The Second Trial

Marlon stood on the desert sand dune surveying the desolate land. It was low mountains and golden sand as far as the eye could see. The hot breeze blew, but he did not feel it touch his bare arms. He looked down and noticed he still held the book inside of his left hand. He wore brown leather boots with a matching  brown leather kilt.

A leather face mask hung loosely around his neck. There had been no time to gather his wits. He had passed the first trial and was immediately sent here. Where was here? He wondered what he would have to do to pass this one.

He steadied his footing and walked down the dune. The sun seemed to become hotter with each step he descended.  He wanted to think that it was odd, but seeing as he had awoke in the afterlife for royalty, the temperature changing in conjunction to his movements didn’t seem so far fetched. He