After defeating Scuzzy and watching the video, we were brought here:

Advisor Weehteb says: "Her Highness hopes that you are able to end this sandstorm. Trade and commerce in our lands have dwindled to almost nothing, and there have been reports of bandits and thieves roaming the desert, attacking anyone who travels there."

You say: "What can you tell me about the Lost Desert?"

Advisor Weehteb says: "Sakhmet City, named after an ancient king, sits at the edge of a river delta. The river flows from an oasis in the north. The Temple of the Sky sits to the east and a bit north of here, and there is another temple, old and ruined, north of the oasis. To the west, across the river, stands Zakharukh's Pyramid, the burial place of an ancient pharaoh. It has been sealed for centuries, though, and none know how to enter."

Princess Vyssa says: "This sandstorm has been going on for several days now, and it's one of the worst storms I've ever seen. Anyone who goes outside gets battered by sand and wind, and if that wasn't bad enough, there are monsters roaming the Lost Desert that seem to have arisen from the sand itself."

You say: "How can I help?"

Princess Vyssa says: "It's been a long time since we've needed to control the weather, but in years past, we would make use of the Medallion of Wind, a powerful magical artifact. Unfortunately, it was lost long ago. But there is a way to find it: the Celestial Talisman, which rests on its altar in the Temple of the Sky, to the east. However..."

You say: "However...?"

Princess Vyssa says: "Well, the Temple of the Sky has unfortunately been occupied by stone golems and other fierce creatures. We can't even get to the Talisman. If you would be willing to adventure inside, we would be most grateful. The Temple is due east of the palace, in the desert. Once you find the Talisman, it will guide you to the Medallion."

Guard Yabara says: "No one may visit the royal apartments without permission. Move along."

Selasa says: "Well that's the last time I ever buy land in the desert. You set up a tent, and the next thing you know, you're trapped for weeks by an endless sandstorm."

You say: "How did you end up here?"

Selasa says: "I guess it was foolish of me, but I answered an ad I saw in the Neopian Times... 'Buy Cheap Land In the Lost Desert - Cheap!' I knew it sounded too good to be true, but I went ahead with it anyway. I fell victim to one of the classic blunders, right after the ones about land wars in Tyrannia and going in against Skeiths when death is on the line--never buy land in the desert."

Zesenip says: "The desert may be hot and dry, but you never really realize how much you miss it until you can't go there. This sandstorm, and all the monsters and bandits roaming about, pretty much keep us all at home."

Ndomi says: "I don't know why Zesenip wants to go out to the desert, now that he can't. He always used to complain about having to go out there when there wasn't a sandstorm." She shakes her head in dismay.

Jadon says: "My dad said we're gonna go find treasure in the desert when the sandstorm's over! I can't wait! It'll be so much fun!" He bounces around excitedly.

Khib says: "Ah, you look weary, traveler. Why don't you rest for the night? This is a small inn... well, more of a tent than an inn, really, but nonetheless, you will rest easy here. Only 350 gold pieces for the night, no matter how many companions you have!"

You say: "I'd like to rent a room for the night."

Khib says: "Ah, but of course." He twitches a curtain aside, revealing your "room," which is really just a sectioned-off area of the tent. He turns to you and says, "Now of course, the sandstorm may very well keep you awake... but I find the wind soothing. Have a good night!"

You rest for the night, and wake up refreshed and healthy.

Chimukh says: "Oh, what is a simple sand merchant to do in a storm like this? There's just free sand, blowing everywhere! How can I compete?"

You say: "You sell... sand?"

Chimukh says: "I used to sell sand. Now I am just a hopeless failure." Chimukh puts his head in his hands and starts sobbing.


Krali says: "Don't mind my husband. Somehow he thinks that a sandstorm will ruin us." She snorts derisively. "The whole city's been living on Princess Vyssa's good planning--the grain and meat she kept in storehouses will last us for weeks to come, at least. I think Chimukh's just sad he doesn't get to go out and sell sand anymore."

You say: "Who does he sell sand to?"

Krali says: "Oh, naive travelers, unwary older folks... you know the scam. He thinks it's a perfectly legitimate business, though, and who am I to complain? He somehow makes lots of money. Anyway, the sandstorm's got him all upset. He sells fancy, imported sand, so the sand blowing around now is inferior--he says--but he can't compete against that kind of volume discount." She rolls her eyes.