THE PHOENIX AND THE FORM: Chapter Eight
Victor found himself standing in the middle of a sprawling metropolis. The streets were eerily empty. The silent city loomed around him, its towering buildings reaching high into the bright blue sky, shimmering in the late afternoon sun.
Above him, a bright light caught his eye. Squinting, he could see a figure—a woman—floating in the sky. She glowed with an intensity that made her skin shimmer like plasma. The woman spread her arms wide, adopting a T-pose, and suddenly there was a blinding flash. A shockwave erupted from her, rippling outward with devastating force.
Victor stood rooted in place, paralyzed by the sheer magnitude of what was unfolding before him. The shockwave raced towards him, a wall of raw destructive power. It disintegrated buildings in its path, vaporizing them into dust and debris like they were made of paper. The once imposing skyscrapers shattered, their steel frames twisting and snapping like twigs. Glass exploded outward in a shower of deadly shards, caught in the shockwave’s furious advance.
The ground beneath Victor’s feet trembled violently, fissures splitting the concrete and asphalt in a chaotic spider-web pattern. Tremors knocked him off balance, but he couldn’t tear his eyes away from the oncoming devastation. The fabric of the city was being torn apart, unraveling into chaos and destruction.
Racing after the shockwave was a massive fireball, an all-consuming inferno that roared through the ruins like a ravenous beast, searing the air and turning everything in its path to ash. Its light was a brilliant white that burned into his retinas; the sound, a deafening cacophony of destruction that made his ears ring.
He stood amidst the apocalypse, a silent witness to the end of everything. The fireball washed over him, the roar of the flames deafening; the air thick, with the acrid smell of burning.
When the fireball passed, he looked around. The metropolis had become a wasteland of destruction. From horizon to horizon, the devastation had blackened and charred the earth. Overhead, dark, churning clouds cast a red hue over the scene, and ash drifted down slowly, like macabre snow blanketing the desolation in a layer of gray.
In the sky where the woman had been, a gigantic fiery bird now hovered. Its massive wings beat the air, driving gusts of hot wind. It dived towards the ground, then soared towards Victor with a predatory grace. As it neared, its beak opened wide, revealing a furnace within. In a surreal moment, the fiery bird swallowed him whole, the world dissolving into a searing, blinding inferno.
He jolted awake, his heart pounding, drenched in sweat. The tent was dim, the dark canvas rustling in the desert wind, the faint light of evening filtering through the fabric. He sat up, trying to shake off the lingering terror of the dream. The space in the tent was small. Sitting beside him was the form, covered head to toe in a linen shroud.
Outside, the golden hues of evening colored the sky. Taking a few deep breaths to steady himself, he regained his bearings. They were two days’ journey now into the desert. This was the second time that the compass had successfully led them to an oasis by morning. He slipped on his shirt and crawled out of the tent.
He emerged, blinking against the evening light. And there she stood—Blue—her cerulean hair, still damp—clinging to her skin like sunlight on water. She was wearing a sheer blouse that now clung to her curves, revealing a sports-bra underneath; her bikini briefs framing her hips.
Blue turned, sensing his presence. “Ms. Blue,” he said. She smiled, “Dr Frank.”
The doctor stood, dumbstruck. Blue noticing his awkwardness, cocked her head at him and approached, looking deep into his eyes.
“My eyes are up here, you know!” she said.
Dr Victor Frank’s cheeks flushed crimson, surprised by her playful remark. His gaze scrambled upward, as if seeking refuge in the desert sky.
“Apologies,” he stammered, flustered. “I—I was merely—”
Blue’s laughter danced—a melody woven from delight and mischief. “No need to explain,” she said, and continued, “I’ll make brinner.
“What?” He asked curiously, still flustered.
“Brinner!” She repeated. “You know! Breakfast—dinner. What? No? Doesn’t work?”
Victor chuckled. “No, it’s fine.” Blue returned his chuckle with a smile. “You should probably freshen up.”
He nodded and retreated into his tent, the canvas flaps rustling behind him. He found his backpack near the form. His fingers fumbled with the zipper, retrieving a compact toiletry bag. The plastic bottles—shampoo, soap, and toothpaste—stood in orderly rows.
He descended the rocky path toward the spring, the morning sun casting elongated shadows. The water flowed, a ribbon of life in the desert. He reached the water’s edge, the coolness soothing his sun-kissed feet.
Unbuttoning his shirt, he put it aside and began pulling off his sleep shorts when he heard footsteps coming from behind. Blue emerged. “Thirsty?!” she asked as she settled on a nearby rock.
