It   was mid afternoon as Dorma, Redoras, Mul, Perun and a host of about twenty Drompan and Realman warriors moved westward through heavy winds toward Blantum. Their horses showed no sign of fatigue as they galloped onward. They surveyed the area carefully, watching for any movement along the rolling green meadow.

        The driving wind pushed their hair behind them as, high above, white clouds raced across the blue sky. The meadow was broken by small groups of trees, but they became less frequent as they rode closer toward the Blantum Wasteland. Soon, they began to feel even less at ease, realizing there was very little vegetation around them that would hide them from searching eyes. The Blantum wasteland was less than two hours away. It was believed that it had once been a very beautiful land that was full of life. For some unknown reason, it had become this barren place...lifeless and gray. The trees had long since died and very little animal life dared to venture into it. The Lits alone called it home.

        Redoras noticed Dorma looking to the ground as they moved along. He watched as the Realman stared downward for some time, occasionally muttering to himself. He motioned his horse toward him and asked what was troubling him. The tall Realman let out a sigh. "I've been following tracks not made by Lits, but by warriors riding on Realman steeds. I believe there are tracks made by members of the Kastan army as well. At one point, these men had been joined by another army and it appeared as if there had been a battle. Since that point, I have been following the Realman tracks, but their numbers have been greatly reduced to just a handful of men! I believe these are the only Realman survivors!"

        "This is disheartening news!" said the Drompan warrior. "If what you believe is true, then why didn't we see any of the dead?"

        "That has been troubling me as well. I have been concerned ever since you told me that the Lits had taken prisoners back at Jom. That's something they've never done before. I fear that the answer to this question is one we're not ready to accept!"

        Dorma's statement brought Redoras terrified feeling . He thought of his friend Chaldra and the others the Lits had taken. As the two had been speaking, Uluch had been riding close to them and had overheard their conversation. Suddenly, he raised his sword above his head.

        "We must ride to the Blantum gates. They have our people! By the Light!"

        "That would accomplish nothing, old friend..." said Redoras. "We need a better plan if we are to help our captured brothers." He turned to Dorma as he finished these words. "Indeed," added the Realman. "We must follow the trail left by these few Realman soldiers who survived. That way, we will be able to increase our numbers."

        Uluch turned away as Dorma spoke. He was thinking of Chaldra and his heart filled with rage. He let out a sigh and they continued toward Blantum.

        As time passed, the grass beneath their horses' hooves began to slowly disappear, being replaced by hard, dry clay. The area became flat, almost desert-like. No trees grew to protect them from the noon sun and they found themselves growing weary. The trail they followed became harder to see and Dorma had to slow their pace.

        The wasteland was a few miles before them. It seemed to wait for them like a vulture waiting for a wounded man to die. The absence of trees made them feel vulnerable. Unrest filled the ranks and, one by one, they unsheathed their swords. None, but Dorma, had ever dared to venture to this land. Each man's mind filled with memories of tales he had heard about this place.

        Dorma's view stayed fixed upon the clay ground. As they continued, he found that the clay was slowly disappearing, revealing the rock beneath it. He reduced their speed to a slow trot as the trail became almost invisible. He found himself losing it as the clay would temporarily vanish. Suddenly, the clay ended - all that remained was barren rock. The trail was gone!

        Immediately, he halted his horse. The others followed his lead. His gaze met with Redoras. "I have lost them."

        "What can we do?" asked the Dromp.

        "I was hoping that their path would change directions, but I fear that these warriors were unaware of exactly where they were heading..."

        "You mean besides Blantum?"

        "If they continued on this course, they would have to pass through Julot's Plain."

        At the mention of that place, many of the soldiers gasped. "You mean, that place really exists?" asked one of them.

        "Yes..." answered the Realman. "It exists because Julot exists, although his physical form was destroyed many years ago. I'm afraid that we must pass through his domain before we can enter Blantum." He turned towards the other soldiers. "You must all remember one thing - Julot has no power over you unless you allow him to! It is important that you remember that, if we encounter him!"

        "We are not as powerful as you, Dorma." said Redoras. "We might not be able to fight him as you could."

        Dorma looked about the ranks for a moment. Many of the warriors were young men...some very young. He knew that the Dromp was right, but he knew of no other way to enter Blantum without being discovered. The Lits felt protected by Julot and left that area unguarded.

