The   ride through the rain was bringing Kristopher and Talnar close to exhaustion. Both were mourning the death of Oglethor. Dorma and Redoras appeared unaffected by the storm as they sped through the night. Suddenly over the horizon, small lights materialized. It was the village of TAY! The Lostarians felt their hearts lifting as they viewed it. The four increased their pace along the gently rolling hills of the meadow. Minutes later, they approached the village gates. Immediately, a guard held a sword out before them. "Who approaches?" called out a tall guard who was dressed in chain mail.

        "Four weary travelers heading for Realm." came the reply.

        "And where are you traveling from?"

        Redoras became visibly upset. "We have been sent by Munworth, the lord of Sheleta. We must pass your gates.

        We have urgent business in Realm!"

        "All right, my hotheaded Dromp ... you may pass. But remember that you are no longer in Sheleta, you are now in Tay and must obey our rules! Enter, but mind who you raise your voice to. Not all here are as forgiving."

        The four entered as the guard opened the large double gates which then closed with a loud crash behind them. The sound of their horses' hooves pounding on wet cobblestone streets echoed through the darkness. Dorma led them past several stone buildings. Some of them showed signs that not all of Tay's inhabitants were asleep. As they continued, Kristopher noticed that they were slowly descending as they neared the river. After many minutes of travel, the flowing water of the Taymo River could be heard. Dorma, knowing the area well, led them directly to a small dock. As they arrived, a man walked up to them holding a lighted lantern above his head. "What do you want on such a night as this?!"

        “We seek a passage to Realm." answered Dorma.

        "There are no boats tonight. The storm has made crossing impossible.!"

        "That is absurd! I have crossed during storms far worse than this!"

        "There are no boats tonight ... try again tomorrow!"

        "Please sir, our business in Realm is very important. We will pay you double your normal fee." added Redoras.

        "There will be no crossing tonight! Now leave me before I call the guards!"

        Kristopher noticed that the boat master had been giving him an odd look as he had spoken, but he concluded that it was because of the bad weather and said nothing. The boat master walked back to his shelter. "Such treatment as this is unheard of here!" said Dorma. Shaking his head, he instructed them to follow him as he mounted his horse. "We'll wait at the Inn until we can find some way of getting across the Taymo."

        The prospect of drying before a fireplace brought a smile to Talnar's lips. Dorma led them through the village until they approached an ancient Inn. Quickly, they dismounted and led their horses under a roof provided for storms such as the one that was now raging. Tying their horses, they moved to the front door of the Inn and entered. A half bald man standing behind a counter called out, "Dorma, it’s good to see you! At least, I think it is. Why have you returned now, sooner than you said you would be?"

        "Much has changed since I saw you last, my friend." As they spoke, the man led them into a large room that was about half full of men sitting at tables that were covered with ales. He quickly led them to a table that was placed beside a blazing fire. "Sit here and dry off. I'll bring you some ales." Immediately, he left.

        "I hope those Lits don't come here looking for us." said Talnar.

        "They would never venture this close to Realm. They know that the entire Realman army would be after them. But still, I'm anxious to cross the Taymo." The Innkeeper stood behind him holding a tray full of beers.

        "Nonsense, you will visit with me first. I can't let a Realman pass through Tay without sharing ales!"

        "That is kind, Thomas. It would appear that we don't have much of a choice anyway."

        "Why is that?"

        "The Boat master refused to cross the Taymo, even after we offered him double his fee."

        "You offered Zoma double his fee and he still refused? The storm is not nearly bad enough to stop the crossing. "

        "That is what we told him, but he still refused us!"

        "That is strange. Zoma never refuses a Realman's request for river-crossing!" At that moment, Thomas' second passed by their table ... "Peter?!"

        "Yes, sir?"

        "Do you know of any reason that Zoma would refuse these gentlemen a river-crossing?"

        "Zoma hasn't left his room today. I thought that unusual, but I didn't want to disturb him."

        Immediately, Dorma, Redoras and Thomas jumped from their seats and ran out of the room. They then dashed up the stairs. Reaching the top, Thomas led them along a long hallway. About half way along, he stopped and knocked on a door to his right. No answer came. Again, he knocked, but silence followed.

        Moments later, the three threw their shoulders against the door. There came a great crack and the door flew open. Immediately, the three ran into the room and found Zoma lying on his bed, tied and gagged. Thomas removed the gag as Dorma and Redoras cut the binds on his hands and feet. Zoma jumped from his bed, screaming, "My boat!!!"