The aroma of freshly brewed Turkish coffee filled the air, as she set the two cups down. Victor froze, feeling very awkward in his half-undressed state. Blue, made herself comfortable on the rock and sipped her coffee, the ceramic cup cradled in her hands.
Victor stood frozen, his thumbs hooked in the waistband of his shorts, halfway through pulling them down. He cleared his throat.
“Hmm?!” Blue responded, her eyebrows raised in innocence. “Oh no—don’t mind me doctor—go on!”
Victor raised his eyebrows, “Um… well… I wouldn’t want to offend your sensibilities, Ms. Blue.”
“Oh! Don’t worry Victor, you’re not the only man I’ve seen naked.” She said tipping her cup to her lips.
“I did not need to know that.” said Victor.
Blue’s laughter echoed out.
His face reddened further. She rose from the rock, her movements fluid. As she passed him, she delivered a playful smack on his backside.
He blinked, momentarily stunned. “Ms. Blue!” he managed. “I—”
“Oh, don’t worry, Dr.,” she said, winking. “Consider it a desert welcome!” And walked away sipping her coffee.
Victor looked back towards the water but just as he was about to continue pulling off his shorts, he saw the compass needle floating beside him, unassuming. He gave it a look of disbelief. The compass needle turned towards him, before spinning nervously this-way-and-that, as if embarrassed, and then zipped off.
Victor shook his head and let out a sigh as he finally, in privacy, dropped his shorts and got into the stream. He sat on a stone on the bank and squatted down to reach the water. He lathered up, and scrubbed down with a loofah, rinsing with the water from the stream.
That’s when he noticed a grease spot on his right hand between his thumb and index finger. It was a weird-looking grease spot; it looked almost as if it had eight legs, like a spider. He used his loofah to scrub at it, but it didn’t come off, so he started scrubbing more vigorously.
Blue wondering what was keeping him, came to the edge of the camp. From there, she could see him squatting at the stream on the stone, with his back to her. She called out to him, “Victor, your eggs are getting cold!”
He responded, “In a minute,” scrubbing away at the stain even more vigorously.
From Blue’s perspective, it looked like he was moving his hands up and down very vigorously in between his legs. She moved to walk away but swiveled back, craning her neck and squinting her eyes. Yes, he seemed to be very vigorously jerking his hands in between his legs.
Her face turned crimson. She stifled a laugh and tiptoed closer for a better look, her curiosity piqued despite herself.
Victor, oblivious to her presence, was now practically attacking the grease spot with the loofah, muttering under his breath, “Why won’t you come off, you stubborn little—”
Blue’s hand shot to her mouth, holding back a laugh as she blushed and slowly turned away, shaking her head. She walked back to camp, trying to compose herself, her shoulders shaking with suppressed giggles.
On the bank, Victor couldn’t seem to get rid of the stain on his right hand, so he left it be with a frustrated huff. He grabbed his towel, patted himself down, and pulled up his shorts. After brushing his teeth, he reached for his toiletries and shirt, tucking them under his arm, and grabbed the enamel cup Blue had left for him. He headed back to camp, sipping his coffee as he went.
Blue handed him a steel plate with a generous serving of scrambled eggs, her eyes twinkling with amusement and a mischievous grin playing on her lips.
Victor noticed. “What?” he asked.
“Oh, nothing.” She said, her lips twitching. “How was your wash?”
“Umm…okay I guess!?” Victor said as he took a bite, savoring the food.
“Got a chance to have some me-time? De-stress a little?”
Victor raised his eyebrows, still unsure what she was getting at. “Uh…sure!?”
Blue giggled, her face slightly flushed. Victor raised his hands, a confused look on his face.
“Oh, sorry it’s nothing! Don’t mind me!” she managed, trying to suppress her laughter.
Victor took another bite, glancing at her sideways. “You’re sure you’re… okay?”
Blue couldn’t help but giggle again. “Oh, I’m fine! Just…happy to see you relieve some pressure!”
“O—kay,” Victor remarked, shaking his head as he got back to his meal, grateful for the food. It was simple but satisfying, providing the energy they needed for the night ahead.
As the sun set over the horizon; dusk began to settle over the Saudi Arabian wilderness, casting a warm golden hue across the desert landscape. They ate in companionable silence, the only sound the gentle rustling of the desert wind and the occasional distant call of a bird.
