Samuel   was busy cleaning the kitchen that had been overturned and messed quite badly during the battle. Spotting two porridge bowls lying on the floor, his thoughts moved to Kristopher and Talnar, who were by that time midway across the Varan Plains. A hard knock came to the door and, grasping his knife, he moved to see who was there. He cautiously pulled back the lace curtains. Immediately, a wide smile came to his face and he opened the door, allowing three people to enter.

        "Gondira! Mittem! Solta! My friends, this is a pleasant surprise! Come in! I'll fix us some mint tea!" Gondira stepped forward, grasping the Lostarian's arm. A concerned look came to his face. "What is it?"

        "Has Kristopher left yet?"

        "Hours ago, why?"

        "Then, we may be too late," he sighed. "When I returned to Dela, I had a visit from Dorma. He has been north and says Dolnar's Lits have been sent to the mountain."

        Samuel's face turned white. He moved up the stairs as quickly as his aged legs would take him, muttering incoherent curses to himself. Clutching his cloak and favorite scarf, he returned to the kitchen where the others stood by the door, ready to leave. They raced along the clay and stone pathway leading to Mittem's coach.

        The four entered it with Mittem grasping the reigns.

        "Don't you think it would be safer for Solta to have remained in Dela? No offense meant to you, young lady, but Dolnar shows mercy to no one."

        Mittem shook his head as he looked first to his beautiful daughter and then to Samuel. "It seems your nephew has stripped her of her reason. The two became very close in Dela and she is determined to see him again. I'm afraid our warnings of danger have been ignored."

        Seated in the back of the carriage, Solta began to blush. Her long hair waved gently as they sped through the streets of Lostar and all the while her thoughts were of Kristopher. She had never before felt as close to anyone. Even as the two had met, she had felt she had known him for years.

        They raced northward through the village/city, following the same route the young warriors had taken a few hours earlier. Mittem steered the horses carefully. His mind was on Dolnar and what would happen if his Lits captured Kristopher. Samuel sat next to him. He was far too weak to be making the journey, but he forgot about his pain as they hurried to find his beloved nephew.

        Finally, they reached the northern part of Lostar. They approached the Varan Plains and Mittem commanded his horses to quicken their pace. A cloud of dust rose from the horses' hooves. Lostar soon disappeared behind them.

        In the west, the sun gave signs it would soon be fading and Samuel grew concerned they would not be able to find Kristopher. Suddenly, Solta cried out. Mittem turned, discovering that they were being chased by several horse-bound soldiers. They were far off in the distance, but they were getting closer with each passing moment. Again, Mittem commanded his horses to move faster, but the exhausted steeds could not obey. It was soon obvious that it would be a matter of time before they'd be overtaken. Gondira and Mittem unsheathed their swords and Samuel released his knife. They each placed them by their sides in preparation for what was about to transpire.

        The sun dropped deeper into the horizon and it became too dark to see their pursuers, although they knew they weren't too far behind. Samuel sadly resigned to the fact they were too late to save Kristopher. He had sent his nephew to his death and his heart cried out bitterly. Soon, the tears reached his eyes and slowly drifted down his cheek. Seated in the back of the carriage, Solta too was weeping.

        Finally surrendering to the inevitable, Mittem halted the horses and the four noble figures stepped solemnly off the carriage, standing on the tall grass. The failing sun gave just enough light to see each other as the horses panted heavily. Mittem and Solta removed their cloaks, revealing the Realman coat-of-arms embroidered on their clothes.

        Samuel had known what Kristopher hadn't - Mittem and Solta, like Gondira, were from the other side of the mountain. If they were to die in battle, they would die as Realmen.

        Moments later, the silence was broken by the rumbling of many horses in full gallop. The four stood ready for battle. The heavy pounding echoed louder as each second passed. Suddenly, the horsemen appeared from the darkness and the three men held their weapons before them. Seconds later, they were surrounded.

        The silence was deafening as one of the horsemen dismounted and approached close enough to see their faces. He slowly unsheathed his sword as he neared them, holding it firmly in his right hand. His left hand reached for his hood. Almost ceremoniously, he pulled it back, revealing the face that had until that moment been hidden from them.

        Mittem gasped loudly as he recognized the man standing before them. His sword fell to the grass with a quiet thud. Suddenly, evil laughter filled the plains.

