The boy read about the border between humankind and the outside world, the land of nymphs. He heard stories, knew what measures were taken to enforce defense, and how breaches in the wall occurred now and then. Yet, despite all that, when the word "wall" was mentioned, his imagination instantly drew up a high stone wall in his mind. In reality, the structure was far more complex, with a traditional wall being just one part of its defense. The first line of defense was a zigzag trench and barbed wire, followed by an electric fence with a stone wall and guns behind it. Trenches were patrolled and fences were constantly under voltage, with electricity only being lifted on gates during patrol changes. The actual appearance of the "wall" left Ashwin astonished. He stared at fences and trenches for a while, sorting out his feelings. The effort his kind had put into building this iron defense was incredible. 'Humans are indeed outstanding,' thought the boy, impressed by the system that had been developed through facing countless threats and challenges.

  Then again, right now, he was with the man-eating apes heading outside this defense line. Even before they got close, it was unlikely that they could get outside the walls. In Ashwin's eyes, it seemed impossible. It would be wise for Scarface to turn back. The boy looked at the leader of the apes. There was no hesitation or confusion in the red eyes. This made Ashwin shiver. Whatever plan the beast had in his head, it would not end well for any of them.

  Though this was obvious, Ashwin nevertheless decided to voice his opinion. It would cost him too much, his life, if he obeyed the apes silently this time.

  "Going through this line of defense is a suicide mission."

  Scarface glanced at the boy. The beast didn't seem irritated or particularly interested in his words.

  "We will see about that."

  The troop quietly waited for the leader's command. Ashwin looked at the animals, his thoughts in disarray. He was almost sure Scarface wouldn't attack head-on. Even so, what tactics could the beast come up with? Will he throw someone as a distraction? And if so, then the human boy would be the best expendable candidate. 'Is that why he spared my life so far, to throw me onto the electric fence? Should I run and beg for help?' The idea was tempting, but even if humans saved him, what would happen next? They were Rajah's soldiers, so they would send him back to the capital in chains. On the other hand, if he crossed the wall, he could still return. It wouldn't be easy, but he could approach the border of another country and seek refuge. The plan was risky but still more promising than blindly surrendering to Virat's army.

  While Ashwin was considering the options he had, Scarface was whispering something with his closest aides and recovering from the injuries apes. Others were patiently waiting. Two beasts were standing on guard, observing the surroundings from tree branches. Even though they had left the capital behind, the chase was still after them, without a doubt. And if Scarface led them north, it would put the runaways at a disadvantage. The soldiers might just circle around them, taking a shortcut. No matter what the order was, it was better to act faster.

  The boy glanced at the whispering group. Ashwin had a glimpse of hope that if he healed the injured, he might at least gain their favor. However, even though the apes' reactions varied, they were far from grateful. The thought of being helped by a human offended one. Iz, (the real name, was difficult for Ashwin to pronounce, so he used a shorter version), was no less rude to the boy than before, perhaps even more so. The other one, Wez, simply ignored his savior. The behavior of Scarface with the third injured one, in particular, showed Ashwin that apes were familiar with the concept of compassion and probably gratitude. They just don't apply it to other species, including humans.

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  Finally, two apes were sent for surveillance first. The troop followed them slowly, keeping a distance. They almost reached the end of the South territory. If they continued heading west, they would face the border of the South-West. Here, the current of the Teena River, named Little Sleeve, was crossing the wall. An iron bar with wide gaps was blocking the stream, without stopping water and the fish from flowing through. But compared to other parts of the wall, there were no electrical fences here. The realization made Ashwin stammer.

  "I c-can't. I don't know how to swim."

  Scarface looked unimpressed.

  "What's there to know? Just walk underwater then."

  That wasn't the reassurance the boy wanted to hear. If anything, it scared him even more. 'Does he want me to die?' That was even worse than a quick death by bullet or electric fence, at least on Ashwin's list of possible ways to die.

  The troop stayed in cover, waiting for the night. At sunset, Scarface sent two apes out. Wez and another beast returned to the path that the troop had come from. Ashwin, usually curious, was too busy staring at the river to ask questions. He tried to calm himself down by thinking about home. But this only made him feel sad, so he started observing the apes instead. Now that all of them were wearing loincloths, and some had also decorated themselves with necklaces and bracelets, they looked rather strange. One beast had a bag stolen from Ashwin after they got out of the capital. Two others folded the cloth and stored the goods inside it, making shoulder bags out of fabric. During their escape, the lucky ones got their paws on weapons. Scarface received a short sword as an offering from his aide. He didn't wear it during their march, leaving the task and honor of carrying his weapon to his aide, but now the leader was holding the sword in his right hand. The tip of the blade scratched the ground as the beast slowly twisted the sword. 'Can he even wield it?' pessimistic thoughts crossed the boy's mind. He should have rested before the stressful night, but couldn't calm down, let alone sleep.

  Finally, the night fell on the border. The troop moved closer, using the darkness as a cover. The soldiers on the walls primarily watched the land beyond the defensive line. Using this to their advantage, Scarface sent two more apes, this time to the river. The animals quietly swam towards the iron bars. Ashwin thought they would be clumsy in the water, but the beasts made hardly any sound. When they reached the barrier, the apes dove in. Others waited with anticipation. The sent apes came to the surface to take a breath and then dived again. This cycle repeated several times. The break time to catch their breath grew longer. Ashwin didn't know what they were trying to do exactly, but besides that, the animals also had to resist the river current. It took them some time to complete their efforts, before the apes took one last rest in the water. One of them raised its arm above the water for a moment. It was a signal.

  Ashwin could hardly contain his trembling. Scarface stood up and said, "When you get out of the water, run for your life. Run until you have no strength left, and then run some more."