It   was early evening as Fortice reached Kasta which was a large city known as Realm's sister city. Within were several beautiful buildings. It was sad to some that this place should be so near Blantum, being just south of it. The Realman surveyed the area for a moment until he was approached by four horsemen. One of them spoke as they reached him,.

        "Then it is true? The Elders have returned to their old forms?"

        "Yes, Chaldra. It is the only way that we can take part in the battle that is to come. Where is your army?"

        "They are approaching us from the city center. They will be here in a moment. There's been a frightening rumor going around here lately..."

        "What might that be?"

        "Dolnar has sent the Ramutes!" Chaldra spoke almost in a whisper. The Elder's expression told him that the rumors had been correct. "And this is why you have taken your old forms?"

        "Yes...it is the only way we can face them." As the Realman finished these words, another soldier from the Kastan army approached them. He seemed to be quite unnerved he arrived.

        " Chaldra, I have news of the Lit host! They are heading for Jom!"

        "Prepare the army. We will go there immediately!" answered their leader. Instantly, the word was spread throughout the entire Kastan army. Soon, they were riding eastward towards Jom.

        After a short time, Fortice heard the voice that Sibe had recognized not long before.

        "My time is near! Ride, little man...Ride as fast as you can, for I have something for you! Soon, the Words shall be mine!!!" Hateful laughter followed and then silence. Fortice said nothing as he rode beside Chaldra. The Kastan leader announced that they would reach Jom by dawn. Almost as if he hadn't heard, the Elder stared ahead, not offering a reply.
^^^

        The poison had caused Talnar to sleep longer than the others. Suddenly, he awoke and jumped to his feet. It was early evening of the second day since he had left Realm as he had slept the whole of the day. Slowly, his senses began to clear as he looked about him. Camma, Brandon and Deyarus were all standing beside him at the base of the mountain. They had failed to awaken him during several attempts. He began to look about the dark woods. "Are you ready to lead us across the mountain, Brandon?", he asked. The Lit informed him that he and the others were packed and ready to go. And after breaking up their small camp, they headed up the mountainside. High above them, dark clouds made another unnatural appearance.
^^

        Brandon had known the route well and their travel was quick. By late evening they were descending to the other side. Talnar was extremely excited as he viewed the flickering lights that shone from his home. Brandon instructed Talnar and Camma to wait as he and Deyarus moved into the darkness. Moments later, they returned with four horses. "Ramlord had us hide enough of these to take us all to Lostar. I don't think he'll mind if we borrow four of them."

        The steeds were a welcomed sight to the Lostarian whose wounds hadn't completely healed. He was still feeling quite weak. They immediately mounted and the Lits led them toward his home. Talnar's excitement grew as they reached the other side of the mountain. It increased as they reached the Varan Plains. Memories of his journey with Kristopher and Kari filled his mind and he wondered how his friends were faring. Soon, the dawn was upon them.
^

        The day passed quickly and they only paused to rest a few times. They had each been noticing how the dark clouds above them continued to show signs that a fierce storm would soon be upon them. Talnar found it quite odd that so many storms had appeared so suddenly since they had first entered the Normat Forest. They talked at length about Blantum and Camma began to see the Lits' true nature. She felt badly that she had hated their race for so many years.

        The sun was beginning to set behind dark clouds to their right as Lostar appeared over the horizon. Talnar's heart raced as they moved closer to his home. Memories filled his mind as they reached to within a few miles. As they drew nearer, he noticed something a peculiar sight. The flagpole at the front gate held an unfamiliar emblem on it. He brought his horse to a halt. The others followed this move.

        "What is it?" asked Brandon.

        "That isn't the Lostarian flag..."

        "It is the one that Ramlord had made for this side." said Deyarus.

        Talnar's scream was drowned out by a sudden thunder clap. Their horses became very unsettled by the loud crash and each had to pull tightly upon their reins to avoid being thrown to the ground. Talnar stared at the flag that waved in the distance. The look in his eyes revealed the anger in his heart.