        "If any of you feels that he will be unable to pass through Julot's domain, please step forward now." The ranks became silent as each man looked at the others. None wished to show he was afraid to go to that place although in truth, all of them were. "I will understand, sons. You would be doing your people a better service if you tell me." Again, there was silence. "You are brave men, indeed." he said as he looked to them. "Then we must leave for Julot now..."

        As they rode onward, Perun moved to Dorma's side. "I'm afraid I don't know of this 'Julot'" Dorma's stare stayed fixed ahead of them as they continued forward. "I only know what I have overheard Elders say many years ago. Julot was a scientist and the ruler of a great people. However, he didn't rule them honorably. He conducted gross experiments upon many of them. As far as I could gather, he was eventually overthrown and banished to the place that became known as the Julot Wasteland. Much of what took place is unknown, but I do know that his wasteland power affects the minds of those he encounters."

        Mul had been listening as the Realman spoke. He shuttered as he heard the tale. Dorma's eyes turned back to the rocky ground below in an attempt to find a sign of the trail they had been following earlier. They moved slowly toward the rocky wasteland. Redoras kept a careful watch all around for any Lits who might be patrolling the area. Uluch kept his right hand firmly on his sword. Time passed slowly...

        They finally drew near to the tall rocky mountain. Dorma still hadn't found any sign of the Realman warriors' trail. He knew that it would be impossible to find it now and his gaze lifted from the ground. He looked about and smiled at the young warriors as their eyes met. He could read the fear in their hearts.

        He surveyed the mountain ahead and, after deciding which point of entry into it would be the best, he changed their course and increased their speed. They all knew of the danger that surrounded them. It was possible that a Lit host could be very near. Tension filled them and each man gripped his sword tightly.

        As they neared the mountain, Dorma raised his right hand, bringing them to a halt. He turned to them and paused for a moment. "You are valiant men. Indeed, it is an honor to lead such as yourselves! We have a great mission before us. Although our numbers are few, we must not cease. The Lits have our brothers and in the name of the Light, we must save them!"

        He raised his sword as he finished these words. Each man followed his move. "In the name of the Light!" they answered.
^^^ ^^^

        It was early evening as Dorma brought them to a halt. "Julot Wasteland is just ahead. Remember what I told you. Julot has no power over you unless you allow him to."

        Each man looked to the plain ahead of them. It stretched to the base of the small mountain range and right to left as far as the eye could see. Their horses grew restless as they looked across the barren land. An inexplicable feeling filled their hearts. A mysterious fear that seemed to envelope them.

        "This is an illusion." said Dorma. "You must ignore it! Remember the Light! Follow me and do not stop for any reason!" Slowly, cautiously, they entered Julot's plain. Immediately their horses became unnerved and they had to fight them to continue. Once they were within the wasteland, everything outside of it appeared to change...to grow distant. The sky seemed to close in upon them and they grew very cold. Their horses continued to fight them and they found themselves struggling to remain upon them.

        Suddenly, eerie voices began to call out to them. They cried strange warnings of dangers that were ahead of them. Many were prepared to leap from their steeds until Dorma called to them. "Stand fast. These are only voices. They can not harm you! Follow me and fill your minds with memories of home!"

        Each of the riders fought to remember their homelands, but the terrifying voices grew louder. Suddenly, they found their minds were filled with memories, but they were distorted and evil images. They saw their families being devoured by evil creatures. They could see the ground crumbling and their homes falling into them. The horror began to overtake many of them. Again, Dorma called out to them.

        "We are almost through the plain! Hang on for just a few more moments!" The force that was trying to stop them saw that they had neared the edge of the plain and began to invade their minds with more fear. Dorma and Redoras alone seemed to have the strength to resist the visions.

        Every agonizing step brought them closer to the end of the wasteland. The young warriors screamed in terror and Dorma continually urged them on. Many of them had reached the limits of their strength as they continued to battle their fear. Suddenly, Dorma turned to find two of them preparing to leap from their steeds.

        "No!" But it was too late. The two leapt from their horses to the muddy wasteland below. Immediately, they began to shriek as the unseen force began to fill them with even greater terror. Holding their hands over their ears, they began to run toward the edge of the barren land. Suddenly, they stopped. Each man drew a dagger from his boot and, before anyone could move, they pierced their own hearts. Immediately, they fell lifelessly to the ground.

