I don't know much about the previous king except that his son isn't exactly sad he's dead.

[ it's said a bit blithely, but astoria is telling the truth. she is a deeply magical being, and the new king has magic about him -- astoria can sense it, when she peers into the world. but other than that, she really doesn't know much. ]

El Minha is surrounded by a harsh desert, though -- you're better off staying inside the city. I wouldn't wander very far; I'm not going to be able to rescue you outside of the city, and it'll be dangerous if you stray too far.