Chapter 02: The Sanctum

The sun had just begun to rise as the group of cloaked warriors arrived at the entrance of the Sanctum. Aman, holding the bundle containing the baby, led the way with the other warriors following closely behind.

The Sanctum was a hidden fortress in the middle of a seemingly desolate desert and sand dunes. The CaraCult had protected the fortress for generations, and on the surface, it appeared to be an ordinary fortress. However, it was built on top of a vast underground oasis that provided fresh water and sustenance in the midst of an otherwise arid wasteland. The Sanctum was the birthplace of the CaraCult and the place where they trained and honed their skills.

As Aman approached the entrance, a group of young initiates stepped forward, their faces eager and curious.

"Master Aman, what brings you back so early? And what is that you are holding?"

Aman replied, "This child was the sole survivor of the caravan raid. We must bring him inside and attend to his wounds."

The initiates looked on with concern and pity. They knew all too well the dangers of traveling The Chain, and caravan raids were not uncommon.

As the group entered the Sanctum, and Aman led them to the infirmary, where a team of healers was already waiting.

"Quickly, attend to the child's wounds," Aman said.

The healers carefully examined the child and found that the wooden shard had missed the baby's heart, though it had caused significant damage to the baby's organs. The healers did their best to mend the wounds, but they could not guarantee the child's survival.

Everyone waited. The infirmary was filled with tense silence as the healers worked tirelessly to save the baby's life. It was a critical moment, and the fate of the child hung by a thread.

After hours of intense work, the healers emerged from the infirmary, looking exhausted but relieved.

"Master Aman, the child is alive. But we cannot guarantee his health. His organs were severely damaged, and it will take time for him to recover," one of the healers said.

Aman nodded, relieved that the child had survived. He looked down at the baby, now sleeping soundly, and wondered what the future held for him. He knew that the child was special, that there was something different about him, but he couldn't put his finger on what it was.

Over the next few days, the child slowly recovered from his injuries. The initiates took turns caring for him, and they soon grew to love the little bundle of joy.

But Aman knew that the child's life would not be easy. The CaraCult was facing a new and more sinister threat than any caravan raid they had ever seen, and he had a feeling that the child would play a crucial role in the battle to come.