Once they were done, Victor put the dishes together. “I’ll take care of this,” he offered and took off towards the stream
Blue nodded. “Sounds good. I’ll check on the camels and start packing.”
“Thanks,” Victor replied, giving her a small smile.
When he returned, Blue packed up the utensils while Victor walked to his tent. Taking a deep breath, he went inside.
He paused for a moment, his gaze softening as he regarded it. Then, with careful hands, he lifted the form and gently took it out of the tent, feeling the surprising weight and solidity of it.
He turned and walked back toward the camels. His camel, resting on its legs, awaited the burden that it had carried their first day out in the desert. Blue looked up as he approached, her eyes narrowing slightly in concentration.
“Ready?” Victor asked, his voice steady but tinged with exhaustion from the weight cradled in his arms.
Blue nodded, stepping forward to assist.
Victor gently lowered the form face down, positioning it on his camel’s rump. Blue moved to the other side, grabbing the straps and buckles needed to secure it. They worked in tandem, threading straps through loops and tightening buckles, ensuring the form was firmly attached to the camel.
“Is it secure on your end?” Victor asked, his eyes flicking between Blue and the form.
Blue gave a final tug on the straps, testing their hold. “Yeah, it’s not going anywhere.” She glanced up at him, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “Good job.”
Victor returned her smile, though his mind remained focused on the task at hand. “Thanks. I just hope it stays secure during the journey.”
“It will,” Blue said confidently. “We’ll make sure of it.”
With the humanoid form secured, they finished packing the remaining supplies. Victor took a moment to stretch, feeling the tension ease from his muscles.
They began the task of dismantling their camp. The sun sunk lower into the horizon, its heat dissipating. Blue started with her gear. She reached past the open tent flap and grasped the familiar straps of her backpack. Her cotton sleeping bag awaited her. Wrapped in its cocoon, she strapped it to her backpack. Her fingers brushed the zipper after hoisting it onto her shoulder and adjusting the straps.
Next she turned her focus to her tent, methodically unzipping the door and shaking out the dust and sand that had collected over the day. She detached the poles, carefully collapsing them and rolling up the tent. Victor did the same with his. Once the tents were neatly packed into their respective bags, Blue and Victor moved to secure the rest of their belongings.
Blue approached the camels, double-checking the camels’ packs, ensuring everything was balanced and ready for travel—paying special attention to Victor’s external frame pack. They had not used it up to that point but one never knows. Ensuring their saddles and packs were still secure. She gently patted the camels’ necks, murmuring to them, calming them for the journey ahead.
They tied their niqab and litham. Victor ensured his litham was snug but not too tight. He adjusted it slightly, as he breathed in and out. He could already sense the protection it offered against the fine dust that seemed to settle on everything.
“All set?” Blue asked, her tone brisk and businesslike.
“All set,” Victor confirmed, giving one last glance at the camp to make sure nothing was left behind.
They mounted their camels, the animals shifting slightly under their weight but remaining calm. Victor glanced over at Blue, who was already scanning the landscape ahead, her expression resolute. They exchanged a final nod, as they set out across the dunes.
As dusk settled over the Saudi Arabian desert, the dunes took on a haunting beauty. A cool breeze swept through the air, carrying with it the faint scent of the arid earth, and offering respite from the day’s relentless heat.
Victor and Blue guided their camels, the beasts moving with a steady, rhythmic gait. Blue took out her water bottle that she had filled at the spring earlier; she tipped the bottle to her lips, making sure to stay hydrated. The compass needle floated ahead; its point unwavering as it guided them onward.
Dusk deepened, the desert transitioning into the velvety embrace of night. The landscape around them transformed; the once-golden dunes softening under the dim light of twilight. The last light of the sun painted the sky with a lilac pink, gradually giving way to the deep blue of night.
As they journeyed, the stars began to emerge, dotting the night sky with their brilliance. The crescent moon cast a gentle glow, dimly illuminating the desert sands. The desert, bathed in this ethereal light, felt both vast and intimate, a place where time seemed to stand still.
A symphony of silence, where the stillness was almost otherworldly. A vast and serene quiet that seemed to stretch on forever, interrupted only by the gentle creak of leather, and the soft jingle of the camels’ harnesses.
Night wore on, and the desert’s tranquility seeped into their bones. The compass needle continued its silent vigil. As they crested a particularly high dune, the vastness of the desert spread out before them, an endless sea of sand bathed in moonlight. The needle paused for a moment, hovering as if considering the path ahead, before resuming its steady course.
