Another Tuesday Tales, the same story – still without a title.

The prompt this week is sand – and I knew immediately what I would do.

Remember, this is a meme with many contributing authors, so make sure to click the link at the bottom of the image to take you to see more!

Anyhow, as always this is un-edited mostly, so forgive any errors. :

With a heavy heart and a heap of trepidation I opened my eyes. The devastation before me wrenched my heart down to my stomach. Ancient stone buildings lay in ruin.  Sand swept across them, drifting up until most of the destruction was little more than tall dunes in a vast desert.

“Kryztalia. It couldn’t be.” Even through my denial I knew it was true. I recognized the destroyed town on instinct alone, for nothing of familiarity could be seen.

“It is, Jyoti.  All of the citizens were killed in the blink of an eye.” My father trudged forward through the sand, climbing a dune to the evidence of stone peeking out from the top of it.  “Kryztalia gone.”

“Who would have done such a thing?” Before he could respond the answer sank into my consciousness.  “The Vanggars?”

“Very astute, Jyoti.”

“But they were our allies throughout the wars.” I followed his path up the dune, pausing beside him to survey the land. Far as the eye could see was sand and ruin, where once vegetation and even a river had flowed. Hot wind ruffled my human hair, and soothed the sting of my hand. “Why attack now?”

“The new prince was unhappy with my answer to his request.”

“That is why you require me? What was his request…me?”

“It is Alatus Vanggar.  What do you think?”

“I think that he is a selfish brat that acts as though he’s a one-hundred year old youngling.” I lifted my chin. “You cannot believe that I would return for this.  For him. A match made in fiery hell just to appease a spoiled child-man.”

“Not at all. I believed you would return to help us fight. The spoiled youngling, as you call him, has a vast appeal and charm.”

“Snake oil salesman.”

My father chuckled, “You always did like the old west, Jyoti.  You date even yourself using that term.”

“I don’t care.  So what you’re telling me is that he has used charm to gain followers.”

“Those who have forgotten what happened eons ago, or are itching for a new fight, and then there are the younglings eager to rush to his promises.”

“Which has made him capable of great devastation in little time.”

“Precisely.”

I inhaled the hot air, letting it fill my lungs.  They pulsed within my chest at the heated boost before I blew out the air.  “Are you really wanting to fight again?”

“I’ve tried politics, I’ve tried reason. That’s why I’ve waited so long to tell you.”

“Good King Jdyne. So tired of battle, he chooses words.”

“We were all tired of battle.”

“I remember.  I was rather enjoying peace.”

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