The   dawn came early for Kristopher, who had slept uneasily. Talnar's absence filled his worried mind as a knock came to the door. Immediately he sat up. Dorma entered and Kristopher leapt from his bed, running to his side. Before he could say a word, the Realman raised his hand.

        "Neither returned last night, my friend. Do not be sad. They knew their journey with you would have to end. Both realized the power Dolnar possesses and the danger that staying with you would bring."

        "It still seems strange to me that they wouldn't say good-bye." answered the young warrior. "I can understand Kari running off. He probably got drunk last night and passed out somewhere. But not Talnar. I wish I could see them." Dorma put his hand upon his shoulder.

        "The Dromps will take care of them both. But, now you are needed in Munworth's chambers."

        "I'll join you there in a moment." answered the Lostarian warrior as he began to dress. Again, Dorma grasped his shoulder and a smile appeared upon his handsome face. Kristopher watched him as he left the room, disappearing down the hall.
^

        Oglethor and Munworth sat in the main Council chambers, awaiting the arrival of Dorma and Kristopher. "This may be the beginning of great change in our land. A Lit eats at our table. This pleases me." said the elderly Dromp-leader.

        "And me, also." added the Lit. "My people are not evil. They are controlled."

        "So I have been told."

        Dorma entered the room. "Good morning, my friends. Kristopher shall join us in a moment. His heart is heavy with the news that his fellow Lostarians have not returned." He walked to the place at the table which had been set for him and was seated. Suddenly, the main door burst open and a Dromp guard quickly entered the room.

        He fought to catch his breath as he said "Forgive the intrusion. Redoras has been seen riding this way. He shall reach the castle in a few moments."

        "Thank you. Please send him here when he arrives."

        The guard bowed and left the room. He exchanged hellos with Kristopher as they passed one another at the door.

        "Greetings, young Lostarian." said Munworth. "We have just received word that Redoras will be joining us shortly. We must prepare you for your journey to Realm."

        Kristopher walked to his place at the table and Munworth asked a young Dromp standing close to him to bring them their breakfast. Moments later, Redoras entered the room.

        "I bring ill news! Dolnar has become even more powerful than we had imagined! Ramlord has Talnar, but thinks he has the Keeper and is now heading for Blantum. We must not waste another moment if we are to get Kristopher safely to Realm!"

        "What do you mean he has Talnar?!! How did he capture him? I've got to help him!"

        "There is nothing you can do. He rides with the Lit host. Dolnar used Ramlord to put us under a powerful spell and then he captured who he thought was the Keeper. It weakened him greatly and he left the battle while we were unable to stop him. I could tell that it drained the evil one."

        "I can't forsake my friend. My honor dict..."

        "The way you can help him," interrupted Dorma, "is to reach Realm and take possession of the Key."

        "Quite true," agreed Munworth. "I will send as many Dromp soldiers as possible to the east. That is the way Ramlord must go if he wishes to reach Blantum."

        "I have to go with them!" said the angry Lostarian.

        "Kristopher," said Dorma, "have you forgotten everything you've been told? If Ramlord captures you, the world will be lost! You would be forsaking Talnar, Samuel, Lostar - everyone and everything dear to you! I understand your feelings for your friend, but believe me when I say you will be hurting him far more than you can imagine if Dolnar finds you!"

       Kristopher was unable to reply. He knew that Dorma was right and he hated him for it. The thought that his friend had been captured by Ramlord brought tears to his eyes. He could not believe what was happening to him and his companions and he wished he could go back to Lostar and forget about it all. One other thought filled his mind as he looked through the window behind him. Where was Kari?
^^^ ^^^ ^^^

       Talnar began to regain consciousness. He had blacked out during his capture and had been bound, gagged and placed upon a large horse. A dark sack had been placed over his head and his hands were tied to the saddle. He had no idea how long he had been riding nor even where it was he was going.

       Slowly the events which had taken place on the mountainside were coming into focus. As the memory of his encounter with Ramlord became clearer, he began to shake with indescribable fear. Part of him was glad that he had led the Lits away from Kristopher, yet part of him knew that he would take back what he had done if he could regain his freedom. His thoughts of cowardice made him feel very small, as if he were betraying his friend. However, the desire to free himself at any cost would not leave him. In his entire life he had never known such fear.

