PART 2

Ian and company stopped at the foot of the great pyramid. The entrance was a towering wall of the strongest and rarest element on the planet, Solidium. Torches were put on top of spikes in the sand to lead the way. Ian could see the bustling community of the area during the nighttime. People started to walk out of their camo-tents and began to set up their stalls, wares, and stands. Families huddled together on carpets in the sand eating their meals. Merchants called out to buyers presenting them with different materials, food stuff, and equipment. Glowlamps lit the streets and alleyways the entire time. Ian was offered a scorched laser pistol at half-price. Children ran around the campsite playing games. It was a bustling community. But every now and then, Ian would see guards posted at different points. Vigilantly guarding the entire location.

The Ancient Dunes is one of the last three city-states in the planet. After the Last Great War, nations were scattered and people moved around the globe searching for food, shelter, and protection. It took decades for the dust to settle. In the end, only the Ancient Dunes in the South, the Far Eastern Empire, and the Elysian Empire in the West stood firm.

A low grumble startled Ian and the huge Solidium slab moved upward. The entrance to the Great Pyramid was now open. More torches lit the way inside a dark corridor. The sides were lined with more guards of the Army of the Sun. Pictures of scenes from the Great War were sculpted into the walls. And after every decor, was the image of the god-pharaoh, sitting on his throne. They walked a steady pace inside the pyramid. Corridors led to other passageways all throughout the structure. At some points, they were checked by more guards and were led deeper into the building. Inside here, Ian saw no civilians, no stalls, and no children. The Great Pyramid was the power-center of the Ancient Dunes. Raguel walked silently. His hands folded into his robes the entire time.

They stopped at the end of another long corridor. A huge Solidium wall, much like the one at the entrance, blocked their way ahead. The guard said something in his language. Again Ian could hear the strange sounds coming from the soldier, but his mind translated for him.

“Soldiers of the Army of the Sun can no longer continue from here. Only the Raksha are permitted here in the presence of the god-pharaoh.

“The Raksha.” Ian whispered. He knew about the rumors of the Ancient Dunes’ legendary warriors. These are the inner circle of the god-pharaoh. This elite group of individuals served as advisors, generals, and assassins of the Sands. They were the arms and eyes of the god-pharaoh. Some of the most dangerous and most powerful people on the planet.

The stone entrance shuddered and opened. Raguel finally spoke.

“Come, Ian. He is waiting for us.” Ian and Raguel walked into the darkness. The stone gate closed in behind them with an ominous thud.

The cavern was lit with torches hanging from hooks on the walls. The entire room must have been almost 200 meters around. Stone pillars with more sculpted images on them stood in a circle. In the middle of it all was a raised dais. The platform was surrounded with about a dozen silent figures in different masks looking outward. One was a hawk, the other, a serpent, each one different from the rest. All were covered in the same type of armored tunic with golden bands across their arms. Each one carried a curved scimitar at their waists. They were silent, and unmoving. The Rakshas of the Ancient Dunes.

On the platform was a velvet carpet with bright-colored divans. A man was seated on one of the divans, his hand raised to his chin. Curiously eyeing his visitors. The god-pharaoh was long and lean, his sharp eyes were lined with color, as well as his face, chest, arms, and legs. His long hair was oiled and dropped down to his shoulders. He had a smile on his face and a wine cup in his other hand. Bracelets of gold and silver ringed his wrists and ankles. Orus, the god-pharaoh, stood up and welcomed his guests.

“Ah Raguel, so delightful to see you again! It has been ages my old friend.” The god-pharaoh smiled.

Raguel, the angel, took a few paces forward and offered his arms in embrace. Orus returned the gesture.

“It has been almost 100 years your Highness, I am glad to see that you are in perfect health.” Raguel replied.

“Ah yes.” Orus answered. “The last time you saw me was during that terrible conflict in the east. My body was in pieces! Can you believe that? If it wasn’t for you, I might have died! Died Raguel! Can you imagine that? Me dying? What an experience that must be! I wonder if any of my brothers came that close to death before. Then again, maybe not, we are such unkillable bastards”

“I am just happy to see you on your feet again your highness.” Raguel replied.

“Oh enough of that, you old man, now tell me. What brings you back here after all these years? And who is this handsome fellow you brought me hmm? You hardly bring me any gifts, but this one I think I like…”

Ian raised his eyebrow. He doesn’t even remember who he is, and how he got to the desert. the only thing he knows is that this angelic stranger came out of nowhere and saved him from a raging carvor.

Raguel continued.

“If you permit my lord, please allow me and my companion to stay for the night. He is injured and needs time to rest. Tomorrow, we will get to the answers together.”

Orus replied while clapping his hands with glee. “A mystery man! Oh how I love mysteries! And you Raguel, you always come here with unexpected things! Very well, I will allow you and your silent companion to stay for the night. I will give instructions to give you the best care possible for you and your friend. Tomorrow, we will uncover this mystery together.

Ian could barely keep standing. His pain and fatigue overwhelming his senses. Raguel took his arm and steadied him.

“We are eternally grateful your Highness. Thank you.”

Orus walked back to the platform, his Raksha closing in behind him.

“Of course Raguel, what are friends for eh? Have a good night!”