LEGENDS OF ANTHALORIEN
PART TWO
Written by Julian Cloete, Johannesburg, South Africa, 1997. Contact me at [email protected]
CONTENTS
PART TWO
A new journey The Drow Saltinegro Secrets Discovered The Stealer of Souls Aftermath of the War Adventures in the Aether The Assassin The Unmoving King Travelling to the Islands The Island of Wondrosia The Temple of Felena The Search for Timothy Morning The Search Renewed The Hanging Staircase A Royal Wedding The Thirty Nine Steps A New Attack on Laratena The Final Step Payment Remembering the Dead In Search of the Black Prince The Tower at Land's End The Stench of Betrayal Town of the Dead Capture Captives in Laratena Working in Salt The Storm The Magic Goes Away Wundercrest The Purpose for the War Mother Handrushkar" Skaggethlorien Return to Wondrosia Reunion
A NEW JOURNEY
The next morning Anthony and Timothy awakened late. They were glad that they were reunited again in the land called Anthalorien. The two boys went in search of their friends in the army camp outside the White City. They could not find Benjamin. Anthony went to ask Firecaster, who said that Benjamin had left early in the morning. Firecaster said: "He simply said that his task was complete, that he did not wish to remain any longer, and off he went." Timothy shook his head in bewilderment, but then he looked around. The besieging army lay around the white city. It was clear that a long wait was expected. Caravans of beasts of burden were arriving with supplies for the army. Those within showed no intention of letting any of the royal army within the gates. they looked prepared to fight to the last man. This is what the boys heard when they went back to the tent where the leader of the army, Duke Guardarm, was discussing tactics: "Men, you are my leaders. Do you have any ideas for us to avoid a long, drawn-out siege?" Captain Ricardo said: "Your Grace, I have the beginning of an idea. One of the reasons we cannot get into the city is because of the gryphons who fly up from the city. Their numbers are continually increasing. If only we could reduce their numbers, we could invade the city. With air supremacy we could bombard the city from above. Yet, they grow more numerous, day by day." "I know where they are coming from," said Barron. He proceeded to tell about the vast collection of gryphon eggs which he and Timothy had seen underground in their journey with Benjamin. "If we could reduce their supply of gryphons," said Captain Ricardo. "We may gain command of the air over the city." So, a plan was born. A small group volunteered to travel back through the tunnel which Timothy and Barron had taken. Firecaster said that he could track by magical means back along the way they had come. Barron and Timothy said they would go along. Anthony decided to go with his brother. Captain Ricardo said he would lead the expedition, while the remaining army continued the siege of the white city. Barron, Bronwen and Earnest also came along, with a couple of other soldiers. In the mid-afternoon, the group set off down the ropes and into the tunnel. Firecaster led the way, with Captain Ricardo not far behind, carrying a burning torch. Barron and the rest of the group followed with supplies and more torches. It was understood that the journey would take many days as the high order magic of Benjamin was not available to speed up time. Firecaster was satisfied that he could retrace the way and that they would not be lost underground during their journey. The first night, the group set up a resting-place in a cave deep underground, having crossed a considerable distance. It was one of the guards on night-duty who awoke everyone after some hours. "Listen," he said. There was a deep rumbling and grinding. They listened and it grew steadily louder. "Pack our belongings," Ricardo said. "But let us wait and see what it is." The sound grew deafening, and suddenly one wall of the cave, where they had been resting, fell away. A huge maw appeared. In the light of the torches, the mouth moved slowly, chewing through the solid rock with teeth like plates and a mouth which opened up six feet in diameter. A head slowly emerged as the maw moved slowly forwards. "A rock-ouroboros!" shouted Firecaster over the noise. "I have read of these creatures, but I have never seen one. Do not fear, it has no ears nor eyes, and it is not dangerous. If we remain out of its path, it will ignore us and go on its way." Slowly, the giant worm moved forwards, across the cave. The travellers kept a safe distance while it moved its head from side to side. It soon reached another wall, and then moved sluggishly forward. The maw closed against the cave-wall and ate a way through the solid rock. Gradually it moved away, blind and deaf to those who watched it. The sound slowly lessened. "I am glad it is gone," Ricardo sighed with relief. The group moved off on a further day of travelling. They came upon loose pieces of dried wood, which they could use as torches to light their way down the tunnels, along the path marked magically by the Ancient one. While they travelled, every now and then they came upon large, grey heaps in the centre of the tunnels. Firecaster explained that this was the dung left behind by the ouroboros after the minerals had been consumed from its rock diet. A day later, they came upon a worm, higher than a man but smaller than a rock-ouroboros. Its skin was covered in purple spikes. It turned sideways and some of the purple spikes sprang through the air, and it was clear the caterpillar-like creature could cast them at will. Immediately, Firecaster set up a Fire Shield spell. The worm turned sluggishly and moved away. "What creature was that?" asked Anthony. "It is a baby ouroboros - it is yet young and small. With the years, it will lose its born defence - the quills - but it will grow in mass, until it will be larger than any of its natural enemies here underground." "I have seen those quills before," said Anthony. "They use them in the Temple of Krishana for writing. "Yes," said Firecaster. "They are often used as pens, for dipping in ink." "Amazing," said Timothy.THE DROW
Gradually, the journey of the band went deeper down the tunnels into the nether regions. They heard the sound of a man screaming. Cautiously and quietly, they crept closer. Before them was a surprising scene: a man was tied against a rock. Another was whipping him with a long, black rod, while four other men watched. They all wore robes of dark grey, though the robes of the victim were torn and stained by the blood of the rod which brought blood with each blow. "No," he screamed. "I am not guilty." The blows continued without ceasing, the watching men laughing and joking while the punishment continued. Eventually, Captain Ricardo stepped out of the shadows where he and the others were secreted. "Why are you punishing this man so severely?" Ricardo enquired. The men turned on him, severely. The one bearing the whipping-rod said: "It does not concern you. We have been appointed by Duchess Adrienna Del Porte to apply proper punishment for the crime committed by this man." "But I am innocent!" cried the victim. "What has happened? What has he done?" Ricardo insisted. One of the other men in grey said: "He uttered a falsehood, and now the Duchess has ordered that he be whipped for six hours." "But that is inhumane. Has he even had a proper trial?" "Certainly not," said a third man. "The Duchess upon hearing what he said, decided that upon the judgment to be imposed. We immediately brought him out here, far from home to perform the punishment." Ricardo announced:" I can not believe this. The punishment is unfair and he seems to have had no trial. Release him!" The whip-bearing man struck out at Ricardo. The others began to draw evil-looking daggers and advanced on Ricardo. Firecaster began casting a spell from the shadows, and Anthony, recognising the arcane words, did likewise. Two Hold Person spells suddenly held all five of the grey-dressed men immobile. Like statues, they stood there while the Ricardo and the others could move. Quickly, the exhausted prisoner was released. Firecaster came up to Ricardo, shaking his head: "You should not have interfered." "I could not help it, it is in my nature to help the disadvantaged," replied Ricardo. Bronwen came forward and laid healing hands upon the crippled man. The injuries were severe, and the spell was only partially effective. Meanwhile, Firecaster was speaking to the unmoving men: "Understand that we do not wish to interfere. However, we will take the prisoner away. We shall make sure that he goes with us and that he does not return. that will be sufficient punishment to satisfy you. The spells over you will wear off soon, but by then we shall be far gone." So, the party hurriedly left. They travelled for a full day, to get as far as possible away. When they rested at last, the prisoner lay down on the ground in a miserable huddle. "Have some food," said Ricardo coming closer. The prisoner gulped a few mouthfuls, but then stopped "What is your name?" "Cra Del Porte," he replied. Firecaster came closer. He lent over the man and put an iron-bracelet around his right arm. He uttered a few magical words and then said: "Drow, understand that this bracelet will tell us exactly where you are. If you try to escape us, or try to go back, have no doubt that we will find you. Then you will be punished for not obeying us. Drow, do you understand?" The grey man nodded, sullenly. Later, Timothy asked Ricardo: "His features are very much like that of an elf: he has the pointed ears and long, thin face. But, his face and skin is very pale and his eyes are colourless - as if he has never been in the sun." "Yes, said Ricardo. "The drow, or grey elves, are distant elves of our friends, Lillanas and the other woodland elves. They dwell deep underground and are seldom seen above ground. Yet, I felt sorry for him because of the way he was being punished, and maybe because his face was so like that of Lillanas. At least he is safe away from his home for a while. But be careful of him, because we know very little about the grey elves." Another two days of travelling followed. On the third morning, the travellers were awakened by Barron who had been on guard-duty. Cra, the drow, was missing. "Do not be concerned," said Firecaster. "We must merely follow the magical track of the bracelet he wears." It took only a matter of hours. They discovered the grey elf, huddled in a small tunnel. He was clutching his arm, where the bracelet burned like a white fire. He was clearly in agony. "You were warned not to try to escape," said Firecaster. "You have lost us much time." The journey re-commenced.SALTINEGRO
It was one early afternoon, during the journey underground, when Bronastrata slipped: "I've hurt my ankle," she said. Anthony stopped too, as did Timothy. In front of their eyes, the rest of the party was suddenly surrounded by a flame of bright blue. They heard a loud noise and voices calling. Quickly, Anthony and Timothy moved backwards, into the darkness of the tunnels, and Bronastrata with them. Firecaster, Captain Ricardo and the others fell to the ground, unconscious. Within moments, men of yellow skins appeared. "Something has happened," whispered Timothy. "Yes," replied Anthony. "They are all unconscious. It was some kind of hidden magic of a high level." Soon, at least twenty yellow men were visible, as well as a few gryphons. While the two boys and the girl hid in the shadows, the bodies of the unconscious Firecaster, Earnest, Barron, Ricardo, Cra Del Porte and the other two knights were loaded onto the backs of the beasts. The gryphons walked in an ungainly fashion through the tunnels, unused as they were to their underground surroundings. Sudden as it was, the captors and captives alike soon disappeared down the tunnels. "What will we do now?" Timothy said. "Look," said Anthony. "they left a bag behind. "I think it was one carried by Firecaster, which must have fallen when they were captured." And so it was that the three young people who remained, recovered a lone bag of the Ancient One. They moved back a distance and then examined the contented of the bag. Inside were three books and a few other personal items. The largest two were spell-books bound in black leather. "I am not as high level as Firecaster," said Anthony. "I can read the spells but they will not work for me. But, the third book is more interesting. It is called 'The Inhabitants, Known and Hidden, of the Kingdom of Anthalorien'" Anthony read to the other two some of the chapters: about the drow, gnomes and more importantly about the yellow-skinned people known as the Saltini. "They came here long ago from out of the West," Anthony summarised what he had read. "Then they were forced underground by men and they came to fill the tunnels created by the rock-ouroboros. This chapter explains of their connection with the gryphons, whom they care for. Look, there is even a little map." Across the bottom of the map was the name "Saltinegro". Anthony showed the other two how the small, underground town was situated around a large red circle in the centre. "I think this says 'Hatchery'," said Anthony. "And this says 'Nursery'." They noticed that the map of the town was surrounded by walls of rock, but there were entrances in various places. "If we are careful, maybe we could find a way in," said Timothy. "Wait!" said Anthony. "Look at this! It is a spell for disguising up to five or six people as Saltini, if of any other humanoid race. Shall we try it?" "Yes," said Bronastrata. "We must. None of our friends looked dead. They were all unconscious, although breathing, when they were taken away." "Perhaps we can sneak in," said Timothy. "You can use your spells like Hold Person to distract the guards when they are least expecting it. I am sure that Firecaster has spells to get us all out of this predicament." So, it was decided. Anthony read the magical