The   second full day of hit and run attacks was coming to an end as Dorma and Redoras lay, exhausted in their hidden shelter within the cavern. Many Lits had been killed during their raids - only three Realmen soldiers had lost their lives. It was now the fifth day since they had left Realm, yet it seemed to many of them as if they had been there for years. Redoras longed to leave the desolate land, but would not for he knew that many of his friends were being held within the walls of Blantum.

        As he lay upon the stone floor, his limbs ached from the strain of constant battle. Dust covered his entire body. He, like the others, was unable to wash it off as water was very scarce. As he prepared to sleep, memories of his home filled his fatigued mind. He missed the multicolored forests that surrounded his village, the gently flowing waters, the green meadows. There were none of these here. There was nothing but desolation. He slowly closed his eyes and began to drift into sleep.

        Suddenly, a young Shakka warrior burst into the room, tripping over his sleeping body. Before Redoras could scold her, the warrior leapt to her feet and ran to Dorma's side.

        "What has you so excited that you can not apologize to Redoras, Amide?"

        "Forgive me, sir ... I have found a way to pass beyond the Blantum walls! While scouting the northern section as Isam instructed, I found a passage that led me beneath the ground. I followed it for quite some time until I reached the end. When I looked out the other side I found I was within the city! There were no guards within sight! I saw many of our allies chained to one another!"

        "Indeed ..." answered the Realman. "You have done well. How far is it to this passage?"

        "If we leave now, we will reach the city by the time it gets dark."

        "Excellent! Send out word immediately!" The young warrior saluted and left the room to ready their forces. Redoras moved to his friend's side. He found that the prospect of entering the city and freeing his comrades caused his fatigue to disappear.
^

        Redoras and Dorma left the cavern as the army was preparing to leave. Arriving at the ledge just outside of the doorway, they saw Isam and her small party heading toward them. They reached one another and Dorma informed them of Amide's find. The Shakka warriors became quite excited. Minutes later, all were ready to leave. They immediately headed northward with Amide at the lead, followed closely by Redoras and Dorma. Great enthusiasm filled the ranks as they thought about reaching their brothers, sisters and friends who were the Lits' prisoners. Few words were spoken and, although their hearts were filled with great joy, they didn't lose sight of the fact that they were in great danger as they moved along the barren mountain peak.
^^^

        Amide led them for a few hours until they reached the remains of a dead forest. Bare trees and brown grass surrounded them and the smell caused them to gag. Their pace remained steady as she changed their course toward the west. The rotting forest bore an eerie look, like death itself. They found themselves moving much more cautiously. Dorma turned to Redoras and whispered "This devastation was caused by the foolishness of another age. If it weren't for the wisdom of a few sages, our entire planet would look like this..."

        Redoras viewed the area. He was thankful that his home had been spared this fate. He prayed that they would be delivered from it very quickly. They continued westward until Amide brought them to a halt.

        "We are close", she said, "however, the cavern is only wide enough for one of us to enter one at a time..." Immediately, Dorma issued the command for them all to continue in a single line. After a few moments, they reached a hole in the rocky ground. Instantly, Amide climbed into it and disappeared into the darkness. She was followed closely by Dorma, Redoras, Isam and then the young soldiers. The darkness much too deep to see anything and their pace slowed greatly. Redoras found himself growing fearful as the blackness surrounded him. He expected to meet up with a Lit scouting party at every turn.

        A musty smell filled the rocky cavern and they were soon gasping to catch their breath. The rocky floor was difficult to walk upon and their pace slowed more. Redoras' right shoulder rubbed gently against the wall of the passage. His left hand was placed before him to help guide him through the twist and turns that the cavern made.

        The echo of their footsteps filled the darkness. Apprehension filled the ranks as they moved along, but the thought of their friends being held captive helped to move them onward. Once again, memories of home filled Redoras' heart as he fought to breath the stale air. They continued endlessly through the eerie darkness. Each felt the effects of difficult travel through the rocky cavern. Finally there came the command for them to halt. Redoras became excited as he thought of leaving the darkness. Dorma turned to him, speaking just above a whisper.

