Desert Ruins

By Ernie Moulton

When Charly Talljohn was ten, she watched in

horror as a band of marauders rode into her village and killed every person there and burned the village to the ground. A group of seven people came by and took her into their band as one of their own. She s

• Language: English
• Publisher: Global Summit House
• Release date: Oct 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781636492483

Book preview

Desert Ruins

Ernie Moulton

Copyright © Ernie Moulton.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by reviewers, who may quote brief passages in a review.

ISBN: 978-1-63649-249-0 (Paperback Edition)

ISBN: 978-1-63649-250-6 (Hardcover Edition)

ISBN: 978-1-63649-248-3 (E-book Edition)

This book is a work of fiction. People, places, events and situations are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or historical events is purely coincidental.

Book Ordering Information

Phone Number: 315 288-7939 ext. 1000 or 347-901-4920

Email: [e-mail]

Global Summit House

www.globalsummithouse.com

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Chapter 1: The Summons

Chapter 2: The Strange Request

Chapter 3: A New Member

Chapter 4: An Acquaintance Renewed

Chapter 5: Preparing for a New Quest

Chapter 6: Into the Desert

Chapter 7: The First Attack

Chapter 8: Sword Play

Chapter 9: Attack in the Night

Chapter 10: An Abandoned House

Chapter 11: Trapped in A Strange Castle

Chapter 12: The Reception Committee

Chapter 13: Collecting the Keys

Chapter 14: The Sacrifice

Chapter 15: The Aftermath

Chapter 16: Mista’s Story

Chapter 17: Returning Home

Chapter 18: The Commissioning

Chapter 19: A New Challenge

Chapter 20: Crossing the Mountains

Chapter 21: Last Preparations

Chapter 22: Finding the Tower

Chapter 23: A Strange People

Chapter 24: Attack at the Tower

Chapter 25: Planning the Next Attack

Chapter 26: The Night before the Attack

Chapter 27: The Dragon Lair

Chapter 28: Battle for the Tower

Chapter 29: Recouping

Chapter 30: A Fishing Excursion

Chapter 31: The Perfect Campsite

Chapter 32: Deisa’s Challenge

Chapter 33: Charly the Brat

Chapter 34: Refreshing her Spirit

Chapter 35: Mista Comforting

Chapter 36: The Visitor

Chapter 37: Meeting God

Chapter 38: The Strange Device

Chapter 39: Into the Desert

Chapter 40: First Contact

Chapter 41: A Night Conversation

Chapter 42: Shadow Attack

Chapter 43: The Sun Temple

Chapter 44: A Treacherous Attack

Chapter 45: Reporting the Battle

Chapter 46: Preparing for the Next Temple

Chapter 47: A Fertile Valley

Chapter 48: Ambush

Chapter 49: Another bad Report

Chapter 50: Bardic Magic

Chapter 51: The Inteview

Chapter 52: The Tour of the Temple

Chapter 53: The Secret Cache

Chapter 54: Planning for the Star Temple

Chapter 55: Riding to the Star Temple

Chapter 56: An Accusation

Chapter 57: The Final Battle

Chapter 58: Epilogue

Chapter 1

The Summons

The common room in the Bloody Moon Tavern was full that night. The proprietor, JoVold, had hired a relatively unknown bard to perform and he was drawing a full house every night. The singer, Aaron ben Joseph, was small and wiry, with desert coloring. His black hair hung in a braid down his back. His black eyes flashed with life. His hands touched the lute fondly, seeming to give the strings a life of their own. But what drew the crowds was his voice. When he talked, his voice was so soft that one had to strain to hear, but when he sang! Some said he had the voice of an angel. Others said he must be using magic. The voice seemed to float effortlessly out and fill the room. When he chose a ballad about desert moonlight, you could hear a pin drop. His range was from high tenor to medium bass.

Njondac, the dwarf, was there, more interested in his companion, Josie Mithraldiver, than the singing. Njondac had made his reputation as a fighter. He knew no fear. After ridding the country of an evil magic user some years before, he had settled in Phaliston and started a fighter training school with his friend Mischal. He was just wishing someone would hire a dwarf bard, when Mista walked in with two girls, Chandri and Charly. Before their eyes could adjust to the darkness, Njondac was up and dragging them over to his table.

Charly, ya look good ta an old dwarf. How old are ya now, 16?

You must be losing your memory. You shouldn’t have to ask. It has only been 5 years since you brought me back. No, silly, I’m only 15.

