As she brushed she mused over what might be down there. An ancient gold mine or source of some other wealth would dictate the route ran east, eventually terminating in the city of Nar Ayab, then on to the capital city of Kesh. She deduced whatever had been moving along the route, it had been going from Durban to this location. Maybe, she speculated, this was the terminus and the reason for the route was a quick supply from the nearest Keshian city. Which would mean the only reason for this fortress would be to keep whatever was down in that valley in that valley.

She finished and broke out her own rations, saying, “Cold camp,” to her companions. They were both veteran Knights and a night without a fire was nothing new to them. They understood there was a possibility someone or something out there was watching.

The three ate in silence, then when they were done eating, Sandreena said, “Jaliel, first watch; Farson, last.” They both nodded, but each silently thanked her, for as leader she was taking the least desirable watch. She lay down using her saddle as a pillow and with years of habit ingrained in her, fell asleep within minutes.

Dawn came hot and dry, which was no surprise, but with an early wind. The wind was a blessing and a curse, a blessing in that it would kick up enough dust that it could prevent them from being seen should hidden sentries be posted along the trail down into the Valley of Lost Men, and a curse because if it was blinding enough, Sandreena and her companions could lose the trail and find themselves taking a very quick route down to some unyielding rocks below.

Sandreena spoke loudly, to be heard over the rising wind. “How many demons have you faced?”

Farson said, “Two, Sergeant.”

Jaliel said, “Seven, Sergeant.”

She said, “Jaliel, you’ll bring up the rear in case we get jumped from behind.” To Farson she said, “Do not do anything unless I tell you. Demons can be very tricky sometimes and let one of us lead.” He nodded. Both Knights knew that she was right; she hadn’t asked how many demons they had defeated, because if they hadn’t defeated all they had faced, they wouldn’t be here alive.

Sandreena realized Jaliel had faced down two more than she, but hers had been particularly nasty and without Amirantha’s aid…She silently cursed herself for a fool at the sudden stab of feelings from thinking of him. He was a miserable excuse for a man, a charmer with no substance and his words were honeyed lies. Still, he knew more about demons than any man she had ever met, and right now she’d put aside her urge to strangle him in exchange for his ability to control the monsters.

“Grab a tail,” she instructed.