Talnar   and Camma were motionless as the two Lit warriors entered the cottage. The four eyed one other for what seemed a lifetime and cloudy memories of Oglethor filled Talnar's confused mind. Suddenly, one of the Lits fell to the floor. Seconds later, the other fell one knee. Talnar's mind was growing clearer as he looked to them and he could vaguely remembered the vow he had made to Oglethor.

        Quickly he ran to them, discovering they had both been badly wounded. Turning to Camma, he said, "I need something I can use to stop the bleeding."

        "Stop it? Why would you want to do that?"

        "Trust me, I know what I am doing!"

        Sighing, Camma left the room, returning moments later with a green pouch which she handed to him. Within it, he found small pieces of what appeared to a kind of green root. He stared at it for a moment, but couldn't recognize what it was. Again, Camma sighed and said, "Well, you might as well let me look after them, but in the name of the Light, I can't imagine why you would want to save them!"

        The two Lits were completely limp as she observed the large wounds they had both received. Pulling a knife from the pouch, she cut the root and then placed some of the pieces on the bleeding gashes. She then reached into the pouch again and removed two pieces of white cloth that she used to hold the root pieces against the wounds.

        The memory of Oglethor was becoming clearer. Talnar had noticed that recollections of his past were returning much faster as time passed. Try as he might however, he still couldn't remember what his mission was, nor who had sent him to do it. Yet he did feel that the answers were closer. He knew it was just a matter of time before his memory completely returned. Camma looked up to him and then slowly rose to her feet. "The Sosha root will heal them, but I don't understand why you wish it!"

        He paused for a moment "Tarack! Yes, that is it! They are being held prisoner by it."

        "Tarack?"

        "Yes. I can't see it clearly, but I remember Oglethor! Yes, I remember now! Tarack! It is a liquid that robs them of their reason and forces them into this life of slavery that they are now in!"

        "How can a liquid cause this?"

        He explained what little he could remember of Oglethor's tale and how the Lit race would be free if the Tarack was taken from them. Camma looked to him for a few minutes. "Is this true Talnar?"

        "I have seen the difference when the effect has left them. These two will desire it when they regain consciousness. But, if they are without it long enough, the madness in their minds will cease. We'd better bind them before they awaken!"

        Immediately, Camma left the room, returning moments later with two heavy ropes. She handed them to the Lostarian and he immediately bound their hands behind their backs and then moved to the kitchen table which was situated beside a large picture window, immediately sitting. Talnar stared through the grass, staring into the forest. He tried to force his memory to clear.

        The sun was slowly setting beyond the trees. Talnar found his mind clearing further as he and Camma discussed her life alone in the forest. Her family had been killed by a Lit scouting party years before. Talnar understood her loathing for the Lit race and why she hadn't wanted to save the two who were now in her home. His respect for her grew as he imagined how she must've felt for these two whose lives she had spared.

        "As soon as I have completed the task given to me, I'll return here to take you to a safe place..." He paused for a moment. More distant memories filled his mind. Then a smile came to his face and he looked back to her. "To Realm!" As he said this, the Lits began to stir. Quickly, they moved to them. The largest of the two opened his eyes part way.

        "Please..." His voice was very faint. "We must eat..."

        "I have no meat for you," said Camma.

        "We will eat whatever you have." His eyes closed. Speaking had exhausted him completely. Talnar noticed that the Lits' voice possessed the same tone as Oglethor's had when they had found him in the prison.

        "They must've been without Tarack for longer than I thought." As he finished these words, Camma returned with a tray of food. The Lits slowly raised their heads as they smelled what she held. She then began feeding them. After about ten minutes, the starving Lits began to show signs that life was slowly returning to them. Finally, they were able to speak. "We owe you our lives. We shall forever be in your service."

        "How long have you been without Tarack?" asked Talnar.

        "Please, don't mention that to us! It has been four days since we tasted it last. It no longer has a hold on us! We are your servants! I am Brandon and this is Deyarus." The other Lit nodded to them as he was introduced. Talnar introduced Camma and himself. He then apologized to them for the bindings on their hands and immediately loosened them.

        "Where were you heading when you were injured?" asked the Lostarian warrior.

        "I'm not sure. Since word was sent that the war would soon begin, we have been on many missions. We were supposed to be on our way to take over Lostar, but then the plan was changed. Before we could find out more, we were ambushed by a small group of Dromps." As soon as Talnar heard mention of Lostar, his memory cleared.

        "Lostar! That is my home. I remember now! The darkness has left my mind! By the Light, I see it! I must go to there immediately!"

