Khamasta is presented as a stronghold on the horizon of James Mowry’s journey toward Radine. Though he does not reach it in the described passage, two flashes from its direction transform it from a distant place-name into the apparent center of a sudden disturbance.

Setting and approach

On the last day of his wandering, two hours after sunset, Mowry reaches the main Radine–Khamasta road and continues toward Radine, following the road through the forest. Khamasta is thus established in relation to the route rather than explored directly: it lies in the direction of the stronghold, beyond the forest through which Mowry is moving.

The flashes from the stronghold

At precisely the eleven-time hour, a tremendous flash from the direction of Khamasta yellows the sky. The ground gives a distinct quiver beneath Mowry, joining the distant light to a physical disturbance where he stands. Another great flash follows from the same region. The passage does not explain what causes either flash or establish what happens at Khamasta itself; its force comes from the contrast between the stronghold’s unseen distance and the light and tremor that reach Mowry on the road.