        "The night's darkness will give us shelter. You, Amide, Isam and I will search the area. The others must remain here until we return for them. If we are not back before dusk, they are to search for our imprisoned brethren."
^

        The word was passed quickly. Many protested Dorma's commands, arguing that they wished to accompany their leader Isam. Their protest was unanswered as the four left the passageway and moved through the city of darkness. There were no stars shining above them, nor did the moon offer its light. Redoras thought that they must've been hidden behind clouds until he noticed that it was a thick layer of dark mist that hid their light. All around them they could hear the sound of screaming Lits and their terrified prisoners.

        Quickly, the four moved towards the source of some of the screaming which was a large stone and wood building just ahead of them. Flickering light cascaded from two small windows that faced them. They moved cautiously toward the structure and the voices became much louder. They each became enraged as they could hear those inside being tormented. Almost in unison, four swords were unsheathed and held before them. Finally, they arrived at the windows.

        Slowly, the heads of Dorma and Redoras moved up the wall toward the bottom of the window on the right. As their eyes reached the broken glass, light shone onto their faces and momentarily blinded them. Slowly and painfully their eyes adjusted to the illumination and they gazed into the building. Horror filled them as they witnessed what was within. Redoras felt his rage increase as he saw many of his fellow Dromps chained to walls. They were being whipped and beaten simply for pleasure of their captors. Dorma joined him in his rage as he viewed other captives, many Realmen, in obvious pain. Redoras felt his knuckles tighten as he gripped his sword. Dorma put his hand upon the Dromp's shoulder and led him back to Isam and Amide who were a few steps behind them. Dorma immediately informed them that there were no Shakken inside.

        "I counted three Lits in the room." said the Realman. Quickly, he led them to a door that was just past the windows. As they reached the rusted iron entrance, they stopped for a moment. Dorma drew a deep breath and reached for the handle. As he grasped it, he turned to his companions who understood the story told in his expression. Instantly, the door flew open and they leapt into the room. The look of disbelief vaulted from the eyes of the three Lit guards who immediately unsheathed their swords. Quickly, the four moved toward them. Their looks of intense hatred filled the Lits with fear and they stepped back.

        "There is no escape for you ... you filth!!" cried Redoras as he thought of those whose lives had already been taken by the creatures. The Lits grew more frightened as fire leapt from the Dromp's blue eyes. One of them dropped his sword and fell to his knees and began to beg for mercy. Rage filled Redoras as he looked to the groveling creature. He could not find it in his heart to forgive him for what he had witnessed when he had stared through the window. In one motion his sword rose and fell and head of the creature fell to the ground. The chained prisoners began to cheer as red blood flowed onto the floor. Suddenly, Dorma cried out.

        "Redoras! Hold fast! Remember Oglethor! These creatures are bewitched!"

        "They're better off dead then! I cannot forgive them for what they have done!"

        "Killing them won't change any of that!. "

        "Perhaps not, but I know that I will sleep much better tonight." Redoras looked to the other terrified Lits. He wanted to kill them the same as he had killed their fellow guard, but he moved a step back instead. "I will spare these two as you wish. You are in command here, but I am sure that this is a mistake!"

        "Perhaps so, but believe me, when this has ended, you will be glad that you didn't give in to your rage."

        "I doubt that." he said under his breath. Dorma then approached the two others who were shaking as they looked to the Realman.

        "Give me the key that will release these prisoners!"

        The tallest of the two answered him. "We don'ts got it...they does!"

        "Who?" The two Lits looked to each other for a moment. The look of terror could clearly be seen in their eyes.

        "Them..."

        "I tire of this, Lit! Tell me where I can find the one with the key so we can free these men! " demanded Redoras.

        "You can'ts finds 'em! And ifs ya does, they'll kills ya with their eyes!"

        "Enough of this!" We must..." Redoras stopped as he heard the door open behind him. All eyes turned that way and gasps could be heard from everyone in the room. Standing just inside the doorway was a Skullot! Two Lits were on each side of him as he moved closer to them.