        "It won't be safe for you to go there!", said Deyarus. "The boss controls it ...Ned Brown is in charge there now."

        "Ned Brown?!" Talnar's mind was completely clear now. "Kristopher!"

        " Kristopher?" asked Brandon. "Do you mean the Tull?"

        "Yes, he and I traveled to Realm together, but he has left to face Dolnar."

        "Face him?!!" Deyarus was obviously shaken by his news.

        "We were told that the time had come," continued Talnar.

        Talnar paused for a moment, looking to the two Lits. Brandon smiled for a moment. "Please don't be concerned. We have no intention of joining with Ramlord again. We wish only to save our brothers from Dolnar's hold."

        "Dolnar knows too much about the power of the Word." continued Talnar. "The Elders know that he was ready to start a war and I think they don't believe they possess enough power to stop him."

        "They are right." said Brandon. "The Boss said that he has a great many weapons that could crush Dolnar's enemies. We saw just a few of them." There was the tone of fear in the Lit's voice. "But, how can they think that sending the Tull can possibly be the right thing to do now?!"

        "Dolnar doesn't suspect that Kris is going there. Our only hope is to catch Dolnar by surprise."

        "Yes. I see now." said Deyarus. "Yes...The Boss thinks that the Tull is back on the other side. That is why he has returned to take control of Lostar!"

        "Then he hasn't yet?" asked Talnar.

        "Not yet. His plan was to use the spies he had in the city. Ned Brown for one. The Boss thought it would be better plan to take over Lostar that way. Once his spies have control, he can walk in without a fight."

        "Would that mean that you two could walk into the front gates?" asked the Lostarian.

        "I would think so..." Brandon looked up suddenly. "Yes, Talnar, I see your plan."

        Talnar then turned to Camma. "We will come back for you when Lostar is safe."

        "I don't think it would be safe for her to remain here, Talnar," said Deyarus. "This forest will soon be overtaken with Dolnar's army."

        "She can't go to Lostar!"

        "That will be the only safe place to be." added Brandon.

        "I'll be all right." said Camma in a reassuring voice.

        "There is no other place for her to go." said Deyarus.

        "Well, pack what you think you will need. " He said, obviously not happy about the prospect of Camma making the dangerous trek to Lostar. He paused for a moment and then his face showed a new emotion as his memory cleared further.

        "What is it?" asked Camma.

        "Eloe, Kurot..Foman! They must have been killed in the forest! I'm the only one left. We've got to reach Lostar!"
^^

        It was dark by the time they left. Brandon said that he knew a safe passage across the mountain. He also knew of a place where Ramlord had ordered them to hide some horses in case they were needed. Talnar asked the Lit to be the leader of the expedition. For many hours they walked through the forest and, as the sun prepared to rise in the east, the sound of singing birds filled the air.

        Talnar didn't realize that Sheleta was just a few miles from where they were. He had no idea where his horse had taken him when he had been unconscious. They decided that they would continue until they reached the mountain. There they would sleep before preparing to cross it.

        The young Lostarian's mind was flooding with memories of the journey from Normat to Realm. He wondered how Kristopher was faring. He also wondered where Kari had gone to. It was at that moment that Eloe had reached the outer reaches of the Varan Plains. After hours of travel southward through the eastern tip of the forest, they finally reached the base of the mountain. It was late sunrise and Talnar was worried that it wasn't safe for them to stop. The two Lits told him that Ramlord was far from that area and he finally consented to setting up a camp.
^^^ ^^^ ^^^

        All had left on their missions as Gondira reached the castle. It was early morning and the orange sun cast a reassuring light over Realm's meadows. Moments later, he was joined by Telimen, Sibe, Fortice and the Lady of the Light. As the Lady appeared, the others bowed before her.

        "Arise, my friends. It is time for the Council to make the change."

        No one said a word in response as they entered the castle. Without hesitation, they entered the council room and were seated.

        "Much has changed of late..." Her voice was soft, but showed a hint of fear.

        "Much more than we had thought possible," added Sibe. "Our only chance lies in the fact that Dolnar doesn't suspect that the Keeper has been sent to him. Judging by the moves of his followers, it is clear that he believes we have sent Kristopher back to his side of the mountain."

        "So now the change must come," added Gondira. "Many years ago, we knew this time would arrive..."

        "I thought that it would be easier to accept...," said Fortice, "But the thought of stepping back to our old forms is frightening!"

        "We all feel that way, old friend." said Gondira. "If we are defeated, we will be trapped for a long time!"

        "It is not a choice we have to make." added the Lady. "We agreed to this long ago. All that remains is for us to do it!"

