A stream of mounted figures was pouring out of it, heading for the upper waters of the river where the valley broadened again.

For all my sickness my eyes were sharp enough to perceive what manner of procession it was.

All were on horseback, riding in clouds and companies without the discipline of a march, but moving as swift as a flight of wildfowl at twilight.

Before the others rode a little cluster of pathfinders, and among them I thought I could recognize one taller than the rest.
"Your magic hath prevailed, brother," Shalah said.

"In an hour's time they will have crossed the Shenandoah, and at nightfall they will camp on the farther mountains." That sight gave me my first assurance of success.