        The rest of them stared in disbelief. Again, Dorma spoke. "Redoras and I shall bring them out of Julot's plain. The rest of you continue to the other side. The power here can no longer affect you. Julot has been satisfied."

        Even as he spoke, they felt their minds being freed and their horses growing calm. With a single motion from each rider, their steeds led them quickly and safely from Julot's wasteland. As Dorma and Redoras reached the two dead soldiers, they noticed that they held peculiar looks upon their faces.

        "They've joined with the others." said Redoras.

        "Yes. Now our burden is greater. The Words must be reunited so these men and the others that Julot holds will be freed!" Suddenly, a deep voice bellowed, shaking the entire wasteland.

        You shall not unite them, puny insect!! These two and all the others will join my army when Dolnar, Nolebes and I are one in the Words. You will all fear the power of Julot. A power far beyond your own!!"

        "You are the puny one!" called out Dorma. If you are such a power, then why are you trapped in this wasteland?"

        "You are a fool, Realman! I shall not be trapped here much longer! As soon as Dolnar defeats you, he shall free Nolebes and me. What a force that will be. We will travel together conquering all we find and take their power, their lives, their hatred ... to replenish our own!!"

        "I don't fear you, Julot! I know that you have no dominion over those who believe that you don't! Those like myself who know the secret will oppose you!"

        "You don't have the power, Realman! You will be mine, just these two are!" As Julot finished these words, the two warriors who had killed themselves, disappeared. Julot's laughter followed. Then there was silence. Dorma and Redoras turned back to the others who had watched from the other side of the plain. The two led their horses to them, leaving the wasteland behind.

        "Where are they?" Mul asked Dorma.

        "They are Julot's prisoners within his own prison. We must continue if we are to do our part. This is much worse than I imagined. We mustn't hesitate for a moment." answered Dorma in a very sullen tone.

        The sun was setting behind the Blantum mountains as the party neared the foothills. The travelers were still stunned by their encounter with Julot and mourned the loss of their friends. Dorma didn't allow his face to reveal the feeling of hopelessness that filled his heart.

        He reduced their speed, leading them directly toward the point of entry into the mountain which he had decided upon long before. Finally reaching it, they gazed up the massive gray stone that rose hundreds of feet above them. Slowly, he turned to them.

        "May the Light shine a bright fortune upon us all, my friends. Our horses must be released now. The rest of our journey through the mountain will be on foot." Promptly, they released their horses. Dorma pointed to the lowest peak above them and continued. "Our steps shall lead us to that crown. Beyond lies Blantum...beyond are our imprisoned brothers!"

        "In the name of the Light!" was the reply.

        Their steps were placed slowly and carefully as Dorma led them cautiously up the mountainside. Uluch and Redoras were close behind. Their minds were filled with worry as they contemplated what they might find when they reached the top. Uluch issued a silent prayer that Chaldra would be unharmed if and when they found him.

        As each minute passed, the sun set deeper behind the mountain and darkness began to creep out of the cracks and holes, surrounding them. Their pace began to slow and they found it necessary to strain their eyes to see Dorma's handsome features. His powerful body reassured them of his strength as a leader against the Lits or any other enemy that opposed them.

        It soon became difficult to continue and they slowed almost to a halt. As they reached a plateau, he brought them to a dead stop. It was too dark to continue. "We will camp here until dawn. One small fire may be lit to warm ourselves, but it must be kept low." The exhausted warriors were relieved to hear that they were stopping and quickly began setting up a small camp.

        They found a small alcove where a fire could be lit and they were soon warming their cold bodies next to it. A multitude of stars surrounded a new moon in the cloudless sky. It was a cold evening as, one by one the young warriors began to fall asleep.

        After about an hour, Redoras heard a noise and turned to find Dorma staring into the night. Immediately, the Dromp approached him and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. The warrior turned. The dim light of the fire illuminated his face, revealing a troubled look. The only sounds that filled the evening were that of the small fire and a light breeze that blew across the rocks. Finally, he spoke.

        "Some day, the fighting will end. Some day, there will be no need for 'warriors' or cities surrounded by walls. On that day, I shall have a long awaited rest. I will visit with Hemma and prepare for my union with the Light."

        "We all await that day, old friend. But I sense that something else is troubling you."

        "Yes. I know Ramlord. He's no fool. I'm concerned that these mountains may be guarded. I am convinced that we aren't alone and I don't want to lead these young men into a trap."