Well, ya been gone fer nearly a year. Anyways, yer pretty enough to be 17, even if yer are tall enough to make two people. Ya shur don’t look like a orphan girl now. Her light brown hair had burgundy streaks in it and her green eyes flashed with mischief. She had grown into a tall girl, nearly six feet tall; and at 15 she did not yet have her full height, nor her womanly figure. For the past year, she had been in paladin training in the capital.

Chandri had also blossomed. Tonight she had chosen a dark red gown and soft boots. Njondac looked her up and down. He remembered a scrawny, timid 16-year-old that he had thought he would never like. Now, he couldn’t take his eyes off her, until his love mate kicked him under the table. Ouch. What was thet fer?

Yer supposed to be with me and yer eyes are fallin out o’ yer face over a human girl. Not even short and pretty like me.

But, Honeybunch, you can’t realize how much she has changed since I saw her last. She’s been up in tha mountains, learning ta be a ranger.

I am a ranger, dummy. Have my own territory, now. Chandri’s dark blonde hair had light streaks from exposure to the sun. Her blue eyes were intense, but still held a shadow of her dark past. Now she carried herself with grace and pride that came from knowing she was good at what she did.

Mista, whut are these two girls doing with ya, anyways?

Chandri came down for a visit. She has just been promoted to full professional status. So we went and got Charly and came to listen to Aaron and to talk. He cocked his head and listened a moment. Yes. He is as good as they say. Mista, at 40, looked to be much older. His eyes were young, but his white hair made him look old. Most people did not know that his hair had been white since he was in his teens. He was the proprietor of the highly successful Ellenmode School of Magic. From time to time he thought about changing the name of the school. Magic could not really be taught. Either a person had an aptitude for it or he did not. What Mista did teach was how to use their talents effectively and wisely.

Chandri spoke up, Is it true what I heard?

What did you hear, dear?

That you and Sharra are getting married?

Mista grinned. That is a very probable yes. It just seems like the right thing to do. Sharra Darkling, a former student, was now one of his best teachers.

Wher is thet Sharra? How cud she trust ya alone with two young, beautiful girls?

She will be along in a little while. She had some things to do, but said she would join us here. Bet she probably won’t be glad to see a gruff old dwarf here.

Yeah, well, tell her I don’t want ta see herself neither.

Jasmine and Mischal are supposed to come down also. We better get another table over here. So, who are you with, Njondac?

This is Josie Mithraldiver. We have been kinda hanging out fer about a year.

Hmm, I didn’t know that. Now, I don’t know if I should ask … would you like to go on another quest?

Njondac’s eyes brightened. An adventure? I’d – Ow. Josie was looking daggers at him. Well, it turns out that I couldn’t get away right now.

Just then, Mischal and Jasmine walked in. Mischal had filled out some and put on some weight. He carried his 300 pounds easily and his body was so well proportioned, he didn’t really look like he was 6 feet 8 inches tall; unless you happened to be standing right next to him. Jasmine was standing next to him and her large-framed 5’ 10" was dwarfed by Mischal’s bulk. She looked like she would be more at home in armor than the clerical robes she was wearing. In fact, she had adventured with Mista and Cato before, as a fighting cleric.

Njondac looked at the pair. Are they getting married, too?

This time it was Chandri’s turn to kick him under the table. Ow. What—oh that’s right, you was sweet on him, wern’t you?

She kicked him again, harder. You aren’t supposed to say anything about that. The big lunk is going to have to figure that out for himself.

Huh. Let me tell ya, Chandri, he’ll never do thet on his own.

Jasmine hugged Chandri warmly. My, it’s good to see you again. Let me look at you! You have really grown up. Found your place, did you? Feel much better about yourself and it shows. And you’re really beautiful.

Chandri blushed.

Mista always said you had a lot in you and, as usual, he was right. She hugged her again. Welcome home.

Chandri and Mischal just looked at each other. Hi, he said. Good to see you. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. I used to think she was kind of pretty, but wow. She could have any man she wanted now. Wow! I better quit staring, though. A man could drown in t hose bottomless blue eyes. But he couldn’t. He had not seen her in five years. The others had been to visit her once, but he was on a quest and could not go with them when then went.

Mista called JoVold over. Say, old man, could you arrange another table for us. We’re getting a little crowded. Didn’t expect a couple of dwarfs. And—be on the lookout for Sharra, okay? Oh and would you ask Aaron to stop over if he will? I’d like to talk to him.

Done and done and done.

