The rhythm of the drums and tambourine were inviting in the oasis. Children ran and played around the campfire while their mothers gossiped behind their tapestries.

                     The residence gawked at them as Kiva and his band made their way to the center of the camp. A gemsbok wearing silk robes stood to greet them. "Great pardon," he said with a bow.

                     Kiva looked at his friends then returned the greeting.

                     "Please," the gemsbok said. "The desert is cold, warm yourselves." He let Kiva and all the warriors take their seats then had some of his people serve them refreshments.

                     "Excuse our intrusion, Patriarch Moab, but my pal Kiva here is looking for his brother" Wessex said, "you wouldn't have happened to have seen Keshite bandits would you?"

                     "Keshite bandits?" Moab laughed. "They came in with the Mounts a few days ago." He explained as his mate joined them at the fire. The gold jewelry she wore flickered in the light as she looked at Kiva and his companions. "I suspect the Mounts came across them in the desert and forced them along with them."

                     "Where did they go next, did they leave with the Mounts?" Kiva asked eagerly.

                     "No," Moab said looking down before looking up again. "The captain got the idea to steal away in the night. He made off with his spoils and some of the general's but the Mounts discovered them missing and pursued them in the desert. The general had each one executed, letting the sun eat their bones."

                     "What about my brother?" Kiva asked. "He was taken captive by the bandits."

                     Moab nodded. "After the Mounts had killed the Keshites they brought back the spoils. All of the gold they kept for themselves but they left the children with us." He got up from the fire and beckoned Kiva after him.

                     "I find it hard to believe the Mounts left you unharmed." Hyxoes who had came along said, "What dealings do you have with them?"

                     Moab laughed. "This tribe is my family," he said. "We were all in accord to entertain the Mount soldiers. Trust me young baboon, when you catch sight of General Roman Kasper, you'll do whatever he asks of you." They had reached the tent and he pulled back the flap. "This is all of them."

                     Kiva ducked under the slack of the flap and stepped into the tent. Various cushions were on the rug made floor and a lantern hung at the center.  Seven children sat in the room, some lying down some playing with balls and others yarn. Kiva swallowed a lump in his throat when he realized Hero was not among them. "Is this all?"

                     "All?" Moab scoffed. "Those lousy Mounts gave me seven more mouths to feed.

                     "My brother is not here."

                     "Well," Moab said sadly. "Either the Mounts took him of he died somewhere along the journey. Desert life is unforgiving to those not accustomed."

                     Kiva closed his eyes as Moab spoke. He pushed back his helmet as his eyes blurred.

                     Slowly they walked back to the campfire. Moab's tribe had seduced the warriors into partying with them so Kiva stayed back.

                     "Shall we point back to Recomine, Your Highness?" Hyxoes asked.

                     Kiva looked into the baboon's gray eyes. He could tell he pitied him. "I just need to be alone right now."  He could feel his face contorting in grief.

                     He left Hyxoes looking after him and found a secluded spot in the camp near the pool of water. The stars were perfectly reflected. How would he tell his mother and his sister? His poor mother would die knowing her son had perished in the desert but he would have to be the one to break the news to her.

                     "Mother," He said looking up at the stars. "I came all this way but Hero is dead." He hung his head as grief overtook him. If he couldn't face the words then he knew his mother couldn't. He looked to his side when he saw movement. A little sheep girl came and sat herself next to him and held his arm. Kiva thought she was sweet but he wished she would leave.

                     He watched as she knelt down and began to draw in the sand. At first he didn't pay her any mind until she realized what she was drawing. Slowly the eye of Nagoray emerged through the sand.

                     The little girl smiled up at him, her shawl falling back off her head. "Forty-six year bride," she said.

                     "Huh?" Kiva said, almost inaudibly.

                     The girl pointed up to the stars. "Forty-six year bride."

                     Kiva frowned, "Forty..." His voice trailed off as he looked up into the stars. He looked down at the girl who was smiling big then he looked at the eye of Nagoray. For forty-six years he worked for his bride.

                     Kiva suddenly realized he couldn't give up. He had to go after the Mounts. There was a small chance they took Hero captive. There was a chance!

                     "Thank you." He said to the little girl though she couldn't understand what he was saying. He raced back to the campfire where his comrades were still gathered. Elim and Wessex were partying  and Imook was eating a meal. Hyxoes was crouched by the fire and stood up when he saw him.

                     "We're going after the Mounts." He announced.

                     "After the Mounts?" Elim protested.  "Have you lost your mind?"

                     "On the contrary I've given it lots of thought." Kiva said.

                     "But Kiva," Imook said. "Why?"

                     "I think they may have taken Hero. If they knew he was a prince then they'd be able to use him against us. He's worth more to them alive."

                     "But you heard what the patriarch said." Elim said coming around the fire and standing before Kiva. "He probably died in the desert. It nearly killed us imagine a weakling like Prince Hero."

                     Imook sucked his teeth. "How could you be so unfeeling?"

                     "I'm being logical." Elim said. "Going after the Mounts is suicide." He raised his voice. "It's  a shot in the dark that they have Hero."

                     Kiva drew himself up. "Well I'm going," he said. "Before we didn't stand a chance but now we have Wes and his warriors. They are skilled at fighting in the desert. If we defeat the general we'll be doing the world a favor."

                     Elim turned away and Imook looked nervous.

                     "Fighting the Mounts in my terrain..." Wessex thought. "Sounds like a party I'd be sad to miss."

                     Kiva smiled at him. "Thank you."

                     "Don't mention it Crown Prince," Wes said.

                     "What about you Imook?" Kiva asked. "Say you'll come with me."

                     Imook smiled weakly. "I'm always with you Kiva."

                     All at once they looked at Elim who narrowed his eyes. "Well...I guess someone has to bury the bodies."

                     Kiva smiled nonetheless. The Mounts would pay, for his father and for his homeland...they would pay.