[In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.] — Martin Luther King Jr.

"They retreated?"

"Why?"

"How's that possible?"

Voices filled the tent as the people behind Mohul spoke out in disbelief.

"Have they really left?" Lamuda asked, gesturing for someone to go out and confirm Khaleb's words.

"Son, tell us what happened. Has another tribe decided to lend us a hand?" Mohul asked.

"Unfortunately no, father," Khaleb replied. "Things are a little more complicated than that."

"Chief, the camp seems to be empty," shouted the man Lamuda sent to investigate. "There's someone collecting the Loot Orbs dropped by the corpses of the Calabi."

At his words, more of the people behind Mohul exited the tent to see for themselves. Mohul alternated his gaze between Khaleb and Kaira before taking a prolonged look at the skinny man sitting with his eyes closed on a carpet.

"Tell us what happened, son," Mohul said, and Khaleb turned to face Azar for confirmation.

Sensing their gazes, Azar opened his eyes, nodding in Khaleb's direction.

After the people of the Mirha tribe managed to calm themselves and take their seats on the carpets or simply on the ground, Khaleb shared what had happened since he and his sisters left the camp under their father's order to save themselves. Hearing his words, everyone kept quiet, gazing at Azar from time to time, as it was hard to believe their ears. But among all the people present, Mohul and Lamuda seemed to have another meaning hidden in their eyes.

"We are grateful for what Azar Syed did for us and we'll definitely repay his kindness, but we can't believe all that you said, Khaleb," someone said after the young man finished speaking.

"True."

"It is hard to believe that someone woke up from stone, indeed. Khaleb, maybe you didn't see exactly what you think you saw."

"Silence!" Lamuda yelled, and no one made another sound.

After looking at his daughters for confirmation, Mohul turned his attention to Azar.

"Azar Syed says that he was a member of Tora?" he asked, his question puzzling everyone.

"Saru la na jara zo davi zened tar mik, na jara zeno." (This is the sand that god has created for me, the white sand.) Azar said the motto of the Tora Clan in the old Zarúnian tongue.

Considering themselves to be the rightful rulers of the white sand as their ancestor (Azar in a past life) obtained the knowledge of using it after stopping the invasion of the Bashara Scorpions and the epidemic that followed, the Tora Clan has lived true to their mission as guardians of their sacred home and shepherds tasked with leading the world into a more prosperous era. For them, fearless people, true to their talents and heart, that fought to bring connection and harmony between the races and continents of Zenthara, the white sand represented the pure light guiding them on the path of evolution.

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Note: The White Sand

Description:

White sand is a rare and mystical type of sand found in certain sacred or enchanted areas of the desert. Unlike regular sand, it has a luminous quality, glowing faintly under moonlight and possessing a fine, almost powdery texture that sets it apart from the coarse grains of typical desert sand.

Properties:

* Luminescence: The sand glows faintly, providing light in the dark and symbolizing purity and divinity.

* Flux Conductivity: Highly receptive to the flux, making it an excellent medium for rituals, techniques, and enchantments.

* Healing Properties: When mixed with water, it can create a paste that accelerates healing and soothes pain. Applied as a salve or ingested in potions to cure ailments and heal wounds.

* Protective Qualities: Forms a barrier against dark arts and malevolent entities when spread around an area or mixed into protective charms.

* Purification: Has the ability to purify water and cleanse objects of negative energies and poisons.

* Crafting: Incorporated into weapons and armor to imbue them with flux properties, particularly for protection and light-based effects.

Cultural Significance:

For the people guarding and revering the white sand as sacred, it represents:

* Divine Blessing: The presence of white sand is seen as a gift from the gods, a sign that their land is sacred and protected.

* Spiritual Connection: It symbolizes a bridge between the mortal realm and the divine, enhancing their spiritual practices and religious rites.

* Community Bond: Collecting, using, and protecting the white sand is a communal activity that strengthens social bonds and cultural identity.

* Prosperity and Well-being: The healing and protective properties of the sand ensure the health and safety of the community, making it a cornerstone of their daily life.

* Sacred Duty: Guarding the white sand is considered a holy duty, with designated guardians (often priests or warriors) tasked with its protection, viewing any threat to it as a direct attack on their heritage and existence.

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"More than just a member, I was from the upper echelons," Azar sighed. "Why do you ask? Do you know about Tora?"

"I heard stories from my father," Mohul replied. "He heard them from his, and so on. But I thought they were just verbal legends, not tales of our forgotten history."

"And from those stories, do you happen to know what happened to Tora, why it fell?" Azar asked.

"That I don't know. My father mentioned a great change that ended many of the old powers," Mohul replied.

"Mmm." Azar nodded, not pursuing the matter further.

"But it doesn't matter who Azar Syed was; you are my savior, and I will show you my gratitude," Mohul said. "Let's prepare to return home. We don't know when the Calabi will attack again."

"About that, Chief Mohul, I have to share a few things with you," Azar said on a serious tone. "I took a man named Hamsha from the Calabi tribe to become my servant. He told us why the Calabi attacked you. Khaleb can tell you about that in private."

"What, Azar Syed took Hamsha as a servant?" Lamuda asked, rising to his feet. "Syed, that man can't be trusted. We have to force him spell out everything he knows, then get rid of him."

Azar stared at him for a few seconds, letting the silence descend before he opened his mouth.

