Capítulo 55: Garden Of Eden
'Who were Nahor, Lira and Mona? Who were those people? Why did he dream about them? Who were the two little boys Nayou and Zander?'
Leoric's mind was in turmoil.
He gazed at his reflection before picking up a pebble and throwing it into the lake.
The ripples seemed to calm his mind as he gazed at the surface of the small lake.
The first ripple was a small, tight circle expanding gently across the lake's surface. He gazed blankly as more concentric rings formed, each wider and fainter than the last, gliding smoothly across the water toward him.
He dipped his hand into the water, trying to grasp the rhythmic and graceful rings. His action, however, once again disturbed the surface that was about to return to its calm and still state, distorting the serene reflection of the sky and trees on the lake.
Angel watched Leoric with a frown. He seemed to be out of sorts. Was it because of the side effects of severe dehydration?
Suddenly, the quiet surrounding was broken by the distant hum of engines. Four ugly-looking vehicles approached.
It was strange, but their tires were not kicking up clouds of sand as they moved steadily forward. The sound of their engines grew louder, a deep, mechanical growl echoing through the emptiness.
Leoric narrowed his eyes as he anticipated the rest of the team's arrival. His lips twitched when he noticed how ugly the vehicles were from a distance.
The vehicles followed a single line, maintaining a safe distance. The heat shimmered above the hoods of the cars. People inside must have been very uncomfortable due to the relentless heat at bay.
Only then did Leoric realize Angel must have flown him atop the eagle. He turned around to gaze at the woman sitting languidly beneath the sheltering branches of an old palm tree, seeking refuge from the relentless sun.
Her body leaned against the rough bark, posture relaxed and almost slouched. Dappled patterns were drawn across her figure by the tree's shade.
Her half-closed eyes were glazed with lazy contentment. She was watching the shimmering heat waves dance over the distant landscape. Her red hair was let loose and gently swayed when a breeze blew for a moment.
Sweat trickled lightly on her forehead, glistening in the muted light and making her appear more beautiful. One hand rested on her lap, and the other lifted a strand of hair that covered her face and tucked it behind her ear.
Leoric inhaled deeply. Something stirred from deep within him. Angel was a beauty to behold. Perhaps she was named as such because she looked like an angel.
Angel lifted her head and met Leoric's intense gaze.
"Uhm, they shouldn't dived directly into the lake when they arrived. Otherwise, it will pollute our drinking water."
Angel thought of reminding Leoric just to break the awkward staring contest between them.
Leoric withdrew his gaze and carefully studied his surroundings. The lake fed the small pond, which should be big enough to accommodate the 27 people just minutes from arriving.
He walked to the lake's edge and waited for the vehicles to arrive.
The vehicles had not entirely stopped when the people stumbled out, weary and exhausted. Fatigue was etched deep into their features. The sun, relentless and unforgiving, was high in the sky, turning the sand into shimmering heat waves.
"Go bathe on the pond over there. Don't pollute the water in the lake as that will be for drinking."
Despite the noticeable weakness, Leoric's voice still carried authority, a commanding presence that everyone regarded with respect.
"Leo! I'm glad you're alright." Emily ran toward him and threw herself into his arms.
Leoric stiffened before hugging her and patting her on the back.
"Be good and soak yourself in the pond."
Emily did not need a second instruction and headed to the pond.
Rosette and the two other women collapsed at the edge of the pond, their bodies spent from the brutal journey. It took some effort before they finally dragged their bodies for a refreshing soak in the pond.
The men, including Alec, Dr. Reeves, and Captain Niel, fell to their knees, cupping their hands to scoop the cool, clear water and splashing it over their parched faces and cracked lips.
They did not think whether the water was dirty or not. They only knew that after not seeing a big body of water for several days, the lake looked pristine. The water tasted so sweet it was like life itself, reviving their senses as they gulped eagerly, desperate to quench their thirst.
After an hour of soaking and bathing, the group felt refreshed and alive. Judging by the merciless sun's shadows on the ground, it was almost midday.
The chef and two stewards took their portable stove and other cooking utensils from one of the vehicles and set them up under a palm tree.
They still have some rice and pasta, as they did not have an opportunity to cook when their water supply ran out.
The chef decided to treat the group to a pasta meal and used up the remaining canned tomato and meat sauce.
"Let us stay here for the night and have a good night's rest, and we resume tomorrow. We also need some time to refill our water tank." Leoric announced seriously.
The group was delighted. Even Captain Niel could no longer take it. He felt that his body was about to break. He slept several nights on the cold, hard floor in a cramped space, causing every bone in his body to ache.
The men started to put up tents, one big and one smaller for the women.
The group spent the afternoon lazing around under the palm trees. The leaves overhead swayed gently, a telltale sign of the gentle breeze's presence. They cast calming shadows over the survivors, offering a much-needed reprieve from the searing sun.
They finally felt the air was cool and fresh, carrying the faint scent of water and vegetation, a stark contrast to the dry, suffocating heat they'd endured for so long.
Indeed, the oasis was not just a place of water and shade—it was their salvation when all hope was almost lost, a brief sanctuary in the vast, unrelenting desert.
It was their Garden of Eden!
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