[ WP ] In the middle of a vast desert there is a single , shiny black skyscraper . What is in it and why is it there ?

`` Mrs. Nanford bakes the best cherry pie in a month's ride in any direction! The hard part is getting a taste. Old biddy's tight lipped about the recipe and only makes it for her children, and they do n't visit much. I tell you though, one taste of that pie and you'll be happy to wait.'' The old man smiled, eyes drifting to the memories only he could see. 
 
 Bellur looked at the old man in frustration, `` I'm sure Nanford pies are the best, but I asked about the desert. The monument there.'' 
 
 `` Eh? Oh, yes, the desert.'' The old man nodded, `` Bigger than it looks and it looks plenty big. There's some that say it does n't end, but that's all hogwash. The other side is real enough, and there's people there like there's people here!'' 
 
 `` But the tower man, the tower! The folk in the town a day's ride east of here said you've lived here as long as any of them remember. Surely you know something of it.'' Bel's frustration was obvious, and his voice was growing louder. 
 
 The old man harrumphed, `` Of course I know about it boy, but you've got no sense of patience. I do n't get many visitors and you sit there trying to rush to dessert without tasting the appetizer, and ignoring the meal itself! Now, would you like some tea?'' 
 
 Bel leaned back and sighed quietly, `` Sure, I'll try your tea.'' 
 
 Rising, the old man went to make the tea, puttering here and there in quiet for a few minutes. He was setting cups on a platter when he spoke again, `` So, boy, why do you want to know about that tower?'' 
 
 `` There are many wild tales about it, some say death lurks within, some say only beauty waits. I want to know.'' 
 
 `` Heh, who says both those things are n't right?'' He returned and set the tray down, gesturing Bel to small bowl between the cups, `` Sugar if you want it. I did n't ask you for half the truth, boy, so do n't give me half. Your whole reason for wanting to know about the dark tower.'' 
 
 Bel was quiet for a while, sipping his tea. He added some sugar while he thought. `` There is a man I hate that works against me, and a woman I loved lies dead for it. I can not move against him by my own hand and none will join their arms to mine.'' 
 
 `` Tragedy. We all taste it, though some more than others. So, what has your tale to do with the tower?'' 
 
 `` I asked many people and consulted every book I could find. The only thing they all agreed on about that thing was that great power lay within. I want to use that power to set things right.'' 
 
 `` If you go, bring as much water and food as you like, but it wo n't matter, you can not reach the tower until you lay on death's door. Gaining entry to the tower is harder than the journey to it, and none can aid you there.'' Here the old man was quiet again, and turned to look out an open window at the golden desert. `` If you make it in you will find only what you've brought with you. There is power there, true enough, and it will break you. But... it may also grant your wish.'' 
 
 Bel smiled, `` I will overcome the trials.'' 
 
 The old man turned back to him, `` They are not there to be overcome, boy. If you make it to the end and your wish is granted you will curse the tower and yourself. You bring darkness with you, and that is all that you will find.'' 
 
 No more words passed between the two. When he finished the tea, Bel stood, nodded to the old man, and left the hut. He mounted his horse and rode into the desert. The old man walked to the window and watched him until he could not be seen.