They continued in silence, the only sounds the soft crunch of sand under the camels’ hooves, the occasional rustle of their gear, and the distant call of nocturnal creatures awakening. Victor glanced over at Blue, who was focused on the path ahead. Her cerulean hair caught the fading light, giving it a soft, ethereal glow.
His mind drifted to the strange events of the past three weeks. It had all happened so fast. His whole world—upended, by a blue-haired woman he had met on an internet forum. Looking out across the sands, he wondered how it would all end. He wondered about the dream, and what it meant—but remained silent, choosing to keep his thoughts to himself.
The dunes rose and fell around them as they rode on, taking frequent sips from their water flasks. The crescent moon ascended higher into the sky, bathing the needle with a soft glow that cast a slight delicate halo of light—dancing in the desert air.
Gradually, the desert dunes gave way to a new landscape. The rolling hills of sand flattened out, and before long, they found themselves at the edge of a vast salt flat. The flat stretched out endlessly, its surface shimmering under the pale moonlight, like a silver sea—frozen in time.
The compass needle slowed its movements, hovering steadily above the barren expanse. They reined in their camels, marveling at the sheer scale of what lay before them. It was a breathtaking sight, the ground beneath them glistening with a crystalline sheen.
Every sound seemed magnified by the vast emptiness before them. A resonant cry rang out: the wind—cold and dry—howling through the salt flats, a haunting melody that seemed to echo their solitude.
The air here felt different, more arid, carrying the faint tang of salt. Their camels shifted and grunted, their hooves clinking against the hardened ground. Victor and Blue shared in their uncertainty, but the compass needle continued forward. And thus, after sharing a glance, they ventured out into that sea—of sand and salt.
As they progressed, the landscape seemed to stretch on forever; a vast, featureless plain under the starry sky. The compass needle floated ahead, guiding them with unwavering precision.
Beneath the full moon’s silvery glow, the expanse unfolded before them, the pale light shimmering off the crusted ground. Victor and Blue rode their camels mostly in silence, before finally, “The moonlight makes it seem almost magical, doesn’t it?” Victor ventured.
“Yeah,” Blue agreed, her voice soft as she tried to stay hydrated, by sipping her water slowly, but didn’t say anything beyond that.
They rode side by side, their eyes fixed on the path ahead. The vastness of the salt flat and its monotony made it difficult to gauge distance and time. Hours passed, the landscape remaining unchanged, an endless expanse of gleaming salt.
Victor shifted in his saddle, feeling the dull ache in his legs and lower back; the numbness setting into his legs from the long hours of riding. The chilling night air pressed against their faces, its cold seeping through their clothes. Victor fidgeted with his coat, attempting to ward off the biting cold, as Blue wrapped her scarf snugly around her neck. He glanced at her; she seemed lost in thought, her gaze fixed on the compass needle.
As they continued, the landscape around them remained unchanged, the salt flats stretching out like an infinite sea of white under the moonlight. The camels moved steadily, their breaths creating small clouds in the crisp night air.
After a while, Blue cleared her throat and whispered, her voice almost lost to the wind. “You know, there’s something peaceful about this place, despite how eerie it feels. It’s like…we’re in a different world.”
Victor glanced at her, nodding. “Yeah, I get that. It’s kind of like being in a dream. Everything is so still and quiet. It’s almost…surreal.”
Blue smiled faintly. “Exactly. It’s like we’re in the eye of a storm. Everything outside is chaotic, but here, the moon…the salt flats…the two of us!”
She met Victor’s gaze, a twinkle in her eye. He looked away, flustered, a smile playing on his lips but remained quiet. His thumb found his wedding ring, turning it.
As the hours passed, the cold seeped deeper into their bones. The air was crisp and dry, and even the occasional gust of wind felt like icy fingers brushing against their faces. Victor’s thoughts drifted as he rode, the monotony of the scenery blending with his fatigue. He glanced at Blue again, noticing her eyes reflecting the moonlight.
The temperature continued to drop, and she wrapped her arms around herself. He felt that he should do something, she seemed to be struggling more with this than he was, but he knew her too well by now. The compass needle pointed steadfastly onwards, leading them deeper into the salt flats.
As twilight approached, the temperature on the salt flats plummeted to its coldest point. The pale crescent moon, now on the horizon, began to sink below the expanse, casting long ghostly shadows. The sky, transitioning from deep blue to a lighter shade of indigo, hinted at the approach of dawn.
“We need to find shelter soon.” Blue intoned.
Victor agreed, scanning the horizon for any sign of shelter or a suitable spot to make camp. Blue drank from her canteen, her gaze focused on the horizon.
