Uluch   led the Joman and Realman soldiers who were greatly outnumbered. It became obvious that they would soon succumb to the Lits. The younger warriors were visibly shaken as they saw many of their friends fall. Uluch would occasionally yell words of encouragement in an attempt to calm them, but the fear of death was showing in their ranks. The dead bodies of many warriors covered the grassy plain and still the battle raged on.

       He wished that Sibe had not left when he had. "Yet, the fate that the Wordlord faces is far worse than ours." he thought as he reflected upon Sibe's impending encounter with the Ramute. Suddenly, unusual feeling of calm filled his heart as he looked about the battlefield. Somehow, it didn't bother him that they were on the edge of destruction. A young Joman to his right called out to him, "Uluch...we can't hold them! All is lost!" The Realman slowly turned to him. He could read the fear in the young fighter's eyes as he looked to his leader for help. All around them the battle was still raging fiercely. But the combat sounds seemed to come from miles away.

       "It will end soon," he said in a soft voice.

        "Uluch! Please!" screamed the Joman. Still, his heart was unchanged. He felt more and more distant from the fighting as the moments passed. He stared at the young soldier for a moment. Suddenly, a Lit arrow entered the young Joman's chest. The warrior grasped it and pulled madly, trying to remove it as Uluch watched , unaffected by what he saw. The warrior fell from his horse becoming motionless as he lay in the tall grass.

       Suddenly, he heard a sound that seemed to come from miles away - a single trumpet blast. Standing on a nearby hill were Chaldra and the Kastan army. A voice inside told him to ignore their presence. It didn't matter, the battle was over! Again, a trumpet blast sounded. Uluch stared for a moment, still hearing the command to disregard what he saw. He then looked back to his army. This time, the sensation inside seemed weaker.

       Then, the feeling became words: "Forget the fight! There is nothing you can do!" He began to shake his head. He fought within and the will to surrender began to leave him. "Curse you Dolnar! By the Light...You shall not control me!" His hand reached to his side and he grasped his horn, bringing it immediately to his lips. A single note was produced and all eyes turned to him. An answer came from the hillside and suddenly it was covered with Kastan warriors.

       The Lits began to panic as they neared the battlefield. Chaldra ran to Uluch's side and the two grasped forearms. "My friend...Never have I needed your help more...Dolnar is here!"

       "Yes, we felt his grip too." said Chaldra. Uluch raised his sword. Chaldra joined him and in unison they said, "In the name of the Light!" They then ran into the center of the battle.

       The Lits had been stunned by the appearance of the Kastan army and they began to slowly fall back. They and the Kastan people had been at war for some time and there was bitter hatred between them. The Lit army became confused and disjointed and many of them were killed. After a short while, their captain gave the command to retreat.

       Uluch knew that they were still outnumbered even with the appearance of the Kastans and that the Lits would return when they regrouped. He gave the command for his army to return to Jom. Seconds later, he was approached by Wint who was the Joman leader.

       "Send out the word that we must withdraw to Jom. The Lits' retreat is temporary. They will return soon. Our only chance may be behind the safety of the city walls!"

       "We agreed that we wouldn't allow the Lits near the city, Realman! Why have you changed now?!"

       "I have a feeling that we may have made that decision while under Dolnar's influence! He is here!"

       "I agree..." said Chaldra as he moved next to them. "We felt his mind as well. Perhaps..."

       "But, my people!" interrupted the Joman leader.

       "It is the only way. If we are defeated here, your people will be in as much danger..."

       Wint muttered something under his breath and left to prepare his men for the trip back to Jom. Minutes later, the two armies were moving back to the large city. This decision was met with much disapproval, but they followed the commands of their leader nonetheless.

       Soon, the city appeared beyond the rolling hills. The large gates swung open as the warriors headed toward them. Many of the Joman men and women who had remained in the city stood on the sides of the streets as the armies passed them. They watched as those unhurt during the struggle carried the less fortunate. Most pressed their way to the front hoping to see their loved ones among the survivors.

       Although the Joman people were mainly tree-dwellers living in the southwestern part of the city, many had moved here to the north to live in the stone buildings for protection. As the warriors moved through the streets, the sidewalks began to fill with more and more onlookers.

       As the last of the soldiers passed through the gates, they shut with a loud crash. The people stared in fear as they waited to find out what had happened on the battlefield. Some said that their warriors had been successful and had returned to rest before leaving for battle elsewhere. Most, however, knew what their early return really meant.

       Uluch made his way to the city square where there was a tall structure that was used when the Joman leaders wished to talk to the people. He immediately climbed to the top of it and the crowd below him became silent. He looked about the masses, sensing their worry .

