SANDS

You try not to take much stock in what rumours that merchants have to spread. Most of the time, they’re exaggerated and hardly worth a second thought, but you’ve heard too much about this one not to be curious about it.

You keep hearing merchants talk about some sort of sand beast that has made its home in the underground of Ponnia. When you try to press, they don’t tell you much more, but apparently, it has become something of a local terror. You know you should leave well enough alone by this point, but you can’t help yourself.

No need.

Ponnia’s just ahead.

These? They’re just decoration. It reminds you that you should really keep them more hidden. There are bandits all the way down the road to the city. Not that you couldn’t hold yourself in a fight, but you’re not looking for one anytime soon.

The last one kind of took it out of you.

Your name is KYRIL. You used to be a minor god, and it was very forcefully taken from you. You really don’t want to elaborate on it right now. It’s still a huge sore spot, even after ten years.

You’d rather not talk about your past right now. Or even think about it that much. You know you should really be over it by now, but you’re still not in a good place. Gods never really did do well with forgiveness, you suppose.

A hot, desert landscape sprawls before you. In the heat of the day, there are no other living creatures to be seen. The sun doesn’t bother you, though.

You pause to take in the dunes, and also to gather yourself. You feel like your journey has just started, despite travelling for ages.

>SANDS

The road ahead is still empty, and you have a little ways to go before you reach the city.