Moments   after Dorma and Redoras left to take the Realman army to battle, the Lady of the Light appeared before Gondira offered her right hand in greeting.

        "Hemma agrees with the transformation I have made", she said softly.

        "I knew that we Elders were to make the change, but I am surprised that you must," answered Gondira.

        "The Balance is in danger. It is the only way I can join you without Dolnar knowing."

        " I'll send word for the other Elders to meet us at the castle"

^^^

        Talnar and the four Realman soldiers traveled across the gently rolling hillsides until they reached the Taymo River. Across the water stood the village of Tay. Upon reaching the water's edge, Talnar unsheathed his sword and slowly dismounted from his Realman horse. The others followed his lead. Queston stepped to his side, reading an anxious look in his eyes. He shifted his sandy blonde hair to one side as the wind gently tossed it about.

        "What is troubling you, sir?"

        "When we crossed from the other side, we were attacked by some of Dolnar's soldiers. The arrow that hit Redoras was that of a Lit guard, but Dorma told us that the Lits would never venture this far."

        "That is true," added Eloe. "Tay has a powerful army. And besides, no Lit would ever dare to come this close to Realm."

        "They would if Ramlord commanded them to."

        "Ramlord??? How do you know of him?" asked an excited Queston.

        "I was held captive by him." The Realman travelers caught their collective breath as they heard this. They realized that, if Ramlord was moving with the Lit force, then Dolnar was indeed powerful enough to control his army from within his prison! This fact would be terrifying to even the bravest Realman. They knew now that, after all the years of practice and preparation, the time had come for the final battle!

        As each reflected upon this horrifying thought, a large boat approached them. Moments later, it stopped at the dock, not far from where they stood. Queston moved to it and signaled Zoma, who was piloting the barge-like craft. "I had not called for you yet, Zoma. How did you know that we needed your service?" The Boat master didn't reply. Talnar could see great pain in Zoma's look as he motioned them to board. Immediately, they led their horses onto it, tying them to a railing that ran around its exterior.

        As soon as all were settled, the elderly Tayan pushed them from the dock and began to take them across the Taymo River. He remained silent despite Eloe's questions and soon the inquiring Realman became silent.

        Talnar's gaze had been fixed across the river as they moved along. As they neared the other riverbank, he noticed that ribbons of smoke were rising from the shore. He called out his find to the others who turned that way. Queston looked to Zoma who was also staring toward his home. Tears fell from his eyes. "What has happened?" asked the Lostarian.

        Zoma remained silent. Queston jumped to his feet, raising his sword above his head. "In the name of The Light...what has happened Zoma?!!"

        In a dull voice, the Tayan said one word in reply. "Lits." Kurot and Foman (who had remained silent, being of lower rank) could no longer constrain themselves. Both rushed to the edge of the barge and began to call out curses to the Lits. They again became silent as Queston scolded them. Talnar approached them, placing a hand on each shoulder.

        "They cannot be blamed. They are possessed by Tarack. They would not be doing this if Dolnar didn't control them."

        "I have heard of this Tarack before.", said Eloe. "But, I thought it just a legend."

        Talnar told them about Oglethor and of the vow he had made. Eloe listened in disbelief as the Lostarian told him the tale.

        "Could this be true?" pondered Eloe.

        "Tarack or not," interrupted Queston, "I cannot change my feelings! If the Lits have done this, then they shall pay dearly!" He moved to the front of the boat beside Kurot and Foman. Even with his back to him, Talnar could sense that the Realman was greatly angered.

        "Don't blame him, Talnar," whispered Eloe, "His parents were killed by Lits. His hatred for them runs very deep."

        Talnar felt badly for Queston and he wished there was some way that he could show him what he had witnessed with Oglethor. As the city of Tay came into view, he could see smoke rising from the top of the buildings. Then the sound of a single trumpet blast echoed through the air.

        The boat reached the shore and the five leapt from. Queston tied it to a nearby pole as the others led the horses onto the shore. Quickly, they mounted their steeds and Eloe turned to Zoma. The Tayan appeared much older than his years as he finally broke his silence. "You are too late, Realman. Too late!" Seconds later, the five fled into the streets of Tay.

        Talnar was horrified at what he witnessed. Most of the buildings were burned or otherwise destroyed. Many were taking up the task of collecting the dead to be buried. Kurot and Foman could not hide their grief as they surveyed the area. Queston's sword slid from its sheath and he muttered a curse to himself as they moved along the cobblestone streets.