       Munworth had been right about Ramlord's decision to ride eastward around Sheleta's forest, then northward and finally due west. Unfortunately he had miscalculated when he sent his men to cut them off. By the time the Dromps had found the Lits' trail they had long since passed. Sad hearted, they had returned to Sheleta with the bad news.

       Talnar was feeling ill from the stench that drifted from the Lit guards surrounding him as they rode onward. Once in a while, he could hear Ramlord cursing the Lits and commanding them to move faster. He felt terror fill his heart as each evil word passed from his lips. The thought of what was about to happen to him when the truth of his identity was revealed filled his horror-stricken mind.

       His mind wandered to Kristopher. Did he know where he was? Was he trying to save him? No, Dorma would never allow it. Dorma! Perhaps he was following. If anyone could save him... But, would he leave the Keeper? Suddenly, a thought came to his mind that caused him to catch his breath. When Dolnar recovered his strength and was able to enter his thoughts, he would force the Lostarian to reveal where his friend was and where he was going!

       Ice began to flow through his veins. He tried to free his hands by pulling upon the ropes that bound him, but he stopped suddenly when a Lit kicked his arm with his heavy boot. Pain overcame him as he doubled over. His heart was filled with anger as he listened to the Lit's deep laughter. Finally, he surrendered to the fact that there was no escape.
^^^

       They continued their nonstop, fast paced ride for many hours and the discomfort caused by the sack over his head angered him. The musty smell that oozed from it made him feel sick. His arm ached where the Lit had kicked him and his hands ached where the ropes bound him. A great tiredness reigned over his entire body. The fear of dying sat at the fore of his thoughts. The hopelessness of his situation became too much for his battered mind to handle and he began to cry. The Lits surrounding him found great amusement in this.

       With the sack over his head, he couldn't see what was up ahead. Dark clouds were heading straight for them. There was a storm approaching! He felt himself drifting from consciousness, but each time he pulled himself back. He felt a slight chill rush over his body as, with each passing moment, the storm moved closer.

       Ramlord issued the command to ride faster and Talnar could hear the Lits cursing. Again, his thoughts returned to Kristopher. At least he was safe! By the time Dolnar realized he had the wrong Lostarian, Kristopher would be in Realm. Realm! How he had dreamed of arriving in the land which had been merely a fantasy to him just days before. Now he would never be able to see it.

       All that had happened to him since starting the journey was beginning to change his beliefs drastically. That side of the mountain was not at all like what he had been taught. The Lits and Dromps were a testimony to that. He reflected upon what he had been told about the Light. Many things that had for so long been a mystery to him were now beginning to make sense. He then did something that, until then, would have seemed ridiculous to him. In the solitude of his heart, he reached out to the Light.

       His spirits lifted and a ray of hope shone in his heart. He was quickly brought back from these thoughts as the sting of heavy rain delivered a painful reality. A storm was beginning.

       As each second passed it grew more intense. Within a few minutes, his clothes were soaked. All around him the Lits were cursing the fact that they had to ride through such a seethe, but they were much too close to Sheleta to chance stopping. They were, in fact, just a few miles northeast of Sheleta's border and that was far too close for any Lit to be! However they were also aware of the fact that their horses panicked easily during heavy crashes of thunder.

       They instructed their horses to move faster. Many of them could see faint flashes of light far ahead of them and dread filled their ranks as they thought of what might happen if heavy thunder appeared. Talnar soon found that his Lostarian clothes could no longer keep out the rain and a chilling wind began to blow through them. After about an hour of ceaseless riding, they came to a sudden halt. Ramlord's voice appeared. It didn't have the same effect upon him this time. It seemed to be weaker somehow. The pounding rain made it difficult to tell what was being said. As he drew closer, Talnar could tell that he was arguing with a Lit.

       "I know that scent, you fool!"

       "Yes master... I knows it too...But I smells it ahead of us too."

       "That's impossible! He's been behind us and the wind has been ahead of us! How could you have smelled the Lostarian ahead of us?"

