“There is a wall of stone behind—containing the cave that was once the royal palace—as well as to the front and all sides. The way into the oasis is narrow. I have rendered it invisible against the rest of the rocks.”
“But there is no gate?”
“No gate,” he agreed. “We did not need one. Unless you know the way, the door is hidden. At least, it is now. In its heyday, Skeon spilled beyond the valley into the desert. We carried water out from the spring to water crops and animals. A stone path led to the door like an arrow.”
“Might we not find the path, then?” Violet suggested.
“I destroyed it,” he replied. “Our crystal is life itself. I could not allow our enemies to take it. I obliterated the entire outer city down to bare earth. I have no doubt the sand has reclaimed it all by now. In al
