Placing the quill down, Dolon looked over the last words as the ink dried, waiting a few moments before closing the book and turning it onto its back. He gathered all of the items he would need for the test, slipping on his surveying coat and loading the pockets with the return book, wooden enclosure, and food. Pants, boots, and a protective cowl came next; all made of the same heavy materials as the coat. He was experimenting on adding heat to the various systems, and though he expected to see a similar world as the numerous ones before it, safety was always key.
After checking all of the clasps and seals of his survey gear he slid his goggles on and doused the fire marbles in his study before opening the new book for the first time and linking through.
It was immediately apparent to him that he had underestimated how much effect his changes had on the Age. Though not quite a desert there was little vegetation to support any sort of wildlife. The sky was tinted red and not even a sapling could be seen in any direction, despite using the full magnification his goggles could provide. This Age would quickly deteriorate, he was certain. Such a waste of time and materials.
Sighing through the heavy fabric across his face, Dolon pulled the wooden frame from his coat and unfolded it into a box. Kneeling in front of it, he placed the return book inside and touched the linking panel; book and lid closing behind him as he disappeared.
Back in his Age he simply stared into the horizon for a few minutes, trying to sort his thoughts. The changes he had made shouldn't have resulted in a barren Age. It didn't make any sense to him. He couldn't stand that, of all things. What was he doing wrong? Why had this book turned into a failure? Why couldn't he write a key to the right Age?!
Frustrated at his repeated failures, at the weeks wasted on this last attempt, he picked up a rock and whipped it across the arid landscape, crying out in despair.
