"Oh? Of course," muttered Rughoi. "Scrying. Yes. Erm . . . find yourself some water and return as soon as you have results. Find Magister Kutur if you encounter any trouble. Oh, and one more thing," he said, just as Kali was about to leave. "If possible, could you find my mother?"

Merat's unit scoured the hillside, searching every nook and cranny for signs of dracons or other possible threats. One of the scouts, patrolling the eastern front, saw movement out of the corner of his eye. Turning, he spotted Rama and Krakas sneaking through the sand and shrub. "General Rama! At your service!" he called, rushing up to meet them. Unfortunately, this also startled the multiethnic party Rama was stalking as well. Pulling on his bow, the scout shouted "Dracons!" and in an instant, Merat and his forces surrounded the group from a distance.

"Freeze, Mitronians. Under arrest," said Merat, readying his bow. "Chief Rama. Call your men," he continued. "Help us. Take them to Rughoi."