When the sand eagle finally arrived at the canyon complex of the oasis, Ishara felt relieved. It was a fast way to travel, but it consumed a great deal of an elf's vital energy. That was why, usually, more than one elf made the journey.
"Why are you here, my young one?"
Ishara turned around. There stood Master Jóarnaliel. The old elf looked quite tired, his shoulders slumped. On his neck, she noticed strange marks. She recognized their similarity to the ones Setarek had after the battle against the dragon.
"Master Jóarnaliel..." She approached him. "I... I need to do something. I need to return quickly to the kingdom of humans and—"
"Give up, my young one. Your father and the others have already gone to defeat the creature. The pharaoh has allied himself with it. There is no longer any solution for the humans."
"I need to try. I need to speak with Setarek..."
"The prince has no power to annul his father's decision. Even if you get there, it will be a doomed mission. We must wait for your father, Thswoner, and the others to do what must be done."
"My aunt..." the young elf persisted with her idea. "She told me that breaking the alliance is the main cause of the problems, and we must resolve it!"
"Faezarnah is an intelligent elf, and I agree with her," the old elf sighed, lowering his gaze. "But this no longer depends on us. I did what I could to convince Uras, and I was nearly killed by Krarvathar's hands. The marks remained even after I fully reunited my body." The old elf showed his neck.
"Why didn't you ask one of us to perform a healing chant?"
"I did that, my young one, but it didn't work very well. We are very weak."
Ishara hadn't understood.
"Even in my state of exile, I healed Setarek when he was nearly dying. With those same marks on his neck... and they disappeared completely."
Jóarnaliel observed her confused eyes and frowned.
"Curious. Either you possess a healing gift far beyond what we are accustomed to, or..." He stopped.
Ishara didn't like the other possibility. Although she knew she didn't have healing powers stronger than any other elf, she wished it was something related to Setarek himself.
"Do it with me and let's find out," the old elf requested.
Ishara followed him, descending the steps of the canyon into the oasis, which was emptier than usual, for many of the elves were busy.
//
"She was accompanied by a small entourage and brought many gifts for the pharaoh. Considering that traveling up the river is a lengthy task, she departed toward here two days ago," said the High Vizier Rekhnéss to the pharaoh. "The information she provided was similar to what the pharaoh ordered for the leaders in the delta a few days ago, and they allowed her to depart for here. Taking into account the strange things that have happened, she should arrive tomorrow or the day after."
Uras'Diptsur became thoughtful. Given his current situation, he wouldn't mind so much, as it would be only a nomadic Hasajeh princess coming to ask him for some favor. But there was another reason that made everything more complicated.
"Are you sure she said that?" Uras asked.
"Yes, Pharaoh. The God of her ancestors is a creature of the skies, of fire and enormous wings..." The man didn't need to say anything else.
"I understand. Summon the priestess Neftraya Maelis. I need to speak with her. And keep me informed about the arrival of this princess."
"So it shall be, Pharaoh," the vizier replied and then withdrew to give orders to the scribes and soldiers nearby.
Uras then turned his gaze back to the various tables in the hall, filled with figures of the high class of Namar-Khep. Rich and important men and women, curious and confused about what was happening. The pharaoh struck the ivory staff on the floor, ending their casual conversations and drawing everyone's attention to himself.
"Now listen to me, my beloved subjects. I, the Living God, will explain what each of you will do."
//
Krarvathar walked down the street in the richer area of the city. His presence drew a lot of attention, especially from the younger humans—the children who looked at him with admiration. After Uras's proclamation, almost the entire city had already heard about Krarvathar.
He continued along the river canal in the western part of the city. Many people approached him, asking:
"Where are you going? Stay!"
"I will defeat my enemies. If I stay here, you will suffer from the battle," he replied.
Some didn't understand, for they didn't know which enemy was coming. Others interpreted it as a battle in the name of the Gods against an enemy they could not see—and they were partially right.
All that attention amused Krarvathar. He found himself enjoying it. He remembered burning many human villages in the distant past. People would run in fear, terrified by his appearance. Now he was here, being adored as one of them.
Some human warriors appeared and, even though they were afraid, managed to say they had been sent by Uras to guide Krarvathar to one of the city gates in the direction he wanted. Krarvathar nodded and followed them.
Finally, upon reaching the top of the city walls, he stopped and observed the desert. The soldiers there watched him apprehensively and fearfully.
Krarvathar looked at a young man, who returned the gaze by bowing quickly. Krarvathar smiled and nodded. Without looking back, he took a powerful leap toward the dunes. In the distance, he could already see his enemies. He, the dragon who had arrived as a destroyer, would leave as a protector.