^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^         The sun fell deeper into the western plain as Kristopher, Talnar and Kari headed northward towards the mountain. It appeared much larger and more defined as their horses sped onward. All three of the young Lostarians were aware of an eerie feeling that seemed to come from the air itself. Kristopher turned to his friends.

        "It's clear we won't get much farther than the foothills before it's too dark to continue."

        "I won't feel right until I know for sure that Dolnar's army is a long way behind us!" added Talnar.

        "I still say we're making a big mistake," complained Kari.

        "Do you think Dolnar knows we are going this way?" continued Talnar.

        Kristopher looked southward where, miles beyond the horizon, their beloved home was in peril. The look in his eyes revealed the burning desire to return and protect those he loved. Looking to Talnar, he shrugged his shoulders and then looked away.

        "Unless Ned Brown is the only traitor there, I would say that he will find out eventually.

        No further words were spoken as the valiant warriors raced along the Varan Plains. Gradually, the flat grassland became broken up by small hills. These became much more frequent as time passed. Trees and bushes appeared and their progress was slowed by larger hills and a growing forest.

        Soon, the sun disappeared and they found they were forced to halt completely. Kristopher surveyed the area for a moment. "We'd better find a safe place to sleep tonight. Further travel without light will be too dangerous."

        All agreed and they began to search for a place to camp. Talnar pointed out a small circle of rocks. They directed their horses to it, finding it to be a suitable stop area. Immediately, they arranged it into a shelter.

        Their bedding was put down and the weary Lostarians laid down beneath the stars. Crickets sang out loudly as the warriors spoke of their journey. Kari continued to tell the others he felt they shouldn't go beyond the mountain, but he knew they weren't going to heed his words. Eventually, they each fell into deep slumber.

^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^         Talnar awoke with a chill in his spine. He could sense something was wrong. Yet, looking all about him he could find no danger. All seemed peaceful. His gaze fell upon his sleeping friends. The morning sun cast long shadows across their camp and along the mountain's base before him.

        From where he stood, the mountain's peak seemed to reach the sky. Turning back towards the plains, he thought aloud, "How are we ever going to make it to Realm?"

        Suddenly, an unexpected answer came from behind him. "Not by sleeping here."         Quickly, he turned to find the source of the deep voice. Standing behind him on one of the large rocks which had been part of their shelter for the night was a tall man dressed in gray. His face was hidden beneath his hood giving him a very mysterious appearance. His hands remained hidden behind a cape.

        Talnar stared at the man for a moment. He couldn't see his face behind the hood. Slowly, he tilted his head back and the hood slid behind.

        "Dorma! I knew I'd see you again!"

        "I've been on a rather rough journey since I saw you last." said the Realman. "I'm glad I found you in time!" There was an obvious tone of concern in his voice.

        "Are we not safe here?"

        "Safe? My young friend, You are in far more danger now than when you were in Normat. Dolnar suspects there is about to be a key-passing. When a young Tull accepts the burden, Dolnar is closest to escaping."

        "What should I do?"

        "You must return to Lostar, now. If you accompany Kristopher, you will bring him nothing but danger. I'm surprised Samuel allowed you to travel with the Keeper this close to the mountain."

        "Not on your life, pal!" Dorma and Talnar turned to find Kari standing behind them. "We're not going to leave him when he needs us most!"

        "I respect your loyalty, Kari. But you don't understand the danger you will bring to Kristopher. Dolnar will find your thoughts. You don't have the power to keep him out. On our side, we have learned how to keep out his mental attacks, although none of us could keep him out if we faced him. Kristopher has the Hemma stone and thus is protected. You have no defense. As soon as Dolnar finds you are with the Keeper, he will reach inside of you and make you betray us all!"

        "Dream on if you think I'm going to leave Kris! He has been there for me any time I've needed him!" argued Kari.

        Talnar looked solemnly to Dorma. "How long will it take Dolnar to find me?"

        "The closer you are to him, the easier it will be for him to find you. I'm afraid you won't reach Realm."

        "You're not buyin' any of this, are you Talnar?"

        Talnar didn't look to Kari. His gaze stayed fixed upon Kristopher, who remained asleep in the corner of the camp. "I can't leave him yet."

        "Then, you must promise you will leave him the moment you feel Dolnar reaching out to you."

        "You have my word."

