The ship was a flurry of activity as they docked. Hawsers were thrown, sailors called out to one another, and the ship creaked as it bumped up against the groaning wooden pier.

Ella suddenly couldn't wait to get off the ship. She caught Shani smiling at her and smiled in return, moving to follow Jehral as he tugged his loose black clothing and adjusted the silver circlet he wore at his brow.

The two young women reached the plank that led to the dock and Jehral turned, noticing Ella for the first time. He held up his hand. "No, Ella. You'll stay on the ship until I come to get you."

Ella stared open-mouthed at the desert warrior, suddenly grown serious and forbidding. "Jehral, I've spent weeks on this ship. I refuse to stay longer, and even more, I refuse to see Prince Ilathor before I've had a chance to rest and revive."

Jehral held up an admonishing finger. "Stay here. I will come for you."

Ella tried to follow him down the plank but two warriors in black stood at its foot, yellow sashes worn proudly, ready to receive Jehral's orders. Jehral spoke to them and turned, pointing up at Ella.

With a sigh, Ella saw Shani approaching and shook her head.

~

JEHRAL returned at sundown, more furious than Ella had ever seen him. He stormed up the plank, calling her name, pacing back and forth across the length of the deck.

"What is it?" Ella asked.

"He's gone," Jehral said. "They've all gone!"

Shani came up to join them. "What do you mean, desert man?"

"The prince grew impatient. Either that or his warriors did. He's taken the army and crossed the Hazara Desert. He plans to invade Petrya. I can't believe he left without me."

"Can we catch up with him?" Ella asked.

Jehral rubbed his forehead with three of his fingers. "They'll be across the desert by now."

"Well, I suppose we'll have to cross too then," Ella said.

"Ella, you don't understand. This city has remained hidden for a reason. From here to Petrya is a difficult journey, yes, but there is more to it than that. Only a large group of warriors can cross. The three of us would not make it through alive."

"Why not?"

"The Devil of Lyra. That is why not."

"What's the Devil of Lyra?" Ella asked.

"It is a creature," Jehral said. "It first appeared nearly a hundred years ago at the Oasis of Lyra, the only oasis between this city and the lands of Petrya. Sixty men stopped for water at the oasis, for the desert cannot be crossed without refuelling there. Four men came out alive."

"Ella," Shani said, looking intently at her. "My wish is to see a new High Lord of Petrya, but I don't know how these desert men intend to treat my people. We must cross the desert."