"The Keeper" by Rod Chappell

Talnar was forced to use all of his remaining strength to keep his eyes open as Dela's light appeared over the dark horizon. He was feeling exhausted and he found that the arm that had received the Lit arrow was throbbing greatly. Not all of the poison had left it and his recent battle with Ramlord had somehow caused it to flow through him.

He felt faint as he saw flames rising from the city. His horse was commanded to increase its speed but its sigh answered that the long journey from Lostar had exhausted it. As he drew closer, he imagined what the streets would look like when he would arrive. Blood stained victims would line the streets, the houses would be reduced to ashes. Again and again he cursed Dolnar.. Darkness became heavier as he rode over the rolling hills and past trees that he had passed so many times during his childhood. His shoulder ached and he felt himself growing more weary as the moments passed. He could sense the poison moving through his body and he feared that the wouldn't make it to his destination.

He felt numb and had to fight the desire to stop and rest. He began to lose consciousness for moments at a time. The city, now not far ahead, appeared to be growing dim. Everything grew rapidly darker as memories of his boyhood adventures within the city walls began to flow through his mind. He could feel the pain of the Lit poison moving slowly through him as he neared the outer limits of the city.

The walls faded in and out of focus as he stood before the front gates that were widely open. Smoke billowed into the sky and faint cries sounded through the night air. His head was held low as his battle to remain conscious continued. As he passed through the gates, he was surprised to find that they were unguarded. The night air echoed with trumpet blasts and crying voices.

Instinctively, he motioned his horse toward the roadway that would lead to Tellis' family's cottage. All about him, Delans were running frantically through the streets calling out the names of their loved ones, many of which lie dead in the gutters. The horror that he felt seemed to give him the strength to continue and he was able to sit higher in the saddle. He continued to lead his horse through the maze of small streets that made up the city.

Soon, he passed through the city limits and was surrounded by tall trees and rolling hills. He arrived at a fork in the roadway and immediately motioned his horse westward down a winding pathway. Tall grass grew on either side of it and the frequent appearance of trees created a forest-like atmosphere. Memories of what he had witnessed within the city sat heavily in his heart. He hoped that Tellis and his family had escaped to their cottage before the Lits had arrived.

He commanded his steed to move onward along the hard clay pathway. He thought of the days spent helping Tellis and his father build the cottage. These thoughts gave him more strength to continue, although he found himself just on the edge of consciousness. His horse ran ceaselessly over rolling hills and past gently swaying trees, moving every closer towards his destination.

Above him, a full moon's light surrounded him with silvery silhouettes. Reaching the top of a grass covered hill, the shelter appeared beyond a group of tall trees. It was hard to focus upon it, but he could see smoke rising from the chimney. A sigh of relief sounded from his lips. The pain continued to flow through him and he soon found himself desperately fighting the urge to close his eyes.

Memories of Tellis and his family became clearer as he reached to within a few feet of the gate. He grew faint as he directed his horse along the front walkway. His arm ached even harder as he viewed a light shining from a window in the front of the cabin. Tall trees surrounded it and they gently swayed in the warm

evening breeze.

Reaching the porch, he recalled all of his remaining strength and dismounted. His staggering steps led him towards the front door. His shoulder pounded with pain as he held it tightly with his left hand. Walking up the three steps that had led up to the porch brought him to total exhaustion. Consciousness began to fade and he fought with every ounce of power he had left to reach the door. His knees grew limp as a deep and silent blackness filled his battered mind. His horse stood, panting as it tried to catch its breath. It shook as the evening breeze blew through its sweat-filled coat.

Suddenly, the door slowly opened and the beautiful face of a woman looking to be Talnar's age appeared.

"Mother! It's Talnar!" Immediately, she and an elderly woman rushed from the cottage. The aged woman turned the Lostarian over and looked into his eyes.

"He is very sick! Help me to get him inside!" The two struggled with his limp body until he was within the building. Tellis' mother poured a teaspoon of "Rishot" (which was an ancient Delan medicine) into his mouth. Almost instantly, the color began to return to his face. They then moved his still limp body next to a lighted fireplace and covered him with a heavy quilt. As the moments passed, he moved slightly and a faint moan sounded from his lips. Finally, his eyes opened. Instantly, he grasped his aching shoulder. As his eyes began to focus, he looked to Tellis' sister.

"Thank the Light that Dolnar's army didn't make it this far west, Shya. They are halfway to Realm by now..." His words became whispers and again his eyes closed and he blacked out. Shya looked to her mother as she held his head in her hands.