        About twenty feet ahead, an aged man stood in the center of the roadway. As they approached him, Talnar could see that he wept bitterly. "You are not in time. The few you sent were killed immediately. Why did you not come when we summoned you?"

        "We received no summons," replied Queston. "The Elders would have heard your minds' cries!"

        "Then the unity of our peoples has been broken," he sighed. "The end is upon us all!"

        "Where is your army?!" demanded Eloe. "Where is Bletos?!"

        "Bletos has been killed. What remains of our army has fled along the Taymo in search of the Lit troop that has done this to our home."

        "To the southeast?" asked Queston.

        "Yes, they left just a short while ago."

        "Then our paths may still cross. We travel along that same way. I promise you, this shall be avenged!!"

        "What's done is done. You can't bring back my family." Said Talnar.

        "Perhaps not...but, I can make those responsible pay!" The enraged Realman motioned his horse and they were immediately moving along the route that the fleeing Lits had taken. They raced through the burning streets and out of the front gates until they were traveling past the trees that grew along the side of the Taymo.

        The grass below them was pressed flat by the heavy hooves of horses that had recently traveled that way. As the seconds passed, Talnar noticed that the green trees were slowly changing into the multicolored ones of the Sheletan forest. Eloe called to Queston to slow their pace, but their leader disregarded his pleas.

        After more travel, Queston shouted that the trail grew fresher. It appeared that something had happened to slow the Lits. He commanded that they increase their pace as the thought of catching them ruled his mind.

        As they passed to the left of a large group of multicolored trees, Talnar found they were suddenly on a dirt road and their direction had changed to almost due east. Tall trees hung over the road about twenty feet above their heads and the wind rushed through them causing them to sway gently. The sun was shaded from view, but appeared occasionally when there was an opening in the treetops.

        Their horses panted heavily, but Queston would not let them slow their pace. Eloe rode behind Talnar. His charger sped faster until they rode side by side. His look told Talnar that he didn't approve of what was happening and Talnar nodded his agreement. The Lostarian turned to the younger riders Kurot and Foman to tell them he was going to try to stop Queston just as Queston disappeared around a right-hand bend in the roadway ahead.

        The sky was not visible as fleecy white clouds moved slowly along from left to right. Moments after their leader disappeared around the bend, the others heard his horse scream. Immediately, their swords were produced. Making the turn, they found Queston lying on the ground. A stray Lit guard was running into the forest. Immediately, Kurot motioned his horse toward the fleeing Lit. Seconds later, the guard was face down on the forest floor with the Realman's sword in his back. They quickly moved to Queston's side and Eloe turned him onto his back. To his horror, he found a Lit arrow in his chest, just inches from his heart.

        The poison moved quickly as Eloe held his friend in his arms. Weakly, Queston spoke to him, "I...go to...join my..........family." Then Queston became limp in Eloe's arms. Tears filled his eyes as he held him. His gaze slowly moved to the others who watched in silence.

        Kurot and Foman began to dig a grave beside the dirt road. Talnar and Eloe carried their dead companion over to it. By the time they reached the others, the grave was deep enough and they immediately placed him into it. Talnar watched as the three Realman soldiers grasped hands and Eloe began to speak a Realman farewell. When the words were finished, he wiped the tears from his eyes and looked to Talnar.

        "In his name, we shall complete the task given to us," said Eloe, his voice cracking as he finished these words. He rushed to his horse and mounted it. This move was followed by the others who remained silent. He motioned them to follow and the four fled along the dirt road.

        They moved cautiously, knowing there would probably be other Lit guards close by. Once again, the trees covered their view of the sky and the midday sun was shaded from sight by the multicolored leaves. Eloe rode in front, followed by Kurot, Foman and then Talnar.

        Talnar thought that he heard someone moving through the trees to their right, but couldn't see anyone there. He decided to remain alert to that side. They rode onward for a few hours until, while passing a small pathway that crossed the road they traveled upon, he saw movement amongst the trees. He called for them to slow their pace while he investigated, shouting to them that he would join them after a moment."

        He retraced his steps until he reached the crossroads. Immediately, he motioned his horse towards the area he had seen the movement. His sword slid from its resting place. He moved along the pathway for a moment and then brought his horse to a halt. Quickly, he dismounted. Tying his steed to a nearby branch, he then continued on foot.

        Finally, the source of the movement came in sight. A soldier was laying almost hidden in the grass. Immediately, Talnar rushed to his side discovering that he was Realman. The broken shaft of a Lit arrow lay on the ground beside him. The other half of it was lodged in his hip. The soldier looked up to him. He was shaking violently as the poison was invading his body.

