A Traveler in Desert Lands

A traveler crossing the desert approaches a forgotten town and spots an emaciated woman carrying a water jug.  Stopping his camel, he asks to drink and slakes his thirst.  The woman, with fevered eyes, offers to lead the traveler to a well where he might fill his canteens.

The woman and the traveler pass through a city of mausoleums, some sealed and some inhabited.  They pause for the woman to speak with an old, crying man. The traveler ruminates on the gift of water and the prospect of treasure pulled from tombs.

Filling a trough with water, the woman directs the traveler’s camel to drink.  She shows the traveler down a winding staircase to a sunken reservoir.  The traveler indicates that he must carry water to his camel before returning to the well for himself.  The woman volunteers to assist him so long as they bring a jug to her home.  

The woman invites the traveler to stay the night.  Although disturbed by the city’s inhabitants, he agrees to sleep in his tent. The woman offers to join him. 

The traveler waters his camel and notices that the stone trough is an open sarcophagus.  Leaving his mount behind, he follows the woman to her home.  The woman introduces her sister, Ahool, and instructs her to remain behind while she and the traveler return to the well.  Talking past her sibling, Ahool offers to accompany the traveler.