Talnar   sat impatiently in the corner of a cold prison cell. He wondered why he had regained consciousness before his companions had, or if they were going to awaken at all. Silence filled the gray stone room until finally Kristopher began to stir.

        His head slowly raised and he pushed his long hair to either side of his face. His eyes met with Talnar's and he jumped to his feet.

        "Talnar! What has happened?" he whispered/screamed.

        "We're in a lot of trouble. They think we're spies. Apparently, they don't think too highly of spies in these parts."

        "What about Redoras?"

        "I told them we were seeking his counseling, but traveling with Oglethor killed any chance of getting a friendly greeting. It seems they don't like Lits much either."

        "I expected trouble on this side, but not from these people." added Kristopher. As he spoke, Kari was beginning to awaken. He sat up and said "I guess you'll listen to me next time! As soon as we break outta here, we're gonna head right back to our side where we belong!"

        A sudden burst of laughter came from the cell door. "I can't leave you Lostarians for a moment." The door opened with a loud creak and Dorma entered, followed closely by an elderly Dromp.

        "Please forgive this grave injustice!" said the Dromp in an extremely deep voice. "When Munworth saw that you were traveling with the enemy, he acted a bit hastily. I am Redoras. I lead the army here in Sheleta. Dorma has told me of your journey to Realm and I have sent word throughout the city that you are to be treated as honored guests.

        "What about Oglethor?"

        "Since the Tull trusts him, he will be a guest as well. However, not all here will be pleased that a Lit is free to walk amongst them. But, they will obey my ruling. The Dal will last a bit longer on him. It was made to attack the nervous system of the Lit race with an especially powerful punch. The guards will bring him to the Council chambers when he has recovered."

        "He can sleep all day as far as I'm concerned." said Kari. "I never wanted him to come with us in the first place."

        Redoras led them from the prison. Kristopher and Talnar were relieved and excited that Dorma had escaped the Lits on the mountain. Kristopher's admiration for him grew even deeper. Kari wasn't impressed. They all continued along the cold, gray corridors which were illuminated by lighted torches hanging from the walls. When they reached the point where they were above ground level, they found a number of windows to their right which allowed the sun to shine brightly into the hallway.

        The view through the apertures revealed that they were in the midst of a large city built within the core of a huge clearing within the forest. The beauty of it overwhelmed the Lostarians. The noonday sun cast its light through the multicolored leaves producing streams of dazzling colors which came to rest upon the grassy forest floor.

        The lyric sounds of children playing and birds singing echoed through the air and memories of their own childhood raced through their hearts. Even Kari had to smile - although he did his best to hide it. A lazy river flowed gently past the building they were in, adding another melody to nature's song.

        "This is a truly beautiful place." said Talnar, half to himself as he stared across a green meadow.

        "The magnificence will quickly disappear if Dolnar is freed from his prison." declared Redoras. They continued on their venture towards the Council chamber until, finally, their travel ended at an oak door. The scene of a number of people gathered together in conference was carved upon the it. The door opened and they entered.

        Munworth pointed to a long wooden table surrounded by many high-backed chairs. The elderly Dromp moved to the chair placed at the head. The Lostarians were seated to his right and Dorma and Redoras were seated to his left.

        "I'm sorry if you find the seats uncomfortably small, but in Sheleta, we do not reach the heights that you do." Kari wanted to make a comment about the Dromps' size, but the look in Kristopher's eyes kept him from saying anything. "I apologize also for the treatment you were given earlier. No doubt you were not expecting such handling. My friends," continued Munworth, "we have the grave misfortune to have been born in these times. For many years, the Keepers have been safely protected from danger. Even to the point of moving them to live on the other side of the mountain. But now, Dolnar has grown too powerful. The Tull is within his grasp. We have always known the day would come when the Keeper would have to face him, but each generation has been content to pass on the task to the next. Now, the responsibility has reached its final passing."

        Kari jumped to his feet. "Now look - I'm still not convinced this mumbo-jumbo is anything more than a pile of crap! You people have been filling Kris's mind with all of these wild stories and it has got to end!"