       "We are greatly outnumbered by the enemy. Our only chance for victory is from this side of the wall. You must take your children with you back to the south...back to the trees. Do not delay! The Lits will be coming here very soon!"

       The Joman race was very disciplined. Although they heard the tone of urgency in the Realman's voice, they didn't panic. Those with children took them by the hand and led them quietly away. At the same time, the warriors began to take their places along the walls. As they reached their position, they looked across the plain toward the area from which they knew the Lit host would be coming.

       Suddenly, a strong wind began to blow from the west as the noonday sun began to hide behind white clouds. The trees began to move like waves on the ocean. The wind began howling fiercely.

       Those on the wall waited for what seemed a lifetime until a trumpet blast was heard from the northwest. It was unmistakably a Lit horn. The archers instinctively pulled back upon their bow strings, pointing the arrows toward the source. The power of the wind increased as they stared through the scattered trees on the grassland outside the city walls.

       Uluch and Chaldra watched and each felt unnerved for they had both felt the power of Dolnar's mind. They had vowed to watch one another for signs he had returned to influence them. Uluch felt great shame when he thought of the look on the young warrior's face when the arrow pierced his chest. He wouldn't allow that to happen again!

       Suddenly, the Lit host appeared over the horizon. The archers held their aim toward them as they sped closer to them. "Hold fast!" cried Uluch. The bow-men drew a deep breath and tightened their grips. The Lits then stopped, just out of their range. They began to spread themselves left to right across the plain, each one half a shoulder's width away from the one beside him. Minutes later, they were finished.

       Their numbers seemed to spread out for ever as they prepared to attack. The heavy wind that was blowing in the archer's faces was becoming more than just an annoyance now. It was now strong enough that they realized it would affect their aim! "Dolnar!" thought Uluch. Finally, the call to attack was sounded and the enormous Lit army began to run toward them, screaming loudly. Uluch gave his army the signal and a shower of arrows shot from the top of the great wall.

       Many Lits fell to the ground, but the attack still continued with incredible force. It seemed to the archers that there was no end to the Lit host for, no matter how many of them fell, they just kept coming! After a few minutes, the Lits stopped about sixty feet away from the wall. Immediately they turned, removing shining silver shields which had been strapped to their backs.

       Quickly, they stationed themselves behind the cover. The shields were pushed against the ones beside them and it appeared as large silver fence that stretched across the grass. Suddenly, from behind their protection, the Lits produced a wooden ladder. Another appeared, and then another. Neither Chaldra nor Uluch could figure out where they had come from. Again, the signal to attack was given by the Lit leader and the ladders moved toward the wall, still protected by the shining shields.

       Showers of Kastan, Joman and Realman arrows flew through the air towards those who carried the ladders, but the shields easily blocked them. Every second brought them closer and panic began to spread through the ranks. "Hold fast!" was again commanded, but Uluch's words brought them little comfort.

       Finally, the ladders (which Chaldra figured numbered about seventy) reached the walls and the Lits began to climb them. Others still behind their shields sent a surge of arrows toward the guards on the wall. Many from both sides fell as, one by one, the Lits reached the top of the ladders.

       At first, they fell to their death as soon as they entered the city, but there were so many of them! Slowly, more and more passed the wall and began sword combat with those around them. Uluch and Chaldra led their army in sword to sword combat as more Lits scaled the wall. All around them, many from both armies lost their lives within the city, but the ceaseless Lit attack continued. Many Lits died by the swords of Uluch and Chaldra, but it was soon apparent to them both that they would soon be outnumbered!

       As one Lit fell before Uluch, he turned to face another. What he saw brought horror to his heart. The Lits had opened the front gates! But that wasn't all. They were escorting men from his army out of them. Instead of staying to kill them all, they were taking them away as prisoners! This was unheard of behavior for a Lit! All around him, the numbers of those fighting began to shrink.

       He became furious and rushed toward several of them who were leading their captives from the front gate. Immediately, two of them fell. Seconds later, he was surrounded by seven others.

       "Drop your sword!" came the command. He stared at them for a moment with hatred in his eyes.

       "I won't surrender to the likes of you!"

       "Then die!" The Realman raised his sword above his head and began swinging it around madly as the Lits approached him. Suddenly, he heard a scream come from behind him and he turned to find a Lit falling to the ground with an arrow in his back. He looked around to find who had been the marksman. It was Chaldra! Seconds later, another Lit fell with an arrow in his heart. Chaldra then pointed his next arrow at another of them and the five remaining Lits ran through the gate leaving their prisoner/cargo.

       Chaldra moved to Uluch who was untying the prisoners. "What madness is this?" he asked.

