Chapter 99: A cloud of Emberions
People began jumping out of the caravan while the hovering wagons began turning quickly until they stood in a circle with the wagons on the outside. The Viridians, travelers, and guards alike seemed to know exactly what to do as they rushed from wagon to wagon, pulling sheets of a dull gleaming cloth down to the ground, covering a large section of ground. They drove long metal rods into the ground, tying the sheets to them while a howling sound became louder and louder.
Balarn moved to the center, clapping his hands to get their attention. Irwin looked over, noticing that Yogog and the two female Ignitzions were helping the guards set up their tent. Their quick movements showed they had done this before, and Yogog's furrowed brow told him that whatever was going to happen was going to be dangerous.
"Listen!" Balarn shouted above the ever-increasing howling of the wind. "The tents will protect us from the storm. Don't, under any circumstances, leave the safety of the tents at any cost! No matter what happens, stay inside! The cloth is fireproof and will protect us, but it will become very hot outside. Hot enough to melt off your skin!"
The bearded smith waited till everyone had shown they understood before jumping down the wagon, taking his pack with him. "Take your stuff, or it will be gone when you return," he shouted up.
"They could have explained what was going to happen before it became a thing," Greldo muttered next to Irwin.
"Maybe they were afraid some people didn't want to come?" Irwin replied as he looked around. Monyque's normal self-assured look was gone and pale-faced. She grabbed her stuff as she followed her lanky guard down below the gleaming cloth. The other smiths and guards followed in rapid succession.
As Irwin landed on the soft sand, the howling wind masked the thudding of his feet, and although he saw the lips of some guards move, he couldn't hear them. A pull on his sleeve made him look up. Greldo gestured inside.
Irwin nodded but stepped aside to let his friend in as he looked around. Far to the left, the sky had turned overcast as if a massive storm was brewing, and tiny bits of sand were blowing around, ticking against his face and exposed skin. The temperature suddenly began rising exponentially, and he saw the final Viridian guards close the flaps and rush inside.
I wonder if I could stay outside? he thought. The tiny bits of sand seemed to glow, and as they ticked against his skin, he could feel their heat. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it was hotter than even the sparks from the forge when he'd crafted the holder for his rankplate.
A movement from the corner of his eye drew his attention, and he saw the female guard beckon him to enter. With a final look around, he ducked under the flap. Yogog and some others instantly began pulling down the flap and tying it up.
The howling inside was slightly muted, but talking wasn't an option. Noting the others sitting on the ground, fanning themselves, Irwin sat beside Greldo.
I wonder how long this will last, he thought.