        Dorma rose to his feet. He seemed to grow in power as he looked to the Lostarian who held his gaze.

        "I have reached the end with you, young Lostarian. I believe you have Kristopher's best interest in mind, but you are very dangerous. He is going to Realm to receive the Key. If you try to stop this from happening in any way...!" Dorma became silent for a moment and then looked to Munworth who raised his right hand. Dorma bowed and returned to his seat. Kari remained standing.

        "The decision does not lie with you," continued the Dromp, "nor any of us for that matter. It lies with Kristopher and the Elders. He will go to Realm and receive counseling there. The Lits are all around the forest, so the danger to the Keeper is great here. Therefore, Redoras must accompany the Keeper through our woods until he is beyond the threat which surrounds us."

        "I shall put his safety before my own life, my king." said Redoras.

        A muted knock came from the door. Slowly, it opened and Oglethor entered the chamber. The look on his face revealed the bewilderment in his mind and those seated around the table - with exception of Kari - began to smile. Again, Munworth spoke.

        "Redoras, please escort the Lostarians and the Lit to their rooms while we make preparations for your departure."

        "As you wish," replied the faithful Dromp. As the chamber door closed, Dorma turned to the elderly Dromp.

        "There is something troubling you, old friend. I have known you for too long to miss the message in your eyes."

        "You are right, as usual. Our repa (which meant 'scout' on their side of the mountain) have reported that the Lits are beginning to return to Blantum."

        "Now?! Is Dolnar that powerful that he feels he doesn't need his army to help free him from his prison?"

        "So it would seem. We have been foolish. Since his imprisonment, no one really believed he could unlock the secret powers within the Word. Yet, he has. Ours is the generation. The time has come. You are Realm's greatest Repa. You must quickly return home to prepare your army for the Lits' attack."

        Dorma stared through a window, looking to the beautiful court outside the room. His gaze returned to the Dromp and he said "I will leave after the others have prepared. I don't like the idea of allowing Kari to accompany us."

        "This matter must be handled carefully. Remember what the Council has told us about that."

        "Indeed." The two grasped forearms and Munworth said "May the Light shine brightly within you and guide your steps my son."

^^^ ^^^         Redoras spoke with Oglethor about the events which had taken place during his sleep. The Lit was still feeling the ill effects from the Dal he had inhaled in the forest. Redoras explained to him that it was normal for a Lit to feel quite sick after being exposed to the drug. Walking ahead of the others, the Lit told the Dromp of the effects of Tarack and how, if it could be eliminated, the Lits could be freed.

        Talnar walked a few steps behind. A strange feeling was nagging at his mind and he grew concerned. The others didn't notice as he slowed to a halt and fell to one knee. His head filled with dark and evil thoughts and he seemed to drift away. Suddenly, a deep laughter echoed through his mind and a face appeared. Although the face was very distant, Talnar could not deny what was happening to him. Dolnar had found him!

        He fought the Wordlord and soon discovered he quickly disappeared. He found himself, once again, standing in the stone hallway. The others were down the corridor and hadn't noticed he was far behind. Horror filled his heart as he realized what it meant. If he stayed with Kristopher, Dolnar would get closer until he found his friend through him.

        He reflected upon the promise he had made to Dorma. He didn't want to endanger his friend, nor did he want to abandon him. Finally, the decision was made. A shout came from ahead.

        "Talnar! Come on! Redoras is showing us to our rooms!"

        "All right, I had a stone in my boot." Swiftly, he rejoined his companions.

^^^         The rooms which had been prepared for them were beautiful. Each of the travelers had one to himself. Each chamber had a bed, bath and a window looking out to the forest. As was the case with most of the rooms in the castle, the gray stone walls were covered with beautiful paintings. Their baths were already prepared for them and they each headed directly towards them, ready to wash away the dust they had accumulated during their travels.

        "I hope these rooms are satisfactory," said Redoras from the hall. "I must leave you for a while. I am to lead my legion into battle. I will return to accompany you on tomorrow's journey." They all thanked the Dromp and prepared to bathe.

