You decide to keep going on your way, which will eventually lead you to a valley. You feel better about walking there, now that you know where you're going. It's still hot, but you are a bit more cheerful.
Your cheerfulness ebbs away, however, when you see two creatures running towards you at full speed. They look oddly like the dinosaurs known as raptors, which you know to be carnivorous.
With a gulp, you try to figure out a place to hide, but it's too late, they are almost upon you now. They both stop, letting the sand slide around them. Both have stripes on their dark grey scales.
"I am Merumer," says the rainbow-striped one. "What are you doing here?"
Feeling a bit relieved that she wants to talk to you, you explain to her that you're a wanderor, and you're simply trying to get to the valley.
She turns to her fellow and says, "What do you think, Teunus?"
He turns his head and says to her, "Not enough meat. This one will leave your stomach rumbling."
She rolls her eyes. "I mean about this one's story!"
He gives a smile, which you wish he didn't give, for now you can see all of his big teeth. "Sounds right to me. If the wanderor can make it through the desert, then he or she deserves to see the valley. Let's go."
They both trot off, leaving you feeling particularly worried about what you'll meet next.
