Slowly,   they walked along the path and with each step, they moved up the hill leading to the main castle. Kristopher found that all fatigue had completely left his mind and body. The desire to sleep was gone! As the moments passed, the ecstasy within him greatly increased and he marveled that Solta and Mittem had left such a place to live on his side of the mountain. Laughter and discussion filled the air as they neared the castle. It was obvious that Dorma had been away for some time as he appeared to be very excited. The lovely scent that filled the air was now stronger and sweeter as they approached the large castle. As they neared it, the front doors swung open. "We must have council immediately", announced Gondira. "I'm afraid your stay here must be a brief one."

        Moments later, he and the others entered the tremendous castle. Solta read Kristopher's sadness as he looked to her. Her grip tightened around his hand as they moved along a long corridor.

        "You will return here, Kristopher...after you have finished with Dolnar..." Her words brought a momentary smile to his face.

        The young Lostarian gazed at the beautiful pictures that hung from the stone walls. He stopped in front of a large one. It was a painting of many minstrels playing instruments like the ones viewed in the Hall of Music in Eray. "That is a picture from the last age." Said Solta. Somehow, it survived the years. We have tried to copy the instruments in it, but we have no idea of how they should sound."

        "I heard them in Eray." announced Kristopher

        "But, Eray was destroyed at the end of the second age."

        "Not all of it. I have been there. I've seen it!"

        "By the Light. Is it possible? The knowledge of the second age has been sought for many years."

        "I am surprised that Hemma hasn't mentioned this to any of the Elders before. He was there when I was."

        "The Elders live by strange rules. They are part of a very delicate balance that they have vowed to protect. I'm sure that he has a very good reason for keeping that knowledge to himself. I do know that the remaining Elders communicate with him very little...And when they do, they seem to change a little. Sometimes, the changes don't appear to be good ones. You however must tell the Council of your discovery!"

        Finally, they reached the Council Room and immediately entered. It was identical to the one in Sheleta, save that the table in the middle was longer and the chairs were taller. A Solist guard escorted Kristopher and Solta to their seats which were to Gondira's right. Across the table from them, to Gondira's left were Telimen, Sibe, Fortice, Mittem and Samuel. Seated beside Solta were Talnar, Dorma and a smiling Redoras. Kristopher was overjoyed to see him and the Dromp's smile widen as he read the looked to the young Lostarian.

        Standing about the room were seven Realman guards. One of them had two red stripes on his right arm. Gondira raised his hand and the room became silent. "My fellow servants of the Light. For many years we have known that this meeting would some day be taking place. Recently, my brothers and I have realized that we must return to our old forms. We are to leave our positions as Elders and once again become mortal."

        Dorma rose from his seat. "How can this be?! How can we protect the Words and the Keeper if you give up the powers you have as Elders?!"

        "By doing this, we will be able to join with Hemma without Dolnar invading our union. It is the only way" Suddenly, Gondira turned to Kristopher with an urgent look on his face. "Forgive me Kristopher. Your thoughts are so strong that I could no help but hear them. You have been to Eray? This is good news indeed. Eray holds many secrets." He paused for a moment as he looked to each person in the room one at a time. " We have been preparing for this day for many generations. Now it is time." His gaze then fell onto Talnar. "And you, Lostarian. You know that you cannot accompany your friend any farther. What will you do to serve the Light?"

        "I promised Dorma that I would leave Kristopher if Dolnar found me. I will keep my word." He then turned to Dorma. "But, if he found me, won't he be able to find me again?"

        "No, my son. He found you because of his search for Kristopher. You will be safe from his mind once the two of you have parted company. The young Lostarian became upset. He turned to his friend of many years. Almost ceremoniously, Kris rose to his feet and the two grasped forearms. "I wish I could be going with you," he said sorrowfully. "I still can't believe that Kari left you the way he did. I know he gets a bit hotheaded at times, but he's always been there when we were in trouble."