        The warm water brought a welcomed feeling as each of the travelers submerged. Kristopher's heart was lightened as the dust from his journey was being washed away and his mind began to retrace the steps of his adventure. He resented the responsibility that had been thrust upon him. After wasting so many years of his life in battle with the Salvians, now this faced him. Yet, he knew inside that he could not afford the luxury of self pity. He had no choice. He had to face the fate before him.

        Music sounded from a room below. Something about its sound seemed familiar and he searched his mind to remember. Then it came to him - The Room of Music! The tones and chord structures were identical to the ones he had heard in Eray. "There's a lot more to this side of the mountain than I had believed," he thought aloud as he dried himself. He dressed in the clothes which had been provided.

        He left the room, walking down the hall and stopped in front of Talnar's room. "Talnar, are you ready?"

        "Almost - the door is open." Kristopher entered the room, finding his companion seated on the edge of his bed, drying himself. The clean clothes were still folded beside him. His eyes held a troubled look which Kristopher read immediately.

        "There's something we've got to talk about," said Talnar solemnly. "It won't be long before I am endangering you by traveling by your side. The time will soon come when we will have to part company."

        "No! I won't hear of it! How can I reach Realm without your help?!"

        "Don't say that, Kris. You know that Dorma is a far more capable protector that I am."

        "I don't want to hear this. We've made it this far together -we can make it to Realm together."

        "Please, Kris - We have to be realistic about..."

        "No! I won't talk about it anymore! You are going with me and that's that!" Kristopher stormed towards the door as he spoke. "I will meet you downstairs when you are ready!"

        Talnar sat on the bed and the room seemed to close in upon him. He looked to the clean clothes laying beside him and then began dressing in his own Lostarian clothing. He moved to the window and, looking outside, saw dark clouds moving towards the castle. Further away, he could see smoke rising from the mountainside near the area they had descended. His right hand clenched as he watched the dark smoke rising.

        He walked to a desk beside the bed and, grasping a piece of paper and pen wrote a note for his closest friend. The message was simple and he hoped he would understand. 'My thoughts will be with you always. May the Light shine brightly within you...Talnar.'

        Immediately, he left the room with his sword held tightly within his right hand.

^^^         Kristopher, Oglethor and Kari walked steadily down the gray stone stairway. Kristopher was relating some of his childhood adventures to the Lit. A warm smile appeared across his youthful lips. It slowly disappeared as he spoke of Samuel, realizing how much he missed his uncle. Oglethor placed a reassuring hand upon the Lostarian's shoulder.

        "If you knew the tales I could tell," he thought. "Such sorrowful tales."

        "You'd be with him right now if you stopped listening to these meatballs," added Kari. His comments went unanswered. The trek soon ended as they stood before the door which led into the room which produced the beautiful music. Again, the harmonious sound brought joy to their hearts and Kristopher looked to Kari.

        "Does this sound familiar to you?"

        "Never heard it before."

        The look in Kristopher's eyes told his friend that he didn't believe him. As they entered the room, a cloud of sweet smelling incense and pipe smoke filled the air.

        The music seemed to draw them further inside. They noticed Munworth and Dorma who were seated at a large oak table in the corner farthest away from the entrance. A small torch hung from the stone wall behind them offering enough light to move past the others in the room who sat around various sized tables. Each was covered with tall glasses of dark ale.

        Oglethor could feel bitterness and hatred being cast his way as he walked past the Drompan warriors. Their caustic stares were understandable. No harsh words were spoken as they had been ordered by Munworth to remain silent.

        The Dromp leader and Dorma rose to meet them as they arrived at their table. Three hardwood chairs were offered and they were immediately seated. Moments later, a young Drompan woman placed a dark ale before each of them. Kristopher searched the room for a moment and then turned to Munworth.

        "Where is Redoras?"

        "Our repa sent word that Dolnar's army was seen with a Lit force on the mountainside." The Dromp became silent as he looked to Oglethor. The Lit then broke the silence.

