Desert of Vanished Souls SEASON 2-Episode 13 – The Freed and the Fearful

Inspired by @Diane-de-la-Cheneraye

Inspired by

Silence fell. The freed captives looked at her with narrowed eyes. Then an old man nodded once, murmuring a prayer into his beard.

That night, Anna sat awake beneath the stars, listening to the slow breath of sleeping warriors and freed souls alike.

> Perhaps trust is not built by promises. Only by walking the road together, step by trembling step.

Amastan turned to Anna, his expression guarded.

“They do not trust you. They think you are a spy. Or that you will betray us for ransom.”

Anna stepped forward. “I will not ask you to trust me. Only to watch what I do. I am no queen here. I am simply a woman who will fight beside you.”

A young man from Kano stood, addressing Amastan in Hausa. His voice was bitter, taut with rage. Anna caught a few words – Turare, Nasara – perfume, Christian. Another woman added something in Arabic, gesturing at Anna’s pale face.

That night, they camped by a crescent oasis under silent stars. The freed captives gathered around flickering fires, clutching bowls of millet and goat stew. Their eyes flicked towards Anna with suspicion, fear, and fragile hope.