บท 168: The Ziggurat of Akhmanra
The Zerden beast traversed the sweltering desert.
On its back, the alliance of outlaws and adventurers were both on the lookout for any danger.
Thanks to the leader of the Vipers, the Elarians avoided passing by the territory of Zerdens.
Miryam's eyes set forward to the approaching ruins.
The Ziggurat of Akhmanra. His talent bestowed upon him a status that rivaled even Kings. A talent for making golems and constructs whose fighting capabilities surpassed even those of born of flesh and blood. Magnificent was his gift that he relinquished his humanity and crafted himself into an immortal weapon of war. Eyes that blasted beams of unimaginable power, matching the sorcery of master mages. Every inch of his body, outfitted with hidden weapons, poison coated needles and daggers that would put rogues to shame. The might of his artificial body, capable of lifting even a minotaur.
But how the overlord of constructs rose and fell was a subject for another time. Now, a peculiar entity made Akhmanra's tomb their new home.
"We're closing in on the Ziggurat. The place has been looted to the point that the only thing left in there is dust. But perhaps you seek the Angel of Tales?"
Miryam chuckled wryly. Only desperate fools would seek the aid of the otherworldy angel.
"I do. This angel is the only path left in saving my beloved." Yazmin declared with confidence. She knew the how this angel bargained, to save that which one holds dear, one must pay a toll that the angel would deem worthy.
If one would wish for the ability to fly, then the angel would take the creature's legs, forever barring them from setting foot on land. Such deal would make for an interesting tale, the Angel would reason. A transmogrification of the soul that cannot be reversed even by the most adept druids.
"Only the unwise would seek to bargain with this angel." Miryam grinned. "But I understand, those afflicted with love rarely act with rationality when their lover's life is on the line."
"Oh, but we share the same affliction, do we not?" Yazmin masked gaze turned towards the desert elf on the opposite end, causing Miryam's grin to fade and transfer to Yazmin.
"Rellana and I are both outlaws, wanted women. We have no time for such frivolity. What we have is temporal, we live in the moment as we enjoy each other's fleeting caress."
"Well, that certainly is the most roundabout way of saying, 'Yes, I love her'."
The ground suddenly shook, halting their peaceful conversation.
How could it be, the path they tool should have avoided the Zerdens! Miryam clutched her weapons, scimitars and pistols in all hands. Had she made an error in mapping the route? No, she knew this desert like the back of her hand. Only another creature could produce a tremor like this.
From the sands, gigantic snake emerge. Its scales, jet-black and shimmering as if it was wearing a dark armor. Its head, more closer to a dragon than that of a snake.
The Serpent of Golgoza, one of Warija's most dangerous perils.
These gigantic serpents would often vy for territories against Zerdens. A solo Zerden would be instant meal for these vicious snakes, not witholding their ability to spew gargantuan fireballs, they can coil around a Zerden and crush every bone in its body. Only in packs would Zerdens stand a chance against this solitary serpents.
The serpent's jaw began gathering flames, it took only a single second to unleash the fire and spew the humungous ball of flames towards the group.
Of course, the sorcerer in their midst was ready to counter this giant fireball with her own.
Its intelligence suited for its size, the serpent knew Maessha could match the fireball it would unleash. The serpent reatreated into the sea of sand.
"Is it gone?" Alara asked, ready drive her spear into its scaled hide.
"No, a Golgoza does not abandon its hunt! It's biding its time so it could launch a sneak...aaaah!"
Midway of Rellana's explanation, the Serpent emerged from underneath them. Clint's reflexes allowed him to push the Serpent away, at the cost of tumbling backwards, forcing everyone to jump into the sand.
Gunshots echoed, the Vipers held at bay this ginormous snake by using their guns.
"Head to the Ziggurat, we'll hold this snake off!" Miryam shouted.
Yazmin tossed the agreed payment, the treasure bracelet along with extra pieces of Gold for their heroics. Their alliance was brief, forged only by the promise of gold, yet Yazmin felt compelled to issue parting words to the Naga.
"I assume the Vipers will not be put down by a mere Golgoza? Perhaps if fate allows it then we will meet again soon."
Nothing about the beast was mere, it was simply Yazmin's way of giving the Vipers a little push.
"Who in the seven hells do you think we are!? Now go before I change my mind use you all as bait to feed to this damned serpent!"
As the Elarians ran towards the Ziggurat, the towering serpent took notice. Shrugging of the barrage of gunshot with its scales, the Golgoza was about to turn and slither to the running Elarians.
"CLIIIINT!" Miryam bellowed from the top of her lungs. "SIC EM!"
After an ear shattering roar, one that drew forth his bestial savagery, Clint's fist slammed straight into the head of the distracted Golgoza!
++++
Maessha ran with the rest, occasionally stealing glances behind to witness gunfire and the gigantic monsters engaging in melee.
"They'll be fine, they're hardened outlaws. We should focus on the dangerous traps awaiting us inside the Ziggurat." Alara said to her lover.
"I know. It's just...I never knew I would find the company of outlaws to be tolerable. We all shared one night as comrades, I cannot help but worry about them."
And so, our adventurers climbed the steps of the Ziggurat. Making their way inside, all of them were cautious with each step they took. One wrong move and a giant metal ball could sent rolling to flatten them, or perhaps trapfloors with countless spikes underneath.
The party pressed on in Akhmanra's tomb.
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