Hebran boiled in the heat of the sun, the gullies were formed by red clay and sedimentary rocks that attracted the heat the way it held the waters of the rain. The earth itself was not suitable for crop growth and it was a miracle the yellowed weeds that sprouted here and there managed the environment at all. As for life forms, there was the deadly black scorpion, serpents and some borrow mice all struggling for existence. And among these, the faithful followers of Lord Roland.
Tents had been erected on any good ground and in every cranny large enough, curtains flattered in the dusty gust. The community had grown since, his exile and they had even managed to make a small trade market were they exchanged foraged goods or items from a raid. Yes they had been reduced to the title of thieves but what other options were open to them here?
A tall, gaunt creature clad in a tattered hooded cloak scuttled along the valley. He stubbed his toe on a rock and bent to pick it up. Continuing along, he came upon a dark, green black tent, disappearing behind the flap. Inside, was lit by a fire over which a pot was brewing. setting the stone on top of the fire pit, he shuffled around before producing a clay bowl. In which he poured the contents of the pot.
Taking the bowl with him, he crawled from the tent and headed for a flight of stairs cut from stone that lead up to a naturally occurring, opening in the stone that was covered by a green black curtain. The creature paused inhaling sharply, Then he pushed the curtain and entered the light deprived cavern.
Once one's eyes were adjusted to the lighting, one could see the room was a standard cave, sharp uneven walls equipped with make shift shelves and books and scrolls and clear vials of dark questionable liquids. There was a table too, untidy with unfinished work and behind this table sat another creature dressed in a similar cloak and seated with his back to the entrance.
The creature readily placed the bowl unto the table, scuttling backwards.
"My Lord, It is time for your midday meal, I've prepared your favorite." From further scrutiny, one could see the tails of black scorpions in the bowl. "Scorpion broth".
"Leave it there" The one referred to as 'Lord' commanded. "Oh and Vermoth, before you go. I hear princess Orpha is in Delorel, interesting news isn't it? Make sure she does not leave there!"
"Yes my Lord" The creature called Vermoth seemed greatly humbled in the presence of the speaker and kept his eyes on the floor and his head slightly bowed throughout their whole conversation.
"You are dismissed!" The seated speaker lifted a slender hand and flicked it arrogantly".
"My Queen, you will regret the hour you subjected me to this cursed gully!"