        "He has his reasons," said a rising Dorma. "Ones that will be all too clear to you some day."

        "You have all been hinting about Kari since I first met you," said Kristopher. "What do you know about him that we don't?"

        "I'm afraid we're not at liberty to discuss that right now," answered Gondira. "There are things you shouldn't know right now. Please trust me. It will all be revealed to you in time, I promise you. But now, we must deal with the business at hand. In your thoughts I saw the passage to Eray. It is necessary that we send someone to it. It is my counseling that Talnar lead some of our warriors there. Any knowledge that we can gain to use against Dolnar will be of help. The Keeper will prepare a map for their journey."

        He then motioned to the guard with the red stripes on his arm. Immediately, he moved to his side. In his right hand, he held a small brown box. Gently, he placed it upon the table before the aged Wordlord and then walked back to his position against the wall.

        Gondira slowly opened the lid on top and a beam of golden light began to shine out of it, lighting up the room. He then pulled out a golden key. All eyes were upon it as he handed it to Kristopher. "Prepare yourself lad. The power within this key is beyond your understanding. Kris felt his heart racing as he reached for it. The moment his fingers clutched onto it, he felt himself lifting into the air. Looking down, he could see himself sitting limp in his chair. Solta was holding his arm and Talnar was shaking him. He could hear Gondira speak, although the words seemed to come from miles away. "Do not fear for him. He is gone to join with Hemma."

        Seconds later, he left the castle and began to float across Realm's beautiful meadows. He then felt himself descend to the ground and found that he stood before the shining form of Hemma.

        "It is good to see you, my son. My thoughts were with you as you passed the mountain. Although it is a curse to bare the name Tull, you do it well indeed. You are much like your father. You must keep the key with you at all times. As long as you do, I will be with you. For years, it has been carried by our family, but now it is time. You must face Dolnar. There are no others who can, for I gave him the Word and I must make good that mistake."

        "I will do all I can, Hemma...I promise you. I am confused about much of what I have witnessed. You seem to have great power. Why do you not join with the Elders and defeat him?"

        "There is much that you do not understand, my son. I can not disturb the balance. For the sake of all creation, I must not upset the natural order of things. That is what Dolnar is trying to do. If I interfere in a way that I should not, the danger that I will bring will be much greater than what I brought by giving the Word to Dolnar. Someday, it will all be shown to you, Kris. Now...you must return to the others for further counseling. Remember, the Light will always shine brightly within you..."

        Suddenly, he disappeared and Kristopher began to float back towards the castle. Soon, he reached the Council Chamber and immediately floated back into his body. As he lifted his head from the table, he heard the sound of cheering fill the room. "It is time," announced Gondira.
^^^

        While he had been with Hemma, the Council had continued discussing their plans. It had been decided that Talnar would leave with four of Realm's guards and journey to Eray. Dorma and Redoras would lead the Realman army into battle with the Lits. Kristopher's journey would begin at dawn. He was given a map which he put in a pocket on the inside of his Tulnit. The key was also placed in this pocket. Gondira again spoke.

        "We have known it would someday happen. The Keeper will leave at sunrise with Ton." The guard with the stripes on his arm stepped forward, accepting Gondira's command. "You will take him to Loma Bridge. From there, he must go alone, for even the strongest Realman would be unable to escape Dolnar's searching mind beyond that point. Now, Kris, you may roam through Realm's beauty as you wish, but you must be ready to leave by sunrise."

        The Council was adjourned and many of them began to leave the room. Kristopher remained along with Gondira, Solta, Samuel and Talnar. He stared at the table before him. The reality of the situation was now beginning to come into focus in his mind. Slowly, he raised his head and spoke.

        "How will I ever defeat Dolnar alone? I always assumed that Dorma would be going with me. How can I be expected to do it by myself?"

        "Don't belittle yourself, Kris," answered Samuel.

