The   wait for sunset had been long and exhausting and had taken its toll on the young Lostarians. From the shelter of the trees at the forest's edge they had viewed several men walking around the outer edge of the city walls. They knew they had no choice but to hide amongst the trees, as it would have been far too dangerous to venture from the forest until the coming of the cover of darkness. Finally, they decided that darkness had fallen enough to hide them. They moved past the last of the tall trees. The moon lit the area just enough that they could see the outline of the Delan Wall. Without hesitation, they ran swiftly toward it.

        Upon arriving, they found that the barrier seemed much smaller than it had when they had scaled it in their younger days. A hand, fully extended above their heads, reached to about two feet from the top. Kari smiled as he neared the peak with an easy jump. Kristopher followed his lead and soon they were over the barricade. They stood upon a dirt covered street that was lined with tall trees. Small wooden houses stood side by side as far as the eye could see.

        Although they had not been in Dela for many years, they knew exactly where they were and in which direction they would have to travel to reach the home of their boyhood friend Tellis. Dela was an immense village-city and there were many streets and alley-ways which they could roam that would provide a safe passage to their destination. It wasn't long before they were standing in front of their friend's small home.

        The front yard was surfaced with tall grass. The house was surrounded by many large maple trees which they had climbed upon when they were much younger. Kristopher knocked on the oak door in the front of the small home and their hearts filled with anticipation as memories were stirred. Even in the dark, they recognized the surroundings and neither could help but smile.

        No reply came as Kristopher knocked a second time. Their smiles disappeared. Quickly, they moved to the back door. Finding it to be unlocked, they dashed inside. Kari called out Tellis' name as he stood impatiently in the kitchen. Still, no reply came. Kristopher opened the door that led into the living room. Flames danced in the fireplace, but no one surrounded it. Kari burst into the room, waving a piece of paper above his head.

        "I found this in Tellis' bedroom!" He held the paper near the fire and began reading.

        "My old friends; I am sorry no one is here to greet you! I knew you'd come here. We had to leave immediately. I know it is dangerous to leave this message for you, but I don't have a choice. An army unlike any we've ever encountered is here in Dela and they are looking for Kristopher! Of course, we told them you had not been here for many years, but I'm sure they haven't given up their search!"

        "Our village has been called to war again. Just when I thought the fighting was finally over! It isn't the Salvians this time. I'm sure it has something to do with those men looking for Kristopher."

        "Be careful. Word has it that someone here is a traitor so trust no one."

        "Again I say I am sorry I can't be here to see you myself. Please take care....Tellis."

        Kari looked to Kristopher as he finished the last of the letter. "This is starting to get on my nerves! I can't wait to get home so I can forget all this crap and get drunk or something!" He tossed the note into the fire and the flames engulfed it as they left for the Inn.

        Again, they crept through alleys and along the pathways as they made their way towards the Inn. This time, recognizing streets and houses didn't produce any smiles. They stole along a familiar road until they reached the front of the Inn. A large hedge grew before it which hid much of the structure from the roadway. Silently, they moved along a clay path that led to the door of the large building. Much of it was covered with green vines

        Kari's right hand reached for his sword as Kristopher knocked on the beautifully carved entry. After a moment, a small, head-high window swung open and a bearded face appeared. The two warriors stared at the elderly man whose thick gray beard and hair shone in the moonlight. Then Kristopher said;

        "Forgive us, sir. We seek one named Mittem"

        "I am Mit..." His words stopped suddenly as he spotted the Tull coat-of-arms on Kristopher's sheath. "Come in quickly and be silent," demanded the aged man. The large door swung open the Lostarians were ushered into the building. They stood in the middle of a long hall-way. To their right was a large room wherein sat several men laughing and talking loudly amongst the around oak tables. The Lostarians were immediately spotted by several of the patrons and the room became quiet. The Innkeeper led them down the hall to the left. Their movements were watched by several men in the room. Soon, they arrived at the lodging quarters.

        "Most of the rooms are occupied, but there is one room I have saved for you." Immediately, Mittem opened a door on the right side of the hall-way. He closed it uneasily once they had entered. To their left, a small fire cascaded a dull light onto the gray stone walls. To their right were two small beds which appeared very inviting to the tired warriors.

