Wide   eyes stayed locked upon the door. Neither uttered a sound as they looked for the source of the welcome. A survey of the area revealed they were indeed alone. Kristopher took a few wary steps towards the large wooden door. The room was still brightly lit although still no source of the illumination could be found. Kari's sword slid slowly from its sheath and was held before him as he stopped just a few feet away from the wooden passage.

        Suddenly, his weapon fell to the ground as a beam of blue light shone from the door onto his face. He remained silent, unable to move as Kristopher ran to his side. Immediately, an identical beam struck him and he also became paralysed. He felt his fear lessen as a peaceful feeling filled his mind. Again, the deep voice sounded.

        "YOU NEED NO WEAPONS HERE IN ERAY."

        "What is Eray?" Kristopher's voice seemed child-like in comparison to the one thundering from the door.

        "ERAY WAS ONCE A GREAT NATION...LONG AGO. I AM PART OF WHAT HAS REMAINED. I AM THE VOICE OF A ONCE GREAT PEOPLE."

        "Where are they now?

        " EVERYONE...EVERYTHING IS GONE. BUT SURELY YOUR TIME GUIDE KNOWS OF ERAY?"

        Kristopher could sense the voice was referring to Kari. He read terror in his friend's eyes. "What does that mean?" he asked him.

        "How the hell should I know? You're talking to a door for cryin' out loud. I don't think it should be taken too seriously!"

        "DO NOT MOCK THE VOICE OF ERAY!! " Both men could feel anger discharging from the beam of light still focused upon them. "IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO SPEAK OF IT..SO BE IT. IT HAS BEEN SO LONG SINCE I HAVE SPOKEN TO ANYONE..I AM SURE THINGS HAVE CHANGED GREATLY. NO MATTER! MY PURPOSE IS TO SHOW ALL THAT REMAINS OF A ONCE GREAT NATION. AGAIN I SAY - WELCOME TO ERAY. "

        The door opened, revealing a large room. Cautiously, they entered finding the floor and walls were made of finely polished marble. The chamber was lit although, again, no source could be seen. The gentle light which had been shining upon them suddenly disappeared. "YOU NOW STAND IN THE HALL OF FIVE DOORS. PASS THROUGH THE FIRST DOOR AND ENTER THE HALL OF MUSIC."

        As they neared the door, it slowly opened and they stepped inside. It was a massive room. The marble walls were adorned with beautiful sculptures of musical instruments. Most were unknown to them. As the door closed, a single, pure tone appeared. They were immediately filled with visions of green meadows. The vision increased as a second note harmonized with the first.

        More notes followed until an incredibly beautiful chord drifted through the chamber. The key modulated higher and then lower causing a different sensation to appear in their minds with each change. The music stopped and they became aware that they were back in the empty room. Another door appeared before them. They both looked behind them to discover that the door through which they had just passed was no longer there. The door before them opened. "Looks like we don't have a choice," whispered Kari.

        They moved closer and the voice re-appeared as they reached it. "PASS THROUGH TO ENTER THE HALL OF COLOR." Silently, the door opened and they entered a room similar to the one they were leaving. Once inside, the door closed behind them and a color comparable to crimson began to shine from the marble walls. More visions filled their hearts. This time they visualized forests in the fall. Another color appeared that neither had ever before seen. Another unrecognized color appeared. Within moments, the room was filled with several beautiful colors many of which they had never before witnessed. Slowly, the spectacle began to fade.

        Again, a door appeared before them. Neither looked back to see if the one through which they had entered the room had disappeared. It indeed had. As they approached the next entrance, the voice re-appeared. "PASS THROUGH THE DOOR TO ENTER THE LIBRARY." The door opened and they walked into the room, making their way deeper into the buried chambers. In the centre of the room stood a pedestal on which sat a large black book. A soft voice sounded from it.

