To access the desert you must buy a Shantay Pass for 5gp from the shop

The building beside the Furnace is where you'll find the Tanner. He will exchange your regular Cow or buy wow gold Dragon hides for Leather of that type. Of course this costs money. Though the price depends on what type you get.

Gnome Glider: Once you've completed the Grand Tree Quest you can ride these Gnome Gliders. This is one of the faster transportation because it sometimes can bring you to places where you can't teleport.

Shantay Pass: South of the city is the entrance to Shantay Pass, your way to the desert. This desert is members only though. When entering the desert it is recommended to wear Desert Robes.

To access the desert you must buy a Shantay Pass for 5gp from the shop. If you don't want to pay 5gp you can always go around by using fairy rings.

If you go to the back of the mine, you will find a Water Rune spawn near the Adamantine Ore. Just to the bottom right of that next to the Iron Ore on the right hand side of the mine is a Fire Rune spawn.

Upstairs, you can find the sorceress herself, who doesn't like intrusions; those who talk to her may just find themselves teleported out of the house.