        "What are you saying? I can't believe what I'm hearing. First we let these guys talk us into going to the mountain. That's crazy enough! Now this buffoon says we can't go with Kris when we get there!? Forget it! You can listen to the fairy stories all you want, but I'm not gonna leave him. I'll die first!"

        "So be it," replied the angry Realman. "It is my duty to see that the Keeper gets to Realm safely. I will do whatever I must to make sure he does. If you care for your friend as you say you do, then you will heed my warnings!"

        "Well, you listen to me, you freak! Try anything...anything at all that will harm my friends and I'll cut your heart out and shove it up your ass!"

        Fire came to Dorma's eyes as he reached for his sword. The two eyed one another for what seemed like an eternity. Suddenly, the silence was broken by Kristopher who was awakening. He was startled for a moment but then recognized Dorma and a smile came to his face.

        "Dorma!."

        Without removing his gaze from Kari he said "Pack up your camp. It's time we left for Realm." Kristopher could tell there was tension between his friend and the Realman and he wasn't surprised. An uneasy silence filled their camp as they prepared to leave. It was obvious that the battle between the two men was just beginning.

^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^         Mittem gazed at the evil figure standing before them. He recognized him as "Ramlord," known to the Lits as "The Boss." He stood with his army behind him, eyeing the four. In the falling dark, his eyes met with Gondira's and he paused for a moment.

        "So, Realmen are coming to this side! I was right!"

        Gondira knew the voice that thundered all around him. It wasn't Ramlord, but Dolnar himself. From within his prison, he was using Ramlord's mind and body! Gondira didn't want to reveal who he was and he turned away. He was thankful that it was night as, had it been light out, he would not have been able to conceal his identity from Dolnar.

        A deafening silence followed as Gondira stared to the ground. He gasped as he glanced up finding that Solta was caught in Ramlord/Dolnar's gaze. Suddenly, the darkness was filled with an evil laughter that chilled Samuel's heart. Ramlord mounted his horse and motioned to a small group of Lits who stood nearby.

        "Kill these insects and then follow us!" he commanded. "At last, the key is within my grasp!" he shouted. All other thoughts left his mind as he commanded his horse to proceed to the northwest. His army followed save for the Lits who had been instructed to kill Gondira and the others.

        As the last of Dolnar's army disappeared, the Lits approached the terrified voyagers. Immediately, Gondira stepped toward them and they stopped in their tracks.

        "You will leave us now." he said calmly. For a brief moment, the Lits stared at him with blank expressions covering their faces. Then, one by one, they mounted their horses and rode into the darkness.

        "You never cease to amaze me, old friend." said Samuel.

        "Dolnar controls them easily because they are very weak minded. It was a simple task to send them on their way." replied the Wordlord. He then turned to Solta who was weeping. "How much does he know?"

        "I have betrayed Kristopher." she said mournfully.

        "Do not blame yourself. Dolnar is a very powerful Wordlord. Not even a Realman can withstand his gaze."

        "I told him that Kristopher has the key."

        "Then, it is good that I did not tell you the key is still in Realm. Did you mention Realm?"

        "I'm not sure. I may have. Fortunately, I did not mention Talnar or Kari. Why is the key in Realm?"

        "When Samuel grew weak, he asked me to take it there until Kristopher returned."

        "I should have given it to Kristopher years ago," lamented the elderly Lostarian. "As the Council had advised me."

        "We can't waste any more time." added Mittem. Then Gondira took a step away and turned back to them.

        "You must continue without me. It is imperative that I meet with my brothers immediately. I will see you in Realm. Without waiting for their reply, he disappeared into the darkness. The three wondered how they would be able to make it to Realm without his help, but they were used to the strange ways of the Elders and accepted his disappearance. They climbed upon the carriage, heading northward through the darkness.

^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^         Dorma halted his horse. The Lostarian warriors instantly did the same. The Realman turned southward and then looked back to Kristopher, who sat wide-eyed upon his motionless steed. "Ramlord is coming this way! We must hurry!"

        "Who is Ramlord?" asked Talnar.

        "For all intense and purpose, he is Dolnar. Dolnar sees and hears through him while he is still in his prison." Dorma gave his horses the command to move and seconds later they were on their way. He frequently looked back, instructing them to move faster. The only thought racing through their horror-stricken minds was keeping up with him.

        Every moment brought them closer to the massive mountain as their mounts moved them wearily onward. The ground below grew rockier and less easily trodden. Their pace slowed. After many minutes or hard riding, Dorma brought them to a halt. He then motioned them to look behind. They saw the reason for their furious retreat.

