Kristopher   moved anxiously to his uncle's side. He grasped his trembling hand as the aged man lay upon his bed.

        "I came as soon as I could," he whispered. Slowly, the elderly Lostarian opened his eyes and a warm smile came to his face. The lines of age seemed to fade for a moment as his gentle gaze held Kristopher's.

        "I was a fool. I overestimated my power." Samuel's voice grew stronger.

        "I've been told some wild stories during the last few days. It's good to be home so everything can go back to normal."

        Samuel looked into his nephew's eyes for a moment. The senior Lostarian's face held a sorrowful look.

        "Were you told you must go to Realm to receive the Key?"

        Kristopher's reaction told his uncle that was exactly what he had been told. "Then, what Hemma told me was true?"

        Samuel became very excited. "You have spoken to Hemma??"

        "Yes, in Eray."

        "By the Light! I should have listened to the Council! I had hoped to spare you from the burden you must now carry. Dolnar must be looking for you, just as they told me he would!"

        Kristopher removed the head-band from his pocket. "He can't find me. I'm safe," he said as he showed it to his uncle.

        "I'm afraid you are far from safe. It seems Dolnar is controlling many people on our side. We are surrounded by spies. You must venture beyond the mountain. Trust no one!"

        Kari let out a loud, sarcastic laugh from the other side of the room. "This is getting out of hand. I'm not gonna let my best friend go to the mountain. Let alone beyond it!"

        "This does not concern you, Kari," answered Samuel. "Kristopher's fate was decided many years ago and no one here can change that. Believe me, I would give anything to alter things. If I had the strength, I would face Dolnar myself."

        Talnar ran to Samuel's bed-side. "What do you mean face him?"

        "There is no other way," sighed Samuel. "For years, we have known the time would come when one of us would finally have to go to his prison to battle him. Dolnar is far too powerful now. If he gets his hands on the Key and releases himself, we will all be doomed! You have no idea what kind of force we are dealing with."

        "There is no way!" demanded Kari. "If it comes down to this, we can head south. No one can find us there!"

        Kristopher looked to his angered friend and then to his uncle. "I'm going to Realm," he announced.

        Kari let out a loud sigh and headed for the door. "You don't know what you're doin'!" The door slammed behind him and the room became silent. The lines of age reappeared on Samuel's face as he looked to his nephew. He smiled as Kristopher tightened the grip he held on his uncle's hand.

        "I am truly sorry this is happening to you, Kris. It breaks my heart knowing it is you who must face him. Your father told me years ago the Council could see it coming. He hoped you would be spared."

        More than ever, Kristopher wished he had known his father before his life had ended. And more than ever, he missed him. Talnar read the pain in his friends eyes and longed to comfort him. With a great effort, Samuel sat up.

        "I wish you could stay here in Lostar, but it would be extremely dangerous for you to remain. Not long ago, I felt Gondira's presence. That can only mean danger is very near. Not long ago I received a vision from Hemma. I was told that you must go beyond the mountain immediately as Dolnar is very close to finding you. Thank the Light Talnar and Kari found you in time. Your journey to the other side will bring an adventure unimaginable to you. There are cities beyond even what I have told you. There is unbelievable beauty there as well as incredible danger. Always remember there are many allies who would give their lives to defeat Dolnar."

        Samuel became visibly tired. He reached his outstretched arms to Kristopher and the two embraced. "Rest now, Kris. We shall speak again before it is time for you to leave." The elderly Lostarian laid back onto his bed and motioned the warriors to leave the room. Kristopher looked to his uncle as they were leaving. His heart ached as he made his way to his bedroom.

        Upon entering, they found three cots prepared for them. The beds were very luring to the exhausted travelers as sleep amongst the bundles of wheat had been shallow at best. Immediately, they seated themselves upon them. "Your uncle is a great man," said Talnar. "I wish I had taken him more seriously. I always loved to listen to the tales he told us by the fireplace, but I never thought they were anything but stories."

        Kristopher was staring at the empty bed beside them as Talnar had spoken. "What is it, Kris?"

        "I heard some strange things said about Kari. I don't know what to make of it all, but I do know there's more to this than he's telling us."

        "He's always been that way, you know that. He's never told us where he came from and we've always accepted it."

        "I know. But things are different now. I need to talk with him. Where do you think he went?"

        "A safe bet is he's getting drunk somewhere," answered Talnar with a smile. "He'll be back in the morning, ready to talk you out of leaving."

