-Guild Master you already back - smiled Jelena.

-at least for once it doesn't last all day - he answered - find me runner, i need to speak with Commander Lucius. One silver should be enough - he placed the coin on the counter.

-one runner for guild master - she grabs a coin - Pela you ready for some running?

-yes miss. i had enough rest - answered the resolutely young boy. He was an orphan like almost all city runners. It was a way to keep kids busy when they didn't have to attend class for reading, writing and counting. Also they get some money for themselves. Some kids try to work for specific customers, because there was a chance to learn specific skills. After the ceremony of revealing their path, there was a chance to have an exact path. Others keep running even as adults but they go mostly between cities. All kids wear armbands so anyone knows which kid is working today.

-good. Like you heard guildmaster. Find Commander Lucius and bring him in.

-I know where his house is, so it will be fast.

-great. Now run.

Just like the boy said, in just a few minutes he was next to the commander's house. And he was lucky because he was standing outside.

-mister Lucius! - he waved at him when was getting near.

-what is it boy? - commander asks.

-guildmaster Bernul wants to speak with you.

-tell him I will meet him tomorrow. I'm busy today.

-yes sir - boy nods and runs away.

The next day the commander went to the adventurers guild.

-you called a Guild Master? - Lucius asked, entering the room.

-yes. I have some important things to discuss with you.

-You want to send me on an expedition? In two, three weeks we should be ready.

-we?

-me and my wife.

-I understand that she is your wife, but we are talking about a great desert.

-she is from desert tribes. It will be like going back home for her.

-do that - guild master nod - about expedition. I not only want to send you as a guide, but as a temporary guild master. Maybe even a real one if you are interested.

-me?

-yes. You have level, and experience. I go through your records and even the Grand Priestess from Temple of The Sun approves your candidature. You also met the Dungeon Mistress and talked with her. I already have everything ready. You just need a sign.

-Give me a day or two. I need to discuss this with my wife.

-good. I will give you three days.

-Luci you back. What does an old man want from you? - Paeli greeted the commander when he entered home.

-better sit. We have a lot to discuss and think about.

-old man want you on an expedition? We talked about this. It's no problem.

-guild master wants to make me temporary and most likely permanent guild master for a new dungeon.

Paeli made wide eyes and next she hugged him.

-you should take the offer - she said really happy, even her tail was wagging right and left.

-what about you? I will most likely be stuck there.

-I go with you, obviously.

-there is nothing there. only the dungeon. What about kids?

-you forget who your wife is. I'm a proud warrior of the desert fox clan. An unknown desert dungeon is what makes my blood boil. And don’t worry about our future kids. It will take two or even three years before they grow up enough to need other kids. By that time I bet there will be quite a big village or even a small town. And there definitely will be kids from nomad tribes visiting oasis.

-what about later? Kids need to learn reed, write. And what about his path?

-you worry too much. It’s a dungeon outpost, there will be a lot of priests. It shouldn't be a problem to find at least one who can teach. And there isn't a better place to learn about possible paths than dungeon town. It's the only place where you can meet the most rare warriors or mage class. Crafters will be there too. Who will repair broken armors and weapons?

-are you sure?

-definitely. And I remember one more thing. I will meet my family that way. Yes. It’s decided - she firmly nods.

-so be it. I will go tomorrow to Arthuros and talk with him about my stepping down from being commander.

-I forget about this. You know we can try temporary thing. That way you will not need to resign permanently.

-you are more important. And I know that desert is calling for you just like for me.

-thank you - she hugged him tightly and they sat there for some time.

It took three days for the commotion to calm down. Still there was a lot of excitement and anticipation from everyone. The city Freyharf was where most caravans began their journey through the desert. That means there will be a lot of merchants and adventurers stopping in their city. Everyone was thinking about how to get rich. Some shady figures have already started. It was true that guards and paladins did their best to catch bandits and cultists, however in big cities there were a lot of places to hide. Gates also weren't a problem. Secret tunnels or completely legal and honest business used as cover for sending messages was quite a common solution for spying. Usually those methods were used by other lords or kings and when their spies caught by guards usually just get kicked out of town. However, cultists from the north also used these methods and many sinister ones.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

-what have you got? - one masked figure asked another masked figure in the forgotten basement.

-nothing new. I think we send what we have and add that detailed rapport will be sent in a month or so.

-you are sure that it's a good idea?

-do you want to see how pissed they could be if they got this news from someone else, like from warlocks or demonologists? Better send what we have. We buy one month to find everything else.

-it will be easier if we can just grab one of the people from the caravan and not so nicely ask a questions.

-are you stupid? Half of the fucking inquisition will be here next day. I hope you are quite good with running. However we can work with your idea. We need a list of those people. There is always someone who likes to drink ale too much, or has a problem with gold.

-we eventually can made these problems for them.

-it could take time. But it is one more option.

-Good, let's send what we have. Who knows, maybe we get some opportunity for old fashion torture.

-send a letter, and don’t be impatient, or you will regret it. Remember for whom we work, death is not an option.

-I know, don’t worry.

A week later in the early morning before the eastern gate, there was a small gathering. There was a small platoon of holy knights, just fifteen men. Few merchants started to organize their carriage with adventurer escort and Shewa and Thuldir.

-commander Remzi - started priestess - we are ready. Thank you for escorting us to the citadel.

-of course Priestess - he nod - I and my men promise to ensure your safety.

