The Zombie Adventures of Sarah Bellum by Scullard Lisa

Author:Scullard, Lisa [Scullard, Lisa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-12-04T08:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTY:

SECTS AND THE CITADEL, TOO

My mount gallops determinedly through the heat-haze and dust devils, and gradually slows as the reassuring rainbow array of tents becomes clearer. The voices of stallholders and market-traders can be heard carrying over the barren sands.

But it is only a precursor of the backdrop. What I thought was the main encampment, are merely the early birds, the eager beavers awaiting visitors to what I realise is a whole city inside the terracotta walls beyond. I can see plumes of fragrant smoke, hear the call of exotic captive wildlife, and the chanting of early-morning prayers from the minarets within. The scent of sandalwood and frankincense wafts by, on the arid desert air.

Maneless Camel-Eating Lions forgotten, I am entranced as my beast's stride shortens to a less uncomfortable lope. Everything shines or gleams or sparkles. It's like finding a multifaceted crystal prism boutique, in an oasis of coloured silks, in the middle of a nomad's land.

The traders are as wrapped up against the sun's glare as Crispin's cousin, Asum 'Sandy' al Dj'eBraah. I can't tell through their robes whether any of them are zombies… although my stomach's reaction is telling me that someone is most definitely selling Fried Spiced Brains on a Stick somewhere close by. Hmmm – what was the last thing I ate…?

"Something smells good!" Sandy's voice interrupts my thoughts, catching up. "No wonder the lions are lurking. Possibly a banquet later!"

"For the lions?" I ask, dubiously – but he just grins.

"We shall see!" he says, jovially. "Whenever a great rumour circulates here, we plan for the best possible outcome. A celebration. No one can gossip on an empty stomach. Or revel. And if the gods declare war, no-one can fight or die well on an empty stomach either!"

"What gods?" I enquire. "Have you seen the great river-god Atum too?"

"Atum? He is whitebait, compared to some of the demons I have seen!" Sandy chuckles. The others trot up behind him. "But they are not our concern today. Thieves are our concern! And catching them is always a cause for celebration! Also, for the lions. There are always leftovers, after the Surgeons of Justice have had their piece."

"Are we going to stick around long enough to see that?" Carvery cuts in. "Because I don't want to miss all the cool stuff. We had hardly any time at all in Madam Dingdong's Bring Your Own Towel Sauna and Spa earlier."

"And I'm sobering up," Ace warns. "I'm actually starting to feel like I could use a coffee right now. That's not good. I'll be walking straight next."

Aha – that explains his Ace-is-in-charge episode, just recently. I get a little involuntary tremble of excitement. Ooh. Ace sober. That's something I hadn't considered as a possibility before, in any of my fantasies… imagine what his lap-times as The Stig would be like on Top Gear, driving under the influence of only coffee and sobriety?

"Well, you men have had no fun yet at all, I can see!" Sandy agrees, as my thoughts spin dizzily.

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