        "We can use this to our advantage, Talnar..." said Brandon. "If your village has been overtaken, then Deyarus and I will be able to enter." As the Lit continued, drops of rain began to fall upon them. "When we arrive at the gates, let Deyarus and me do the talking."

        Talnar's gaze stayed fixed upon his home as the rain began to fall heavier. Without a reply, he motioned his horse to continue its trek toward his home. The rain was falling quite heavily as they reached the village. Talnar fought the urge to pull out his sword as he stood before the alien flag. Suddenly, a voice called out from above them. "Halt and identify yourselves!"

        "We has been sent by Ramlord..."

        "Officer Brown said that you wouldn't be arriving for a few more days."

        "We has been sent early...to prepares the way for the rests!" answers Deyarus.

        "I wish I knew more about you folk...Officer Brown won't tell anyone what's going' on!" Slowly, the large wooden door slid open and the guard walked through it. The rain made it difficult for him to see much. "Well, show yourselves!"

        The two Lits moved toward him as Talnar and Camma stayed a few feet away. "I didn't believe it, but you are just as Officer Brown said. Come on in then." As the guard turned to walk back into the village, Deyarus jumped him from behind and the two fell to the wet ground. The guard struggled, but was no match for him. Talnar appeared from the dark as the two Lits lifted the guard to his feet, each one holding an arm.

        "You!!? I should have known an outlaw would be behind such treachery!!!"

        "Outlaw?!? What are you talking about?!" asked the bewildered Lostarian.

        "You know exactly what I mean. You, Kris and Kari! Traitors!"

        "THAT IS ABSURD! Who is officer Brown?! How could he make such a decision without the Council's approval?!"

        The guard looked directly into Talnar's eyes for a moment and then looked away. Talnar placed his hand upon his wet shoulder. "You know me....my reputation. I am no traitor."

        "Ned Brown says you are and he's in control here now. The Council put him in charge just before they left."

        "Where did they go?"

        "No one knows. He showed us an official letter written and signed by them. He has been in charge ever since.

        Brandon looked back to Talnar. "Brown is one of Ramlord's spies."

        Talnar became enraged. His sword slid from its resting place and was then held above his hand. Camma grasped his arm. She could feel his muscles tensed beneath his clothing as she tightened her grip. Slowly, his sword was lowered to his side. His gaze still returned to the flag above him as he spoke to the guard.

        "Be thankful that we arrived when we did. Brown is the traitor! If his plan is successful, you and your family will be made slaves to a ruler whose evil goes beyond your understanding! Believe me, I am no traitor!" The Lostarian's glance returned to the guard. Even in the dark, his expression could be read.

        "I believe you, Talnar. To be honest, I was quite opposed to allowing Brown to have control. I felt something just wasn't right, but the letter left by the council was signed by each of them. Still, something seemed wrong about it."

        "Release him." said Talnar to the Lits. "It's time to put an end to Brown's treachery!" As the Lits did so, Talnar reached his hand toward him. Slowly, the guard raised his own and the two grasped forearms. Suddenly, the expression on the guard's face changed.

        "If Ned is the traitor, that would mean that other one that he had imprisoned..."

        "Which other one?" asked Talnar immediately.

        "He had a strange name....Eloe. He claimed to be from beyond the mountain."

        "Eloe is alive?!? That is beyond hope! You must take us to him immediately!" Without hesitation, the guard led them into the village as the rain continued to fall. Soon, they reached the stone building that was Lostar's prison. Light shone from the front window, indicating someone was within. Four swords left their resting places as they prepared to enter. The guard cautiously reached for the door handle and slowly turned it.

        The door opened a few inches. They looked amongst themselves and then Talnar nodded. Suddenly, the door was burst open and they ran inside. The jail was empty, but the wall/door was ajar at the other side of the large room. Quickly, they moved to it. Talnar opened it a few inches more until they could see the hidden stairway behind it. Faint voices could be heard from below and Talnar opened it enough for them to pass into the stairway. One by one, they moved down the stone steps.