-with respect for the Commander but safety means we will be bored to death. It's a long road to the citadel.

-well mister Thuldir. For me after the excitement in the desert I don’t mind a little boredom - smiled Shewa.

-you know what, maybe you are right - dwarf hesitated - but once or twice something like wolves won't be bad.

-I'm afraid wolves or some goblins are almost guaranteed - said commander - adventurers doing their job, however there is a lot of wilderness and goblins just need a hole to hide and infest their surroundings.

-true. Fucking warlocks - swear Thuldir. In fare north, deep in they underground torture chambers they create many monstrosities like most common goblins and orc, or rarer ones himeras. And they release them to plague world.

At the same time Naomi was reading a scroll about magic and runes when she got a warning that someone was approaching her gate from western site. She immediately ran in to see who is it. On some distance stood numerous people with camels. However it wasn't a caravan, because Naomi saw kids. It was one of the nomadic tribes. She takes a deep breath, stands in the gate and starts jumping and waving with hands. It works. Three people were coming in her direction.

-just like last time Naomi, and everything will be good - she told to herself - maybe without running away this time. Yes, let's try that - she joked to encourage herself.

-greetings. I am Durtar. Shaman of this tribe and this is my path - stepped forward old man with staff from old wood.

-welcome. I’m Dungeon Mistress of On Taram Dungeon Oasis, and this is my path.

-ach. It’s like I feared - old man sighs heavily.

-no, no, no. Wait! - Naomi shouts - this is a safe floor. It's prepared for travelers as a place for rest and restock supplies. In towers I have basic preserved food and simple healing supplies. Inside are stables for animals, and a place for tents. You can eat fruits from the orchard as much as you can. Please enter and see for yourself - Naomi almost begged, fearing what can happen to children if for some reason the tribe runs low on food and water.

-I’m Juntur - said muscular fox beastman warrior, stepping forward - I’m chef and guid of our tribe, and this is my path. We will take your invitation.

-uff - Naomi sighed with relief - what do you want to see first? Supplies or oasis?

Later in the afternoon in the tent of the chef gathered a group of the highest level people of the tribe.

-Durtar what is your final verdict?

-we shall stay. Every word of the Dungeon Mistress was true, and this place is a real gift from gods. Only fools would reject such a gift. And there is one more thing - he plucks one blade of grass and shows everyone how slowly it disappears.

-wait, it shouldn't be possible. It should disappear immediately - one of the warriors said.

-don’t - shaman warned those who start reaching for grass - we are under law of hospitality. One or two blades of grass is ok, take more than necessary and you will be punished.

Everyone stops.

-and it’s not impossible - said Juntur - it just happens in the deepest floors of the dungeons.

-yes. But the Dungeon Mistress put so much heart in her creation that this place is almost real. And doing so she gets rewarded with getting blessed by two more gods, beside The Lady, and The Smith who are her original patrons.

-well for us it is most important that we have a safe place for our two womens who are expecting to give birth at any moment. Rest we can leave for adventurers and priests from cities - declare chef - anyone have something to say?

All shake their heads.

Early morning Naomi approaches one of the sentries.

-hello. I’m Dungeon Mistress of Oasis and this is my path - she politely said.

-good day Mistress - surprised elven women stammered - I’m Buni and this is my path.

-Nice to meet you - Naomi said - i want to meet your chef or shaman. Can I enter camp?

-of course - Buni was completely confused. She doesn't understand what's going on - you can find them easily.

-thank you. Have a nice day.

-you too Dungeon Mistress.

Naomi, oblivious to the shock she caused, entered camp.

Finding the chief was indeed easy.

-Good day Dungeon Mistress - Juntur, great her - thank you for your hospitality.

-good day chef. I’m glad that you liked my oasis. But if you need something tell me. I can't promise anything big but small things should be doable.

-everything that you prepared is enough - he answered - I may be overstepping but I want to invite you, Dungeon Mistress for a simple breakfast.

-I accept - Naomi smiled. The chef showed her a free place around the campfire where few people were roasting something.

-scorpions? - naomi asked, surprised.

-yes Dungeon Mistress - answered the shaman, who sat next to her - have you ever eaten roasted scorpions?

-never. I once in my past life eat sea creature who look similar, just without tail, but no scorpions.

-we can organize something else if you want.

-no, no. I'm really curious how they taste.

As an honorary guest she was given the first portion.

-thank you. Who can show me how to eat it? - she asked.

-let me help you Dungeon Mistress - smiled Durtar and start explaining

-they are quite good - Naomi said after the second one.

-there are few left, you can have it, Dungeon Mistress - said Juntur pointing in the direction of fire.

-thank you. However I don’t really need to eat. I do that mostly because I like good food. You should shere rest of them between yourselves. I think that i saw one pregnant woman, she and her baby could be interested.

-so it was good but not so much - joked shaman.

-I admit that i’m a little spoiled by city food but I still think that they were good. Maybe someday I will ask some cook from town to try doing servings with something extra. But that for the future.

-and about the future. I have a question Dungeon Mistress - said chef.

-yes?

-we have not one but two pregnant womens, and both of them are expecting babies at any moment. I want to ask how long we can stay.

-as long is needed - Naomi answered - and please don’t be hasty with departure. Give future mothers and newborns enough time to rest before journey.

-we will do that - chef smiled happy. He don’t understand why the young dungeon mistress was so kind, but he knew that she was sincere. Thanks to that, these two women and their childs will be safe.