They only half listened to the bard. Mostly they were bringing each other up on events in their lives. Chandri had tried magic, but was never good at it. She seemed to be quite happy as a ranger, though. I still know the few spells I was able to learn, but this is where I belong.

Chandri looked up at Charly. My, you have grown tall. I’m still nearly as short as a dwarf. Do you still want to be a paladin? Or are you thinking of becoming a priestess.

Charly shook her head. Not a priestess. I am studying, but I still want to be a paladin. I have seen too much evil and I want to fight it.

I know what you mean. I’ll never forget how we found you. You looked so lost.

I was lost. I’ll never forget just hiding in that woodpile and watching those men sweep in and burn everything up, kill everybody and for no reason but meanness. I was sure they would find me and kill me too. That picture will probably drive me for the rest of my life. Mischal and his group had come into the clearing where Charly lived just after a gang of marauders had left. The marauders had burned all the houses and mills there and killed every person, never saying a word. Just pillage and kill. Charly had hidden under the woodpile. She was 10 years old. Jasmine had reached out to her and made friends, then adopted her and brought her home to raise.

Are you training?

Mischal spoke up. Yes, she is. We used to spar, from time to time. She was getting so she could hold her own with me. She is already much better than the stubby one there. So she has been getting professional training as a paladin -- something I never had.

Ya, sure. She can probly beat ya and ya won’t admit it. But thet don’t make her bettern me.

Charly stood up and walked around behind Njondac. She reached down and picked him up by the collar with one hand. She held him out at arm’s length and asked, Bettern you?

Put me down, girl. Ya shouldna shame a old dwarf like that. Yer liable to drop me on yer foot and break it.

She put him down, gently and hugged him. I still love you, Uncle Njondac. Turning to Chandri she asked, You asked if I’m training … well?

I’ll say. So you did go to Westport for training?

Yes. That’s over, now, and I’m supposed to take my vows next week. My paladin name will be Deisa. It means ‘force for good’

Does that mean we have to learn to call you Deisa instead of Charly?

Charly grinned. Yeppers. It does. I can be like Mischal, now and just not answer to the old name. They are giving me chain mail -- elven chain mail! -- and, remember that sword you found at Pharmanston? Not the big one, but the long sword. It’s a wonderful sword and they are giving it to me. I have to name it. If I don’t prove worthy, though, they will take it back. Her eyes flashed. They won’t get it back, though. I’ll show them.

About that time a pageboy in the Duke’s livery came running up, out of breath. Mr. M-M-Mista?

Just Mista, son.

Duke Spicewood wants to see you.

When?

Right now. You and everybody.

Everybody?

He swept his arm, All your friends.

Chapter 2

The Strange Request

When they got to the palace, they were ushered into a private meeting room. They saw one other person in the room with Duke Spicewood. He was a stranger to the group, but somehow, he seemed familiar. His skin was dark, his hair black and his black eyes shone with intelligence and en ergy.

Duke Spicewood stood as they entered and bowed to the stranger and then turned to Mista. Thank you for coming so quickly, ladies and gentlemen. This is Sheik Albegonqin. He has a request. He turned to the sheik. Please.

The sheik had a deep, gravelly voice and he spoke slowly, as if he knew the language but was not used to speaking it. Thank you for honoring me with your presence. I am a foreigner here but I know your reputation.

He looked them over carefully, as if checking their response. They looked at each other, wondering what was afoot.

I have a request, he continued. My daughter—the rose of my eye—has been abducted. We are not totally sure she went against her will … He looked down for a full minute and then looked into Mista’s eyes. "That is, I suspect she was seduced.

I would like you to find her and return her to her home. I offer 10,000 gold pieces, if you bring her home unharmed. Half that if you bring her back dead. His black eyes glinted. Provided you were not the killers.

Mista thought, Hmmm, he did not name an option for live but harmed. He spoke first. Sir, do you have any idea who might have stolen your daughter? Any idea where she might be?

Mischal was less reserved. Rest assured we will not harm your daughter in any way, but we might not be able to prevent someone else from hurting her. By the way, do you have a portrait we could use to help find her?

The sheik bristled, then relaxed. "You are obviously not familiar with our customs, sir. We do not allow pictures of people. God requires that we worship no graven image, so we make no images at all.

However, she is without a doubt the fairest maiden in the desert. Her skin is as dark as a black olive, her large eyes the color of almonds and her mouth as red as a rose. Her hair is so black, it shines like it was oiled and hangs straight to her waist. If you see her, you will know it is she. He bristled with obvious pride.