       "I don't understand it either! Lits don't take prisoners! They outnumbered us! They could have defeated us easily!"

       Looking about, they found that very few of either army remained within the city. Most had either been killed or were gone! About the city there were small battles still going on, but a vast number of them had left. Immediately, they ran in different directions towards the small battles that were still taking place.

       Uluch moved throughout the city helping those who still remained. He couldn't stop wondering why the enemy had taken prisoners. They could have easily defeated Jom's defenders! He thanked the Light that he had been spared the fate that the others were facing as he moved through the city.

       He moved to the top of the wall and looked across the plain as the procession made its way beyond the horizon. He wanted to run after them, but he knew there was nothing he could do to help his friends. He then looked back to where he had last seen Chaldra. He wasn't there! He removed his trumpet from his belt and gave a single blast. No return came! Turning back toward the horizon he found that the Lits and their prisoners had disappeared! Was Chaldra with them?

       Enraged, he turned to what remained of his army who were holding the few Lits who had been captured. "Take them to the Joman prison and then meet me back here!" Saluting, the handful of soldiers took their captives away. He then turned back to the meadow. Some movement far off to the right caught his eyes. A small group of horse-bound men was approaching! He watched as they moved toward him, now just a few miles away. They were impossible to identify but, for some unknown reason, he felt that they were friends.

       As they drew closer, his soldiers returned. They joined him upon the wall and all watched the approaching horsemen. After a few moments, one of them yelled, "It's Dorma!" Uluch strained his sight and then recognized the man leading them. It was Dorma! Quickly, they flew down the stairs and left through the gate to meet them.
^

       After a few minutes, Dorma, Mul, Perun and Redoras slowed their horses and stopped before them.

       "Hail friend Uluch. Where is your army?" asked Dorma.

       "They have been taken as prisoners by the Lits!"

       "Prisoners? How can this be?! asked Redoras.

       "I don't know. I have never heard of them doing this before. They had us outnumbered. They could have killed us all if they had wanted."

       "Lamion is coming this way with part of the Dromp army. We should leave word here that we are going to follow the Lits' trail!" added Redoras.

       Uluch raised his sword above his head and then turned to the remaining few behind him. "The Joman soldiers may stay here to protect your city. The remaining Realmen will go through the streets and find some horses!" Immediately they left as Uluch turned back to Dorma and the others. He stared at them for a moment and shook his head.

       "Just like old times...eh Dorma?" The Realman looked to him for a moment. "In the name of the Light!"
^^^ ^^^ ^^^

       Talnar and the others ran through the blackness as the rain continued to fall. With every step, they moved closer to his home. As it appeared down the road, his heart began to race within him. Memories of his childhood flooded his mind as he dashed along the wet Lostarian roads. The others found it difficult to keep pace with him.

       Finally, they reached it. A single light shone from a window on the first floor. Immediately, they rushed along the stone pathway which the rain had made slippery. Talnar threw the door open and ran into the large home. A fire blazed in the fireplace which was surrounded by three empty chairs.

       "Amar?! Mother?!" called out the young Lostarian. There was silence save for the crackling fire as they stood within the shelter of the living room. Just as he was about to call out again, he heard some commotion upstairs. Moments later, he heard footsteps. Finally, his sister and mother entered the room. Immediately, his mother ran to him and the two embraced. Tears filled her eyes. "I have been so worried!" Her voice cracked as she spoke. At that moment, Amar joined them. She too, embraced him.

       "Especially since Brown had you declared an outlaw" she continued.

       Then a deep voice came from the doorway, "Brown is no longer a problem." said Brandon.

       Talnar's mother gasped as she saw him and Deyarus standing before her. "What are they?" she asked with a terrified tone in her voice.

       "Friends, mother...don't worry." He motioned for the Lits, Camma and Eloe to move closer and then introduced them. Amar greeted each as they were announced, but his mother stayed about three paces away from the Lits. She then turned back to Talnar.

       "Well, now that you are home, I can stop worrying !" Talnar looked away from her for a moment. She could see a sad look in his eyes. At that moment, a guard appeared at the door. The Lits moved out of his way to allow him to pass into the house. He informed Talnar that he had been sent by members of the Council to see if he was in need of anything. Talnar asked him to wait for a moment and then turned back to his mother.

       "I can't stay. Things are happening. Things you couldn't possibly imagine, nor believe! I've been to the other side of the mountain..."

       "No! I won't hear this!" shouted his mother.

       "I'm sorry, mother...I must leave for Normat Forest soon. Now, we must prepare for Ramlord's attack!" The faces of his mother and sister showed the confusion that filled their minds. "I'll explain it all as soon as we have our forces readied." He embraced them both as he finished these words.