        "I told you we should've killed these two. Now we're outnumbered!" cried Redoras. Just as he finished these words, a thin beam of red light shone from the Skullot's eyes knocking Redoras into the stone wall behind him. Dorma became furious as Redoras slowly slumped to the floor.

        "You'll pay for this!"

        The Skullot began to laugh as he looked to the Realman. "I'm afraid it won't be you who shall be making the payment human!" Its evil laughter continued as Dorma, Isam and Amide found that they were unable to move. It then turned to one of the Lits standing on its right side and then pointing at Dorma said "He will be the next one killed...And kill these two guards for being such cowards. I want the rest of the guards to see that this won't be tolerated!"

        The two Lits who were still on their knees found that they too were paralyzed. The Skullot turned to leave the room and two of the Lits he had brought with him dragged the two guards with them. Others began to drag Dorma and his small fellowship outside as well. As they reached the front of the building, they lost consciousness.
^^^

        Slowly, Dorma began to focus on shapes that surrounded him. He was pleased to find that the paralyses had left him, although the joy was short lived as he realized that his left leg was chained to the wall. He surveyed the room, discovering he and the others were in a small dungeon chained to the wall below a small window. He tried to arouse them, but none of them moved. He pulled upon his chain with all of his strength. Suddenly, he felt hope leap into his heart. The chain that bound him was becoming dislodged as he yanked upon it. He became excited as dust and small pieces of the wall fell from the area that the chain was connected. Suddenly, it pulled away from the wall. He was free!

        Immediately, he tried to loosen the others, but found that their chains were secure. He struggled for several moments and heavy sweat poured from his forehead. He soon surrendered to the fact that their chains were not going to pull from the wall as his had. He continued to try even after he realized that it was useless. He attempted to bring his friends to consciousness, but none of them responded. He considered what he should do. He thought for a moment and then realized that the only way they could be freed would be for him to return to the rest of their small army and bring the others there. With enough help, he could break the chains.

        For a moment he considered the Skullot. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he felt that something was strange about it. Something was unusual about its eyes. He searched his thoughts for a few moments, but no answer came. Finally, he said his good-byes to his unconscious friends. He stopped just inside the door. He assumed that there would be guards close by and that he would have to battle a few Lits to complete his escape. He tensed his body and threw the door open. He held the chain in his right hand to use as a weapon when he faced the guards. He leapt from the building and stood poised for battle. Dawn was upon the city of Blantum as he realized that he was alone!

        "What is this?" he thought. "Surely the Skullot knows who I am, yet there have been no guards posted here!" He looked all about the surrounding ruins. There was no movement - he was alone!" This was too easy!" he thought as he gazed about. He focused upon the building that they had been in when they had encountered the Skullot. Suddenly, a dark thought entered his mind and he ran back into the building from which he had just escaped.

        He immediately moved to the place in the wall where his chains had been attached. A close observation revealed that his binds had been tampered with! They wanted him to escape! They were going to follow him back to the place where the others were in hiding! Once again, he shook his companions, but they didn't move. He had been released from the spell that had caused him to lose consciousness. He hadn't awoken from it!

        He thought back to his encounter with the Skullot. There was something strange about it - something ancient - something unknown, yet known. His mind was filled with indecision. If he was being watched, then there was no escape. He thought for a moment and then came to a hard decision The soldiers that had stayed behind had been instructed to move into the city at dusk if he didn't return. They would be preparing to do so now. Daylight (if this dull gray illumination could be called that) was now arriving!

        He immediately left the building. He looked momentarily towards where the rest of his small army would soon be coming and then began running in the opposite direction. As he moved through the ruins, he tried unsuccessfully to figure out what it was about the Skullot that he had felt was so peculiar.

        The city was still covered by the heavy layer of black mist and it was still quite dark and dreary. The small Shakka army, now under the command of Thebor, quickly exited from the cavern wherein they had been impatiently awaiting their leader's return. A dark fear entered their hearts as Thebor commanded that they could wait no longer. Silently, the moved into the city.