        "It looks like I must draw away your scent again," said Dorma. "Let me see your map." Kristopher who handed him the sketch which Samuel had drawn for him. He studied it for a moment. "Yes, this is certainly the best way for you to go."

        He drew them closer as he pointed to the map. "Follow this route outlined here for you. It will lead you to the caves of Shelet which were used by the Dromps as a prison during the War of the Seven Flames. That is right...here." He pointed to an area on the map just beyond the mountain's peak. "There is a small plateau at that point. It will be easy for you to cross over to the other side here. Wait for me in the caves. If you don't see me by morning, carry on along the path. Continue following Samuel's path until you reach Sheleta which is a city on the other side. Seek council with Redoras. Until we re-unite, may the Light shine brightly within you."

        "Good riddance." muttered Kari under his breath.

        The Realman turned westward, motioning his horse to move. Moments later, he disappeared from their view. The Lostarians immediately bid their horses to lead them higher up the mountainside.

^^         The journey was exhausting as their horses moved uneasily up the mountain. Suddenly, Kristopher stopped them. Before he could say a word, Talnar turned around, looking down the mountainside. Kari knew something was wrong, but didn't want to admit he couldn't hear what they could.

        "Someone's behind us." said Kristopher.

        "There's a bunch of them," added Talnar.

        They dismounted, releasing their horses to the mountainside. Without a word, they hurdled into the center of a large gathering of underbrush. Seconds later, a low rumbling of approaching horses appeared. Each man grasped his sword as the throbbing of moving horses grew louder. No one dared to move as thunderous howl suddenly stopped. The next sound to appear was that of a Lit testing the air.

        Kristopher's pounding heart grew cold as he realized that the breeze was sending their scent directly towards the Lits. Each moment seemed like an eternity as the young warriors remained motionless in the underbrush. The Lits continued to move towards them until they stopped about fifteen feet away from the terrified Lostarians. The three young warriors tensed themselves and prepared to fight a battle they knew they had no hope of winning.

^^^ ^^^ ^^^         Gondira moved quickly through the darkness until he reached a spot he felt was right for his needs. Standing very still, he uttered a spell often used by the Wordlords. Suddenly, he disappeared. Moments later, he stood in Realm, surrounded by the other Elders who made up the Council. He bowed his head slightly as he felt the fatigue brought on by the spell he had used.

        "Hail, Gondira," called out Elder Sibe. "It has been a season since we saw you last. Although it is wonderful to see you, I am concerned that you would dare to use the Flight Spell to return home. Surely, Dolnar will know you have done so."

        "Much has happen, old friend. It is time for us to meet, for a key-passing is about to take place and Dolnar has grown very powerful within his prison."

        "We have felt his mind shift from us lately," added Elder Fortice. "Those here in Realm have feared what the reason for this might mean."

        They slowly walked toward a river. Its banks were adorned with multicolored flowers and all around it grew soft, knee-high grass. The four Elders, now dressed entirely in white, moved through the grass until they reached the gently flowing water. They sat in a circle and Gondira said "Hemma, fifth of the five, please grace us with your presence that we may receive counseling."

        Suddenly, a light appeared above them and slowly drifted down into the center of the circle. It gradually began to fade until the form of Hemma Tull stood before them.

        "Brethren, our time grows nigh. Our union will soon be complete. Patience."

        "Hemma," continued Elder Telemen, "we must decide how the Council must act.."

        "Indeed, we have little time to waste." said Sibe. "We in Realm feel ourselves getting weaker each day. The words have become a much greater burden."

        "Then let us unite." added Hemma. The four Elders rose, joining Hemma and then floated from the ground, disappearing into the sky. They moved beyond time and space, beyond their world and into another.

        Soon, they neared a large multicolored planet and immediately descended upon it. They stood in a beautiful forest. Soft music came from the air itself and the Elders rejoiced in the sound. Immediately, they sat in a circle with their hands still joined.

        Their hearts became one and the only sounds to be heard were that of singing birds and a gentle breeze blowing through the trees. They remained silent until a voice sounded through their hearts. It was the voice of their combined thoughts.

