"Justice does not descend

  from its own pinnacle"

  - The Divine Comedy By Dante Alighieri

  He reached out in front of him—eyes still closed—to find Nicodemus. He felt around until his hand was at the edge of the bed. 'Where did he go?' Micah opened his eyes and saw a small candle light. Nicodemus was on a chair with his head covered by a book. He had fallen asleep while reading perhaps. Micah got up and gently took the book off and covered him with a blanket. The sun would be rising soon, they both got roughly three to four hours of actual sleep. Micah stayed as quiet as possible, he gathered a few of their items, stuffing them into their bags for the trip. He took a few fruits from a bowl and placed them in a small basket. If they got hungry they would be able to snack on something along the way.

  He went to the bathroom to clean his teeth, and prepare himself. Last night they had gotten drunk and ended up falling asleep an hour after they got to to the room. Micah’s body was a bit sore, he wished he had not drank so much. He walked back to the room and saw Nicodemus up and stretching his back.

  "Good morning. We should go check on Ruth." Micah said, he walked to Nicodemus and handed him a clean towel. They would be camping this time so he might as well enjoy the last bit of running water.

  "Hello, go check on her. I will be down with the rest of the stuff." He tapped Micah’s back and headed straight to the bathroom.

  Micah carried a few bags in his hands, trying to be as quiet as possible to not wake anyone else up. Ruth was walking out of her room with Virgil. Micah waved at her and they walked to a small office. Ruth took care of handing the keys back and grabbing the horses. Micah brought out their items and helped them fully set up for their long ride ahead.

  It was not long before Nicodemus walked out. He had a change of clothes and was happily greeted by Virgil. The three of them put on their cloaks again, and started heading southeast with the horses in hand. Once they reached the main road, they would mount the horses and Micah would lead the way.

  Before they left the inn, Malia, the girl from last night, ran up to Nicodemus. He paused and grinned at her. Micah saw him whisper something in her ear and take a small basket she had covered in cloth. She giggled and hugged him. She waved at him and ran back inside. Micah did not realize how close they got last night.

  Ruth tugged on Micah’s cloak, perhaps his face did not hide his emotions. Nicodemus tied the basket to his horse and tilted his head when he noticed both Ruth and Micah just staring at him. She pushed Micah forward. He walked behind both of them for right now. He was still feeling a tad bit tired. Micah pulled out the map and pinned the location they had to go, the desert.

  Micah had a rough idea of where the Ghost cities were. They would soon cross the first border between Superbia and Lujeria. Once they reached the first border, which would be a simple change from woodlands to desert, they would need to make sure they had enough water for not only themselves but their horses as well. He would be on the look out for a small town or lake. If there was strong vegetation that meant the water would be clean enough to drink. Micah looked closely at the map again. The ghost cities were hidden; one could only go inside at night after midnight and would have to leave before dawn, or so the legends claimed, if the cities were real.

  That meant there was a six hour grace period for them to find Cain and get out. Was it possible? Sure, except they still had no idea what Cain looked like, let alone if they could find the cities at all. Micah was in deep thought about the stories he had heard. He knew they were ancient. Once, they had thrived. Now, they remained only old stories and tales. He knew well this was easier said then done.

  "Micah, is everything alright?" Ruth asked, she reached out to him offering some water.

  "Yes, however you should save that for yourself. I'm looking at the map trying to figure out the best place to camp. We will be crossing the border soon." Micah rolled his map back up. Ruth had a worrisome expression across her face.

  Micah could see where the land turned into desert, there was a small watering hole near by that would be best for them to stop at. The horses could drink water and Virgil could rest. He was surprised to see how well the dog could keep up. Reaching water, Micah tied his horse lead to a branch. He walked over to the water and threw some on his face. He looked back and noticed Nicodemus seemed sick. He was fine before, yet now there was a weird heavy energy around him.

  "Ruth, check on him." Micah pointed to Nicodemus, who was sitting on the floor. Ruth got up fast and ran to her bag, as if looking for something important. Virgil sat by Nicodemus’ feet resting his head on his lap.

  "What's wrong with you?" Micah said, the tone in his voice could have been a little nicer, Nicodemus was sleep deprived and perhaps did not get any rest after last night.

  "I am fine, my head just hurts." He said bluntly.

  "You seemed better before."

  "Micah, can you leave me alone? Do not get near me or touch me." Nicodemus hissed. He looked up at him and noticed his eyes had gotten darker, he held his head in his hands and glared at him. Virgil got up and seemed to guard Micah from Nicodemus.

  "Your majesty! Please have half of this pill!" Ruth handed him some water and a small green pill, she smiled and tried to get him to relax.

  "What is it for?" Nicodemus asked Ruth. Micah did not know Nicodemus had to take pills, would it not have been smarter to give it to him before? Perhaps the heat got to him. Nicodemus had not traveled before and things might be getting to him now.

