"West it is," Adnan laughs...and coaxes his mount into a canter.  "And there mysteries shall be explained!"<br/><br/>Unfortunately, that's also the last thing he says for a while, and Indira is neither more informative nor more talkative, answering any questions with a frown and a shake of her head.<br/><br/>Finally, in late afternoon, you pass through the Western Gate...an impossibly huge triumphal arch that spans the road to the Capital.  Once on the other side, Adnan slows his horse to a walk and waits for you to catch up.<br/><br/>"We just passed a border.  You've heard that this is the edge of the Empire itself.  In one sense, this is true...but not in the way that so many people assume.  Here is where our bloodright becomes active.  Little sister," he grins at Inanna, "I want you to imagine a place you wish to go.  Somewhere that is not here.  Do you understand?"<br/><br/>Indira shakes her head.<br/><br/>"Too dramatic," she grumbles.  "As usual."