NOVEL NEXT ROLL OUT ON THE HIDDEN ROAD
The convoy roared to life as Lt. Tarfire moved down the line of trucks, directing them to form a tight column. The blue light of the magic crystals pulsed rhythmically as the trucks accelerated, their wheels rolling over the last stretch of paved road. The unit left the outpost and headed toward the Durdan Ridge—a natural stone barrier that separated the desert from the Oasis. As they reached the ridge, the paved road seemed to vanish, swallowed by the vast sands of the Desertum Maris.
Lt. Tarfire’s voice crackled over the radio: “Check your road detector. If it’s not on already, turn it on now. We’re entering the desert highway.”
Inside Alpha 2, Shara Stoneclaw glanced at her communication console. The indicator light flickered, signaling a direct link-up. She quickly adjusted the settings on her scrambler, ensuring the line was secure before Lt. Colonel Merryclaw’s voice came through.
“Tarfire, have you hit the Durdan Ridge?” Lt. Colonel Merryclaw asked, his voice steady but with an underlying tension.
“Yes, sir, we passed it a few moments ago,” Rader replied, keeping his tone measured.
“Good. Stay safe. Godspeed and good luck,” Merryclaw’s voice softened slightly, a touch of concern breaking through.
“Thank you, sir. Tarfire out.” Rader switched his comms back to the convoy channel, exhaling as he did so. “Alright, team, stay sharp.”
The desert highway was a hidden road, its surface embedded with strips of metal detectable only by the JCVAIL road detectors mounted on each truck. Concealed beneath the shifting sands, this route allowed safe passage for heavy transports between the seven main oases, the refugee settlement in Lord Trulane’s fiefdom, and the Praedium. It was a lifeline for the Beastkin, an invisible artery threading through the desert, known only to a select few.
The M-1083 FMTV rumbled over the dunes, its tires kicking up trails of dust that hung in the hot, dry air. Inside Alpha 2, Kael Swiftail kept his hands steady on the wheel, guiding the truck along the hidden highway. Next to him, Sergeant Ordoz Targzon sat at the controls of the remote weapons station, his eyes scanning the horizon through the thermal imager, always ready for a threat to emerge.
Shara monitored the scrambled communication gear, periodically checking the encryption settings to ensure their transmissions remained secure. Thessa Brightclaw organized the medical supplies, casting occasional glances out the window at the endless expanse of sand. The rhythmic hum of the engine filled the cab, a steady reminder of the delicate balance between technology and magic that powered their journey.
Kael leaned over and grinned. “Alright, let’s see if this works,” he said, pressing a button on the music player he had installed in the truck. A moment later, a steady beat and the strumming of a guitar filled the cab. The music crackled through the speakers, blending with the sounds of the desert.
Thessa smiled softly, relieved to have something to break the monotony. “Not bad, Kael. Better than listening to the wind, at least.”
Targzon chuckled. “I’ve heard worse. Just keep it low enough to hear the comms.”
Shara shot Kael a look, half-amused, half-serious. “You better hope this doesn’t interfere with my systems. Last thing we need is static on a secure channel.”
Kael winked. “Don’t worry, Shara. I made sure it’s all good. Besides, it’s just a bit of music to keep us going.”
The sun began its descent behind the distant Murlan SkyRocks, casting long shadows over the sandy expanse. The horizon was painted in hues of red and gold, a striking contrast against the darkening landscape. The music from Kael’s player played softly in the background, a comforting melody that seemed to blend with the desert’s quiet.
As they drove on, Lt. Tarfire’s voice broke through the intercom again, his tone calm but cautious. “Eyes up, team. We’re approaching the Murlan SkyRocks. Keep tight and stay alert. Follow the detector closely—this is where it might get tricky.”
Kael’s grin faded slightly as he looked ahead. “The SkyRocks…” he murmured to Targzon. “What’s so special about them?”
Targzon didn’t take his eyes off the horizon. “Just stay focused. Those rocks can hide anything—or anyone. We’ve had trouble there before.”
Shara, listening in, nodded. “Comms are clear, but I’m keeping the lines open. If anything happens, we’ll know right away.”
Thessa’s fingers drummed nervously on her leg. “Let’s hope it stays that way,” she whispered, trying to steady her breathing.
As the convoy moved steadily forward, the music played on, mixing with the hum of the engine and the crunch of sand beneath their wheels. Inside Alpha 2, the team settled into a focused silence, knowing that as the sun set behind the SkyRocks, the real challenges might just be beginning.