As the sun dipped below the horizon and the slums began to settle into a wary, flickering darkness, they began their move.
Theo worked silently, loading the cart he had traded the silk for. Maya helped, her movements quick and nervous, while Alias guided them toward the outskirts of the district.
Every time they passed a flickering torch or a group of late-night scavengers, Theo would move just a bit closer to Alias, his shadow looming large and protective over him.
Alias appreciated it because his hair, even in the dark, had a certain glow to it that made him easy to spot. It would be bad if they caught too much attention because of him.
Soon, they reached the edge of the desert where the city's refuse gave way to the endless, shifting dunes of sand.
"From here," Alias whispered, pointing toward a direction that looked like nothing but empty sand to anyone else. "We follow the alignment of the stars.