        "Are you going home for the night?" asked Kristopher. Talnar grew silent for a moment as he reflected upon the question his friend had posed to him. His father was missing since his group had been captured during the Salvian campaign. His mother and sister anxiously awaited his return. He knew his mother would try everything she could to convince her only son to remain home with them.

        "No, I'll stay here tonight."

        Kristopher beamed a reassuring smile to his friend. So much had happened to them during the past few days, it was still hard for him to believe any of it was true. The warrior stared at the empty bed for a moment and then cast his glance back to Talnar was now sleeping. A contented look decorated his face as he lay quietly.

        "How can I ask you to accompany me?" he thought aloud. Then his glanced upon the empty bed beside him. A soft sigh followed as he thought of Kari. "And how can I convince you I must go?" His head reached the pillow and moments later he was asleep.

^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^         "Kristopher! Wake up!" Kristopher's eyes painfully adjusted to the early morning light shining brightly through the small window in his bedroom. A grave look commanded Samuel's face as he stood next to him.

        "What is it?"

        "Some of Dolnar's foot-soldiers were sighted in the city!" Immediately, Kristopher sprung to his feet. His gaze moved to Talnar, who was lying quietly in his bed. Samuel read the torment in his nephew's eyes. Speaking in a gentle voice he said; "He made his decision last night when he stayed here instead of going home to be with his mother and Amar. I have breakfast ready for you both. I'll await you in the kitchen where we can discuss plans for your journey. Hurry, you may need the cover of Morning Mist."

        'Morning Mist' occurred outside the borders of Lostar. At early sunrise, a great fog rolled in. It was often used as cover for those wishing to leave the city unnoticed. Kristopher moved to Talnar. His friend slept peacefully. With a sigh he awakened him. "Talnar! Quickly ,we must leave!" Talnar sat up, looking into Kristopher's worried eyes.

        "So soon?" Kristopher nodded and Talnar rose to his feet. The two were dressing as Kristopher said; "Dolnar's men are in Lostar. I guess Gondira couldn't hold them off as long as he thought he could.

        Soon, the two left the room, making their way down the oak stairs. A familiar smell of porridge greeted them as they entered the kitchen. Two bowls were placed upon the table. A line of steam rose gently from each of them. Samuel was unable to hide the worry he felt as he led them to their seats.

        "You must eat quickly, my sons. I have prepared enough food to last you until you reach Sheleta."

        "What is Sheleta?" asked Talnar.

        "Forgive me. I forget I am the only one familiar with the other side of the mountain. Sheleta is a forest-village on the other side. It is very close to us but because of foolish superstitions our people are not aware of it nor the remarkable people living there. If you follow the map I have prepared for your journey, you will find it quite easily. Once you have arrived, ask for a Dromp named Redoras."

        "What is a Dromp?"

        "A most fascinating race. They rarely grow much higher than four feet tall. The men have beards almost reaching the ground. They are one of the most unique group of adventurers I have encountered."

        "And who is Redoras, Mr. Tull?" asked Talnar after swallowing a mouthful of porridge.

        "A friend. A most valiant one. If anyone can lead you to Realm, he can."

        Talnar felt heavy dread enter his heart as Samuel spoke of Realm. The danger they were in was beginning to become much clearer.

        "Only in Realm," continued Samuel, "can Kristopher learn what I should have taught him years ago. Being a Tull is such a curse!"

        Samuel's lamentation cut through Kristopher's heart. Haunting visions filled his mind as they ate their breakfast. Samuel leaned against the counter, watching his nephew.

        "Seeing you here, I see my brother as he was before he was killed. You are the only family I have left and now you must go!" His voice cracked as he mourned his nephew's nearing departure. Kristopher moved to his side and they embraced.

        "So much has happened to me. I don't wish to leave, but..." Before he could finish his thoughts, the door burst open and two of Dolnar's soldiers rushed into the room. They were followed by a Ned Brown, a Lostarian living about a mile down the street. The two soldiers were dressed identically to the ones Kristopher and Kari had encountered near Dela except they wore golden helmets which covered most of their faces.

        Talnar pounced to his feet. Kristopher followed closely behind him. Samuel was enraged by Ned Brown's presence.

        "You scum! I should have known you would betray us!"

        "Save your speeches, Tull. With the money I'm being paid, I won't have to worry about you or your kind anymore!"

        Dolnar's men moved forward, holding their swords before them. The soldier on the left said; "Hand over the Key and I will be merciful!"

        "Even if I had it, I would never surrender it to you!" screamed Kristopher.