phrases and, suddenly, the skins of all three turned yellow. They all looked indistinguishable from any other Saltini. Then, they went exploring for a way in. Anthony, alert for the trap which had caught the others said: "I can detect the edge of a spell of almost hidden blue light ahead. This must have been the cause of the spell which struck the others senseless - some form of explosive immobility spell. We must circle around it." They followed a side-tunnel, until they came to an area where the spell was absent. Ahead of them stood a Saltini soldier, with a gryphon beside him. Quickly, they hurried back into the darkness. They hid their belongings - their bags and other weapons they had carried. The three children, apparently lost Saltini children, approached the lone soldier. "Children!" he called. "What are you doing here, so far from town? You look lost. Come back inside and get back to the Nursery." The disguise spell was operating perfectly. The three children headed through the entrance into the town of the Saltini. They passed a number of areas where the Saltini lived. Everywhere, in the rock ceiling of the town were yellow lights, apparently lit by some unknown power source. The children passed through an area very much like a market-place where food and other items were exchanged between the Saltini. Eventually they came to a cluster of buildings, with a sign-board stating: "Nursery". Here they saw numerous children of various ages. An adult Saltini shouted at them: "come inside, why are you wandering about without a Master?" They went in and mixed with the children. Not long after, they heard a bell ring. All the children headed for two buildings: the boys to one and the girls to another. Regretfully, the boys said farewell to Bronastrata with a promise to meet again as soon as possible. Anthony reassured her that the spell would hold for a day and a half. The two boys found themselves in a large dormitory, lined with beds. There were almost fifty boys present in the dormitory. Anthony and his brother took two of the many empty beds. An adult appeared at one end of the dormitory: "It is your sleep-period. Tomorrow you must work." The ubiquitous lights throughout Saltinegro went out, leaving the boys in the dark. "My name is Enza," said one boy to Timothy. "You are new here. Were you only now called from your parents?" "Yes," said Timothy, as briefly as possible. "I've been separated from my mother for a long time. I have lived here in the Nursery for almost two years. Don't worry - although we have work to do, the food is good and you will make friends here. But, now we must get our rest." Anthony and Timothy had no choice but to sleep. They considered leaving the dormitory during the artificial time which was set aside for sleeping, but they did not want to act differently from any of the other children around them. Tired and unsure of what to expect, they fell asleep. The next morning, a bell awakened Anthony first who soon shook his brother. Lights appeared in the ceiling of the building. The boys lined up and went into a hall where food was laid out on a table for them. This they ate, while six or seven adult Saltini watched. One of these carried a long whip. It was clear that many of the boys were afraid of him. The boys were led by the men they called Masters to a room where they collected rags, buckets of water, mops and brooms. Then, the group of boys with their masters marched across the town of Saltinegro, until they came to an area, larger than a couple of fields on the surface. the ground on which they walked consisted of large blocks of black rock, which was warm to the touch. Here the boys had to set about sweeping the ground clean of loose stones and removing small vegetation. Then, others washed the rock as clean as possible. This work took a number of hours, at the end of which they were told to line up quietly on one side. Everyone looked upwards as a bell rang. From an area in the roof which Anthony and Timothy had thought was rock, but which was the shadowy edge of a vertical tunnel, a beast emerged. It had a large belly, four limbs ending in claws, a long tail and a reptilian neck and head. It was the colour gold. Anthony said: "It is the golden dragon." Upon its back, a man in midnight blue robes steered it until it settled upon the newly-cleaned ground. The boys were all led away, but not before Anthony and Timothy spotted a few large eggs lying close to where the dragon had settled down. Back at the Nursery, and after eating a meal, the boys were told that they had a short time on their own before the next rest-period. Timothy asked Enza, the Saltini boy: "Did you see the dragon's eggs?" "Yes," said Enza. "I wonder how long it will take for them to hatch into gryphons. I hope we'll see those eggs hatch." His eyes were full of excitement." Timothy looked at his brother, knowingly. Anthony asked: "Where are the girls?" "Why?" asked Enza. "Do you have a friend there?" Anthony nodded: "She is our sister." "They are in the next building. Maybe they will have free time now. Let's go and see." As they approached the adjoining building, the girls began to appear outside - they also had a free period. Timothy said to Enza: "Can you do us a favour? Can you go to the market and get us something more to eat. The masters don't seem to give us enough." "They never do," said Enza. "But, what are you doing with lumps of gold?" Anthony and his brother did not know how to reply to this question - they had lumps of gold, the currency throughout the kingdom, which they had been given by their friends from time to time. Then, Enza laughed: "Don't worry. I don't want to know any of your secrets, you secretive two. I'll get something for you, if I can get something for myself too." Soon, he was gone. Anthony said: "That was a good idea, to get him away for a while so that we can find Bronastrata." "I hope we recognise her," nodded Timothy. Then, Bronwen approached. Despite her yellow skin, they recognised her immediately. She hugged them both: "I'm so glad you are okay. It is so difficult blending in with the local girls." They asked her about her night, spent in a similar manner to their own. She said that during the morning, she and the other girls had spent time knitting large squares of woollen material. The boys and Bronastrata found a quiet room, where Anthony cast again the spell he had learnt in the book of Firecaster. "I wonder where the prisoners are," said Timothy while the spell was taking effect. "We must try to find them," said Bronwen. "What I don't understand is why Firecaster has not cast a spell," said Anthony. "And what puzzles me is that the Saltini are surrounded by yellow: their skins, their clothes, even their buildings are painted yellow. Yet, the magic surrounding Saltinegro was of a blue colour." "Who knows," says Timothy. "Maybe it was the magician with the dragon who cast the explosive spell. We need to find out more. When we have located the prisoners, or found out if they are dead or alive, then me must make our plans - and use the magic spells which you know, Anthony." "We must find Firecaster," said Anthony. "He will know more powerful spells which should enable us to escape." Soon, Enza was back. "I managed to buy some fruit," the boy said. "Oh, is this your sister? Good afternoon, my name is Enza. Gee, but you are pretty." The brothers had not thought of her in this way. They introduced her as Bronwen, not wishing to use the name Bronastrata which might give away her profession of healing, and give away their secret. Enza produced delicious fruit. It was mikril-fruit. The last time the boys had eaten this was in the market-place of the White City many months before. "It is a surface fruit," said Enza. "I suppose it was brought from there by those who travel to and from the White City." The brothers did not comment as the bell rang. The boys had to return to their dormitory, after saying goodbye to Bronwen. The Masters lined the boys up and gave them sacks to carry. Back they went to the area where they had worked that morning. The black rocks were no longer occupied by a golden dragon, but about fifty large eggs lay on the ground. "Open the sacks," the Masters instructed. Inside the sacks were large squares of woollen material. These, the boys had to place carefully over each of the eggs - to keep them warm. When their task was complete, the boys were led back to their dormitory for an evening meal and then to sleep in the lines of beds. "It was a busy day, wasn't it?" asked Enza, before a tired Timothy finally fell asleep.SECRETS DISCOVERED
The boys awoke before the bell rang the next morning. As soon as it was light the Masters called the boys back to the eggs on the black rock. There they had to remove the coverings over the eggs and then turn the eggs gingerly over, so that a different side touched the rock. By the time the eggs were covered again it was time for lunch. Back at the dormitory, Anthony discovered a note had been left under a pillow. The paper was covered in handwriting - written in the magical writing he had learnt in the temple of Krishana. Quickly, Anthony read it to his brother: "The prisoners are hidden beyond the black rocks, down a steep tunnel. Beware, there are eight guards there." "Let's go there now," said Timothy. "You know, Tim, this handwriting is very familiar," said Anthony. "I can't think where I've seen it before." "I wonder where the message came from," said Timothy. "Someone knows we are here." "Someone is helping us," said Anthony. "But whom?" "It's lunch time," said Enza. All the boys went together to the hall to eat and there was no opportunity for the two boys to slip away. When they came out of the hall after lunch, they found Bronastrata waiting for them. They were busy talking, when Anthony said: "First we need to renew the spell making us look like Saltini." They found a quiet corner and Anthony quickly cast a spell. As he finished, a voice said: "I knew you were not normal. I knew you had a secret." It was Enza. "Don't worry, I'll not give you away. I have secrets too. Do you want to see them?" "Was it you?" asked Anthony. "Who left the message for us about our friends?" Enza shook his head: "I don't know what you mean." Anthony and Timothy looked at each other and at Bronastrata. They realized that Enza knew their secret. he would have to be trusted. Anthony and Timothy decided to split up. Anthony went with Bronastrata to search for their friends who had been trapped below the surface, as they told Enza. Anthony promised his brother to be careful and that they would simply find out where they were and no more than that. In the meantime, Timothy followed Enza out of the grounds of the Nursery. The two passed through the town and then Enza led the way down a tunnel which led upwards. Soon, they came to the entrance to a cavern. On the far side of the cavern, a large opening was visible. Timothy caught a glimpse of sky beyond. "It's the open air," said Timothy. "Yes," said Enza. "But it is well-guarded." Timothy could see that Enza was right. There were guards strolling about in the cavern and a constant movement of gryphons and Saltini, in and out of the entrance to the cavern. Enza said: "How I have longed to go there. I have heard so many stories from other boys. My parents disappeared long ago - to some battle, I think. I've been in the Nursery without friends since then. But, you are strange surface-dwellers. You can take me away from Saltinegro." "We can take you with," said Timothy. "If we get away." "I want to show you something else as well," said Enza. He led Timothy away from the cavern and back through Saltinegro. Anthony and Bronastrata crept quietly across the black rocks, avoiding the guards who watched the eggs. It got very warm beyond, and they found that the reason for the rocks being so warm was a redhot pool beyond. Carefully, they circled the pool and searched for the steep tunnel downwards. This they followed. Ahead, Anthony heard voices and the two ducked behind a dark rock, peeping around and watching. There were four men seated there, talking and laughing. They all wore swords and shields. A few moments later, one of the men stood. He carried three plates. Anthony watched how two arms appeared out of a dark corner. He recognised the arms, although there were chains and manacles hanging on them. "It's Ricardo," whispered Bronastrata. They had found the prisoners. "I'm going to cast a sleep spell," Anthony said. Softly, he began to chant. Then, he flung his arms out in the way he had learned. Nothing happened. He tried again, chanting more carefully. Again, nothing happened. He tried a different spell - a magic missile spell. That too did not work. Anthony almost shouted with frustration. Bronastrata caught his arm and pulled him away. "Come away," she said. "We came to see where they are and no more than that." The two returned past the various obstacles to the Nursery to wait for Timothy and Enza to return. They discussed what they had seen and wondered why the magic did not work. "I also tried a healing spell," said Bronastrata. "And it did not work." "Maybe that is why Firecaster has done nothing," pondered Anthony. "But what is preventing the magic?" "I have no idea." At this time, Enza was showing Timothy a second secret. He led Timothy close to the redhot lava pool which Bronastrata and Anthony had seen, but down a different tunnel and further away. They came into a cave the floor of which was covered with red molten rock. "I found this long ago, but nobody seems to know about it," said Enza. "Because nobody guards it and there is never anyone near here." In the centre of the cave stood a large black rock. In the centre of the rock gleamed a silver object. It was a sword. "It glows," said Enza. "I think it is magical." "I wonder if we could get to it?" Timothy wondered. "We have to get across the very hot floor," said Enza. "I've tried alone, but I brunt myself. Look how the sword sits, embedded in the rock. I don't think it can be drawn." "I'm not so sure," said Timothy. "I've heard of swords in stone and how the person who draws the sword becomes a king. let's go back now, and tell the others. Together, we'll think of something." Anthony and Bronastrata were worried as the bell rang just before Timothy and Enza returned. It was time for the evening meal and then the rest period when the lights were extinguished. The four youths spent the night thinking and making plans.THE STEALER OF SOULS