        "I will send some food. Do not leave here." Mittem left the room and the door closed tightly after him. Kari moved to one of the beds and fell upon it. The moon cast its light through a small window above him as he lay for a moment. Suddenly, a knock came to the door. Kristopher unsheathed his sword as Kari leapt from the bed.

        "Who is there?" demanded the older Lostarian.

        It was a woman's soft voice that answered. "I'm Solta. I've brought you some food." Kristopher's sword returned to its sheath and he opened the door. A beautiful young woman stood in the hall. She appeared to be slightly younger than the two warriors who stared at her. Her long, blond hair, which hung to her waist, glistened as the light shone from the room. She stood majestically in their gaze, holding a tray of food in her hand. She blushed while the awe-stricken Lostarians, overwhelmed by her beauty, continued to stare at her.

        Finally realizing what they were doing, Kristopher invited her to enter the room. "My father said you'd be coming here. The Light has been with you." Her voice was soft and gentle. "Dorma said we must be sure you weren't discovered. I will return with some clothes we have prepared for you. Apparently, no one is to know you are from Lostar. Father believes it would be wise for you to join him in the pub as it might arouse suspicion if hide here after being seen earlier. We must convince everyone you are Delan. Please do not mention the name 'Tull' when you are in the pub. I shall return in a moment."

        She bowed to them and left the room. Kari fell back upon the bed and let out a loud sigh. "Did you check her out?! What a babe! I don't remember Delan women looking that hot! I wonder what the one you'll be gettin' tonight looks like!"

        "Oh, you figure she's going to be yours do you?"

        "No question about it. Finally, this trip is producin' some good times! I don't even care that she's part of your uncle's phony religion."

        Moments later, another knock came to the door. Kari ran to it and pulled it open. Solta walked into the room and immediately moved to the beds, placing two sets of Delan clothing upon them. "Father awaits you in the pub. When you have changed, please meet him there. He has asked me to remind you not to speak of who you really are."

        "Why not?" asked Kari. "You've got nothin' to worry about. We are Lostarian warriors. We can handle ourselves."

        "You are much too young to know of the danger surrounding you, Kari. Trust me."

        "How do you know my name?"

        "You are too young to understand that also." She smiled and left the room.

        "Well, young fellow. You've got her right where you want her." joked Kristopher.

        "Shut up! It's early yet. She won't be able to resist my charm all night, you'll see!"

        Kristopher smiled as the two warriors changed into the Delan clothing left by Solta. He knew Kari's ego would not allow him to leave things as they were and he prepared himself for what was to come. Kari mumbled to himself as he dressed. "No woman gets the best of this Lostarian," he grumbled.

        The new clothes were similar to their own, except they were completely brown and a jacket was worn instead of a Tulnit. Kristopher, having finished changing, stared through a small window before him. He remained silent as Kari slowly moved to his side and placed his hand upon his friend's shoulder.

        "Don't worry," he said. "He can look after himself. He's probably waitin' for us in Lostar."

        "I hope so. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if anything happens to him."

        "He'll be alright, Kris. None of these clowns can hurt him. Come on, let's go to the tavern and kill a few ales." Moments later, they left the room.

        They moved along the hall side by side until they reached the pub. As they entered the smoke-filled room, the low rumble of men's voices suddenly turned to silence. A quick check of the area revealed that the tables were surrounded by several men seated together around tables which were covered with large beer-filled mugs. Kristopher located Mittem who was seated in the far corner of the room. Beside him was another elderly man who was clad in a deep brown, ankle-length gown. A dark hood covered most of his face as the two sat in conference.

        The disturbing silence continued to fill the room as the Lostarians slowly moved towards them. About midway through the room, the two were joined by Solta, who grasped Kristopher's arm, leading him towards her father. As they neared him, they passed a table which was occupied by two men who were obviously not Delan. They were from a race that neither of the Lostarians recognized. Their faces were completely covered by dark hair and what features that could be made out were very hard in appearance. Neither of these men removed his stare as the warriors passed by their table.

