Taking the directions that Barhan had given her, Deneve had found Pilgrims Haven, which really wasn’t much more than a bunch of stone cairns. Although to worshipers of Aal, it was considered a sacred place. It was a good place for a quick rest and to show her homage to a god sacred to her fiancé’s country.

She had left Pilgrims Haven behind and headed northeast to the Ibellab Oasis. Princess Saya was said to be staying here. Deneve hoped to see her again. She wondered if she had gone too far. Barhan had offered her a camel, but Deneve had only ridden a few times with Barhan on a one. She wasn’t comfortable taking such a valuable animal with her.

The sun had set, and Deneve still had not found the Oasis. She was considering just pitching her tent and taking a rest when the sound of combat was heard. Running up over the dune, she gasped in shock at what she saw.

Lord Red was fighting a….machine? It didn’t look as if it was going well. Lord Red was holding his side as he attempted to dodge lighting attacks.
Without a second thought, Deneve cast a powerful healing spell followed up by a shield. Sending Gorr to distract the creature, she grabbed Lord Red’s sleeve, teleporting him away from the area.

“What do you think you are doing?” He sneered.

“Saving your ass,” Deneve retorted. “Or I could just take you back to it if you prefer.”

He sighed, looking at her. “Why are you here?”

“On my way to the oasis,” She replied. “What about you?”

“I was studying the machine when it came to life,” Lord Red admitted. “Anyway, we are pretty close to the Oasis. I suppose I can take you there.
I need to go there anyway as my pack is back with that creature.”

Deneve grabbed her canteen before tossing it to Lord Red. “Here.”

He gave her a grateful look before taking a sip. “Aren’t you a Princess or something now? Where is your entourage?”

“Even Princesses have things they need to do.” She said curtly. “Besides, as you know that I’m not unprotected.”

As they walked, Deneve could see the Oasis come into view. Lord Red wasn’t lying when he said it was close. As they stepped into the living area of the Oasis, Lord Red just simply walked off without another word. Deneve shrugged. She would never understand him.