Cleopatra's forces; the five-thousand worth of council soldiers – trained fighters in their own special techniques and abilities, were a few hours off their destination. The five thousand were split for a faster group, the scouts – counting at least five-hundred demons able to march at double-time through the desert.
Before dusk, when the council's rest were scheduled to arrive, came the scouts. The tall mountain ranges stretched – the upward climb on the other side, one facing the northeast, was perilous. Rain had muddied the ground; the steep slope made no favors on heavy arms. A single path carved up the slope, "-lieutenant, we're at a standstill. The advance team is blocked by a fallen tree. It'll be a few hours lest we cross over and leave some of our supplies behind."
"Time is of the essence," said the silver-colored demon, "-ask them to leave their belongings at the camp. Climb and head for the valley. Us of the council won't be shown by students, trust me."