        "My people are not evil, Dromp-King. They are being controlled."

        "That is very unfortunate, my good Lit. However, we must defend our home. Believe me, killing is not something we do without feeling great regret." Munworth paused for a second as he looked to Oglethor. "Why don't you tell us more of your past. I would like to know of your home."

        "No one is really certain. Nothing remains of our forefathers' lives. I only know that it is the Tarack that makes us do what we do and my brothers would lose the madness as I have if they could be without it long enough."

        Dorma searched the room carefully. "Where is Talnar?" he asked.

        "He wasn't ready when we left. Actually, I was a bit upset with him. He spoke of leaving our alliance and I told him I wouldn't have it. He will be down soon."

        A concerned look came to Dorma's face. His instincts told him what was happening. Dolnar! Munworth read the concern in his friend's eyes but decided to wait until the others were gone before questioning him. For the next while, they listened to Kristopher speak of Lostar. Munworth was surprised to learn that the Lostarian/Salvian war had raged for so many years.

        "I am pleased you have survived such a perilous life." he said. "Yet, all things happen as they must."

        "And what of you, young Lostarian?" Munworth asked Kari. It is my understanding that you didn't believe there was life on this side of the mountain."

        "As a matter-of-fact, I do have a question. What's the deal with your women? This is a stopover, isn't it? I'm used to havin' a few babes before I leave on a mission, but all I've seen here is that one who brought me this warm beer. And she was barely three feet tall!"

        "I'm afraid most of the women are gone. They were sent away to a safer place to care for the children until the danger is over." answered the Dromp-leader.

        "Well," continued the Lostarian warrior, "If there are no women here, I might as well go for a walk. I'll be back in a while."

        Kristopher's protest fell upon deaf ears as his friend left the room. Shaking his head, he apologized to the others for his friend's behavior. "If you knew him, you would understand why he says what he does." He then spoke directly to Munworth. "I feel foolish when I think of what I believed this side of the mountain to be like. Why has our side been forsaken by races such as yours?"

        "At one time," answered the Dromp, "some of our people ventured to your side. They were either killed or chased away. Those who survived were forced to conceal the truth. Like Mittem and Solta for instance."

        "You mean, Solta is from this side?"

        "Yes," answered Dorma. "She and her father were among the few who remained on your side. Most found they couldn't stay away from the beauty of their homes here. I'm afraid that your side did not fare too well after the Great War. Solta felt great compassion for your side and convinced her father to stay in Dela. She told me she hadn't felt what she called the 'Realman Spark' for anyone on your side until she met you. At first she thought you were from Realm."

        Kristopher smiled and more than ever, wished to see her again. Dorma continued. "Perhaps she may be in Realm when we arrive." Kristopher's smile grew.

        "The attack on the mountain has changed things." said Munworth. "Our plans must be made with Talnar present. Where is he?" Munworth motioned a young Dromp soldier to his side and asked him if he had seen the missing Lostarian. When the soldier replied that he had not, he was instructed to go to his chamber to see if he was still there. The soldier bowed to his leader and left the room.

        Dorma told Kristopher and Oglethor of the route which he and Munworth had decided would be the safest and quickest course to Realm. Kristopher's mind was on Talnar. He had not liked the tone in his friend's voice when they had talked earlier and he began to worry about him. His thoughts then turned to Kari. It had seemed strange how his companion had decided to leave when they were to be making plans for their journey to Realm.

^^^         Talnar dashed from the front door of the palace-like building. Mixed emotions filled his heart as he looked towards the mountain. Smoke was rising in an area that they had been not long before. Deep within, he could sense Dolnar's mind searching for him and a dark feeling entered his soul.

        His gaze stayed fixed upon the rising smoke and he grew enraged. Finally, he reached the building in which the Dromps housed their horses. In one motion, he flung the door open and entered. To his left and right were rows of Sheleta's finest steeds tied to wooden poles. He viewed the mounts to his right. Reaching the sixth one, he untied it. His years as a Lostarian horseman made it easy for him to recognize that one as a fast runner. Quickly, he led it outside the building.

