It was ages ago, that moment in her mother’s bedroom when she held her mother’s necklace in her hand. And it seems ages ahead when they would be happy together.
If they even made it that far.
Katie decided that they would resolve it when they reached Oasi. She also decided that he should return to Earth if there was even a way back.
As they went on, so did the day. Soon, in the late afternoon, the tall grass thinned out, and it became easier for them to walk. The three of them were all starving, but no one mentioned it. Not that they needed to; they could hear each other’s stomachs.
“Looks like we’ve almost made it,” Koran said. “When we’re out of here, I’ll hunt for our next meal.”
“That would be nice,” Katie replied. Tyson was quiet.
The ground quivered slightly. Katie stopped dead as well did Koran. Tyson slowed down and turned his head.
“What was that?” Katie asked.
“I think it would be best if we don’t find out,” said Koran. “Keep moving.”
Tyson already started walking when he said it. Koran and Katie sped up to catch him. They were thankful that they didn’t feel the rumbling ground again and were happy to believe that they had gotten away.
At long last, they stepped out of the tall grass and onto softer, greener grass. Katie wasn’t sure what the cause was of the drastic change in scenery nor understood how it was. Ahead of them was a clear path surrounded by scattered trees that seemed to glow green in the dusk sky.
Katie looked behind her. She couldn’t see over the tall grass as it blew in the wind and was unable to tell how far they had traveled.
“We’ll just settle down up ahead,” said Koran, leading them further than the Equire Plains to a place he felt more comfortable in. “We can rest for a bit. I’ll get us something to eat and we can continue our way towards the Fountain of Chance.”
Katie nodded and sat down on the grass. Tyson sat down too but said nothing and didn’t make eye contact.
Koran either ignored Tyson or didn’t care.
“We’re going to be in Oasi in no time.”
16
The Fountain of Chance
After a dinner of squirrel and fruit that Koran had gathered, Katie and Tyson sat somewhat distantly in silence under a tall oak tree that shaded them from the minimal, yet strong, setting sun. Katie wanted to talk to Tyson but couldn’t find words to say that wouldn’t start another argument or fight between them. Tyson couldn’t handle the tension and resorted to picking out various fruits from the trees and plants that were nearby.
“It would be a good idea to get moving before it gets too dark,” Koran said, walking up to Katie. Tyson was listening nearby. “I would like to reach the fountain tonight. Then we would have just a few hours before we reach Oasi.”
“Sounds good,” said Katie. “In the city maybe we could get some proper rest.”
“Can your night vision lead us in the dark?”
Katie and Koran ignored Tyson’s comment.
Koran led the way, with Katie following closely behind and Tyson not far behind her. They walked for only a few more minutes before the last of the sun had set, leaving behind deep dusk.
“Why is the fountain named the Fountain of Chance?” Katie asked Koran.
“The fountain is supposedly an old magical artifact, and, though it is a fountain, it contains no water,” Koran answered.
“Oh,” said Katie, almost crestfallen. She had expected more to the answer, something that would explain that another force that only belonged to Narque was at work in the fountain.
“Some people believe that when they reach the fountain and water springs from it, they will be given a chance,” Koran said.
“A chance for what?” Katie asked.
“They say that one might have a chance to correct a wrong they committed, or a chance to change some past circumstance,” Koran explained. “Others believe that it might even mean the difference between good and bad fortune, poverty and wealth, and even life and death.”
“What would life and death mean? Like if someone was dying?” Katie asked.
“I suppose so,” said Koran. “Or it might just be a sign of danger. Either way, I’d rather play it safe and let it stay dry forever. At least while we are there.”
Before Katie could ask Koran something, Tyson spoke behind her, making her jump slightly. “Has anyone drank the water?”
Koran turned his head just slightly to show he was answering Tyson’s question. “That is unclear per historical records. Some say they have but have no proof and the last provable record of the fountain spouting water dates back nearly a thousand years. Because of that, many think the fountain has no more water to offer.”
Tyson asked no further questions. The three of them continued their walk along the path of dirt that weaved around the trees and bushes. Though it was dark and their sole light was the moon, they didn’t encounter any hostile creatures of the night. In fact, the night was almost too quiet.
Katie’s mind led her to think of the fountain and what she could do if she was given another chance. She thought about saving Cyrus, but as soon as she did, she thought of saving her mom. But maybe she could save her dad as well, and he could put an end to all of it.
After a little over an hour of mindless, and endless opportunities, Katie noticed small blue figures to her sides, floating above the bushes. They emitted a faint glow.
“Koran,” said Katie. “What are those?”
“Fireflies,” he answered.