Early, before the lights came on in Saltinegro, the three boys and Bronastrata met. They took burning torches with them to see in the dark, since Anthony's spells would not work near the black rocks. Carefully, they crossed the area where the gryphon eggs were kept warm. They avoided the Saltini guards there, and they headed back to where Enza had showed Timothy where the sword was. In the glimmering light of the lava pooling the floor, the four looked from the edge running around the cave. In the centre of the cave stood the large obsidian block where the sword was buried up to its hilt. They loosened their over-tunics and other garments they brought with them. These they tied into a long, woven rope. Then, Timothy climbed up the side of the cave. There were numerous protuberances which he could use as leverage. When he came to the top, he tied one end of the rope there. Skilfully, he swung a short distance and then caught onto a piece of overhanging rock further on. He tied a further loop of the rope there. On he went, until the sweat was pouring off him, but he was determined. Eventually, he reached the roof directly above the sword, and he dropped down. The others watched, with bated breath, but he landed safely. Cautiously, he moved forward, until his hands met over the hilt of the sword. Much was his excitement, when he found that the sword moved beneath his hands. Carefully, he drew the sword upwards. Anthony, Enza and Bronastrata went blind. A brilliant light shone from the exposed blade as the sword slipped from the stone. Timothy did not notice the light. A sudden bell sounded loudly in his head. "Dong!" It reverberated there, but then he heard a voice: "At last! I am free!" It was a semi-whisper, but spoken in a deep and insidious voice. Timothy looked around. His brother and friends were standing, covering their eyes. They had not spoken and there was no other person in the cave. The voice became a plea: "Lord, I want to eat!" "Who are you?" Timothy said. "I am many things. They call me Soul-Destroyer. Others call me The Stealer of Souls! I want to eat! I must eat!" Timothy had nothing to hold the sword with. All he had was his under-tunic. Quickly he doffed this and hurriedly wrapped this around the sword. The bright light went out and Timothy's friends watched him climb carefully back the way he had come, along the rope. Very soon he was safe again. "Well done, brother," said Anthony. "Let's look at it." "No," said Timothy. "I have a feeling only I should unwrap it." Quickly, Timothy donned his over-tunic as did the others. "We must go back," said Enza. "Before we are missed." Anthony led the way with a torch, with Timothy bringing up the rear. "Did you hear the sword speak to me?" asked Timothy. The others responded in the negative and he explained what he had heard. They headed across the rocks back in the direction of the Nursery in Saltinegro, when they heard shouts: "Who are you? Kids, what are you doing here?" Two Saltini guards appeared. One caught hold of Anthony. "You are not allowed here," he shouted. From the back of his belt, he pulled a whip. He struck out and Anthony fell to the ground, crying. Timothy reacted quickly. He removed the sword which he had recovered. As the cloth of his under-tunic unravelled, a loud bell rang in his head: "Dong!" A brilliant light lit up the darkness and there was a swirling wind, which obscured Timothy. The two Saltini stared as the winds dissipated as quickly as they had come. Beside Anthony lay a long snake of pure black. It lifted its head towards Timothy. "No," shouted Bronastrata. She did not hear the voice which spoke in Timothy's head: "Lord, for so long I have waited for this. What do you want of me? Why have I been called?" Timothy responded after a moment's consideration, and these words Bronastrata heard: "Stop them from hitting my brother." With lightning speed, the snake turned and lashed out. Its fangs struck the guard, who fell to the rock-floor and lay still. The second guard drew a club and struck out at the snake. His blow had no effect. Soon, he too was a victim and lay stretched out on the floor, a gaping wound in his thigh. A third Saltini man rushed up, shouting: "What's going on?" He too, soon fell victim to the black snake. Then, it turned and headed back directly towards Timothy. "It's coming back," cried Enza. "Now it's our turn." The snake stopped in front of Timothy. It raised its head, as if to strike and Timothy held the sword out in front of him. It spoke, but only Timothy could hear it: "Lord, I have done as you commanded. Now, say the word so that I may be freed." Timothy pondered his response. Then, he said: "Go free." "Dong!" The wind came up to surround Timothy. Then it slowed and was gone and the light grew dim. With it went all sign of the snake as well as the three Saltini. Enza hid lit another torch and the four stared around. "Where did they go to?" asked Anthony, getting up and nursing his wounded arm where the whip had struck him. "It was magic," said Enza. "Yes," said Bronastrata. "The sword is obviously magical. But, how did the magic work here on the black rock when Anthony's and mine does not have any effect?" "It must be of a different kind," said Anthony, wonderingly. Timothy's eyes were shining: "Let's go and rescue the prisoners." They discussed this idea for a moment, and then headed back around the pool of magma, in the direction of their imprisoned companions. On the way, Enza said that he had heard of black snakes many years before. "They inhabited this area underground before the Saltini came here to build Saltinegro," he said. The four soon came within sight of the four guards who tended to the prisoners. Timothy drew his sword from the make-shift sheath. "Dong!" After the whirling wind subsided, three Saltini men stood in front of him. The one bearing the whip said: "Lord, you called us so quickly. What do you want of us?" Timothy looked around for the black snake, but saw nothing. "Kill those four," he said, gesturing towards the four Saltini soldiers. Slowly, the three who had been guards not long before turned. They advanced upon the four guards and they did not respond when the four asked why they were there. A club struck out and one of the surprised soldiers fell to the ground. When a second fell to the ground, the remaining two drew weapons: a sword and a club each. One of the men who had been summonsed by the sword fell back, its head lolling at an odd angle from a blow struck against him. But, it did not take more than a few moments for the remaining two living Saltini to fall to the ground. Then, the leader bearing a whip turned back to Timothy. He bore a sword-wound in his side, but he behaved as if there was no wound there. The other's head still hung at an impossible angle. "We did what you asked, Lord," the leading guard said. "Say the word, and let us go to our rest." "Free," said Timothy. "Dong!" and, after the wind, all signs of the struggle had vanished. The children headed towards where Anthony and Bronastrata had glimpsed a prisoner. Their friends were all there. Captain Ricardo was the first to jump up, pulling on the chains which bound his legs and arms: "What magic is this? I thought no magic worked here." "This is stronger than ordinary magic," said the old man behind Ricardo, his robes worn only by the Ancient ones were tattered and soiled. "That is one of the weapons forged long ago - it is sometimes known as Soul-Destroyer or Stealer of Souls, Spirit Stealer." "Use the sword to cut the chains and set them free," said Anthony. "No!" said Firecaster, imperiously. "If you draw it, some of us will die." "The keys for the locks are close to where our guards were sitting," said Ricardo. "Near the food, but too far for us to reach." Enza was the first to find the keys, and the first to help with the freeing of the prisoners.AFTERMATH OF THE WAR
Anthony woke up in a rough bed on the floor of a tent. For a moment, he wondered where he was. Then, he recalled what had happened after the prisoners were rescued in the underground town of Saltinegro. Firecaster had instructed Timothy to cast his magical sword into the lava pool near where the prisoners had been held. This resulted in a number of explosions, and the lava started to well upwards, growing into a fountain and then into a river. The river of molten lava passed over the black rocks, destroying the gryphons eggs where they lay. Beyond, the redhot lava entered the underground habitat of the Saltini. And, ever ahead of the lava, the boys and the ex-prisoners ran, over-running any who crossed their paths, with the use of the magical sword. They reached the exit to the surface as the welling lava became a volcano behind them. The volcano erupted as they escaped outside to the surface. Behind them, Saltinegro was destroyed. Enza watched his home disappear, without a qualm as he examined the new world which confronted him. he was not afraid, unlike the grey elf, Cra Del Porte, who disliked the bright light. The party, their mission complete, travelled back to the White City. When they arrived, a new attack was launched against the city, with vulcans now proceeding uncontested overhead, with the flying machine of Bumble Dwink beside them. On the ground, it was Timothy who led the army to the gates of the city. Timothy drew his sword and the Saltini who were captive there - a large number had their souls captured with the destruction of Saltinegro. These broke down the gates of the city, with their bare hands. The army soon entered the city and the defenders were soon overrun. "Come," said Timothy to his brother, who was lying there, pensively: "Let's go in search for Earnest, Bronastrata, Enza and the others. They left the tent and found the others gathering near Duke Guardarm and the other leaders of the victorious army. A number of prisoners had been taken, including Duke Carmichael and the now deposed bishop of the White City. Suddenly, overhead, a large form appeared. it was the great, golden dragon. On its back rode two figures of midnight blue. Firecaster and Anthony thrust up fire shield spells in defence. Timothy drew his sword, but the humans who appeared could not reach the dragon in the sky. The dragon breathed fire once, but then an amplified voice announced: "You may have won for now, but Our master, The Black Prince, will return with a mightier force!" Then, the dragon rose upwards, beyond the reach of vulcans, Bumble Dwink's canons, or fireball spells. The speck in the sky dwindled and was gone.ADVENTURES IN THE AETHER
During the days which followed, Duke Guardarm made arrangements for the rebuilding of the damage caused in the White City. Sir Eldwin was then left in charge of an occupation force, while Duke Guardarm led the victorious army back to Laratena. Timothy went with them, but Anthony hitched a lift in Bumble Dwink's flying machine back to the Temple of Krishana, while the gnomes headed back to their home. Eucalyptus and Spellthane met Anthony there. Anthony was admitted to the Seventh Tower of the magical temple. He was not there for long, but he learnt much about the effects of light He learnt to cast the Invisibility spell, which he had experienced long before during the seige of Tirac Dell. In the meantime, when Timothy arrived in the Royal City, the army was greeted by the King and many cheering citizens. Duke Guardarm presented the prisoners, including Duke Carmichael and the Bishop of the White City, both of whom were led away in chains. Timothy spent time again in the Royal Palace. He and Earnest went in search of the secluded garden they had seen before. They sneaked past guards, and there they found what they were looking for: the two pretty, little girls, Caitlin and Leanne. When they saw the boys, Leanne came running forwards: "Tim, it's so good to see you! You are a hero." She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. Timothy blushed. Caitlin said: "Let's see your sword. We've heard so much about it." "No," replied Timothy. "It would be very dangerous to draw it. I've learnt only a little about it, but at least I know not to draw it but for a very good reason." By this time, Anthony was entering the Eighth Tower. Here he learnt to lie very still upon the floor. After chanting magically, he felt part of himself move. There was a greyness all around him and he could not see clearly. As he rose, he looked down to the floor and saw his body still there. He looked at himself and saw a rough, grey form. One step he took, away - and found himself outside the Eighth Tower. Each movement he made was accentuated in the normal world. He knew then that he was in the Aether. There was no sound here, and almost no colour, but he could move quickly through this other dimension, always keeping a watch on the grey but real world from which he came. Anthony went exploring then. Some twenty steps and a jump took him into the air, high above Tirac Dell. He moved in a different direction - towards where the direction his brother had gone. After forty steps, he found himself beside a coastline. As an experiment, he stepped out into the sea. He did not sink into the water, but as he went further out to sea, his body hung lower, until he became partially-submerged. So, he headed back towards the land. He followed the beaches southwards, and soon came to a large city. It was his first view of the Royal City. He went in search of his brother there. It did not take long to find the palace, and he soon found a garden occupied by two girls, Earnest and his brother. He came up beside his brother and called to him: "Timothy!" He reached out to touch him, but his hand passed through him. Timothy did not see nor hear. Anthony tried repeatedly, and Timothy did look around for a moment as if he saw something, but Anthony realised he could not communicate with his brother. Back Anthony went, in the opposite direction. He walked for a while, but he became lost. Eventually, he came to a forest. He walked through the trees, when suddenly a voice spoke beside him: "Anthony, what are you doing here?" Anthony turned and saw a pale woman hovering beside him. By her pale complexion and beauty, he recognised her: "Queen Lilithadanas, how are you?" "I am well, my boy," the Queen of the Sylvannordi elves replied. "We have been repairing the damage caused by the giants. We are glad that the enemy has been sent away. Thank you for your help in all which has happened." "Thank you," said Anthony, modestly. "But I think I must be going now." Now that he knew where he was, it did not take long to take the return journey from Sylvannordi, via Tirac Dell to the Temple of Krishana. Just before returning to his body, he saw Spellthane and Eucalyptus there. The latter congratulated him upon passing the test of the Eighth Tower. The next morning, Anthony and Eucalyptus sat in the Eighth Tower, talking. "Where is the Black Prince?" "No one is sure," replied the Ancient One. "But Merediv tried to seize the Kingdom of Anthalorien long ago. He was banished to another continent, but it is said that he will return when there is a king on the throne who has no son. It seems as though we are now in those times and that is why the Black Prince seeks to return to Anthalorien."THE ASSASSIN
