The nights on this world were bitter cold and the days scorching hot. The sun had just begun to rise on the seventh day of their being stranded on this alien planet. They had found fresh water in a small stream down the side of the hill, and there were lizards and birds they had contrived to catch, subsistence, barely, but despite being filthy, tired, and hungry, they were still alive.

About the demons they were more puzzled than when they’d first arrived. They had rested a day, then ventured to look down upon the massive army twice since then. Both times they had proceeded cautiously and avoided detection. Something was stirring down in that valley, but they were uncertain of what it was. Had this been an elven army, they might have guessed its behavior, but demons organized in this fashion was outside their experience and knowledge.

The brothers barely spoke, as they had talked out everything they could about this situation over the first few days. They knew they had not ported into the demon realm, as they would have perished in minutes had that been the case. They might not be on the world they called Home, but they were in that same sphere of experience. Despite the less than hospitable surroundings, the air was breathable, the water drinkable, and the wildlife edible. Though one of the reptile varieties they had encountered had induced severe stomach cramps and other unpleasant reactions.

Gulamendis held out his hand as he reached the back of the cave where his brother waited.

“Lizard,” said Laromendis dryly. “How unexpected.”

His brother ignored the quip and started cleaning the small carcass with his battle knife. It was a clumsy tool, but a few days’ practice had given him some ability to not totally destroy their supper before it was cooked. After cooking, it would provide less than a few ounces of meat and a tiny bit of fat, but it would be enough to keep them alive another day. They had both slowly gained back enough strength that they could mount a single defense should they be discovered, but neither had the energy for a prolonged combat.

So lying in wait was their current tactic, but both really knew they had a limited expectation for survival. They quickly devoured their meal and Gulamendis said, “The thing I find the most annoying about this, at the moment, is the need to walk down to the stream every time I get thirsty.”

“Then don’t get thirsty,” replied his brother. “Or find us a damn jar or bucket or something to fetch water back.”

“I suggested using your boot…” said the Demon Master, in a weak attempt at humor.

His brother made a face indicating what he thought of that notion. “How long can we sit here wondering?” asked the Conjurer.

“I don’t know,” said his brother, on the border of exasperation. “There is so much here that makes no sense to me.”