 Jal rode with Tarrin.  It was a little crowded on Tarrins horse, with Tarrin and Jal in it, Fireflash on Tarrins shoulder, and Mist riding in her cat form on the horses back in front of the saddle.  went nearly two leagues before they found a ford, and then crossed the river and moved out onto a hilly plain between the forest and another forest nestled on the foothills of a low mountain range to the east.  Miranda took over the lead once they forded the river, as she used her Priest magic to locate the marker, then used a little bit of mathematics to use the direction of that marker and Kimmies path to angle in and cross her path without having to go back to the marker she set.  Miranda admitted that her trick depended on Kimmie not making a sudden right or left turn, but nobody objected when she offered to try, for it would save them two days of travelling.
	As they rode, Telven asked endless questions, but those questions became further and further apart as the effects of riding a horse started making themselves known to him.  Those questions turned into complaints, and then into a kind of incessant whining that got on everyones nerves.  Zyrilin, on the other hand, endured the discomfort, and snapped at her brother whenever his complaining got too grating on the others.
	They stopped for the night under a single oak tree that stood in the grassy plain, a huge tree that looked to have been there for centuries.  Haley and Sarraya ranged out to scout the outlying terrain, and Mist did as well, but she returned quickly to cook.  There was scant firewood, forcing them to draw on the wood theyd brought with them, and Mist also drew on their supplies to make supper.  The children sat by the fire and watched everyone else, though Telven still complained about how sore he was, but his complaints werent as shrill as theyd been when he was bouncing in the saddle.  Stew and beans? Ulger asked, looking into the pots.
	Thats right, Mist told him, stirring the stew.
	But we had stew for lunch.
	If you dont want it, dont eat it, Mist replied evenly, but there was a dangerous touch in her voice.
	Im not saying youre not a good cook, Mist.  I love your cooking.  I just think we need a little variety.
	We dont have the supplies for variety, she answered, looking at him.  There wasnt much to go on in the market.
	Ah.  Then Ill go out and see if I cant get some rabbits in the morning, so we can have roasted rabbit for dinner tomorrow, he told her.  If I catch them, will you cook them?
	Certainly, she answered.
	Will you need my bow, Ulger? Tarrin asked.
	I brought a sling, he answered.  I used to be quite good with it when I was a boy.  Its time I shook off the rust.
	What, um, what is a sling? Zyrilin asked, faltering after realizing she was talking.
	Ulger reached into his belt pouch and pulled out a leather cord with a pouch sewn into its middle.  Sling, he said, showing her.  Put your finger in the loop on this side and put a rock in the pouch.  You spin it over your head and then let go, and it sends a rock at your target.  It takes a while to get the hang of it, but this little thing can be as deadly as a bow at close range.  And its very easy to carry, he said with a conspiratorial wink.  I keep this with me so I always have a weapon.
	Wow!  Can you teach me? Telven asked breathlessly.
	Sure, I have an extra one in my pack, Ulger told her.  What about you, Zyrilin?  A slings a perfect weapon for a young lady.  It doesnt take much strength at all, but it gives you something to protect yourself with.
	You, um, you would do that for me? she asked shyly.
	I asked, didnt I? Ulger told her with a wink.  Im a Knight, honey.  When a Knight says hell do something, he does it.  He looked to Miranda.  Oh, Miranda, dear, you think you can make one of these?
	She gave him a scornful little laugh. Are you trying to be funny, Ulger?
	I know how hard it will be for you.  Its such a complicated bit of leatherwork.
	Miranda laughed.  I can make about ten of them before the stews done.  But, speaking of sewing, I think we need to make something a bit better for our guests instead of filthy rags.
	I think this would be a good time for Tarrins spell of replacing damaged clothing, Dolanna suggested.  It will take too long to make clothes for them.
	Thats a good idea, Tarrin nodded.  But theyll have to take them off.  I take it that tent over there is theirs? he asked, pointing at a rather crude, smaller tent that they had not brought with them.
	Miranda nodded.  I bought it when I got the horses.  Its a crude one, but itll serve them for now.  She gave him a cheeky grin.  I got them a tent and bedrolls and blankets.
	You think of everything, he commended.
	No, Dolanna thinks of everything, she replied with a look to the Sorceress.  I remembered the tent, but shes the one that remembered the other things.