In the pre-dawn light, the landscape transformed into a nearly monochrome scene, painted in eerie hues of gray and blue. The salt flats, under the emerging light, shimmered with a ghostly sheen, the texture of the salt forming delicate frost-like patterns on the surface.
Dawn broke, and the sky gradually lightened, revealing subtle shades of pink and orange along the horizon. Morning’s first rays cast a warm golden glow over the salt flats, slowly melting away the frost that had accumulated during the night. The landscape softened into a more muted palette, with the light transforming the harsh bitter scene into a more welcoming sight.
The biting cold of the night gave way to the gentle warmth of the dawn. Victor and Blue, their faces now illuminated by the early morning light, felt a sense of relief as the temperature began to rise. The camels’ movements became livelier, their steps lighter as they adjusted to the changing conditions.
As the sun crept over the horizon, casting a soft, warm light across the salt flats, they eventually found a slightly elevated area where the salt crust was thicker. The compass stopped moving and hovered in mid-air, its needle now pointing upward.
Victor furrowed his brow, his gaze fixed on the unmoving compass. “Here!? In the middle of nowhere!?” he protested.
Blue glanced over at Victor, her eyes reflecting the concern in his eyes.
She dismounted, her muscles aching from the long ride, and began setting up her tent. Victor hesitated for a moment, glancing around at the endless expanse of salt before dismounting and joining her. The salt crusted underfoot, crunching with each step and making every movement laborious.
As the camp began to take shape, the sun continued to rise, warming the chilly air and providing a gentle contrast to the harshness of the salt flats. The camels, once restless, settled down.
“I can’t believe this. This place is brutal.” Victor grumbled as they worked.
“It’s not ideal,” Blue remarked, looking at the compass needle, “but it’s what the compass needle is telling us, and I choose to show trust. Let’s just make the most of it.”
Victor grunted but relented. They worked together as they arranged their gear. He carefully unpacked their supplies as she methodically secured their tents. The sun climbed higher in the sky. The intense rays reflecting off the salt flat amplified the heat, making it feel even more oppressive. As the temperature continued to rise, they could feel their energy sapping away with each passing minute.
When the tents were done, they finally settled under their meager canopies. They unstrapped the form and ushered it into Victor’s tent. Blue made to start preparing a meal for the both of them. She took out some macadamia nuts, raisins, peanuts, and dates and made a trail mix. She served them up on their steel plates, handing Victor his ration, who thanked her. They ate their trail mix, forcing it down with the last bit of their water.
Victor wiped their dishes down with a dry rag and packed them away. He returned to his tent and looked across at Blue, who was lying on her back, her tent door open. Hands pressing her temples, her breathing shallow and rapid.
Victor, feeling the effects of the heat and exhaustion, glanced at Blue with a weary expression. “How are you holding up?”
Blue, though visibly affected by the heat, managed a wry smile. “I’ve had worse.” Victor fell silent after that and she added, “We should have carried extra water.”
“Well, we thought the compass needle would lead us to an oasis, as it did for the previous two days so…sucks to be us I guess.”
Victor laid back and closed his eyes attempting to go to sleep. They lay inside their tents; the fabric offering meager relief from the sun’s glare.
As the day wore on, the heat became almost unbearable. The inside of their tents was stifling and hot, during the sun’s peak hours, making sleep and rest nearly impossible.
Victor’s clothes were soaked. He stirred, sleep evading him. He sat up, his face flushed; sweat trickled down his back, his shirt sticking uncomfortably to his skin.
The air was still and dry, each breath feeling like inhaling a desert of dust. Victor’s gaze wandered outside, his eyes following a gust of wind that swirled the salt around, creating brief but mesmerizing patterns. He wiped the sweat from his brow and looked out across the endless expanse of white, feeling a wave of exhaustion.
The heat was relentless. He felt the oppressive weight of the sun, which seemed to press down on him with an almost tangible force. The salt flats reflected the sun’s rays, intensifying the already scorching temperatures. The air shimmered with waves of heat, creating mirages that danced on the horizon.
After a while, Blue sat up, her hands flying to her temples, massaging them. She opened her eyes, the effort seeming to take more out of her than it should.
She looked at Victor. “I’m really starting to hate this salt flat.”
He looked at her. Her movements were slower, and her eyes seemed less focused. She blinked repeatedly, as if trying to clear her vision. The wind picked up briefly, and Victor saw her shiver despite the heat, her fingers fumbling slightly. When she shifted, there was a moment where she seemed to hesitate, her hand lingering on the ground for support a second longer than usual. And there was a certain fragility to her posture that hadn’t been there before.