"What is he talking about?"

"He is delirious. I'll bring down some pillows for him. he will sleep by the fire tonight." She kissed him on the forehead and then left the room. Shya looked to his calm face for a moment. "I wish father and Tellis were here..." she sighed.
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Talnar opened his eyes. He tried with great difficulty to focus upon the walls of the room around him. After several moments of intense concentration his sight began to clear. He was in a small bedroom. A window before him revealed that he was at the rear of the house and that the sun had long since made its morning ascent. He sat up only to feel intense pain shoot through his shoulder. A soft knock then came to the door, followed by a gentle voice.

"Talnar. Are you awake?"

"Yes. Come in Shya."

The door opened and she entered the room. "Thank goodness that you have finally stopped sleeping. Mother and I were beginning to worry."

"Why? How long have I been here?"

"You slept the whole day yesterday."

Talnar was devastated by the news. "How could I let this happen? Kris!!"

"What of Kristopher?" asked Shya. "All day long, you mumbled his name and something about a key. Mother and I couldn't figure out what you were saying."

"He is on the other side of the mountain. They were all relying on me to reach Eray - and I slept!"

Shya asked him about Eray and why Kristopher had gone beyond the mountain. His answers only confused her and he promised her that he would return to explain everything to her. She told him that a meal would be prepared for him and he informed her that he would join them in a few moments. He gazed through the window as he dressed. He cursed himself for sleeping for so long. The sun rose higher as his thoughts turned to Eray. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the map that had been supplied to him. The area that Kristopher and Kari had found themselves after they had passed through the black mirror was clearly marked, but on one had any idea how to get back inside of Eray.

"No matter...I must go there anyway...I just hope that I'm not too late!"

When he had arrived in the kitchen, he found a large meal awaiting him. He suddenly realized how hungry he was He rushed to his place at the table and immediately began eating. Shya's mother told him what had taken place just days before. An army that they had never encountered before had suddenly appeared and a great battle had raged. Tellis and his father were part of a group that followed them when they left the battered city and they had still not returned.

She tried to sound confident that they would soon be returning, but the quiver in her voice revealed that she was not so sure. Talnar reminded her that they were great warriors and that she needn't worry about them. They discussed other things for the remainder of meal. Shya asked how Kari was doing.

"I wondered how long it would take," joked Talnar.

"I'm only interested in the welfare of one of Tellis' friends..."

Talnar smiled for a moment. He then thought of his friend. Many strange things had been said about the youngest of the three Lostarians. Dorma had hinted in Normat that things with Kari were not exactly as they appeared, but he wouldn't explain it any further. These thoughts led him through the meal and eventually to the front door where he began his good-byes.

The three stood on the porch for a moment and then moved down the steps until reaching the clay pathway that lead to the road. Talnar embraced the Delan women and thanked them for looking after him. As he moved toward the road, he let out a whistle and his horse appeared from behind a group of trees. Immediately it moved to his side and he mounted.

He turned back to Shya and her mother for a moment and then waved goodbye. He promised them that he would return to tell them more of his adventure beyond the great mountain with Kristopher and Kari. Shya's mother smiled as she waved, but it was very easy to see that it was a worried smile. Talnar reached the roadway and he turned again. He looked to them for a moment and then commanded his horse to begin their trek.
^

The sun moved farther west as the minutes passed. He traveled at a steady pace, never looking back. The city centre was far off to his left. As he reached the top of a rolling hill, he could see Normat over the horizon. Again, he commanded his horse to keep a steady pace. Trees were scattered throughout the meadow and the sun shone its light upon the gently swaying grass. A warm feeling filled his heart and memories of their childhood flowed through his mind as he continued through the sloping meadow. The burden of his journey was lifted as he listened to the sound of the wind blowing through the trees.

His sword remained sheathed and his gaze remained focused upon the horizon before him. Normat could only be seen from the hilltops, but a clear vision of it never left his mind. "So much has happened since we were last here..." he thought.
^^

Finally, he reached the great wall that surrounded the city. There wasn't much of it left. He was filled with rage as he viewed the pile of stones that was once a tall protective structure. After passing it, he changed his course slightly eastward toward a roadway that would take him near the area indicated on the map as the place that Kari and Kristopher had appeared.

The ground was easily trodden. His course would take him directly parallel to the route that his friends had taken on their way from Normat to Dela. Several trees rose high into the air so he was somewhat hidden from anyone that might be searching for him. He thought of the tales that Kristopher had told of his encounter in Eray. He was concerned that he might be unable to find a way into it.