        The voices grew louder as they descended. Talnar recognized Ned's voice among them. Reaching the bottom, he looked across the dimly lit room. He saw Ned holding a lighted torch in his right hand. Its light was cast onto the faces of the Councilmen who stood behind the bars of the prison cell. Talnar became overjoyed as he spied Eloe sitting in the corner. Ned, still unaware they were behind him, was speaking to those he had imprisoned.

        "I have decided that it is too much bother to keep you alive, although it would be nice to give you to Ramlord as a gift. In two days, I will have the revenge I have been planning since you denied me a place in the Council!!"

        Talnar was filled with rage as he listened. He could no longer stay silent. "I think not, you sniveling traitor! You didn't deserve power then and you deserve it even less now!"

        Brown turned in horror to find the five standing at the foot of the stairs. "Talnar!!! How did..." He stopped as he noticed the guard standing with him. "You traitor!"

        "It is not me who is the traitor, Ned...How could you do this?!?"

        Suddenly, Brown fell to his knees. "Please don't kill me! I'll do whatever you ask!"

        "Samuel shouldn't have spared you in the first place! You make me sick!" screamed Talnar. He paused for a moment to calm himself and then continued. "Perhaps your treachery will work to our advantage, however...Ramlord thinks he has control here through you. This will give us a bit more time to prepare for his arrival." He paused again, looking into the cell. "Eloe! I thought you were dead!" Before the Realman had a chance to answer, Talnar turned back to Brown. "Release these men!"

        Brown's hand was shaking as he placed the key into the lock. Talnar and the others approached the keep. As he did so, they all grasped forearms when released. Talnar and Eloe embraced as they met. "The others?" Talnar asked the Realman.

        "Not as fortunate..." he said sadly. He then looked suspiciously towards the Lits.

        "It's all right. They're with me. I'll explain later."

        "We're not going to make it to Eray if we stay here very long."

        They continued their discussion while they walked up the stairs. Behind them, the guard locked the screaming Ned Brown in the cell. Moments later, he followed the others, closing the door at the top of the stairs behind him. Brown was surrounded by total darkness and he began to whimper.
^^^ ^^^ ^^^

        Redoras stood guard as the others slept. It had been about five hours since Gondira had entered Death Pass and the dawn was now approaching. Suddenly, he could feel great evil surround him as the Pass again opened. He immediately unsheathed his sword and called to Mul and Perun who had awakened as soon as the evil escaped.

        Instantly, the two Dromps leapt to their feet and removed their swords. The trio stood in quiet anticipation, each finding it hard to steady their sword hand as the evil that surrounded them filled their hearts with fear. Footsteps appeared from the darkness of the Pass. All eyes were focused in that direction as the echo of the steps got louder.

        The morning sun shone its amber light on the west side of the canyon, yet the opening to Death Pass was still black, for no light could penetrate its shield of malignancy. The fear within the three grew as they prepared to face the unseen figures moving toward them. Suddenly, Gondira and Dorma appeared from the blackness, falling to the ground. The three Dromps ran to them.

        Slowly, the Wordlord looked up. His eyes were cold and distant...gray. His face appeared ancient beyond its years. His words seemed to take every ounce of strength he had just to speak them. "We haven't much time. Nolebes has been stopped for the moment, but the Words must be put back together again before he can be sent back forever." His tired eyes closed and he became limp.

        The three looked to one another and then to the Realmen who were lying motionless. Death Pass was now closed and the evil that had surrounded them had disappeared. After a few moments, Dorma began to stir. Seconds later, Gondira did the same. Mul and Perun helped them to stand. The Dromps waited patiently as they all stood facing one another. Finally, Gondira spoke.

        "We have been at battle for many seasons. Perhaps a whole lifetime."

        But, you have only been gone a few hours!" said Redoras.

        "Perhaps a few hours here," answered Dorma. "But time is not the same everywhere. We have fought Nolebes in many corners of a different universe."

        "We bound him temporarily on a very dark planet," added Gondira. "However, it is just a matter of time before he learns how to escape. He is very close to gaining the secret of the Pass. If he does, he will be able to bring his entire army through it! Obviously, he already knows the way to take us into his side..."

        "What can we do?" asked Redoras.