        "They all knew the risk when they agreed to follow. You do have a reputation for walking headlong into the arms of danger. These men feel that being led by you is the greatest honor they could possibly experience, even if it brings them their death."

        "I am only a man. Redoras, I..." Suddenly, he became silent and looked into the darkness. A look of great concern came to his face and he turned back to his Dromp friend. "Someone is nearby. Guard the camp while I take a look around."

        Before Redoras could say a word, Dorma disappeared into the darkness. As his hurried steps faded into the night, a frightening silence fell over the camp. Redoras felt his heart beating strongly as he silently unsheathed his sword. The flame from the small fire danced off of its brilliance as he held it before him.

        He wanted to follow Dorma, but he knew it was best that he stay to guard the camp. Every moment seemed to last forever as he stared into the ebony night. Suddenly, he heard movement behind him. In one motion, he turned with his sword held before him defensively. It was Uluch.

        "What's wrong?" asked Realm's second-in-command. "Where's Dorma?"

        "He's just looking about the area to ensure that we're safe. I don't like this place."

        "Nor do I. It reminds me of..." His words were cut short as the sound of a breaking twig filled the night air. Immediately, Uluch's sword appeared.

        "Quickly," whispered Redoras. "Put out the fire and alert the others." Without a word, Uluch ran through the campsite. Within minutes, the fire was extinguished and every man was on his feet, holding his sword before him. Uluch returned to Redoras. The Dromp looked about the ranks and said, "We will stand in a circle, shoulder to shoulder...facing into the darkness. That way, no one could gain entry into our camp without being seen."

        Moments later, they stood as Redoras had instructed. Silence covered the camp like a heavy blanket. Each man tensed himself and prepared for whatever was to follow. Redoras continued to stare in the direction that Dorma had vanished, hoping that he would return. Suddenly, the night darkness was filled with Lit screams followed by the clashing of steel against steel. The Lits had found them!!

        The battle raged fiercely, but the Lits greatly outnumbered them. More and more of the creatures appeared, many holding lighted torches. Soon, the young warriors were completely surrounded. The fighting stopped for a moment as they looked to one another. Suddenly, one of the Lits stepped forward.

        "Surrenders, white skin! There's no escape. Surrenders now and we'll makes it easier on you!"

        "We will never yield to you, Lit!" screamed Redoras.

        "We'll die first, scum!" yelled another.

        "Yes, you will." The Lit began a hideous laughter followed immediately by the others. They then attacked the small army. Many Lits fell in the battle, but the young warriors were greatly outnumbered and soon found themselves overtaken and bound. Redoras was the last to be overpowered.

        Sixteen of the warriors remained alive and all were bound feet to hands. A small wooden pole was then placed between them and they found themselves being carried away like captured animals. Great pain filled their limbs causing many of them to moan. This brought great joy to their captives. Horror filled their minds as the Lits made jokes about their future. Redoras wondered where Dorma had gone to, concluding that he probably awaited him in Blantum as a captive himself.
^

        The march continued upwards, along the plateau. By early dawn, they reached the top which was a flat surface that stretched out for miles. It was broken only occasionally by small peaks and large holes. The sun showed hints of the dawn's approach and silhouetted their captives.

        The pain in their arms and legs got worse with each step. Many of the younger warriors passed out from the strain. The others began to cry out. This brought their captors great pleasure. Redoras alone remained silent. Memories of his home in Sheleta filled his heart. He lamented greatly as he realized that he had been unable to rescue any of his friends and allies that were already in Blantum. A tear slid down the side of his face and fell to the rocky ground beneath his back.

        They stopped occasionally so their carriers could be replaced, but the rest was very brief. He noticed an anxious look come to many of the Lits' faces as they stopped. They appeared to be searching the area fearfully. The Lits' steps seemed to come much more cautiously. They began to make fewer stops as they headed for the end of the peak/plateau. Suddenly, a sound echoed through the air. It was a blast from Dorma's horn. It was followed by another one, this from a trumpet not known to Redoras.

        The Lits flew into panic. Many of them dropped the bound warrior they carried. All around, Lit captains barked out commands for them to remain, but many of them still ran away. Again, Dorma's trumpet blared and Redoras turned to the north to find him approaching. Behind him was a large group of warriors. Suddenly, many of the Lits fell to the rocky ground with arrows lodged into their chests. Seconds later, Dorma arrived.

