Chapter 111: The Sand Road

Wu Qingsong, having regained his composure, began to meticulously inspect the town built upon the oasis.

This location was the lowest point in the vicinity, encircled by a small lake, scarcely ten acres in size, fringed by plants akin to coconut trees, evidently cultivated by human hands. Beneath these trees sprawled numerous shrubs, as tall as a man, dense and lush with green, presumably unripe fruits. Encircling the oasis were a variety of low-growing desert plants, including some resembling cacti. Above, vultures soared in the sky, while in the distant desert, creatures akin to wild sheep or donkeys could be seen grazing.

Such sights reaffirmed to him that deserts were not entirely lifeless wastelands.

The walls encircling this modest town seemed designed more for windbreaks than defense. Within the town lay tents of various sizes, constructed from wood and animal hides. Not far from their own tent stood a grand and ornate one, presumably the abode of Lord Sa Badel, as referred to by the sand foxman.

Since his arrival in this world, Wu Qingsong had seldom heard such titles. It was only after asking a sand foxman that he discovered Sa Badel was not a half-elf but a jackalman.

In the vicinity of the desert, the climate was excessively harsh, marked by extreme dryness and water scarcity, blistering heat during the day, and intense cold at night. Such conditions were so severe that not only elves but even half-elves were reluctant to reside there for extended periods. Consequently, in these isolated regions, the empire had no choice but to delegate management to native desert dwellers like Sa Badel. It was only in the larger, somewhat more hospitable oasis cities that a few resilient half-elves could be found.

“It’s unbearably hot,” Beck remarked, unable to contain himself.

The houndmen struggled immensely with the climate. Their fur, ill-suited for such conditions, made cooling off a challenge, and mere hours of travel left them miserably uncomfortable.

The sand foxkin quickly procured a guide, another sand foxman, though noticeably older with a white beard and eyebrows. Introducing himself as Aberni, he had spent his entire life in this desert, possessing intimate knowledge of the area. After carefully discussing Wu Qingsong and his companions’ itinerary, Aberni advised them to sell their horses and opt for camels instead.

“The Nals Oasis is more bustling than this place, but at this season, finding treasure hunters might be a challenge,” he cautioned Wu Qingsong.

He explained that during winter, the desert nights were bitterly cold, while the summer midday heat was oppressively high. This seasonal extremity meant that treasure hunters typically ventured into the desert only during the short-lived spring and autumn periods to seek treasures. Most of them would have delved deep into the desert by this time of year, not lingering in Nals.

“If you’re seeking treasure, you should head north. But if you’re looking to purchase the treasures they find, then you should go to Nals or wait for their return at Sreyu Fort. These places host auctions every summer and winter. Although the prices might be steeper, it’s far safer than risking to venture into the desert yourself.”

Wu Qingsong pondered for a moment. He had a strong desire for adventure, but given the condition of the houndmen accompanying him, leading them into the desert could be perilous. Ling wasn’t faring well either. Although he wasn’t personally daunted, he thought it best to avoid unnecessary risks for their safety.

The desert was a merciless environment. A single error could mean a complete catastrophe. Entering it necessitated thorough preparation, not a rash, impulsive decision.

“So, we’ll head to Nals,” Wu Qingsong resolved.

“In that case, we’ll need at least nine camels,” Aberni suggested. “You and your maid can share one, each of the others will need their own, and two more specifically for carrying water and food supplies.”

“What about you?”

“I have my own camel, just include it with the guide fee.”

Nick set to work once more. Horses held little value in this region. Selling their eight horses, Wu Qingsong still ended up parting with a gemstone button to secure nine camels. Outfitting themselves with appropriate desert attire, water, and provisions cost them close to twenty gold Sols.

“This is insane!” Nick exclaimed. “Water is even more expensive than food. That guy is a bigger cheat than any I’ve encountered before.”

“This is the desert,” Wu Qingsong reminded him.

The exceptionally friendly sand foxman had undoubtedly profited handsomely from their predicament. However, they had no alternative, this was the only place to procure these essentials in the area.

Gathering their supplies consumed an entire day. Early the next morning, before the first light, Aberni woke them, already mounted on a white camel and waiting outside their tent.

Riding a camel presented a wholly different experience from horseback, but it was surprisingly easy to get the hang of. Initially, the weather was bearable, but as the sun climbed higher, the heat swiftly escalated to oppressive levels.

Beck and the others were soon compelled to shed their armor, overwhelmed by the heat, and began to drink water continuously. Wu Qingsong playfully suggested whether they should consider shaving off all their fur.

“Ahead, there’s a spot for shade. We’ll stop there,” Aberni informed them.

The Tecks Mountains lingered on their right, intermittently visible. However, after a day’s journey, they gradually disappeared from sight.

“We are on a direct route,” Aberni clarified. “We could follow along the base of the mountains, but that would add five days to our journey. I traverse this path at least four times a year; I could navigate it blindfolded. Stick with me, and we’ll reach the Nals Oasis in just six days.”

Just as he had promised, following his directions, they consistently found shade to escape the midday heat and a protected spot to shield themselves from the cold night winds each day.

This reassured Wu Qingsong and his companions greatly, turning their journey into one that was challenging yet extraordinarily memorable.

“We’ll have some great stories to share when we return,” Beck told the other houndmen. “Places like these, Angus and the rest might never witness in their lifetimes.”

He casually reached for a water bag, only to discover it was empty. He headed towards the camel carrying water for a refill, but soon after, he was seized by panic.

“We’ve run out of water!” he exclaimed in alarm.

It was their fourth day since departing the oasis. They all were acutely aware of water’s crucial importance in the desert. The sweltering heat had accelerated their consumption significantly. The camel was loaded with nearly twenty water bags, and everyone had been replacing their empty bags with full ones, keeping a personal supply at hand. Aberni was in charge of monitoring the overall quantity.

Could they really be out of water?

In the desert, a single day without water could be fatal, and they had at least another day’s journey ahead. What to do now?

“Don’t worry,” Aberni interjected at that moment. “There’s a cave not too far from here with a spring that never dries up. Stay here, I’ll take the camel over and be back quickly.”

“Do you need help?” Wu Qingsong asked.

However, given the intensity of the midday heat, none of the houndmen showed any inclination to move.

“No worries, it’s not far. I’ll return quickly,” Aberni reassured, as he mounted his white camel and led the water-laden camel towards a cluster of wind-eroded rocks. His figure soon vanished into the swirling sands. 

Watching the vast expanse of yellow, Beck couldn’t help but mutter, licking his parched lips, “I’m parched.”

Ling then offered her water bag to him.

“I can’t accept this from you,” Beck protested.

“It’s fine, Aberni will soon return with more water,” assured Ling.

Beck then removed the stopper and drank eagerly. The camel that Wu Qingsong and Ling were riding sensed the water and nudged closer.

“We can’t afford that,” Beck exclaimed. “We hardly have enough for ourselves, how can we spare any for you?”

His words caused Wu Qingsong to stand up abruptly.

The camels had been without water for four days. If there truly was a water source nearby, why hadn’t Aberni led them there to rest and allow the camels to drink, rather than bringing them to such a barren spot?

“Hurry, we need to follow him,” he urged with growing alarm.

Aberni didn’t seem to be malicious, but if the situation was as Wu Qingsong suspected, it posed a serious problem.