Sandstone towers rose into the sky, forming the outer perimeter of Sunfall Oasis.
Kai pulled back on the leather reins, stopping his horse right before the grand entrance where a long line of merchants and travelers waited for inspection.
Tall green palm trees peeked over the high fortifications, casting a refreshing shade that felt entirely foreign after days of traversing the open wasteland.
The grand gates were forged from reinforced timber, showing the deep grooves of intent weathering from centuries of desert winds.
Passing through the security checkpoint went smoothly as Kai kept his blessed dagger hidden beneath his linen cloak and carefully masked his high level from the guards.
He tossed a few bronze coins to the guard captain, who barely glanced at him before waving them through the threshold.
The moment they stepped onto the main thoroughfare, a deeply unsettling atmosphere washed right over him.
