food, “um… yer going to eat that?” Luka blinked and looked down.

He heard Dryden’s stomach growl, laughing he gave him the bowl. “Here you can have it.” He watched as the younger teen gulped down the food. Looking back at the moon he smiled, He didn’t know but maybe he’ll find something good on this little trip.

Aiden and Ari watched the two teens, Aiden spoke up first, “Ten says their together by the end of this treasure hunt we’re on.”

“Twenty says that Luka buckles and kisses him before the winter begins.”

They both looked at each other and grinned, “Your on!” they both said together.

“By the way, winter starts in three months.” Aiden said.

“Plenty of time,” Ari grinned.
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Dryden grumbled from the added heat. Stupid cloak, stupid hunters, stupid everything. Luka looked up at him, “No talking. Remember we’re trying to pass you off as a girl.”

“My nose itches like hell. How the hell did ya get hair dye?” He wanted to scratch his nose but he had to keep the paint from coming off. Stupid, stupid, stupid, STUPID!!!

Aiden sighed, “I snatched it from one of the guys back at camp. Besides you look better with white hair.”

Dryden grew quiet, ‘White is supposed to be my hair color.’ Luka caught the sad look in his eyes.

“I think blue looks better; it makes his eyes stand out.”

Aiden gave him a look, “You just say that ‘cause you’re the son of a thief. His eyes look like those stones you tried to take last time.” That’s right Luka was a thief and he was second to his father.

Dryden sighed, His mother warned him not trust a book by its cover. ‘Mum was right.’ He looked up at the sky the hot sun was beating down on him. He missed the forest, and the winters. On this whole plant there were only three places it snowed. The Last Forest, North Top, and South Top, but not here. He wanted to go home where it snowed. He could hear her words, and he smiled. The horse gave a little jump and Dryden grabbed the saddle. He missed his Demi.

“Dryden ease up, the horse can sense your fear.”

He growled at Luka, “I’m not scared, I hate riding horses and horses hate me.” Luka smiled up at him.

“Don’t worry I won’t let her toss you.” Luka pulled the horse forward, as they got closer to the gate Dryden was sure he was sweating.

The guards were the worse. “Halt!” great he had to stop them.

Aiden looked at the guard; Ari stopped the horse she was on which happened to be Aiden’s. Luka looked down (yes he is taller than the guard) at the man. “What’s wrong sir?” he pointed at Dryden.

“The hood, take it off.”

Dryden grew agitated, “Can you take your hood off, Drae.” Dryden reached up and took it off the man blinked and then looked down at a paper in his hand.

“You can go.” The guard said.

Pulling the hood up, he harrumphed and leaned towards Luka. “She said thank you.” Luka felt a kick to his back and he glared at Dryden. Dryden gave a smug look. They walked into the town and Dryden sighed as he was able to discard the cloak. “That kick was uncalled for,” Luka whined.

“Yer damn fault, and never call me Drea ever again.”

Ari gave a soft laugh as Aiden shook his head. “Aw come on it’s a nice name.”

Dryden dropped down and jabbed his finger at his chest, “My brother is only inches shorter than you and I can toss him like a leave. Don’t piss me off!” Luka laughed and grabbed his hand. Dryden jerked his hand back.

“Fine I won’t call you that.” Dryden stormed off. Luka followed after with his horse. He turned and looked back, “We’re going to find an inn you guys get food and info.” They both watched as they walked off.

“Do you think it might happen?” Aiden asked.

Ari sighed and hopped off, “To early, Luka is slowly realizing it. Dryden on the other hand just doesn’t know.” She gave a grin, one that made Aiden step back. “Yet. Well I’ll get the food, you do the talking.” She walked off and Aiden twitched.

“Never want to see that look again.” Aiden pulled on the reins and walked off.
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Luka placed some money in the inn keeper’s hand and looked a Dryden, “You head up I’ll put the horse in the stable.” Dryden grunted and walked off with the keys. Luka walked out and grabbed a hold of his horse. He ran a hand over her white half of her coat; it looked like someone dipped her front half in white paint and the back half in black. He had raised her himself. He led her to a stable behind the inn. Luka opened up a box and placed the saddle in it along with another bag. Closing the box and locking it, he turned and grabbed a brush. “Hey Braith, sorry for pushing you these last few days.”

Luka sat there brushing his horse as she turned to nip at his pants pocket. He chuckled and reached into his pocket. “Be careful now. Don’t need you getting sick on me.” He let her take a sugar cube from his hand. “You think you’ll be ok out here for the night?” Braith moved her head up and down, and then turned it to bump his arm. Laughing, he hugged her nose “Ok I get it.” He placed the brush down and ran a hand over her nose. “You’re so lucky,” he couldn’t understand. “Why am I so confused, I’ve never been this confused about anything.” He hugged her around the neck, “Goodnight Braith.”