        "Nor should you lose faith in Hemma," added Gondira. "There is much that we are not allowed to interfere with, yet our strength is great! Trust in the Light."

        Kristopher stared through a window, looking out to Realm's beauty for a moment. "You have to realize that this is so new to me. I can't just abandon everything that I have believed all my life. Although, I have witnessed many things already that disprove much of what I have been taught. I am just worried that I will fail."

        Samuel placed his hand on his nephew's shoulder. "I know what you are going through," he whispered.
^^^

        For the remainder of the day, Kristopher walked through Realm's incredible beauty. Solta and Samuel led him and Talnar to the northernmost part - the Omong Ocean. They stood on the shore for a while, staring across the water. To their right, the sun was beginning to set below the gold and green hilltops.

        The four walked along the Omong's white sand, talking of things in Lostar and other parts of their side of the mountain. Inside, Kristopher knew that what he had seen on this side had changed him. He could tell that he would never be satisfied with his own side anymore. Even the most beautiful parts could not compare with Realm. As these thoughts were passing through his mind, Solta spoke her concern that they should return to the castle to prepare. By the time they arrived, the dawn was upon them. A fire burned brightly on the flat meadow at the center of the three castles. Many of Realm's inhabitants were seated around it and as the four drew closer, they could hear beautiful music sounding through the air.

        High above, a sky full of stars shone like a thousand eyes. A full moon shone brightly, casting it's silver light across the scene. The beautiful music lifted Kristopher's spirits as they neared the fire. Many voices were singing in a harmony that filled him with visions of beauty beyond any that he had ever before witnessed. As they neared the gathering, he noticed they were singing in a language that he didn't recognize.

        Suddenly, the vision of a beautiful woman with long, dark hair filled his mind. She was wearing a silky white robe. Her beauty transcended any that he had ever imagined. They continued their song and with each word, the vision grew stronger. He was overwhelmed by the feelings that filled his heart.

        The music seemed to put him in a trance. He felt that all of Realm was leaving the world, as if they were being taken to some other place. Within, he could see the woman getting closer. Her beauty filled him with unimaginable joy. His entire body seemed to be weightless, as if he could float away. Slowly, he opened his eyes finding that the woman stood before him.

        He was in an almost dreamlike state as he looked to her. She was exactly as he had envisioned her. Love seemed to flow from her and touch all who were close by. She spoke in a voice far sweeter than any he had ever heard.

        "My children, I hear your cries. I am here." She turned to Gondira and he rose to his feet. "Your wait shall soon end, as it will for others who have waited even longer than you." Kristopher felt the strong urge to touch her, but he remained standing where he was, not taking his eyes off of her for a moment. Suddenly, she began to change. The white glow that emitted from her began to fade. She seemed to become more real to him. Quickly, Gondira ran to her side.

        "You take this form now?"

        "There is no other choice. Dolnar is exploring parts of the Word that are very dangerous. For his sake and the sake of all of my children I must."

        "Yes, I have felt it too. He seems to be very close."

        She then turned to Kristopher. She motioned him to approach her. His feet moved him clumsily. "You are young, but I sense much of Hemma's strength in you. Do not fear the task that has been given you. There are forces working with you that are beyond your understanding. Go now and prepare for your journey."

        Kristopher managed a bow and moved back to where he had been standing. Again, she turned to Gondira. "We must meet as soon as the Keeper has left. I shall return then." Suddenly, she disappeared.

        Kristopher continued to look to the place where the woman had been standing moments before. He then looked to Gondira who held a smile on his face. "Who...?"

        "She is called The Lady of The Light. The Light has many forms. There are great powers fighting with you, my son. Now bring me the map that I have prepared for you." Kristopher reached into his Tulnit, producing it. The Elder showed him the route that he was to take. The River Tay flowed to the east for a short while. It then changed to a northerly flow towards the Omong Ocean. They would cross it by way of Loma Bridge. From there he would venture alone, eastward through the Forest of Wolves until he reached the mountain.

