Let us prove to the world that superstition is idiocy and all the demons are dust. - Tanith Lee

In the desert, initially, everywhere is like everywhere else—sky, sand, mountains. So far, this was the extent of what I’d seen in my involuntary roost. Then the day began to ebb, the world turned to topaz and gold, and the color of the sky seemed to sink away into the disc of the sun. I found I really could touch the beauty of it then, as I had touched its beauty so long ago when I was free to travel where I wished, and the city still owned me. Now, tinged with my sorrow, the loveliness was bittersweet, but strong as wine.

When a road is very dark it is hard to see the milestones on it.

But what am I to do?" cried the Prince.
"What you feel you must," said the Theel. "That's the only thing to do at any time.