        They could see the thick layer of mist that was blocking the sun above them. They were repulsed by the smell of the stale air all around them. Using the skills that had been taught to them in Shakk, they searched the ground for signs of Dorma and the others. None could be found! Moments later, they reached the stone buildings where Dorma and the others had encountered the Skullot. Thebor stood just outside the door and prepared to enter. Slowly she turned to her fellow warriors. Her eyes revealed the warning that her heart was issuing. Cautiously, her right hand gasped the handle and her left tightened around the handle of her sword. Small beads of sweat appeared on her forehead as she took a deep breath of the foul air.

        In one motion, she threw the door open and burst into the room. The others followed closely behind. They found that it was empty save for two beheaded Lits lying on the floor in the middle of the room. They quickly exited, angered by their failure to locate any of their companions. Thebor scouted the area as far as she could see in the failing light. She searched desperately for some sign of Dorma. She viewed a tall cloud of black smoke that was rising over the gray horizon.

        Pointing her sword toward it, she said, "That is where we will go, my sisters. That is our destination." Immediately, they raised their swords in the air and headed that way. Most of them believed that that was the place where their lives would end.

        They passed by the building in which Redoras, Isam and Amide were being held. The slimy ground made movement difficult, but they would not allow their pace to be slowed by it. Silently, the tiny Shakka army moved towards their destination. Visions of those who the Lits held captive invaded through their anxious hearts and they gripped their swords and moved onward. They passed through several ruins of what appeared to have been a once great city. They found it increasingly difficult to breathe the foul air and reluctantly they had to slow their pace as they moved towards the rising smoke. A small hill appeared just ahead and the ground became harder and more easily trodden upon.

        Thebor led them without stopping to look back. Her mind was filled with memories of her sister who had been captured during a Lit raid and the desire to find her gave her the strength to go on. They reached the hill and immediately began to ascend. Their exhausted legs were taxed greatly by the climb, but their pace was steady.

        Thoughts of what they might find beyond the hill sparked their imaginations to create hundreds of scenes that were tied together by one truth: whatever was there - it was evil! They finally reached the top. Thebor instructed them to move into a line side by side and they soon stood shoulder to shoulder. They were then commanded to lay upon their chests and slowly crawl along the top of the hill. It was quite flat for about fifty feet and then descended out of sight. Following Thebor's lead, they rose to their feet and then moved toward the other side of the peak. As they neared it, they again fell to their chests and began to crawl.

        Thebor was first to reach the other side. Below her she could see a cliff that fell out of sight. It was part of a hole in the steep rocks. Smoke rose from the centre of the deluge, passing through black mist. As the others reached her, they too gazed into the blackness as they fought to catch their breath. They waited silently for her command as they stared into the blackness. An eerie feeling rose from below them and seemed to surround and choke their hearts. Thebor prepared to issue the command that they should return to the ruins, but she found that she was unable to speak the words. She couldn't break away as she stared into the darkness. There was something strangely familiar about the feeling that seemed to be surrounding her. She couldn't figure out what it was. Something she had encountered years before when she was a child...something very evil!

        The others began to grow restless as they waited for her next command. She listened for a moment to a faint sound that was coming from the hole. Rushing wind and what appeared to be moving water, she motioned them to be silent as she strained to hear it better. Suddenly, her heart raced and she leapt to her feet. It wasn't the wind and water...it was the cracking of whips and the moans of many, many prisoners!

        Immediately, she motioned the others to move closer. "We stand above Vexxa Telma...the underworld!" The others gasped as she spoke the name of the land feared by even the bravest of warriors. "When Dorma and I were young children, we fell asleep in a field by the Land of Ages. During this sleep, we shared a common dream. We dreamed of a large grey creature with red eyes. We also dreamed of this opening in the ground!"

        "We saw the past, when our world was engaged in a frightening war. They used fierce weapons that were unknown to us. As a result of the warfare, something evil began to happen to some of the people. Children were born misshapen. Many of them were drawn to this place and began to live beneath the surface. Thus was Vexxa Telma created. When we told Gondira of our dream, he told us that these children have evolved into Lits! He was amazed at how much we had witnessed of that age and told us that it had been much more than just a dream..."

