cold air. At the valley bottom they could see hints of the White River, either as a glimpse of its raging torrents, or as bits of spume and mist that marked its location. The Blackcrest Mountains were very tall here, and they stood like foreboding sentinels with their black peaks protruding like worn teeth. Even at this distance the roar of the river was like distant thunder.
The company paused briefly before beginning their descent, giving the horses a chance to rest after the long climb. Dismounting, Anest and Lily made their way to a nearby ledge. This was the first flat, open space they had come to since entering the forest, and despite the rain and gloomy mists, it was a relief compared to the dark gloaming of the Wood.
Lily had been very quiet since her encounter with the Demon, and Anest had endured her silence with helpless patience. Dorain stood alone in the rain with her horse, not far away, looking out over the valley. As they joined her, she said, for Lily's benefit, "Down there to the left is a bluff that conceals part of the river. Behind it, in the cleft that joins it to the mountain, is the Bridge Fortress. The Road continues east, to our right here, as it descends to the river. Then, it turns sharply west, following the river to the left to the Fortress gates. It is only a few more hours away."