In the smaller stables—those reserved for pack animals and patrol guards—Setarek prepared the mount. It was partially dark, lit only by a faint lamp and the moonlight. Inside, the smell of dry hay, leather, and dung mingled with the warm breath of the dromedaries.
"Despite the illusion, the place does not change, right? So if someone knows the position of the stars, they can find you there," the young prince suggested.
"With the harphesh, a human's vision is altered, so what they see of the stars is too," the elf explained while gazing upward at them.
"I understand. Good thing you are here. Let us go." He took the dromedary's reins, ready to leave.
With a light tug on the reins, they slipped out through the side gate, avoiding the main entrances.
They crossed the rocky ground toward the northwest. To avoid areas where they might be seen, they had to circle the walls, which took considerable time.
They finally reached the correct path and continued. After climbing the dunes that would make the city vanish on the horizon, Ishara felt something.
"Wait," the elf said. She sensed something coming from the sky. A faint wind settled a few meters away on the sand. The grains then formed into a beautiful elf—slender, long robe the same color as her blonde hair, ears adorned with many earrings, and skin as dark as Ishara's.
"Kadihely?" The prince's friend approached the newly arrived elf, dismounting. They smiled and embraced. Setarek watched in surprise; his look of admiration for elven magic was the same as the first time he had seen it.
"Your aunt sent me to warn you. She could not reach you. The council's decision, Ishara…" She paused. Her green eyes met Ishara's, serious.
"Did they think of an idea that would not affect the city?" the prince asked hopefully, stepping closer. The elf looked at him with lowered eyes and sighed.