        "The Words have been separated for too long. They must be reunited so their power can be used to close the Pass forever. But, we should hesitate no longer. We must travel to Sheleta to join with the Dromp army." Immediately, they moved to their horses and seconds later were on their way to Sheleta.
^

        They traveled to the southeast for a few hours as the sun rose higher in the eastern sky. A dark feeling entered Gondira's heart as they reached to within a few hours of Sheleta. Suddenly, Dolnar's voice filled his mind.

        "Gondira...My time draws near! My army shall find the Tull with the key and I shall be free! My power has grown beyond even your understanding! I have a surprise waiting for you old friend!"

        Gondira brought his horse to a halt. This move was followed by the others who stood beside him. "You must continue to Sheleta. My fate lies elsewhere.

        "Shall I accompany you?", asked Dorma.

        "Not this time, my friend. My mission is one I must face alone."

        Dorma looked to him for a moment. "The Ramute?"

        "It has finally happened."

        The Dromps gasped as they heard what the Realmen were saying. They knew the legends and they knew what was soon to take place. "May the Light protect you, brave friend." said Redoras as he reached his hand to him. Immediately, they grasped forearms.

        "I shall meet you all in Realm when the war has ended!" His voice gave no hints of the fear that he felt inside. Without another word, He motioned his horse and headed away to the west. They all watched as he disappeared across the meadow. Dorma raised his sword above his head.

        "His bravery shall be my inspiration. I shall fight Dolnar in his honor." Immediately, his sword was joined by three others. "In the name of the Light!" Moments later, they left for Sheleta.
^^ ^^ ^^

        Sibe looked across the horizon as the Lit host drew closer. He felt fear dig deeper into his heart as the evil Ramute approached. Except for the occasional sound from a worried horse, he was surrounded by silence. Uluch approached him and the Wordlord raised his hand, motioning him to silence.

        "There is nothing you can do. This is my fate. The Ramute cannot harm you as long as I hold the Word. It has come for me. I was told this could happen when I agreed to hold the Word many years ago."

        Uluch could see the fear in the Realman's eyes and he placed his hand upon his shoulder. The dawn had arrived and the sound of distant horses could be heard. The constant rumbling grew for a while and then suddenly stopped. The Lit host had halted less than a mile away. Sibe turned back to Uluch.

        "For the sake of your children, you must fight. I am leaving now to face my foe. When I am gone the Lits will attack. Remember your children, Uluch. Their future lies with you!"

        "May the Light shine brightly within you Sibe..."

        "And within you, my friend." They grasped forearms and Sibe began to walk across the field toward the Lit host. Many of the Joman army looked to Uluch in disbelief and he raised his hand to them, gesturing that they we not to interfere. The army began a collective gasp! From within the midst of the Lit host came the Ramute. It stood about twelve feet high and its arms were three times the size of even a large Lit.

        If they had been closer, they would also have seen that there were two black holes where its eyes should've been. As Sibe drew closer, the Ramute walked ahead of the Lit host to greet him. Both armies were silent. As Sibe neared him, he was amazed at the size of it. Finally, they reached each other and the Ramute spoke.

        "Take a last look at this place...You will not see it again!"

        "Words cannot defeat me..."

        "I have much more power than mere words...As you shall soon see!" Suddenly, it raised its hands above its head and the two of them disappeared. The Lits began to cheer as Sibe and the Ramute left to do battle. The Joman army stood in shock. They had believed that Sibe was their only hope of defeating the Lits and now he was gone! Suddenly, a blast from a trumpet sounded from the Lit host. They cheered again and began to ride towards the Joman army. Immediately, Joman archers dismounted and began to load their crossbows, aiming them at the approaching Lits. Uluch commanded that the others prepare to greet them on horseback. It wasn't hard to sense the fear in his army as he looked about the ranks.

        As the Lits arrived in the archers' range, they sent a shower of arrows toward them. Many of the creatures fell from the horses, but it was a very small number compared with the size of the Lit host. The firing of arrows was returned and several Joman and Realman soldiers fell to the ground. Uluch then gave the signal to attack.

