Suddenly, the chalky red ground gave way beneath me. I plunged down a sandy sinkhole, maroon silky robes billowing, into an underground cavern. I heard a short yelp from the guard before the sound of a thud rang into my ears.
I sensed sweat drip down my forehead as we witnessed the fruits of Yana's merciless command. A sole royal sentry decorated in all-black military garments made his way silently into the scalding white dunes. Far ahead, a squirming burlap sack dragged a crimson smear toward the dunes fringing the decimated capital.