As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the salt flats, the heat’s intensity began to wane. The air cooled slightly, but the ground retained its warmth, radiating it back into the atmosphere. Victor could feel the change, the slight relief in temperature, but it was still stiflingly warm. He glanced at Blue, who had shifted her position again, leaning heavily against the tent pole.
The evening sky, though still bright, began to show hints of color, with the sun casting long shadows over the salt flats.
As dusk approached, the air became more bearable, though the salt flats remained unforgiving.
Blue’s breathing was more labored. She moved her hand to her forehead, brushing away a few stray strands of hair, but her fingers trembled slightly. Her lips, which were usually so full of life, appeared dry and cracked in the dimming light.
Victor swallowed, his own throat feeling parched. He felt a dull headache beginning to throb at his temples, a sign that he was pushing himself too hard.
Victor walked up to her and took a knee, “Hey, maybe we should eat something?” He asked. Blue nodded slowly.
Victor worked on preparing brinner, the task feeling cumbersome under the heat. He rummaged through their supplies, pulling out some dried fruit and nuts. Mixing the trail mix, he handed a small portion to Blue, who took it with a weak smile. As they ate, he noticed she was chewing more slowly than usual.
The sky shifted to a deep indigo, as the stars began to peek out and the air grew cooler. Victor found himself shivering slightly, an unusual reaction given the lingering warmth. He pulled his jacket closer around him, feeling a strange chill that contrasted sharply with the heat of the day.
Blue rubbed her eyes, her movements sluggish. “I’m just… really tired,” she admitted, leaning back and closing her eyes again.
Victor nodded, though he couldn’t ignore the gnawing worry. He felt a wave of dizziness wash over him when he stood up, forcing him to sit back down quickly. He rubbed his eyes, the fatigue settling into his bones more profoundly than before.
As the sun set and the stars began to twinkle in the vast expanse of the sky, Victor and Blue readied themselves to continue their journey.
They carried the form to Blue’s camel and strapped it on. The camel, grumbled a little at the weight of the burden. The form was carefully adjusted and secured, ensuring it was safely strapped to her camel.
They worked together to disassemble their camp. Packing up their gear, Victor folded their tents, securing the tent poles and fabric into tight bundles.
Blue gathered their supplies, her hands shaking slightly as she packed away their sparse provisions. Her movements were deliberate, but Victor noticed the subtle signs of her deteriorating condition—how she paused to steady herself, the slight wobble in her steps.
He hesitated but knew better than to argue. He turned his attention back to their gear, ensuring everything was securely packed. His own dizziness and dry mouth were a nagging presence, but he pushed through.
“Ready to keep moving?” Victor asked, glancing over at Blue.
She nodded, her eyes heavy with exhaustion but determined. “Yeah, let’s go.”
The compass floated ahead, its needle unwavering in its direction. They mounted their camels, the animals shifting slightly under their weight but remaining calm. Victor noticed Blue’s grip on the reins was weak, her hands trembling slightly.
The salt flats stretched out before them, a vast, empty canvas, an endless expanse under the twilight sky. As they rode through the night, the crescent moon cast a dull silver glow over the desolate landscape, offering a haunting but beautiful view. The silence was profound.
Victor’s concern for Blue grew with each passing moment. “Blue, are you sure you’re okay?” he asked, his voice carrying a note of urgency.
She blinked rapidly as if to clear her vision.
“I’m fine,” she insisted, her tone firm despite the evident strain in her eyes. Victor watched her for a moment, his own head pounding and vision blurred slightly.
He adjusted his litham, feeling the dryness in his throat and the growing fatigue in his limbs, he felt his heart pounding harder than usual. He tried to focus on the compass and the path ahead, but his thoughts kept drifting to Blue. He glanced over at her, her breaths shallow and rapid; her form swaying slightly with the camel’s gait and her eyes half closed.
They pressed on, the compass needle leading them forward through the emptiness. Blue’s condition seemed to worsen. Her face was pale, and she shivered despite the layers of clothing she had on. Her posture was more slumped, and her grip on the reins was weakening.
As midnight approached, the moon high in the sky, the temperature dropped further. Victor felt the cold seep into his bones, a stark contrast to the day’s heat. The chill made his muscles stiff, and he found it harder to concentrate. He glanced at the compass needle, its point still aimed steadfastly forward.
