Rise and Fall by Joshua P. Simon Page B

landmarks he had previously scouted as the most probable areas of advance. His vision shifted to the rest of the landscape, making sure he didn’t overlook even the least ideal approaches. Satisfied, he removed the large camel skin he used to protect himself against the sun and stood, stretching his legs and shaking the stiffness from his limbs. He removed the top from his water skin and drank deeply.
    Weeks had passed since first arriving in the Burnt Sands desert, and still he was not completely acclimated to the high temperatures and scorching heat of the day. The climate was much different than what he was used to in the Blue Islands. At home, a tropical thickness to the air hampered one’s breathing, but at least the frequent rains relieved that discomfort. Here the dry warmth could deceive you, slowly sucking the moisture from your skin as it surfaced. Breathing was never a problem, but if not careful, the heat could weaken even the healthiest of men, causing fits of dizziness.
    He replaced the top after another long pull from his skin, ready to return to his miserable position. His ears pricked. Footsteps sounded from behind in the loose gravel and sand that lined the hill’s side. His hands dropped to the throwing axes at his waist, but then relaxed as he saw the source of the careless footfalls. A tall man made his way up the steep incline. The man reached out with spindly hands sticking out of tattered sleeves. He clutched at protruding rocks as he pulled himself upward. The man looked up with calm eyes and a friendly smile.
    “I didn’t expect to see you,” said Tobin, unaccustomed to the friendly expression.
    The shaman took a few more steps and stopped near Tobin. “Your brother gave me leave to move about and Walor pointed me in your direction,” said Nachun, breathing deep. He unslung a water skin of his own and took a drink.
    “I’m surprised Kaz allowed someone he’s unfamiliar with to roam about without restraint.”
    “I think he’s satisfied with my story. But in the end, it was your fellow warriors who fought near the oasis that tipped the scales in my favor.” He paused for a moment. “I came to thank you for stepping in that night and encouraging them to speak up. Kindness is something I have seen very little of as of late.”
    Tobin was taken aback by such candidness. “You’ve no need to thank me; without your aid I’d be dead.”
    “I helped you and in return you helped me. It is as it should be,” said the shaman with a soft smile.
    “Perhaps, but I should warn you about saying such things amongst the others. They are not as…” Tobin shuffled his stance while trying to find the right word, “ understanding .”
    “I gathered as much when talking to your brother. However, I thought you might be different than the others,” he added, more of a question than statement.
    Tobin shrugged. “You’re free to speak as you wish. In fact, I’m curious to hear this story you told Kaz.”
    “And your duty?” said Nachun, shading his eyes with a free hand and scanning the empty horizon.
    “Even if Nubinya were to send forces immediately, it would be another two days at the earliest before they would reach us.” Tobin gestured to a boulder a few paces down and to the right. With the time of day, it provided a ring of shade from the afternoon sun. “I can spare a few moments.”
    The two men settled down with their backs against the cool rock face. Nachun unwrapped a small bundle he had hidden beneath his clothing, revealing some fresh dates and dried fish.
    “I thought you might be hungry,” said the shaman, laying the food between them.
    Tobin snatched up a date, not realizing how hungry he had grown. He took a bite and wiped away the juices dribbling down his chin with the back of his hand, grunting in appreciation. “So, tell me how you came to the Burnt Sands? You’re not native to these lands.”
    “Is it that obvious?” Nachun asked, taking a more conscientious bite