Looking back to Dela, he found that it was now far away, almost out of sight. As time passed, Normat could clearly be seen. Many different kinds of trees swayed in the breeze. They appeared as tall figures beckoning him towards them. He recalled his encounters with Dorma and the Lits while he was last in the forest. His right hand slid down to place a reassuring grip on his sword.

He continued through the Delan meadow. Normat never left his sight and he grew very anxious. He had studied the map several times and he knew the exact area he was to go. Here, the trees grew much closer together. Finally, he had to dismount and continue on foot. He gently stroked his horse's mane, letting it graze upon the grassy forest floor. He traveled through the woodland, carefully following the path that had been drawn for him. After several minutes he reached the clearing where his friends emerged from the black mirror. He stood for a moment expecting to be greeted by someone. No one came! He continually looked all about in anticipation. He was still alone!

He waited impatiently for a while longer. Suddenly, he began to feel light-headed. He reached for his sword, but found that he was unable to release it from its sheath. He wondered if this might be another reaction from the Lit poison as he began to lose control over his body. He was unable to move. The forest around him seemed to become distant. Although he could see the trees swaying, he couldn't feel any breeze blowing against his body. Suddenly he could hear a voice calling out to him.

"Not a moment too soon, young Lostarian." Moments later, he found himself in the room that Kristopher and Kari had been in just days before. He was standing in front of the large black mirror as the voice continued. "A most remarkable race you are. I wish you had been around when our world was alive."

Talnar was unable to move or speak as he looked into the mirror, observing the reflections within. He could see Dorma and Thebor standing before the Skullots. He witnessed the beam of energy shining from the Dolnar idol and streaking across the sky towards Dolnar who was using the power he received from it to control his great army.

The scene next turned to the Elders who stood before the Ramutes. Next he saw Kristopher and Egonas near Eyama. Then he saw Ramlord leading the Lit host to Realm. Finally, the scene returned to the Elders. The same energy beam could be seen contacting the head of Nolebes. This one was coming from the other idol.

"I am able to show you much of what is happening - and will happen. These whom you call 'Elders' are in great danger, but you can save them!"

"How can I do that?" His voice seemed to come from a source other than himself.

"You can take their place. They will come here and in turn I can send them to their home."

Talnar stared into the black mirror. He saw the dungeon in which the three Elders were being held. He beheld their badly beaten forms and the look of great anguish in their eyes and he grew afraid. He continued to stare at the horrifying scene as the voice appeared again.

"This is your last chance."
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Kristopher and Egonas stopped for a moment under the shelter of a large oak tree. Xaddin had reluctantly left to return to Derul. Since the curse of silence had been removed from him, it was too dangerous for him to accompany the Keeper any farther. The two had been moving steadily up Eyama's slope for many hours, being careful to hide whenever they heard the cracking of Zagar's wings. Their ascent had been slow and by the time they reached just over halfway to the top, the sun had been present for a few hours.

"Thank the Light that Zagar doesn't know the exact location of Eyama or he would be waiting for us there when we arrived," whispered Egonas.

Kristopher asked Egonas to tell him of his battle with Flyton. The sorcerer answered that the Lostarian wouldn't understand what he had experienced and that he should simply be glad that Flyton had been defeated. The sun moved further west as they continued up the mountainside. Occasionally, Egonas looked to the sky and mumbled something to himself about a beam of power weakening. He didn't hear Kristopher questioning him about what he had meant. Every so often they heard Zagar's pounding wings and they immediately hid amongst the trees until it was gone.

Finally, Egonas halted the young warrior. A peculiar look shone from his eyes. Kristopher could feel his heart grow cold as he read the look on his fellow traveler's face. Slowly, his arm straightened as he pointed to an area behind Kristopher. "Behold!"

Slowly, the frightened Lostarian turned to find a small iron door at the bottom of a tall cliff not far from where they were standing. A weed-covered path led through a group of dead trees ending just before it. "The time has come lad. You mustn't delay! Dolnar must sense that you are close!"

Kristopher continued to stare at the door for several moments. "I never thought I'd reach this place! How can I hope to defeat Dolnar?"

"There are many powerful people fighting with you. Even now, Dorma faces the Skullot and the Elders face Nolebes and the Ramutes! You don't fight along lad! Go now, before Dolnar can alert his servants. By finding you, he can discover where he is and call his servants here!"

A terrified heart led Kristopher to the door. His feet felt as if they weighed a hundred pounds and his knees shook as he slowly made his way toward it. "Remember the Light, my son. You are not alone!"