        "THE BURDEN OF CARRYING THE WORDS HAS WEAKENED US GREATLY. WE CAN NO LONGER HELP THE TULL CHILD IN OUR PRESENT FORMS. WE MUST THEREFORE ABANDON THESE FORMS IN ORDER TO RETURN TO OUR FORMER SELVES. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO STAND AGAINST DOLNAR."

        The voice faded and, one by one, they returned from the trance they had been in. Hemma stepped away from the others, smiling a loving smile. The remaining four joined hands and instantly left on the journey back to Realm. Their hearts rejoiced with a great feeling of love that poured through them.

        Upon arriving in Realm, Gondira said "Of course the counseling is right, although we are about to put ourselves in great danger. We must straighten out matters here so we may counsel Kristopher wisely." They then set out for the Council Chambers.

^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^         The three young warriors remained hidden as the Lit guards stepped closer.

        "They is close, Boss. I smells 'em"

        "Don't bother me until you find them, you grotesque fool!!"

        The guard didn't answer and Kristopher wondered why the massive creatures took such abuse from this man. They reached to within just a few yards from them and the Lostarians grasped their swords tighter. Kristopher stopped suddenly, motioning his friends to wait.

        The light breeze began to change direction, blowing the stench from the large Lit guards' bodies towards them. Suddenly, one of the guards turned westward. "They has gone this way!!" The breeze had blown the scent from Dorma! The soldiers, led by Ramlord and the two Lit guards, headed westward, believing they were following the Lostarian.

        The great thunder of horses' pounding hooves began to fade. Kristopher couldn't stop shaking as he tried to slow his heart by breathing deeply. Slowly, they rose from the grass, looking westward. Ramlord and his army were already far away. Talnar whistled and their horses appeared from the woods.

        They mounted and Kristopher drew a deep breath, relieving it as a loud sigh. "This journey is getting more dangerous with every mile. I hope it's safer on the other side!"

        "Don't hold your breath."

^^^ ^^^ ^^^         The remainder of the summer afternoon was spent following the path that Dorma had instructed them to take. It was a long trek upward that left the warriors exhausted as they stopped to eat midway up the mountainside. The sun was heading for the western horizon as Kristopher said, half to himself "I hope he can stay ahead of them."

        "Believe me," said Talnar, "the Lits are no match for him. He has done it before and he will do it again."

        "I owe him so much. He is such a brave man."

        "He's a toad! As far as I'm concerned, he doesn't know his butt from page five!" added Kari.

        "You weren't with us in Normat. He was always one step ahead of them."

        "How hard can that be? Come on... 'They is close, I smells 'em?' We're not talkin' about highly intelligent beings."

        "What about their 'Boss?'" said Kristopher.

        "How smart can he be? Look at the company he keeps!"

        A smile came to Kristopher's face as he listened to his friend. He knew that little of what Kari said was to be taken seriously. Seeing that the darkness of early evening was upon them, he said "We'd better hurry if we are to reach those caves."

^^ ^^ ^^         Travel along the mountainside remained uneventful and for the first time since they had left Lostar, their spirits were high. Soon, they reached a point where they realized they would have to continue without their horses. Kari protested fiercely, but surrendered his steed to the forest that covered the mountainside.

        Darkness began to fall upon them. As they neared the mountain's peak, the path was all but hidden in the shadows. Kristopher's heart rose as he thought about seeing the other side. He couldn't help but wonder why those from Lostar who had made the journey had never returned. He believed that the other side probably looked much different and was sad that it would be too dark to survey the land beyond.

        The path began to run almost parallel to the mountain's peak, ascending very gradually. As they reached the top, they moved across a short plateau which stretched across about thirty feet. It was too dark to see much, but they could see lights shining from a large city far below. Kristopher concluded it was Sheleta. Almost simultaneously, they turned back to view their side. They could faintly see the lights of their home shimmering in the night.

        "It isn't too late to go home, lads." said Kari.

        "Aren't you curious to see the other side?" asked Talnar.

        "No, I like my life."

        "What are you so afraid of? We've been on countless missions together. We knew most of them would bring great danger to us, yet I don't remember ever seeing you react like you are right now! In fact, I don't remember ever seeing you act like you have been since we traveled into Normat."

        "I'm not worried about what lies ahead! I'm worried about Lostar! We left her when she needed us most just to fulfill the wishes of people we don't even know."

        "Well, the choice is yours my friend." said Kristopher. "I'm going to Sheleta and you can either go back to Lostar or come with me." The tone in Kristopher's voice made it clear he was serious. Kari turned to him, finding he was now looking towards the other side.