Luka closed the stable door and walked out of the stables, a cough had him whipping around. Ari was grinning and she walked up to him. “You like him.” Luka stepped back and looked at her.

“What are you talking about?”

“Oh come on, you pick on him all the time.”

“Dryden?”

“Of course. You like him and don’t you lie to me.” He stepped back as she stepped forward. Soon his back was up against the wall, “I mean it.”

Sighing he slid to the ground, “Quit it your making my head hurt.”

“So you think you like him.”

“I don’t know.”

Ari crouched in front of him. “Remember when you told me that you felt this strong feeling when Liam told you about your mom’s last heirloom?”

“Yeah.” He was watching as some bug crawled across the ground.

“Follow that strong feeling.” Ari watched as his face split into a grin, “See you get it now. Whatever happens I’ll be there to help and I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but Aiden will be there. Both of us will cover your back.”

“I know.” She stood up and was about to help him up, when Dryden rounded the corner. A piece of bread was hanging from his mouth. “Dryden we’re right here.”

Dryden turned and saw them, pulling the bread out of his mouth, he said “Aiden is annoying and he won’t let me eat. The only thing I could get passed him is a piece of bread.”

“That’s because he had to learn how to catch Luka, when he worked in the kitchens.” Ari laughed.

“It was easier where I was at last time,” he glared at Luka, “hurry ya making me hungrier.”

Luka dropped his gaze back to the bug he was looking at while talking to Ari. He heard Dryden growl and Ari laugh. “Are you really that hungry?” he asked.

“Yes! I can feel my stomach caving in.”

Luka pushed himself up and dusted himself off. “Can’t have that happen now, can we?” Dryden felt his hand on his head and he jerked back. ‘At least I was able to put my hand on him.’ Dryden turned and walked off; Ari sighed and patted Luka on his shoulder.

“Come on I’m hungry too.” Luka nodded and followed. His mind pondering on why Dryden would always do that.
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That night.
**
The light flickered on with a loud buzzing hum. Wincing from the blinding light he curled up in the corner of the wall. Maybe if they didn’t see him they’d go away. He could hear people talking as the door swung open, but they saw him in the corner. The man was huge, packed with muscle, walking over he grabbed him by the back of his neck.

“When the lights go on you stand here.” Then he dropped him on the ground in the center of the room. He laid there on the ground, “Come on get up!”

“So he’s the one.” The face was blacked out.

“Yep.” The man looked down with a swift kick he yelled, “Get yer ass up!” he slowly pushed himself up, and stood on his feet. “What’s the target?”

The person fished out a folder from a bag, “It’s going to be a hard one. Is he up to it?”

“Yes he is.” Handing the file to the boy he turned and left. The man walked out and slammed the door, the light went out. Everything was dark, but his eyes let him see in the dark. The door open and he spun only to be stopped and slammed against the wall. The file fell to the ground as his body was pushed against the wall. No he didn’t fight, because as soon as he was free they would all suffer. “You ever embarrass me like that I’ll kill you.” He felt a hand on his wrist, “but for that I’ll break your wrist.” The grip tightened. “Let’s see how well you do.”

A cracking sound echoed in the room.
**

Dryden jerked awake screaming; he fell onto the floor and clutched his wrist to himself. Luka jumped into a crouched position with his daggers out, Aiden fell out of his bed and landed with a thud, and Ari walked over and turned the light on. Luka blinked and found Dryden on the floor shaking; he could hear him mumbling to himself. “Is he all right?” at the sound of Aiden’s voice Dryden pulled his body into a tighter ball. Luka started to move but Ari held her hand out in front of him.

“Dryden.” He didn’t move. Ari knelt down next to him and sighed, “Dryden.” His whole body was shaking. Ari reached forward and placed both of her hands on both sides of Dryden’s face.

Dryden’s brain slowly but finally noticed the hands on his face. Reaching up he grabbed one of her hands, “I didn’t do anything wrong?”

“No.” he finally recognized the voice and he buckled. A loud sob was heard and Ari sighed. “You're ok. We won’t let them get you.” Luka stood up and walked out of the room. Aiden watched as he walked out. “Aiden go see if he’s ok.”

“Yeah.” He walked out after him.

‘Luka don’t do anything stupid.’ She thought as she held the crying teen.


Luka slammed his fist into a wooden pole. Braith looked at him and whinnied, pulling his hand away he let it fall to his side. “Luka.” His hand twitched, “Luka you’re not the only one who was caught off guard. Dryden was a slave you need to understand that.” His shoulders sagged, “I’ve never seen you this worked up since then.” Aiden turned and sighed, “I’m going back to the room.” He left him standing there.