In the throne-room, a ceremony was in process. The prisoners were being brought in before King Falsham. Duke Guardarm introduced each of the long line of chained prisoners. "This is the Bishop of the White City." The Bishop's robes were soiled from his imprisonment, but he held his head high. "I do not fear you," said the Bishop. "For my Master will set us free." The last and greatest prisoner was introduced: "Duke Carmichael." "Duke no more," announced the king. "You shall be merely Carmichael from now on." The man who was no longer a duke spat on the floor. He was still defiant, but he said nothing. Then, the king frowned and stood. "I have long pondered," he began. "What punishment is appropriate. You could be sent away from Anthalorien in exile. If I do that, however, you will be free to plot against me. I could have you all beheaded, but I do not have the stomach for such an extreme. No, you shall remain in the dungeons beneath the Royal Palace, here in Laratena, until I decide otherwise." Judgment was given. The prisoners were led out of the throne-room. It was then that Timothy spotted a shadow, crossing the hall. He looked down at the hilt of his sword and saw that it was gleaming brightly. There was trouble. Not one of the nobles or dignitaries saw what Timothy glimpsed. It was as though magic protected the shadow from the vision of all others. Timothy's hand rested on his sword, poised to retaliate. The shadow halted - and a man became visible. He was dressed in black, from head to foot. He leaned forward, a drawn dagger in his hand. He was on the steps of the throne, very close to the king. Timothy was the first to react. He drew his sword. "Dong!" rang the noise in his head. Suddenly, the late warriors in blue robes who had defended the White City, as well as a few of the monsters, thronged around the king. Within a moment, the swarm surrounded the assassin. They turned to Timothy and he sheathed his drawn sword again. "Dong." The assassin and those who had captured him were all gone. Duke Guardarm, the knights and others in the large hall rushed forwards. King Falsham sat very still on his throne. The assassin's dagger was lodged in his right leg, slightly below the knee. Healers came forward, but Duke Guardarm looked at the mage, Firecaster. "The important healers have gone back to the Monastery of Slepnir." It was a statement, but also a question. Without a word, Firecaster turned. He chanted words and closed his eyes. Then, he vanished.THE UNMOVING KING
For days, the city of Laratena was in mourning. The king was not dead, be he sat, immobile and white upon his throne. There was not one person who dared move him. The royal healers were powerless to help him. One day, Timothy was in the throne room, with others who watched over the king. A globe of dim grey appeared. Gradually it grew in size. its colours changed to blue and black. Then the spinning slowed and the lights disappeared. Where the globe had been stood Anthony. "My brother!" cried Timothy. "How did you get here?" Anthony explained about his sojourn in the Eighth Tower, of the Temple of Krishana. He explained about his adventures in the Aether and how he had come to move very quickly. The last part of his discovery had been to find the way to transfer physically from one place to another. "And here I am," he said. "Can you take me into the Aether with you?" asked Earnest. "No," replied Anthony. "It only works for myself." "Yet, Benjamin could do much more," said Timothy, musingly. "He must be very powerful." "He is, because even an Ancient one of the Order of Krishana can only communicate or transfer himself alone through the Aether." Not long after Anthony's arrival, a group came travelling to Laratena. Firecaster the mage led them. In the group was Bronastrata and Clymestra. Firecaster had brought them back from the Monastery of Slepnir. With them was a grey, elderly woman, dressed also in the green robes of healers. Duke Guardarm went to one knee as he bowed before the silver-haired woman: "My Lady Elenastrata. Thank you for honouring us with your presence. We desperately need your help." The Lady Elenastrata, who was the Head of the Order of Healers, came forward to stand before King Falsham, who sat, paralysed upon his throne. For some time, she chanted magical spells, which covered the king. At last, she stepped back and the spells faded. Nothing had changed in the white skin and body of the monarch. Timothy said: "maybe if Leonard was here." "I know," said Anthony. "I'll look for him." So, Anthony went back into the Aether. For many hours, Anthony was gone. Eventually, a globe grew to brightness in the throne- room and he returned. His face was downcast. "I searched everywhere and could not find him." "There is only one way to find a cure," announced the Lady Elenastrata, during a discussion some hours later. "Perhaps water from the Well of Wondrosia." "What is that?" asked Timothy. "It is a place of magic, situated far off the coast of Laratena," said Firecaster. "But it is dangerous to travel there." "I'm not afraid of danger, I have my sword," said Timothy. "I also have magic," added his brother. Duke Guardarm smiled: "Oh, the confidence of youth. "And yet, perhaps you may succeed. If you take companions with you, then you may even be successful. And, after all King Falsham needs all the magical help he can get." The next part of the discussion revolved around a means of transport. It was agreed that the aid of the gnomes would be called upon. Anthony and Firecaster went together into the Aether. The two travelled far to the south. They came to a dank and gloomy place of clouds, mists and marshes. Then, Firecaster led Anthony to the centre of the marshes. In the dim light, Anthony saw the grey outline of a massive construction. It was a creature of wheels, struts, pulleys, metal and brick, and it was larger than many city blocks from Anthony's home. Anthony emerged into the real world there and approached the machine. A number of gnomes appeared. They quizzed the stranger and after he explained the purpose of his mission, they led him into the machine. Anthony was led up a series of ladders, and through steel-lined tunnels, and even up a platform which moved like a lift. Eventually he was brought into a large hall. In the iron-walled hall, a number of gnomes sat, arguing vehemently. As Anthony could not tell the difference between the gnomes, he explained that he sought Bumble Dwink. "I am Bumble Dwink," said one of the gnomes. "How are you, Anthony, young mage?" After the visitor described the purpose of his journey, Bumble Dwink readily agreed to furnish the flying machine for their use. "Councillor Dwink," said one of the other gnomes. "On behalf of the rest of the Council of Gnomic Leaders, I wish you well on this new venture. However, do not forget that we have need of your talents back home." It was two and a half days later when Anthony returned to the Royal Capital as a passenger in the flying blimp. The preparations for a journey: close, food, equipment and weapons was ready. During the afternoon before they left Laratena, Timothy took his brother to the garden in the palace. Earnest was there with the two girls. Caitlin was sitting, with a large musical in her lap. Gently, she strummed the many strings with a sweet, but sad melody. She sang in a soft voice, a song of a father who was ill and how sad the daughter felt. Only then did Timothy suddenly realise that the singer and her sister were the daughters of King Falsham, and that they were princesses. When the singing ended, Timothy said to Leanne: "Do not worry, we'll find and bring back the water from the Well of Wondrosia. We shall bring back a cure for your father." The young girl smiled, although there were tears in her eyes: "I hope so, I really hope so."TRAVELLING TO THE ISLANDS
The flying machine of the gnomes headed off out of the harbour of Laratena. High across the waves it headed, with its twin propellers pushing from behind. The face at the front of the flying sausage grinned menacingly as it flew along. Anthony examined with interest the navigational machines which Bumble Dwink showed him. One of these was a machine with a large needle, mounted on a wooden base. The needle, the gnome explained, pointed always in one direction. It was a compass. The other was a complicated looking instrument which Bumble Dwink said he used to determine distance. It was called a sextant. Anthony looked at its friends upon the cabin, which hung beneath the large balloon of the dirigible. Timothy was there, as was Bronastrata and her father, Barron. Beside them on the deck stood Earnest and a few other soldiers, as well as the yellow-skinned Saltini, Enza. The crew of the flying machine consisted of a number of gnomes. This was the small expedition which was going in search of the Well of Wondrosia. Bumble Dwink was explaining: "Everything in the world consists of small substances. These substances are smaller than the eye can see. For example, if you take a number of stones and rub them together, you eventually get fine grains of sand. in the same way, if you take bread and cut it smaller and smaller, you eventually get tiny grains which make up the bread." "That is called wheat," said Timothy. "Yes," said the gnome. "But if you cut it even smaller, you get a very fine substance. If you have a knife, which is sharp and strong enough, you will eventually get very tiny particles. The whole world: stones, plants, animals and us, are all made of these very small substances or particles. And those substances and particles are all the same." "But," said Timothy. "What makes things different?" "Ah, that is the question. In addition to these small substances which make up a thing, there is also another component or part which is not physical. That is the spirit. In stones and rocks and sand, that spirit is not strong - that is why these things do not move. But, as you move from small creatures to birds, animals and humans, you find that the spirit gets stronger. In us, you find that the spirit is very strong." "No," said the girl who once was called Bronwen. "In my Order, we have been taught that nothing is physical at all, but that we are each of us only a spirit. And in some of us the spirit is stronger than in others. Each of us is a spirit, connecting with other spirits. That is where my healing power comes from - it is a way of healing, nothing physical, but the spirit of a person." "We disagree," said Bumble Dwink. "What about a soul?" asked Timothy. "That is the same thing as spirit," said the gnome. "Your sword, for instance, uses its power to suck up the soul or spirit of an enemy, and traps it within the sword until the spiritual energy is again freed." As it grew dark, the passengers in the flying machine settled down to sleep. Anthony slept and dreamt. He saw in his dreaming state two circles. One circle was filled with a white light and the other circle was filled with a darkness. Both circles consisted of men and women, young and old. While he slept, he heard a voice from the dark circle speak: "It must not happen. They must not succeed!" He awoke in a sweat. He felt hot, so he stood and walked around the wooden deck. He gazed out across the quiet waters, staring at the three moons which lit the sky. He glanced ahead, and there he saw a small cloud. The cloud suddenly changed before his eyes, until it formed into the giant face of an old man with a dark beard. The lips in the voice spoke: "It must not happen. You must not succeed!" Anthony shouted:" Look!" The others who were awoke looked in the direction where Anthony pointed. They saw only a cloud. Then, the cloud grew rapidly larger, and closer. Blackness billowed out before them. "A storm," shouted one of the gnomes. Immediately, the passengers hastened to tie everything down as the storm hit them. Amidst thunder and lightning, wind and rain hit them like a fist. Soon, water and wind buffeted the flying machine. It took an unendurable time, and a cracking noise could be heard overhead, even above the sound of the howling wind. The moorings holding the