        Seeing this, Talnar removed his Tulnit and wrapped it around the Realman to keep him warm. In a faint voice, the warrior spoke. "Do...you...travel...alone?

        Talnar told him of the others. The Realman became visibly disturbed by this. "Do they ride on the roadway?" He told him that they were not far ahead, waiting for him. The soldier tried to raise himself. Talnar held him from doing so and attempted to calm him.

        "They must NOT! The Lits are...there...You must...head south." His voice was growing weaker as the moments passed. Suddenly, a contented look came to his face and he grew limp in the Lostarian's grasp. Talnar immediately leapt to his feet. The need to reunite with his fellow travelers meant he could not take the time to bury the Realman soldier who was still wrapped in his Tulnit. As Talnar mounted his horse, he heard a sound behind him and turning, he found three Lits pointing loaded cross bows towards him. Without a moment's hesitation, he commanded his steed to flee. As he did, two arrows shot past his head so close that his long hair was moved by the wind that followed them.

        His horse flew along the path towards the roadway when suddenly, he felt immense pain in his right shoulder. He cried out as the pain began to spread throughout his entire body. He reached back, grasping an arrow and began to pull at it madly. Finally, he was able to remove it and he screamed in shear agony. He began to feel a strange blackness in his mind. He fought it with all his remaining strength, but soon discovered that he was fighting a losing battle. Darkness enveloped his mind and he passed out. His chest lay on his horse's neck as he passed the road. The Realman charger continued along the small pathway heading southward.

        The Lits laughed their hideous laughter as they watched him disappear. Suddenly, one of them fell to the ground with an arrow in his back. The two others turned in horror to find several Dromps moving out from the trees. Seconds later, the remaining two were dead. One of the Dromps walked over to the body of the dead Realman soldier who was still covered with Talnar's Tulnit. He turned to the leader of their scouting party, "Another one sir." He lifted the Lostarian's Tulnit, reading the coat of arms embroidered onto it. "His name is Talnar."

        "Thank you. Send this message back to Realm that three men were found dead in our woods...Talnar, Foman and Kurot. Convey our sympathy and let them know that there are many Dromp warriors who will gladly serve under Realman command in their honor..." Seconds later, the Dromps disappeared into the woods with the dead body of the Realman (whom they had mistaken for Talnar) on the back of one of their horses. Immediately, they set their course to rejoin their army.

        Eloe rode blindly through the forest. In his mind, he relived the ambush they had stumbled into while waiting for Talnar to return. The three had fought nobly, but they were greatly outnumbered. As a last chance to complete their task, Kurot and Foman ran into the very center of the Lit party as Kurot commanded the young Eloe to flee into the forest to fulfill Gondira's command to reach Eray.

        The young Realman hadn't slowed his pace for a moment since the incident. He felt as if he had deserted his friends, but he fought his guilt. Onward he rode to the south where Lostar stood a two days ride away.

^^^ ^^^

        For any of Realm's enemies that might be standing on the southern shore of the Taymo River, a fearful sight appeared from across the water. The host of the Realman army was traveling towards the shore in hundreds of boats especially prepared for this quest. As each ship reached the shore, many Realman warriors leapt from its side riding their horses into the forest before them. For years, they had planned this maneuver and each soldier knew what he had to do. After about twenty minutes, the last of the ships reached the shore, unloading its warrior cargo.

        The forest was filled with the Realman host as Dorma and Redoras sped through the trees towards the Blantum wasteland. The host was divided into six sections, each with a different purpose, one of which was to cross the mountain to protect the people of Lostar and Dela. Although Dorma headed the party that moved towards Blantum, he was also in charge of the entire army. This position brought a heaviness to his heart.

        Blantum was a two day travel away. Redoras felt proud to ride beside Dorma whom he had grown to respect greatly. After a few hours, an excited warrior approached Dorma from his left, "Forgive me sir, I have received some terrible news from a Drompan messenger. He says that Talnar, Kurot and Foman were found dead in Sheleta."

        "What of Queston and Eloe?" asked the saddened Realman.

        "That is all that I know, sir. The others may have been able to make it past the Lits."

        Dorma's heart was heavy with the news. He commanded the warrior to send the news to Gondira, but not to tell anyone else. Redoras looked to his Realman friend, "Kristopher will be devastated when he finds out that Talnar has been killed", he whispered. The look in Dorma's eyes was all the reply that the Dromp needed.