As Kristopher stood before the door, he looked back to the aged magician who continued to prompt him to continue. A small golden key came from within his jacket and was slowly placed in the lock. Although it made a soft sound as it touched it, it was deafening to Kristopher. Slowly, he opened the door and disappeared beyond it. Seconds later, it quietly closed behind him. Suddenly a voice echoed from the forest.

"No!!! I'm too late!!!" It was Kari! He came running from behind the trees swinging his sword above his head. He continued to scream as he approached Egonas.

"You meatball!!! You complete asshole!! Do you have any idea what you've done?!!"

"I know exactly what I've done Cheesha."

Kari stopped a few feet away as Egonas spoke that name. He continued to hold his sword above his head as he looked to the sorcerer. "Well, well, well. You might not be as stupid as you look. You think you know who I am!"

"Many of us do. You can't hide your mind from us. Let me assure you that your plan can't succeed."

"I'm not beaten yet!"

"Give up, Cheesha. You.."

"It's Kari! Cheesha was another time. This is now."

"To some of us. But others aren't supposed to be here."

"Spare me the lecture, bone-head!"

And spare me the lies, young one. I am not as gullible as the Lostarians. I know that you are not of this world."

Suddenly Kari reached into his Tulnit and produced a weapon the likes of which Egonas had never before witnessed. It was small (not much bigger than he hand that held it) and it shone like a silver sword. He pointed one end of it at Egonas in a threatening manner and a sardonic grin came to his face.

"You're out matched old man. Don't mess with me or you'll end up as buzzard food."

Egonas raised his staff and pointed it at Kari. Again the magician spoke. "You can't change a thing. All this is part of the plan. Much of what has happened, did so because you are here now. Your parents were wrong and those who sent them were wrong and, unfortunately, many will suffer because of their mistake. This is our time. Not yours. Leave us to handle our problems!"

"If you know even a fraction of what you claim to, then you know that Kristopher should never have entered that place!"

"I know all of what is happening. I know that it was inevitable that he would enter Dolnar's prison. Or else you wouldn't be here!"

"Then tell me, old man. Why am I here?

"Because your people are fools."

" I am Lostarian."

"Don't insult me. I know who you are. You are from a time that as yet has not come."

"Then you're not as smart as you think! I was born here at this time."

"Fine. Then your parents are from that time. Either way, you shouldn't be here."

"You have no idea what will happen! Kristopher will fail and Dolnar will rule the planet! There will be no freedom in the future. The only way to right this wrong would be to stop him from facing him. When my people found the mirror of Space and Time, they knew what they had to do. My parents were unable to stop him, so I must!"

"But you couldn't. Could you? Everything moves as it should."

"All I needed to do was to kill him! That's all, just kill him! Why was I so weak?" His eyes became wet with tears. "Why did I let them down?"

"Cheesha. Don't be a fool. You can't change history! Time moves as it does. Believe me, if you could change things, I would never have opposed you. Let it go."

"Why did I have to love the guy? All I had to so was kill him. I should never have become friends with him!" Suddenly a beam of light shot from the weapon that he held. It struck Egonas and the magician fell to the ground. Slowly, Kari moved to his side and looked down to him.

"I didn't want to hurt anyone. It was your people that forced my hand. You all sent Kristopher to face Dolnar. I tried to warn you, but no one listened!! "Egonas didn't move as Kari looked to him. "I could've killed you if I had wanted to! I won't hold back next time!"

Even though Egonas wanted to stop him, he was unable to. He found himself paralysed by the beam of light that had struck him. Slowly, Kari made his way to the iron doorway. He made an adjustment on his weapon and aimed it. Immediately the light shot from it, hitting the lock on the door. Sparks jumped from it and it began to glow with a red hue.
^

Kristopher found a long corridor before him. It was very bright although there was no visible source of the light. As he moved slowly along the hallway, he could hear a deep voice coming from far ahead. Someone was speaking, but he was unable to make out any of the words. Suddenly, a deep laughter filled the passageway.

"Come, Tull! Yes...come to me. It's time we ended this game!"

Kristopher felt his heart grow cold as Dolnar's words echoed through the corridor. He found it hard to walk. He tightened the grip on his sword and drew a deep breath as he continued. Finally, he could see that the hallway ended at a large room. Dolnar's laughter continued to fill his heart with fear and he fought the desire to drop his sword and run away.