Mista asked, You called her your rose, sir. What name does she go by?

"Her name is Isella Albegonqin. I have to assume that she is not hiding under a false name.

The man she is with -- that I think she is with -- is a magic user, but I do not know his name. He came into my city pretending to be a sha’ir -- one who controls the desert spirits -- but we have since found that he has no power over the desert spirits and has in fact antagonized them.

Seeing the puzzled look on their faces, he explained, Desert spirits, that is the Djinn, the Efreet and the Jann and the elementals. You may think they are legendary, but I assure you that they are real. They normally have little to do with humans and are often hostile to humans. A sha’ir is someone who has won power over some of them, often even bonding a djinni as a servant. Sadly, I have no sha’ir at the present, or it would be a simple matter to find my Rose.

Chandri pursed her lips and tapped her forehead. Let me see if I understand correctly, sir. You think your daughter … whom we do not know and you have no picture of her, so we really do not know what she looks like … has been spirited away. And that the man who seduced her—

At the angry look on the sheik’s face, she changed her statement, "or at least led her away, is a magic user who falsely claimed to be a sha’ir and people believed him. You don’t know his name, or where he came from and you don’t have a picture of him.

You don’t know where he went, or is likely to go. And, you are not even sure he has her. And if he does have her, you are not sure she has not been harmed. And you want us to track him down and rescue your daughter from him, unharmed -- even though she might not even want to be rescued. Correct?

Ah, exactly. You have a very sharp mind.

Chandri looked at Mista and raised an eyebrow. She had thought she was overstating his request so that he would see that it was impossible to accomplish without more information. The sheik saw no humor in it.

Mista said, Sir, you must realize you have given us very little to go on. How do you expect us to find her on this?

Ah, but you are magic users and heroes, no? The magic ones can locate her and the fighters will rescue her.

Oh, yes. As simple as that. And if we fail? asked Mista.

He shrugged. Then you are not the heroes everyone thinks you are and I will be very disappointed.

Mischal stepped forward and offered his hand. Sir, we will be glad to find your daughter for you. No lady in distress should be left alone. I think I speak for all my friends, but if not, then I will go alone.

Charly said, You can count on me, too.

The sheik took his hand and shook it heartily. Thank you. I knew you would not fail. Then he looked up at Charly. Is the girl a part of your group? Surely she is too young.

Charly bristled, but did not say anything.

Mischal smiled gently. Men make that mistake to their sorrow, sir.

He turned to Duke Spicewood and said, I shall take my leave now. Thank you for inviting these people.

Just one more question, Sheik Albegonqin, said Mista. Do you have any clues at all to the identity of your mystery man?

No, sir. Just a few notes that he had written to her. He said he would some day be ruler of the whole world and he wanted her to be his queen. Signed them just with the letter ‘Z’.

At that, Mischal, Charly and Chandri jerked like they had been slapped. Everyone took notice.

Z?

Yes, just Z.

Sir, we think we know exactly who he is and we will find him if we have to turn your desert inside out. Mischal looked like he was ready to charge out immediately.

The sheik looked from Mischal to the duke and back again. He raised his eyebrows, as if to say what…

Mista explained. We chased this man off this world, a few years back. If he has returned—well, we would not want him to escape again. He is evil personified and if he has your daughter…

The sheik shrugged. Okay, then. I don’t care about him, just bring me my daughter back to me. He turned and strode out without looking back.

Mista snapped his fingers. Ah! His world may not allow pictures, but someone here drew a picture of the sheik for the local news-sheet. He is trying to unite all the desert tribes. I knew he looked familiar.

Yes, said the duke. He is a very powerful man. If anyone can pull those tribes together, he is the man. If you pull this off, your fame is made.

Duke Spicewood tuned to Charly. "Charly, your commissioning is set for next week, is it not? You know there has been some opposition—some think you are too young. We understand, 15 is a bit young. But if you prove yourself on this quest, there will be no more opposition."

She bowed. Thank you, your grace. I will show you what I am made of. I relish a chance to bring the man who murdered my parents to justice.

Go with our blessing. May God go with you. Now, you have much to do.

The duke turned and left through a door in the rear of the room.

When they got back to the Bloody Moon, Sharra Darkling was sitting with Josie at their table, wondering where they had all gone. Aaron had just finished a song and was making his way to the table.

Sharra jumped up when they came in. Where have you people been? I’ve been here for an hour!