        The host continued through the thick forest. To his right, Redoras noticed two Drompan warriors approaching. Moments later, he identified them as Perun and Mul, two of his childhood friends. Their faces showed the joy that was in their hearts as they recognized him. Reaching him, the three Dromps embraced. Perun, the oldest of the three, held Redoras at arm's length. "Dearest friend, it is great to see that you are well! I heard rumors that you disappeared while traveling with the Keeper!"

        "As you see, I am fine. Sadly, the Lit Oglethor was killed after saving the life of Talnar."

        "Yes, Oglethor. That too, has started many rumors."

        "I'll explain later." Redoras turned to Mul who was the same age as he. The two smiled and embraced.

        "We have come to fight alongside the Realman army. That is, of course, if Dorma will permit us."

        Dorma's smile was all the permission they needed and the three Dromps held their fist in a circle as was the Drompan tradition. As they traveled through the forest, Redoras noticed an troubled look on Dorma's face. "What is it, old friend?" he whispered.

        "It is nothing that you should concern yourself with right now," came his reply.

        "Really?."

        Dorma sighed and then motioned his horse to move him closer. He leaned towards the Dromp and said in a quiet voice, "My path will lead me to a place where I am not yet ready to journey. Yet, I MUST overcome my fear."

        "Does your path not lead you to the same destination as mine?"

        "No. My fate is much different than yours. I must leave the host to travel to Death Pass."

        At the mention of that name, Redoras' heart grew cold. "You can't go to that place! No man can!" Dorma didn't answer. He knew that he had no choice. He had to complete the task given to him by Gondira. Seeing the determined look in his friend's eyes, Redoras said, "Then I will not let you go alone!"

        "Do not speak so!" scolded Dorma. As he finished these words, Perun grabbed his arm. "Be careful, the others may hear you. Munworth knows of your plan. That is why we are here. He has commanded us to follow you there and help you in any way we can."

        "Friend Dromps...Your service to the Light can never be doubted, but even your leader doesn't know all there is to know about that place. Death Pass is no place for the living! I do not wish to go alone, but I also do not wish to lead you to a fate such as what may await there."

        "The choice has already been made. Please allow us to follow our leader's command."

        "As you wish, but..." His words were cut off as Uluch, Dorma's second in command, approached them.

        "Dorma. Our scouts to the north report that Naton Allos is under attack!!!"

        "Send out word that the remaining divisions must break apart! Take your men to Jom to join forces with the tree-dwellers. Uluch saluted and disappeared into the crowd of Realman warriors. The word spread quickly and two of the Divisions changed course. One toward Jom and the other toward Naton Allos.

^^^ ^^^

        Kristopher and Ton stood...horrified! The two winged soldiers laughed in an evil and eerie way as they stood before them. Suddenly, the clashing of swords echoed through the Land of Ages. Kristopher fought his opponent with all his strength. He noticed a ghostly look in the Skullot's eyes as it stared at him. To his right, Ton battled the other.

        "Surrender the key, human...and I shall spare you!"

        Kristopher didn't answer. He was still noticing the strange look in its eyes. Suddenly, with one swing of his opponent's sword, Kristopher's weapon fell from his hand, landing on the ground beside him. A smile came to the gray soldier's face.

        "Give me the key!!" Kristopher stepped a few feet backwards as his enemy raised his sword above his head. The terrified Lostarian heard Ton defending himself. The Realman noticed that Kristopher had dropped his sword and he jumped to the Keeper's side to protect him. Catching the Skullot by surprise, he swung his sword around in an attempt to behead him. To their horror, they found that it passed through his neck as easily as it passed through the air, leaving its head in tact. This brought more evil laughter.

        Immediately, the other moved to Ton's side and they prepared to strike him. As Kristopher watched in terror, he found himself reaching into his pocket, as if his hand had a mind of its own. As his fingers touched the stone that Hemma had given him, the gray soldiers turned to him. The look of horror filled their eyes.

        He began to move towards them and they instantly backed away. A voice began to echo through his heart. It was Hemma! "The dead have no power against you unless you believe they do..." Kristopher told himself that the gray soldiers couldn't harm him. They were powerless against him! His efforts seemed to be working as they backed away. Instantly, they flew into the air. When they were above the trees, one of them turned to him. "Yes, Tull...call upon the help of the Elder. Each time you do, our Master will get closer to you! We shall return Tull...You cannot keep these thoughts forever. Next time you will not be so fortunate!" Moments later, they disappeared from sight. Ton was amazed as he looked to Kristopher who managed a weak smile. "On to Loma bridge. They may be back soon!"