canvas overhead began to break. The cabin where the passengers crouched fell downwards as the great dirigible lost height. Quickly, Anthony cast a Fire Shield spell. The limits of the spell covered the cabin and its passengers. They crashed upon the surface of the sea, but the spell held. Quickly, the gnomes plugged up the parts of the cabin which could leak. Soon, as the spell faded, a boat floated on the waves. Great waves caused it to bob about, while the canvas, which had once been filled with air, fell around them. The gnomes hastened to pull the canvas into a manageable form. Anthony cast a second spell - a spell of invisibility. As suddenly as the storm had appeared, it disappeared. It was as if the storm was a monster which was no longer able to find its prey. "Well done," said Timothy to his brother. The danger was over. A debate ensued as to whether or not to turn back, but Bumble Dwink advised that they could sail on to the islands of Wondrosia, and that the machine would stay afloat for a few days at least.. Hours later, a new danger approached, as thick ropes slithered up across the deck of the sail-boat which once had been a flying machine. the ropes were alive, the tentacles of two large, dark-brown beasts who lifted their heads above the waters. Bronastrata screamed. Gnomes and soldiers drew their swords. Great maws moved to attack. Anthony was the first to attack, a Magic Missile spell slammed into head, and it jerked backwards. A fireball exploded dead-centre. The tentacles of the beast went limp and it fell away, its body and then its arms soon swallowed by the deep water. Timothy drew his sword. "Dong!" The dark assassin, last seen in the throne-room of Laratena appeared. Timothy ordered him to attack the sea-creature. The assassin leapt from the boat, into the water. Two or three strokes brought it within reach of the head. A blade flashed as the assassin struck repeatedly at the beast. Tentacles slithered loose and moved to envelop the assassin, but still the blows continued. Then, the head vanished, the assassin going with it. The tentacles soon followed. Black the waters turned, as the water boiled with the anguish of the sea-beast. the waters stilled and the blackness disappeared. A body appeared on the surface. Slowly, it swam back to the boat, one-armedly. It clambered up the side and onto the deck. Blood oozed from many wounds, as the assassin knelt before Timothy, its head half-gone in the battle. It spoke with a terrible wheezing: "Free me!" "You are free," responded Timothy, and the assassin was gone. "Dong." The twins had killed both of the sea-creatures. The flying machine, which had become a boat, sailed on. It was propelled by one of the motors which had driven it in the air. The canvas assisted as sails on a make-shift mast. Anthony said: "I should go ahead through Aether, to scout out where we are going, but I cannot travel across water." "You can," interposed Timothy. "If you use the Fire Shield spell at the same time - it will last long enough for you to travel a distance." Okay," said Anthony. "Bumble, how far are we from the islands and in which direction?" Once Bumble Dwink had explained, Anthony lay down. Soon, he was in the other-world known as Aether. As he stepped off the boat, he cast the fire sailed spell around himself. As he walked across the grey waves, he did not sink beneath the surface. Bravely, he strolled onwards. The first sign of land he espied was a rock sticking out of the sea. A little further on, he passed a tiny island. It was covered in trees and other growth, but he saw no sign of any human habitation. A little further on, Anthony came upon a third island. It was kidney-shaped, with each bulge of the island filled with a volcano, towering upwards. The central part of the island was lower and a path crossed the island there, between beaches on the northern and southern shores. Although the island was covered in jungle, there were various collections of huts. Off the beach to the south of the island was a ship, the size of some of the ships Anthony had seen in the harbour of Laratena. Anthony headed back to his brother and friends. he arrived as the Fire Shield spell faded. Once he had exited the Aether, he described what he had seen. "It sounds like the island of Wondrosia, as I have heard it," said Bumble Dwink. "We should try to capture that ship," said Barron. "Who knows how long this boat will stay afloat." It was obvious that the flying machine would not remain seaworthy for long, eventhough it had brought them far. Some hours later, they passed the first island, which Anthony had reported. A flock of sea- gulls wheeled above the lump of rock jutting from the sea. The second island promised the possibility of fresh water, but they travelled onwards. Soon, they reached the break-waters to the north of the third island.THE ISLAND OF WONDROSIA
The travellers jumped into the waves as the boat which had once been a flying machine headed towards the beach. Soon, Anthony and Timothy and the others were safely ashore. They left one of the knights and a few gnomes in charge of the machine, while the rest headed inland. Earnest, who walked quietly ahead, led the way down the path which headed in a southerly direction through the jungle. Anthony espied a snake crossing the path. Everyone stood still, but the snake soon disappeared into the jungle again, and they walked onwards. They came to a clearing and there they saw a group of eight huts. A number of small children saw them and hurried towards them. "Who are you?" asked Barron, but at that moment a woman appeared from behind a hut. She shouted at the children to go inside, and the children fled quickly at her command. "Please," said Anthony, stepping forward in front of the others, with his arms and hands open. "We mean no harm. We seek the Well of Wondrosia." "We want no trouble," said the woman. "We have had enough in the last few days. There has been a battle in this village with strangers from across the great waters. Many of our men-folk are dead. Please, the well is that way. Please leave us alone." The direction she indicated was towards the mountain from which peak a small spiral of smoke was visible. Anthony thanked the woman and the party crossed the clearing and followed the path at the other end of the clearing. They came to where the path split to go east and west. It was decided that they should try to secure transport first, so they continued south. Barron said: "I could not understand what you were saying." "No," neither could I," said Bumble Dwink. It seemed that only Anthony and his brother could understand the language of the islanders. At the edge of the jungle, the party discovered camp-fires burning on the beach. A number of men were lounging on the beach. Beyond lay the ship, at anchor in the natural harbour. Weapons were readied, but Anthony led the way: "We come in peace," he said. In response, the men on the beach produced wicked, curved swords. "Attack!" one of the men shouted, in a language only Anthony and Timothy could comprehend. He and nine other s moved to attack, brandishing curved scimitars. It took a matter of moments for a Fireball spell and a Hold Person spell to cripple the attackers. Barron's battle-axe disposed of the others and there were soon no remaining attackers. Two ten-man rowing-boats were moored on the shore. These set out for the ship, anchored in the bay and manned by the travellers from Laratena. Only one man was visible on the deck of the ship, and he met them with an arrow from his bow. Anthony's response was a magic missile spell which dealt with him appropriately. The ride home to Laratena was secured. By this time night was creeping across the island. It was decided that the ship was the safest place to spend the night. Turns were taken for guard-duty, while the others rested and Anthony prepared his spells for the next day.THE TEMPLE OF FELENA
It was a clear, fine morning when a small group left Bumble Dwink and the gnomes on the sailing-ship. The group headed back up the path toward the smoking volcano. Their path took them through a second islander village of rounded huts, which was uninhabited. Beyond this village the path twisted through the jungle. Slowly, it climbed up the side of the mountain. At the edge of the jungle, an apparition confronted them. The creature was taller than two men, one standing on the shoulders of another. The body was as long as two men and it had eight hair-covered legs. Its head was fronted by two menacing mandibles, which reached out towards Sir Tristam, one of the knights, was struck a glancing blow, but then Timothy reacted. The last captives of the magic sword he bore emerged in the usual manner. The spider, enormous though it was, could not survive more than a few moments against the combined might of the two sea-going giant squid. The creatures all disappeared as soon as Timothy sheathed his sword. The party walked on up the mountain-slope. They came to a set of buildings: a series of round, wooden huts surrounded a structure built of white marble. The huts were deserted, and the travellers moved up the wide, marble stairs. Inside, they found a large hall, tunnelled backwards into the bedrock of the volcano itself. The walls were constructed of large blocks of the same marble of which the floor and stairs were manufactured. the marble danced with the reflection of many burning torches. In the centre of the hall stood a number of islanders, with their backs turned so that they did not see those who had entered. In unison, the islanders were chanting: "O, Felena, Great Mother, Deliver us from our current dangers, Deliver us from the alien strangers." Anthony and Timothy did not stir, as they watched. Two stood on a raised platform at the far end of the hall. They were dressed in robes of blue, robes as blue as the sea. One was male and one was female. The man spoke in a sing-song voice: "The God Lokus seeks to destroy us, With stormy thunder and devouring fire." The woman sang in response: "Goddess Felena, bring us your rain, Dispel the fire, bring peace again." Then, while the newcomers looked on, the man in blue lifted up something. it was a young buck, he held in his arms. Carefully, he placed the buck upon a slab of marble. The hall went quiet as the woman in blue drew a long, ornate knife. With a deft slice, she cut the neck of the buck. In the hall, breathing ceased. Blood coursed from the neck of the buck, struggling and kicking wildly. The audience uttered no sound as it held its breath. While the priest held the dying buck, the priestess turned and bent down. She lifted a golden bowl. With a swift motion, she threw all of the watery contents of the bowl over the buck. The water drenched the form, which ceased to move. "O, Felena, Great Mother, Deliver us from the alien strangers, Deliver us from our current dangers." Then, suddenly, the buck moved. It stood up on the slab of marble. The priest allowed it to jump down to the floor, unhindered. With a hop and a skip it headed briskly for the entrance to the temple. Anthony and the others ducked to one side, as the small crowd watched the buck head out of the temple, down the mountain-side towards the forest. At the same time, a brisk wind came up. Grey clouds appeared as if from the empty air. A rain began to fall. Aloud, Anthony said: "Only one thing could have created such a miracle - water from the Well of Wondrosia." The islanders turned at the voice and saw the strangers. They moved away, defensively. The priest and priestess watched for a moment and then moved through the crowd of islanders. The woman, dressed in blue said: "I noticed your arrival earlier, strangers. You did not cause trouble, nor did you attack like the other strangers who came the other day in the ship which now rests in the bay. What do you want?" Anthony said: "We come from the Kingdom of Anthalorien. The King sits upon his throne..." "How is the king of that far off land?" asked the priest. "He sits like a statue, poisoned by the dagger of an unknown assassin," Anthony finished. "the only cure we have been told it the water from the Well of Wondrosia. That is why we are here. We come in peace." "It is apparent that you indeed mean no harm," said the priestess, smiling. "Follow me." Anthony and Timothy left the others in the main hall, while they followed the priestess through a doorway on the inside of the hall. It led inwards into the mountain. "Days ago, strange men came and attacked one of our villages, but we have seen them since then," said the priestess. "Many men have died." "We have captured their ship," said Timothy and you need worry no further. The tunnel led to a large room, also bricked by white marble. In the centre of this room was a round hole. The priestess went to a pile of pitchers, lying on one side of the room. She found a rope there and tied it to the pitcher. The brothers watched her lower the pitcher into the water, saying: "For many generations we have lived here on this island, and the Goddess Felena has protected us - with this magic water which cures many ills and does much powerful magic. We priests and priestesses control the wondrous waters, which we use to fight the enemy of Felena, most especially the storm-god, Lokus. "I have seen him, you know," said Anthony. "For I saw a face in the clouds which caused a storm to nearly destroy us on our way here." "Ah," said the priestess. "You are clearly an enemy of Lokus, and therefore our friends, as I was so sure you must be when first I saw you watching our ceremony." She had pulled up the rope again and the pitcher overflowed with clear water. She stopped the narrow neck of the pitcher with a wooden cork and handed it to Anthony. "Go," she said. "And be welcome to the magic of Felena. I trust you have what you need for your king." Anthony and Timothy thanked her and headed back to their companions. Soon, the brothers bid their farewells to the priest and priestess as well as the other islanders. they followed the trail back down the mountain-side and through the jungle. Timothy led the party as they approached the beach, when there was a sudden cry. Timothy glimpsed a shining scimitar speed through the air. The sharp blade pierced the side of his chest underneath his armour. Timothy did not have time to draw his magical sword as he fell to the ground, doubled up with pain. Anthony saw his brother fall, and saw that they were attacked by strange men, who had hid on each side of the path. Immediately, he released a Fireball spell. Barron and a knight attacked two other soldiers as the first five attackers fell to the ground, victims of burning flame. Anthony released further Magic Missile spells. He was burning with anger. Soon not a single attacker remained alive. Bronastrata was the first to reach where Timothy had fallen, but Anthony was right behind her. Timothy was not visible. "Where is he?" shrieked Bronastrata. "Timothy is gone!"THE SEARCH FOR TIMOTHY