        "What has happened Zoma?" asked Thomas.

        "Some men broke into my room and bound me. As they left, they mentioned something about a key. I didn't dare to imagine what they were saying.. But seeing Dorma here, I'm almost afraid to ask ... Is it time for a key-passing?"

        "It's safer not to speak of it." answered Dorma.

        "I knew it!"

        Without another word, Dorma and Redoras raced from the room and then down the stairs. Reaching the bottom, they found Kristopher and Talnar standing with their swords in their hands.

        "We've been tricked!" said Dorma. "We've got to get to the boat immediately!" Thomas joined them as they stood before the front door, ready to leave.

        "I knew trouble would follow when Mittem passed here!"

        "Mittem was here?!" Kristopher became excited.

        "Yes, he stopped here yesterday before leaving for Realm."

        "Was he alone?"

        "No, he was with his daughter and an elderly Lostarian."

        They left the Inn and immediately released their horses, waving to the Innkeeper who stood by the door. The raging storm made it impossible for him to hear their goodbye. Moments later, they were rushing down the cobblestone street. They rode downwards along the roadways, through the darkness. Finally, they reached the dock and Dorma called out, "Show yourself that I might see the traitor who has aroused my anger!"

        Moments later, the man who had refused to take them across the river appeared, followed by three of the soldiers that Kristopher and Kari had encountered just before arriving in Dela. "Traitor, indeed! You bring a high price! I would be a traitor to myself had I not stopped you from crossing!"

        Then one of the soldiers stepped forward. Pushing his coat to the side, he revealed the large "D" on his chest. A sardonic smile came to his face as he looked to Kristopher. "Ramlord will be pleased to see you, young Lostarian!", he said in a very deep voice.

        Almost as if one mind controlled the four travelers, they each leapt from their horses, standing before the Tayan traitor and Dolnar's three soldiers. Without hesitation, all swords slid from their sheaths. Seconds later, the battle began.

        Dolnar's soldiers, although quite strong, were no match for their opponents. As each moment passed, it became clear that the battle would end quickly and they would soon be able to pass the Taymo River. As they moved the soldiers farther back, a great sound began to echo through the streets of Tay. It was that of many horses galloping towards them. The Tayan who had betrayed them began a sarcastic laugh and they feared who it was that might be heading their way. This seemed to bring added strength to the travelers and their opponents found themselves being greatly overpowered. The rumbling of the approaching steeds grew louder and the four wondered if they would be able to win the battle in time to board the boat and escape across Taymo.

        Suddenly, a scream sounded as someone fell from the dock into the river. Moments later, Kristopher was joined by Redoras, who was wiping blood from his sword. Seeing this, Kristopher's opponent ran into the darkness. Realizing that they were defeated, the other two soldiers surrendered to their opponents. Suddenly, Dorma shouted, "The boat!!! Prepare it for crossing!!!"

        Immediately, their opponents ran to the dock and untied the craft. Slowly, they backed away as the four quickly ran towards them. Seconds later, they boarded it as the approaching horseman became visible down the street. Dorma looked back to the Tayan who had betrayed them and said, "You don't know what you almost did! Thank the Light that you failed, you fool!"

        As he finished these words, Redoras began to pull the oars and the boat moved them swiftly from the dock. Seconds later, the echo of pounding hooves against the dock filled the stormy night. Dorma immediately grasped Kristopher's shoulder and pulled him to the floor of the boat. He then covered the Lostarian with his own body. Before Kristopher had a chance to struggle, a score of arrows flew over them.

        Redoras heaved upon the oars as they sped across the river. All around them, arrows were flying noisily through the cool air. Sweat and rain poured from his face as every muscle was being strained to its limit. Suddenly, the flying arrows ceased. By now, the fleeing travelers were far enough away from the dock that they could not be seen in the stormy darkness. Dorma lifted himself off Kristopher and looked back to Tay.

        No one spoke as Redoras moved them quickly through the stormy water. Talnar felt his heart beating heavily as he waited for their assailants' next move. It soon came. Once again, the air was filled with arrows. Dorma covered Kristopher again as Redoras pulled even harder on the oars. Suddenly, Redoras cried out in pain. Talnar grasped Redoras as he fell towards him. "There's an arrow in his shoulder!"

        "Take the oars, quickly!", commanded the Realman. Lying Redoras beside Kristopher, Talnar followed Dorma's instructions. Redoras cried out as the Lostarian pulled on the oars. There was such agony in the Dromp's cries that Kristopher had to cover his ears.