	Alright then, children, we need you to go into your tent and remove your clothing, Dolanna said, clapping her hands to get their attention.  There are blankets within you can wrap around yourself when you come back out.  Bring your clothes with you.
	What do you need our clothes for? Telven asked.
	Because we are going to repair them, and we cannot do that when you are wearing them.
	After we get your clothes fixed, we get some dinner, and Miranda makes you some slings, well go out and learn how to use them, Ulger added.
	Hold on, hold on, Mist said.  Cleaning up the clothes doesnt mean much if theyre still dirty underneath them.  They need baths.
	We should have stopped at that river, Azakar grunted.  I could use a bath myself.
	Its simple enough, Mist said.  I know Kimmie had a spell that created a bathtub and hot water that always stayed clean.  Ive seen her use it.  And I know she put all of her spells in Tarrins spellbook.
	Sounds like a plan, Ulger nodded.  I think we could all use a turn in the bathtub.
	We have the time, Tarrin agreed, going over to his pack and pulling out his book.  Oh, that reminds me.  Dolanna, I need a couple of our medium-sized diamonds.
	For what, dear one?
	Theres a spell in here that lets me summon possessions, just like a Druid, he said, taking out his book and holding it up to her.  But it takes a diamond to do it.  Id like to have one on hand in case I need to summon something important.
	Ah.  Feel free to take them from the strongbox, dear one.
	I just wanted you to know, he told her.
	The spell was easy to find, and after he memorized it, he cast it behind the largest tent.  It created a very large ceramic bathtub filled with delightfully hot water.  Rather than each person using the tub singly, it was decided that it would be shared by pairs.  Dolanna took Zyrilin with her as they bathed, for Dolannas calm manner would keep Zyrilin calm, and then Ulger was the one that took Jal and Telven for their turn.  As Ulger kept the boys busy, Tarrin used the spell to restore clothing on Zyrilins dress, as she stood wrapped in a blanket and watched.  Tarrin was surprised that the filthy rags shed been wearing had originally been a rather pretty blue dress made of stout, soft wool, and the badly tattered shoes on her feet had been very handsome leather slippers.  Zyrilins parents must have had a little money for them to put their daughter in such a nice dress, when most peasants wore crude homespun smocks and tunics.
	Well, here you go, he told her, offering the dress and slippers to her.
	She reached for them, but the blankets tail slipped out of her other hand, and the blanket dropped to the ground.  Zyrilin gave out a surprised squeak and clutched the dress to her, blushing to the roots of her hair, but Tarrins attention had been caught by something on her stomach.  He knelt, reached down, picked up the blanket, then draped it over her shoulders, but then he deliberately made her move her hands so he could see her stomach.  She didnt try to cover herself, standing there with her face red as Tarrin got a good look at a rather nasty scar on her stomach. It ran from the base of her ribcage on her left and ran diagonally down her abdomen, ending at her right hip.  He touched the scar tentatively with his finger, and felt that it was old.  What happened, Zyrilin? he asked in a gentle voice, yet a voice that demanded an answer.
	It was a church soldier, she said in a tiny voice.  He
	I dont think you have to finish that, little bit, he said, pulling the blanket around her.  Nobody will ever touch you again, not if you dont want them to.  Ill make sure of that.
	She gave him the strangest look, then burst into tears.  She threw her arms around his neck and clutched onto him tightly, like a frightened child, weeping out a long-ago pain and a memory that was best forgotten.  He put his arm around her, comforting her, and again, he felt that strange sense of power within this little girl, who had been through so much pain in such a short life.  He barely knew her, but already he felt a powerful attachment to this strong young lady, who had endured pain and suffering and continued to fight, caring for her brothers with as much self-sacrifice and devotion as any mother would have for her children.  This was a girla womanof hidden strength, a strength unrealized because of her young age, but so glaringly obvious to any who looked upon her.
	In that moment, he knew that Zyrilin was now just like one of his own daughters to him.  And he would protect her, nurture her, help her grow and help her discover her place in this dangerous world.
	He simply held her until she was done weeping, then put his hands on her shoulders as she drew away.  Alright now? he asked gently.
	She nodded, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand.
	Go get dressed, Zyrilin, and Ulger will show you how to use a sling, he told her.
	Zyri, she said meekly, though she was giving him a shy smile.  Only my mother calls me Zyrilin.