"Look all around," Anthony commanded the rest of the party. There was a cold feeling in his heart. Everyone searched the path, and the jungle from where the surprise ambush had been launched. Timothy had completely disappeared. "He must be here!" said Anthony. All searches were to no avail. While the pitcher of magic water was taken to the ship in the bay, the islanders were requested to help. Anthony announced that he would not leave the island until his brother could be found - dead or alive. Days passed. The entire island was covered, but there was no sign of Timothy. The broken flying-machine of the gnomes was loaded onto the deck of the captured ship and it was time to leave Wondrosia. It was clear that Timothy would not be found. With a heavy heart, Anthony watched the twin-peaked island fade in the distance as the ship headed back across the sea. Half a day out of the islands, clouds appeared on the island. This time, Anthony was prepared - having been warned by the priest and priestess on the island. The sails were pulled down from the masts and the passengers all stood together on the deck. Anthony cast a spell of invisibility over them all. The clouds gathered closer overhead. Anthony watched as a large face appeared amidst the clouds. But, then the clouds passed on. The storm-god, Locus, had been fooled. The ship sailed on for the next few days. Eventually, the sailers watched the banners of the royal city appear. They sailed into the harbour and dropped anchor. Two small boats were used to bring everyone ashore. Soldiers greeted them, but when the arrivees were recognised, they were escorted to the royal palace. Anthony led the way into the palace, carrying the pitcher of magical water. In the throne- room, he met Firecaster and other courtiers. It was the Lady Elenastrata who took the pitcher from Anthony. Lady Elenastrata walked across the throne-room to where the white statued figure of King Falsham sat, motionless. Reverently, she opened the pitcher and dabbed water all over the king, until he was sopping from head to foot. Slowly, the white immobility of the king dissipated. Eventually, he sat up and smiled briefly: "At last, I am free of the poison!" The royal courtiers cheered and the arrivees were congratulated, while King Falsham was led to the royal bedrooms to rest and recuperate from his long ordeal. Only Anthony was unhappy. He lay down, and soon he entered the Aether. A few steps, while distances flashed by, and he passed Tirac Dell on his way northwards. He passed the White City and only paused when he reached the village of Sleepy Hollow. There he found a sign in the inn that it was closed. He walked on up a path until he came to a cottage. Anthony materialised as he stood at the door, knocking. An elderly female voice bid him enter. The kindly face of the familiar old woman greeted him. "My brother?" Anthony said. "Is he back?" "What do you mean?" came the rejoinder. "Where is your brother? Come, sit down. Have some warm broth and tell me what has happened." Dejectedly, Anthony sat and told the long story. He explained what he and his brother had been doing over the past months, culminating in Timothy's disappearance. At the end of the long narration, Morgaina told Anthony that she did not know where his brother was. "I shall seek him out," she said. "But I am sorry that I cannot help you." Anthony bid her farewell. he entered the Aether again and travelled southwards once again - past Sleepy Hollow, the White City, Sylvannordi and Tirac Dell - until he came at last to the Temple of Krishana. The Ancient One, Eucalyptus, greeted Anthony there. Anthony went into the Ninth Tower of the temple. There he remained for a number of days, searching the rooms of books for some way to find his brother. He learnt about worlds which were planets in space orbiting suns, called stars. He learnt about groups of stars in their thousands, called galaxies. He learnt about clusters of galaxies and about the size of the vast universe.MORNING
It was mid-morning. The curtains were wide-open and the sun shining in the window was high in the sky. Timothy sat up in his bed. He looked over the edge of the bunk-bed on which he had been sleeping. His brother was fast asleep below. Timothy climbed down. He touched his brother and then called to him: "Wake up." At the sound of his voice, his father entered the room. "Tim," his father said. "Are you awake at last? You've been sleeping for a long time. Are you okay?" "Yes," said Timothy. "I'm awake. Have I been asleep for long? I thought I was away for months and even years." "Yes, you were gone long - for most of the morning. You must have gone to sleep really late." "Dad, I must tell you where I've been. Anthony and I have been in another world. The world has three moons - and magic really works there. We have done many things, and defeated all kinds of monsters. I even have a sword - let me show you." Timothy realised that he had no clothes on - no armour, no shield and, especially, no sword. His father went up to the bed and shook Anthony: "Wake up, Ant, wake up!" To no avail. "Dear, come and see, Timothy is awake, but not his brother." Timothy's mother entered the room. She felt Timothy's forehead: "Are you feeling okay?" "Yes, Mom." "Would you like something to eat?" "Yes, please, I'm starving." "Okay, put some clothes on and come into the kitchen. I'll make you french toast." "Oh, yummy," said Timothy. He put on his favourite clothes - the red shirt and shorts of the Red Power Ranger from the television programme. He realised then that his body was smaller, younger - it was apparent that his age had returned to the same age when he had left. he was no longer in his teenage years. Timothy went into the kitchen, to eat the french toast, topped with apricot jam. He told his mother that Anthony would probably wake up soon. Then, he stretched and yawned. Thinking of the magic sword, he went back to his room. Timothy climbed onto his bed, looking down on his blissfully sleeping brother. He felt all over his bed - perhaps the sword was underneath somewhere. Nothing could be found. He felt underneath his pillow. Nothing. For a moment, Timothy rested his head on the pillow, while he felt further underneath it, but he could find nothing. His eyes closed and he felt himself floating . He was leaving his body, in a misty greyness. He began to whirl about, as if in a hurricane. Through space he went, spinning faster and faster.SEARCH RENEWED
Anthony commenced a new search for his brother, while he dwelt in the Ninth Tower of the Temple of Krishana. At one stage, he lay in Aether and shouted at the top of his voice: "Timothy." Once, he thought he heard a distant reply: "Anthony." But he did not succeed in finding his brother. Eventually, he found magic books and learnt a spell he had seen others cast, the Curtain of Whirling Blades. At last, he fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.THE HANGING STAIRCASE
Timothy stopped spinning through time and space. The greyness around him vanished. He found that he was sitting, completely bare, in the middle of a large field - a square field approximately half a kilometre in length and breath. As he stood up, he realised that he felt neither warm nor cold. He could see by virtue of light which emanated from a curtain of light from directly overhead. There was, however, no blue sky - instead, the sky in every direction was black and speckled with stars. Only directly above was a thin band which was the curtain of light which enabled him to see. Timothy moved quickly to one edge of the field, the surface of which was covered with short grass, almost newly-cut. He could breathe easily, although there seemed to be no sign of a sky. There was a slight haze, before the black sky beyond and he realised that the haze was the edge of the atmosphere which kept him alive. At the edge, Timothy fell to his knees in surprise. The edge fell away so that there was only black sky and stars beneath the thin layer of the edge of the field. He turned away from the edge and looked around. He saw that three edges of the field were the same, but the fourth edge was bordered by a line of rocks, slightly higher than his head. Timothy advanced closer. He found the rocks were not difficult to climb. he clambered up and found himself on the edge of a second field, higher than the first. This was bordered on two sides by the black sky. The far side of the field had a similar line of rocks. Beyond was a similar field, and so on, as far as Timothy could see. Timothy realised that he was on a staircase, which seemed to hang in space, with giant steps reaching out beyond sight. Timothy was very confused. Where in Anthalorien was he? He walked through knee-length grass and at the far side, he clambered up the rocks. The third field was filled with small stones. In the middle of this field was a small structure: it had three walls and a roof, all wooden. Hurriedly, Timothy made his way across. Inside, he was in the shadow of the light cast by the band of light across the black sky. The walls were filled with marks - scratches made from stones. Words were written in various languages, by different hands. But, the languages were all foreign. Then, near one corner, Timothy saw word in English, which he could decipher. "Go to the seventh field for some answers." Underneath it was signed "J". Timothy rushed out of the structure and headed across the field. The stones soon cut into his bare feet. There were many cuts there before he reached the rocks at the end of the field. Eagerly, he climbed up. The next field was covered in a layer of ice. Timothy sat down, dejectedly. He rested for a while. After considering his options, he went back to the structure he had examined earlier. The walls were made of slats of wood, which were tied together with thick cotton or string. He had an idea. Carefully, he removed two pieces of wood and some of the cord. He hurried back to the field of ice. He tied the wood to his feet and he had ready-made skies. Although it was cold, with the homemade skies Timothy successfully crossed the field. The following field was filled with grass. two tame goats wandered there - one male and one female. Timothy spotted a number of bowls. He decided that he had a use for one. he patted the female goat and then bent and placed a bowl beneath the goat. Then, he successfully succeeded in milking the goat. Soon, he had the benefit of rich, warm milk to quench his thirst and feed his hunger. The next field was covered by white, beach sand. It took a brief time to cross. The seventh field was covered with grass. In the centre of this field, he found a trapdoor filled with documents and writing materials. A number of the pages were filled with strange scripts and languages, but one page Timothy recognised the language and he read: "Hello, I hope you will understand this language even if you do not understand the others. Some of them I now understand. I am a traveller from far away, and I became lost in Limbo. Eventually I came to this puzzling place. This is not a world, but seems to be a staircase hanging in space. There is an atmosphere enabling one to breathe as well as various foods to eat. There is even a strange, unmoving light overhead, eventhough there is no light and day. I arrived some time ago, high up on what I now understand to be the thirty-second step. I made an error, and have travelled all this way down. I should have gone up. The documents all tell of thirty-nine steps and that the top one is the exit from this place. I hope this information is of use to you. Good luck. "B." Timothy wondered who this person was. At least, he knew the way out - although it was a long way to travel.A ROYAL WEDDING