Finally, he reached his destination. He took another deep breath and lifted his sword before him. Suddenly, the laughter stopped. This brought an even greater fear to his heart. Cautiously he entered the room. Directly across from where he stood, Dolnar sat on a tall stone chair. He was dressed entirely in black. A red "D" was on his chest and a black crown-like hat sat upon his head. His face possessed very strong features and Kristopher found him to be an extremely ugly man.

Slowly, Kristopher raised his sword at shoulder level, parallel to the ground in the traditional pose of challenge. It shook in his hand as he stared at the Wordlord. Dolnar began to laugh. Kristopher could feel his sword growing heavier as he waited for Dolnar to make his move.

"Put down the key and I will let you live!"

Kristopher remained silent. He was amazed that Dolnar had tried to bargain with him. The Lostarian felt his confidence growing within him. He realized that Dolnar considered him to be a threat. Suddenly, the figure in black rose from his seat and approached him. Kristopher could feel Dolnar's mind reaching out to him, but the Hemma stone blocked his mental attacks.

"This is your last warning! Put down the key and I will allow you to live!"

Kristopher remained silent still holding his sword in the challenge pose.

"So be it! I gave you your chance, now I will have my revenge!! Hear me! All those who bear your name in years to come will curse you for what is about to happen! Believe me, I will make sure of that!!!"

"It will take a great deal more than words to defeat me!"

Dolnar began to laugh much louder. "Words?! I am a Wordlord! I control an army miles from here. My powers are beyond anything that you could possibly imagine! Words?!!"

"If you are as powerful as you claim to be, then why will you not accept my challenge?"

Dolnar moved back to his chair and reached behind it. Moments later, a sword was presented. Quickly, he moved toward Kristopher. Reaching him, he raised it to shoulders' height and began to laugh.

"I accept your foolish challenge! You will soon wish that I hadn't!"
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Dorma and Thebor stood face to face with the two Skullots. The creatures' red eyes glowed as they viewed the Shakka and Realmen warriors. Outside of the room that they were in, far out of hearing range, a great battle was being waged. Many of the prisoners had been freed and were armed with the defeated Lits' swords.

The light shining from the idols was growing dimmer by the moment and the Lits became horrified as they were unable to replenish the energy being used by Dolnar and Nolebes with that of the captives that were to be thrown into them. Those Lits that were still alive were terrified that the Skullots would appear at any moment as they had in other times when the light from the idols had grown dim.

Dorma studied the Skullot carefully. He had remembered how it was that he and Thebor had defeated their opponents in their dream. He didn't even heed the curses that the Skullots were casting as he waited for the moment that he knew would be arriving. He didn't dare to look to Thebor for fear that he would reveal his thoughts to the tall gray creatures. Suddenly, one of them looked upwards toward the ceiling. A look of fear came to its face as its gaze turned to the other.

"The flames grow dim! Something is wrong!"

Dorma remained silent as the creature looked back to him. "We no longer have time to toy with you. Goodbye Realman!"

Suddenly, two beams of light blasted from their eyes. As if with one mind. Dorma and Thebor raised their silver swords before them and directed the lights back at the creatures. The Skullots both let out horrifying screams and fell to the floor. Dorma moved to them as they each were screaming in agony. He looked to Thebor for a moment.

"Kristopher must be before Dolnar! The Wordlord must be drawing a great deal of energy from the idols. We must insure that no more of our people are sacrificed!"
^^

As Dorma had thought, Dolnar was in fact drawing heavily from the power source in Vexxa Telma. As he stood before Kristopher, he could feel that its power was lessening. Kristopher could see the anxious look in his eyes, although he had no idea what Dolnar's concern was for. As soon as the challenge was met, they each moved a step backwards. Kristopher could feel Dolnar's mind trying to penetrate into his own, but the stone offered protection. Finally, the first blow was struck as Dolnar's sword came crashing down upon Kristopher's blade. The thunderous power of the attack knocked him onto his back. He quickly raised his sword above him blocking a second assault. Kristopher was awed by the Wordlord's power as his sword was knocked from his grasp.

Kristopher realized that he was being greatly overpowered! Dolnar began to laugh as he looked to the helpless warrior. Quickly, he rolled over and retrieved his sword. Dolnar waited for him to do so, laughing madly as he watched him. Kristopher leapt to his feet and began to move about the room slowly. As he neared the tall chair, he viewed a small box placed neatly on a stone table. Immediately, Dolnar moved next to it.

"You'd like to have my prize, wouldn't you Tull? I'm afraid that's not possible. It's mine! The Elders wanted it and they couldn't take it from me!!!"

