A Shattered Star

The heat of the desert was relentless, waves of shimmering air distorting the horizon as the group pressed onward. With two shards in their possession, the stakes felt higher than ever. Darian took the lead, his gaze scanning the dunes for signs of movement. Elias trudged behind, occasionally fiddling with a gadget, while Liora clutched her satchel tightly, her mind weighed down by Raven's ominous words.

As the sun began to set, they stumbled upon an oasis—a vibrant patch of green amidst the endless expanse of sand. A shallow pool of water reflected the twilight sky, and palm trees swayed gently in the breeze.

"We camp here," Darian declared, lowering his pack.

Elias collapsed by the water, splashing his face. "Finally, a break that doesn't involve traps or explosions."

Liora sat beside him, pulling out the map. "The next shard is somewhere in the mountains to the north. We'll need to restock supplies before we head there."

Darian nodded, unsheathing his dagger to sharpen it. "Khandar's ruins cost us a lot. We'll need to stay sharp—Raven won't give us another warning."

As night fell, the group gathered around a small fire. The oasis felt serene, almost peaceful, but Darian remained on edge, his eyes constantly scanning the shadows.

"You're paranoid," Elias said, breaking the silence.

"Paranoia keeps you alive," Darian replied.

Liora was about to mediate when a sharp whistle echoed through the air. Darian sprang to his feet, his weapon drawn.

"What was that?" Liora whispered.

"Trouble," Darian muttered.

Before they could react, figures emerged from the darkness, their faces hidden beneath scarves and cloaks. At least a dozen surrounded them, armed with curved blades and crossbows.

"Drop your weapons," their leader ordered, a tall man with piercing green eyes.

Darian didn't move. "Who are you?"

"Does it matter?" the man replied. "You're trespassing on our territory, and those shards you're carrying? They belong to us now."

Liora stepped forward. "We don't want trouble. Let us pass, and we'll leave your land."

The man laughed. "Generous offer, but no. Hand over the shards, or my men will take them from your corpses."

Darian tightened his grip on his blade, his eyes cold. "You're making a mistake."

Before the standoff could escalate, Elias tossed one of his gadgets into the air. It exploded in a blinding flash, disorienting the attackers.

"Run!" Liora shouted.

The group bolted into the night, the oasis erupting into chaos as the bandits gave chase.

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