Sorcerers selected by Khalil accompanied each group. Melek sent each team in different directions with a specific task. One group followed the woman and her two companions at a safe distance, observing without engaging. Another traveled to Zafar to learn all they could about the two foreigners. The last group left for the center of The Empty-Hand Desert. Their task was to look for increased activity among the supernatural creatures that inhabited the area. The sorcerers communed with Khalil through divining. The old man took a seat across from Melek after receiving the latest reports. Seeing Khalil’s fatigue from the communication, Melek poured him a cup of water and passed a plate of olives. “Thank you, Captain,” said Khalil, guzzling the water first, then popping an olive into his mouth. “Tell me. Afeef’s squad first.” Khalil cleared his throat.