        Moments later, the armies met in the center of the large meadow. Looking about, Uluch could see that he was greatly outnumbered, but Sibe's words echoed through his heart. "For the sake of the children you must fight..." Within these words he found the strength to face his enemies.
^^^

        Gondira signaled his horse to move faster as he sped westward. An unusual feeling filled his heart and got stronger as the moments passed. Suddenly, a large bolt of lightening streaked across the sky followed almost instantly by a deafening crash of thunder. He pulled hard upon the reins, bringing his horse to a halt. Slowly, he dismounted and seconds later, a massive Ramute stood before him.

        The two eyed one another and the creature began to laugh. "You shall soon see my world, small one!"

        "I am not afraid!"

        "Then, you are a fool!" Suddenly, two beams of red light shone from the holes that were its eyes and the two disappeared.
^^

        At that moment, Fortice was racing eastward with Chaldra and the Kastan army. Dolnar's words echoed through his mind. He knew that his time with the Ramute was close and an uneasiness grew within him. Suddenly, he turned to Chaldra.

        "It's here! I must leave you now!" Chaldra was speechless as he looked to the Wordlord. "I'll see you again when this is all over!" Before Chaldra could answer, Fortice brought his horse to a halt and the Kastan army began to pass him. Moments later, he stood alone.

        "I am here...Why do you wait?" It then appeared before him.

        "You should not be so impatient. Your death will not be a pleasant one!" Fortice stared into the blackness of its eyes and found himself being drawn into them. Suddenly, the two disappeared.
^^^

        Kristopher remained still as the Ashtar guard approached him. He held his sword tightly in his hand as he prepared for their encounter. The guards' footsteps echoed through the dark stone hallway. As it reached to within a few steps from the Lostarian, he tensed every muscle in his body. Seconds later, he leapt toward him, thrusting his sword into his chest.

        The guard stepped back and began to moan as he tried to remove it. Kristopher was amazed that the guard could still stand, even though it had a sword stuck into it. The guard looked to him and then let out a low growl. Slowly, it walked toward him and the Lostarian felt his heart pounding in his throat. He stepped back until he felt the wall behind him. The guard took a few more steps and then fell backwards. It then became motionless.

        Kristopher let out a heavy sigh as he looked to the dead guard. He moved to it and then pulled his sword from its chest. Wiping off the blood, he placed it back into its sheath. He moved down the hallway wondering where the other guard had gone. After a few moments, he reached a steel door. On it was a window across which were four bars. Putting his face to the opening, he called out, "Egonas...are you there?"

        "Kris? By the Light. It is you!!"

        "Zagar is here...isn't he?"

        "Yes. His slaves are digging him a way to escape this place," answered the magician.

        "But, what is this place?"

        "An ancient city. It sunk beneath the surface at the same time that Eray did. It seems that Zagar was within one of the rooms when this happened. He has been kept alive here by the Ashtar. He was quite pleased to see me as he feels I will use my magic to help free him. But enough of this. Do you have the key to this door?"

        "I'm afraid not. What should I..."

        "No matter. Raise the sword I gave you above your head and repeat these words very carefully: Cala Atra Spal Due."

        Kristopher repeated the words and the sword began to glow. "Now, touch it to the lock." As soon as the weapon touched it, the door flew open and Egonas and a Lit that was in the cell with him came running into the hallway. The Lit ran away down the corridor in utter horror.

        "Now, we must visit with Zagar. It seems that he has the Hemma key. And my staff..."

        "He has the key?! Are you sure?! That is beyond hope! Let's get it from him!"

        "Don't be too overjoyed, my boy. If he escapes with it..." He knew that he didn't need to continue. Immediately the two embraced. "I can't tell you how glad I am to see you, lad."

        "Me too. I was afraid...." Egonas placed his hand over Kristopher's lips and winked at him.

        "I've got powers that even Zagar can't imagine. Now, let's get back your key!" Quickly, he led Kristopher along the hallway towards the room Zagar was in. As they reached it, Egonas asked Kristopher for his sword. He handed it to him and the ancient sorcerer moved a few paces farther until he stood before the door. He then opened it and slowly crept inside, followed closely by Kristopher.

