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CHAPTER 17

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The enormous gate was in between a tall wooden barrier which extended on its either side. "I don't see a door gong here" said Newark. "You can be thankful about that. There may be numerous Shaders waiting for us inside. Tamed Shaders, who'll make sure you're dead before taking you to dinner"

"Our key is going to be that door" Elena pointed at a normal sized door situated parallel to the giant gate. "That leads to the preacher's chamber area. The door is exclusively for the preacher, so that he can embark on travels or meditative exiles". Elena untied the artillery bag from her back and handed it to Newark "Now I'll go in as a traveler, talk over some drinks and then we make the kill".

"Drinks?!" Newark's jaw pulled from side to side.

"You'll have to wait here till the time I signal you" Elena said. Newark hid on the side and signaled a thumbs up to Elena. He was already thinking about the drinks.

Elena knocked the door. "Who is it?" she heard a voice.

"A friend" answered Elena, trying to sound as feminine as possible. She actually didn't need to make any extra effort. Her beauty stood out anyhow. An old man opened the door. He was pale and had a dense white beard. His big blue eyes pointed at Elena, with a frozen stare. All of a sudden he shouted "I know who you are and where you've come from!"

Elena heard Newark gulp from the side. The old man remained quiet for a few moments, not blinking at all. "In my projections, I've talked to you about the mysteries of the universe, under the stars" he said. Elena took a quick sigh of relief. "Come on in! There's so much to talk and drink!" the old man let out a sluggish giggle. Elena winked at Newark and went in.

Newark felt a little jealous as he waited outside watching the desert behind the back drop of a setting sun. It was like time had stood still.

All of a sudden, the main gate opened up and numerous Shaders flew out. They were black and huge, bigger than the ones Newark had encountered. Men in red robes were riding them. Newark saw one of the Shader speeding towards him.

Newark stopped breathing, “Busted!” he blurted out.

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