        Kari returned the glare as he passed by them. "What are you looking at, fur head?" No reply was offered, but the stare continued. "Have you got a problem, pal?!" The answer then came in an incredibly deep voice;

        "No, but you might.

        "Oh no! Be still my heart!" A growl followed as Kristopher grasped Kari's arm, leading him to Mittem's table.

        "What are you doing?" asked the older Lostarian. "Don't you think you're being a bit of an ass?"

        "Are you serious? Did you see the way those scum-wods were looking at us? They're lucky you pulled me away when you did!"

        Kristopher shook his head as the two were seated at the places prepared for them. Kari continued to scowl at the two men as Solta set a cold beer in front of them. Slowly, the rumble of deep voices once again filled the room. Mittem motioned to the man sitting beside him and, in a hushed voice, said "This is Gon. He is a friend. He's traveling to Lostar tonight and says he will take you there." Immediately, Kari's look showed signs of mistrust.

        "He is with the Light," whispered the aged Innkeeper.

        "Oh, now I feel safe," sighed Kari. Kristopher looked apologetically to the others.

        "We would be very grateful, sir."

        "Yeah, the quicker we get home and back to some normal people, the sooner I'll be happy." added Kari.

        "You believe Lostar is a normal place?" asked Gon.

        "As normal as it gets, old timer." As Kari answered in his usual sarcastic manner, he noticed that Kristopher was staring into Solta's eyes. Seated beside one another, the two were having a private conversation. She was smiling as Kristopher spoke softly to her. "Make me puke," he muttered, half to himself. "Talk about a woman with no taste!" Again, his gaze returned to the two men on the other side of the room who continued to watch him.

        "Let it go, Kari," instructed the Innkeeper.

        "I don't think so, pops. I don't like the way they're lookin' at me."

        "You won't be here long enough for it to matter, my son."

        "I'm not your son!"

        "It is imperative that you don't bring attention to yourself. There may be spies among us. When most of these men are gone, I will send you to your room. Then, when it is safe for you to leave, I will prepare the horses for your departure."

        "Not a minute too soon for me," answered the impatient Lostarian." As he spoke, another young woman arrived at the table and placed a tray of ales before them. Mittem thanked her. "Keep these comin' honey," was Kari's only comment to her.

^^         Time passed quickly as they drank the ales and talked quietly of Lostar and Dela. Mittem and Gon were very careful to make sure no one could hear their conversation. Gon was visibly disturbed each time Kari made a joke about the "Light" or "the other side of the mountain," but that didn't stop the Lostarian from making them. Occasionally, he looked to the "fur faces," as he continued to refer to them. With each ale he consumed, he felt the effect of the alcohol grow stronger. This pleased him.

        He couldn't help but stare at Solta. Her beauty could not be denied. He was spellbound by her.(The beers didn't hurt either.) Kristopher, seeing Kari's growing intoxication, mentioned to his friend to stay alert, but received the usual reproving look from him. The young waitress serving them moved to his side, placing a fresh ale before him. She was a very attractive young woman, but Kari didn't give her a second look. She seemed pale next to Solta. It wasn't so much Solta's appearance, (which was actually quite important to Kari). There was something special about Solta. Something extremely attractive. The young waitress was quite taken by Kari's handsome features and his proud warrior's look. Yet, even after consuming a sufficient number of ales, he remained uninterested in her.

        Kari soon found himself growing bored and more angry each time Solta dismissed his tales of great adventures and conquests as childish. It became obvious his constant boasting was not going to win her heart. Finally, he gave up. Something else was going to amuse him tonight. He looked back to the two men who were still staring at him.

        "Hey, fuzz face! What the hell are you looking at?"

        Suddenly, a strong hand grasped his shoulder. The grip was so tight that he almost cried out. He turned to find it was Gon who had a secure hold on him. He was amazed the aged man possessed such incredible strength. As their eyes met, Kari beheld a look that made him shutter.

        "I think you should keep your voice down, lad."

