"I'll tell you what." Crow put his arms around the younger man, noticing just how thin he was, "You and crow will have a little sit down , tell me some of the word that goes around. I'm sure you have some gossip about your master. He's quite the fun topic."

Who better to get some black mail from than the outcriers closest associate? Crow took the bottle out again, holding it infront of the others face.

Crow narrowed his eyes before climbing down, muttering to himself about ingrates and rude racers, “Wait here.” He mumbled before proceeding to beat the sand out of the racer. It ended well, with the debt being repayed and Crow none the wiser that it was in fact Jay, the one he was now smiling at, that threw the rock.

continued from here

It felt like she was dreaming again, that it was just a cruel joke of sick imagination. Iv was scared, she has never felt such a horror even when her life was in danger - how she could go on living if everything around her could be just a mirage?

The warm hand covered her and Ivakir’s throat thightened, but she kept her emotions and closed her eyes. No, it was real. No more jokes from the evil sands, no more destructive feeling of loneliness and lostness.

There was a happy smile and laugh, when she let Crow to capture her in the embrace. Oh, what she had to say? So many words spun in her head that she wanted to say, but couldn’t find the right one.

- I missed you so much, my dear king, - Iv croaked, her nose buried in the man’s shoulder. The traveler stood silently, motionless, enjoying this moment, struggling with the pain and emotions within herself. It was not a good time for them.

“Of course! What kind of cruel king would I be if I were not to bring gifts for my most loyal of allies,” He pressed the bottle into her hand and winked, “A gift from a far land once buried deep in the coarse sand. But I promise its not the only one I have for you.”

He took a moment to hold her again, pulling her tight and whispering how sorry he was for leaving before parting to dig in the car again. Tossing aside empty cans and canteens until he found it tucked carefully where he hid it.

“Now this!,” He presented it carefully, wrapped in a dusty old cloth, “A gift only befitting a traveler of stars. I fought off many a vile creature to keep this.”

As he unwrapped it, the shining blade was revealed, stars engraved in the still sharp metal. The handle, made of carved bone in the curve of a crescent moon.

Crow stretched and yawned. The ride had been long and tiring but he felt rejuvinated being home. A few of the workboys had gotten up and began cleaning up under his orders. Teh O-ring would return to its orginal glory again. 

But something felt off. Crow scanned the roads and the horizon. He felt like eyes were on him. But who? And from where?

Oh he had a slight idea, and he had another idea on how to draw them out.

Ivakir stopped just five steps from Crow. Five steps to overcome, and the woman will capture the target. But standing with your back to her is a big mistake, when you are dealing with this sly fox.

“How could this be! The sly fox has captured the crow and taken my sight!” He laughed and turned around, quickly capturing Ivakir in his arms.

 “Ah, how my heart soars to see you again. I hope you will forgive me for my disappearance. On my way home there was much interference. I promise my presence here, to better maintain.”