From Khushuut they decided to take a path that went southwest, passing through Jargalant until it joined another road that headed northwest. The panorama was the usual Mongolian steppe of hard grasses and the travelers dozed from time to time, while the three drivers of the vehicle alternated to avoid that the monotony of the landscape produced a hypnotic effect and took away their reflexes.
They left the village named Tsertserleg behind, and the soft green hills gave way to the desert devoid of vegetation. When they passed Zaankhushuu, the map only showed them a desert area ahead. Ives was driving again, and Khulan was riding in the passenger seat. At one point Orghana, who was sitting in the second row of seats, touched the Colonel's shoulder, indicating a dark line on the horizon.
Khulan replied with concern.
"Yes, princess. I've already seen it ten minutes ago. "
"What happen?" Asked Jack Berglund. "What is that line?"