        At that point, the mountain range moved northward just as the Taymo had. He would follow it that way until he found the mountain's highest peak which was known as Eyama, which meant "without life" for no tree would grow on it, nor would any bird rest upon it. There, within the mountain, Dolnar was imprisoned.

        "Once you cross Loma, you will be alone," said Gondira. "Please believe that we would all accompany you if it were possible. But, it is not. Dolnar would find even the strongest Realman mind, if we were to travel with you."

        As the Wordlord spoke, Solta moved to Kristopher's side, grasping his hand. Talnar stood silently watching his friend. It hurt him deeply that he couldn't go with him, but the memory of his encounter with Dolnar still filled his mind and he knew that it would be impossible to hide from him.

        Dawn was now upon them as Gondira gestured to Ton. Moments later, the Solist guard moved to Kristopher's side. "You must leave now Kris, before Dolnar can discover our plan. Our hearts will be with you as will our prayers." Solta didn't want to release his hand as he motioned that he was preparing to leave. Talnar reached out his right arm to him in the usual Lostarian fashion, but Kristopher pushed it aside and the two embraced.

        "I wish I could go with you Kris," he whispered.

        Kristopher's embrace tightened around his friend. "I know...", he replied. "So would Kari." He turned to Gondira for a moment and then to Solta. "I will be back. I promise you!" He then looked to Samuel who watched him silently for a moment. The aged Lostarian moved to his side and the two embraced harder than they had ever at any time of parting. "Your father's love will be with you...as will mine. Be cautious, my son and remember that there is a great power that will be watching over you."

        Solta reached out to him as he moved away from his uncle. They too, embraced. She could no longer hold back her tears as he stepped away from her. Talnar placed his hand on her shoulder and she wept into his chest. Kristopher felt his heart breaking as he and Ton began to leave. He watched them as he and Ton moved along the meadow, not taking his gaze from them until they disappeared from view beyond the horizon.

        Kristopher was amazed that fatigue had not taken its grip on him. He hadn't slept since he had been in Sheleta and yet, he felt as though he had just awoken from a sound sleep. He and Ton walked eastward through the Realman fields. Their course would lead them south of Misot which was one of the cities that made up the Land of Ages. Shortly after passing Misot, the young Lostarian would be on his own.

        A vision of the woman by the fire remained in his mind throughout the day. Ton spoke only when Kristopher asked him a question. He felt it would be disrespectful for him to bore the Keeper with the words of a mere soldier. The Keeper was one of the most highly regarded people in Realm and Ton felt it a great honor to be escorting him to Loma bridge.

        The beautiful grasslands of southeastern Realm were slowly becoming a forest. As each moment passed, the air yielded a different fragrance. Each one was beautiful and filled Kristopher's mind with joyous thoughts. But neither the scent of the air, nor the loveliness of the land could relieve the fear that filled his heart. Soon, he would be alone!

        Reaching Realm's border, he viewed the Omong Ocean over the northern horizon. White, fleecy clouds slowly drifted by and a warm, gentle breeze tossed Kristopher's long brown hair as he followed Ton through the thin forest. Misot was just a few miles away. Kristopher was informed that they would reach the Loma bridge by nightfall. There, they would sleep and come morning's light, part company. Kristopher couldn't shake the fear that filled his heart.

        Although there was an abundance of wildlife in the forest, Kristopher saw none, but an occasional bird flying overhead. An uneasy feeling echoed through his mind...a feeling that he couldn't explain. Something wasn't right. Suddenly, Ton turned to him.

        "This is the Land of Ages. Much has happened here in our age." Kristopher could sense fear in his words, but he said nothing of it. Instinctively, he rested his right hand on his sword.

        After a few more hours of travel, Misot could be seen beyond the rolling hills. The Omong Ocean made up it's northern boundaries and the southern edge reached into the Land of Ages. Even from a distance, Kristopher could tell that it was much smaller than Realm.

