The village that Karcook stumbled upon was actually one of the Nomadic tribes that wandered the vast region. It was one of several that had struck out from Akila only earlier that day.

Their herds of cattle and goat were surrounded by their tents as the tribe had made camp. Few of the tribesmen were out when the grenade sounded. Many rushed out when they heard the thunderous boom, the patter of sand and the crash of debris from the targeted tent when it hit the ground. They did not waste time in releasing their hunting dogs and sounding the alarm.


"So what is this urgent business, that you send for me?" The Noble asked of the waterfinder's leader. She had waited patiently as the group finished their daily trade with the nomads and desert travelers. Those that would be in the area overnight were settled in compartments and most gathered around preparing the late day meal.

"We have drifted closer to the spires over the last few year's," the younger woman stated soberly. "And the Scavenger's are becoming more and more of a problem." The Noble's gentle humored face hardened as she thought about what that could mean. Despite her appearance, her reflective eyes showed more true to her age.

"I cannot do what you ask."

"But you do not yet know what we ask," the leader countered lightly.

"I will not go back into that land," the Noble growled softly. Closing her eyes, she bit back the retort. She would not go back to that accursed place.

"Then we will lose more of our people to their hunger," the woman exclaimed angrily. Turning away from the Noble she walked to the tents opening, pausing only to sigh out her frustration. " I thought you wanted to help those in need. Do you no longer hold that virtue, Noble Siha?"

The suns' fiery rays dimmed as it slipped beneath the horizon. With it a cacophony rose from the spires and a purposeful thrumming shook the sand. With steady feet and a fresh scent, the hunt began.