Both men continued with their planned routine, and it had been going just as intended. They successfully switched who grabbed the attention of the sand sliders after covering each 100 meters, effectively allowing them to get through the horde of creatures without engaging them long enough to become overwhelmed.
Aldric had now reached a cliff after running less than his designated 100 meters. As he looked at the rock formations towering on both sides of the cliff, he realized something—he might have reached the end of the horde crossing.
Aldric looked up at the cliff, its height far beyond what he could launch himself atop. This fact was another good reason for Aldric not to leave Lerai behind to fight the sand sliders and be on his way. The first reason was that he had confirmed Lerai was not an other. Although the possibility of betrayal from the strange man ever lingered, Aldric knew his chances of surviving would be much better if they moved together rather than alone.