        "Those being held there must be freed! I must journey there...my fate waits me below in Vexxa Telma. As I believe does Dorma's.

        "As does ours!" said one of the soldiers beside her. They all assured her that they would follow her despite her warnings of the danger. Grasping forearms with each of them, she led them over the other side of the hill and they began their slow descent into the monstrous opening. They reached a stairway that moved northward along the side of the abyss along the edge. It was a gradual descent Unknown to Thebor, at that very moment Dorma was remembering the dream that they had shared and the reason that the Skullot had been so familiar. But he couldn't remember how the creatures had been defeated in the vision.

        Thebor led them quickly onward as the sun tried futilely to penetrate the thick layer of mist that hung above them. This created a constant dusk-like atmosphere. She motioned them to halt and she stood, staring ahead. "I must caution you...the land we are heading for is filled with great danger! There, you will witness abominations beyond anything that you have ever imagined!" Silence followed as she spoke her warnings to them. She could see the fear in their eyes as she looked to them, but she knew that many of them had friends and relatives that had been captured. They were not about to turn away!

        She led them swiftly along the rocky ground until a stone gate about seven feet high appeared before them. Two evil faces were carved into the top of it, each with large sunken eyes. They all looked upon them uneasily as they passed. Directly beyond the gateway, they found another stairway that would lead them deeper into the void beneath them. Thebor could feel her heart pounding in her throat as she stepped quietly down the steps. The others were experiencing the same feelings as they followed her.

        No one uttered a sound...no eyes shifted from their downward stares...no heart was free from the fear that was a part of that place. Each woman moved with sword in hand, their backs crouched, their bodies tensed. Soon, they reached another layer of thick dark mist much like the one that blocked the sun. As they passed through it, they felt their bodies grow numb. Far below, the sound of many people in agony grew louder and their anger and desire to free their brothers and sisters increased. Their pace didn't slow.

        Thebor noticed that the hole became larger as they moved lower. She searched her mind for memories of the dream that she and Dorma had shared, but much of it was a blur. Somewhere inside, she knew that she held the answer to how the Skullot could be defeated. As they continued, the darkness became more intense and soon they were forced to move with their right shoulders pressed lightly against the rock wall. Each mind raced with visions of what they would find when the reached the bottom of the hollow. Thebor alone knew the answer.

        After what seemed like an eternity the mist ended. Far below, she could faintly see flickering lights. The sound of cracking whips was much louder and her hand tightened its grip up on her sword as she stared at the distant lights. Suddenly she stopped, bringing the others to an abrupt halt. They each waited to find out why their descent had ceased. Thebor searched her memory for a moment. Something was significant about the place they had reached!

        She fought against the forgetfulness of time until a picture of another pathway appeared in her mind. Slowly, the vision became clearer. Then she remembered! Directly below them, just a few feet, was a hole in the wall that led to another pathway to the land below. Her command was simple. "Follow me!" Quickly, she moved over the edge of the stairway. She fell a few feet, landing on a ledge. Seconds later she disappeared into a small tunnel. Blackness reigned within the passageway that was only slightly higher than the top of her head. One by one, the others followed her into the corridor. They each moved with a hand stretched out ahead to help guide them through the winding cavern.

        The absolute silence seemed to magnify the sound of their footsteps and they found themselves stepping very lightly. Remembrance of her dream flooded Thebor's mind as she led them onward. One part of the dream was very distant. Something was happening...or going to happen! It was something very important, but she couldn't remember exactly what it was. She strained her memory to its limit, but found it useless. Too much time had passed. Her mind's eye was still blind to it!

        The pathway curved many times and they soon lost all sense of time and direction. Their travel was bringing them closer to Vexxa Telma. Memories of the Lits' invasions and the capturing of their loved ones and friends filled their hearts as they moved closer to the evil land. Rounding a left-hand curve in the passage, Thebor noticed that a dim light shone far ahead. It grew brighter as she moved forward. For the first time since she had entered the tunnel, she could see her hand before her eyes. She began to focus upon the source of the illumination that grew with every step she took.

