Swamped

You take another look at your quickly-sketched map, and try to mark where you found the nest. You make a line from the camp to the nest, then try extending it. Maybe Rider was already headed in a particular direction when he found his mount.

And indeed, the line comes close to crossing one of the oases. You might have better luck there. You ride over and see what you can find.

What you find turns out to be a very large bird. Large enough to ride on. It's taking a drink. So you may be on the right track, but a little too late.

"Do you talk, by any chance?" you ask the bird. "Seems I can't take that for granted around here."

The bird just glances at you blankly, and continues drinking.

Now what?