At the oxbow, four miles from Lecterna, is a suitable ford for river crossing. They cross the river at a ford, dry and warm themselves, and make camp, all along leaving marks to give notice to the following troops of what they have seen and which way to go. A winter river fording is a harrowing experience in itself- it is very cold and the party must immediately warm themselves on the far side, or risk death by hypothermia.
The Sauer River region is an area of rough terrain, where narrow, rocky valleys lead in to rock grottos, ravines, and gorges, and it is easy for a moving group to become trapped. This is why they sent scouts ahead! In the morning, fed and dry and ready, they move on, getting out of the maze-like terrain by mid day.
Demus recognizes something else here- key places in the landscape have been enchanted, with confusion and misdirection spells. Without a local guide who can recognize the Elven signs, anyone trying to pass through this region, and walking into one of these areas, will become hopelessly lost!