        Soon, she could see the faces of the women who followed behind her and the worry that shone from their eyes. Her stern facade gave them the reassurance that they were following a very brave warrior. Her gaze turned back to the lighted corridor before them. She fought a fierce battle within her mind as she tried fruitlessly to recall the secret to the Skullot's defeat. "The Light will not abandon us...", she thought. "We have been led here for a reason..."

        The tunnel continued to wind and she expected to find an army of Lits around each corner. She suddenly began to doubt her memory. Was she remembering any of this correctly? Was the dream a vision from the Light or perhaps the fantasies of two young children? No, the tunnel had been were she had remembered it to be. No, the screams for mercy had been exactly as she had remembered. Yet, what if it had been a trick?! What if Nolebes or Dolnar had planted this dream within them, knowing that Dorma would one day grow up to be a great power that would oppose them?!

        What if the reason she couldn't remember how to defeat the Skullot was because she couldn't?! If such were the case, there was one truth that she had to face - it was much too late to turn around now! They had reached the final curve in the corridor! Horror filled her heart as she viewed what was beyond the tunnel's end.

        She saw hundreds, perhaps thousands of Realmen, Drompan, Shakka, Kastan and Joman soldiers. They were all bound together and were being hoarded around like cattle by tall hideous creatures. Off in the distance, she could see what it was that was lighting up the whole area. Two tall statues...one was Nolebes and the other was Dolnar! Each rose about twenty feet in the air! Light glowed from their eyes, creating an almost dawn-like atmosphere as far as the eye could see.

        The moans of those held captive brought greater anger to Thebor and her small army who stood at her side. She was filled with indecision as she looked about the underground world. Where could they start? What could she and her small army do against so many? The desire to free those who were being held captive filled her heart with a great feeling of urgency. She looked back to the others who were still gazing about in disbelief. Finally, a decision was reached. She motioned them to move back into the tunnel and then joined them there. She spoke, almost in a whisper.

        "Whatever is causing the light to shine from the idols, requires a great deal of energy. We must reach its source and stop it from receiving fuel..."

        "What kind of energy could fuel a light as powerful as that?" asked young soldier standing to her right. Thebor was silent as she looked about. She knew what was being used to light the area. Yes, she knew, but she was having a hard time accepting it.

        "Does it not seem odd to you that the Lits and these creatures are holding so many prisoners? They would need a fraction of them to feed their numbers. They are using these prisoners..." the words caught in her throat. The others gasped as they realized what was happening.

        "We must remain here until the light grows duller." continued Thebor. "Then we will make our move!"

        "How long will that take?"

        "I don't believe it will be too long from now. It doesn't matter...we can't leave this shelter until then or we will not be able to help any of these people."
^^^

        Dorma ran endlessly and the unseen eyes of the enemy followed him. The memory of the dream that he and Thebor had shared filled his mind and he suddenly realized why the Lits had taken so many prisoners. He also remembered something that Thebor had not. The light from the idols was not just created to illuminate that dark land. Dolnar and Nolebes were actually drawing power from it!

        "The lights from within the idols must be extinguished!" he thought as the memory of the stairway into Vexxa Telma became clear in his mind. He cautiously moved past the rocky ruins of the ancient city being careful to remain hidden from Lit guards who patrolled the area. The fact that there were some of them posted there led him to believe that his enemy did not have complete communion with all those in Blantum. Within, he was trying to find a way to reach Vexxa without the Skullot knowing it. But how? He also had to move in a way that wouldn't reveal to his enemy that he knew that he was being watched.

        A small battle was being fought within him. There was a way that he could escape the watchful eyes, but it was extremely dangerous! He stood behind a tall rock for a moment as a small Lit guard party moved by. He went over the idea again and again, trying to decide if the risk was worth it. It was at that very moment that Kris and Xaddin had been captured by the Ashtars.

        Finally, the look of surrender came to his face and he raised his hands above his head.