        "Hurry lad", commanded Dorma. "The poison from the arrow is spreading rapidly!" Talnar tensed every muscle in his body as he moved them across the river. By now, they were out of the archers' range. Redoras' cries seemed to be growing faint as the moments passed. Dorma lifted himself from Kristopher and began attending to the Dromp. After many minutes of exhausting rowing, the small craft neared the other side of the river. Redoras was now silent as he lay still in the boat. Kristopher saw that his face was very pale. His breathing appeared to be quite shallow.

        Finally, they reached the other bank. Immediately, Dorma leapt from the boat and pulled it to the shore. Quickly, he lifted Redoras and began to carry him on his right shoulder. "We've got to reach Realm soon, if we are to save him!" The Lostarians followed closely behind as he ran through the darkness. As the moments passed, the rain ceased and the clouds began to disappear. "Dolnar's power still cannot touch this place," Dorma said under his breath.

        The Lostarian warriors found it difficult to keep up the Realman, even though he carried Redoras on his shoulder. Kristopher noticed that the flat meadow was now changing into gently rolling hills. He his heart lifted with each step and the weariness that had filled his entire body was beginning to disappear. Glancing over to Talnar, he could see that his friend was experiencing the same feelings. Suddenly, Dorma stopped, setting Redoras upon the tall dry grass. He then looked to the two friends who stood silently watching. "Thank the Light that we arrived in time." Seconds later, they were surrounded by several people.

        Kristopher and Talnar instinctively reached for their swords. "That will not be necessary...we are among friends," said Dorma. He then turned toward one of the people that had appeared. "Anthon, I'm glad you received my message. The poison has spread!" Kristopher looked back to where Redoras had been lying and found nothing there but tall grass. He then looked back to Dorma who was smiling. "Don't worry, he will soon join."

        "Who are these people who surrounded us?", asked the puzzled Lostarian.

        "They are the Solist, the Children of the Light...You are now in Realm!" At the very mention of that name, Kristopher became excited! Realm! It seemed like years had passed since he had left Lostar to find it! “The people on my side don't believe this place even exists," he thought. "And yet, here I am. The two Lostarians grasped forearms.

        Kristopher turned back to Dorma to find that he stood alone. The Solist had disappeared. The tall Realman smiled. "It will be dawn soon. We've got to hurry if we are to reach the Castle of Light by morning." Immediately, they set off.
^^^

        Their pace was steady as the sun began to slowly rise above the distant hills. Off in the distance stood a tall hill with two beautiful castles standing side by side upon its peak. Behind them was a large cloud with beams of light flowing out from its center. As the clouds moved, the sun lit up the meadow. The two Lostarians gasped as they witnessed the beauty of the valley-meadow. Beautiful buildings, some built into the hills themselves shone brightly in the sunrise as did the green grass and trees.

        The three stopped beside an ancient oak tree. The air had a very pleasing scent and the ecstasy within them grew with the passing of each moment. A small stream flowed through the flat center of the meadow and many people were walking along the grass. Most of them were dressed in white gowns that seemed to glow.

        Laughter filled the air and sound of singing birds echoed through the trees. Far off to their right was a third castle. A pathway left from the front door along the meadow. It then led across a bridge that passed over the stream and the led up the hillside to the other castles. Kristopher could see four people walking along the path. They were too far away to see their faces, but he could tell that there were three men and one golden-haired woman. Dorma turned to him. "Is this the way that Lostarians react when they see their kin?"

        Kristopher's eyes lit up. "Samuel?!" Immediately, he began to run down the side of the hill. The four stopped, looking up to the figure running toward them, who was yelling madly. One of them stepped forward and reached out his arms. It was Samuel! Seconds later, the two embraced. Tears of joy filled their eyes. Kristopher looked to the others. Gondira, Mittem and...Solta! She was more beautiful than he had remembered. A beam of light seemed to radiate from her face as she looked to him. Slowly, he walked towards her. "I thought I would never see you again!" She couldn't answer as tears flowed from her eyes. The two embraced.

        Gondira then spoke. "My son...the Light has shone a bright fortune upon you. Now, we must have council." They were joined by Dorma and Talnar. "Dorma, your valiant courage has once again served the Light." The Realman bowed.

        "Now, we must seek the others and plan our next move." Solta grasped Kristopher's hand and the seven left for the castle on the hill. _________________________________
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