Kristopher backed away for a moment as he saw the rage in Dolnar's eyes. Slowly, Dolnar moved toward him and he stepped further away. Both held their swords toward the other as their stare stayed locked. Again Dolnar attacked. This time, the power of his assault made contact with Kristopher's left shoulder. He could feel blood running down his arm as he retreated.

Incredible pain flowed through it and he stumbled backwards, screaming in agony. Dolnar laughed once more as he approached his victim. He stood above the writhing Lostarian, obviously enjoying the fact that he was in such pain. Kristopher tried to hold his sword before him for protection, but a simple swing of Dolnar's weapon sent it crashing across the room. "At last!! After all these years I am free!!! The Elders should not have sent a boy to face me!!! Farewell Tull!!!"
^^^

At that moment, Talnar was staring into the black mirror. He watched Nolebes and the Ramutes standing before the Elders. The Ramutes were preparing to take the Words from the helpless Wordlords as the young Lostarian warrior leapt into the mirror. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. He entered the dungeon just as the Elders disappeared from it. Nolebes screamed his curses as Talnar felt everything returning to its normal pace. Nolebes and the Ramutes stood before the terrified Lostarian.

"You shall pay dearly for this!!!!"

The Elders found themselves standing in Eray. Moments later they were in Realm. Ramlord and his army stood across a large field, preparing for the invasion. Looking behind them, they saw a small Realman army led by Telemen. As they viewed one another, Hemma's voice echoed through their minds.

"Quickly! Kristopher is loosing the battle! We must unite our thoughts and send him strength!" Immediately, the Elders received a vision of Kristopher within Eyama. They could see Dolnar standing above him while his blood ran down his arm. They concentrated as one, sending him strength.

Within the prison, the young warrior could feel their energy flowing through him. At that moment, Hemma stood before the other Elders and joined with their thoughts. Dolnar suddenly felt his communion with Ramlord being cut off as he received less energy from the idol. Those near Realm could see Ramlord suddenly become horrified. He began to cry out loudly and leapt from his horse.

The magic from Dolnar's Word had kept him alive for countless years, but now that it was not reaching him, he began to die. His army of Lits watched in panic as he began to fade before their eyes. After a few moments all that was left was a pile of black clothing. Without their leader to guide them, the Lit host began to scatter. Suddenly a trumpet blast sounded. Cheers came from the Realman army as Eloe appeared, followed closely by the Lostarian army!
^

Dolnar could sense what was happening outside of his prison. He knew that he would be no match for Kristopher as long as he was in communion with the Elders. While he had stopped to receive the vision of Ramlord, Kristopher had enough time to roll over and retrieve his sword. He then rose to this feet. Dolnar slowly moved towards the Lostarian with his sword held before him.

Kristopher held his own blade ahead of him defensively. They began to circle one another for a moment. Their swords locked as Dolnar struck out at him. Then suddenly, Dolnar reached for a candlestick, grasping it with his left hand. At incredible speed, he swung it around, striking the Hemma stone on Kristopher's forehead. To the young warrior's horror, it fell to the floor. He immediately lost his unity with the Elders! He turned around to look for it, but Dolnar blocked his way.

Kristopher was terrified as he realized that Dolnar would be able to reach into his mind. He stared at the Wordlord for a moment, expecting to feel his evil thoughts. None came! Kristopher looked over to the box that held the Word. Far away in Realm, the united Wordlords were using all of their power to block Dolnar's mind from Kristopher's. They knew that they could only maintain this interference for a short time. They prayed it would be long enough. Dolnar leapt toward the box.

"I'll never surrender this to you! It is mine! Mine!"

"Give it up, Dolnar! No one wants to fight you. You can live with us...in peace."

"Never! The Elders will take my Word and use it against me! No! I will never give them the chance!!!"

At that moment, he closed his eyes. He was drawing all of the power left in the idol, but was shocked to find that very little came from it. He then tried to draw from the forces within the box. Opening his eyes, he turned to Kristopher. Rage shone from him as he looked to the Lostarian. Kristopher knew that Dolnar no longer possessed the power of a Wordlord. Even though Dolnar could still draw some energy from his sources, it would still be an even match between them. Kristopher prepared himself as he looked to the figure that was about to attack him once again. Suddenly, a voice called out from the entranceway. Kristopher turned as Kari ran into the room, screaming.