        "Welcome to the remains of our beloved world. It grieves me that you must experience it in this way. I am the knowledge of the Erayan people. Ask me what you will."

        "Can you tell me why Dolnar is after me?" Another beam of blue light shone from above, cascading onto Kristopher's head. Silence followed for a moment.

        "Because you are the Tull, of course."

        "What do you mean "The Tull? "

        "You are the Keeper of the Key. You hold the power to defeat him..."

        "Who is he and what does being a Tull have to do with it?"

        "Has no one told you who you are? Do you not know your destiny?"

        "I'm no more than a Lostarian warrior."

        "By the Light! You don't know! This is very strange. A Tull that doesn't know who Dolnar is!"

        Suddenly, a beam of light shone onto Kari. A moment's silence was broken by the deep voice that had guided them.

        "WHY DID YOU NOT TELL HIM? "

        "Tell him what?! " Silence again followed. Then a door appeared before them. "GO TO THE TEMPLE. YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR ANSWERS THERE." Without hesitation, Kristopher moved into the next room, followed by a sighing Kari. The next chamber was much larger than the others. The walls were covered with what appeared to be beautiful paintings of people walking through gardens. A closer examination revealed they were more than mere pictures. One could walk right into the midst of the scenes. Kristopher was awed as he walked slowly past the garden landscapes. He found his hand could pass through the pictures as he reached to touch them.         Then, a soft yet deep voice echoed throughout the enormous room. "So, the time has come."

        Immediately, the two warriors turned to find an old man clad in a gray robe standing behind them. Kari reached for his sword, but was unable to bring his hand to remove it.

        "There will be no need for that, my son. I wish you no harm."

        Kristopher stepped towards the man whose long white hair and beard swayed as he spoke.

        "Please, I must know what is going on. Who are these people we've been encountering and why do they want me?"

        "Samuel should have told you years ago, after your father was killed. You are the heir to the key. The only one with the power to face Dolnar. He knows this and that is why his servants are after you. Believe me, there are many others under his control looking for you and they are not far away. My child, now is the time for you to learn who you are."

        "To know this, you must know the history of our world. Hear these words now and you will understand. Many years ago, this world was in great harmony. The people lived together in peace. Then, one day, a terrible event took place. The harmony died! It is unknown how this happened. An incredibly destructive war broke out and many were killed. Those who had survived separated to opposite sides of the world. Many generations later, five elders reunited the people by showing them they had lost "The Light" which was the power that had once bound them together."

        "These five formed the 'Council of Light.' Their purpose was to guide the people and insure no such war would ever again take place. The Elders were Gondira, Sibe, Fortice, Telemen and the man you see before you now...Hemma Tull."

        Kristopher took a step backwards. "Yes, Kristopher, I am your very distant ancestor. All went well for many years. Because of our dedication to keeping the peace, we were given the task of carrying the five Words which form what I might loosely describe as the essence of creation. The Words were to be used according to our wisdom."

        "They offered both great joy and great sorrow to the bearers. While holding them, we did not age. This may seem to be a great blessing. However, because of the nature of the Words' powers which was to form a perfect union between the warring good and evil, holding them became a constant battle. We heard the Words' evil side crying out to us for release and we had to fight to contain it."

        "After many years, the struggle proved to be too much for me and I became very ill. Realizing my son was too young to be given the Word I held, it was decided my most advanced student would be given the task. That man was Dolnar. I remained ill for a season and was unable to properly teach him all he needed to learn. Soon, the Word's power overtook him and he grew fearful and jealous of the other four Wordlords, believing they plotted to take the Word from him. This was the Word's power influencing his mind. Gondira told him the Words did not belong to any of us, but were for all of our people."

        "Dolnar became furious and fled from them, taking the Word I had passed on to him. He sought others who would follow him and created a powerful army. The great force of the Word completely engulfed him and he plotted to take the Words from the others to increase his own strength. After a time, he returned with his army. Puffed up with his new power, he commanded the other Wordlords to give him the Words they held. Telemen tried to explain to him that there was no way they would surrender the Words to him."

