Two caravan groups came to a halt as they neared the immense and towering structure known as the Dune Bastion. This colossal barrier stretched outward like a great shield, dividing the dangerous, monster-ridden wilderness from the more fertile and secure coastal area.
Two Saharan soldiers approached the halted caravans. As they drew closer, Atlas and his companions stepped down from their vehicles.
"Identify yourselves and state your purpose," one of the soldiers commanded firmly.
Atlas lifted his Awakener Device.
"Ah, you're a Lord," the soldier said after a quick scan. "How many are traveling with you?"
"Seven, including me," Atlas replied evenly.
The soldier made a brief inspection of the caravan, glancing over its passengers. "Two women, five men. Scan this device with your Awakener Device."
Atlas had activated the Veilstone Cloak, cloaking Zara from official detection. So, only seven individuals were recorded in the registry.