        For a moment, there was silence and then Gondira reached his hand forward. Moments later, the others rested their hands upon his. They then closed their eyes and repeated "Espara loyat kepas oyum" over and over. Suddenly, the room began to illuminate. As the light diminished, they had changed back to the way they had been before they became Elders. They now appeared as young Realmen. Their robes were replaced by traditional battle clothes. The Lady looked on as the transformation took place. She was proud of her friends' sacrifices. She knew, as they did, that this was the only way that they could battle the foe that awaited them. And it was the only way they could have communion without Dolnar being able to join with them. She also knew that they would be trapped in these forms if they failed!

        Each had a destiny awaiting. Sibe was to travel to Jom - the city of the tree dwellers, Fortice was to go to Kasta which was a city near Blantum. Telimen's part would be played in Realm and the Lady would go to be with Hemma. All eyes were upon Gondira for they knew where he was destined to travel. Sibe placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. "We all knew this would someday happen when we agreed to carry the Words," said Gondira.

        "I wish I could accompany you," said Sibe. "Of all our fates, yours is the one I envy least of all !"

        "Nolebes has become far too powerful. We knew he would someday. I mustn't waste anymore time. Dorma has a head start on me. I've got to reach Death Pass immediately!"
^^

        It was late evening by the time Gondira reached Blantum Ridge. His horse painted heavily as it carried him along. Fear gripped his heart with a stronger hold as each moment passed. A heavy darkness prevailed as the sun had set a few hours earlier. He could sense evil as he reached about halfway to the canyon's bottom. Suddenly, the feeling of evil disappeared completely. "Dorma has entered the pass!", he said aloud. Immediately, he commanded his exhausted horse to quicken its pace.

        A few hours later, he reached the bottom and headed directly toward the Pass, which was easy to sense. Suddenly, the unsheathing of three swords could be heard from somewhere in the darkness. "Go no farther!" came the command. Immediately, he dismounted and walked towards them.

        "It is Gondira, Redoras."

        "By the Light. Is it possible?!" As the Wordlord reached them, Redoras stared for a moment. "The voice is that of the Elder, but you are not Gondira!"

        Suddenly, Gondira raised his hand and a vision of the Elders changing forms filled the Dromps' minds. Immediately, they bowed. Redoras was amazed that Gondira had relinquished his powers as an Elder. Sensing this, Gondira said, "This is the only way that I could enter the Pass. Now, I must delay no longer. I fear that Dorma has been in the Pass far too long!"

        "He has only been gone a few hours." said Mul.

        "Yes, a few hours here, but perhaps a lifetime in the Pass!" Without hesitation, Gondira raised his hands above his head and Death Pass reopened. The three Dromps cowered back as evil flooded through the canyon. Once again, the dark voice of Nolebes echoed through the darkness!

        "Good! Another toy to play with! I was growing tired of this one!"

        Gondira unsheathed his sword and ran into the Pass screaming. "In the name of the Light!!" Before the Pass closed, the Dromps heard Nolebes laugh and say, "The Light doesn't shine here!!!"

        The Pass again closed and the Dromps cursed their lack of courage. They wished that they had the strength to enter and help their friends. Again, they resumed their positions and did the only thing that they had the power to do...wait.

        Entering the Pass, Gondira felt the presence of total evil surrounding him. It was completely dark, a land of shadows. He had never before experienced such a feeling of fear like the one now engulfing him. He walked through the shadowy universe towards the laughing voice of Nolebes. After a few minutes more, he reached another pass. It was a door to another world. He stood there for sometime until he heard Dorma cursing Nolebes. Immediately, he walked through the door into a world far deeper than the shadows of Death Pass. A world where he and Dorma were now trapped!
^^^

        Sibe found his horse grazing upon the grass of the Realman meadow. As soon as the steed heard his voice calling to him, it sped toward him. For a moment, it stood before the new form of the Elder, now much younger in appearance. As soon as Sibe's hand touched the steed, it became calm and began to nudge him affectionately. Quickly, he mounted.

        "Jom is in danger. We can't waste a moment, if we are to save her!" Seconds later he was gone.
^

        After a few hours of high speed travel, he approached the Taymo River. Reaching its banks, he found three large rafts lying on the shore. He studied them for a moment, but didn't recognize them as Tayan. He began to search the sandy shore of the Taymo. Suddenly, he stopped and his head snapped around to his horse. "Lits! It must be a small scouting party. No doubt the guards captured them the moment they set foot in Realm. But, how could they have passed through Tay?!"