	Tarrin chuckled.  Well, gods forbid you confuse me for your mother, he said, which made her giggle.  And since were going on about names, please dont call me Master Tarrin.  It really annoys me.
	But, but
	I wont melt if you call me by my name, Zyri, he told her.  Say it.  Tarrin.
	Tarrin, Zyri said, giving him a misty-eyed smile.
	Good.  See, Im still here, he said grandly, tapping her on the tip of her nose like hed done with all his children.  Now go get dressed.
	Yes, sir, she said automatically.
	Tarrin watched her go, and Mist stepped up to his side.  Strong, she deduced in her manner, though Tarrin understood her meaning.  Mist was a woman of few words.
	Stronger than she looks, he agreed.
	Arent they always? she asked.  We get the bathtub last.  The stew should be done by then.  Want to eat first?
	He shrugged.  Whatever.
	Change, please.  I hate seeing you that way when its not necessary.
	Tarrin chuckled, and shifted into his normal form.  Happy? he asked.
	Very, she replied, putting her paw on his side.  Do you think Kimmies in that much danger?  Dolanna told me about what you were talking about.
	Shes in danger, but shes got a level head, my mate. Its Phandebrass Im worried about.
	Amen.  But well catch up.  Weve already gained ten days on them.  I found their trail.
	They must have lingered in Dengal, Tarrin mused.  Were, what, twenty days behind?
	More like eighteen, she answered.  But they were moving fast out of Dengal.
	Probably with a Hunter on their tail, Tarrin grunted.  Well probably find the body soon.  Kimmie wouldnt tolerate a tracker on her tail for very long.
	Not if she has any sense, Mist agreed.  And I taught the girl to have sense.
	You know, I think Kimmie was one of your finest works, my mate, Tarrin told her with a chuckle.
	Youre just saying that because shes one of yours, Mist retorted.  I hope you dont start comparing.  Since Im last, I have too much to compete with.
	Each of you is unique.  Comparing you would be impossible.  And as long as you want me, Im yours.
	Then prepare to be mine forever, she said with a purr in his ear.  Because I do love you, Tarrin.  I know you know that.
	I know, Mist.  And Ill always honor those feelings.  At least until you can make me love you back, like Kimmie did.
	You were human. Its part of your nature to love.  I have no concern about it at all.  It may take time, but youll love me just as much as you love Jesmind and Kimmie.  All I have to do is treat you with love and respect, and its a given, she told him evenly, patting him on the side.  I have to check the stew.  I dont want to hear Ulger whine about a ruined dinner all night.  I might have to cut him short.
	Tarrin chuckled, but it masked his surprise at his mate, watching her as she sidled away.  He did know that Mist loved him, but never quite that way.  He wasnt sure if she was capable of it, because of her extremely feral nature.  But it seemed that she was just as attached to him as Jesmind and Kimmie.  In a way, that made him very happy, for of all his three mates, he certainly got along best with Mist.  She lacked the jealousy of the other two, was more content just to be with him, didnt needle him or harass him or anything like that.  She just wanted to be together, living her own life, letting him live his own, but sharing those lives together in happy harmony.  He was also very glad that she could love a male like that.  It was a good sign that most of the savagery of her former nature had been healed with time, compassion, and love.  Tarrin had started her down a path that Kimmie and the birth of their son had completed, and now she was a different female then she had been before.
	Part of him was surprised at her surprising calm about it all.  She felt that making him love her wasnt a chore, it was simply a matter of time, and she was more than content to simply wait for it to arrive.  That, actually, was a part of Mists nature.  She was very accepting of things, and looked on the world in a way that very few people did.  Since it would come in time, she was more than willing to simply wait for it to arrive.  Until then, she was perfectly content with what she had.  It reminded him of when he was human, how calm she had been then.  She had told him that she since she knew what he would do, there was no reason at all to get into a twist over things the way Jesmind did.  Mist accepted it, had faith in her understanding of Tarrin and faith in her love for him, and simply stepped back and allowed things to come about as she knew they would.  That had really endeared him to her then, to her and his daughter Jula, and that endearment had not diminished at all since that time.
	Could he love Mist romantically?
	Not just yes, but bloody hell, yes.
