Yet they fell not, for, made as it had been to meet such hours of need, this road was safer than it appeared, with ridges cut in the rock at the worst places.
Down they went, and down, till at length, panting, but safe, they stood at the bottom of the darksome gulf where only the starlight shone, for here the rays of the low moon could not reach.
"Mount," said Masouda.

"Princess, stay you on Flame; he is the surest and the swiftest.

Sir Wulf, keep your own horse Smoke; your brother and I will ride those of the soldiers.

Though not very swift, doubtless they are good beasts, and accustomed to such roads." Then she leapt to the saddle as a woman born in the desert can, and pushed her horse in front.
For a mile or more Masouda led them along the rocky bottom of the gulf, where because of the stones they could only travel at a foot pace, till they came to a deep cleft on the left hand, up which they began to ride.

By now the moon was quite behind the mountains, and such faint light as came from the stars began to be obscured with drifting clouds.