Ricky aimed his rifle at the figure standing outside the cave. Sophie stood behind him, ready with a small knife in her hand. The night wind howled, carrying dust and sand that stung their skin.
Ricky: "Who are you? And what do you want?"
??? Raising both hands slowly, his voice was hoarse but firm. "I'm just a messenger. If you stay here, you will die."
Sophie looked at Ricky, signaling him to be cautious.
Sophie: "Why do you care about us?"
??? "Maybe I care. Maybe I just want Draven to fail. You think you can escape him? He's smarter than you think."
The figure took a step forward, revealing his face partially covered by a ragged cloth. In the moonlight, burn scars were visible on the left side of his face.
??? "My name is Kieran. I used to be part of Draven's group, until I realized he would never stop until everyone either bowed to him… or died."
Ricky lowered his rifle slightly but remained alert.
Ricky: "If you want to help, prove it. What's your plan?"
Kieran: "To the southwest, there's a place called 'The Oasis'. It's not a myth. I've been there before Draven decided to take over everything.
But the road is full of danger, and you won't make it there without help."
Sophie: Intrigued but skeptical. "Why should we trust you? What if this is a trap?"
Kieran looked at Sophie seriously.
Kieran: "Believe it or not, that's up to you. But if you stay here, Draven will find you by dawn. You have a few hours to decide."
After saying that, Kieran turned and walked away, disappearing into the darkness of the night. Ricky and Sophie exchanged glances, hesitant but aware that their time was running out.
_______________
A few kilometers from the cave, at Draven's main camp…
Draven stood in front of a large map drawn on animal hide. His armed followers waited for his command.
Draven: "Ricky and Sophie will head southwest. Send two squads to encircle them. I want them alive, but don't hesitate to eliminate anyone who stands in the way."
A large man with a long scar on his face, named Vargo, nodded and gave orders to his men.
Vargo: "The show will begin soon."
__________________
Back inside the cave…
Sophie: "Do you think we can trust him?"
Ricky: "We don't have many options. If that place really exists, it's our only hope."
Sophie paused for a moment, then began packing her things.
Sophie: "Alright, let's go now. The sooner, the better."
They both quickly left the cave, walking carefully in the darkness of the night. In the distance, Kieran's shadow still watched, ensuring they were truly following the direction he had pointed.
*****
Who is Kieran really? Does the Oasis exist, or is it just a trap? And will Ricky and Sophie survive the threat of Draven and his followers?
To be continued in Chapter 3: The Trail to the Oasis