       Eloe looked about the room. He felt for Talnar and his family and wished that there were some way that Talnar could be spared from the fate that faced him. "We need a plan, Talnar!"

       The Lostarian looked to the guard who had been standing silently by the door. "Alert the rest of the guards to the danger that we face! Now that the Council has been freed, we can plan our defense." The guard looked to those standing in the room. He had been confused by all that had taken place since the Council had disappeared, but had obeyed what he'd believed to be their command. The only thing that he was certain of at that point was that something big was going to happen in their village. He saluted Talnar and disappeared into the rainy night.

       Camma had been escorted to the upper chambers of the home by Amar and her mother so that she could change into one of Amar's dresses. Talnar had elected to stay by the fire to dry his clothes. He couldn't bring himself to change into dry clothes when the others had to remain in their wet ones. As the women left the room, he turned to Eloe.

       "What happened when we were separated?"

       Eloe told him what had transpired...how he and Talnar were the only survivors of their small party. Talnar grieved as he heard how the others had been ambushed in the forest. He then looked to Brandon and Deyarus who stared at the fire. Brandon's gaze turned to him and Talnar could read the remorse on his face.

       "Don't worry. When Dolnar is defeated, your brethren will be freed, just as you have been. Only then!"

       "You can't imagine what it's like." answered the Lit. "We have no control over our actions. Dolnar must be stopped!" Brandon continued to stare into the fire as he spoke. Eloe was saddened as he listened to the Lit. All his life he had been taught to despise the Lits, but to see these two acting as they were, made him feel ashamed of what he had felt.

       Amar slowly moved down the stairs, followed by her mother and Camma. Talnar was awed by Camma's beauty as she moved closer, wearing one of Amar's white dresses. "Talnar. Stop staring!" said Amar. "You're embarrassing her!"

       Realizing what he was doing, he turned away, looking into the fire. Eloe laughed behind him. Camma stopped when she reached the bottom of the stairs as Amar and her mother carried blankets to those standing about the fire. As Talnar was handed one of them, he looked back to find his mother looking to him with tears in her eyes.

       "Mom!" said Amar. "You promised me that you weren't going to do that!" Talnar placed his hand on his mother's shoulder.

       "I'll be back. Don't worry about me."

       "How can you promise me that? Your father said the same thing just before he left." Her voice cracked and he put his arms around her.

       "I will return. If Dolnar couldn't kill me when he had me in his grasp, he certainly can't hurt me now!" His words couldn't stop the tears that began to slide down her cheeks. "Forgive me, mother...I...We have no choice..."

       Amar moved to her brother's side and began to question him about what he had witnessed on the other side of the mountain. Like all who lived in Lostar, she had believed that there was nothing but desolation and death beyond the mountain. She was awestricken as he told her of Sheleta... Oglethor...Realm...Dorma and all they had encountered. Eloe was amazed at how ignorant they were of his side.

       "I am surprised they could separate you from Kris." said Amar when Talnar told her of how they had gone different ways. Talnar told her of his promise to Dorma and of his encounter with Ramlord/Dolnar. "I had no choice. I was endangering him."

       "Which way did Kari go?" she asked. Talnar looked into the fire for a moment and then looked back to her.

       "I don't know where he is right now." He then turned his gaze back to the fire. Before anyone could say another word, the door burst open and another guard came bounding into the room.

       "Sorry to be so rude, but..." He stopped and looked to the two Lits who stood near the fire.

       "What is it?" insisted Talnar.

       "We've got two more of these folk at the gate. But, they don't talk like these two do."

       "Why are they here now?" asked Eloe.

       "It seems that their "boss" has sent them ahead for some reason."

       "Did they mention when the rest of them will be coming?" asked Talnar.

       "I'm afraid not. As soon as they saw that something was wrong, they shut up!"

       Talnar looked about the room for a moment. "We have to know what's going on." Turning to Brandon and Deyarus, he said, "We'll have to lock you in a cell with them. For the sake of all your imprisoned brothers, we have to find out what Dolnar is planning!"

       "Agreed." said Brandon, "But it may be hard for us to speak in the Tarack influenced tongue."

       Turning back to the guard, Talnar said, "Take them to a cell in the prison and then bring the other two here!" The guard was visibly shaken by the events that were taking place. Seeing this, Deyarus placed his massive hand on the guard's shoulder. Immediately, he pulled away from the creature and looked back to Talnar.

       "Don't worry. Trust me. This is the only way to protect Lostar."

       The guard let out a loud sigh and left the house, followed closely by the two Lits.