        Kari pulled his shoulder away and leapt to his feet. "Keep your hands off me, old man. This does not concern you! It's a matter of honor!" Before anyone could move, the drunken warrior was half way across the room, heading directly for the two men who had been staring at him. Kristopher reached for his sword and Gon motioned him to stop.

        "Leave him. It is time he learned a very valuable lesson."

        "I can't leave my friend."         "I'm afraid you will have to do just that very shortly. The two of you do not share the same fate. Let it go, they will not hurt him too badly. They are Sharta traders. Not really a violent race of men.

        Kari reached their table. Those seated close by pulled their tables away to make room for what they knew was to come.

        "I said, what are you looking at?!" Slowly, one of the Sharta men stood up from his seat. Kari caught his breath as the hairy man towered over him. He looked back to Kristopher who was sheathing his sword. The older Lostarian shrugged his shoulders and sat down, shaking his head.

        "I guess it is time for him to grow up a bit," he said to himself. Some of the other men in the pub began to cheer on the confrontation. Although the Shartas were a relatively harmless race, many Derulans didn't like outsiders and they assumed Kari was one of their own since he was dressed in traditional Delan clothes.

        Kari began to fell puffed up by the shouts of support he was receiving. He liked the attention and was going to take it to the limit.

        "I don't like the way you've been staring at me, pelt-face. What's your problem?"

        The Sharta remained silent as he continued to stare down into Kari's eyes. The crowd of men surrounding them continued to call out for Kari to strike the trader and he pushed his finger into his chest. Suddenly, the large man grasped Kari's hand. His firm grip was incredible and he found he was unable to free himself. Kari felt himself sobering up quite quickly as his opponent made a fist with his free hand.

        There was a sudden hush in the room as the Sharta pulled back his fist, aiming it at Kari's face. Time seemed to stand still as the two men held the other's gaze. The Sharta smiled sardonically as he read the fear in the young warrior's eyes. Kari wanted to reach for his sword, but his opponent was unarmed and that would be a very cowardly move.

        "I've done it this time," he thought as he stared into the weapon that would soon be striking him.

        He continued to struggle against the Sharta's unbelievable hold, but it proved useless. The trader started a deep laugh the caused the Lostarian's heart to grow cold and the hairs on the back of his neck to stand on end.

        "Sleep well, small one," said the burly trader. Suddenly, the door burst open. The thunderous crash caused everyone in the room to turn that way.

        "I can't leave you for a moment." It was Talnar! The Sharta turned his attention to him for a brief moment, but that was all the time Kari needed. His foot came up, hitting his opponent in the middle of the stomach. The Sharta let go of Kari as he moaned from the pain. Quickly, Kari's fist found the face of the hulking trader. Seconds later, blood poured from his nose.

        The Sharta's eyes were aflame as he looked to Kari. He slowly became fully erect once again. At unbelievable speed, his fist came down on top of Kari's head, knocking him over. Kari felt pain flooding through his entire body as he hit the floor, almost unconscious. Loud cheers appeared as he stumbled back to his feet. By this time, Talnar had reached the table where the other Sharta trader was rising from his seat.

        "I hope you're not getting the idea to join your friend." His words were almost drowned out by the Delan cheers as Kari landed a powerful blow. The Sharta smiled at Talnar as he stood next to him.

        "Perhaps I was, little man," he said, towering over Talnar. In one motion, the Lostarian warrior grasped the Sharta's arm, twisting it tightly until his opponent fell to his chair in pain. Hearing the crashing of the seat, Kari's foe turned to see his companion seated and rubbing his aching arm. A deep snarl came from his throat as he looked to Kari. Slowly, he turned away and returned to his seat.

        Loud cheers filled the room as the two Lostarians grasped forearms. As Talnar released his friend's arm, he felt a hand rest upon his shoulder. Immediately, he turned to find Kristopher standing before him with a smile covering his entire face. Kari and Kristopher noticed that, like them, Talnar was now clad in Delan clothing.

