The first guest to arrive was Utay Zilard, leader of the lizardfolk who dwell in the marshy forests to the southeast of Andoria. He differed from his kin not only by the white-gray color of his scales but also by many other qualities that allowed him to rise to the head of his people. He was especially renowned for his mastery of the architectural arts, due to which his subjects began to call him the Great Builder, and later, residents of other lands adopted this title. It was specifically because of this skill that he was invited to Andoria. King Radonar wished to commission him to build a new structure, which was intended to become one of the most outstanding in all of Haveland. However, almost no one knew what it was intended for; only a few of his closest confidants knew its purpose. Naturally, after agreeing to take on the work, Zilard himself learned the truth.
- I am pleased to know that our project will be constructed under your guidance. I hope it will be as strong and durable as your Castle, which is considered the most impregnable of all those currently in existence.
- I am also glad for our cooperation, and do not worry about its stability; everything will be done in the finest manner.
There was a knock at the door, and a valet appeared on the threshold.
- Your Majesty, the guests from the south have arrived.
- Very well, then everyone is gathered. Let Nemt attend to them for now; I will join them later.
- As you wish.

In truth, A'Mok and Sh'Ako were not from the uninhabited southern lands where a mighty state once stood, but from the desert regions located to the southwest of Andoria. This land was inhabited by cat-like beings, and it was ruled by A'Mok and Sh'Ako, who were brother and sister. They were equal rulers, though they preferred to divide their spheres of activity, each handling what they liked most or what they were best at. Thus, A'Mok paid more attention to military affairs, science, and participated in negotiations and other business, while Sh'Ako specialized primarily in the development of culture and the social sphere. Although they were similar, there was one detail that distinguished them: dragon wings located on Sh'Ako's back. It was rumored that her father was one of the red dragons that formerly inhabited the southern lands. The fact is that dragons can change their appearance, turning into a human or any other humanoid creature, usually depending on the dragon's habitat and the native population. This version was used to explain the phenomenon. But all this happened before Sh'Ako's mother married the king of the desert lands. At first, it was difficult for him to treat the girl as his own daughter, but after A'Mok appeared, everything changed; he became more kind-hearted and caring, and his attitude toward his stepdaughter changed accordingly. Because of this, he even ordered two towers to be built in honor of his children, which still adorn the desert palace today.

Nemt greeted the guests warmly and had already managed to give them a short tour of the palace, after which he invited them for tea in his apartments. He loved inviting guests, conversing with them, and serving them various herbal brews, treating them to things he had gathered in the forest—be it berries, dried mushrooms, or strange-looking root vegetables, which he sometimes added to the tea. He was especially glad to see those he had already met and encountered many times. A'Mok and Sh'Ako were among them, and thus they gladly accepted his invitation.
- I want to treat you to something special, - the wizard opened a wall cabinet and took out a cloth pouch. - I found these flowers in the Arandor Forest while trying to track a wild beast. I have never seen such flowers before, so I haven't had time to fully research them, but I know for sure that they give the tea a superb aroma.
- I can't wait to try it, - Sh'Ako said curiously, as she loved tea very much and was always happy to try something new.
- Are there any cupcakes? - A'Mok inquired, - or perhaps some buns?
- Yes, of course, - Nemt went to another cabinet and took out a tray of pastries. - Here, there are poppy seed buns, jam buns, honey buns, raisin buns, and of course, turnip cupcakes.
- I'll take those! - A'Mok exclaimed, snatching three cupcakes from the tray at once.
His sister tried to pull him back, but he ignored her, completely surrendering to the consumption of food. While Sh'Ako preferred drinks, her brother, conversely, loved to eat well, especially when it came to various pastries and turnip dishes. Incidentally, turnip was one of the favorite foods of the desert land inhabitants, but it seemed no one loved it as much as A'Mok.
- By the way, Radonar asked me to speak with you regarding the painted works in the throne hall. Would you be willing to undertake this? - Nemt asked while brewing the tea.
- That is a very responsible task. It is one thing to paint the walls of one's own palace and quite another to decorate the castle of an Elven king.
- You should not worry about that; you are a master of this craft, and I am sure that no one could handle it better than you. You simply need to cast aside your doubts.
- Perhaps you are right, but I still need to think about it, - Sh'Ako answered thoughtfully.
The wizard finished the final preparations, and the tea party could begin. Before the trio could enjoy the sweet aroma, there was a knock at the door.