       "I don'ts knows...I justs knows I did."

       Talnar could feel Dolnar's mind trying to penetrate his own, but the attempt was very weak and the Lostarian had no trouble keeping him out. After a moment of silence, Ramlord said "You see fool?! The Lostarian is still here! Now, don't bother me anymore!!"

       Ramlord issued the command to continue and they were again riding madly through pounding rain. Talnar wondered why the Lit had thought he could smell his scent ahead of them. Especially since they had been riding into the wind for so long. Then it came to him. Kristopher!
^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^

       

       Dorma, Redoras, Kristopher and Oglethor had been riding northward through Sheleta's forest for some time. The journey to Realm would bring the need to cross the Taymo River. Since it was so deep and wide, there was only one place it could be crossed and that was at the village of Tay. There they would be taken across by boat. Munworth had informed Kristopher that they would arrive in Realm by evening if all went well. The young Lostarian ached with guilt, believing he was betraying Talnar as he rode alongside the others. The early morning sun shone brightly through the multicolored leaves of the Drompan forest. Redoras and Dorma rode ahead and Kris could tell they were making plans for their journey.

       Oglethor rode beside him and occasionally offered a reassuring smile to try to ease the ill feeling within the worried warrior. A great uneasiness remained in his heart in spite of his attempts. Besides the worry he held for Talnar, he found it very strange that Kari had disappeared the way he had. It would be unusual for him to have done this during the best of times, but under these circumstances it was unbelievable. He often disappeared for a short while, but would always return when he knew he would be needed, just as he had done when they left Lostar.

       They rode through the beautiful forest at a steady pace and, as the morning turned into afternoon, Kristopher overheard Dorma and Redoras discussing their future. Dorma raised his voice and Redoras placed his hand upon his shoulder. The two continued their discussion. Kristopher motioned his horse to move closer to them. As he approached, he could make out what they were saying.

       "But we don't know if it will take place, Redoras."

       "That is true, but it would be best to have a plan in case it does."

       "The Keeper is wise in the ways of his side and a brave warrior indeed, but he doesn't have an understanding of the powers at work here. He would probably risk his life to free Talnar."

       "That is undeniable, but consider this...if there is a chance and we don't take it, and Talnar is killed, do you think he will risk his life to carry the key for us?"

       At that moment, Kristopher interrupted them. "If I find out what, Redoras?" The two turned quickly to find the young Lostarian just a few feet away. Great concern covered Dorma's face as he realized that their conversation had been overheard. Finally Redoras spoke;

       "We are unsure of our course, Kris."

       Dorma interrupted. "Perhaps we should be honest with him. I fear that he already knows more than he should." At that moment they were joined by Oglethor. "What's wrong?"

       "All right," answered the tall Realman as he let out a long sigh. "We believe that our course may cross Ramlord's." Kristopher's eyes lit up.

       "Then why do we hesitate?"

       "You see? I told you he doesn't understand! What chance would we have against Dolnar's army?!"

       Oglethor was stunned by Dorma's statement. He had concluded that the Realman was without fear. "Dorma, you surprise me. Talnar is in danger and you don't want to help him?"

       "You still don't get it, do you? If the Keeper is captured or hurt, then all hope is lost. Kristopher must be safe."

       "I could not live with myself if I don't try to help my friend." said the angered Lostarian.

       "I don't see that we have a choice, Dorma." added Redoras. "The Keeper need not heed our counseling."

       Again, Dorma let out a loud sigh. "Then we will continue. Oglethor, if Gondira himself had not told me to protect the Keeper, I would follow Talnar all the way to Blantum to free him!" Upon finishing these words, he motioned his horse and continued along the path through the forest. The others followed closely behind.
^^

       There was little conversation for the rest of the afternoon. The forest was gradually becoming less dense and occasionally, Kristopher caught sight of the meadow that led to the Taymo River. However, to the northwest it led to the Wasteland of Blantum and then to Blantum itself - the home of the Lits! The afternoon wore on and the heavy Sheletan forest continued to thin. As they reached a clearing, Kristopher saw that very dark clouds were approaching from the west. A storm was on the rise. The rest of the party noticed it as well and Dorma raised his hand, bringing them to a halt. "It would be wise for us to wait until this storm passes." The look in Kristopher's eyes told him that his counseling would go unheeded.