^^

        It was early evening by the time they reached the bridge. The two stopped for a moment, staring across the river that now flowed northwest. "I wish I could go with you, Keeper. But I would be endangering you. Even from this distance, I can feel Dolnar's mind searching for you. He would surely find me if I stay with you."

        "I know. I can feel him, too."

        "Beyond Loma is the Forest of Wolves. There hasn't been any of the animals spotted in the area for some time, but take no chances. They are a devious bunch. However, if the Skullots have no power over you, I can't see how the wolves could harm you."

        "I am grateful for your help, Ton. Please be sure to tell Solta that I am all right."

        Ton bowed to him. It was a great honor for him to have traveled with the Keeper and he felt proud, if not undeserving of that honor. He knew that his name would be entered into the lore books as the one who had led him through the Land of Ages. "May the Light shine brightly within you, Keeper Kristopher. I shall pray that your journey will be a safe one." Ton bowed and watched as Kristopher crossed the bridge. Minutes later, he disappeared over a green hill.

        Darkness slowly began to invade the area as time drifted by. Fear gripped his heart and he found himself instinctively reaching into his Tulnit to feel the Hemma stone. With each passing moment his steps led him closer to the Forest of Wolves. At first he would occasionally pass by a lone tree, then a small group of them. Finally, he found himself within the forest.

        The moon appeared above the treetops, casting its silver light to the forest floor. The eerie moonlight was bright enough to allow him to find his way through the trees, but not enough to see any farther than twenty feet any way. His heart began to beat harder. His eyes strained in the darkness as he felt a presence close by.

        He thought that he heard some leaves rustling behind him, but when he stopped to listen, there was silence. After about an hour's journey, the forest broke into a large field. The trees continued beyond it and he feared it would be dangerous to expose himself beneath the moonlight.

        Cautiously, he stepped past the trees. Again, he thought he heard something behind him. Stopping, he found that the noise continued. Someone was behind!! Immediately, he began to run across the field. Seconds later, the sound of a lone wolf cry echoed through the darkness. It was answered by another one to his left and then another to his right. Soon, wolves were howling from all around him.

        His legs couldn't move him fast enough as he ran through the tall grass. Although he couldn't see them, he knew that a pack of wolves surrounded him. He reached to his sword, unsheathing it. The wolves closed in around him as he surveyed the area. Moments later, he was surrounded by about thirty large beasts. Their massive heads appeared from the darkness as they moved toward him.

        The largest of them stepped to his side and began to test his scent. "I haven't smelled this kind before...He'll make a nice change from the rotten tastin' Lits!" A foul laughter came from the others who stood a few feet back. Kristopher was amazed they could speak, but he said nothing. Slowly, they moved closer until they were just out of sword's reach.

        Suddenly, a large flash of multicolored light lit up the sky above them. Its brightness caused Kristopher to cover his eyes. Immediately, the wolves ran, whimpering into the trees. Kristopher stood for a few moments, trying to regain his senses. As the light disappeared, he discovered an old man with a long white beard standing before him. He held a long staff in his right hand while he extended his left in greeting. "Well, well...It seems Morok was right..."

        Kristopher stepped back as he stared fearfully at the elderly man.

        "Impressive, don't you think? That was nothing. I could do it in my sleep." The aged man could read the fear in Kristopher's eyes. "I am Egonas. A magician. A friend"

^^^ ^^^

        Talnar's horse sped through the forest as he lay on its back, unconscious. Because of its many years of training in Realm, the steed knew how to run swiftly while still holding him safely on its back. Dark and evil dreams drifted through the young Lostarian's mind as the poison slowly moved through his body. For over an hour, the horse sped onward without guidance. Talnar was fortunate to have removed the arrow quickly. If he hadn't, he would have died shortly after being wounded. Finally, he neared a small cottage nestled amongst the trees and the horse stopped in front of it. Immediately, the front door flew open and a young woman with long black hair appeared. Her brown, robe-like gown tossed gently as she approached.

        She touched the nervous horse and it instantly became calm. Stroking its dark neck, she said, "Tust..Allat..biem.." and it slowly knelt, allowing her to slide Talnar from its back. She placed the palm of her hand on Talnar's forehead. "You have a terrible fever," she said. Talnar didn't react. "Lit poison, no doubt." It took all of the strength that her small frame possessed, but she managed to lay him down in the tall grass. She covered him with a blanket and then ran into the cottage. She returned moments later, holding a cup filled with a red liquid.