        "So be it!" Immediately, the two began combat. Talnar joined the brawl and a deafening sound of steel clashing against steel filled the room. Samuel removed a knife he had hidden in his boot and rushed toward Brown. The traitorous Lostarian immediately fled from the house followed by the elderly Lostarian.

        The battle continued in the kitchen. The table, chairs and anything else in their way was knocked to the floor. Dolnar's men were very strong, but the Lostarians battled courageously, holding back their attacks.

        Samuel stood on the porch, looking in every direction for the betrayer, but could not see him. He heard a stirring behind him and turned to discover Brown standing with his back to the wall. Terrified, he fell pathetically to his knees and began begging;



        "Please, Samuel! Don't kill me!"

        Samuel approached him cautiously with a look of disgust on his face. Reaching to within a few feet of the sniveling Lostarian, he said "How many others are here?"

        "None, yet. They said something about the others being held up. But they will be here soon."

        "If you are lying, Brown...!"

        "I'm telling you the truth, Samuel. The others are still a few hours away!"

        "Leave my sight, traitor! I will let the Council decide your fate, although you may end up wishing I had killed you!"

        Without another word, Brown fled from the porch. Samuel dashed back into his home, holding his knife before him. He found complete devastation and no sign of the combatants.

        A chill entered his heart as he flew up the stairs, calling out the names of the two young warriors. Upon entering Kristopher's room, he discovered two bound men tied together on the floor. Beside them stood Kristopher and Talnar, dressed in their opponents' clothes. The two placed the helmet/masks which until recently had belonged to Dolnar's soldiers, over their heads.

        "I see you've found a way to leave the city secretly," joked Samuel."

        "It was the strangest thing," said Kristopher. "We were battling these two when, suddenly, they drifted up to the ceiling. Their swords and clothes fell to the floor."

        "Hemma!" Samuel's frightened tone declared the fear in his heart. "He would only do such a thing as a last resort.?"

        "What do you mean, uncle?"

        "Dolnar would be able to sense Hemma's actions while he used the powers needed to do this. The danger must be very close. There is no time left. You must leave immediately!"

        The three made their way down the stairs. Samuel asked the warriors to wait while he retrieved some food and a hand-drawn map.

        "This will get you to Sheleta," he said, as he led them to the door. Standing on the porch, the three embraced. "Let caution guide your steps, my sons. I shall meet you in Realm when I am well enough to make the journey."

        Kristopher stared down the walk-way in front of the house. "I thought Kari would be here to leave with us. I'm going to miss him."

        "Don't feel badly, Kris," said the elderly Lostarian. "It is far better that he doesn't accompany you. The other side is very dangerous for someone like him. He is needed here to protect Lostar from her enemies." Kristopher knew Samuel was right, although he still wished to see his friend, if only to say goodbye to him.

        There were a few more sad words of parting and then the warriors moved to a small building at the back of the house wherein Samuel had two horses saddled and ready to leave. They mounted and led them along the path towards the road. A gentle breeze tossed their hair as they reached the lane and as they waved their good-byes, Kristopher fought to hold back the tears. A cloud of dust rose from the road as they moved along. Finally, they disappeared from sight.

^^^ ^^^         They followed the roadway through the village. They passed houses that were surrounded by tall oak and chestnut trees that waved gently in the breeze. Talnar longed to see his home, but knew it would bring danger to his mother and sister. He said nothing of it.

        They traveled closer to the village centre. To get to the mountain, they would have to venture through the heart of the city. Kristopher grew concerned they might encounter more of Dolnar's soldiers.

        The houses were built closer together as they made their way deeper into the city. They soon began passing by people traveling to and from the market square. With the golden helmets covering much of their faces, the two Lostarians proceeded unrecognized by their fellow Lostarians. Most of the passers-by gave them cold and unfriendly stares. Neither of them dared to remove their disguises, fearing they might encounter Dolnar's men.

        Their hearts danced as they entered the city centre, passing by old shops and stores that had played a large part in their childhood fantasies. Those who passed by continued their unfriendly stares. It hurt them greatly. After all they had been through and were now on their way to do for these people, they hadn't expected to face rejection from them. They both hungered to remove their masks.

        Suddenly, the streets began to fill with shouting. The two warriors moved past the old mill, heading towards the commotion. As they passed a corner, they saw three of Dolnar's horse-bound soldiers surrounded by several Lostarian villagers. The people were commanding the soldiers, who stood with swords in hand, to leave their city. Talnar noticed his sister, Amar in the midst of the angry mob.