        He cast a final look back to the Dromp castle as he mounted the blonde horse. He then led it to a stone walkway that, in turn, took him to a path which made its way into the forest. As he entered the beautiful multicolored Sheletan timberland, he noticed that the sun was quickly setting and a great feeling of urgency filled his heart.

^         The hours flew by quickly as he sped through the woods. Nearing the mountain, he felt his heart beating in his throat. He looked up into the early evening sky to find that dark clouds were starting to cover the young moon's light. He contemplated the strangeness of their sudden appearance and how similar this was to the arrival of the storm in Normat. Some movement caught the corner of his right eye and he immediately pulled back upon the reigns, bringing his steed to a halt.

        He retraced his steps until he saw two Dromps attending to a third who appeared to be injured. Dismounting, he quickly ran to them.

        "What has happened here?" he asked, almost out of breath. One of the Dromps looked up to him.

        "There were so many of them. But, Redoras has our legion in order."

        "Rumor has it that Ramlord is looking for you." added the other Dromp, who held the third in his hands. Talnar paused for a moment. He felt Dolnar's mind close by and he believed it was wise not to mention to anyone that Kristopher was still in Sheleta.

        "Yes," he replied, "he is here for me."

        "Then, you must leave this area at once! The mountainside is crawling with Lit foot-soldiers."

        "I must see Redoras. Can you help me find him?"

        The tallest of the two Dromps (who stood no more than four feet high) approached the Lostarian. "I know where he is. I will take you to him. But, I must protest most strongly! The Tull should not be in this area!"

        "Nonetheless, I am." lied Talnar. "And I need your assistance."

        "I don't understand you people from the other side!" protested the Dromp. "However, I will help the Keeper." He then looked back to the other Dromp who was holding the limp body of the third in his arms. "Lamior, stay here with your brother. I will return as soon as I can." He let out a sigh and continued. "Wait here." he said to Talnar.

        The Dromp disappeared into the trees for a moment and then returned with a horse. Immediately, he and Talnar headed up the mountainside. Talnar looked back to the Dromp who remained behind. He was still holding the other silently and a bitter sadness filled the Lostarian as he secretly cursed Dolnar's name.

        It grew steadily darker as the moments passed. The Dromp turned to his left and right continuously as they moved higher. The smell of smoke filled the air and memories of his recent encounter with Dolnar brought on a strong feeling of urgency. He believed he was doing the right thing by not revealing to the Dromp that he was not Kristopher. He could feel Dolnar's searching mind close by and he concluded that the Wordlord could read the thoughts of the Dromps as easily as he read his own.

        Suddenly, the faint sound of battle appeared from above. The Dromp raised his hand, bringing them both to a halt. He then turned toward him. "You will find Redoras when you reach the source of the battle. Again I say you should flee this area. I don't think you realize how dangerous it is."

        "Thank you for your help, my friend. Believe me, I know what I'm doing."

        "I wish I could accompany you," added the Dromp, "But I am not permitted to go beyond this point. I am not yet of age for battle."

        Talnar waved his thanks and turned toward the sound of battle. The Dromp watched him move into the forest. With a single command, he journeyed into the trees. As the Lostarian warrior moved quickly forward, the battle sounds grew louder. The smell of smoke in the air was much stronger and, soon, he could hear voices calling out bitter curses.

        Finally, he saw Dromps and Lits engaged in battle. The entire side of the mountain was covered with members of both races fighting each other fiercely. Far off to the right, he saw a small red tent and he instinctively led his horse that way.

        When he reached to within twenty yards from it, four Drompan guards ran out, immediately unsheathing their swords. Talnar raised his hand and they stopped, staring at him. The largest of the four moved toward him and quickly put his sword away.

        "What madness is this?! Why is a Lostarian here at the battle sight?!"

        "I am searching for Redoras."

        "He is close by, but has been ordered to stay away from the battle. It seems that he is to go on a very urgent mission in the morning and Munworth will not allow him to fight the Lits."

