The Gathering at the Crossroads,part,10,

Spring came without any rain.The sky over Narala stayed a constant shade of pale blue, and instead of the smell of coming storms, the wind blew dust.The date palms around the oasis stayed green because of careful watering, but outside the city walls, the desert stretched endlessly, glowing under the harsh sun.Harith stood on the eastern watchtower as dawn spread over the dunes.For years, he had judged the state of the world by counting caravans.In the past, that was easy.A caravan left.Another arrived.Goods moved.