        Kristopher took his friend by the arm, leading him to his table. Kari walked two steps behind. Just before reaching his chair, he turned around to face towards the Shartas and pointed at them. A smug look adorned his handsome features as he made a gesture at them which only he understood. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted something he found quite upsetting. Seated in the corner of the room were two men who looked like they might be the ones he and Kristopher had hidden from at the Delan Hills.

        His gaze turned to Talnar and then returned to the men in the corner. They rose from their chairs and left for the door even though there were two full ales sitting upon the table. Kari watched as they made their way out of the room.

        Kristopher and Talnar were overjoyed to see one another. Kristopher introduced his friend to Solta. It was hard for Talnar to conceal the immediate attraction he felt. Like Kari and Kristopher, he was instantly charmed by her. However, he fought the feeling when he noticed, to his dismay, that she and Kristopher were holding each other's hand.

        Talnar quietly told tales of his adventure through Normat with Dorma. Kristopher was awed as he heard what his friend had to say and he raised his glass to toast the man who had saved them all.

        Gon lifted his right hand, motioning them to listen. Lowering his head near the table, he said "Please don't speak of anything that is not considered normal in these parts. Kari wasn't paying attention. He continued to stare at the door. Much disapproval came as he announced he was going for a walk to get away from the smoky air in the pub. Talnar and Kristopher pleaded with him to stay, but he told them he wasn't feeling well and wished to be alone for a few minutes.

        Soon, he was walking through the bar towards the door. Many hands slapped him on the back as he walked past the Shartas who watched him with hatred in their eyes. He tipped an imaginary hat to them as he left the room. He immediately ran down the hallway and soon reached the main door to the Inn. Seconds later, he stood outside the building.

        The sound of horses' hooves on cobblestone sounded from his left and turning that way, he saw the two men seated upon a horse drawn carriage. The moon cast a silver light as he silently crept along a hedge, out of their view. The carriage was tossed about as the men tried to still the horses. One of the men in the coach was trying desperately to quiet the steeds. Kari saw his chance. Quickly, he stole behind them, waiting for the horses to jump again. Once again, the horses vaulted. Kari rolled into a small area on the back of the coach. His entry was hidden by the movement caused by the horses and he curled up out of view.

        Finally, the angered men brought the horses to a calmer state and they moved along the roadway into the quiet of the village-city night. They traveled down a few streets and alleys until they halted before a large stone house. Several tall maple trees grew around it, concealing it from the road. The drivers leapt from the carriage, heading directly for the front door. Kari followed silently behind, hidden in the shadows.

        Reaching the door, one of the men knocked upon it three times . It slowly swung open, revealing the face of what appeared to be a Delan man.

        "He's here," said the man who had been driving the carriage. Kari could just make out the words as they entered the immense house. He ran back to the carriage and released one of the horses. He mounted it in one motion and headed back to the Inn.

        He immediately dismounted upon arriving and moved swiftly to the door. Once inside, he found Kristopher, Talnar, Mittem, Solta and Gon standing outside of the room which had been provided for the Lostarians when they had first arrived at the Inn. He was out of breath as he described what he had witnessed. Mittem let out a sigh,

        "What times are these! It seems you must leave us sooner that we thought. Gon will take you home tonight."

        "No offense," said Kari, "but I think it would be safer for the old guy to stay here. Just give us three fast horses and we'll be on our way."

        "Humor me, young Lostarian. I will try not to get in your way."

        "It's your funeral, pal."

        "I think you should be a bit more grateful, Kari," said Talnar. "It seems you've already made Dorma angry with you."

        "Hey, I can't hold back the tears."

        Kristopher laughed. His right hand reached out to his companion and the two grasped forearms. "Don't ever change, old buddy."

        "Count on that! So, let's get outta here before the ales wear off!"

        "Gon's carriage is in the stable," said Mittem. "It will be prepared for your journey immediately. Meet us there when you are ready to leave."

        Kari grasped Talnar by the arm, leading him into the room. "Alright, tell me more about your trip through Normat."

        "You wouldn't believe what I saw..." Talnar's excited words faded as the door closed behind him. Gon and Mittem left immediately and Kristopher and Solta were alone in the hall. She began to blush as their eyes locked. She looked to the floor and he touched her chin to raise her gaze to meet with his once again.

