Whispering Sands
The desert of the Whispering Sands lies beyind the edge of The Hollow Expanse where the Fenixian Empire is based. This vast, trackless expanse of sand extends beyond the borders of the known lands. The sand is ever moving, whipped into a frenzy by the winds, especially Zaydael.
Travel
It is possible to cross the desert as the sands are too wide to allow easy travel, and the location of oases are a highly guarded secret.. This is a journey of many days, and best done in the company of a Sand reader to guide you. In fact, no one is known to have left the Fenixian Empire and returned to tell the tale without the services of one as a guide. Any journey needs to be planned carefully and the season taken into account, as which wind is in the ascendant will dictate when is best to travel. During Phaedari and Zaydael, the preference is to travel during the early morning, before the rain or stronger winds start. While during Imdii, the preference is to travel overnight when it isn't too hot.The Winds
The winds are said to live beyond the sands, so to cross the sands is a way of getting close to them. Some hermits live on the edge of the sands, communing with the winds to gain inspiration and guidance. The Emperor was known to consult them on occassion, though no one is certain if he followed their advice, or just visited to be seen to be taking notice of the winds and their chosen followers. The harshest penalty for wrong-doing within the Fenixian Empire is to send the wrong-doer into the desert to atone for their actions. This penance is known as 'meeting the winds'. For many, the idea of being forced to do this is enough to stop them from acting against the laws.
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