        Suddenly, his confused expression changed to fear. He quickly led his horse onto one of the large rafts. Moments later, he was moving across the river by means of a long shaft connected to the rear. He wondered if he should return to Realm to insure that the Lits had in fact been captured. But he soon convinced himself that the Realman guards could easily handle a few stray Lit scouts! Finally, he neared the other shore. Anger filled his heart as he saw the streaks of black smoke rising from the city. As he reached Tay, he leapt from the craft, tying it to a post on the dock. Seconds later, he led his horse onto the dock and immediately they galloped through the city streets.

        His mind raced as he rounded a curve in the street. He suddenly reined his as he viewed the scores of bodies laying upon the street. "What has happened?!?!" A young boy cried bitterly as he looked to him.

        My family..." His voice cracked and he covered his face with his hands. An elderly woman standing close by said, "There were too many of them...too many..."

        "Where is Bletos? Where is your army?" asked the horrified Realman.

        "Bletos is dead. As is much of our army. Those remaining have given chase to those who caused this!" She began to cry bitterly and he put a reassuring hand upon her shoulder. He mounted his horse and continued through the city. Soon he reached the front gates which he found unguarded. Without slowing, he passed between them and continued along the tall grass on his way to Jom.
^^

        For many hours, he traveled just north of Sheleta, crossing the path that Talnar had been taking when he had been captured by Ramlord. By the time he reached the northern tip of the Joman forest, his horse was completely exhausted. He slowed the steed's pace. As each moment passed, the forest grew slightly more dense, although the trees were still far apart.

        Nearly an hour passed before the forest broke into a meadow. Over the horizon, he could see an army approaching. He wondered if they were friend or foe. He had discovered that since he had changed form, he no longer possessed the ability to read thoughts. There appeared to be about three or four hundred horse-bound soldiers heading directly toward him. He unsheathed his sword and then laughed at the futility of this act, sliding it back into its resting place. He waited for their arrival.

        The army drew closer. He strained his vision trying to view some sign of what army they were, but could see none. The noonday sun shone brightly above him and large white clouds drifted by slowly as he waited in quiet anticipation. He tensed his entire body as they finally came close enough to see him.

        Finally, he recognized the crests on their shields. They were Realman and Joman warriors! Immediately, he urged his horse toward them. Minutes later, he reached the head of the host and those at the front pointed their drawn swords towards him. Quickly, he raised his hands as if surrendering to them.

        "I seek Uluch." he said. "I must speak to him!"

        "Who is it that must see me?" came a voice from the crowd.

        "It is Sibe."

        Uluch approached him. "You are not Sibe!"

        Sibe touched the shoulder of the Realman guard and immediately those close by pushed their swords closer to him. Uluch then raised his hand to them. "He speaks the truth. Put down your weapons." He then turned back to Sibe. "The changing has taken place...? he asked.

        "I'm afraid so. We could wait no longer."

        "Then the war is upon us," sighed the young Realman.

        "So it would seem." As Sibe spoke, the two were joined by the Joman leader. The Joman race were slightly shorter than the Dromps. The tree-dwellers were very powerful men, but quite awkward on horseback. His voice was very deep.

        "We can't waste time here. Dolnar won't!" he grunted

        "Quite correct. Wint!" answered Uluch. "Sibe is in control of this legion now."

        Wint bowed his head to him. Then Sibe turned back to Uluch. "The Lit host will be leaving Blantum soon. We feel that this legion should wait at the foothills to the north."

        "We will be greatly outnumbered!"

        "There is another reason for being there. One that will not affect you."

        "What is it?" asked Uluch. Sibe was silent for a moment as those around him waited for the reply. None came. Then he looked to the Realman guard with a fearful look in his eyes. His reply came as a whisper and caused Uluch to catch his breath. "The Ramute will be there. I must face it now."

        Uluch turned, almost in a daze and held a horn to his lips. He blew it three times as a signal to the legion that they were going to leave and then turned back to Sibe. "Ramute? By the Light..." He paused for a moment. "Then we have no time to waste here." Immediately they left for the mountain's foothills.
^^^

        They traveled throughout the day and the sun began to set as they neared their destination. Each man dismounted and searched for a suitable place to rest. Each had his own way to prepare himself for the battle that would soon be upon them. Sibe and Uluch stood at the head of the hills and looked westward toward Blantum.

        "I don't feel right about this. I can't see the wisdom in putting the Word in danger."

        "I need the Word's power to face the Ramute. There is no other way I can battle it."