        Immediately, Talnar's sword slid from its sheath and he held it before him. "I have not been issued such an order."

        "I've heard the Lostarians are great warriors." continued the Dromp. "Follow me to the campaign."

        The two headed towards the battle while behind a tree not far from them stood a bitter young Dromp who prepared to enter his first battle.

^^         Many Lits fell by Talnar's sword. It hurt him deeply as he considered the stories that Oglethor had told him. Yet, he knew there was no other choice to be made. All through the battle, a peculiar feeling haunted his heart. It was similar to how he had felt when Dolnar had found him earlier. He tried to shake it, but it remained in his mind. Suddenly, a deafening laughter filled the battlefield. Talnar and the entire Dromp legion fell to their knees, holding their hands over their ears.

        Talnar found that the sound came not only from all around him, but from within as well. He was unable to move. The strongest of Sheleta's soldiers could barely manage to whimper out curses to Dolnar. Talnar was unable to accomplish even that. Even the Lits around him could not move. Then, he heard a sound that came from above him. Using all of his strength, he was able to look upward. The young Dromp Lamior who had been attending to his dead brother was now floating in the air not far from him..

        The Sheletan was struggling, but, like the others, was not in control of his body. The laughter continued as Lamior drifted down to Talnar's side. The laughter then began to change. The Lostarian was still unable to move as he fought the spell that paralyzed him. Then, Talnar recognized the voice that produced the spell. It was one that had filled him with fear and dread - Dolnar!

        Lamior drifted down to Talnar's side .Suddenly, he found that the spell began to weaken. Talnar was able to rise a few inches and look upon the person who was controlling him. He did not know who he was, however, there were several Dromps close by who managed to whisper the name "Ramlord!"

        Ramlord fell to one knee for a moment and Talnar was able to jump to his feet. Slowly, Ramlord rose again and inhaled heavily. Once again, all those in the battlefield were paralyzed. It was obvious to Talnar that Dolnar was using a great deal of his energy to hold the spell.

        "AT LAST! THE SEARCH HAS ENDED! COME TO ME TULL!"

        Talnar had no control over his body. He was walked directly toward the man who was commanding him.

        "GIVE ME THE KEY!!"

        "I don't have it." answered the Lostarian, almost in a trance. He was just about to explain about Kristopher and all the plans which had been made for him when Ramlord lowered his head again. For another brief moment Talnar was in control of his body. That control left quickly. The Lostarian could feel Dolnar trying to invade his mind, but he kept him out easily. It was obvious that the Wordlord was weakening more.

        "CURSE THE LIGHT! WELL, AT LEAST I HAVE YOU! BRING HIM ALONG!"

        Two large Lits moved to Talnar's side. Each grasped an arm and led him behind Ramlord, away from the battleground. Seconds later, they disappeared from sight.

^^^         For hours, the Dromps remained still - unable to move. The spell cast by Dolnar, through Ramlord, had left them terrified. The Lit army had long since left. They had also been affected by Dolnar's evil presence and managed to find enough strength to flee the battle zone. One by one, the Dromps began to regain control over their bodies. Some of them called out curses to Dolnar. Others cursed their own lack of strength. The curses ceased as a lone horse-bound Dromp entered the area.

        "Hail, Redoras!" called out one of the Dromps who had just found the strength to move. "I have failed you. Ramlord and the Lits have gone. And they have the Lostarian! I was unable to stop them!"

        "Don't blame yourself, Hokka. I, too, was frozen. Dolnar used the Word's power to take over our wills. Dawn is almost here and they have already traveled a great distance. We must return to Sheleta to receive counseling from Munworth. Dolnar has used a great deal of his power to hold us. He will find it hard to control his army as they ride. We may be able to use this to our advantage."

        "He has the Keeper!" lamented Hokka.

        "No, he has Talnar - a fellow Lostarian. It is just a matter of time before Dolnar regains his strength and finds out his mistake. I fear Talnar's fate is one I would not wish upon my worst enemy."

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