Anthony once completed with the Ninth Tower, was invited by Master Eucalyptus to undergo training in the tenth Tower. He made further fruitless searches for Timothy. He even returned to the cottage of Morgaina, near Sleepy Hollow, but Timothy had not returned. During his time in the third last tower, Anthony learnt a further magic missile spell and an additional fireball spell. He also learnt the Pertifiy, or Turn to Stone, spell which he had seen cast once long before. Anthony's studies were interrupted by the arrival of a flying machine above the Temple of Krishana. Anthony discovered Bumble Dwink alighting: "I have come to show you my new machine," said the beaming gnome. "It is bigger and faster than the last - and it even has three engines - look!" After examining this new invention, Antony received an invitation. "I want you to travel back with me to Laratena. There is to be a wedding - and you are invited. At first, Anthony said that he could travel faster through the Aether, but Bumble Dwink persuaded him to accompany the flying machine back. It took two days to return - a much shorter time than ever before. Soon, Anthony alighted at the Royal Palace. There, he was shown into the Throne Room. "I am pleased to see my rescuer has returned," King Falsham himself addressed the young man. "Hail, your majesty, has there been any sign of my brother?" "Unfortunately not, but I am glad you have come to see us on this happy occasion. Do you know that my daughter is to marry? It is an auspicious event, because with a princess married, I shall have an heir who will be king after me. Thus, the hope of the Black Prince will be thwarted - he cannot succeed in Anthalorien, if there is another who is king." "Who is to marry?" Anthony sought to discover. "My daughter, Princess Caitlin." "Yes, and the prince - her husband. Who will that lucky person be?" Anthony remembered how his brother had talked of the happy hours his brother had spent in the garden with the two princesses. He guessed who the bridegroom was. "Anthony, let me introduce you to our newest knight," the smiling king proceeded. "He was knighted by myself four days ago." The king extended his hand and it was Earnest, the erstwhile thief, who stood there, bowing and smiling. So it was that the next morning, from the windows of the Royal Palace hung streamers of white, and the throne-room was garlanded with flowers. Rose petals were sprinkled on the floor. The guests arrived, and Anthony saw old friends such as Sir Eldwin, Sir Morris, Captain Ricardo, Enza, the Drow, Bronastrata and many more. Eventually, a beautiful maiden walked down to the front of the throne-room, dressed in white, followed by a train carried by twelve flower-girls who were bedecked with flowers. After her came King Falsham, dressed in robes of purple, with the large crown of Anthalorien upon his head. In his right hand he bore a sceptre and in his left he carried an orb, a large ruby surrounded by gold-leaf. At last, the blushing groom appeared and came to stand at the righthand of his bride. "I welcome you one and all," said the King to those assembled. "Thank you for being here upon this auspicious day. Yesterday he was but a man, now you see him before you, standing as a proud knight. Soon he will be a prince." A roar of approval could be heard. The Royal Mage then spoke a few words: "Sir Earnest, soon you shall be Prince Earnest and first in line to the throne. May you and your wife have a good life together." Then, the Lady Elenastrata spoke, wishing the couple love and happiness. Next, it was the turn of Duke Guardarm: "Knight of the Realm, Sir Earnest, I believe you have earned your new office. You were one of the driving forces in the battle against the Black prince. As Chief of the Armed Forces of Anthalorien, I know that you have shown your expertise at force of arms. I wish you well as a Prince and let me offer my own allegiance to you first, as the First Chosen by our Beloved Monarch, to follow him hereafter." The next person to advance to the front was a figure Anthony had not expected. It was Queen Lilithadanas herself. In a soft and gentle voice she said: "I do not wish to say anything, I want to show you my feelings." The queen of the woodland elves lifted her arms and in the air of the hall overhead, small snowflakes appeared. These drifted down and speckled people's clothing lightly, with a gentle touch symbolising purity and love. Then, the Lady Elenastrata and the Ancient One, Firecaster, drew the right hand of the bride into the left hand of the groom. They wrapped a cloth of gold around the hands of the two. "Let this symbolise the joining of these two," intoned the Lady Healer. "Not only as life- mates but also as future king and queen." So, Princess Caitlin wed her Prince Earnest. Anthony marvelled at all he had seen, and yet at the back of his mind, he worried still about the whereabouts of his brother.THE THIRTY NINE STEPS
To the eighth field, Timothy proceeded, upon the suspended staircase between the stars. The surface of the field was covered with water. Timothy tried to stand, but he found that his feet could not touch the bottom, so he realised he had to swim across. He soon succeeded in reaching the far side. The ninth field was empty except for brown sands, which Timothy hurried across. When he was halfway, he felt his feet sinking. Quickly, he jumped backwards. He saw various spots were the sand was discoloured - like the area where he had trod. These he avoided, and soon crossed to the tenth field. The tenth field was filled with trees. Many of the branches carried yellow fruits, like large peaches. Timothy realised that he was hungry, so he reached up and plucked a fruit. He tasted it, and it was very rich, but delicious to the taste. Soon, he had consumed a few of them. The eleventh and twelfth fields passed uneventfully, but then on the thirteen level, Timothy found a field of grass. And in the centre were the clothes he last saw when he left the islands inf the sea east of Anthalorien. All this time he had worn no clothes, so he was grateful to find them. And, lying beside them was the magical sword. Dressed and armed, Timothy set off to cross the fourteenth field. The field was made of transparent glass, so that he could see the stars beneath him which mirrored the stars above. There was no apparent means of support for the giant stairs which he was slowly climbing. There was also no apparent source of the air which he breathed. The next step consisted of long grass. The grass was higher than Timothy's head as he strode through it. He heard a rustling and his hand fell to the hilt of his sword. Then, a monster appeared through the grass. It was half-man and half-horse. The man portion in the front had a bestial aspect and Timothy backed away, drawing his sword. The man-horse, or centaur, charged forwards at him, but not before the blade was freed. "Dong!" A giant spider appeared and set upon the centaur at Timothy's command. Last seen on the island of Wondrosia, the spider made short work of the centaur. Once it was gone, Timothy carried along the route upwards. The sixteenth field was empty except for sand. The seventeenth field consisted of one solid piece of granite rock which made easy crossing. The eighteenth field was covered in short grass, but as Timothy began to cross, a number of snakes became visible. Green they were, the same colour as the grass, and short. Timothy had no doubt that they were poisonous. Out came the magical sword and it did not take long for the magically imprisoned soul of the centaur to dispose of the snakes. The nineteenth field was empty but for grass and low bushes. The twentieth field was similar. The twenty-first field was filled with very small trees, in rows. The twenty-second level also contained trees but these were larger and filled with a yellow-orange fruit. The trees were also in rows and seemed to be cultivated. Timothy was hungry, so he went to a tree. The fruit felt hard to the touch. "What are you doing?" a voice said from behind. Timothy turned and saw an elderly man, dressed all in green. "I was hungry," he explained. "Those are not ripe yet," the man said, grumpily. "Come, let me show you better fruit." Timothy followed the man down the row. They came to a tree, the branches of which hung low with golden fruit as large as footballs. "take one," the man said. Timothy helped himself. Then he sat cross-legged on the ground and bit into the fruit. It was rich and sweet, like a peach. Hurriedly, Timothy ate until he was full. When he was finished, he said: "I am looking for the thirty-ninth step. Only then will I find a way away from here." "Yes," the man replied. "I could see that you are a stranger. "If you go on up, you will find where we live. It is not so far to the top. But, take another fruit with you, in case you are hungry later on." Timothy thanked him and went on his way. The twenty-third level was also filled with trees bearing a similar fruit. The twenty-fourth field was grassed. Upon the grass walked a herd of monsters. They carried thick green woollen coats and they were six-legged. Timothy saw a man on the far side of the field, but the man ignored him. Timothy put his hand on the hilt of his sword and advanced, cautiously. The monsters looked up, with dark eyes, as he walked across the field. At a sudden noise from the monsters, Timothy started and then he smiled. The animal noise was clearly a "Baa". He realised that the monsters were only sheep. Undisturbed, he walked across the twenty-fourth field. The next field was covered in rows of bushes. On these bushes berries, the size of small fruits, were visible. The following field contained more sheep and the field after that was covered in water, but down the centre ran a raised path, built of rocks and stones. Timothy picked his way across and at the far side, a man, dressed in green met him. "Halt!" "I am a stranger here," said Timothy. "I mean no harm." "Yes, I received a signal from below," replied the guard. He put aside the sharpened stake he carried in one hand. "By your dress and the sword you bear, you are clearly a foreigner upon Eglon. Where do you go?" "To the thirty-ninth step," replied Timothy. "There are many dangers here," said the guard. "There have been reports of a centaur." "A half-man, half-horse?" "Yes. He killed one of our men some days ago." "Do not fear. The beast is dead," said Timothy, patting the sword at his side. "Continue, in peace," the guard said and stood aside. Timothy proceeded to the twenty-eight step. Eight to ten wooden huts had been constructed here. Timothy saw a number of adults here, as well as a few children. A number came up, curious to meet the stranger. Timothy spent a number of hours, talking to the people. They told him that they had dwelt on the fields of Eglon for many years. There was enough to eat and drink - the fields seemed to replenish themselves from some unknown source. Sometimes, strangers would come and the Eglonites would have to fight them. Timothy rested, secure in the knowledge that he was safe for a while.A NEW ATTACK ON LARATENA
Anthony had passed quickly through the Tenth and Eleventh Towers of the Temple of Krishana, and had acquired most of the spells he had seen cast by the other Ancient Ones of the purple-robed order of mages. Eucalyptus came to Anthony, while the boy was ending his stay in the Eleventh Tower "What more must I do?" asked Anthony. "To reach the Twelfth Tower?" "You have to wait until one of the Twelve dies. Your time of training is over now, and you have learnt all that the Temple can teach you." responded the Master Magician. "But, I have come to tell you something very important. Laratena is under attack. The evil dragon has returned, with its two riders above the city, and I have just received a call for help." It was a question of moments for Anthony to step through the Aether and onto the steps of the Royal Palace. Above, high in the air, flew the Golden Dragon and upon its back rode the two dark- blue clad mages. Men were scurrying about. Many of the faces Anthony knew well were there, but their expressions showed extreme stress and fear. "The enemy seems more powerful," said King Falsham. Nearby, the new Prince Earnest was instructing the royal servitors to vacate the royal palace. Hours passed, during which the two groups of magicians cast spells of offense and defence. Eucalyptus, Anthony, Spellthane and Firecaster were on one side, but the two blue magicians seemed to derive magical energy from the dragon which they rode. The men and women of the royal palace watched how their heroic magicians were forced back. Spellthane was the first to fall to the ground. Eucalyptus soon succumbed to a particularly heavy barrage of fireballs. There was much screaming, as Firecaster fell to his knees. With his last gasp before unconsciousness, the Ancient One touched the hem of Anthony's cloak. He whispered: "You are the last hope for our land." "It is over," Anthony thought to himself. Magic missiles spells were hurled at him. Men and women fled from where he stood beside three immobile bodies. With his last strength, Anthony shouted: "Help!"THE FINAL STEP
Timothy met a lad of his own age in the village. The boy's name was Glor. When Timothy headed further up the steps of the place which the inhabitants called Eglon, the boy accompanied him. Further fields of trees and bushes laden with fruit followed, as well as sheep. Timothy saw two women milking one of the sheep in a higher field, and he realised that the sheep provided not only clothing and meat, but dairy products too. The final step loomed above. As Timothy clambered over the rocks, Glor followed him. The field consisted of one large, single slab of black granite, along which veins of milky white and pink salmon ran. "There is nothing here," said Glor. "What did I tell you?" "No," replied Timothy. "I know that I must come here." Timothy looked across the black rock. Beyond was the inky blackness of the stars. There were no further steps. "Help!" Timothy shouted, at the top of his voice. "I am here now. Help me!" Nothing happened, and then Timothy noticed that what he had mistaken as a star was a tiny dot, rapidly growing larger. It approached at great speed, and grew in size to that of an enormous dragon. Previously, Timothy had seen a similar beast, but this one was of purest white. The scales, long neck and wide wings were white, and only the talons upon its four claws and the crest over the head were of a silver-grey. "You called?" spoke a voice. The voice was cold as ice, but definitely that of a woman. Timothy looked behind the neck of the dragon and saw that a woman rode the back of the dragon. She too was of alabaster, dressed in a flowing robe, of a dazzling cream. Her hair, long and straight was as black as the space through which she had flown so quickly. "Stay, my beauty," she spoke to her steed. She looked down at the two boys, standing on the hard rock below. "What do you want?" "I want to leave this place. I want to go back to my brother," Timothy stammered. "I am Cynnalba," she said. "I shall take you to your brother. But first, you must know that there must be a price paid." Timothy did not ask about the price. He did not wonder whether she knew who or where his brother was. He moved forward to obey her command to climb. The dragon reached down and Timothy climbed up the scales, to the back of the monster. He found a seat behind the woman, Cynnalba, and the dragon's wings began to beat. Through the air they flew, ever faster. Timothy held on tightly, although there was no wind or other sign that they were moving, except for his erstwhile home. The place called Eglon dwindled quickly as the dragon hurtled into space. The line of giant stairs, which started and ended nowhere, disappeared from view behind, as they sped on - quicker than a comet, quicker even than a ray of light, the magical flight continued. After a time, they slowed. Timothy saw a double sun ahead. A number of globes spun around the suns. As they approached the suns, the twin stars merged into one. The dragon turned towards one of the globes spinning slowly around. It was a blue-green world. They crossed a blue sea, and Timothy saw the edge of land ahead. A city loomed larger. He knew where he was - Anthalorien.PAYMENT