Chandri ran over and hugged Sharra. You are more beautiful than ever. You know, Charly used to say dirt won’t stick to you. I think she is right! Sharra’s black hair was shining, every hair in place. Although she had walked across town, there was not a speck of dirt or mud on the hem of her floor-length dark blue gown and her white sandals were spotless.

Sharra pushed her back, holding her shoulders. Let me look at you. Oh my. You have turned out gorgeous. And I let Mista out with you? What was I thinking?

Chandri blushed. I don’t think I could take him away, Sharra.

Hah. Go ahead, try, if you think you can. If you can take him away, I don’t want him. She smiled, glanced at Mista. That’s okay, dear. I know where your heart is.

Mista walked over, taking her hand and said, The duke sent for us.

At night?

Yes, he has a little job for us. Are you game?

Are you going, Mista? raising an eyebrow.

Yes.

You aren’t going off with a couple of young girls, alone. You bet I’m coming.

The bard, listening to part of the conversation, was not sure what was happening. You wanted to talk to me? Are you are going off on a quest?

Yes. Do you like to take side quests?

Yes, I do and I know something of your reputation -- a band that cannot be defeated.

Oh, I am sure we could be defeated, although we haven’t been yet. We have a little business that has just come up. We need to put together a party.

Njondac, you said you weren’t interested? he made it a question.

Nah, I didna say I wern’t interested. Said I couldna go.

Oh, okay. Jasmine?

I can’t go. Jarl is going to retire soon and he wants me to train to take his place. I wish I could go.

Okay, well, we’ll miss you. Mischal?

Mischal looked at Jasmine. She nodded. You betcha.

Good, Chandri, how about you. Are you free?

I can be free. I need a day to make arrangements. I would love to go. She cast a quick look at Mischal.

Mista looked around at the group around the tables. Hmmm, we have fighters and magic. Don’t have a priest and don’t have someone for traps and locks. We’ll have to find someone.

I’m going. Charly suddenly realized she had been bypassed. I have priestess training and I have almost finished paladin training.

Yo—

She stamped her foot. "I am NOT too young. I am grown up now and I am going."

But—

The duke thinks I’m old enough. You are NOT going to put me off again. She stamped a foot again. I am going and that’s final. I will NOT be in the way and I CAN fight.

Jasmine was trying unsuccessfully to cover her laughter. She covered her mouth and tried to suppress her laugh. It came out almost like a sneeze. Her face turned red.

What’s wrong, Mother? You aren’t going to try to keep me here are you?

I think she is having a conniption fit, said Chandri.

Everyone but Charly realized what had happened and they all burst into laughter.

So, what’s so funny?

You.

Well, I’m going… Oh. She tried not to laugh and then she tried to laugh. Then she put her head down on the table and cried. She looked up, glaring around the table. You are all making fun of me. I’ll show you. I’m going and I’ll earn my place.

Mista leaned over and put his arm around her. Cheer up, Hon. We were just having a little fun -- we know you are ready and we know you will carry your own weight. Actually, what I was going to say was that you are ready to go out on a quest. And we are glad you are ready. We really wouldn’t want to go without you.

You mean that?

You betcha.

You should have seen how they got me in the first time, Chandri said. I was sure they were just humoring me and they had to drag me in kicking and screaming.

"Well, they would have to throw me out kicking and screaming. I’m going. I really am. I’m actually going! Ohhh, I love you all!"

We still don’t have a thief. Mista looked at Aaron.

I am not a thief, sir.

Good. We don’t actually want a thief. We need someone who has skills at finding and disarming traps and picking locked doors and chests.

Well, I can do that. I would like to go along, if you would have me. I’ll sing for my supper. Also, you said you had no cleric—I have some training in healing magic. I couldn’t raise the dead or anything, but I can cure wounds and such. Plus, I have had some exposure to poisons and can cure most poisons.

Mista looked at Mischal and raised his eyebrows. Mischal said, We will be glad to have you. Here is the scoop. You need to know what we are getting into. It is dangerous, very dangerous. A sheik from the desert wants us to rescue his daughter. The man who kidnapped her is the very personification of evil.

Mista picked up and explained the whole plan to Aaron. Still want in?

You betcha! He grinned, to show he had deliberately picked up that phrase from Mischal.

Okay, that is the team then. Chandri, how long do you need? asked Mischal.

Umm, I need to ride back to my cabin, get packed out and secure everything. It will take me about four days.

Good. We will use the time to get everything together and plan to leave the next morning after you get back. Don’t forget, we are going to the desert, so we need water. We don’t know how far we will have to go, especially in the desert, so we will need trail rations. Winter is coming on, so we don’t have to worry so much about the heat.