       The clouds moved closer and a cool breeze began to blow. "We are just a few minutes from the plains," announced Redoras. At the very moment these words left his lips, rain began. Large drops cascaded from the sky and they immediately pulled their hoods over their heads. Each second brought heavier rain and a darker sky. Kristopher's Lostarian hood protected him from the downpour, but the others soon found themselves soaked by the onslaught of water.

       "This storm is natural..." Dorma muttered to himself as the edge of the forest came into view.

       Finally, they reached the meadow. Immediately, Redoras stopped them. "This is as far as I was told to bring you, but I feel I would be best serving my people if I accompany the Keeper to Realm. If he would have me." A smile came to Kristopher's face as he bowed to the Dromp. By that time, the storm was at full force. It was difficult to see very far across the meadow, but Kristopher could tell that, if the sun had been shining, it would have been very beautiful. After taking a moment to view the area, Redoras motioned them to follow him into the meadow.

       As they moved along the grass, Kristopher noticed that Redoras and Dorma continually glanced eastward. This, he concluded, was obviously the direction Talnar would be coming from -if he hadn't passed by already. It continued to grow darker and the rain fell heavier. It was apparent that it would be dark soon and this brought horror to Kristopher's heart. What if Talnar and the Lits passed by too far away to be seen in the dark? He decided to keep a steady watch to be sure this wouldn't happen.

       After about an hour's ride through the pounding rain, lightning and thunder appeared. It was early sunset, but with the heavy rain clouds covered the area. The darkness was almost absolute. Suddenly, Dorma turned to them and brought them to a halt. "Well, it seems that we are now without a choice. The Lit host approaches."

       Kristopher's heart raced as he thought of seeing Talnar again. Dorma looked to the young warrior. "Don't rejoice yet! If we are captured, you will bring your friend and all others a fate far worse than death!" Kristopher caught his breath. What could be the fate which could frighten a man such as Dorma? He began to question his decision to forsake everything to try to save his friend. However, it was too late to change anything now! The pounding of horses' hooves on the wet meadow came rumbling for the dark.

       "What is your plan?" Oglethor asked Redoras.

       "As yet, we are without one. I didn't really believe we'd beat the Lits here.

       "I have one," continued the Lit. "My brothers won't be able to continue through this storm for long. Our horses do not have the strength that yours do. If we follow behind until they are forced to make a camp, I'll be able to move easily amongst them Especially with this storm raging."

       "It sounds possible, but it will be very dangerous." added Dorma.

       "It is Talnar's only chance. None of you could get near their camp. They would find your scents immediately." The silence that followed told the Lit that they agreed with his plan. Redoras was filled with remorse as he thought of how he had been taught to hate the Lit race and kill them on sight. Yet, what Oglethor was about to do was opposed to everything he'd been told about them. "At least I've lived long enough to see this." he thought as he looked to the towering Lit.

       "They come at high speed!" announced Dorma. "Quickly, we've got to move back into the forest or they'll pick up our scent." Moments later, they were riding back into the trees as the rain began to pound heavier. Thunder and lightning drew closer. They were grateful for the protection of the tall standing trees. After a moment, they were hidden from sight and waiting for the Lit host to appear.
^^^

       Talnar was totally exhausted. He found it difficult to breathe with the hood over his head, but he didn't dare attempt to remove it. His arm ached as he cursed the Lit guard who had kicked him. Thunder and lightning surrounded them and the rain pounded heavily against his unprotected hands. By now, he had given up all hope of being rescued, for he believed that he was many miles from Sheleta. Along with the sound of the storm, he could hear the Lits cursing. They too were growing weary and wished to rest. They all believed they had reached a safe enough distance. What they didn't know was that less than a mile behind them rode four men who sought to free their prisoner.

