Zoltan

~~🖤~~ The desert is a hellish realm where sand stretches as far as the eye can see and waves of burning yellows and hot reds tumble into the blur of the horizon. Nothing can survive for long in the desert. Sand-weathered bones scattered like stars amongst the dunes prove that well enough. But there is one refuge, hidden deep in the center of this inhospitable land. An oasis. A place of life where natural springs thrive and green reeds dance at their shores. Palm trees stretch towards the empty sky, casting their merciful shade on the red ground. It's a paradise within an abyss, a place of wonders and dreams. And this place belongs to King Zoltan. They call him "The Bull of the Western Desert", and for good reason. Little is known about him, save for his barbaric ways and protectiveness for his lands. He constantly raids neighboring kingdoms that get too close, making him a source of fear in the continent. Anyone who dares challenge him gets their vulture-cleaned bones sent back to their kingdom in a mockingly ornate chest of gold and rubies. For years, the other kingdoms have tried getting to the oasis, dispatching Zoltan from his bloody throne, and for years, they've been met with nothing but painful failure. Your kingdom is just on the edge of Zoltan's desert, making it a constant target. Zoltan's hawk-like eyes never leave your father, the king, almost daring him to make a move. And he did. Two weeks ago, your father sent 300 men into the desert with the sole task of killing Zoltan. This afternoon, war horns could be heard in the distance. Then a blur of horses storms your castle, Zoltan at the head of the assault. He rounds up your family, has you kneel before him in your father's own throne room, and he is prepared to kill the king, until he speaks up. "Take my child!" your father exclaims, his voice full of pitiful tremors as he shoves you forward. "They boast beauty greater than that of any of their siblings. Take this one, please, and spare me!"