       "You can't blame him," said Camma. "It was hard for me to trust them myself."

       "I suppose it would've been hard for me also if I hadn't met Oglethor. I owe him my life."

       After a short wait, the guard returned with the two Lits they had captured at the front gate. It took several guards to hold them still as they stood at the front door in the rain.

       "Well, well, well." spoke Talnar. "Two more for our prison!" The Lits remained silent as they looked to the Lostarian. "Take these two away and lock them up with the others."

       The guards held their swords to their backs as they moved through the rainy streets. Finally, they reached the prison and were led through the corridors until arriving at the cell wherein Brandon and Deyarus had been imprisoned. The guards pushed them into it and then locked the door behind them.

       The guards left the prison and the four Lits looked to one another. Two lighted torches hung upon the wall, lighting the cell as one of the Lits spoke.

       "They is gonna pays for this!"

       "How dids they catch you?" asked Brandon.

       "I don'ts know. They was supposed to lets us in, but as soon as we arrived, they locked us up!"

       "Don'ts worry, though," said the other Lit. When we don'ts return, the Boss'll know that somethin's wrong and he'll attacks the city."

       Silence followed as Brandon and Deyarus reflected upon the situation. If their Lit brothers remained as captives, then Ramlord would know that something was wrong and attack the city. Yet they couldn't let them go now that they had imprisoned them! Neither Brandon nor Deyarus spoke as they looked to the others. Brandon was feeling guilty for deceiving them, but he knew that it was the only way that he could help his people to break away from Dolnar's rule.

       "Does you gots any Tarack?" asked the larger of the two Lits.

       "No, I is afraid nots. We've been without it for a whole day ever since we was put in this prison." replied Deyarus. Brandon caught his breath as Deyarus answered. He hoped that the others didn't catch the mistake he had made.

       "Curse them white skins! How dids they catch yous?" he asked Brandon.

       "We was lost, lookin' for yous after we was wounded. We ended up here and they put us in prison, just likes yous! Where dids you go?"

       "We went west. We hid in the trees. Then the Boss sent us two here. We was supposed to be back there at dawn tomorrow and the Boss was gonna bring the army here the next morning, but since we won't be goin' back, he'll be attackin' tomorrow." The Lit slapped Brandon on the back as he finished his tale. Brandon moved away slowly, realizing that Deyarus' mistake might be noticed. It was!

       "Hey! If yous were in here for a whole day, why is your clothes still wet?" Immediately, the Lit pushed Brandon against the bars of the prison, holding him off of the ground. He was amazed at the awesome strength that the angry creature possessed. Strength that he no longer had since the effects of the Tarack had worn off.

       Deyarus tried to pull him off of his friend, but even his added efforts weren't enough to stop him. Seconds later, Deyarus fell to the ground as the other Lit hit him on the back of the head. Brandon was being thrown against the bars as the Lit became more and more enraged. He was then tossed onto the floor against a limp Deyarus.

       "What'll we do with them, Tol?"

       "Kills'm."

       The smallest of the two grasped Deyarus by the back of the neck for a moment. "It's too lates for this one!"

       "Let's saves this one 'till the Boss gets here. He might let us plays with'm for a while!" The two began a hideous laugh as they considered the fun they would have with Brandon.
^

       The Lostarian Council had been summoned by Talnar. A low drone of voices filled the room as they talked amongst themselves. Talnar rose to his feet, bringing them to silence.

       "My friends, Ned Brown has brought a very grave fate to our home. At this moment, an enemy of incredible power is planning to attack our city. Yet, we do have one chance. He believes there will be no opposition from us. If we hide our army, we can surprise them when they reach the gates..."

       The eldest member of the Council stood and motioned that he wished to speak. "Much of our army is gone. All that remains are the three base Legions."

       "Three?! Ramlord's forces would..." He stopped as he looked about the room. "Yet, we will have the element of surprise." Suddenly, the door burst open as a guard entered the room. Brandon was leaning upon him. Immediately, Talnar rushed to them as the guard said, "I went back to the prison to check up on them. The other one has been killed!" Slowly, Brandon raised his badly beaten head.

       "Tomorrow morning..."

       "What is it?"

       "Ramlord...tomorrow morning..." He let out a loud sigh and then hung his head. Talnar grasped his massive shoulder and looked to the guard.

       "I sent them to the prison." he sighed.

       "The choice was the right one. Don't blame yourself."

       "He's right..." whispered Brandon. "I had to do it...for the sake of my people. Deyarus knew what he was doing, as did I. I must help my people..." Again, his head was bowed.