        "Dolnar became enraged and demanded they heed his commands. Again they refused and Dolnar raised his hands above his head. Lightning lit the sky, followed by deafening crashes of thunder. Realizing that Dolnar had been completely taken over by the Word, the four Elders decided to separate him from his army. They waved their hands and the ground began to shake. Slowly, a vast mountain began to rise and Dolnar's army fled in terror."

        "Dolnar backed away as I appeared before him. I was unable to take the Word from him, but I knew he must not be able to create another army. Exhausting the last of my power, I imprisoned him within the mountain. Knowing that he would one day learn the secret of how to escape from his prison, I forged a key for the doorway so that we could enter it at a time of our choosing. I informed Gondira that I had placed my power within it. This key has been passed down from Tull to Tull for many generations. Each new bearer was taught what would be needed to face Dolnar. Samuel should have taught you what you need to know long ago. You should not have been allowed to fight in the Salvian war. But, what's done is done."

        "I know what powers were within the Word Dolnar holds. It was just a matter of time before he'd learn to use that power from within his prison. Recently, Samuel has grown ill and he believes that he no longer has the strength to carry the key. He had it sent to the other side of the mountain to a city known as Realm. The years Dolnar has spent in his mountain prison have not been idle ones as I knew they would not be. He has been studying the Word and now has the knowledge to reach outside of his prison using his mind."

        "Using his acquired power, he has created an army of weak-minded souls and can control them using his thoughts. Many of them search for you even now! You must go to Realm to learn what you, as a Tull, must do." The ancient man waved his hand and a headband with a small green stone attached to it appear in Kristopher's grasp. "This will protect you from Dolnar's mind. My power is within it. For now, you need only have it in your possession, but when you are closer to Dolnar's prison you must wear it so the stone sits on the centre of your forehead. It is time for you to leave Eray, my son. We are taking a great risk meeting like this. Surely Dolnar will be able to sense that I have contacted you."

        "Why can you not give the key to someone else who would be more suited to this task?" asked the bewildered Lostarian.

        "Place the stone against your forehead, my son." Kristopher followed Hemma's instructions. Then, the aged man closed his eyes. Kristopher could feel his mind merging with Hemma's. For a moment he could see through Hemma's eyes. He saw many generations of Tulls standing together. Kristopher could see a common look in each man's eyes. It was Hemma's knowledge that beamed from them. He was overwhelmed by the intensity of Hemma's thoughts and quickly pulled the stone away from his head. "You will not face him alone, Kristopher. I will be with you. I am unable to join with any others. I have tried, but only a Tull can bind with me in this way."

        As he spoke, the wall at the back of the room opened, revealing a large corridor. Hemma pointed that way and said "This path will lead you through the forest. I will see you in Realm. May the Light shine brightly within you!" The aged man began to disappear before their eyes. Just as he was fading from their sight he said "Kari, you can not change a thing. It is foolish to try."

        Kristopher stared silently towards where Hemma had been standing moments before. He then turned to Kari. "What did he mean about you not trying to change anything?"

        "You're asking me?! I can't believe you're gonna take any of this seriously! This has all been some kind of trick. Maybe black magic or something. It has to be the Salvians."

        "You mean you disbelieve all you have just seen with your own eyes?"

        "Of course! The Salvians probably got wind of your plan to carry swords to the peace talks. We've been drugged or something."

        "And why would they do that?"

        "I don't have a clue, but I'm sure as hell not gonna hang around here and find out." Kari slowly made his way through the corridor that had appeared before them. With a sigh, Kristopher followed. Immediately to their right was another door that opened with a loud scraping sound. As they passed through it into another room, another deep voice filled the marble chamber. "Welcome to the room of Space and Time."