        The sound of battle rang out through the misty morning, but it wasn't a long one. The Lits were greatly outnumbered. None were spared as the attackers slashed them without mercy. One by one, the bound warriors were released. They began to massage their aching limbs. Dorma released Redoras and the two grasped forearms.

        "Thank the Light that you found us!" exclaimed the Dromp.

        "I thought I had lost you forever when I returned to the camp and you weren't there." As Dorma finished these words, they were joined by a tall soldier with long brown hair that hung shoulder length. Redoras looked to the emblem on his chest.

        "Isam?"

        "Yes...Isam Shanna..." Redoras was amazed to hear a woman's voice.

        "I am the leader of the Shakka."

        Redoras knew of the Shakka. They were a group of nomad women warriors. Their home had been destroyed by the Lits. Now dedicated their lives to killing them.

        "Follow me to the shelter." instructed Isam as she turned to the north. Moments later, they traveled along the flat mountain peak. Their trek lasted less than an hour as they moved swiftly through rocky cliffs and plateaus. Isam led the small army to a ledge that wound along the side of a tall cliff. To their right below them, the rocky mountainside fell about one hundred feet. The ledge was only wide enough to allow three of them to march side by side.

        They ventured slowly until Redoras noticed that those ahead of him were disappearing into the rock wall on their left side. He soon found that it was a large opening in the mountain. As he passed through it, he found himself in a huge room. It was more than a cave. It appeared to be a man-made dwelling. Many warriors sat around a fire that burned in the centre of the room. He realized how hungry he'd become as he viewed them passing around food to one another. He moved to the area where Isam and Dorma were sitting and was invited to join them as they were in conference.

        "My warriors and I are at your disposal, Dorma..."

        "Thank you, old friend. With our forces united, we will be able to free many of our imprisoned brothers and sisters."

        "Many Lits have died by our swords," continued Isam. "We attack them at night when they are most vulnerable. But, we have been unable to gain entry into their city to free those held trapped by the enemy!"

        Dorma turned to Redoras who had been listening. "These women are all that remains of the Shakka legion sent to protect Kasta."

        "Yes," added Isam," we never reached the city. We were attacked near Julot, but I vow to you that we would rather die than to cease our attempts to free our sisters!"

        "Now your attacks shall be more powerful!" said the Dromp. "We shall be with you!" A wide smile came to Isam's face.

        "After we have eaten, we'll prepare to leave for the city. Somehow, we must find a way into it. Somehow, we must pass through their walls!"
^^^ ^^^ ^^^

        Gondira, Sibe and Fortice raced past the iron door running along a small corridor. The sound of heavily beaten drums followed them as the flames rising from their torches waved fiercely. Their minds reeled with thoughts that were very foreign to them. Thoughts of hopelessness and despair...thoughts of separation. Each man took a deep breath and tried to clear these feelings.

        Their steps, echoed throughout the hallway. Although their bodies pleaded with them to slow down, they continued to move quickly onward. The fear of being caught by the mutants led them forward. They lost all sense of time as they continued. Finally, Sibe fell to the stone floor. Immediately, the others ceased their race and all three began struggling to catch their breath.

        They began to breathe easier as the seconds passed. Finally, Fortice broke the silence. "I can feel the minds of the Ramutes searching for us!"

        "I feel them too..." added Sibe. "What can we do, Gondira?"

        "We must face them soon. Time is different here than it is at home. We have been running for years and for moments. We can't afford to run forever . We may get caught in a time cycle that could be the death of our world's hopes. The only thing that I am sure of is that Dolnar still holds the Word. The Ramutes would be powerless against us if he didn't."

        A sense of helplessness filled their fear-battered hearts. Suddenly, the roar of beating drums once again filled the corridor. "We must continue..." whispered Gondira. Again, they retreated, although their pace was slowed by the exhaustion that filled them. Memories of their home entered their minds, but they were dark and distant visions. Sibe felt himself filling with greater despair and he fought the feeling with every ounce of strength he still possessed.

        Gondira soon realized that no matter how quickly they moved, the volume of the drums still increased. Suddenly, they reached a fork in the corridor and they came to a halt.

        "Which way should we go?" asked Sibe. No answer came. The drums grew louder as they looked from one route to the other. Finally, Fortice spoke.

        "This way!" he said as he pointed to the passage to the left. Seconds later, they were moving along that access. A multitude of thoughts raced through their heads, all passing too quickly to be brought into focus. None had any idea how long they has been running as they pushed their exhausted bodies past their limit. They didn't look behind them as they moved along the corridor.