       The memory of Oglethor filled Talnar's mind as he looked to Brandon. He thought of the Lit race and how they were being used by Dolnar. Brandon began to show signs that he was recovering as he lifted himself from the grip of guards.

       "We're in trouble." he said weakly. "Ramlord is waiting for the two scouts that he sent here to return to him at dawn. Since they won't be, he is going to take it as a sign that all is not well and will lead his attack sometime tomorrow...unless..." Again, his head was lowered. "Unless," continued the beaten Lit, "I go to Ramlord, posing as one of the scouts that he sent here. I'll tell him that everything here is all right." He had to stop as he realized that he would be sending many of his fellow Lits into a trap. But he knew that it would have to be done for the sake of his entire race.

       Talnar looked to the Council for a moment. He then looked back to Brandon was now standing entirely on his own strength. "Prepare to leave at dawn."

       They had concluded their council for the night. He excused himself and left up the stairs to rest in his bedroom. A single candle lit his chamber as he sat upon his bed. The dawn was still hours away and fear filled his heart. A soft knock came to the door and it slowly opened. Amar entered and sat beside him.

       "It troubles me to see you like this..." she said in a gentle voice.

       "I'm worried. No one here knows what it's like to face Ramlord. His voice cuts through your heart like an arrow of ice! Brandon will be in grave danger, but what else can we do?"

       "Much has happened since you left here, Talnar. I'm afraid I don't understand it, but I know you well enough to see that it is important." She reached out to him and they embraced.

       " Our people have no idea of the danger they are in. No one is safe!"

       "And that is why Brandon must go. You should rest for a while. I'll be sure to wake you before he leaves."

       "Yes...I should be rested for tomorrow. Please tell Camma that I wished her a good evening."

       "Of course. I'll see you in the morning." Embracing him again, she left the room, making her way back to the room where the Council and Brandon were making preparations for the morning . She informed them that Talnar was resting and left to find Camma. Gam, the eldest member of the Council, was speaking to the others. "We must learn more about the enemy that we are to face. Until recently, we believed that there was no life beyond the mountain, but it seems that our beliefs have been proven wrong. The Council requests that the one known as Eloe help us to understand the nature of the threat that we face." Eloe rose to his feet and looked to them. He drew a deep breath as he prepared to tell them about places and events that were beyond anything that they had ever before imagined.
^^^ ^^^

       In a dark room, a large figure lay motionless on a stone floor. Evil thoughts of revenge filled his mind as the pain of a sword wound reminded him of a recent encounter with an old enemy. Slowly, painfully, he summoned all of his strength and began to rise. A low growl bellowed from deep within his throat as he cursed the name of the one who had injured him so badly.

       His legs held all of his weight for a moment and then he collapsed to the stone floor, again cursing his enemy. "You were foolishshsh...old one! You have lived too long in the third age! You have forgotten how to kill a Nagard! Run assss fassst asss you can...You won't get far! I will find you and you will feel the wrath of ZZZZagar!!!" Slowly, he lowered his head to the stone floor to wait for his servants to come to his aid.
^^^ ^^^

       A whirling sound echoed through the minds of Gondira, Sibe and Fortice. They found themselves being drawn into a strange void. They could sense Telimen's thoughts reaching out to them, but were unable to focus upon them. As they drifted through the darkness, drawn by an unseen force, they could hear evil laughter coming from the prison beneath Eyama.

       "Greetings, my old companions! At last, the Words are within my grasp!"

       Their journey continued, seemingly without end. The three found they had to use every ounce of their combined strength to keep from drifting apart from one another. Finally, a large surface appeared below them. They found themselves being drawn to it. As their feet touched solid ground, they looked all about the misty darkness. They could see the outline of dead trees and rocky cliffs. Off in the distance stood a small mountain range. As Gondira looked upon it, a frightening sense of recognition pulled at his heart. He didn't speak of it.

       Each was silent as they tried to reach out with their hearts, but found nothing, save the darkness. Suddenly, what appeared to be six red lights approached them. Before long, they realized that they were the eyes of the Ramutes! Soon, they reached them and the three creatures stood towering above them.

       "Welcome to our world! You won't find the Light here! You are on the other side of the Word's power now! The side that Dolnar chose to use!"

       "You can not hold us here!" said Gondira.

       "I'm afraid you're wrong, human! ... very wrong! As long as you have contact with the Words, you will be as much a prisoner here as Dolnar is beneath Eyama!"

       The three Ramutes began to laugh as they unsheathed their black swords. As if with one mind, the Elders turned from them, fleeing into the darkness. They realized that they had to form some kind of defense against the giant creatures. As they disappeared behind the rocks and dead trees, the hideous laughter faded behind them.