       Suddenly, a great bolt of lightning struck nearby, followed by an almost deafening crash of thunder. Many of the horses reared, throwing off their riders. Talnar's steed was no exception. It began jumping madly, but he stayed seated upon it, being tied to the saddle. After two more thunderous crashes a good number of Lits lay cursing in the wet grass, their horses gone. Talnar's charge finally became calm and he quietly laughed as he listened to the cursing Lits. He heard a horse galloping toward him. It stopped just a few feet away.

       "We'll have to stop until the storm lets up! Curse you creatures! How long must I be surrounded by these..." Ramlord became silent. All around him the Lits were rejoicing at the prospect of getting out of the storm. Small tents were quickly erected and Talnar was excited about getting out of the rain.
^^^

       Oglethor had been terrified as he and the others had waited amongst the trees. He'd held a mental picture of what would happen to him if he were caught. The roar of horses' hooves had appeared and was now a low drone hidden by the fury of the storm. They'd untied their mounts and followed the speeding host. The massive crash of thunder had echoed all around them and Kristopher and Oglethor found themselves laying on their backs in the wet grass. Dorma and Redoras looked down to them from their calm horses which hadn't reacted during the thunder crack. Remounting, they could hear the Lits' horses screaming.

       "They will have to stop." said Oglethor. "Our horses can't take this kind of punishment." At that moment, the Lits were setting up their camp. The four waited silently until Dorma announced that the time had come for Oglethor to leave. The Lit found himself trembling. He waved his goodbye and uttered a phrase in a tongue that Kristopher didn't understand. The young Lostarian reached out to the brave Lit and the two grasped forearms. "I'll never forget this, my friend." he whispered. Oglethor smiled and then motioned his horse to leave.

       Slowly, he rode towards the host. It didn't take long before he could spot the tents set up randomly ahead. The constant flash of lightning revealed it to be a massive host. He hoped Talnar's scent would be easy to find in the middle of the hundreds of his Lit brothers. He spotted two horse-bound guards ahead of him. They fought to keep their horses silent. Oglethor was worried that he might not be able to talk like them now that the Tarack's influence had left him. His heart raced as he caught a familiar scent not far away. He moved cautiously toward its source.

       After a few heart-pounding moments, he saw two guards pushing someone with a dark hood over his head. They led the helpless man into a dark tent. It had to be Talnar! He moved cautiously nearer. Finally, he stood just outside the small prison. He could hear Talnar cry out in pain. The terrified Lit took a deep breath and entered. Water dripped from his face as he looked to the two guards who had been beating upon the helpless Lostarian. They immediately jumped back, realizing they had been discovered hurting Talnar. Ramlord had instructed them to look after the prisoner and to be sure that no harm befell him. Oglethor could read their fear and he slid his sword from its resting place. Without hesitation, the two fled from the tent.

       Oglethor rushed to the Lostarian's side. "Be silent, Talnar!" he whispered/screamed. "It's Oglethor." The bound Lostarian tried to jump to his feet, but the Lit held him. "We're surrounded." he said as he cut Talnar's binds and removed the sack from his head. Talnar shielded his eyes from the dull light cast by a lamp in the tent. He was overcome with joy and he embraced the Lit, thanking him continuously. The two grasped forearms and a massive smile covered Talnar's face. Oglethor motioned that they should leave.

       Cautiously, the Lit looked out from the tent. The heavy rain beat against his face as he gazed around the camp. There was little movement as most of the Lit guards were hiding from the storm. Besides the occasional guard running from one tent to another, the way back to Kristopher and the others seemed clear. This surprised Oglethor. Talnar's heart pounded in his throat. Slowly, they exited the tent. Oglethor's horse stood nearby. There were three horses tied to a tree close to the tent. He pointed toward them and Talnar crept that way. Upon arriving he immediately chose the one he felt would be the swiftest. The horse became unsettled as he mounted. Slowly, he ran a comforting hand along its dark mane. After speaking a few gentle words, he brought it to silence. He pulled to the right and it turned, facing Oglethor who sat upon his steed.

       As their eyes met, they stood in anticipation. Talnar's heart beat wildly as he considered the chase that would surely be following. Suddenly, Lit voices appeared from a tent nearby. A head appeared. The look of disbelief covered its misshapen head as it realized that the Lostarian was free. Oglethor and Talnar commanded their horses to flee and were immediately riding through the heavy storm.

