You realize how quickly the heat of the desert saps away your energy, even with the sandshark cloaks on. The sun begins to set over the peaks of the dunes behind you, so you and Burt hurry through the ornate archway into Amalhasu as the guards usher you in.

“We lock the gates at dusk,” one of them yells.

“When we open them in the morning, we see how many bodies are piled up on the other side,” the other says with a raucous laugh.

“Jeez, that’s one way to welcome newcomers,” Burt says, then casts a worried glance back as the gates thud shut. “Do you think they were joking?”

The sun is high in the sky as you and Burt reach the South Gate of Windrose City. Just outside the city’s great walls are a line of wooden stables with a couple of whiskers tending to the animals. One of the whiskers in a brown cloak spots you and Burt and waves you over.

“Friends of Allard!” the whisker shouts, motioning you to follow him.

You and Burt stroll over to the whisker next to the stables.

“I guess you could say we’re ‘friends’ with Allard,” says Burt with a chuckle.

Deep within the Sunshade Mountains of the West…

“Andromadus, what say you? The Shuffle is set to be held next week in the South.”

I hold my tongue as I consider Nefexian’s words. They must be planning something.

“I have no interest in card games,” I say at last. "I live by the sword."

“Indeed, indeed,” Nefexian says. “You are a fine warrior, Andromadus, a most faithful Tether. There is no one more deserving of the position of first lieutenant than you. But you misunderstand me.”