A. Travel up through the country along the coast, bypassing the desert completely. Then forge a path through the mountains, and pass an unknown rather scary cave.
B.Go through the forest and take mountain pass #1 or 2 from which you can cross abotu half of the desert (keep in mind that this is an extensive desert and there is no guarantee of safety or water once you are inside it) and reach your destination.
C. Go through the forest and take mountain pass #1 or 2 and then skirt the desert by staying close to the mountains, skirt around the cave and reach your destination. (Though you do get to bypass the desert, this choice will make the trip much longer, which is an issue since, ya know the queen could die...anytime now)
D.Bypass the mountains by skirting around the coast and launching immediatly into the desert. This choice requires you to pass through the entirety (lengthwise) of the desert. (no cave involved)