Alex and the ferryman calmy traversed the dark river filled with mist; neither did Alex ask a question nor did the ferryman say anything. It was mutual understanding as each one of them focused on his task; the ferryman focused on rowing the ferryman while Alex calmly waited for the following scenario (following their plan) as he was sure that something interesting awaited him ahead.
Nothing could be seen except endless mist and an eerie silence that enveloped the Stryrix River; the duo traversed twenty kilometers before suddenly, the dark river became illuminated by torches; those torches seemed to approach Alex and the ferryman rapidly, the latter stopped rowing the ferry.
From the other side, numerous boards with soldiers dressed in purple uniforms appeared.
''Stop, on the order of the emperor, no ferry is allowed to pass through here, immediately state your identity.''