        "Tami Kas Lut Veam!" As he completed these words, a voice echoed throughout Blantum and Vexxa Telma.

        "No!! I have been tricked!!!" Suddenly, Dorma disappeared. He found himself floating high above Blantum and could see the light shining from the eyes of the idols. Four beams shone from them through the air, passing by and disappearing over the horizon miles away. He knew where they were going -to Dolnar and Nolebes!

        By speaking the spell he had spoken, he had passed into another dimension. But the danger he had feared could be witnessed below. Time was passing very quickly! The need to return to his own dimension was greater each moment! The sun could be seen moving westward as hours were passing like minutes! Immediately, he turned and prepared to speak the counter spell that would return him. Suddenly one of the beams of light that had been streaking across the sky struck him.

        He fell to the ground...stunned. Dolnar had found him! He fought to clear his mind and speak the spell. Laughter echoed from the sky and he felt himself losing consciousness. His vision began to fade and he fought desperately to clear his head. Dolnar's laughter grew louder and he could sense that the mind of the Skullot was searching for him.

        Many hours had passed in the dimension that he had left although he had only been in the other one for a few minutes. Evening was fast approaching as he finally found enough strength to stand. The beams of light above him grew visibly duller as he fought to speak.

        "Veam Lut Kas Tami!" Immediately he moved back to his own dimension. The chain that had been attached to his wrist was now gone as it had stayed in that dimension when he had first left it. It was now early evening and he feared that it might be too late to join with Thebor and the others. And what of Redoras?! Without hesitation, he set off for Vexxa Telma, being careful to remain hidden. His head was held down slightly as he had been weakened by his voyage to the other dimension.

        The moments brought him a multitude of thoughts. Redoras and Amide!! If he returned to them, he would be discovered for sure! But, how could he desert them? No...There was only one path that he could follow...the one that led to Vexxa Telma! The great Realman stole past many Lit guard parties as he made his way through the failing light toward the underworld. The fear that he would arrive too late caused him to quicken his pace.

        He couldn't remove Redoras from his thoughts. He longed to return and free him and his heart ached, knowing that he could not. The Skullot's red eyes streaked across the sky as it searched endlessly for the Realman. Skullots had been created for specific reasons. This one's purpose was to protect Dolnar from Dorma. The idea that the Realman was somewhere near was terrifying to it. Dorma could hear Lits endlessly barking out commands as he moved by them, unseen in the darkness. The red lights from the Skullot's eyes continually swept the area in a frantic search. His body was slowly recovering from the shock of moving through the dimensions. He searched his thoughts for the memory of the dream. Suddenly, his expression changed and he stopped.

        "Of course! I should have remembered! I pray that I'm not too late to find Thebor!"
^^

        Thebor and her small army waited impatiently for the light to grow dim. Many hours had passed since she had commanded them to wait. The soldiers were finding it difficult to remain there as constant screams from those captured sounded through the underworld. Finally, the light grew dim! Almost immediately Lits and the other creatures began to run about madly. The cracking of whips sounded like cannons!

        "Now is our chance! Spare no enemy! The element of surprise will give us an edge! Free as many as you can...I have a battle of my own to fight..." Immediately, they leapt from their hiding places with their swords held before them. Their small army seemed immense to their horror stricken enemy as they appeared from the dark, swinging their silver swords. Many fell before any of them realized what was taking place. Others fled, fearing for their lives. As many guards fell, their captives were being freed of the chains that bound them. They immediately took the swords from the dead guards around them. The small Shakka army that once numbered less than twenty had grown many fold, although they were still greatly outnumbered.

        Those released experienced a strength that they were unaware they possessed as they were freed from their chains for the first time since they had been brought to the underworld. Each man and woman fought with the power of many. The memories of their families and friends who had been mercilessly slaughtered brought a great unity to their numbers. Many Lits came rushing to the scene and a loud thunderous roar echoed throughout all of Vexxa Telma. Thebor made her way towards the stone figure of Dolnar. Reaching it, she approached a stairway that led beneath the idol's right foot. For a few moments, she stared down the steps that disappeared into a deep blackness.