        As they ran farther along, they found that the hallway began to wind to the left and right much more frequently. Fortice, who was at the head of them, felt a cold chill upon his face. Moments later, the others shared the same sensation. A peculiar feeling filled them. A dark presence was searching for them!

        The coldness of the corridor increased and they began to shiver. Their torches were waving much more fiercely, causing their shadows to dance on the wall beside them. A large right hand curve appeared ahead of them. As they rounded it, what they found horrified them. The passage ended as it reached a large room. As they entered it they found that the door that they passed through was the only way in or out of it! The ceiling was much too high to be seen clearly, but they could feel a cold breeze blowing from somewhere high above them. They searched every inch of the walls that surrounded them, but they could see no other way out!

        Suddenly, a great gust of wind blew from above them. It was far stronger than any they had ever encountered. They found themselves lying on the floor. Their torches were blown out by the fierce blast and the room became black! Each man gasped as he realized what had happened.

        "Our only hope lies in the passage that was on the right side!" exclaimed Gondira. "We must get back to it immediately!"

        "But how?" asked Sibe. We have no light!" His voice revealed the horror that he was feeling inside.

        "We have no choice, brother." said Fortice. "We will find it."

        Without the lighted torches, they were blind. Gondira moved back toward the hallway they had traveled along. As he reached it, he called out to the others to follow him. The echoing of his voice in the stone room made it difficult to focus upon his voice, but they soon reached him. "This way..." he whispered and moments later they left the room.

        Their right hands were placed against the wall of the passage as they made their way along it. Moving sightlessly, their hearts pounded in their throats. Suddenly, the low murmur of drums could once again be heard. Desperation sped them onward. They knew that they would have to reach the intersection of the two passages before the mutants did. The black cavern echoed with the sound of their boots striking against the stone floor.

        The rhythm grew louder as the seconds passed. Sibe broke into cold sweat, but wouldn't allow his concentration to be affected. His hand stayed against the stone wall of the corridor. The drums grew louder and they echoed wildly through the hallway. As the moments passed, they found that the passage was moving in a much straighter line and the movement through it became easier. They neared the junction and the drums seemed to be coming from every direction. Finally, a dull light appeared ahead of them. Their eyes focused upon it as they headed directly toward it. Nothing but the light mattered. The hallway grew lighter with every step they took.

        Minutes later, they reached the juncture. The drums echoed loudly through the corridors, but it was impossible to tell where they were coming from. Without hesitation, they moved along the passage on the right. It was lit up by torches hanging on the wall. Gondira searched his memory for a moment, but the same realization came to him every time. The torches hadn't been there before! Suddenly, he stopped them.

        "This is a trap!" As they stood for a moment, the drumming stopped. The corridor became silent as they looked in both directions. Then a single drum began to beat ahead of them. They turned to retreat, but another drum began to answer the call from the other direction.

        "We're surrounded!" exclaimed Fortice. The drums began to beat louder. They could tell that they were moving closer to them from both sides. The Elders grasped the Words they held. As they touched them, they were filled with a sense of total defeat.

        Moments later, the mutants reached them from both sides. They were very ugly creatures, each standing about eight feet high. Their bodies were covered with a strange fur-like hair that grew about an inch long. Their heads were hideously misshapen and no two were alike. Their noses were flat and a horrible grunt sounded from their throats. Suddenly, one of them approached them.

        "Why is you come here?"

        "We were forced here by our enemies." answered Gondira.

        "Red eyes?" No reply followed. "You come with us. We is find out what to do!"

        "Who are you taking us to?" asked Fortice.

        "Our master...Nolebes!" With the uttering of that name, their hearts grew cold. Terror filled their minds as they looked about for a way to escape. There was none. Immediately, other mutants approached them each holding a rope in their hands. Moments later, the Elders were bound. They were then led through the corridor.

        After a short walk, they arrived at a tall doorway and were pushed through it. A quick survey revealed that they were in a massive room. The outer walls were lined with mutants who stood facing the centre of the room. All eyes were upon them. A dark figure stood before them. A frightening laugh filled the room as he approached them.

        His face was covered behind a black hood, but Gondira knew who it was.

        "Welcome, Gondira. My, my, my. Didn't think you'd see me so soon, did you? It certainly is good to see you again!"