        "We might as well get going," he sighed.

        Again, Kristopher smiled.

^^         They moved farther along the path until they reached a large opening in the mountainside. They concluded it was the doorway to the caves of Shelet and they cautiously entered, each with sword in hand. Talnar spotted a torch hanging on the wall and lit it. The glow from the cascading light revealed ancient gray walls and a ceiling which rose about ten feet above them. Kristopher wondered how such a small cave could have been used to hold prisoners.

        Moving to the back of the grotto, Kari observed what appeared to be a hole in the wall. A closer examination revealed it was a large opening, covered by a rock door. Leaning his weight against it, he was surprised to find it began to move.

        His fellow warriors joined him. After a moment's struggle, they successfully moved it enough to pass through. Talnar lifted the torch above his head, allowing the light to shine before them. They were in a long, slender corridor. A musty smell filled the air. Thoughts of the creatures that lived in the cracks and holes around them left a sick feeling in Kristopher's stomach.

        The passageway turned gently to the right so they could only see about twenty feet ahead. Cautiously, they moved forward with Kristopher and Kari just a step behind Talnar. The torch flickered as they moved around the corner. It then became obvious how the caves had held Sheleta's prisoners. They stood before long rows of prison bars that rose from the ground to the ceiling on either side of the corridor.

        Kristopher could almost hear the cries of the prisoners that would have been caged in the tiny cold gray cells. Suddenly, a sound appeared from ahead. The echoes from the halls made it impossible to identify it.

        None of the three could disguise their fear as they stopped. They held their swords before them as they moved along the corridor. Again, the sound appeared. This time it was much closer. There was someone stirring up ahead! Finally, their search ended. From within one of the cells came the moans of someone lying in the corner. The light from the torch revealed a prisoner who jumped to his feet, shading his eyes. Slowly, he approached them with a fearful look upon his face.

        He was a Lit guard! However, he seemed different from the others they had encountered. There was an awareness in his eyes. Finally, he spoke.

        "You are not Dromp or Lit. What are you?"

        "We are Lostarian," answered Talnar.

        "You are not like the other Lits," added Kristopher. "Even your speech is different."

        "Don't get him wrong, pal. You're still damned ugly." said Kari.

        The Lit's face had held a fearful look from the moment Talnar had mentioned they were Lostarian. "Then, it's true." said the Lit in a tone that exposed the fear he was feeling inside. "Now the Tull arrives from the other side. I should have given Dolnar more credit."

        "You know who I am?" questioned Kristopher.

        "We all know who you are. We heard your name every day as the Boss cursed you. You always seemed to stay one step ahead of us. Some of us began to think you didn't even exist. That's why I'm here. But, I was wrong."

        "Why are you different from the others?" asked Talnar.

        "The madness is gone. Once again, I see clearly. You see, I have been without Tarack for several days."

        "Tarack?"

        "It is a drink both cherished and cursed by my people. It has us enslaved and thus we are controlled by Dolnar. He posses it all. After the War of the Seven Flames, the water in my homeland of Blantum became contaminated. It was somehow mixed with a liquid which we would come to call Tarack. Those who drank it found they went mad if they didn't have it. It changed our race, altered our speech, our very appearance. We would rather kill than to be without it! A few years ago, the wells went dry and suddenly Ramlord appeared, announcing he possessed it. He said he would give it to us only if we obeyed him. Our decision was obvious."

        "He gives us just enough to survive and we are ever fearful no more will come if we disobey even a single order."

        "Yet, you are alright," Kristopher pointed out.

        "That's a matter of opinion." added Kari.

        "They left me here after I was charged with treason for doubting Ramlord. I've collected whatever water I could from the wall and ate bugs for food. Soon, I grew mad without Tarack. For days I smashed myself against the walls and bars until, slowly, the madness began to fade. I began to think and see clearly and soon became as you see me now, a new Oglethor."

        Kari began to laugh at him, but Talnar and Kristopher felt pity as they listened to his story. Immediately, Kristopher placed his sword between the bars of the door. Talnar quickly joined him.

        "Hey guys, what the hell are you doing?!"

        "What does it look like?"

        "It looks like you're trying to release this freak! Let's not forget what we've been experiencing!"

        "I thought this was all just a Salvian trick." mocked Kristopher.

