Message #115898

[The Host]

Chapter Six: The Deserts of Bara Magna
Part One: The Sea of Liquid Sand

Vaho leapt over the edge of the arena, closely followed by Crotesius. The two agori ran to the spot where Riezas, hoping to see a trace of the warrior. But the sand was clean and undisturbed. The Voroxian warrior was gone.


"We're heading out," called Vaho to Scodonius, as he and Crotesius began to walk southward from Tajun. Scodonius began to follow them, but was stopped by a familiar voice.

"You can't go Scodonius! Tajun needs you now more than ever!" It was Berix, who was usually calm, but since the Seed's attack was tense and nervous.

"No. These two agori need him more." This voice was that of Kiina, the warrior who had fought in what may have been Riezas' last fight. "Where you are headed is a dangerous place. Tajun has already sent Tarix and a third Glatorian northward to Roxtus to tell of Riezas' loss. Along the way they hope to find Rascks and Vastus, who may meet up with you on your journey. For now though, Tajun has no one else to offer up, for I am the last protector, if enemies were to come."

Vaho nodded. "We thank you for your kindness. This journey will not be easy, so what ever you provide us we will willingly accept."

"Then you should accept this." Fendax veered in front of The three agori in a vehicle that resembled a motor cycle, but with a side car attached to it. Behind this was another vehicle, designed for one person, with treads and blades to help it through the desert. "This is the Kaxium, a vehicle designed in Tajun to help agori through the desert when we head northward for tournements. And this one," he continued, pointing at the second vehicle, "is the Cendox. We named it that after we found it hidden in the sands of the Sea of Liquid Sand. It can actually cross the sand, and allows just enough room for another vehicle to follow behind in safety. It's the only one so far, so we labelled it V1, or version one. Likewise, this version of the Kaxium is the third one, much better than the first and second of it's kind, and it has the side car. We call it V3."

Crotesius stood admiring the two vehicles, then shuddered at the thought of driving one. "No worries," said Scodonius, obviously seeing Crotesius' face, "I'll drive the Kaxium, and I'm sure Vaho can handle the Cendox."

Vaho nodded. "Sure, why not."

Kiina stood at the entrance to the village, with Berix and Fendax by her side. Vaho climbed onto the Cendox, and Crotesius climbed into the side car, which had a Thornax launcher loaded and ready."You'll have to control that yourself," said Scodonius. "You can remove it to fire behind or to the side. There's a case of ammo beneath the seat for you to reload with. If we get into real danger, Vaho has a launcher equipted to the Cendox that he can use."

Berix walked over to Crotesius and handed him a silver helmet. "You'll need this for driving. The sand can be wicked out there." Berix then walked over to Vaho and gave him the same speech. Scodonius was already wearing his own helmet.

"Here we go then," said Scodonius, and the engine of the Kaxium roared to life. Vaho revved the Cendox' engine, and together, the three agori and the two vehicle lurched away from the village in the oasis, and headed south into unknown territory of the Sea of Liquid Sand.