Arrived

Night came, maybe faster than either Islana or Madaya wanted. It was time to move away from the caravan. The men in the dark robes would be back and they had every intention in making sure Islana got no further in her journey. Her presence put the rest in danger and Madaya was intent on staying with the woman.

Two days west was where Gra'akast laid. That knowledge was given by the old woman, when asked. So, two days with minimal stops became the plan.

Night, when most of the camp was settled in, Islana would wake up Madaya. The two would slip out, past the men on watch. It wasn't fool proof, but should be able to be pulled off.

The call was rather strong on this night, for both young witches. Between the call, the plan, and the danger Islana couldn't have slept, anyway. Madaya had been tossing in
her sleep and it took little to wake her up.

They might have had some other worldly help, in slipping past the night watch, considering the ease at which it was accomplished. So, with Kaithak on Islana's shoulder the two continued on the pilgrimage.

Relentlessly, they pushed on. Through the bitter cold of the evenings, that stung past their robes. Into the sudden heat and sun that enveloped the area with the day.

Their only stops were to eat the jerky, berries and dates they now had with them, and to drink some water. Islana's not quite healed ankle started complaining but she pushed on. Rest could hopefully come when they got to the city.

At dusk of the second day, a beautiful sight beckoned to them. From the emptiness of the sand dunes, a giant oasis appeared. People, in great numbers, were flocking towards it.

Even though they hadn't reached the city proper, it was clear they were right outside it. Madaya's went wide with amazement upon her first look at a city.

"Gra'akast," both said, half under their breaths.

Their attention was turned away from everything else and towards an obelisk that stood not too far from them. Without saying a word to each other, the penitents moved towards the obelisk, drawn to it.

Before getting a better look at the tall, stone structure the two put some small colorful smooth stones, they had found among the sands, at the base. There were gifts from others there, flowers, shells, small wooden trinkets, among other things.

The obelisk spoke of the Twin Gods with the carvings on it. It was a symbol of faith. Islana saw it as a sign of welcoming, to those who believed.

Glancing around for a moment, the two felt the pull leading them again. It was so close to the finish line.

"Be careful, " Islana cautioned her young friend. "We could still be in danger."

The huntress knew the end of the journey didn't mean the start of safety; not until they knew and had stopped whoever was doing the killings...