Page 102 of Ecliptic

As we followed him into the light, it took my eyes a moment to adjust, but as my vision focused, the sight left me speechless.

A city emerged from the sides of a colossal slot canyon. The walls towered in layers of red, pink, and orange rock that curved in unbelievable patterns against the bright blue sky. The cliffs, buttes, and mesas weren’t just natural formations, they were the foundations of homes, buildings, and grand halls.

The mountainside was alive with the architecture of the desert elves.

My eyes opened wide, taking it all in. The whole city stood stock-still in an undulating swirl of red rock.

My knowledge of oases was limited, but I had a feeling it should be greener than this. The vegetation was brown and brittle, and the towering palm trees had wilted ferns and shriveled fruit.

Thaydril led us deeper into the heart of the copper city, his robe trailing behind him like a billowing curtain. Pillars rose above us, topped with massive statues resembling hawks in flight. Their enormous wings extended out like canopies, casting marvelous shade over the city. The statues were sculpted with such detail that it looked like they could take off at any moment.

“The Sunshades were once majestic hawks that flew over the city,” Thaydril commented, noticing where my gaze lingered. “They were great friends to the desert elves, granting us blessèd shade during the day as they hovered in the sky. They left these lands long ago, but these stones were erected in their image.”

“They’re incredible,” I remarked, enjoying the reprieve from the relentless sun.

“This way,” Thaydril said as we entered a vibrant desert market. The air swirled with the scents of warm stone, pottery, and dyed fabric. Though crowded, the market appeared to have seen better days. The colorful tents were faded and tattered. The stalls were filled with jewelry, tools, and handcrafted knickknacks. No fresh fruits, food, or water in sight.

Vendors approached and tempted us to purchase their wares. If I were allowed the luxury, I would’ve perused the shops until my feet ached, but there were more pressing matters.

The desert elves moved gracefully, yet their demeanor appeared skittish and nervous. They wore light, gauzy fabrics, sweeping shawls, colorful scarves, and headwraps.

There was something about their expressions that hinted at distress.

“This is clearly your first time in Hara’dune,” Thaydril commented, noting the look of wonder in my eyes.

“It is,” I said, not wanting to blink and miss a single detail.

“This place is giving me the creeps,” Maddock whispered, noticing the look of despair I had seen as well.

“Not our finest hour,” Thaydril agreed, confirming my suspicions.

“Nor is it anyone’s,” Dyani said, striding alongside Maddock. “Many villages and citydoms are struggling?—”

“No one here is struggling,” interrupted the guard with sun-bleached hair.

“Of course not,” Thaydril said, rolling his eyes before gesturing to the structure towering above the city. “Behold one of Hara’dune’s most impressive landmarks: the palace. It is said we have the most stunning sunrises on the planet. Our princess loves watching it from her balcony surrounded by birdsong.”

“Sounds like the princess has it made,” Maddock said, his neck tipping back to admire the palace.

I wasn’t so sure. Rayal said if I found her city, I would be amongst friends, but so far, our visit felt . . . off.

Thaydril shifted his attention to me. “As you can imagine, not many know the ancient greeting. This is the most excitement I’ve had in a while, and you brought so many gorgeous treats with you,” he said, eyeing Maddock.

Jealousy shot to my belly as his eyes languidly perused over him.

Suddenly, a lake came into view, its blue water sparkling like a diamond in the desert. Though it was beautiful, it was nearly empty.

More guards surrounded the lake, their gold armor, curvedblades, and watchful eyes glinted in the light. It looked as if they were protecting the water. But from what?

My unease grew with every step deeper into Hara-dune.

A young elve in tattered clothes darted from the crowd and tugged on my pant leg.

“Water,” the small voice said as he pointed to my canteen.

“Do you want some?” I asked, my eyes widening at how frail and dirty he was. And it hit me why the guards were standing by the water—the oasis was suffering from drought.

My throat dried. I knew the feeling all too well.

---