We're going to have to cross this last stretch of desert before we make it through Pinella pass and then it's just a day's walk to the village of Pittmerden. It's supposed to be a rallying point for Abbarang and his party, perhaps we can find more information there, Kilian says.

  They walk through the desert sands. At this time of the year the heat is bearable, even if it is still too warm for the comfort of Kilian, Baldric and Alina.

  They spot some ruins in the distance.

  Let's make a rest over there, it's going to be nice and shady, Kilian says excitedly.

  They walk over to the ruins and unpack some food. The ruins are of an abandoned outpost on a small hill. As they start to eat Amaru notices something in the distance.

  Sandsharks! He spots their fins out of the sand.

  Everyone get ready! They probably smelled our food.

  Before they have much time to prepare, a gigantic sandshark, the size of at least 2 men jumps out of the sand and snatches some of their food from the cloth it was on, cloth and all.

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  Its teeth the length of an adult male fist, their sand-coloured hide unmistakable.

  They can sense vibrations! Amaru says.

  Stand still everyone, Kilian orders.

  They all stand still in silence.

  Watch their fins for odd movements!

  They follow the fins. There's three of them.

  Suddenly one starts moving rapidly at Alina. Baldric sees an opportunity, right as the sand shark jumps out of the sand to bite her, he jumps in and smashes its face with his shield.

  A full on hit. The sharks jumps back in the sand to hide itself.

  Then the next one jumps out of the sand at Zad, who uses his agility to dodge it, then stabs it in its side through its thick hide.

  The shark bleeds and also hides itself.

  Then all three of the sharks swim away.

  Phew, that was a close call, Kilian says.

  Sandsharks don't mess around. We're lucky these weren't very hungry, or they would've fought much more aggressively, and they wouldn't have given up so easily, Amaru says.

  They decide to continue their meals, although Baldric is already finished.