Pug said, “It looks something like the portal used by the Dasati when they invaded Kelewan, though they punched that through from the other side and didn’t have all this construction around it. They used a magic shield that was very difficult to breach and expanded it as they sent more and more of their Deathknights through.”

Sandreena said, “Where are all the laborers?” She pointed and said, “There were hundreds of them working, after sunset, and demon overseers patrolling the walls.”

Pug said, “We need to get closer. I can see some movement in the distance, but it’s too far to make out who it is.”

Kaspar said, “Sandreena, lead us to that gully, please.”

His band had worked their way down the switchback trails cautiously, Sandreena at his side, until they reached the gully she had used to circumvent the guard post at the bottom of the slope. In single file they followed her to the rim of the dry river basin, and after motioning for the others to wait, Kaspar and Sandreena crawled on their bellies up to the rim and looked over.

“It’s quiet,” whispered Kaspar.

“On the wall,” said Sandreena.

Sentries could be seen walking the battlements, but between the basin and the wall was only empty ground. “It’s going to be difficult to get close,” said Kaspar.

“We should approach from the back,” said Sandreena. “There’s a dry river basin that flows close to the wall.” She pointed off to their left.

Kaspar motioned for Pug to come join them and when he did, Kaspar said, “Are you going to be safe using magic?”

Pug said, “Magnus and I have been testing as gently as possible, and we don’t sense anything unexpected.” He looked at the massive construction ahead of them and said, “Something in there is very powerful, but it’s dormant for the moment. There are a few wards to detect scrying, but they’re basic, nothing we can’t avoid.” He looked at the five crouching figures down in the basin behind and said, “I think we stick to the original plan.”

Kaspar nodded. “Wait ten minutes until we have worked our way around to the back of this fortress and then do what you think is best. If we hear any sounds of alarm from your group, we will have Magnus take us back up to the plateau above.

“If you hear any trouble on our part, do what you think best.”

Pug and Magnus, along with Amirantha, provided a formidable magic force, and might make the difference between the others getting back alive or not; after a long argument, Kaspar had relented as Pug insisted that he should be the one to decide if he should come to Kaspar’s aid or not. Kaspar was secretly relieved.