He strode up with amazing grace and speed, seemingly unaffected by the deep sand. “How lucky you are,” he called, when he was a few yards away. “Had we not been aware that the Soufis were near, you would be slaves…or worse.” He removed his covering, revealing a broad smile. He looked young, though Gewey knew that when it came to elves, looks could be deceiving. “I was not aware elves from the west journeyed to the desert.” He laughed. “Or that they preferred the company of humans.”
Aaliyah stepped forward. “I am Aaliyah. This is…Gewey.” It was the first time Gewey had heard her use his name. He cracked a smile. “If we have trespassed-”
The elf held up his hand. “One cannot trespass in the desert. They can only step unwisely, as you have done.” He turned his head and let out a high pitched whistle. “But fortune smiles on you. Now you are our guests, rather than Soufis slaves.”
Twelve more elves appeared atop the dune.
“We thank you for your assistance,” Aaliyah said, bowing. “And would be grateful for your hospitality. We have traveled far.”
“Though not alone.” He glanced at the boat. “You did not come here in that. Will the rest not join us? We have never seen elves from the west and would enjoy knowing them. We have heard of their hatred of humans; a tale clearly not true. We would be pleased to have as many of your comrades as care to come.”
“You don't hate humans?” asked Gewey.
He threw his head back in laughter. “Hate? We have few dealing with humans. Why would we hate them? They do not trouble us. Most beyond the heart of the desert do not even know we are here. The humans that choose desert life keep to their own ways, and we have respect for one another.” He glanced at the dead Soufis. “Well, there are some that we are not fond of.” He placed his hand on his chest. “I am Pali. And I welcome you.” He spun around. “Come. The nights are cold and my belly is empty. Our camp is not far.” He paused. “That is unless you would rather brave the night alone.”
Without waiting for a reply, Pali strode off in the direction of his companions. Gewey and Aaliyah followed as best they could, but the soft, pliant sand hindered their steps. Soon, they were yards behind, but Pali didn't slow his pace. When they finally reached the dunes where Pali's companions awaited them, Gewey was already dreading their trek. Days of wading through sand would not be easy.
The other elves were dressed in the same fashion as Pali, though the three females kept their hair in lengthy braids rather than short and shaved like the men. It struck Gewey that their skin was just as pale as Pali's. How this was possible in such a climate, Gewey couldn't guess. Pali introduced them, and each greeted them in turn. They all had the same cheerful expressions and seemed very pleased to have them along.
“We can be at our camp in less than an hour,” said Pali. “We move fast across the sands, but we will slow our pace, as you are not accustomed to the terrain.”
“Thank you,” said Gewey.
Pali led them between the dunes, twisting and turning until Gewey was certain he would be lost without their guidance. The sun had nearly disappeared and the soft orange glow of twilight reflected on the yellow sand, making the world seem surreal and unnatural. The elves began singing loudly, and though Gewey didn't recognize the tune, the words and images were easy to understand, mostly about traveling in the desert with friends or living free from troubles. Aaliyah remained quiet and expressionless, and walked close by Gewey's side.
Just as Pali had said, an hour later, they rounded a large dune, Gewey spotted several palm trees in the distance. He could hear the sound of voices laughing and talking. They arrived not a moment too soon. The temperature had begun to plummet uncomfortably.
“Don't worry,” said Pali, noticing Gewey rubbing his hands. “Soon a warm fire and a hot meal will cure your chill.”
As they approached the camp Gewey could see about twenty elves, scattered about a small oasis. The scent of camp fires mingled with the pleasing aroma of spiced meat. A cacophony of boisterous greetings rang out, followed by murmurs of curiosity as the camp spotted Gewey and Aaliyah.
“These are our new friends from the west,” Pali announced. “They will be joining us as long as it pleases them to do so.” He turned to Gewey and Aaliyah. “Feel free to explore what little there is to see here. There is a small spring just over there.” He pointed north to an area behind the last fire. “I only ask that you use it sparingly. It's a slow spring, and takes several days to replenish itself.” He inhaled deeply. “And I can tell you are accustomed to bathing. I'm sorry to say that water is too precious to be used that way.”
Gewey sniffed the air. “You seem clean to me.”
Pali laughed. “I didn't mean to say that we don't clean ourselves. Just not by the same means. If you wish I can show you.”
“Perhaps later,” said Aaliyah. “For now, a meal and your company is sufficient.”
“Our meal will be ready soon,” said Pali. “Until then, you may find a place by a fire.” He stopped a passing elf and whispered in his ear. “I will have wine brought to you right away. But now I must tell our Sand Master about the encounter with the Soufis.”
Aaliyah and Gewey found a vacant spot near one of the fires beside six elves. The much-needed warmth lifted Gewey’s spirits, and he was quick to introduce himself. Aaliyah was not as forthcoming, choosing only to say her name and be silent. Gewey could tell something troubled her. The elves, two women and four men, greeted them warmly.
“I'm Dreta,” said a short thin, dark hair woman. “How lucky we are that you chose this fire to warm yourself. We'll be the envy of the camp.”
The rest eagerly called out their names in turn — Freda (the other female), Hali, Ghenti, Deransil, and Freuli.
“How is it your people came to live in the desert?” asked Gewey.
“Some legends say that we were exiled thousands of years ago for protecting humans from slavery,” said Dreta. “Others claim that we were put here by the Gods as punishment for defying their will.” She shrugged. “But who knows what the truth really is. Our people belong to the sands now, and this is our home.”
“So you never go west?” asked Gewey.
“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?”