Dolnar seized the opportunity knocking Kristopher's sword from his hand. Suddenly, a bolt of light shone from the Wordlord's eyes, striking the helpless Lostarian. Without the Hemma stone to protect him, the young warrior fell to the floor. The impact of the energy bolt contacted Kari and he too fell to the floor. Dolnar managed to laugh, although it was obvious that he had been exhausted.

Kristopher felt his entire body grow numb as he lay upon the stone floor. He could hear Dolnar walking by him towards the exit as he struggled to rise to his feet. Beside him, Kari raised his head in time to see Dolnar taking the key from Kristopher. Kari struggled to find the strength to reach for his small weapon. He pointed it at Dolnar who was about to leave the room.

"Don't move, butcher!" Dolnar stopped and slowly turned around. Kari could feel the Wordlord reaching into his mind. He could feel him reading all of his thoughts and memories including his voyage through Eray and the Mirror of Space and Time. Kari continued to point his weapon towards him as Dolnar ceased the invasion into his mind.

"So, I rule in the future!! And now you have provided me with a means to get there!"

"Not a chance, ya fruitcake! Do you think I'm pointing this gun at you for the fun of it? Although it will be fun seeing you fry! You would've been responsible for a lot of people's suffering, but I'm here to change that!"

"Is that so, little man? Look at your friend, Tull! You are responsible for his suffering! I could never have beaten him if you hadn't joined us when you did! For that I must thank you! I'm going to let you live because I know that the pain you will experience from this will be far more severe than any that I could inflict upon you!"

Dolnar then turned to leave the prison that had held him for countless years. Kari used all of his remaining strength to aim the gun at the Wordlord. Suddenly, a crimson beam shot from it, striking Dolnar's right hand which was holding the Word. The hand and the Word fell to the floor and Dolnar began to scream.

He fell to his knees holding onto his wrist. He looked back to Kari who was still aiming the gun at him. Kari managed a weak laugh as he looked to him. "I wondered why my parents referred to you as 'lefty'." Dolnar continued to scream in agony as Kari laughed. He tried to bend down to pick up the box, but Kari took another shot that just missed its target. Dolnar jumped back from the box and looked to Kari who still didn't have enough strength to rise to his feet.

Suddenly, Dolnar raised his remaining hand above his head and an explosion sounded in the room. Seconds later it began to fill with black smoke and Kari could no longer see his opponent. Immediately, he fired his gun in the direction that he remembered the box had been. Again, Dolnar cried out in pain. Kari continued to fire his gun into the black smoke as he heard Dolnar's screams fade away.

Kristopher managed to lift himself to his knees and looked toward the room's exit. He and Kari watched in horror as the smoke slowly began to fade. Moments later, they saw the hand of Dolnar lying on the floor. The smoke cleared further until a small wooden box became visible.

Kristopher dragged himself to it and reached out to it. As soon as he contacted it, he felt the pain leave him. He looked back to Kari who seemed to be disappearing. In fact, it was Kristopher who was disappearing. He felt himself floating through the air although the scenery around him wasn't what he remembered being outside the prison.

Moments later, he found himself standing in the midst of the Elders who were reaching out to him. He felt his mind becoming one with theirs. Their power increased greatly now that Dolnar no longer held the Word. A vision of Talnar standing before Nolebes filled his heart. He and the Elders called out his name and he instantly joined them. The two Lostarians embraced one another.

They felt a closeness far beyond anything that they had ever experienced. Kristopher had no idea that his friend had been Nolebes' prisoner for a very long time even though he was only there for a few moments, Talnar was exhausted beyond words and he fell to his knees. Immediately, Realman attendants moved to his side and began to comfort him. He could feel 'life' returning to him as he sat upon a tail chair.

Kristopher then received a vision of Dorma. He called out to him, but the Realman told him that he would join him at a later time. There were still many captives that needed to be freed from their chains now that the Lits had been defeated. Moments later the Elders and the two Lostarians were transported to the Council Chambers in Realm.

Seated around the table were Samuel and Solta. Both received the tightest embrace that either had ever felt. Kristopher thought of Kari. He experienced a great sadness as he reached his thoughts. He tried to reach further into his heart, but found that he was unable to.

"He doesn't wish to be reached at this moment,." said Gondira. "Give him time. But now, we have other matters that are most urgent. Dolnar has escaped from his prison. Although it is true that he no longer possesses the Word, he still holds many of its' secrets. Behold..."

Kristopher received a vision of the Wordlord. He and Zagar were standing before the Mirror of Space and Time. Seconds later, they jumped into it and were gone. He called out to Egonas, but was unable to find him. He searched for several moments, but found no sign of him. His heart became saddened as he believed that the magician had died.