Blue’s camel suddenly halted. Victor looked to her just in time to see her sway, go limp and then collapse, sliding off the camel and toppling to the ground with a dull thud. Panic surged through him, banishing his exhaustion. “Blue!” He shouted, leaping from his camel and rushing to her side.
He knelt beside her, cradling her in his arms and shaking her gently. “Blue! Wake up! Blue!” His voice laced with fear and desperation. Her eyes fluttered open briefly, her breathing shallow and erratic. The compass needle descended and hovered over them, pointing upward.
Victor’s heart pounded in his chest as he tried to wake her. “Come on Blue! Wake up!”
Her eyes opened for a moment, and she managed a faint smile before losing consciousness again, her head lolling against his shoulder. Victor looked at the compass, frustration and fear welling up inside him.
“We need to find water; we need to find water…NOW!” He demanded, looking at the compass needle. The compass needle rose in the air, then rotated as if surveying the surrounding desert, before pointing unwaveringly in the direction they had been heading.
“You want us to keep going?! She’s dying! We have to go back to the last oasis!” Victor bellowed. But the compass needle remained resolute, pointing steadily ahead.
Blue’s eyes flickered open—her voice a mere whisper. “Victor… you…have… to…trust…”
Her voice faded, and she slipped into unconsciousness. Victor’s breath caught in his throat as he looked at the compass, its tip resolutely pointing in the direction they had been traveling. A feeling of helplessness and frustration roiled within him.
“I…trust…you… Victor.” Blue whispered. He looked down, just to see her fade once more, her body going limp in his arms.
His mind raced, weighing his options. The last oasis was a day and a half’s journey back. He looked back the way they had come, then back at the compass. He glanced once more back the way they had come, then down at Blue, torn between the safety of the known oasis a day and a half’s journey back, and the unknown promise of what lay ahead.
He moved to his camel, and signaled for it to kneel, then carefully hoisted Blue over its back. He climbed on after her, securing her in front of him, and then took the reins of both camels.
“Dammit.” He muttered under his breath. “Okay.” He said softly, more to himself than to anyone else. “We trust the needle.”
The compass, as if acknowledging his decision, began to fly ahead, but with a faster more urgent pace this time. Victor urged the camels forward, their pace quickening as they followed the guiding needle. He could feel the heat radiating from her, a sign of her worsening condition.
Blue’s faint breaths were a constant reminder of the urgency, pushing him to press on, despite his own exhaustion and fear. The salt flats seemed to go on forever, but Victor kept his focus on the horizon.
As they moved forward, the compass seemed to pick up speed, its glowing tip guiding them through the salt flats with a faster, more determined flight. The chill of the night air bit into Victor’s skin, but he ignored it, focusing on the task at hand. He whispered words of encouragement to Blue, hoping she could hear him, hoping she would hold on, just a little longer.
The silence was deafening, broken only by the steady plod of the camels’ hooves and Victor’s whispered pleas. The night seemed interminable, each moment stretching into eternity as they pressed on.
Victor’s mind wandered, thoughts of the last oasis and the safety it represented, conflicting with the trust he had placed in the compass needle.
As the hours passed, the moon began its descent, casting long shadows over the salt flats. The cold bit into Victor’s skin, but he ignored it, focusing solely on the path ahead. Blue’s breathing remained shallow, her condition worsening with each passing moment.
As dawn broke, the sky gradually shifted from deep indigo to a pale blue, the first rays of the sun casting long shadows across the salt flats. The salt flat seemed endless; a vast, unchanging expanse stretching out in all directions. Victor fixed his eyes on the compass needle, which continued to lead them onward with unwavering determination.
His head pounded, his vision blurred, and his limbs felt heavy. The need to rest was overwhelming, but the compass needle showed no signs of stopping and neither was he.
Victor’s muscles ached from the constant strain. He adjusted Blue in front of him, her body limp and unresponsive. He could feel the dryness in his mouth and the grit of salt on his skin, but he pressed on.
The sun climbed higher, and the heat started to intensify. Sweat trickled down Victor’s face, stinging his eyes. His lips were cracked and parched, and his head felt heavy, throbbing with the steps of the camels. The desert’s harshness was relentless, but he ignored the dizziness that made his vision swim, and the dryness that felt like sandpaper against his throat.
As mid-morning arrived, the sun’s harsh rays beat down with unrelenting intensity. Victor squinted against the glare, his eyes burning. His thoughts grew muddled, each one a struggle to hold onto. His limbs felt leaden, and he had to focus on each breath, drawing it in—despite the dry searing air.
