The Emir is the ruler of Al Kharid, a small city on the northern fringe of the massive Kharidian Desert. Since his son's kidnapping, the Emir has been in no state to directly govern Al Kharid, and he has retreated to his private chambers where only Hassan, the Chancellor, may see him. He has ruled the desert town for many years, and it is his only wish that his son, Prince Ali, might be raised to run the state with the same good hand.