Zach shuffled forward, afraid to directly look at the man. His appearance was one even his mother disliked.
Tattoos lined his arms, most likely tribal. His earlobes pierced by a queue of ear piercings. His fingers were masked by dozens of rings, some with gems. It was hard to decipher it as jewelery from large, metal-mesh gloves.
"Ah! You`re the perfect person I need."
It turns out, this man, who was too rude to ever mention his name, had a bone to pick with Jamar. A rat had been aboard the Iron Goddess to provide this invaluable intel. Zach`s meeting with Jamar was perfect to knock out a rival gang.
Zach was to continue as planned and visit Jamar. From there, he was to convince Jamar and his gang to fight. The man figured that they were no match, and he just needed bait.
Zach had a map and compass thrust into his hands, along with a canteen.
"Don`t fail me boy. If they don`t visit in a week, we`ll go to their doorstep instead. And then I`ll find you."
The sun had just reached its peak angle, and the skies clear. Zach was ordered to wait for nightfall. It`d be easier to travel when cool.
"And one more thing, Boy. Don`t get lost. You`ll be buried by sand by the hour if die, and no one will ever find you."
Zach was unable to sleep that afternoon. His mind still buzzed with his current situation. Why did the worst of life end up being part of his? Atleast he got to live a bit longer, even if only a week more. Life, however cruel, was too beautiful and graceful to give up on.
As the Sun floated down, and the moon up, Zach was escorted to the exit. The leader waited, to deliver a last message.
"You`ve have been graced by my kindness. If you are successful, I`ll ensure whatever you desire."
What kind of grace was that? Seems like a Hell to me, thought Zach.
"Get a move on boy. Time waits for no man, or boy, for that matter."
By @SirQuinn