        Directly before them was a tall black mirror. As they approached it, they could see movement within its borders. A closer observation revealed a scene from some unknown village. Again, the voice sounded.

        "If you wish to go to this place, you need only enter."

        "We are traveling to Lostar. Can you take us there?"

        "Lostar? No, I will not be in touch with that place for quite some time." Suddenly, a beam of light shone from the mirror onto Kari's head. This time he found he had control over his right arm and he dislodged his sword.

        "That won't be needed, young one. I will not harm you. I will be linked to the other space/time very soon. Would you like to go there?"

        "That does it! I'm outta here!" answered the young warrior angrily. He turned to leave the room only to find that the door had disappeared. This time, no other had materialized to replace it.

        "Well, isn't that great!? I'm gettin' tired of this!"

        Kristopher was still staring into the black mirror as the voice reappeared. "I am the way out of this place. " As the words faded, Kristopher could see the edge of the Normat within the black reflection. "You need only enter and I will take you there."

        Kari's scream echoed through the room as his friend walked into the mirror. "Kris! What the hell are you doing?!" As silence returned, he found he was alone. With a deep sigh, he followed his fellow Lostarian.

^^^^         Kristopher looked all about. As far as he could tell, he was standing in the very place he had been observing moments before. He felt light-headed as he tried to regain his senses. There was no sign of the raging storm. The sky that had been veiled from their sight for so long was now bright blue mixed with soft, white clouds. A warm breeze blew onto his face and he closed his eyes to allow the sensation to fill his mind. An almost trance-like feeling permeated through his heart. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to find Kari had joined him.

        "Not a bad trick."

        "You still believe this all is the work of the Salvians?"

        "Isn't it obvious? Don't you think it's rather odd there just happened to be ground tremors when we entered the caves? Remember who sent us this way."

        "Think about it Kari. If the Salvians had that Mirror of Space and Time in their possession, don't you think they'd have already used it to defeat us in battle? You're being ridiculous. Even for you! Why can't you admit that at least some of what we have seen and heard might be true?"         "Because, unlike others, I don't feel the need. Let's face it! We were probably drugged or something. You heard that Dorma character. Give me a break! Talk about weirdos! Who knows what he's capable of?"

        "I don't agree. I know it's so far from what we've been taught, but perhaps some of what we've always accepted as truth is wrong."

        "Do you want my honest opinion? Think about the tales we've been hearing. People forming mountains just by waving their hands? That in itself should be enough to convince you this is a load of crap!"

        Kristopher stood silently for a moment as he reflected upon their recent experiences. He could see Kari's point. As he considered all that had taken place, he gently fingered the stone on the headband which he had placed in his pocket. "What about this?" Kari was silent for a moment.

        "Believe what you feel you need to. As far as I'm concerned, there is nothing on the other side of the mountain. There never was and never will be."

        Kristopher stared across the grassy meadow before them. His thoughts turned to Dela which was a village not more than a few hours away. To get there they would have to pass through the Delan Hills. "This meadow won't offer much protection until we reach the hills."

        "I wonder how different things will look after all these years." A smile came to Kari's handsome face as he spoke. Memories of their childhood adventures in the Delan Hills filled his heart. Kristopher knew what had produced Kari's first smile in quite some time.

        "It's hard to believe it's been so long since we last journeyed there. When we reach Dela, we'll talk over those old times with Tellis. " His words were spoken half to himself as he stared across the plains. His gaze turned back to Kari. A smile decorated his face as his hand reached out to him. The younger Lostarian grasped his forearm. Immediately, the two set out across the meadow under the warmth of the bright sun.

^^^^^         After about an hour of uneventful travel, they approached the Delan Hills. The appearance of frequent trees and gently rolling hills brought protection and a welcomed relief. The sun continued to shine across the midday sky as they neared a small gathering of trees. Instinctively, they advanced towards it, immediately recognizing it from their childhood.

