Shield of Fire

The place felt like the rest of the desert—deadly silent. After spending a long time under the blazing sun, searching for the map, the announcement of Crini set them all in a momentary stasis mode until they realised what she had said.

Jato was the one who urged to help her to get out of the crack inside the rock. Grabbing her by the waist with caution, he placed her back on the ground outside the pool. All contestants circled her at once, even the group of four that was just supervising from a distance. Crini made a mental note to ask Ada later on about the names of the other three that were next to prince Tadal.

The eyes of Moiki and Zoiki were pinned on the small metal box held in Crini’s open palm. Their mouths dropped slightly open in awe, leaving a high-pitched whistle of surprise. “It’s a Laurentian map!” they exclaimed in unison.

The group fell silent once more. Crini took a quick look around and saw many pairs of eyes looking at this metallic box with acknowledgement and curiosity.

“Anyone to explain what this is and why you are so thrilled about it?” she finally said. Whatever this thing she was holding was, it must be something more valuable than a map they wanted.

“Of course,” Zoiki nodded. “I apologise,” he added clearing his throat. “A Laurentian map is a rare piece of a technological masterpiece that we are so honoured to have before us.”

“Get to the point cousin, don’t get distracted by the need to teach…” Moiki teased him making a gesture with his hand to proceed. Zoiki gave him a stern look before opening his mouth again.

“It is a holographic map.” he pointed standing completely straight. “It depicts everything in a three-dimensional image. And it’s not only that. It could show the weather as well, in real-time! Observe.” Zoiki instructed - his posture showing that he was enjoying the moment of supreme knowledge that many around had no idea about.

He took a step closer to Crini and putting to fingers on the top metallic surface, he slide them to the left. Everyone was standing - some even holding their breaths - waiting for the map to open, but nothing happened.

Zoiki was looking at the metal box with confusion and was about to lean forward to examine it close before a faint zap sound reveals a ray of light coming straight up from the top surface of it, spreading the very next second to display a three-dimensional image of Fundanes Spring.

Everyone - Crini included - pushed their heads back in this sudden reveal. Crini was looking at it with astonishment. This was nothing she had seen before. It depicted the area around them with so much accuracy and reality. Even the sun, shining brightly above them was included in there too.

She also realised one more thing. It was the very first time - after all these years that she’s been trapped in this world - that she sees a map. She had no idea if other places existed - well, this question had been answered the moment she saw the contestants and noticed that many sub-species exist - but when she found herself in Ethnos, the dessert was the first thing she saw until they find her and bring her to Anive.

For a moment, she could understand why Zoiki was so passionate about it. This map is truly a piece of technological and geographical mastery.

Everyone took a few moments to look thoroughly at the elements of the map. The city of Anive was located in the middle of nowhere - literally. There was nothing around except Fundanes Spring which was located farther away from the city.

After that, there was a massive area covered by dry land and desert until a natural border at the northeast, where the mountain system Korri was located, according to the map. There - beyond the mountains - there was a path through various forests spreading, but the image was blurred.

Crini’s eyes drifted to find Zoiki and he got her questioning gaze instantly. As if he knew exactly what she was about to ask, he opened his mouth to speak.

“The amazing thing with a Laurential map is that you see the area covering a few kilometres around. As you move, the blurry area becomes clearer.” He lifted his hand, pointing somewhere in the north, a bright yellow spot that none appeared to have noticed before. “It works as a compass too. This is where we need to go. Ideally, this should mark the city of Encree, built on the Enchanted Tree. Bus as I said, we need to keep moving and the places will become clear.”

“Outstanding.” Lura breathed. Crini turned to look at him and she was shocked to see that his face knew other expressions apart from a permanent scowl. This time, he was looking surprised but still holding his composure.

“I think we should get moving,” Ezpa - the twin brother of Ada - spoke breaking the moment of phase they all had entered into. “The sun has passed its highest point and soon we’ll need to set a camp for the night.”

“I believe he’s right,” Koniaak looked around before she continues. “You don’t want to stay around the Spring when the sun is down. This place is pure and magical during the day, but when the night comes, it fills with monsters we best have to keep our distance for the moment.”

“She’s right,” Loftak commented. “Remember, we still have no weapons or anything to defend ourselves.” The best we could do is keep away from unnecessary danger until we find or build something to defend.”

The rest shook their heads in agreement and the group - which was tightly closed in around Crini and the map - started to spread open. Crini and Zoiki left there - unmoved - looking at each other.

“I think you should be the one to have the map,” Crini quietly said giving the metal box to him. “You know a lot about it and I’m sure you can use it better than anyone.” she gave him a smirk.

Zoiki nodded slowly. “Yes, I suppose you’re right. I’ll keep it.” he returned the smile.

Gathering whatever is edible from the trees and getting some more water, the group gathered, taking the path under the instructions of Zoiki, their map guy.

***

The heat was emanating from the dry land below, entering through the soles of Crini’s boots, and from there to her body. The air - or better, the absence of it - was making her mouth dry and her eyes itchy from the dust.

She - and the rest of the group - needed water, but they must be careful with its consumption. They didn’t know what lies ahead and when they would bump into another fountain or lake or any sort of water reservoir to refill their flasks.

The metal cylinder inside her left boot was also heated, burning her leg but Crini kept going, clenching her teeth to endure the pain when her mind’s attention was falling on that matter.

She was left a bit behind from the rest of the group as none had noticed the difference in their covering distance. With almost everyone being around 2.5 to 3 metres tall, Crini at 1.60 was struggling to keep up, resulting in her being left behind.

The tiredness after many hours of walking under the sun and the upward path they had to follow, resulted in Crini increasing unwillingly the distance with the group. Her chest was panting with short breaths, pushing herself to move faster.

She could find herself getting harder to breathe with every step forward. Her vision started to blur. Her body was slowly running out of strength and black spots made their appearance in front of her eyes. If she collapses now and no one notices it, she will end up dead in the middle of the desert.

Crini’s legs felt heavy and her steps became slower until she finally stopped. Her body was wobbling in the last attempt to keep herself straight. Her mind was commanding her body to move, filling it with courage but her body was not responding.

In the distance, she thought someone shouted they had found a spot for camping but she wasn’t sure. It could easily be a hallucination as the ones playing in front of her eyes. A knot formed in her throat as her lungs were giving in. Unable to breathe, she crashed onto the hard ground. The last thing Crini saw, was a shadow appearing above her before she closes her eyes and get lost in unconsciousness.