I think there was mention of roads somewhere in our plotting, just not sure what for. Lol

I like that idea of a caravan master with a jinni hardening the sand, that's a good jinn based business. :) lets go with that, it's fun. :P It keeps travel restricted to stars and counting dunes, but still allows for carts. Probably not too many, but I'm sure there's enough rich people who'd like to travel in style and in permanent shade, to merit it even if most merchants don't need it. Some would be bound to see the benefit of being able to carry more without having to feed as many animals.(me thinking aloud... typing out loud?)