       As they fled through the dark, past scattered tents, the rain pounded against their faces, making it hard to see ahead of them. Suddenly, a horn blast sounded. Another followed which was followed by a third. Lits ran from their tents to see what was wrong. It was difficult for the creatures to see the two riding by as the storm raged. Shouts and curses followed as they raced by the unsuspecting guards. The last of the tents finally became visible. As they approached them, Talnar heard something behind him. Turning, he saw a small group of horse-bound Lit guards racing towards them.

       "Ogle...we've got to get out of here!"

       "I hope the others are ready when we reach them!"

       "Is Kris....?"

       "Yes, we're taking him to Realm."

       "I knew he'd help me." thought the excited Talnar.

       Onward they rode through the pouring rain. They were close to Dorma and the others when they heard the Lits calling out loudly from behind. Finally, they reached their fellowship, finding them waiting impatiently upon their readied horses.. Dorma cried out, "Follow me!" Seconds later, the five sped northward across the meadow towards the village of Tay. Talnar and Kristopher reached out to one another from upon their galloping horses.

       "I didn't think I'd ever see you again!" Kris said tearfully.

       "I had my doubts, too! Where's Kari?"

       Kristopher was silent for a moment. He wiped the rain from his face. "He disappeared, just like you did. Why did you leave me?!" Talnar explained about the promise he'd make to Dorma. "I didn't think he'd find me so quickly and I knew you'd never let me go if I tried to explain it to you. Do you think the same thing happened to Kari?"

       "I wish I knew." Their words went unheard by the others as they sped along through the darkness. The Lits followed as best they could, but it was difficult to follow the scent in the rain. They finally approached a long group of trees growing tightly together in a row like a woodland fence. Dorma led them in an easterly direction, parallel with it. After a few minutes, they reached a gap in the trees. They passed through one at a time. Just as Oglethor was about to go through the gap, a cloud of Lit arrows passed over his head. Once on the other side, Dorma continued northward, towards Tay. For a moment, Talnar thought he heard Oglethor cry out behind him. But the sound of the raging storm made it difficult to hear.

       After about fifteen minutes of frantic travel, Dorma brought his horse to a halt. Immediately, all the others, save for the Lit, followed his lead. Talnar called to him, but his horse continued running through the heavy rain. Talnar followed him until he reached his side. He grasped Oglethor's horse, calling out "Why didn't you stop?!" Oglethor didn't answer. A sudden bolt of lightning lit up the meadow around them. In the light, Talnar could see an arrow sticking into the Lit's back.

       The young warrior began to call out curses. At that moment, the others surrounded them. Slowly, Oglethor lifted his head and looked to Talnar. "Do not blame them." His voice was very weak. "They are under a spell. Promise me..." his voice grew weaker, "you will help to free my people from Ramlord.....please...."

       "I promise you! I owe you my life...we will do it together! I vow as a Lostarian Warrior that I will do everything in my power to do as you have asked!" For a brief moment, a smile came to Oglethor's face.

       "Then.....I do not die in vain." Slowly, he learned forward until his chest pressed against the horse's neck. Talnar looked back to the others with tears in his eyes. Redoras placed his hand upon his shoulder. "We've all learned a great deal from him. He was indeed valiant. I too shall join your vow."

       Kristopher stared in disbelief. He found himself speechless as he thought about how the Lit had risked his life to save Talnar. Dismounting, Dorma unsheathed his sword and began to dig a hole in the grassy meadow. Seconds later, he was joined by the others. Talnar then pulled the arrow from the brave Lit's back and put him upon the grass. Once they finished digging the grave, Talnar and Dorma lowered him into it. Redoras spoke a Drompan prayer and asked those around him to remember what Oglethor had done. Moments of silence followed.

       "We lost the Lits when we passed through the Fence of Tay. We've got to continue to the Village immediately if we're going to get Kristopher to Realm safely." said Dorma. Immediately they motioned their horses and the four once again fled into the darkness, leaving the courageous Lit behind.
END OF PART 1 _________________________________
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Copyright © Rod Chappell