	She was right.  He didnt feel that way yet, but eventually he would.  Given their intimacy, and his still-human need to have romantic feelings for the woman sharing his bed, him developing love for Mist was an inevitability.  She was simply going to wait for it to happen, calmly, measuredly, with all the dignity she possessed.  And when it came, she wouldnt gloat or become arrogant in her achievement, she wouldnt harp on it or let it become the central aspect of her life.  It would simply be an acceptance of what is, to be savored in the moment of fruition, then simply added to her life as a part of it she would treasure, but not allow to rule her.
	In many ways, Mist was definitely the best of his three mates, and he was developing a powerful respect for her.
	Haley stalked up beside him, still in his hybrid form.  Did Mist tell you that we found Kimmies trail? he asked.
	Yes, she did.  You just got back?
	He nodded.  I was tracking a group of non-humans.  When I caught up to them, I was shocked.  Theyre Waern, Tarrin.  They look just like them, except their skin is kind of grayish-green, where Waern are more ashen colored.
	Tarrin clicked his claws, a Were-cats version of snapping ones fingers.  Damn, thats why those tracks seemed familiar! he said.  Ill bet what we call Waern at home, they call orcs here.
	You think a group stumbled through the gate and kind of populated this world? he asked curiously.
	Its certainly possible.  You know how fast Waern breed.
	True enough, that, Haley chuckled.  Sarrayas still out there. She wanted to have a good look at them, but I think she just wants to torment them a little bit.  She hasnt had a chance to prank anyone for a while now, and shes getting itchy.
	Tarrin chuckled.  I feel sorry for the Waern.
	So do I.  Is that a bath I smell?
	Tarrin nodded.  One of Kimmies spells.  You know how she is about taking baths.
	The first Were-cat I ever met that didnt hate water, Haley told him.  I can smell Ulger and the boys in that direction, so I take it were taking turns?
	Tarrin nodded again.  Well be last.
	We always are when humans are around.
	Any rabbits out there?  Ulger wants some for dinner tomorrow.
	I hope hes hungry.  It would take him a week to eat all the rabbits within a longspan of the camp, Haley answered lightly.  My, that stew smells heavenly.  I think Ill go try to filch a bit of it.  I much more enjoy a bath if Ive had a good meal before getting into it.
	As long as its done, I dont think Mist will object.  Shes no stickler for silly human traditions like a set meal time.
	Youre her mate. The rest of us are a bit more cautious around her, he said with a sly smile.
	Thats actually a wise thing, Tarrin agreed sincerely.
	Tarrin replaced simlilarly fine clothes for Jal and Telven, hinting that their parents had to be at least modestly well-off, and then they ate.  After dinner, Ulger and Azakar taught Telven and Zyri the basics of using a sling, and Mist, Tarrin, and Haley ended up sharing the bath before the spells duration ended and Tarrin had to cast it again.  Tarrin thought at first that Mist might have a problem sharing the bath with Haley, but he realized quickly that that was a stupid supposition.  Mist tolerated Haley well enough to spend time with himshe was probably more comfortable with him than any of the othersand she had no reservations about sharing a bath with just about anyone she didnt mind.  After getting cleaned up, Tarrin, Mist, Haley, Azakar, and Ulger decided on the watch schedule for the night, and they packed the children off to their tent to get some much-needed sleep.  Tarrin, who had drawn the long straw and managed to get out of watch duty for the night, also retired to his tent. Hed been awake for two days now, and as soon as he removed the charm, hed immediately get very sleepy.  Tomorrow was going to be a long and busy day, and he had a feeling that he was going to need his energy.

Chapter 4

	The next day wasnt arduous as much as it was simply long.
	They awoke before dawn to get moving, and encountered their first little obstacle.  Zyris restored dress, though pretty, wasnt made for riding.  Rather than having a neophyte to riding attempt to ride sidesaddle in a saddle not designed for it, Dolanna allowed the girl to borrow one of her dresses until Miranda could alter the one she had.  Zyri and Dolanna werent too far from the same size in height, but Dolanna was certainly more developed through the bust and hips than the dark-haired girl, so Dolannas dress hung off from her a little bit.
	The second obstacle was Telven.  It wasnt long before the boisterous boy was again complaining very loudly and incessantly about the discomfort of riding, and he was getting on everyones nerves.  Sarraya turned out to be the one who literally saved the boys life, for she started bantering with the boy, flitting around his head, distracting him from his saddlesores, which caused the complaining to ease considerably.  Telven had no idea how close he had been to death; Mist, riding with Tarrin in her cat form, was about to go back there and shut him up, no matter what it might take to do so.