       Everything seemed distant as they hurried away. Their thoughts were blurry. They moved to the relative safety of the rock land not far away. They could feel Telimen's thoughts reaching out to them, but they too were hazy and somewhat buried. They soon realized they were very alone in their new prison. Finally, they reached a forest of sharp rocks. Exhausted, they fell to the ground. "It offends me to run from them." said Sibe. "Yet, the Words must be protected!"

       "What can we do?" asked Fortice.

       "Whatever we do," said Gondira, "we've got to do it when we are ready...not before!"

       "Quite correct," agreed Fortice. " We have no choice, but to flee from them for now. Soon..." He paused for a moment, looking into the gloom around them. "Their thoughts are reaching for us! By the Light!" Without hesitation, they continued their retreat toward the small mountain range ahead of them. They felt as if they were half alive as they journeyed toward it. It was difficult to see the ground as a thick layer of black mist covered it like a plane of ebony velvet. Sibe suddenly realized that he was losing his connection with the Light. He was feeling cold and alone and an unusual awareness of the Word he held filled his mind. It seemed to be reaching out to him.

       Gondira and Fortice were experiencing the same thing as they reached the mountain. Slowly, they made their way up the sharp rock. After a few minutes, Gondira stopped them.

       "Can this be...?" He became silent as he looked about the area. He tested the air for a moment and then turned slowly back to his colleagues. "I have been here! ... when Dorma and I were in combat with Nolebes! This is where we fought him! He is bound somewhere on this planet!"

       "Are you sure?" asked Fortice.

       "I suspected it at first, but I hoped I was wrong. Yes, this is the place."

       "We need to know more about what is happening, Gondira." said Fortice. Gondira looked out into the blackness.

       "This world is drawing the Light from my heart!" exclaimed Sibe. "I feel so tired. I've never felt this way before."

       "The Ramutes exist as part of the balance." said Gondira. "As we have seen in the past, the Words are neither good nor evil, but can be used for either. As long as we hold them, the Ramutes are a threat to our very existence. But, they must not be allowed to take them from us!"

        "What can we do?" asked Sibe.

       "For now, we can do little else than flee from them. But I'm afraid they are not the only threat we face!"

       "Nolebes?" asked Fortice.

       "There is no way of knowing how long it has been since I left here. It may have been hundreds of seasons as measured by time here!"

       "If you came here through Death Pass, can we not leave this world using the same route?" asked Sibe.

       "I'm afraid not. The balance was equaled and the Pass was closed. It will be a long time before it will be reopened."

       "Then, we're trapped." said Fortice, half to himself. No one replied. They knew that he was right. They were trapped in this dark world! They scaled the mountain as quickly as they could and the fear of meeting with Nolebes sat uneasily in Gondira's mind. As they moved higher, they found it difficult to breath as the air became heavy with a terrible stench. They found themselves breathing heavier and their hearts filled with worry. For the first time in centuries, they found that they had lost communion with Light.

       Finally, about a third of the way to the top, they reached a plateau. Immediately, they ceased their ascent, sitting upon a large rock. The climb had exhausted them and they found it difficult to catch their breath. They sat uneasily, looking below into the blackness. Each expected to see some movement beneath them, but all was still.

       The gloomy view below brought an emptiness to their hearts. In the silence, they reached out to the Light, but found no reply. They then reached their hands to one another, clasping them tightly. Gondira broke the silence.

       "We were told about this when we agreed to carry the Words. At least Telimen was spared this fate!"

       "As long as he stays in Realm..." added Sibe.

       "He will...He knows that is his fate." said Fortice.

       "I hope..." Suddenly, Sibe stopped. He looked into the darkness and then back to the others. "Dolnar is searching for us!"

       "No!" exclaimed Gondira. "It is Nolebes! I can see his mind! He isn't close, but..." His face suddenly showed great horror. "He is no longer bound! He has been freed! I knew this would happen when we bound him, but I...Yes, of course! We used the power of the Word to hold him, but now that we are here, our side of the Words' strength is weakening. It will be disastrous if he were to find us!"

       Sibe pointed into the blackness below them. "I saw something moving!" They watched for a moment, but could see nothing. "Perhaps I was wrong."

       "Is there any other life on this planet?" asked Fortice.

       "There is...although it isn't life as we know it. There are tribes of mutants and black spirits, but I don't know if they are close by."

       After a few more moments of observing the blackness, they began to move about again. "How long should we wait here?" asked Sibe.

       "I don't think we should wait in any one place for too long." answered Gondira.

       "What about sleep?" asked Fortice.

