The Sage Challenger by Chad Rasmussen

Author:Chad Rasmussen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: young adult, action adventure, soccer, futuristic, dystopian, extreme sports, capoeira
Publisher: Chad Rasmussen

Chapter 26

My mind is racing, but nothing comes.

“What are we doin’, Arian?” Komi says, hurried.

Still nothing.

“Arian?” Maria asks, worried.

More silence. “Okay,” I finally say. “Obviously our options are limited at this point. But there are some rocks over to the south. Maybe we can reach them and hide. It’s our only option right now. Stay low through the dunes.”

We ride fast to the rocky area, staying as low as possible, hoping we aren’t spotted by the Oros.

“Arian, some Oros are still coming this way,” Komi says, his voice shaken.

I survey the situation. Over to my left there is a large rock, about ten feet tall. Next to it the wind has created a large sand berm.

“Look at the berm by that rock,” I say, pointing frantically. “Everybody find one like that, dig a hole, and get under the sand. It’s the only option we’ve got left. Maria, you take this one.” We both run to it, and I dig out a hole rapidly with my board so that Maria can climb in.

“Arian, you’ve gotta get in this one,” Maria says. “I’ll ride off and pull them away. We have to keep you alive. You have to win this.”

“Not a chance, Maria. Get in there,” I say as I pull her into the hole.

“Okay, but there’s one for you right over there,” she says, pointing to a rock nearby.

“Hold your breath for as long as you can. The helmet will hold some oxygen,” I say before covering her with sand. Then I run for the rock and dig frantically, make my hole just big enough, and climb in with my board. I double check to make sure my friends are all hidden, then pull the sand from above. It falls, covering me completely. It’s dark, and I can tell my oxygen won’t last long.

A few minutes pass and the sound of a Duneboard gets close. It goes right past me, and I can feel the vibration of the paddle thumping the sand.

“Nothing over here. I can’t see any sign of them,” a male Oro voice says loudly, then rides away.

I wait a little longer—no sound. I can’t hold my breath any more, and the others have got to be at the brink. I burst out of the sand.

“Get up, I think we’re clear,” I say, short of breath. Komi and Shen break out, but Maria is still down. We all run to her spot and dig her out. She isn’t moving. I rip our helmets off and start pumping her chest.

“C’mon, Maria, please,” I plead, blowing air into her mouth.

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