        As they neared it, Kristopher began to feel exceedingly more uncomfortable. Still, he didn't want to alarm Ton and said nothing of it. His gaze rose from the trees to the sky. He continuously looked over his shoulder as the uneasiness grew within him.

        Misot grew closer and for the first time since he had been in Realm, he began to feel fatigued. "Are we going to rest in Misot?"

        Ton turned to him with his eyes widely opened. "No!!! Not if you wish to reach the Loma br... Please forgive me, sir...it is not a good time for us to stop."

        "As you wish. You know these parts much better than I do."

        "Thank you, sir." The two continued through the tall grass.

        The sun shone brightly above them as they passed Misot's borders. Kristopher walked with his head lowered as exhaustion ruled his entire body. Suddenly, the feeling that he felt earlier that day filled his heart. He felt himself shaking and he looked over to Ton as he heard him unsheathing his sword.

        Ton's eyes revealed that he was feeling the same fear that Kristopher was experiencing. Kristopher's sword was then removed. The two began to look about uneasily. Then a strange sound appeared from above. Quickly, they looked up to find two dark shapes descending towards them.

        Immediately, the two stepped back as the figures neared them. Horror filled their hearts and Kristopher felt his hand shaking madly. The dark shapes were much closer now and they could see that they were two gray soldiers with skull-like heads. They bore wings on their backs that made a loud slapping sound as they made their way to the ground. "Skullots!!", called out Ton. His voice revealed the horror he felt in his heart.

        The four stood in the center of a large field. The two gray soldiers were laughing hideously as they approached the travelers. Ton and Kristopher held their blades before them as the soldiers unsheathed two black swords. They continued to laugh and Kristopher felt his entire body grow numb as they approached. Suddenly, one of them spoke.

        "The key!!! Give me the key!!!"

        Kristopher could say nothing as the gray soldiers stood just a few feet away. It took every ounce of strength he possessed just to stand. Again, the soldier spoke, "Give me the key!!!"

        Somehow, the Lostarian found the strength to answer. "I'll never surrender the key to you or any other foul creature that is a servant to Dolnar!."

        "Then die!!!" The two soldiers ran quickly toward Ton and Kristopher who held their swords before them in challenge position.
^^^^

        Talnar had watched Kristopher slowly fade beyond the meadow. "Normat is quite far from here. " he said to Gondira. " I'd better leave right away!"

        The Elderly Wordlord raised his right hand and four Realman guards moved to their side. "These men are to accompany you on your quest. They are Foman, Kurot, Eloe and Queston." Each man bowed his head as his name was announced.

        Talnar then turned to Dorma. The Realman walked to his side and the two grasped forearms. "Travel with care. Remember, Dolnar will stop at nothing..."

        "And don't forget that our thoughts will be with you," added Gondira. Talnar bowed to them and turned to the four who had been chosen to go with him. Five horses stood beside them. He immediately moved to them and mounted the steed that Eloe offered to him. Dorma then said, "You must join me in battle when you have completed your task."

        "It will be an honor Dorma." Talnar waved to him and then to Solta and then the five left .

        As they disappeared, Gondira spoke to Dorma. "The time has come for you to take the Realman force to meet with Dolnar's army. The Lits will be leaving from Blantum soon." As he finished these words, Redoras joined them.

        "Hail, fellow servants of the Light."

        "And to you, Redoras. It is good to see that the Lit poison has left you."

        "Are you well enough to return to Sheleta, my Dromp friend?" asked Dorma.

        "I have decided not to return to my home. I feel that I can serve my people much more, if I fight by your side with the Realman army."

        "Then you must prepare to leave now," commanded Gondira. "Our army leaves quite soon."

        Redoras bowed to the Elder and he and Dorma grasped forearms.

        "You are much needed," whispered Dorma as he led his friend away. _________________________________
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