  “It's for your headache. Buer said you might feel sick due to the elevation change, so this should make you feel better." Nicodemus took the water and pill and swallowed it. Micah watched and kept his arms crossed. He walked back to the pond and allowed his horse to drink as much as it needed. He did not want to speak to Nicodemus now. He did not know where the sudden attitude even came from.

  Virgil walked over and drank some water as well and laid down, seeming as if they would not be leaving anytime soon. He sat down and used his cloak as a pillow. The sun was bright, there was not a cloud in the sky, at least the weather was perfect for traveling. Micah knew he was not far from home either. Two days, it would take approximately two days and one night of travel to reach the border of Power, from then on getting back to the Holy Kingdom would be easy.

  He felt a bit home sick. He missed his bed and the life of the cathedral. Never did he think he would even admit it. Micah had thought about going home often. He was closer to Alvonia now then he had ever been. He turned to see Ruth taking notes in a small notebook, she always seemed to be writing now. Micah shielded his eyes from the sun, he could picture himself back by the lake. The nuns reading their scrolls and the boys playing in the water. Micah had a best friend back home, he was his first disciple. 'Timothy...I wonder what you're up to.' He could practically see the boy in his head. He smiled at the thought of him.

  Ruth poked Micah with a stick, making him wake up from his daydream. She smiled and handed him some fruit.

  "Eat, we have to go soon. We can camp once we get closer." She sat down next to him cleaning an apple.

  “How's Nicodemus?" he asked.

  "He...is alright, I think his headache is going away. The pills seemed to work." She hugged her knees. Ruth looked at Micah.

  "Give him space, there is a lot we do not know, let him come to you. I am sure he did not mean to blow off on you like that." Ruth patted Micah’s back. She reached out to pet Virgil.

  The three of them got up at the same time, looking at one another, not a word had to be said except that they knew it was time to go. Nicodemus called Virgil over and checked to make sure he was okay to continue. Micah got back on his horse after everything was settled. He waved at them to follow him. As the sun now seemed to set in the west, Micah looked for the second map. He remembered it was only visible once they got closer and it was dark.

  They had ridden for hours now, taking small breaks here and there checking on Virgil and the horses, allowing them to bask a bit. The desert was known to get colder as night came, he put his cloak back on and told Ruth and Nicodemus to prepare for a cold night. Bits of sand got on his face, he would make sure to wash up the first chance he got. He opened the map up and pointed it against the sun, letters seemed to form, he squinted his eyes to try and make the words out. If they went east they should be far enough to reach the gates by mid-night. Perhaps it would be best to sleep a little while the sun was setting, Nicodemus could get a few hours of rest before having to stay up again.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  He looked around and saw a small pillar, it was oddly shaped but for them it was a good camp marking. He pointed at it and let them know this is where camp would be set. Micah helped Ruth set up camp, he had a few fire wood pieces and detached them from the horses. Nicodemus headed to the pillar and paid closer attention to it.

  "Get some rest. It is better you sleep now while the sun still shines, the Ghost cities should appear east. Once the sun is set fully I will be able to read the map better. I will know exactly where we are." Micah laid down a sheet and some bags for him to use as a pillow. Nicodemus kept staring at the pillar.

  "Does this not look odd to you?" he said.

  "It looks to be salt to me, I do not think it’s sand or dirt." Micah thought for a moment. He felt this to be too familiar.

  "I might be seeing things, I will go eat first then sleep. My headache is gone now." Nicodemus walked to Virgil and played with him for a little.

  Ruth went to join Nicodemus and checked up on him. Micah looked at the pillar again, he had come to notice it almost looked human. Micah had a sudden shock of realization as he looked down at the map and more letters had started to show. They were not yet fully visible however when he read 'S' and 'G'. Micah's eyes widened.

  “This--" he dropped the map on the floor. His hands shaking. "No...No no no I thought this place was forever destroyed… How?" Micah looked over and noticed there was nothing simply sand; no buildings, or signs of life.

  "This makes no sense. This place should have been wiped clean, erased from any and all maps." He picked up the map again, it was annoying for him to wait till sunset for the names to fully appear. He had a bad feeling about the state Nicodemus was in, and also their location. Nothing bothered him more than knowing the exact history of the Twin Cities.

  "Ruth!" Micah called her out, waving at her to come. She looked up at him. After checking on Nicodemus, she cleaned her hands and met with him. He passed her the map, Ruth looked at it and back at him.

  "It is still empty, I can't make much of it out." She sat down, and looked up at the pillar.

  "Ruth... Do you know the tale of the Ghost cities? The ones that were destroyed by the angel God?" He sat down next to her, placing the map on the ground.

  "Somewhat. I was raised a servant. I was not allowed to read growing up. I am afraid I'm ignorant when it comes to old tales." she rested her head on her knees.