Chapter 3

A New Member

Mista asked, Aaron, you are desert born, aren’t you?

Yes, how did you know?

Mista shrugged. I know a little about just about everything. Your skin color, hair and eye color, your bearing and your accent. And you knew a lot of desert songs. Good enough? We believe this girl is being held captive somewhere in the desert.

Why do you think that?

Not much more than a feeling, really, said Mista. For some reason, he was in the desert country when he found her and there are plenty of remote places there where he could hide. That is where we want to start looking, anyway and your skills should come in handy.

Any ideas about where to start or how to get there without getting lost? asked Aaron.

Chandri said, Sure. There is a pass through the mountains, north of here. Two or three days’ ride to get there, two days through the mountains.

And how did you know that already?

Hey, I am a scout and a ranger. Give me a break, Mista. I know every pass through the mountains and which ones are used and guarded.

Sorry, I should have known.

Yeah, Mista, you should have known. Give a woman credit, chimed in Charly.

Mista chucked her under her chin. Don’t get too big for your britches, Charly. I can still turn you across my knee and tan your hide.

I’m bigger than you. I’d like to see you try.

Right here? Don’t forget, I have to pull your pants down to do it right.

She blushed in spite of herself. You wouldn’t dare!

He just grinned. You better believe it. You will never be too big for me to spank.

Her eyes were steady on his face. That’s because I trust you.

Well, you know I wouldn’t do it just to hurt you, or embarrass you. Well, he was serious again, we could also sail across the Mistral Sea and cross the mountains at the Iron Fang pass. I think it might be better to start at the south and work north. Instead of starting in the middle. Mischal?

Mischal shrugged. Doesn’t matter much, I suppose. One place is as good as another. Let’s do the southern pass—it’ll give us some time to get together again. And with the sea back to normal, little miss navigator here can point out all the sights.

Chandri looked down at the floor. I hope that is just teasing. Will I never get over my fear of people?

Good, said Mista. That’s settled, then. Now. We need horses. Sharra and I have horses. Mista has Galdur. Chandri?

Yes, I tamed a wild horse and trained him as part of my training. His name is Baylor.

Good. Aaron?

Certainly, a desert stallion. If we ride far, you might do better to buy some desert bred horses for the trip.

Now, that’s a thought. We have no idea how far we will have to go, or where.

Mista thought a minute. No, let’s stay with horses that know us. We better get some pack horses though, if for nothing but to carry water for the horses.

Charly, you don’t have a horse.

Njondac laughed. They don’t make horses that tall.

I know just the horse, Chandri spoke up. They have one that could have been made for you up at the cabin where I took my training. I’ll stop there on the way to get my things and bring her back. You will love her, I promise.

I can’t wait, Charly’s eyes glowed with excitement, wondering what the horse that Chandri had in mind for her would be like.

"Okay, folks, let’s get some rest. We have lots to do tomorrow.

The man and woman—girl, really, not yet out of her teens—stood side by side looking out of a picture window, high above the desert floor. Immediately surrounding the house was a walled garden. Past the wall the desert stretched as far as they could see.

The man, known only as Z, said, Well, dear, there is your world. For me this is the height of beauty. I love the desert, from a distance, but we live in a pleasant, cool, well-watered valley. We have the best of both worlds.

She pouted. You promised me the world. Is this what you meant? I don’t love the desert. I want more.

He squeezed her arm. Ah, my dear and you shall have more. I intend to rule this whole world, some day and you can be queen beside me. If you play the game right. What he said was, "You wouldn’t know, but I was on my way up, once. I was that close to having an artifact in my hands that would have given me the world."

She arched her eyebrows. Were? What happened?

Ach. I don’t want to talk about it. Some meddling fools from Phaliston found it first and pretty much wiped out my army in the process. He mouthed a desert curse he knew she would know, May all their teeth fall out but one.

You really don’t like them, do you?

Nope. But, never mind. I am on the way back up again.

Oooh. I can hardly wait. I’m so tired of living in the dirt, I could scream.

Well, no dirt in here. You can watch the stark beauty of the desert, but don’t have to live in the dirt.

We are not going to live here, are we? suddenly wary.

My dear, this is my home. Of course we are.

She pouted, But we can’t rule the world from this God-forsaken place.

Time, my dear, time. There is no magic trick that will just give me the world on a silver platter. I have to win the world.

She turned a lip down. "You mean,