Luka looked up and sighed, “What is wrong with me?” He was never confused, about anything. Bring his hand up to him mouth he started to pull the wood chips out. The blood was slowly dripping down his arm. Once it was all out he looked around, ‘Water, need a bucket of water.’ He found one next to Braith’s stable door and walked over to it. Kneeling he submerged his arm up to his elbow in the water. When he pulled his arm out the skin was dull silver. It felt like his normal skin but the look wasn’t, and soon as air hit the silver part, it disappeared leaving dry skin. “That should take care of the wound.” Sure enough, when he looked at his knuckles and fingers, they were all healed.

Flexing his hand he sighed. Braith grabbed his hair with her teeth and tugged. “Ow!!! Ok, ok. I get it.” Standing up he grabbed the bucket and walked outside stable. Walking around the corner he found a water spigot and a drain. Dumping the water, he reached for the spigot, only to have something sharp poke him in the back.

“Get up.”

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” Luka growled.


Ari was leaning against the windowsill, while looking out the window she calmly stated, “Luka’s getting mugged.”

Aiden walked in with a cup in hand when he heard what she said. He handed the cup to Dryden as he walked by. The teen took a sip and spited it out. “What the hell is in this?”

“Drink it; it’s got nerve calming herbs in it. It’ll calm your nerves.” Aiden said as he leaned against the window frame to look out the window. “Wannabe?”

“Yep.” The lioness pushed the window open. “Luka take it easy on the wannabe.”

She heard a ‘Like hell!’ Sighing she watched the fight.


Luka stood looking down at the person on the ground. Cracking his knuckles he walked off a bucket full of water in hand. He sat it next to Braith’s stable door and walked out. Luka walked into the inn and up a flight of stairs. Pushing the door open he walked into the room and drop onto a bed.

Dryden finished the drink in his hands and yawned. He was way too relaxed, “Aiden I’m finished.”

Aiden look from Luka’s nonmoving form to the sleepy looking Dryden, ‘good he should sleep the next few hours.’ He walked over and took the cup from him, “Go lay down. It should help you sleep.”

“Kay.” Dryden stood up and walked over to one of the other beds. Climbing up onto the bed he grabbed one of the pillows and curled around it. Before he slipped to sleep he saw Luka’s back turned to him, he smiled and mumbled, “Night.”

Luka sat up and looked over at Dryden, shaking his head he smiled. “Ari I think you might be right.”

Aiden looked at Ari, but she was looking out at the horizon. The sun was rising in the distances, a new day, a new hell. “When are we leaving?” She asked.

“When Dryden wakes.” Luka laid back and stared at the ceiling, a small smile on his lips. ‘I wonder if he’ll stay after I find it.’ Then a thought crossed his mind, sitting up the other two looked at him.

“What is it?” Aiden asked he didn’t like that look on Luka’s face.

“Don’t you think it was way too easy getting in this town?” Luka stood up at the same time that someone banged against the door. “Chang of plans we’re leaving now.”

“Open up this door, we know you’re in there.”

“I’ll hold them off you get Dryden and your horse ready.” Ari said. Aiden was already outside the window with their bags, when Luka picked up Dryden in his arms. The door crashed open and Ari rushed forward, “Get going Luka!”

He jumped out the window and landed with his feet on the ground. Aiden was still climbing down the side as Luka ran into the stables. Lying Dryden down, he rushed over to a box and broke the lock. He pulled the saddle out and placed it on Braith along with the bags. Picking the teen up, he placed him on her back, “Steady Braith.” Aiden ran up to the open door and looked in.

“My horse is in the front near the gate.”

Luka nodded. “I’ll meet you by the gate then.” Climbing on he held Dryden in place, “Well go on and get your horse.”

Aiden was gone and Luka maneuvered Braith out of the stable, just as a gray lioness ran by. He followed her. He looked back to see men on the back of horses chasing him. He felt Dryden stir and he tightened his hold. Dryden stiffened and turned to see Luka, golden eyes met amethyst eyes and Luka smiled. Both looked forward and saw the gate, Aiden came out on the back of his horse and rode side by side with Luka. “Sorry I’m late.”

“Late!? You’re quite early Aiden.” Looking forward he saw the gate start to close, “Ari the gate!”

Ari tackled the guards trying to close the gate and watched as Luka and Aiden rushed out. She placed herself between the gate and the oncoming horses.

Luka heard a roar and Dryden turned to look around Luka, “Is Ari alright?”

“Yeah, she’ll catch up.”


Dryden watched as sand dunes rushed by, till a sent hit his nose. “I smell water!”

“Which way?”

Pointing he said, “That way.” Luka turned and Aiden followed him. After riding for a few minutes they saw an oasis with, trees and plants. “Thanks Dryden. Ari should be able to find us. Aiden we’re stopping up ahead!”

“Okay!”

Pulling Braith to a stop he jumped off and Dryden followed. The boy fell onto the ground and looked up at the morning sky, “Holy shit, my heart won’t stop racing.”