        "Just as it had been so many years ago." reminisced Kristopher. The two warriors stepped into the small forest. Moments later, they reached a hollowed area where they found the remains of a campfire. Large logs were placed around it as seats. The aroma of burned wood filled the air. Neither removed his stare from the ashes as they seated themselves on two logs. Their minds raced with memories of times spent sitting at that very spot. "I wonder where Talnar is right now," Kristopher said half to himself.

        "By now, he's so tired of listening to that meat-head Dorma that he's probably punched his lights out and told him to hit the road. Remember the time he did that to that guy in Dela?"         "The Delan warrior who said something about his sister?"

        A wide grin covered Kari's face. "Yeah, that guy was twice Talnar's size and he still kicked his butt!"

        "That was a long time ago. Talnar has grown up since then."

        "Maybe so, but he's still just as strong as he was. I don't think we need to worry about him. Unless I miss my guess, I'd say he'll be waitin' for us in Dela. He'll likely be killin' a few ales there with Tellis."

        "You're probably right. He..." Suddenly, Kristopher became silent. His eyes widened as he looked into the trees around them.

        "What is it?"

        "Horses! Coming this way!"

        The two warriors immediately headed for a large oak tree just a few feet away. They began climbing and, nearing the top, took up positions behind large leaf-covered branches. The green and brown hue of the Lostarian clothing allowed them to disappear . Moments later, Kari heard the rumble of horses hooves pounding on the ground.

        Within minutes, twelve riders arrived in the small clearing. Two were men with markings on their armor such as the Lostarians had never before seen. They were tall and powerful warriors with long, dark beards. A golden bow was strung over their shoulders and a large "D" shone from the centre of their chests. The other ten riders were Lits!

        "Search the forest!" commanded the larger of the two men. Immediately, all but one of the Lits leapt from their horses, running into the trees. The two men and the largest of the Lits remained horse-bound as the rest of the powerful creatures disappeared into the woods. "Check the campfire!"

        The remaining creature growled as it dismounted. Slowly, it moved to the spot where the Lostarians had been sitting moments before and began to sniff the air. "They was here! Nots long agos!"

        High above them, Kristopher and Kari were horrified as the mammoth guard began to test the air again. It stopped for a moment and then neared the tree on which they hid.

        "They musts have left for Dela already. I don't smells 'em anymores!"

        "Alright! Get your men together. We better catch them before they reach Dela or Ramlord will have our heads!"

        The Lit sounded a strange whistle and the rest of the guards appeared from the forest. The largest of the two men pulled a whip from a pouch hanging from his saddle. He cracked it at the Lits and commanded them to get back upon their horses. "The Lostarians have already left. We've gotta catch them before they reach Dela! If they get by us, you'll wish they hadn't!" Another crack of the whip sounded and the Lits leapt onto their horses. Moments later, they were gone.

        The two Lostarians were motionless as the pounding of horses' hooves disappeared. "Well, isn't that great?! I'm gettin' tired of this!" complained Kari.

        "I can't say it's entirely unexpected. Nothing surprises me anymore."

        "I'm in touch with that! We do have one advantage, however."

        "Yes, the old path."

        "We can use the old route to Tellis' place. We'll have to wait 'til dark until we can leave the forest, though."

        Kristopher was staring into the forest. "They always seem to know what we're doing. I wonder how."

        "It won't matter soon. Once in Dela, they'll never find us."

        "Still, I wish I knew."

        "Might as well forget about it for now. We still have a long way to go."

        Grasping forearms, they set off in a different direction than the one the Lits had taken minutes before.

^^^^^
        They moved cautiously along the path they had taken many times in years past. The trees offered abundant cover and they moved confidently along. After about an hour's journey, they reached the edge of the forest. The tall stone wall that surrounded the city of Dela stood a few hundred yards away. It was still too bright out to allow a safe journey across the unprotected area and it was agreed they would wait until dark before moving to the Delan Wall.

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