Blue’s skin was clammy against his, her condition deteriorating. The landscape wavered and danced in the heat, making it difficult to distinguish where the horizon ended and the sky began. He fought against the sensation of his own heart pounding in his ears, the echo of the camel’s footsteps feeling like distant drumbeats.
Yet the compass needle pointed resolutely onward, and Victor pushed on. His grip on the reins tightened, his knuckles pale. He leaned forward, urging the camels to maintain their pace.
The salt crystals sparkled under the harsh light, the full morning sun—relentless. His hands trembled and he had to blink repeatedly to clear his vision. His thoughts were sluggish, and he found it harder to concentrate. The heat began to seep into his bones, but he pressed on, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
In the distance, a shadow began to form—a distant, roiling haze, on the horizon. A darkening blot against the otherwise pristine sky. He could barely make out its details—save the unsettling way it crept closer.
It advanced with a slow, ominous grace, the rising clouds of sand creating a wall of shifting beige that seemed to devour the landscape. Its edges ragged and swirling like the maw of a monstrous beast.
The wind began to pick up, carrying with it a faint, eerie howl, that seemed to merge with the sound of the camels’ labored breathing. As the gust intensified, it sent a fine spray of salt that stung against Victor’s face, the storm’s dark silhouette growing larger.
The compass needle’s pace quickened, urging him to push harder. The camels responded to his urgency, their steady pace turning into a canter, their hooves pounding rhythmically against the salt as their breaths came in sharp labored bursts. Yet the salt flats stretched out, an unforgiving expanse of whiteness with no discernible landmarks, only the endless, monotonous sea, of salt.
Now the storm’s approach was unmistakable. The horizon swallowed by its swirling menace, a vast, churning sea of dust and grit. The once-gentle breeze had become a fierce gust, laden with the scent of sand and salt, forcing Victor to shield his eyes.
Every glance at the horizon revealed more of the advancing storm, growing larger and more menacing by the second. The camels’ hooves pounded harder, kicking up clouds of salt that danced in the blinding sunlight, as they cantered on.
The storm loomed closer, the air growing heavier, charged with the electric tension of the approaching tempest. Victor’s face was a mask of grim determination, sweat mingling with the dust as he clung to the reins, his eyes locked on the unseen destination that the compass seemed to promise.
The horizon became increasingly obscured, the separation between sky and land blurring further, as the storm spread like a dark, undulating wave. Victor could feel the temperature rising, the heat radiating from the salt flats growing more oppressive by the minute.
The compass needle remained resolutely in motion, its speedy flight guiding Victor’s path. The camels, feeling the urgency, pushed themselves harder, their breaths coming in heavy labored bursts.
The storm loomed closer, the wind’s howl grew louder, merging with the rhythmic thud of the camels’ hooves—a dissonant symphony of nature’s fury. What was once a distant smudge on the horizon, had transformed into a colossal swirling wall of sand and dust.
The storm’s roar grew louder, a relentless crescendo that filled the air with a sense of impending doom. It loomed larger and larger, its churning mass darkening the sky. The air was now thick with the harsh, stinging wind, carrying with it the grains of the impending tempest. Victor continued his push forward, the camels surging into a gallop, the compass needle urging him onward through the growing chaos.
As they raced, the salt flats began to shift. In the distance, crags and ridges began to emerge. Jagged, towering formations that thrust defiantly into the Saudi Arabian sky.
The compass needle, now soared with a feverish speed, pointed directly toward the crags. Victor and the camels galloped onward, their speed a desperate bid to reach the shelter of the ridges before the storm overtook them.
The crags and ridges loomed high above, their rugged silhouettes casting long dramatic shadows over the salt flats. Yet the storm dwarfed the crags, its swirling mass of sand and dust now visible, in all its terrifying glory.
Victor could feel the storm’s effects growing more intense. The wind whipped violently around him, sending stinging grains of sand into his face and eyes. The temperature dropped sharply, and the once-blinding sun was now obscured by the storm’s dark veil. The camels, though driven by Victor’s relentless urging, seemed to struggle against the increasing force of the wind.
“Blue, we’re almost there!” he shouted through the howling wind, though he knew she couldn’t hear him. His heart raced as he urged the camels forward, every step bringing them closer to salvation.
He pushed the camels to their limits; the crags and ridges—now so close—he could almost reach out and touch them. But just as they reached the base of the crags, the world around Victor vanished in a churning vortex of sand and dust.