	The third obstacle presented itself just after an early lunch, in the form of another group of bandits.  They came riding around a hill just as they were mounted and preparing to move on, either an ill-timed surprise attack or one done out of haste at just finding quarry.  There were twelve of them, all of them riding horses and wearing mismatched and badly maintained armor and wielding battered weapons.  This time, Tarrin was not alone, and this time, there was no quarter being given for the sake of the children.
	It was an absolute slaughter, at least for the bandits.  Though only four of the riders moved out to confront these twelve attackersafter Tarrin quickly passed Mist off to Miranda so she could remain behind and help protect the children and Dolannathey were more than enough to handle twice that number.  Tarrin, Ulger, Azakar, and Haley didnt look as dangerous as they werewell, Tarrin and Haley anywaybut the bandits quickly learned the folly of their hasty assault.  They faltered when they got close enough to realize that Azakar was really that big, that it wasnt a trick of the distance on the eye, but the lead attackers didnt have a chance to turn around and run.  That falter became a sudden realization that they got in over their head when Tarrin sent two arrows into their number, taking out the two men in the lead, nocking and firing faster than any of them had ever seen a man use a bow, before stuffing the bow back into its saddle sheath and having a sword literally appear in his hands.  By the time the ten survivors reached the four who had moved to intercept them, it was too late to retreat.  Azakar chopped them out of their saddles with his massive sword, which would be a two-handed weapon for anyone but him, flicking the heavy blade almost negligently as he dispatched the first two to reach them.  The other three unfurled behind the monstrous armored behemoth before them like a spider trapping its prey, and the bandits were quickly thrown into chaos.  Ulger was one of the best fighters that the Knights had, and he showed it by taking down two bandits with almost scathing disregard, not even bothering to fence or feint.  His broadsword wasnt as large as Azakars, but he swung it with the same blinding speed, literally cutting men down with single swipes that came so fast that they had no chance to parry or evade them.  Tarrin didnt like fighting from horseback, mainly because he was much more mobile on his feet and all his training had been geared towards fighting on foot, but he knew the fundamentals of mounted combat from training sessions with his father.  His staff wasnt an effective weapon on horseback, so he opted instead for his sword, wielding the huge sword with only one hand and using the Cats Claw bracer on his left wrist as a shield.  The bandits could tell that Tarrin seemed tentative to battle, but it was an unfamiliarity with mounted combat, and not their mistaken belief that it was because he wasnt a very good fighter.  After fencing a little bit with the first bandit to reach him, he quickly became accustomed to guiding his horse with his legs, and then he took down the bandit opposing him with ease, smacking his sword aside with the Adamantite bracer on his wrist, then skewering him with his sword with his reply.  Fireflash made sure to contribute as well, flying over the heads of the bandits and unleashing small blasts of fire at them to harry them and put them into a near-panic, making it very easy for the others to finish them.
	But the most surprising combatant was Haley.  Wielding his rapier and a basket-hilted dagger called a main-gauche in his left hand, the Were-wolf showed that he had learned well from the Shacans.  Even from horseback, Haley was a pure fencer, toying with his opponents for a moment before sending his slender blade expertly right into their hearts or throats, confusing them with dazzling swordplay, weaving his rapier before them in a mesmerizing dance that defeated any attempt their weapons made to touch him before sending its point into a vital point on their bodies.  Haley didnt seem to want to initiate any attack, content to let his attacker make the first move, then kill with a riposte.
	It was over before the bandits knew what happened, before any of them could even consider a retreat.  In a shockingly short amount of time, all of them had been killed, and twelve startled and confused horses now roamed the grassy dale in which the battle had taken place.
	Nice, Ulger said professionally, cleaning his sword with a rag before sliding it home in its scabbard.  These bandits dont look to have ever really used their swords.
	I dont know, that one right there seemed to have some training, Haley countered, pointing at one of the dead men.  He actually managed to parry me once.
	Probably just luck, Azakar said grimly.  What shall we do with them?
	This isnt populated territory, so we dont have to bury them, Ulger answered him.  I say we round up their horses, unsaddle them, then set them free.  We cant let them go carrying all that stuff around.
