½ a world cycle later (the equivalent of 6 months on the Wandering Sands)
Adahlia checks Sotet’s breathing for what seems like the millionth time. And for the millionth time, she is greatly disturbed by the lack of rise and fall to Sotet’s chest.
“Lerfaf? Don’t you think it’s time to wake them up?” Adahlia questions. The sense of urgency in her voice is not lost on Lerfaf.
“They will be fine, Adahlia,” Lefraf states.” “Same as the last few dozen times that you asked me.”
“I don’t see why you can’t wake them now,” Adahlia insists. “It’s been an awfully long time. I’m worried about them. They’re not like you. How do you know that being in hibernation this long won’t be harmful to them?”
Lerfaf meets Adahlia’s gaze and gives her a reassuring smile. “I know…because I’ve placed others in deep hibernation before. About sixty cycles ago, I met an injured worlder. The creature grew delirious during a sudden sandstorm and took a really bad tumble. I found him crumpled at the bottom of a dune. His injuries were quite grievous and the odds of his survival were slim. I brought him to the same level of consciousness I have placed Sotet and Diyrl into. After tending to his injuries and watching over him for a time; I woke him from hibernation. However, I kept my presence hidden and he had no knowledge of what I had done. He simply shook himself off and left. No harm will be done, Adahlia. Your friends will be fine.”
Adahlia is only slightly reassured. “That’s a very nice story, Lerfaf. But I really do believe it’s time that you wake them. The pond is teeming with fish—And other things. There’s no reason to keep them asleep. I want to talk to Sotet. I like your stories about Equival, and how beautiful it once was, but they’re actually a little depressing. Especially, considering that your world is no longer as you say it once was. I want to know that Diyrl and Sotet are really okay. I want to talk to them. Please wake them up, Lerfaf. Please.”
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Lerfaf climbs to his feet and motions for Adahlia to come with him. “If that is what you wish—that is what I will do. Come with me.”
_
_
Sotet and Lerfaf are standing next to Diyrl’s right side. Sotet is still somewhat groggy and leans against Lerfaf for support. Lerfaf motions for Adahlia to stop stroking Diyrl’s snout and move away.
“She was in a troubled state when she fell into deep sleep,” Lerfaf explains. “She may not wake up in the best of moods. And if she doesn’t…We don’t want you in the path of her fiery rage. Stand over by the trees, Adahlia.”
Adahlia quickly moves to obey. Lerfaf positions his hoof on Diyrl’s scaly chest and commences the ritual to awaken Diyrl. After a few moments, Diyrl’s eyes begin to move under her closed eyelids. A soft sound like snoring escapes from her giant nostrils and her chest begins to slowly rise and fall. One eye suddenly draws open and looks directly at Lerfaf. Sotet bristles and takes a fumbling step back.
“Uh-oh. I don’t think that is good,” Sotet mutters softly. He takes several more steps away from Lerfaf.
Lerfaf remains completely still. Doom or not; he refuses to leave the spot where he stands.
Diyrl’s eye remains riveted on Lerfaf for a few moments longer. No one says a single word—waiting for catastrophe or worse to strike. Eventually, Diyrl’s other eye slides open and she raises her head. She continues to stare at Lerfaf while sniffing the air.
“You’ve kept your promise,” Diyrl growls. Her usual wolfish grin creeps onto her face. “You get to live.”