        "Very funny! You know what I mean." Just as Kari finished these words, the prison door flew open and Oglethor stumbled slowly into the corridor. "Please, I need food."

        "Of course," replied Kristopher. "Come to the mouth of the cave and we'll prepare a meal for you."

        "You are certainly much different than the Boss described you."

        Oglethor was very weak and Kristopher and Talnar had to help him to walk to the cave where they provided him with food. The Lit continued his thanks well after he had finished eating. Kari was upset that they wasted their food on him. Kristopher began to realize why Ramlord had such power over the Lits.

        Oglethor explained that he knew the way to Sheleta and would take them there, although it would be dangerous for a Lit to enter the forest.

        "We are waiting here for Dorma." said Talnar. The Lit's eyes widened at the mention of his name. "He left us and went westward to draw Ramlord away from us."

        "Dorma is here?"

        "That troubles you?" asked Kristopher.

        "He is a man both hated and feared by my people."

        "Finally something we agree upon, Ogle. I think he's a goof too."

        "I don't know what a 'goof' is, unless it means he is a great warrior. However, it would be impossible, even for him to make it here. There was another legion of us coming from the west. He would have been heading right into their midst."

        "Are you sure?" asked Kristopher, the sound of worry obvious in his voice.

        "Yes, quite."

        They were saddened by this news. (Even Kari, although he didn't show it.) They agreed it would be useless for them to wait for him and decided to head for Sheleta. Talnar surrendered his Tulnit to Oglethor as he reminded them that Lits were not welcome in Sheleta. Soon, they were journeying down the other side toward the land which had been the source of so many fears and legends in Lostar.

^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^         They descended the other side of the mountain as quickly as the weak Lit could take them. The evening drifted by. Few words were spoken as the Lostarians followed Oglethor, who knew the area from small raids his group had made there. By late evening their descent concluded as they reached level ground once more.

        Oglethor had known may shortcuts along the mountain and he remembered one that would take them right to the city of Sheleta. After observing the area, he turned to the others, speaking softly. "We are close to the city. I won't be able to accompany you much farther."

        They entered the forest silently. The sun was beginning its slow ascension in the east as Kristopher noticed something unusual. The leaves were may different colors, some of which he recognized from the "Room of Color" in Eray.

        As the sun shone through them, multicolored beams of light appeared in the air. Looking to Talnar, he discovered that his friend had noticed it as well. Smiles came to their faces as they observed the spectacle.

        Kristopher forgot about the colors when he thought he heard a noise behind him. He quickly turned, but found nothing. As the moments passed, he continued to watch over his shoulder.

        Finally, the silence was broken by Oglethor. "Sheleta is just ahead. I must..." His words were cut short as a net fell upon them from the trees above them. They struggled, but found the more they did so, the more they became entangled. Soon, they were motionless as Kari began to curse them for listening to Oglethor.

        Their assailants quickly surrounded them and a deep voice called out a command. "Dal them and take them to the castle!" Suddenly, they could smell a strong, bitter-sweet odor and moments later they were unconscious.

^^^ ^^^ ^^^         Talnar was first to awaken. Beside him lay his companions. Instinctively, he reached for his sword, but it wasn't there. He jumped to his feet, finding they were in a large room with many beautifully colored pictures covering the gray stone walls. Turning, he discovered a short, stocky man sitting comfortably beside a lighted fireplace. His face was possessed very hard features and he looked as if he could have been a thousand years old. Slowly, the figure set down his large pipe and moved towards the Lostarian. A knee length beard swayed as he moved.

        "Don't try to escape." he said in an incredibly deep voice that seemed as if it could shake the room apart. "There are guards outside the door."

        "Who are you? Why have you done this to us?"

        "I am Munworth. Leader of the Dromps. You were found trespassing through our forest with this Lit. Spies are executed in Sheleta!"

        "We are not spies. We were sent here to receive guidance from Redoras."

        "What counseling do you seek?"

        "We need a guide to take us to Realm. That is all I can tell you."

        "You'll have to do better than that. You were found skulking through our forest with one of our most hated enemies!" Suddenly, a Drompan guard burst into the room.

        "We've located a Lit scouting party in the forest!" Munworth turned back to Talnar and then to the guard.

        "Put these spies in the prison and prepare for their execution!" Before Talnar could say a word, Munworth ran from the room. Moments later, five guards entered the room with their swords unsheathed.

_________________________________
_________________________________