Rosewater Oasis The plagues

Andalib tilted his head, and where someone might have felt their ears warm with embarrassment, aghast at the royalty they had just flaunted before, his delight almost doubled. A smile was wide on his face, a surprised laugh rolling between his teeth. Another bow ensued, this one somehow even more ridiculous, Forgive my manner, Pharoah Samirseti.

Every word was punctuated with a boyish insolence, closer to a jester than to that of genuine scorn. He rose before his bidding, gesturing to the water besides them, The water is so clear, I can see my face. Its surely the lowland's envy.

The size of Samirseti was one that set him a little on edge - he never took well to the towering type of wolf, too many loved to laud over everyone else, as if they could squish them like beetles. Though, the thinness to Samir's frame at least settled him - he was looking at more than brawn, if he were lucky. The compliment made him puff and preen, Racing hares and vultures. That's my secret.

The ridiculous thought, though true, made Andalib's grin wider. My parents liked to visit the desert and beaches from time to time, we marched the moment I could walk.