       "There is none...Not in this land of darkness. In a way, we are always asleep here. Our conscious and subconscious have been separated." The others were stunned for a moment as they contemplated the fate that had been given them. For the next several moments, they remained silent. Once again, Nolebes' mind could be felt searching the area.

       "I don't think it's safe to stay here any longer." Said Gondira. " We'd better move on." The others agreed and they continued up the mountainside.

       As they slowly moved through the darkness the air grew thicker with the musty stench and the rock became soft, almost ash-like. Secretly they cursed their misfortune, but they knew there was no other way for them. Gondira thought of Kristopher and wondered how he was faring. It felt like years had passed since he had watched the young Lostarian and Ton leave Realm on their way to Eyama.

       Looking above them, he could see the outline of the top of the rock mountain. He wondered what they would see when they reached it. He felt tired and dirty and the fear of meeting with Nolebes filled his heart. Every step they took seemed to draw all of their strength and each man wondered if they would be able to reach the top before they collapsed. Suddenly, Sibe stopped them.

       "I heard...or rather felt something beneath my feet!"

       "What was it?" asked Fortice.

       "It felt like a pounding drum!"

       "I felt it too." said Gondira. "Mutants! They are close by!"

       The three looked about but could see nothing but darkness. Cautiously, they continued their ascent, slightly crouched and careful to move silently. Finally, they reached the top. Drained of their remaining energy, they fell to their knees. Gondira was the first to rise to his feet, staring to the right. The others became curious as he gazed silently.

       "What do you see?" asked Sibe.

       "An iron door that seems to lead into the mountainside."

       Fortice moved to his side, looking toward the area Gondira was indicating. He could see its outline as he strained his eyes. "Yes...it is a door! But where can it lead?"

       "Perhaps to safety...perhaps to a mutant tribe..." answered the Elder.

       "Maybe it leads to a refuge!" said Fortice. "We need to rest. The Ramutes can't be far behind and we've got to renew our strength!" Gondira looked all around for a few moments before turning back to the other Elders.

       "We must be careful. There is no way of knowing what we might find inside."

       They moved to the large iron doors. Reaching them, they stared for a moment and pondered what they might find beyond the dark, rusty hatch. Fortice reached for the two handles in the centre and pulled them. The double doors opened smoothly and silently. When they were fully opened, he disappeared inside.

       Before the others could join him, he returned from the darkness. "There's a tunnel just ahead. It seems deserted. It..." He stopped suddenly as all three of them turned around. They had sensed the same thing! Off in the distance, six red lights pierced through the darkness in search of the three Wordlords! Immediately, they entered the doorway, closing it behind them.

       They moved through the absolute blackness, each with their hands extended before him. They found the corridor ahead of them. Their slow pace remained steady until the command to stop was issued. It was Fortice who had been at the fore of the trio. He stopped suddenly.

       "Don't move. I'll be with you in a moment!" Moments later, a faint light appeared before them. It moved closer until the face of Fortice could be distinguished. The hallway continued to grow brighter as Fortice approached them, holding a lighted torch in his hand.

       "I could smell smoke ahead. I found this hanging on the wall. Someone's been here recently!"

       "Mutants!" exclaimed Gondira. "This corridor must lead to their home!"

       "We'd better get out of here!" said Sibe.

       "The Ramutes are outside the door. We can't go that way!" said Fortice.

       "Well, what can we do?" No one was able to offer a suggestion as they considered the situation. Finally, Gondira broke the silence.

       "We have more of a chance facing the mutants than the Ramutes. I think our only chance is to go forward and try to find another way out of here." The others considered his counseling for a moment and agreed that it was their only choice. They continued along the corridor, led by Fortice who held the torch.

       They proceeded for sometime, ready to see mutants beyond every curve the corridor made. The cavern seemed endless as they moved along. Gondira noticed that the hallway was getting wider as they progressed and they found other lighted torches hanging on the walls. Soon each held one before him.

       Their pace began to slow and they looked about uneasily. Silence filled the corridor as each man tensed himself, ready for whatever might be found ahead of them. The corridor continued to widen and they soon found themselves in a large room. Four iron doors were on the wall ahead of them. They stopped in the middle of the room and gazed at the four portals.

       "Which one do we take?" asked Fortice. No reply came as the three stared ahead. Suddenly, the echo of beating drums echoed all around them. It grew louder as it Gondira yelled "Mutants!" Instantly, they moved to the doors. Standing before them, the three froze. "Gondira!" shouted Sibe.

       "I don't know..."

       Without looking back, Sibe opened door to the right. The three moved past it and the room echoed with the crash of the iron door as it shut. They found themselves in another hallway and they immediately began to run through it, fleeing from whoever was beating the drum behind them. _________________________________
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