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