        "A feeling that I do not share." answered the Wordlord.

        "Humor! That arrogant tone in your voice will soon fade. I have a fate prepared for you that will make sure of that! No, I'm sure you didn't expect to be brought here. However, I did!" An evil laughter followed as he looked to the Elders.

        "You don't have that kind of power!" said Sibe.

        Nolebes smiled. "That is true, but Dolnar does and I have learned to connect with his mind! He doesn't even know that I am influencing his thoughts. Oh, I don't have the power to control him, but I can place thoughts in his mind and allow him to believe that they are his own! It has been wondrous! Now that I have you and the Words you possess, I shall wait until he defeats the Tull and trick him into giving his Word to me!"

        "You can never take the Words from us!" exclaimed Sibe.

        "Yes, I realize that! I can not take them from you, but that doesn't matter. I have a plan that can't fail! I don't have the power to take them, but the Ramutes do. And when they have them, I will take the Words from them. I do have the power to do that!"

        "You can't possibly succeed, Nolebes!" exclaimed Fortice.

        "We shall see. We shall see. But that is not important now. No, now I have something far more important to attend to." His gaze turned to Gondira. "Revenge! My vengeance shall be just! I will simply be repaying you for the pain you have caused me!"

        He paused for a moment and then raised his hands. A low drone of mutant voices filled the room and he immediately silenced them. Three chains began to lower from the ceiling high above them. One came from above each Elder.

        "My death shall change nothing!" said Gondira.

        "Death?? Who said anything about killing you??? I'm no fool! Believe me, you will be praying for death when I am finished with you!" As he finished these words, the chains reached the Elders. Nolebes commanded three of the mutants to attach them to their hands which were still tied behind their backs. Nolebes raised his hands once more and the Elders felt the chains rising. Great pain flowed through their arms and shoulders as they lifted them from the ground. None of them cried out, knowing that it would please their captor. Slowly, the Realmen rose higher.

        The pain was unbearable as they hung a few feet above Nolebes' head. "Do you feel it, Gondira? The pain that you caused me. Feel it insect and know the agony of Nolebes' revenge!! This is only the beginning! I have prepared much more for you. My vengeance will be complete! Now you shall hang until you have endured all of the agony that I did when I was bound.

        He raised his arms and they rose higher. After a few moments, they reached the high ceiling. It was very cold and damp. The Words that they bore were reaching out to them, but their call was too weak and distant to be heard. The pain in their arms increased as the seconds passed. Soon, Sibe began to moan. Gondira wished he could reach out to him. Suddenly, they were surrounded by scores of bats. The Elders could hear Nolebes laughing far below them and Gondira concluded that they were there by his command.

        The bats began to strike them as they flew all about. They hit against their unprotected faces and blood began to drip from them. As the seconds passed, more and more of them appeared. Many began to land on the Elders. They tried to get them off by shaking their heads, but this only brought more pain. Soon, their entire bodies were covered with them as they fought to get beneath their clothing. Below, Nolebes laughed louder.

        They remained this way for what seemed like a lifetime. Their shoulders, arms and backs were numb from the pain. They all moaned heavily. Just as they thought they could no longer take the agony, they felt themselves being lowered. The scraping of chain against stone echoed through the room as the three exhausted men moved lower.

        With this movement, the bats that had found their way beneath their clothing began to scratch madly to escape. Gondira felt their claws ripping his skin and he cried out. As they reached the floor, the last of the bats exited. The Elders fell to the floor and Nolebes laughed as he looked to the helpless men.

        "I would have liked to let you stay up there longer, but I've been told that your friends are nearby. I don't want them to find you until I've had time to complete my task!" He then turned to five mutants who stood by his side. "Take them to the cell. I'll continue with my revenge when the Ramutes leave the area!" Immediately, they did as their master instructed them.

        "Anad!!!" Instantly, a mutant approached him. "Take two others with you and watch the creatures with the red eyes. Tell me when they go away!"

        "I is do as my master tells me..."

        "Be careful that they don't see you!" They bowed as they left the room.
*

        In a cold, dark cell, three exhausted men were lying painfully upon the stone floor. Sibe moaned in agony, but the others were unable to move to his side to help him. Fortice looked to Gondira. "We must find a way to stop him..." Gondira knew his friend was right, but he feared that they were powerless to stop him. A great sigh passed through his lips and he tried to move closer to Sibe who continued to moan. _________________________________
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