  "I see... How did you learn to read?"

  "The Empress, she wanted her staff to be educated. I recently have started to pick books up."

  "Well, that is nice. I would love to recommend some book to you at a later time. The reason I brought you here was because I am afraid we might be risking Nicodemus." He pointed at the pillar. "It is not sand or dirt. It’s salt."

  "Salt? How?" She stood up and scratched the pillar. She took some samples in a small glass tube.

  "She looked back, It’s an old tale. I refused to believe the legend of the Ghost cities, even on our way here I prayed they did not exist. They are dangerous."

  "How?" Ruth looked out. "How can they be dangerous if it’s nothing, simply sand and dirt?"

  "Because when they do appear, it's not filled with humans. Sometimes humans like to wander in, and they get trapped. I know that we have to go in, however what if I go in alone? If by any chance I cannot make it out you and Nicodemus can continue on-"

  "Are you stupid?" Nicodemus interrupted.

  "Excuse me?" Micah replied.

  "Why in the heavens shall I allow you to go in alone?"

  "Because, you know nothing about this place!"

  "Do not raise your voice at me! We came all the way here for a reason. I do not care how dangerous this place is. You are not going there alone." Nicodemus frowned, Micah saw that the sun was setting now, soon the map would be fully visible once they get closer.

  "Demus...We are headed straight to Sodom and Gomorrah." Micah got up and showed him the map. "You have no idea what we are in for. What if Samyaza's friend is not even there? We will be risking your life! I had my doubts and thought that perhaps this place was fake."

  "Well we are not yet sure, the cities do not appear until midnight. Why do we not instead rest?" Nicodemus was stubborn, Micah hated it.

  "YOU DON'T GET IT! THIS PLACE IS NOT ON ANY MODERN MAP FOR A REASON!"

  "I said ENOUGH! What has gotten into you? Sure perhaps this place is full of anything not human. I will not allow you to go alone for MY sake!" Micah stood up and faced Nicodemus, his hands balling into fists.

  "Ever since we got near this place, you have had nothing except pains. Samyaza did not want you to come for a reason. It seems here the only thing that can make you feel slightly okay are those damned pills Ruth gave you." Micah tried to control his temper. He was not used to raising his voice, he never did back at home. He was not sure if the words would even get through to Nicodemus' head. He pulled Nicodemus down and explained the story.

  The story of Sodom and Gomorrah was written in the scroll of Genesis, God reveals to Abraham that Sodom and Gomorrah are to be destroyed for their grave sins: adultery, lust, murder and idolatry. Abraham pleads for the lives of any righteous people living there, especially the lives of his nephew, Lot, and his family. He sends two angels to find any good humans however of course none were found. The angels were harassed by many evil men until they were saved by Lot. The angels told Lot that they had to flee the cities, as they would be consumed by flames. When Lot and his family escaped the burning cities, God had told them to not look back. He was disobeyed by Lot’s wife, and she had turned into a pillar of salt.

  Micah pointed at the pillar. "You said it looked odd... That’s because this is her. Her face has deteriorated from erosion. Her spirit is trapped inside." He had hoped Nicodemus understood. Yet his face did not change.

  "What does that have to do with me?" Nicodemus got back up, and dusted off his pants.

  "We cannot make a single mistake. You are the emperor of Avernita. It is too much of a risk for you." Micah grabbed Nicodemus' hand. He hoped he could persuade him one last time.

  "Micah, I made up my mind a long time ago. Let’s go rest, the sun is now fully set. We have an hour or two before we keep a look out." He ripped his hand out of Micah’s grasp. Micah threw the map a few feet away from him.

  "Micah... It will be alright. Nicodemus is a lot stronger than he seems to be. Go sleep too, I will wake everyone up when it’s time. Hand me the map and I will plan things out." She flicked his forehead and picked the map up, Micah laid down.

  The desert was cold and dark, their main source of light being the moon. He looked back and saw Ruth paying close attention to the map, she had nothing but a small candle light to read by. He wanted to help, although it was best he sleep too, as they will eventually need enough man power later. Micah would make sure to check his sword; they would not be going into the cities without it. He then looked out to where they should appear. 'Please don't be real.' he had thought. He felt anxiety in his chest, there was no documented proof of their existence, he wished it stayed like this. If the cities were real and not destroyed, and all the stories of humans beings trapped in them were real, Micah would do anything in his power to keep Nicodemus safe.

  He wondered about Cain. Was he trapped there? Micah knew little about the ancient individuals like him. He knows their names, merely there never was proof of their existence after the Infernal Divine war, the war that was known to destroy the first earth. He looked up at the sky, seeing the constellations. He knew so much and had learned a lot. Yet, at times like this Micah felt as if he knew nothing at all. How did Samyaza know about the Cities, how did he know Cain? Nicodemus was just a man, nonetheless why did so many events from the past tie back to him?