        Once inside, Kristopher saw the monstrous creature laying on the other side of the huge room. It was exactly as the young Lostarian had envisioned it to be. Kristopher then spotted the golden key hanging on the wall just a few feet from the Nagard's head. Egonas' staff leaned against the wall just a few inches away from it.

        He didn't dare move as Egonas stole across the room toward Zagar. The magician crept silently until he reached the key. Carefully, he removed it from the wall, placing it into the pocket of his long white robe. Quietly, he grasped his staff and turned back toward Kristopher, who was still standing at the door. Suddenly, Zagar began to stir. A hideous sniffing sound filled the room. Egonas took a few more steps and Zagar began to scream.

        "You have essscaped?!!! Well...It isss jussst assss well! I wassss growing tired of waiting!"

        "Cala Atra Spal Due!" cried Egonas and the room was filled with light shining from the sword. He then threw his staff across the room toward Kristopher who caught it in the air. The two eyed each other until the Nagard slowly moved toward him. Egonas held the sword before him as Zagar crept closer. Suddenly, Egonas leapt forward, striking him with his sword. Blood appeared on Zagar's neck and he began to hiss loudly.

        Zagar was enraged and began to snap his mouth shut towards him. Egonas stood firmly, blocking Zagar's attacks with his shining sword. Suddenly, his muscular tail came around from his right side knocking the magician over. Kristopher was unable to see him and he took a few steps toward them. He stopped abruptly as Zagar turned to him.

        Slowly, the Nagard moved toward him and he backed away. Fear filled his heart as he looked into the Nagard's red eyes. It slowly crept closer until Kristopher could see the limp figure of Egonas lying on the floor. Zagar opened it's spiked front arms, preparing to devour the horrified warrior as his back pressed against the wall.

        Zagar stopped for a moment, staring at him. Slowly, he took a few more steps until Kristopher could feel his hot breath coming from his opened mouth. Suddenly, his mouth closed and he fell to his side. Kristopher could see the magician's shining sword protruding from the large creature's exposed side as it lay still on the stone floor. He couldn't move as he stared in disbelief. Suddenly, Egonas began to stir and then slowly rose to his feet. He looked to the limp Nagard and a smile came to his face. "Reminded me of the good old days..."

        Kristopher released a very loud sigh, shaking his head. He realized he was in the presence of a very powerful man. Immediately, the magician removed the sword from Zagar's side and they dashed from the room. Reaching the hallway, Egonas told Kristopher to exchange his staff for the sword. The sword lit up the corridor as they moved back in the direction they had recently journeyed. After a short run, they reached the room wherein the slaves were digging. They burst in and all eyes were upon them, including those of the Ashtars who stood with whips in hand. The room became silent as the guards approached them. Egonas held his staff tightly in his right hand as the guards stopped just a few feet away. All watched in silence as Egonas called out. "Cal Atra Spal Due!" His staff began to shine brightly and the Ashtars stepped back.

        One of the guards stopped after a few steps and then began to move back toward the magician who stood firmly with his shining staff before him. Suddenly, the guard lifted his whip above his head and sent it toward him. As it reached him, it was instantly cut in half. Slowly, Egonas raised his staff. Everything was aglow with multicolored lights. The guards dropped their whips and ran from the room.

        "Lucky thing they don't realize that this staff can't harm them here." he said with a chuckle. "Seems Nolebes' mistake reached farther than I had thought."

        Immediately, he moved to the slaves and began to touch their shackles with his staff. As it contacted them, they were instantly freed. One by one, the slaves dashed from the room. As the last one was set free, Egonas turned back to Kristopher. He reached into his pocket, revealing the key.

        "I believe this is yours. It seems you dropped it in the forest! You must be more careful with it, lad. There are many others like me who can sense its presence when it is not in your possession. " Kristopher was overjoyed as he held it. He thanked Egonas over and over until the sorcerer asked him to stop. "Come now lad, Dolnar awaits!" Instantly, the two left the underground world and continued through the forest.

END OF PART TWO -- _________________________________
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