        "I'm unable to explain what I'm feeling inside," he whispered. "I've just met you and yet I feel as if I've known you all my life. I will return here soon."

        He bowed his head slightly and they kissed. It felt to him as if they were taken away to some other place for the brief moments their lips touched. The great burden which had been weighing heavily upon him since he had started his journey home seemed to leave him and a sigh whispered from his lips.

        Again, they looked deeply into each other's eyes. Just as he was going to kiss her again, Kari and Talnar rejoined them.

        "Alright, lover-boy. Break it up! We've got some riding to do!" Kari patted him on the head as spoke.

        "We'll meet you in the stable, Kris," added Talnar as he read the hurt look in Solta's eyes. Kari offered no further comment as he, too, recognized her look.

        Kristopher watched them exit down the hall and then turned back to Solta who was wiping tears from her eyes. He began to speak and she placed her hand upon his lips.

        "I know..." she whispered.

        The two embraced once more and Kristopher started down the hall, following the path his friends had taken moments before. Solta stared down an empty hallway. She too was awed by the way their hearts had joined so quickly. In the silent hall, she wept.

        Kristopher soon reached the stable. The others stood around a large horse-drawn carriage. Gon jumped onto it and grasped the reins. In the back of the coach were bags of wheat. Kari and Talnar immediately sat upon them. Kristopher made his way towards them. He grasped the Innkeeper's shoulder as he passed by, thanking him for his help. Soon, he joined his friends as he seated himself upon the bags of wheat.

        Mittem pulled a blanket over the three who were instructed to lay among the bags. He then moved to the front of the carriage, standing beside Gon.

        "In the name of the Light, take care of the Keeper."

        "With my life, old friend," answered Gon. "May the Light shine brightly within you."

        "Within us all."

        Mittem watched the carriage leave the stable. Gon directed it quietly down the moonlit road as Solta joined her father. Mittem put his arm around her, offering comfort.

        "His journey will be a dangerous one, but Gondira would never allow him to travel where he is going to if there was no chance he would succeed."

        "And what of Kari?"

        "There is no way of knowing. He doesn't understand the dimension of power he is dealing with. I'm afraid there isn't much hope for his future."

        "That is sad. I wish there was something we could do for him."

        "He wouldn't listen. I'm afraid his kind never do."

        The carriage disappeared into the night and Solta buried her face into her father's chest. Again, she wept. She was awe-stricken by the way she had become so close to Kristopher and she found it difficult to deal with the emotions which were engulfing her and the pain of their separation.

^^         The exhausted warriors hid amongst the large bags of wheat. Kari complained that he had a hard time breathing with the blanket over his head. None of the Lostarian had slept for a few days, but that was not uncommon for someone of their race. However, the journey through Normat was beginning to take its toll upon them. Again, Kari questioned Talnar about all that had taken place in the forest after they parted. It was difficult to hear his tales because of the noise created by the pounding of horses' hooves against cobblestone. What he could hear brought the usual reactions -laughter and/or disbelief.

        His tales told of Dorma's great strength and courage. It seemed they had encountered other Lit scouting parties as they had taken Kristopher's scent with them. Most of the Lits they had encountered knew Dorma by name and were terrified of him. Kari still maintained his mistrust. Soon, Talnar ended his story, complaining he was tired.

        "Besides," he added, "my tale is quite boring compared to the one Kristopher told me of your encounter in Eray."

        "You believed that? I say we were drugged." Kristopher sighed and then laughed. He then wished his friends a good night. Silence followed as they reached the northern most stretch of Dela. Moments later, they reached the road that would take them to Lostar.

^^^         Gon led them swiftly along the clay roadway beneath the moon's watchful eye. After a good hour's ride, they came to an abrupt halt. Several bags of wheat shifted, awakening the Lostarians. Suddenly, a deep voice sounded through the warm night air.

        "Where are you headed, old man?"

        "It doesn't concern you, but, if you must know, I'm taking wheat to be traded in Lostar!"