        Uluch stared towards Blantum as the sun fell deeper into the horizon. Moments later, he gasped as he saw large mounds of dust rising in the air. The Lits were approaching! Once again, a trumpet blasted and the Realman and Joman soldiers mounted their horses. The sound of scraping steel appeared as they unsheathed their swords. Sibe grew restless as he stared across the Blantum wasteland. The Lits were still hours away, but the danger felt very close. Suddenly, a dark voice sounded in his mind. It was Dolnar!

        "I am here, Sibe! The Word shall be mine. You can't escape me!" A vision then filled his mind. Riding at the head of the Lit army was a large beast. It stood about three feet taller than the Lits and its gigantic frame showed that it possessed great strength. Its power came from the Word that Dolnar held and its mind had only one thought. 'Annihilate Sibe'!!!

        As the vision faded, Sibe was overtaken with fear. The horror grew as he suddenly realized that Ramlord was not leading the host. "There must be another host somewhere else," he thought as he turned to Uluch. "The Ramute has come for me. It has no means to harm you. I alone must face it for I alone have the power!"

        Uluch stared in awe as the Lits raced toward them. "They will be here by dawn," he said, his voice revealing the worry that he felt inside.
^^^

        Kristopher and Egonas moved slowly through the Land of the Sleepless Dead. Kristopher's heart was sinking lower with each step, but the magician continually urged him on.

        "Don't dally, lad. If Dolnar finds out that you're on your way to Eyama, we'll all be doomed!"

        "Believe me, I'm moving as fast as I can! I don't like being in this accursed place any more than you do!"

        Egonas didn't answer, but plodded on through the desolate wasteland cursing Nolebes with every agonizing step. The dawn approached quickly as the end of the dead land loomed. Suddenly, Egonas stopped and turned to Kristopher with a terrified look in his eyes.

        "What is it?" asked the Lostarian.

        "I have just received a vision. One that has..." He became silent and Kristopher grew afraid of what he was about to hear. "Dolnar has learned more about the Word's power than I had ever dreamed he would. He has summoned weapons - foes to face the Elders! For each Elder that has left Realm, he has sent a beast to oppose him. These creatures live just to battle the Light. They are called Ramutes!"

        Kristopher felt a chill run up his spine as Egonas uttered the name of the beasts. "How can they be killed?"

        "They're not really alive as we know it. They haven't been seen since the second age and I fear that the means to their destruction was lost when the third age appeared.

        "Perhaps the answer can be found in Eray." added Kristopher.

        "That is possible..." The aged magician looked about for a moment and then turned back to him. "We can't slow down. The door to the other side will close at sunrise. We've got to hurry if we are to pass through it in time!"

        "What door?"

        "You will see. The Dead land has a few traps of its own!"

        As the dawn was about to break, the edge of the Land of the Sleepless Dead became visible. Egonas hadn't allowed them to slow their pace although Kristopher was exhausted. As they neared the edge, he could feel the dread that had engulfed him slowly fading. It seemed to him that they had been in the Land for days. Every step seemed to drain him. Egonas had to carry him as they finally reached the last few feet of their journey. They passed beyond the Land's borders and the sorcerer placed him gently on the ground. Remaining there for a few moments, he felt his strength slowly returning to him.

        "We almost didn't make it," announced Egonas as he gazed back to the Land. "The doorway will close very soon!"

        Egonas looked to the east. The sun had just made its appearance above the horizon. Kristopher looked to the orange sky as he slowly rose to his feet. He found that the effects of the Land had left him and his strength had returned. Egonas placed his hand on the young warrior's shoulder.

        "We are not out of danger yet. We can't delay any longer." They continued their journey into the forest. The woodland became thinner and the sun shone brightly above them. It was at that moment that Talnar and the others reached the mountain. Kristopher noticed that Egonas was constantly looking around him. "What's wrong?" he asked.

        "Probably nothing..." He paused for a moment. Then with knitted brow, he added, "I felt a presence. One that I haven't felt for a long time. It has been many, many seasons since I was on this side of the Dead Land. I'm not sure what has survived here."

        Kristopher waited impatiently for the sorcerer to continue. "These woods still possess some of the magic of the second age. I'm concerned that more has endured the changing of the ages than just we magicians." Again, Kristopher waited for Egonas to continue. "I believe that I sensed the presence of an Ashtar."

        "What is that?"

        "They were servants to Nolebes before the end of the Age. They despised sorcerers almost as much as he did! If they are near..."

        "They?" asked Kristopher.

        "They never travel alone. I thought I could sense them the moment we left the Dead Land, but I have no idea what changes may have occurred on this side since Nolebes..." He paused for a moment and looked about in each direction. "They used to live beneath the ground." Suddenly, Egonas raised his staff, motioning Kristopher to stop. He waited for a moment as Egonas stared to their right. Kristopher was silent as he waited for Egonas to speak. Slowly, the sorcerer walked to the area where he had been staring.