Just then Aiden called out, “Ari!” Sure enough Ari came running up to them and stopped. Changing back she sat down and looked at Luka.

“We should hurry.” Luka said as Ari stood up after resting for a few minutes. “Dryden you awake over there?”

Dryden lifted his arm up. “After that I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep.”

“Dryden catch,” Aiden tossed a new water canteen to him and he caught it. “Fill it up. It’s yours.”

“Really?” he asked.

“Yeah you’re part of this group.” Aiden said, “You’re going to need it.” Dryden scrambled over to the water’s edge, opening the canteen he filled it up. A smile was on his face as he looked down at it. Luka was glad the teen was smiling now.

Without a warning Dryden pulled his shirt off and jumped in. Everyone gapped as he resurfaced and started laughing. Yep he was happy, as he dove into the water again. This time he didn’t come up. Luka quickly walked to the edge and looked at the water. “Dryden!” Just then Dryden came back up gasping for air, Luka fell back startled. Dryden placed something on the edge and dove back under. “What the hell are you doing?” Walking over he picked it up. Aiden came over and looked at it, “It’s just like the stone in my necklace.”

“But the one in the necklace is green. This one is blue.” Aiden said. “It’s just like the riddle.”

“What is?” They both looked down to see Dryden looking up at them. “It reminded me of Aiden’s eyes.” He placed three more stones down, one was red, “Ari,” another stone was golden, “Luka,” and the last one was just the same as Dryden’s eyes, “Mine and my mother’s eyes.”

Luka nodded and looked at Aiden, “The next clue might be down there.”

“What does it look like?” Dryden asked.

“It’s has to be in a box,” Luka said, “but…”

Dryden was already under the water, “He acts fast doesn’t he?” Aiden asked.

Ari was crouched at the edge of the pool of water, “How long do you think he can stay under for.”

“I don’t know.” Luka said. He watched as a dark spot grew bigger. Dryden surfaced and growled.

“There’s a hole but I don’t have an air devise.”

Luka sighed, “I’ll get it.”

Dryden held his hand out and Luka pulled him out. As soon as he was out, Dryden shook his head and Luka moved away and Aiden ducked. “All of the dye is out right?”

“Yeah.” Ari said as she handed him a towel, “Go lay in the sun to dry off.” He walked over to a spot and lay down the towel, and then he flopped down on the towel. Aiden chuckled and she looked at him, “What’s so funny?”

“He looks like he’s sun bathing.” Luka stood on the edge of the pool of water. “I’ll keep an eye out for anything.”

Luka nodded and he took his shirts off, “I’ll be right back.” Then he dove under the water. Aiden looked at Dryden and then Ari.

Ari sighed, “I get it.”

Aiden sat on the edge waiting for Luka to come back up. ‘Come on bubby you can find it.’ Well he hoped he could find it, all they needed were three clues, just like the paper said. They only had found one the necklace that Luka had and hopefully this was the second one. Then he thought about it, ‘Maybe helping Dryden was a good thing,’ they’d never have found this place that’s for sure. ‘And we were going to go to Woodline.’

Dryden rolled over as he listened to Ari hum. “What are you singing?”

She looked at him, “it’s a lullaby that my mother sang to me and my little brother.”

“Oh. Where are they?”

“Back home, Mother helps in the kitchen where Luka lives at and my brother is learning to be a thief. He wants to be like Luka.” She smiled and looked at him, “What about you?”

“I don’t know if I have a younger brother or sister, I was sold before they were born.” He rolled his shoulders and stretched, “My mother could have kicked the bucket and I wouldn’t even know.”

Just then Aiden yelled and Ari looked over to see him holding a box over his head. She shouted with joy and rushed over. Dryden rolled over and sat up picking the towel, he shook it and draped it around his neck. He could see Luka with his shirts on and a towel covering his head. He was looking at the box. Walking over his eyes landed on a symbol that was carved into the box. “I can’t get the damn thing opened.” Luka growled and shook the box. The box was made of metal and there were no locks on it.

Dryden looked at the box over Luka’s shoulder; the mark was of a dragon wrapped around a sword. “You need a Dragconian Warrior’s blood.”

Luka turned and jumped back when he found Dryden right next to him. Giving himself a mental shake he said, “A what?”

Dryden lifted his hand to his mouth; opening his mouth Luka caught sight of very sharp canines. The teen bit down on his thumb till he could taste blood and then he quickly swiped the bleeding thumb over the symbol. The dragon unwrapped itself and moved itself around the box till it came back to the sword and then Dryden grabbed one of Luka’s dagger and sliced him palm open. “Dryden!” said boy slammed his hand down on the box right over the sword. There was an audible click and the box opened.
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I’m going to put my email up so if you have any questions about the story feel free to ask. Just put the subject as Questions Desert World. I’ll answer them as quick as I can.
Shade