"By the power of the Light," continued Gondira. "And with the great many sacrifices made by Samuel and Kristopher and all the others in line since Hemma himself, we have finally reached the moment of our freedom. Many have been lost to us and we mourn that loss, but now we must perform the glorious task that stands before us. After all these countless years, the Words can be reunited! All of our people should be permitted to witness this."

He waved his hand and the castle that they had been in disappeared. Kristopher found that they now stood before a multitude of Realmen, Drompan and Lostarian people who were cheering loudly. He then placed a great golden chest upon the table that was still before him. He ceremoniously opened it and the cheers grew louder.

"First, the Word that has been held by Sibe." Slowly, Sibe placed his wooden box into the larger one. "This is 'Peace. Now the one carried by Fortice." He placed his into the chest. "Understanding." Next Telemen placed inside the one he held. "Truth." The cheering seemed to grow as each Word entered the chest. "Now I shall place mine with the others. Love. Now, after all these many years they shall be reunited with the Word that blinds them all together. The one that has been separated for so long."

He motioned to Kristopher who carried the wooden box over to him. "Would you do us the honor" asked Gondira. Kristopher looked to the box for a moment and listened to the cheering crowd. He then turned his gaze to Samuel.

"Would you like to help me, uncle?" Immediately, the crowd began to chant the name of the aged Lostarian. Slowly, he moved to his nephew's side and the two embraced. Gondira held the opened chest out to them and they placed the box into it.

"This is 'Power'. As it merged with the others, they each felt their hearts fill with peace. Indescribable visions flowed through them and many found that they had to sit down upon the grass before they fell over. A glowing light appeared beside the Elders. Within it were Hemma, The Lady of the Light, Dorma and Kari.

The Lostarian quickly moved away from the others and ran to Kristopher's side. The two grasped forearms. Before he could say a word, Kari disappeared before his eyes. Kristopher turned to the Lady of the Light who also disappeared. Kari felt himself become light-headed. He was in a room that was filled with beautiful music. A glance through the window revealed that he was within a forest. Suddenly, the Lady of the Light appeared before him. He couldn't remove his stare as she walked toward him. Her voice was soft and soothing.

"There is no longer any need for deception, my son. I know all about you. It is sad that you were unable to complete your task, but you never really had a chance."

"What do you mean?"

"We knew of your parents. Their arrival was felt by all of us, but we were confused by it. For years we watched them carefully until we found out what they were doing. Let me tell you, there was a great debate here when we realized what was going on. We had to decide what we should do about it."

"Why didn't you help my parents when you could?"

"The fact that they were here told us that Kristopher would not take Dolnar's life. That was something that couldn't be changed. But most of us felt that the Words would be reunited. That is where we had the problem. Others believed that they would not be reunited and something would have to be done about it."

"But Dolnar escaped because of me!!"

"All things move as they should. You can not change that. It saddened us that we had to let you live your life as you had, but these kinds of things must be handled very carefully. You were born in our time and thus had every right to live your life as you chose to. I, for one, grieved for you. I knew why you were trying to convince the Keeper not to journey here. Believe me, we all know how hard it must have been on you."

As she finished these words, he began to feel lightheaded again. Moments later, he was standing before Kristopher and the others who had been able to hear all that had been said.

"Why didn't you confide in us, Kari? We're your friends."

"Would you have believed me? I don't think so. After my parents died, I vowed that I would spend the rest of my life trying to complete the mission that they had lost their lives trying to accomplish. I was sure that if I could keep you away from this side, then everything would've been different."

"That doesn't matter now. We are back together like we should be." As he spoke these words, Talnar joined them. He smiled at Kari for a moment and began to shake his head.

"You never could do anything right." He joked. "But that doesn't matter anymore. It's all over. This place is incredible. Let's spend some time looking about."

"I'm afraid I can't. I've got to follow Dolnar."

Talnar began to smile and then looked to Kristopher who shook his head.

"No chance. I just got back. I want to spend some time with Solta and Samuel. Besides, I'd like to see how things change around here, now that the Words have been joined."

"Quit your belly-aching. We'll only be gone for a few moments of their time." said Kari. Suddenly, he raised his sword above his head. Immediately, Talnar touched it with his own. Both warriors waited for the third to join theirs. Finally, it did. Before anyone could say a word, a long wooden staff became part of the pact. All three of the Lostarians quickly turned to see whose staff it was.

"Then we'll leave immediately." said a smiling Egonas.

Kari let out a deep sigh. "Oh great."