        "I knew I was right! The feeling was too strong for it to be my imagination!" Kristopher joined him. Looking down to the thick, green moss below, he viewed a small pile of bones. He then looked back to Egonas who was gripping his staff tightly in his hands. "This is how they leave the remains of a meal." said the magician. "It's an old superstition. They feel that the spirit of the one they had eaten cannot harm them if they place the bones so!"

        Kristopher became increasingly frightened as he stared at the bones. They had been meticulously placed in a circle with some of the edges overlapping. Quickly, Egonas led them back onto their original path. Each stared into the forest about them. A great uneasiness filled their hearts as they continued along at a much faster pace. After a few minutes of travel, Egonas stopped them once again. "They are close. Two of them I think..."

        Kristopher slowly unsheathed his sword. Egonas held his staff before him. The silence was deafening as they looked into the trees around them. Suddenly, the horrifying sound of bare feet slapping on moss came from behind them. They turned around immediately to find two creatures that appeared to be half man and half beast. A deep growl came from the one standing on the right.

        "Sorcerer make good meal...

        Egonas put his hand against Kristopher's back, pushing him away from them. "Run, lad...and don't stop to look back. Remember your quest. Run!"

        The years of Lostarian training told him that he should stay to fight the Ashtars. But he reluctantly obeyed Egonas' command and fled through the woods toward the mountain. As he disappeared into the trees, he could hear the faint laughter of the creatures. He ran frantically for a few minutes until his foot caught something hidden beneath some underbrush. He tried to catch his balance, but it was no use. Seconds later, he fell to the ground, rolling over several times. The force of the fall had caused his sword to come loose and his Tulnit to fall over his head. He sat there for a moment catching his thoughts. A quick observation revealed that he had tripped over some kind of trap. He then jumped to his feet and continued to run through the woods.

        Kristopher had no idea how long he had been running. The magic of the forest gave him strength to continue. The sun would soon be setting as the forest showed signs of change. The moss beneath his boots had disappeared and was replaced by tall grass. The trees were now mostly elm and maple. A bitter sadness filled his heart as he thought of Egonas. He recalled his brief encounter with the magician and wished that he had been able to learn more about him. As the forest continued to change, the magic within it slowly began to fade. Fatigue began to engulf him and he realized that he would soon have to rest.

        The mountain was still about half a day's journey from where he was at that point. He didn't want to rest until he reached it, but the fatigue within began to overtake him. Finally, he could go no further and he sat down upon an old log beneath an apple tree. He picked off a piece of the fruit and began to eat it. The darkness of early evening was beginning to surround him when a familiar fear filled his heart.

        He looked in every direction, but could see very little in the failing light. The he heard it. Someone was walking toward him. A warm evening breeze gently tossed his hair as the looked into the darkness. The sound of the footsteps grew louder as he unsheathed his sword and stood with his feet apart.

        Suddenly, a tall figure emerged from the shadows. Even in the darkness, Kristopher could tell that it was an Ashtar. It held a large branch in its hand. "Don't come any closer!" His voice sounded weak as he issued the command. There was silence for a moment and then the beast walked toward him. He stood very still waiting for the Ashtar to arrive.

        The beast moved with uneven steps as it approached him. Kristopher heard a low growl come from its throat as it stood a few feet away. The terrified Lostarian tensed his entire body as he waited for the creature to make its move. Suddenly, the beast swung the branch at him. Kristopher blocked it, but the force of the blow knocked him onto his back.

        Quickly, he scrambled to his feet, returning his opponent's attack, but it was easily blocked. The Ashtar raised the large branch again. Kristopher noticed that it seemed to be shaking in its hand. Its deep growl suddenly changed to a moan as it stepped back two steps. It then fell to its back and became motionless. Without realizing what it had done, the Ashtar had left the magic of the forest which had kept it alive for so many years.

        Kristopher watched as the creature slowly curled up and began to dissolve. Moments later, all that remained was a pile of dust. Without hesitation, Kristopher turned and began to run toward the mountain. The memory of the large creature fading before him filled his terrified mind.

        After many minutes of racing through the trees, another horrifying feeling entered him, "Is there no end to this?!" he thought as his sword once again slid from its resting place. The Skullots had returned! Immediately, he ran behind a large tree and held his sword tightly in his right hand. Suddenly, the sound of flapping wings appeared from above the treetops.