        "At this time of night? Kot, check those bags to be sure there's just wheat in them!" Suddenly, a sword was thrust into a bag just inches from Talnar's head. Immediately, the three warriors jumped from their places of hiding and released their swords. The moon's light shone upon four soldiers who blocked the road before them.

        Gon flung back the hood which had covered his aged head and unsheathed his sword. Kari and Talnar pounced from the carriage with swords in hand and challenged the guards before them. Kristopher moved to Gon's side, believing the aged man would need protection. He smiled as Gon stood nobly beside him with his sword held high.

        In the moonlight, Kristopher could see an emblem on his sword. It was faintly familiar. He strained his memory for a moment until it finally came to him. It was the same as one he had seen on the wall outside the Hall of Five Doors! For a moment, their eyes met and Kristopher could see a wisdom in them similarly powerful and ancient as he'd seen in Hemma's. He continued to stare as the old man grasped his shoulder. Battle sounds came from behind them as Gon said,

        "In the name of the Light!"

        In unison, they vaulted from the carriage in front of two soldiers. With one mighty crash of Gon's sword, the soldier before him fell to the ground with his sword broken into pieces. The two remaining soldiers immediately fled into the darkness. Moments later, Kari and Talnar joined them, wiping the blood from their swords. Kristopher stared at Gon as they all returned to the carriage. Immediately, the horses were commanded to continue along the pathway to Lostar.

        "They'll be back soon. You mustn't stay in Lostar for very long."

        Kristopher couldn't stop thinking of how much Gon had reminded him of Hemma. Hemma's tale filled his mind as they moved along the road. He took the time to reflect upon the things which he had been told. His father's death began to take on a new meaning. He wished he had known him before he had died. Fears and lamentations filled his heart until he finally fell asleep.

^^^ ^^^ ^^^         After hours of uninterrupted travel, the village of Lostar appeared in the distance. Gon called to them, bringing them all from a deep sleep. The Lostarians were overjoyed as they viewed their home. Soon, they reached the village outskirts and Gon brought the horses to a halt. Kristopher moved to his side and the elder put a reassuring hand upon his shoulder.

        "I wish things could be different for you, my son."

        "Can you accompany us into Lostar?"

        "Now that we are far from Dela, you can call me by my full name...Gondira."

        "How can this be?"

        "A Wordlord does not age. I have seen many things through the ages. More than I wished to see. It will be a great relief for me when we can reunite all of the Words and end this burden. Tell no one except your uncle that you have spoken with me until you reach your destination on the other side of the mountain. You will learn everything you must know when you arrive in Realm."

        Kari ran to Kristopher's side. "Hold it right there, pal! There's no way Kris is going anywhere near the mountain!"

        "How foolish you are young Lostarian. But soon you will learn. I shall return to the road to slow down the soldiers who will surely be following us. You must leave by early morning. Remember as you go there are many of us behind you fighting for the same cause. May the Light shine brightly within you."

        He grasped Kristopher's shoulder and smiled. He then commanded them to leave for home. Moments later, Gondira was traveling back towards Dela.

        Kari continued to scold Kristopher, telling him he should stay in Lostar. The older Lostarian didn't react to the continued warnings as they passed by homes he hadn't seen for a long time. A great longing to stay in his village home filled his heart, but he had already made up his mind he would be leaving. If even a fraction of what he had been told was true, he had no choice. Many emotions filled him as they made their way along the clay and stone roads.

        "Leave him alone, Kari." demanded Talnar. "He's got enough to think about without listening to your whining!"

        "If you really cared, you'd be trying to talk some sense into his fat head!"

        "If I cared?!?! "

        Kristopher raised his hand between them, knowing they would continue to argue if he let them. "Not now, guys. I'm not in the mood for this."

        Silence followed, but all three knew the argument was far from over. Finally, they reached the stone home of Kristopher's uncle. Quickly, they moved along the grass-covered walkway, traveling past trees and flowers. Kristopher's gaze never left the house as his heart raced with anticipation. Reaching the door, he threw it open and the three stepped into the large living room. Finding it empty, Kristopher dashed up stairs to Samuel's bedroom where he found his uncle very pale and lying motionless in his bed.

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