"Please, don't interrupt me again," Azar said in a calm tone, but the manner in which he spoke carried a gravity that everyone could sense. "I have the means to turn my enemies into allies. Think of Hamsha as a man who has become my trusted servant. He won't be able to think or do anything against you and me. Regarding information, he will reveal even his darkest secrets if I simply ask. That's why I have decided to take him with me, and I hope you will all agree to have one more sensory type among your ranks for the duration of my stay."

"I am not sure if I will remain in this world for more than five days, as the destruction of Tora, the place I built and whose people I trained over the course of three lives, hurts me deeply. But for as long as I remain here, I expect you not to insult, abuse or poison Hamsha, as he is my servant. If anyone does that after receiving this warning, I will kill them, no matter who they are. After I leave this world, you're free to do what you want with him. I hope I made myself clear," Azar said, successfully attracting some angry gazes.

After all, no one besides the siblings saw him fight, and because of his weak body, low cultivation, and young appearance, many people doubted him. Azar could understand that, when putting himself in their position, with their limited view and comprehension over the world, he would probably do the same.

"Azar Syed, how can we be sure that what you said is true and that Hamsha won't act as a spy for his tribe?" one of the doubters asked.

Mohul opened his mouth to say something, but Azar raised a hand.

"If you have a truth potion, I will happily drink it. If you have a sensory type cultivator who can test the authenticity of my words, I will gladly partake in the examination. But if you don't have any of those, you will have to take my word."

"Forgive me, syed, the safety of my tribe is at stake, that's why I have to be careful," the man apologized.

"I understand the reasons behind your words, which is why you still have your head attached to your body. Disrespecting me in such a manner after I saved you would have normally ended with your relatives gathered around your ashes," Azar said coldly, making the man lower his head in acceptance.

"Azar Syed, it is alright if we don't let Hamsha roam freely in our territory? To ensure everyone's peace of mind," Lamuda voiced his idea.

"Of course, you can provide a simple tent for him, food, and water. I have always respected and taken care of my servants, but never let them create havoc without permission," Azar approved Lamuda's words.

"Good, if everything is settled, let's take what's important and return home," Mohul said.

"I have a storage ring that can help you store everything. I will speak with my friend outside to lend you a hand," Azar said, knowing that even a tent was important given a tribe's current condition. Seeing how few people remained alive, he was sure they would struggle to take all the valuable goods the caravan had.

"Thank you, that will help us a lot," Mohul accepted the kind offer.

With things decided, the people of the Mirha tribe began packing everything. Araumir followed them to store the items inside the storage ring. However, Azar observed how little trust the people had in him when some preferred to overload the wagons pulled by camels instead of letting Araumir store them safely. That couldn't be helped; from their perspective, after almost being killed in an ambush, they were lucky to even trust their shadow.

With a final glance back at the camp, the caravan began its journey in a serpentine line of humans and domestic beasts winding through the dunes, leaving behind the corpses as tribute to the desert, for the eagles and wild beasts to feed on. The camels’ hooves sank slightly into the soft sand with each step, and the sun blazed high overhead, casting long shadows across the desert floor.

The caravan moved steadily, their pace measured and unhurried. Conversation was sparse, limited to essential exchanges and the occasional sigh. The rhythmic plodding of the camels' feet and the creak of the leather saddles of the horses were the dominant sounds, blending with the natural symphony of the desert—distant bird calls and the faint rustling of unseen creatures.

Time seemed to stretch in the vastness of the desert, the journey becoming a meditative rhythm. As the day wore on, the sun climbed higher, its fierce heat tempered by the travelers' protective clothing and the periodic sips of cool, stored water. The horizon shimmered with mirages for the tired minds of the weak, fleeting illusions of those who died and the gruesome scenes they saw danced before their eyes only to vanish after a blink.

Mohul rode at the front, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger. Behind him, Kaira adjusted her and her sister's veil to protect the softness of their faces from the dry wind, while Kaleb, full of youthful energy, chatted animatedly with Lamuda, who responded with gruff but good-natured patience.

Behind them, Azar rode with his eyes closed. Managing to increase his cultivation to the 4th Star of Mit'chalel, he was absorbing the surrounding flux to balance the one inside him. Absorbing Flux Orbs always needed to be done with moderation and followed by a period of training.

"S-Sy-S," Hamsha, who rode at his side, tried to say something, but it was hard for him to utter the word. "Hm, sy-"

"Do you have sand in your mouth?" Azar asked, annoyed.

Biting his tongue in shame, Hamsha said unwillingly, "Syed, the air is turbulent. I think a storm is about to come."

Azar opened his eyes, gazing around. He focused on the air but felt nothing strange. Then, he switched his attention to his senses and felt the state of the flux in the area. Suddenly, his head snapped up, his usually calm demeanor shifting to one of tense alertness.

"Mohul," Azar called out, his voice tinged with urgency, "something is wrong."

Mohul pulled his horse to a halt and turned to face him. "What is it, syed?"

Azar closed his eyes again, extending his senses. "The flux in the air... it feels different. There's a disturbance. We need to stop and prepare."

Curiously, Khaleb asked, "What kind of disturbance?"

Before Azar could respond, the horizon darkened. A low rumble echoed across the dunes, growing louder with each passing second. The sky, clear moments before, now churned with ominous, swirling clouds.

Mohul's eyes widened in recognition. "That's why there was no beast on the road, they were all taking shelter. A Void Storm! Everyone, take cover!"