        Slowly, two gray soldiers descended until they reached the forest floor. There was silence for what seemed like a lifetime. The quiet was replaced by the sound of the gray soldiers testing the air. Kristopher prepared to face them knowing that the scent of the key would lead them directly to him. The wait seemed endless and he began to wonder why they didn't call out to him. Slowly, his left hand reached into the pocket within his Tulnit. He felt his mind go numb as his fingers felt through an empty compartment! THE KEY WAS GONE!

        Kristopher mentally cursed himself again and again as he thought of what had happened. He couldn't believe that he could have been so careless. As he screamed at himself within his mind, he again heard the flapping of the Skullot's wings. After a few moments, he began to run back to where he had battled the creature.

        After a long and exhausting run, he found the place where the fighting had taken place. The tall grass had been trampled by the weight of the massive beast. The terrified Lostarian searched frantically and his mind raced with a thousand thoughts. "What if the Skullots found it? Where do I go if they have? What have I done?!! Why did the Elders trust me with such a large task?!!!!"

        The search continued for almost an hour, but the key could not be found. He covered his face with his hands and began to weep. "What have I done?!" His life began to pass through his mind...Lostar; Dela, Solta, Samuel, Realm, Talnar...Kari! "What of Kari?" But now all of these people and their homes were in great danger because of his foolish mistake!

        Finally, a decision came. He would go back to the enchanted forest and try to find Egonas - if he was still alive! There was nothing else he could do. He would search the forest until he found him! Immediately, he left, retracing the steps that he had taken earlier that day.

        Slowly the forest changed back to the magic woods of the second age. All fatigue left him and his pace increased as he ran along the mossy floor of the beautiful woodland. After a few hours, he found the place where he and Egonas had encountered the Ashtars.

        The dawn of the third day of his journey from Realm was about to break as he looked about the area for any new bones that might signify that the magician had indeed "made good meal!" The thought of that sickened him ! His search brought a ray of hope to his heart. There were no bones...

        The mossy ground was flattened by the heavy Ashtars' feet. He realized that it would be easy to follow their trail from that point and he set off to find out where they had taken the magician. The trail led him deeper into the forest and he cursed the monsters every step along the way. Suddenly, he heard a faint shout sounding through the darkness. It stopped abruptly as if a door had been opened and then quickly closed. Immediately, he ran toward the source of the noise. Reaching within a few yards of it, he crouched very low to the ground and moved silently forward. Suddenly, a disturbance in the bushes caused him to fall to the mossy ground below him.

        He remained silent as he waited to find out what had unsettled the bushes. The answer came as an Ashtar walked from it and disappeared into the forest. He had found it! The hidden doorway to the Ashtars' underground home! Cautiously, he approached it as dark clouds rolled across the treetops above him. He reached the bushes and slowly crept through them until he found a large hole in the ground. It was too dark to see how deep it was. His terrified mind told him to run away to the safety of the forest, but his heart called to him to continue the search for the sorcerer. Slowly, he lowered himself into the hollow. As his chest reached ground level, his feet touched the bottom of the hole. Immediately, he released his hands from their grip on the moss and stood on the solid ground below.

        He began to feel the walls around him until he touched a wooden door. Pushing it, it slid open and the hole he was standing in was aglow with light from the other side of the doorway shone into it. For a moment, he had to shield his eyes until they adjusted to it and then he looked beyond the door. He saw a long corridor that curved to the left. The walls appeared to be made of smooth gray stone and there were lighted torches hanging every few feet. Using extreme caution, he began to walk through the corridor. His steps seemed to take every ounce of strength he had as he was afraid that he would be discovered if he made even the slightest sound. He continued until he heard voices ahead of him.

        The corridor disappeared about thirty feet ahead as it curved to the right. He inched along slowly, stopping a few feet before the bend. He could hear the throaty voices of Ashtar guards as he stood with his back to the wall. He could tell by the shadows cast on the opposite wall that there were three or four of them not far ahead.

        He stood there for some time. The memory of Egonas seemed to reach within him and give him inner strength. Slowly, his sword slid from its resting place. The flickering light cast from the torches reflected from it making it appear as if it too was on fire. Deep laughter appeared ahead and then disappeared into silence. With his free hand pressed against the wall, he slowly peered around the corner finding an enormous room. There was a large wooden door on the other side of it.

        The room was empty. With his sword held before him, he slowly entered. It was a very beautiful chamber. He concluded that the corridor that he had been traveling in must have been a downgrade since the ceiling above him was about twenty feet high. He moved to the doorway on the other side. Looking back, he viewed the same musical instruments sculpted on the wall as he had seen in Eray. A feeling of great urgency filled his heart as he slowly opened the door to find another hallway. Cautiously, he moved into it.