        Afraid she and the others might get hurt by the soldiers, he immediately galloped towards the furor, followed closely by his friend. Seconds later, they reached the crowd. The people stepped back from this new threat as an angered Talnar reached for his sword. Kristopher quickly seized his friend's arm.

        "One moment," he whispered. "Maybe words will be a more powerful weapon. We are outnumbered."

        He motioned for Talnar to wait as he approached the three soldiers. The people moved away as one of the soldiers saluted him. Kristopher could see signs of a thick, black beard beneath the helmet/mask as he returned the salute.

        "These villagers are gettin' out of hand. We gotta keep 'em under control until the Boss gets here!"

        Kristopher heart leapt into his throat. His mind raced for a moment as he reflected upon the danger the unsuspecting villagers were facing.

        "I've been given new orders," he lied. "You are to await the boss at the south gate."

        Again, the soldier saluted and commanded the other two to follow him as he motioned his horse to leave. Kristopher released a silent sigh of relief as he saw his plan was working. Suddenly, the soldier turned back to him. "Who gave you this order?" he asked/demanded.

        Kristopher was silent for a moment. His hand slowly reached down to his sword. "The order was given by the Boss."

        The guard examined the disguised Lostarian for a moment. A suspicious look shrouded his face. In one motion, his sword slid from its sheath. "Remove your helmet!" he ordered. Almost ritualistically, the Lostarians took the off the helmets, holding their swords before them. Many of the villagers gasped as they recognized Kristopher and Talnar.

        Seconds later, they were surrounded . Suddenly, a whining sound sped by Kristopher's head and one of Dolnar's soldiers let out a moan. Moments later, he fell from his horse with an arrow stuck in his chest. All eyes were upon him as he lay on the ground. Another of Dolnar's men began to scan the crowd for the person who had shot the arrow.

        "Looking for someone, scum-ball?" Kari spoke in his usual sarcastic tone.

        "You'll pay for this, Lostarian pig!" As the soldier called out his curse to Kari, the young Lostarian reloaded his cross-bow, pointing it towards him. The soldier became silent as he stared at the loaded weapon.

        "I don't think you'll be the one making the payment, fur-head."

        Kristopher approached the two remaining soldiers with his sword held before him. "Drop your swords, now!" he demanded. The soldiers looked to Kari for a moment. The young warrior pulled back on the bow-string. A sardonic smile covered his face. Finally, the soldier dropped his sword. The other followed this move as he looked to the dead soldier on the ground.

        "You guys can't do anything right," said Kari as he reached his friends. Talnar grasped his forearm firmly. "It's me to the rescue again, eh Kris?"

        "I wondered when you'd show up."

        "I didn't think you'd need bailing out so early in the journey. Did you think I'd let you leave Lostar without me?"

        "There's nowhere you can go, Lostarian!" said one of Dolnar's soldiers. "We will control this side very soon." Hatred filled his eyes as he looked to Kristopher. Before Kristopher could say a word, he noticed they were surrounded by four Lostarian guards pointing loaded cross-bows toward them.

        "Everyone drop your weapons!" commanded one of them. Suddenly, he recognized the three warriors. "Kristopher! Talnar! why are you dressed in this way?"

        Immediately, one of Dolnar's soldiers began to laugh very loudly, "So, this is the Tull?! You're not what I expected. I don't understand why the Boss thinks we're gonna have trouble with you. You're just a child."

        "Take a look at your friend, pal!" Kari motioned to the dead soldier. Kristopher turned to the Lostarian guard who continued to stare in disbelief.

        "I don't have time to explain it now, John, It is very important that you lock these men in the prison. Tell Samuel what you have seen. He will know what to do."

        "What are you going to do, Kris?" asked the confused guard,

        "I have to leave for a short while." As he spoke, he was looking in the direction of the distant mountain.

        "So," exclaimed Dolnar's soldier, "you are going to the other side of the mountain! The Boss was right!"

        Upon hearing his words, some of the nearby villagers gasped. Suddenly, a woman's voice sounded form the crowd. Talnar recognized the voice and he drew a deep breath. From out of the group of villagers emerged Amar. She was visibly shaken as she approached her brother.

        "What's happening, Talnar? You're not really thinking about going to the mountain?!" Her voice cracked as she spoke. Talnar dismounted as his sister ran to his side, embracing him.

        "I won't be gone long. I'm sorry I couldn't see you last night, but I had no choice. I'll only be gone for a few days. Whatever you do, don't tell mom!"

