Luna and Midar suddenly heard voices. They had run in the wrong direction in the forest and were far too near the path. The imperial soldiers were coming straight towards them. Luna pulled her brother down onto the leaf covered ground. They hid behind a dense leafless thicket and hoped they wouldn't be discovered.

"We can't hide so near the path", hissed Midar.

"Be quiet", whispered Luna.

The soldiers marched past them only a short distance away and they sang in praise of the emperor. The children couldn't understand how they could like such a cruel monster as Smirgul. When their coarse voices could no longer be heard Midar wanted to continue their flight. But Luna said it was best to wait a bit behind the thicket. It was too dangerous to run as long as there were soldiers in the forest.