        Opening his mouth, she let it gently enter until he had consumed it all. Almost immediately, the fever began to break and he started to move. Minutes later, his eyes slowly opened. The first thing that he saw was her beautiful face smiling down to him. It took a few minutes more before he had the strength to speak.

        "Where..." His words stopped as he found himself too weak to continue. She placed her finger on his lips.

        "You are in the forest Menth. I am Camma. Your horse sensed me here and brought you to me." Talnar stared into her deep blue eyes for a few moments. He felt stronger with each passing second. Finally, he was able to sit up. "And who are you?", asked Camma.

        Talnar strained his memory, but found his mind was filled with blackness. "I can't remember!" She calmed him as he had became upset. "I faintly remember fleeing for my life through the forest and then..." He felt his shoulder. The pain was still there from the arrow's wound. "I was hit with an arrow."

        "It will take a while until the poison's effect is gone," she said in a soft tone. As she moved him, she saw the Lostarian coat of arms embroidered on his shirt. Her expression changed as she gazed upon it, "I should have realized. You are a man of war!" He looked at the coat of arms, but found no recognition.

        She was very upset and turned away from him. He placed his hand on her shoulder to calm her and she looked his way. "I'm sorry...I..." She paused as her voice cracked. Many seasons ago, my home was filled with the laughter of my two children and the love of my husband. War has taken them from me." She couldn't continued.

        Talnar was saddened greatly by her words. He searched his mind, but found it still dark. Suddenly, deep in the blackness within his mind a face appeared. An evil one. It was Dolnar! He began to shutter as he saw it. As she witnessed this, Camma held his hand.

        "What is it?"

        "I recall a face. Someone is after me. I can't remember!"

        Looking into his eyes, Camma could see the fear he was feeling. "Come inside and lie down. You will remember in time. You just need to rest for a while."

        She led him to a small room within the cottage-like home. As soon as his head touched the pillow, he fell into a deep sleep. Camma busied herself in the kitchen, preparing some food for later. She heard him calling out Kristopher's name. He also repeated "Eray" over and over.

        After nearly two hours of restless sleep, his eyes opened. He found himself to be more exhausted then before, but he could feel that the cloud in his mind was now lifted slightly. Hearing that he was awake, she knocked on the door and entered. "I have prepared a meal for you. I'll bring it here."

        "Thank you. I think I would rather eat in the kitchen with you."

        "As you wish."

        She led him to a chair at the table. It was difficult for him to walk as the pain was still great. Looking about the table, he was amazed to see the effort she had put forth. She bore a wide smile, reading his thoughts. It widened farther as their eyes met. The room was silent for a moment and then they both looked away. Finally, she broke the silence, "Who is Kris?"

        For a few minutes, he strained his memory. "I can see a face. Someone about my age. I think he is a friend. How do you know that name?"

        She told him how he had been crying out in his sleep. She also told him how he had called out Eray. A feeling of urgency filled his heart as he heard that name. "Eray? Yes. I have been sent to go to that place. But by whom and for what reason, I'm not sure!"

        "Be calm, it will come to you as the poison leaves you."

        As Talnar ate the meal prepared for him, Dorma's handsome face entered his bewildered mind. Beside him stood the proud figure of Redoras, but he didn't recognize either one. Again, Kristopher entered his thoughts, but this time his face was much clearer. In his friend's left hand was the key and in his right was a sword. Talnar realized that there was great importance in this memory and he became angered that he could not remember.

        Looking up, he saw that Camma watched him sympathetically. "I've got to remember!"

        "Be at peace. You will remember soon."

        "I know there is something important that I must do! What if the memory of my mission comes too late?"

        "There really isn't anything you can do about it. It is the nature of the poison that the Lits use." As Camma spoke of the Lits, a vision of Oglethor filled his dark thoughts. She could see recognition in his look and told him to reach deeply into those thoughts. He tried for a few moments, but let out a sigh as he could not remember. He decided to change the subject to try and ease his mind.

        "How have you survived here alone?"

        "It has been difficult...and very lonely. Especially since most have left to join the battle. But I have managed. The Light has been with me.

        With the mention of the Light, his mind flooded with a thousand memories. He saw Realm's beauty...Kristopher and Ton leaving for Loma bridge...He and the four Realman warriors traveling to Tay. He could remember covering the dead soldier with his Tulnit. Not all of the memories were understood, but he remembered enough to realize that he was on a very important mission.

        "Talnar!! My name is Talnar!!" Just as he finished these words, the door burst open and two Lits, swords in hand, ran into the room. _________________________________
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