        He could hear the voices again, although they were very faint. Again, his free hand pressed against the smooth corridor. He noticed something unusual about the walls. They were not formed by burrowing through the ground; these walls had been built using some other means! Like those he'd encountered in Eray. Could this be another city that had sunk beneath the ground? he wondered.

        This hallway was darker than the other, but there was still enough light to find his way along. The voices were growing louder as he crept forward. Suddenly, they disappeared. After passing a few more twists and turns, he found another door. Again he tensed himself and prepared to pass through.

        He could tell by the muffled sound on the other side, there was another room beyond. Suddenly, a peculiar sound arose. He pressed his ear tightly against the door and heard what he thought sounded like hammers striking against stone. Then suddenly silence again. Slowly, he opened the door and moved into another large room. This one was empty as the other had been. On the other side was another door. Immediately, he moved to it and pressed his right ear against it. The sound he had heard was coming from beyond it. He could hear shouting and what sounded like cracking whips mixed with constant pounding.

        He turned a large wooden handle and slowly opened the door a few inches. The sound that poured from the tiny crack was almost deafening. He opened it a few inches further and gasped as he looked into what turned out to be an enormous room. Within were Lits, men and others from races that he didn't recognize all bound together at the ankles by a long chain. They seemed to be pounding the rock walls of the large room with picks, hammers and other tools he didn't recognize.

        All around them were Ashtars who cracked whips at those who slowed their pace. He looked around the enormous room and saw other enslaved men digging away at the ground now exposed by the breaking of the walls. He continued to search the room for Egonas. There was no sign of him. Suddenly, one of the chained Lits threw down his pick and began to scream. Immediately, he was surrounded by Ashtars who began to whip him mercilessly.

        A shout came from one of them "Take him. He will make a good meal for Zagar!" Immediately, they unlocked the chain that bound his ankle. The Lit fought the Ashtars as they carried him away, but it was no match for them. Kristopher watched them lead the struggling slave away. His thoughts were on the name that he had just heard the guard utter...Zagar! Egonas had said that he had been the Nagard leader in the second age. "Could he still be alive?" he wondered. "If he is...the Ashtar would take great delight in presenting the sorcerer to him!"

        He watched the Ashtar guards disappear with their captive through a door on the other side of the room. The young Lostarian believed that he would find Egonas there if he was indeed still alive! The only way that he could get to the door was to walk along the wall opposite the one that the slaves were working on. He concluded that the only chance he would have of reaching his destination would be to attempt it while the other guards were gone.

        Silently, he moved along the wall as the remaining guards whipped the slaves and commanded them to continue with their work. His eyes stayed fixed upon them far across the room. Each step was carefully placed as he moved along the outside wall. Finally, he reached the door and quietly opened it. The creaking of its ancient hinges was lost to their ears as the picks and shovels pounded against the wall. The sickening sound of heavy whips against unprotected backs faded away as the door closed behind him.

        He found another lighted hallway beyond it. Far ahead, he could hear the screams of the Lit as the Ashtar led him along the passage. He matched them step for step. Suddenly, the shouting stopped. He paused for a moment and then realized that those he followed had entered another room.

        He ran down the hallway until he found a door on his right. He stood before it for a moment - listening. There were muffled sounds coming from within. Silently, he opened the door just enough to hear what was being said.

        "Yessss...what isss it?"

        "This Lit is no good to us."

        "Put him with the ssssorcccerer. I will deal with him later! How much longer musssst I wait?!"

        "Not long. We have the slaves working hard!"

        "I do not wishshsh to ssssstay trapped down here any longer! I mussst essscape ssso I can free Nolebessss!"

        "We're moving them as fast as possible. You will be free soon."

        "Free ssssoon! Zzzzagar will be free again! Thissss time I ssshall not make the ssssame misssstakesss. I ssshall rule the world!!"

        Kristopher ran back along the tunnel as he heard the guards approaching the door. He watched from a distance as the guards carried the Lit along the corridor away from him. He followed them. Soon, he heard the echo of a steel door being slammed. He heard shouting, but was unable to make out much of it.

        The area he had followed them to was very dark. He waited for a moment until hearing the slapping of guards' feet against stone floor. Quickly, he crouched as low as he could holding his sword before him. The footsteps grew louder as the guard approached him. He tensed his entire body and prepared to lunge at the Ashtar when it got close enough.

        His heart beat harder as the seconds passed. Finally, the guard reached to within a few feet. His hand trembled as he prepared for the battle that was about to take place. _________________________________
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