	Lets make sure Dolanna agrees with you, Haley answered.
	Aye.
	Dolanna did in fact agree with Ulger, at least up to a point.  Select the best two horses from them and add them to our train, she instructed.  I think we might find it wise to bring in some extra horses now, in case Kimmie and Phandebrass have lost theirs.  And if not, at least we will have two additional horses to work with in case of any problems later on.
	We can do that, Dolanna, Ulger nodded.  Alright, Haley, I think you and me are the best judges of horses.  Lets go pick a pair of winners.
	After you, Ulger, Haley said with a motioning of his hand towards the milling animals.
	Wow, can you teach me how to fight like that? Telven asked Azakar breathlessly.
	Azakar removed his helmet and regarded the boy with a sober eye.  Do you want to learn because you want to protect others, or do you just want to learn just so you can kill people?
	Azakars poignant question seemed to strike at Telven, for the boy felt silent, and his eyes became suddenly troubled.
	Think about that, Azakar told him.  If you want to learn how to protect someone, then ask me again tomorrow.  But I wont teach you how to fight just so you can kill people.  Thats wrong in the eyes of Karas, and he would be disappointed in me if I did.
	Tarrin was rather surprised.  That was the first time Tarrin had ever heard Azakar mention the name of Karas in such a, a holy manner.  Tarrin hadnt been sure if Azakar worshipped Karas, for it wasnt really a requirement to be a Knight.  Obey Karas, yes, but it wasnt necessary to worship him.
	After a long lunch, during which Miranda altered Zyris dress so she could ride in it, they continued along.  While Telven complained, Zyri asked them what they were doing.  After she did so, Dolanna glanced at Tarrin, who nodded.  If the girl was going to travel with them for any amount of time, her understanding the truth would be important for her.
	Well, child, we have come seeking two of our friends, she answered.  That is what we are doing now.  But we also have come to find out what happened to some long-lost members of our order, the katzh-dashi.  But, given what you have told us, it is highly doubtful that any of them are left alive.  Now we will simply find out what happened to them, seek out any who might still be living, and then take them home if we find any.
	But the Crusade was two thousand years ago, she said haltingly.
	We do not age the way you do, child, she told her.  There may very well still be some of them alive after two thousand years, but I am not sure.  These Hunters seem to be very thorough.
	Yes, but theyre geared towards catching witches, Sarraya added.  Sorcerers arent the same.  Trees, you cant even use your magic here!
	Where is your home? Zyri asked.
	We do not come from your world, child, Dolanna said bluntly.  We come from another.
	How can there be anything other than the world? Zyri asked.
	Every world is like a ball, Tarrin told her, bringing out his wings and creating a little ball of fire in his palm, which floated over it.  Think of this as your world right here, little bit.  Everything is inside of it.  The planet, the moon, the sun, the stars, everything.  Outside of this ball, there are other balls, he said, creating another and having it circle around the first slowly.  This is how the planes work, Zyri.  Every world is endless, eternal, but its also an enclosed universe to itself.  But there are other universes, just as boundless and eternal, that exist in other places.  There are gateways between these different dimensions that allows someone to travel from one to another.  Thats how the original katzh-dashi came here, using a gate to come from our world to this world.  We came here using the same gate.  He saw her confused look, then made the balls vanish and retracted his wings.  Think of your world like a house.  Its your own personal space, kind of like your own little world.  But you can leave your world simply by opening the door, where you find other houses outside.  Every world is a house, and every world has a door that lets you enter and leave the house.  We came in through the door to this world, to this house.
	And, and its not the same on your side of that door? she asked.
	As different as night and day, dear child, Dolanna told her.  The One does not exist in our world.  Just as every house has different furniture and different decorations, every world is different from one another.  Each world has its own peoples, its own gods, and so on.  There are some similarities between worlds, though.  There are humans in your world, and humans in mine, and your world looks remarkably similar to ours.  The plants, the trees, the animals, they all look familiar to us, because we have them in our world as well.  In fact, this grassy plain looks almost indistinguishable from the northern plain of Sharadar, she told her, looking around.  I could almost feel like this was my home, that the forest over there is the Haunted Wood, and that the Inner sea is just over the horizon to the north.  But this is not.  This is the grass plain north of Dengal and between the forest and the low mountains to the east.