“No,” said Dreta. “Why would we? As I said, this is our home and we love it dearly.”
Gewey couldn't imagine living in such a desolate place, let alone loving it. “But wouldn't life be so much easier away from the desert?”
The elves burst into laughter. “I doubt life is easy no matter where you live,” said Dreta. “But even still, we live a good life. The sands have made us strong, and through that strength we have become one with the Creator. No. There is no other life for us.”
“And if you could learn the real reason you are here?” asked Aaliyah. “What then?”
“What does it matter?” Dreta shook her head and grinned. “This is where we are, and this is where we'll stay. You would be hard pressed to find any among us who desires to leave.”
Aaliyah leaned forward. “And if someone did?”
“We do not hold our people captive,” Dreta replied. “If anyone wishes to leave, he is free to do so. It has always been our way.”
Just then Pali joined them carrying, two bottles of wine. “The Sand Master is in a foul mood now.” He passed a bottle to Gewey and opened the other himself. “She was hoping the Soufis would stop venturing this far south, after what we did to them the last time.” He turned up the bottle then passed it Dreta. “We must have killed fifty of them.”
“Why would they come then?” asked Gewey.
“For slaves,” he replied.
Aaliyah stiffened. “They take elves as slaves?”
“Of course not,” said Pali. “There are several small human settlements, and a few nomadic tribes in this region. They raid and take what they want.”
“And you protect the humans?” asked Aaliyah.
“We try,” Pali replied, eyes down-turned. “But we cannot be everywhere at once. And the Soufis are clever.” He looked up and his smile returned. “But enough tragedy. I am curious; why have you journeyed so far?”
“We seek a very special place,” said Aaliyah. “A temple of sorts. I know it is in this area, but not exactly where. It is urgent we find it.”
Pali thought for a moment. “There is only one place in the southern desert I know of that would hold interest. But I advise you to abandon the idea. It is an unnatural place…evil lurks there.”
“What do you mean?” asked Gewey.
“It is a place where the shadows live.” He wrapped his arms. “We have not been there in many years. But those who went did not return.”
Aaliyah refused the bottle when Gewey passed it. “Can you tell us how to get there?”
“Yes,” said Pali. “But it is some distance from here, and you are not accustomed to the desert. I doubt you would make it alone.”
“We are stronger than you might think,” said Aaliyah.
Pali chuckled lightly and shook his head. “If you mean you can steal life from the earth, that will do you little good.”
Gewey could see that Pali's words bothered Aaliyah. “What do you mean steal?”
“Our people once used power to control and dominate,” he explained. “To us, using such power is unthinkable. We believe the sands live, and we would never take life from it for our own selfish needs.”
Gewey understood Aaliyah’s apprehension. “So you consider it a crime?”
Pali laughed loudly. “A crime, no. We have few laws beyond murder. But it is…immoral.” He grabbed Gewey's shoulder and gave it a fond squeeze. “But don't worry. We do not judge the ways of others, so long as they do not hurt our people, or our friends.”
“That is good,” said Aaliyah. She relaxed noticeably.
“You didn't think we would extend our hospitality only to do you harm, did you?” This brought another round of gay laughter. “You should spend more time among us. That is if I can convince you not to complete your quest.”
“Sadly, it is a matter of great importance,” said Aaliyah. “We would not ignore your warnings if it were not so.”
Pali sighed heavily. “The Sand Master will not take you there.” He put his hands on his knees and pushed himself to his feet. “But I will. Though I can only take you to the edge of your destination, I will not have new friends brave the desert alone.” He took one more drink from the bottle. “And I thought the Sand Master was in a foul mood before…” With that he left.
“What is a Sand Master?” asked Gewey.
This time it was Ghenti, a broad shouldered elf with a hawk like nose and piercing gray eyes who spoke. “The Sand Masters are our guides in the desert. They know the sands better than anyone. Though we all can navigate our way, the Sand Master can find the easiest trail, nearest water, and best shade without hardly a thought. When an elf turns eleven, the child is blindfolded, taken deep into the desert, and left alone. If the child finds its way home, training begins as a Sand Master.”
“What if the child doesn't make it?” asked Gewey, afraid to hear the answer.
Ghenti met Gewey's eyes. “Then the child dies.” His tone was harsh and low. He didn't look away for several seconds, then slowly his face broke into a smile. The others began to giggle and smirk. “We bring the child home, of course.” He tossed Gewey the bottle, then addressed his comrades. “I do believe the boy thinks us savages.” His tone was teasing and light, as were the voices of agreement from the others.
Gewey felt foolish and embarrassed, but forced a smile.
Soon after, the meal was ready. Aaliyah and Gewey ate and talked around the fire for a few more hours. From time to time a new face appeared by the fire for a while. They kept the conversation away from serious matters, and though Aaliyah seemed more at ease than before Gewey could tell something still bothered her.
Just before they were about to lay down to sleep, a short, stout elf woman, with deep brown hair and care- worn eyes approached. Unlike the cheerful expressions held by the others, her demeanor was grim. She sat across from Gewey and Aaliyah, crossing her legs, and studying them for several minutes before speaking.
“I am Weila, Sand Master,” she said finally. “Pali tells me that he is to lead you to the Black Oasis.”
“If that is the location of what we seek, then yes,” said Aaliyah, “though he did not call it that.”
“I assume he has warned you of the dangers?” she asked.
“He has.”
“Then you should also know what he does not,” she continued. “The Oasis was always a queer place, but in the past few years, a new evil has arrived.”
“I did not know-” said Pali.
“Of course, you didn't,” snapped Weila, cutting him off. “You only think you know everything.” Her stone gaze made Gewey uneasy. This was clearly a woman to be reckoned with. “You are strangers here.” Her eyes drifted to Aaliyah. “And though you are an elf, we are not the same. Certainly, you have sensed it. Your kind steals life from the Mother. We do not, and that leaves you blind to our presence.”
Aaliyah started to respond, but Weila held up her hand.
“You cannot deny that it has caused you concern,” she continued. “I can see it in your face. But our way has kept our people alive and strong for many generations. If you go to the Black Oasis, you will do so alone and the creatures that now haunt it, will know you are coming.”
“If you cannot draw power from earth, air, and water how can you know this?” asked Aaliyah.
Weila sneered. “You think us unaware of these powers simply because we do not use them? You are blind to us, not us to you.” She leaned forward. “You will face an enemy there with no fear and no remorse. It will not hesitate to destroy you.” Her eyes shot to Pali. “Or anyone with you. I will allow Pali to guide you, but you must swear to me one thing.”
“What is that?” asked Aaliyah.
“Once you come to the edge of the Oasis, you cannot allow Pali to continue.” Her face became strained. “Swear it! No matter how much he pleads.”
“I told you, mother-” Pali protested, but another glance, once again silenced him.
Aaliyah nodded with understanding. “I swear to you, he shall only guide us as far as the edge, and no farther. And though you may feel my use of the powers wrong, I also swear that I will use them to keep him safe.”
“I do not fear for my son in the open desert,” she replied. “But I thank you.” She leaned back. “I know I must