        An old memory filled her heart as her childhood dream echoed through her mind. She reached within to find the courage to enter. The evil eyes of the Skullot sat at the fore of her thoughts as she took the first step into the blackness. It took every once of courage she possessed. Slowly she moved down the stairway that led to the place that was the source of the evil that filled Vexxa Telma, Blantum and their entire world! Terror filled her heart as she descended. Finally, her head passed below ground level. The foot of the idol was just above her as she reached an iron door that immediately swung open.

        Cautiously, she moved passed it and it closed behind her. Inside, it was very dark. Faint light shone from small cracks and holes. As she moved onward she could feel the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. She continued to remind herself of the power of the Light as she slowly moved lower into the idol. There was just enough light to see the walls around her. The hallway seemed endless.

        She thought of her home and she realized how long it had been since he had last seen it. She longed to see the tall grass, feel the warm sunshine and hear the beautiful Shakka voices in song. She didn't know that at that very moment, Ramlord and his forces were just a few hours way from Realm!

        The fear within her became much more intense and she wondered if the corridor did in fact have an end. Her memory was still not clear. Things came to her in patches and she wondered if she had taken the correct path. It grew colder as she continued. The sound of battle had long since faded and an eerie silence filled the corridor.

        She reached an area where there were doors on each side of her. Her pace remained steady as she passed them. She heard moaning from some of the doors, but she continued forward. She knew she couldn't stop there! Her right hand held her sword firmly and her left was clenched into a tight fist. She focused her thoughts on the dream, but she still couldn't remember how she had defeated the Skullot.

        Within her mind, she could see a tall rusted door that led into a stone room. A hideous head was carved upon it. It had two horns and two evil eyes that warned of the danger it could bring. The door was clear in her mind, but what was beyond it was still distant in her memory. Finally, she reached the doorway. It was exactly as she had envisioned it! Slowly, it opened before her...

        A grey light shone from the room and a deep laughter echoed into the hall. She took a deep breath and tightened her grip on his sword. The she entered the room. The laughter grew much louder as the door slammed shut behind her. She looked all about, but could see no one! The room was a gigantic stone cavern. Rock walls were covered with slime. Far across the other side was a throne made of stone. The laughter seemed to be coming from it. Suddenly, a black cloud appeared above it. It began to descend until it reached the tall seat. Instantly, it began to transform until a seated figure appeared. It was the Skullot, although it had altered its form. It now appeared as a tall black ram-like beast. Its red eyes burned as it stared. It had four muscular arms that were folded into two pairs.

        "Welcome to Vexxa Telma!!"

        "I don't fear you! The Light is far more powerful than your master!"

        "Perhaps so, but neither are here! Just you and me!!! Yet, my master will soon be powerful enough to rival yours!! Behold!" He pointed to his left and another black cloud appeared. It hung suspended about five feet from the ground for a moment. It slowly began to fade. As it did, a black mirror appeared. The Skullot pointed into it.

        "You are not actually in Vexxa Telma at this moment! This is only as much of it as we could bring to this foul planet! Look into the mirror!"

        Thebor approached it and gazed into it. She saw a large stone cavern. Many creatures similar to the Skullot stood above thousands of imprisoned men who stood fearfully below them.

        "This if how your planet shall be when we have the Key! Dolnar and Nolebes shall have their revenge and you shall all feel the pain of their vengeance! This is how the battle fares!" The mirror changed its reflection. Thebor could see the Elders being held by their captives. Then she saw the battle at Lostar. Then Ramlord heading to Realm.

        "And so it comes to us! You can see that our victory is certain!"

        "Not as long as I have enough life within me to fight you!"

        "The mirror doesn't lie! Are you blind?! You have already been defeated!"

        Suddenly, the door burst open and a voice echoed through the room. "The battle has not yet ended!"

        "Dorma!" Suddenly, another black cloud appeared in the room. Moments later another Skullot stood before them.

        "I have waited a long time for this, Dorma! You will soon wish that you never entered this place!" _________________________________
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