The river's steady rush filled the right side of the Aether Screen, its surface reflecting the dusky afternoon light like shifting plates of silver. Eric stood at the bank, boots half-sunk in wet earth, the cold air rising from the water brushing against his face.
"Depth?" he asked.
A scout stepped forward, rope tied around his waist. "Waist-high at the shallow line, Your Highness. The current is stronger in the center."
Eric nodded, eyes following the slow swirl beneath the surface. Dark shapes moved beneath—thick tails sweeping, ridged backs gliding just low enough to remain unclear.
Eric's eyes focused on the creatures and he instantly understood what they were alligators. Avoiding the valley seemed like a good call at first but battling alligators in water was still a risky thing. Eric maintained his calm and strategized.
"Archers," Eric called quietly, "watch the surface. If anything rises, shoot before it reaches the line."
They moved into position.
