The warm sands of the Shrine of Eternal Sands flickered faintly beneath the twin suns hanging low in the spirit world's sky.
A light breeze stirred the golden grains, rustling the leaves of the lush garden that surrounded the shrine's stone structure. Kent sat beneath the shade of an ancient willow tree, his back resting against the rough bark, legs stretched out before him.
The manual given by old man Grizzac lay open across his lap. The old man Grizzac's parting gift is the only hope left to enter inside the shrine.
Kent's fingers traced the ancient marks inscribed along the edge of the pages. The symbols shifted slightly, as if alive beneath his touch.
A month had passed since he stepped on this shrine. The soft silk bandages that once wrapped his chest and arms were gone, replaced by faint scars and lingering soreness.