        "Are you crazy? She wouldn't be able to handle that one! But why must you go to the mountain? You know as well as I do that there is nothing but danger there!"

        "Trust me, Amar, I know what I'm doing." Again, they embraced and she looked to Kari, who watched from his horse.

        "I expected more from you!" A tear fell from her cheek as she looked to him. They had always been close when they were growing up and she'd felt badly that Kari had had no real family of his own. She and her mother treated him as if he were part of their family.

        Talnar mounted his horse and looked back to Kristopher who stood alone now that Dolnar's soldiers had been taken away. The three warriors moved closer together and Kristopher raised his sword to silence the crowd.

        "Go now, prepare for what's to come! An enemy is approaching that you must all join together to battle against. Go quickly, while there is still time!" Immediately, the frightened villagers dispersed. All, save Amar.

        "You must go, too," said Talnar. "You have no idea of the danger you are in."

        "Don't worry, I'll look after him!" said Kari. A weak smile appeared on her face. Talnar promised her he'd return soon and then released the grip he'd held upon her hand. Moments later the three were on their way. His gaze stayed fixed upon his heart-broken sister as they moved along the village street. Finally, she was lost from his sight. Kari's hand rested upon his shoulder for a moment.

        "I'm gonna miss her, too."

^^^         The streets were less crowded as they headed towards the city limits. Occasionally, they approached people walking along the cobblestone roads. They offered hurried warnings to their fellow villagers as they passed. Before long, they arrived at the northern-most section of Lostar. They stopped, looking back to their home. A common emotion filled each of their hearts- guilt.

        Kristopher thought of the uncle he had left behind. He wanted to go back to his small home and his heart ached. Talnar was experiencing the same remorse as he thought of his mother and sister. Kari, however, had no such ties in Lostar. He just didn't want to go to the mountain. The earlier delay had caused them to miss the protection of Morning Mist as it had all but cleared. This brought an uneasy feeling to their hearts.

^^^ ^^^         The hours passed quickly as they raced northward. Lostar slowly disappeared behind them. Guilt continued to rule the hearts of both Kristopher and Talnar. All three warriors knew that, one way or another, great danger awaited them. Kristopher studied the map Samuel had drawn for them. They were traveling through the Varan plains. Although it was close to Lostar, it was not well known by the Lostarian race. Few had ever dared to venture this far north toward the mountain. Of those who had, only Samuel had ever returned.

        Suddenly, Kristopher pulled his horse to a halt. Talnar and Kari stopped beside him. The older Lostarian gazed ahead across the plains. Both of his companions strained their eyes to see what he was looking at. Then, Talnar cried out;

        "The mountain! I see it!"

        "I can't see anything!" said Kari, as he continued to look across the plain.

        "It's there, beyond the horizon! I can't believe it!" exclaimed Talnar. Kristopher looked to Talnar for a moment and then back towards the mountain. Both terror and joy filled his heart as he reflected upon the tales Samuel had told him while they were huddled around the fireplace on cold winter nights. He looked to his friends again and then started to unbutton the jacket he had taken from Dolnar's soldier.

        "Good thinking," said Talnar, as he saw what his friend was doing. He too dismounted and discarded the foreign clothing he was wearing. They removed their Lostarian clothes from their saddlebags and changed into them. Kari looked about uneasily. He muttered a few inaudible words as his friends finished dressing. Kristopher placed the band Hemma had given to him upon his forehead.

        "This is insane!" complained Kari. "We can't go beyond the mountain. Everyone knows it means death!"

        "My uncle wouldn't send us this way if that were true, Kari."

        "I say we head west. Follow the mountain instead. Maybe we'll find another village that we can hide in for a while!"

        "I understand your fear, Kari." said Talnar. "However, we are going to follow Samuel's map. If you don't want to accompany us, we understand."

        "I didn't say I wouldn't go with you. I just think we should reconsider what we're doin'! Nobody ever comes back from the other side."

        "Samuel did."

        Kari became silent for a moment. It was obvious his friends were not about to listen to him. Again, he muttered curses under his breath. Seeing that his friend had surrendered, Kristopher looked westward, finding they had just a few more hours of daylight left.

        "According to the map, the mountain's foothills will provide a good place to camp for the night. If we hurry, we should be there before sundown."

        The three warriors paused for a moment, viewing the plains all about them. The flat grassland waved gently with the breeze, bringing a tranquil feeling to their hearts. Moments later, they mounted their steeds, unaware of the danger that lie all about them.

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