Anthony was down on his knees. Overhead, a curtain of whirling blades was approaching him. His magic shield spell was exhausted and he had no energy nor any defences remaining. Behind Anthony, people were running away from the vicinity of the royal palace. Prince Earnest and King Falsham ushered them away, as rapidly as possible. Anthony hoped that it was not too late. The magic in defence of the palace was gone - King Falsham was next. Out of the sky a speck of white sped downwards. A white dragon appeared, twice as large as the golden dragon. Its rider held out one arm - her left. A blast of whitest flame erupted from her hand - directly into the chest of the golden dragon. Without a sound, the great beast folded over and fell towards the earth. A second blast lashed out, more fierce than the first. There was a clap like thunder and after the explosion, the golden beast was annihilated - so that not even one scale remained. The two dark-clad magicians fell towards the ground. Their magic was spent, and without their dragon to replenish the magic, they had nothing left. Their bodies hit the ground hard, with sickening thuds. There was no chance of their ever rising again. The white magician, Cynnalba cried out: "And now to exact my price." A third blast struck out towards the ground. Afterwards, Timothy felt the white dragon alight on the ground. He was permitted to climb off. Without a backwards glance, the woman and her mount rose into the air. They rushed off, and were soon lost from sight. Timothy rushed forwards toward where he saw four bodies lying. His brother was there, but he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Anthony was stirring and opening his eyes. "What happened?" Anthony asked. Timothy crouched beside his brother. Anthony's eyes lit up as his brother began to tell him all of the events which had led to the defeat of the minions of the Black Prince. King Falsham called out: "It is safe, we are victorious." Timothy looked around and saw healers approach. The other magicians, Eucalyptus, Spellthane and Firecaster, were moving. The Elder of the three walked slowly over to where the two dark magicians lay dead. Softly, he said: "Two of us - the two who turned to evil - are dead. Now there are only ten Ancient Ones." Spellthane reached out and touched Anthony's shoulder. Anthony looked at him, and realised what this meant. The twelfth level was attainable. He smiled at Spellthane. "Who was she?" Anthony wanted to know from his brother. "Cynnalba," replied Timothy. "The White Goddess, with her albino mount," someone said. "She has saved us all," said Firecaster. "But, who was strong enough to call her. She has not been seen in Anthalorien for many generations." "I think it might have been me," Anthony said. "It is very coincidental that she brought me with her," Timothy mused. "But, what did she mean about a price." It was then that they heard the sobs. A young woman was crying. Everyone began to look in that direction. Princess Caitlin was kneeling, and beside her, her sister, Princess Leanne, stood, caressing her hair. A green-robed healer knelt beside them, shaking her head. On the ground lay a body - blackened as if fried to a crisp. Anthony walked forwards, but King Falsham was closer. "No!" cried the king. "Earnest, my son, the prince is dead."REMEMBERING THE DEAD
Not long ago, Anthony had seen white streamers hanging from the windows of the Royal Palace - and happy crowds around. Now black cloth hung from the palace windows and the air was filled with silence. "Can nothing be done?" asked Anthony. Although he was united with his brother, his heart was heavy, in sympathy with the royal family who had lost a loved one. The Healers shook their heads, in sadness. The royal magician, Firecaster said: "Not even the magical waters of Wondrosia can save him now." "How many more must die because of the Black prince?" King Falsham said. There was no one who could give him an answer. The king hugged his daughters, the royal princesses. They quietly watched the funeral procession which carried the draped body of Prince Earnest. They buried him amongst the line of graves behind the royal palace. He lay at rest, with the generations of rulers of Anthalorien. At the head of his burial mound, a simple stone was set, with the following words carved on its surface: "Here lies Earnest, Prince for but a short time, But long remembered in our hearts."IN SEARCH OF THE BLACK PRINCE
Although Anthony and Spellthane were both ready to become Ancient Ones, Eucalyptus, the Head of their Order, told Anthony that he was still very young. Spellthane had to undergo a process of training of twelve months in the Twelfth Tower before he could qualify. "Do you want to stay away from the world that long, my son?" Eucalyptus asked. Anthony did not believe that he was ready. Instead, he decided that he would join the expedition which Timothy planned to undertake with others. To seek revenge against the Black Prince, and to rid Anthalorien of the remnants of the monster armies Merediv had assembled, it was agreed that a force would search the kingdom. They would seek out and destroy any remaining monsters and at the same time, seek the whereabouts of the Black Prince. A land force was prepared, led by Sir Eldwin and Sir Morris. An advance scouting party was also prepared. The scouts would travel in the new Flying Machine of Bumble Dwink and the gnomes from Greystone. On-board travelled Anthony and Timothy, with Captain Ricardo, Enza from Saltinegro, Cra del Porte, the Drow, Bronastrata, the Healer and others. The most important guest, however, was the Princess Leanne. Her father had not wanted her to go, but she had insisted that she could not remain in the Palace, where the mourning for her sister's husband was still in progress. "I need to get away," she said and her father eventually had to agree. During their flight away from Laratena, Anthony and Timothy became very friendly with the girls, Bronastrata and Leanne. "How is your father?" asked Timothy of Bronastrata. The girl showed him a letter she had recently received from Barron. "He is well, and the inn back in Sleepy Hollow is open for business. Cook sends her love." "Look at Captain Ricardo," Anthony said. The four were leaning on the railings which ran around the deck of the gnomic flying machine. "He is sad again," said Timothy. "I suppose it is because we have not seen Lillanas ever since she went back to help with the rebuilding of Sylvannordi after the battle with the giants." The procedure followed was for Anthony to scout through the aether. When he spotted kobolds, goblins, or other minions of the Black Prince. Then, he would return to the flying machine. If the group was small, the canons of the flying machine, augmented by bows from Timothy, Enza, Cra and Ricardo were enough. If the force of monsters was greater, then the flying machine got word back to the army on the ground, led by the knights, Sir Eldwin and Sir Morris. The scouring of the countryside took time. They travelled west, until they reached the cold sea in the west. Then, they travelled a little south and back east again. In this fashion, they traversed Anthalorien, travelling slowly in a southerly direction.THE TOWER AT LAND'S END
As the forces of the king made its way southwards, the land narrowed. The oceans on each side encroached more and more, until only a sliver of land remained. "Land's End," Bumble Dwink announced. The land narrowed to a thin path, only a few steps wide, with steep cliffs which fell a great distance to the waves below. It wound south for some distance and the cliffs grew higher, until the path ended at the foot of a grey, gloomy tower. "Many centuries ago," Captain Ricardo said. "This was known as Daemen Tower. It is said that much evil dwelt here. But the devils were conquered when men settled in the lands of Anthalorien. The tower is unoccupied." It was a clear day, when the flying machine sank close to the ground. Ricardo, Anthony, Timothy and the others alighted and stood at the entrance to the grim tower. "During my travels in aether," Anthony said. "I have seen this place, but I have never been inside. It seems completely empty." "Yes," Bumble Dwink agreed. "It is uninhabited. Nobody stays in this vicinity for long." "Let's go inside," Timothy said, holding on to the handle of his magical sword. Inside, they found a flight of stairs - heading up and down. "Which way?" asked Captain Ricardo. "Let's go up," said the princess Leanne. "The view from the top should be very beautiful." "Up it is," said Ricardo. "Everybody, be careful." The staircase wound around the thick inner walls, until they approached the top. It was dark within, and Anthony used a light spell to enable them to see. Suddenly, a voice said: What are you doing here? Go away and leave me alone!" Timothy, who was in front with Ricardo, recognised the old man who stood there and he said: "Benjamin!" "What are you doing here," the old man responded, fiercely. "We do not mean any harm," Timothy replied. "We thought the place to be empty." "Certainly not," came the retort. "I am here. And I have been here for some time, completely undisturbed." After some discussion, the man's aggressive demeanour evaporated and he invited the visitors. The top of the tower was a large chamber, enough for many men. Here, Benjamin had been living. From the narrow windows, the view in every direction was spectacular. On each side was sea, but for the thin tongue of land, where the dirigible of the gnomes rested. To the south, a thin line of froth showed the conjunction of the two oceans. "Where have you been?" Anthony asked. "We looked for you all over Anthalorien, even in the Aether, but you could not be found? Where were you?" "I was busy, on my travels," Benjamin replied. "I see that your magical prowess has grown - walking through aether, huh." Many questions filled the minds of Anthony, Timothy and the others. First, however, they had to tell the old man all that had happened in the kingdom, since the seige of the White City, when Benjamin had last been seen. "The Black Prince becomes daring," he said, when told of the attacks on the royal palace. When Timothy told of Eglon and the thirty-nine steps, he asked: "Did you receive my note?" Timothy nodded and went on to tell of Cynnalba. At the mention of her involvement, Benjamin smiled and said: "Ah yes, she always demands a price." During the course of the day, Benjamin took them down into the basement of the tower. There they found numerous underground caves, stretching in many directions. "I used to hate coming here a thousand years ago, when the spirit-demons dwelt here," Benjamin said. "Now, I found this Tower very restful." Anthony and Timothy looked at each other. They knew that Benjamin was old, but they had never guessed that he could be over one thousand years old. "Ah, please help me to carry up a few bottles," Benjamin said. The visitors were standing with the old man in a large cave, filled with bottles. The bottles were old and covered in dust. Back up to the upper level of the Tower they went. Here, Benjamin opened a few of the bottles. "Try this wine," he said. "It is the best Gordian wine in this world. It is old and has a most excellent flavour." The visitors shared in the rich, red wine.Most of them drank only a cup of the alcoholic beverage, but Benjamin finished an entire bottle on his own. When he finished, he curled up in one corner of the chamber at the top of the tower. Despite his guests, he was soon fast asleep. "How can he go to sleep so easily?" Princess Leanne asked. "We had so many questions to ask him." "Yes, especially the whereabouts of the Black Prince," Ricardo went on. "Look!" called out Bronastrata from the window. The others rushed to see out. To the north, they saw a vast cloud of darkness descending across the land. The cloud covered the land to the north. "It is covering Anthalorien," the Timothy cried. "I have never seen a storm like that," Ricardo said. Bumble Dwink was running down the stairs of the tower. The others saw him appear outside the main door, shouting and gesticulating. The gnomes who had been left with the flying machine had already seen the danger. They had landed the craft and were releasing the air from the great bag as quickly as possible. Soon, they could hear the noise of the wind. Somehow, no more than a breath of wind reached the edges of the tower. "I can feel magic at work," Anthony said. "Very strong magic." For some time the storm raged over the land to the north and only the sliver of land at Land's End was protected from its fury. In the end, it dissapated as quickly as it had arisen. It was Timothy who was the first to notice. "Look," he announced. "Benjamin is gone." Where they had last seen the sleeping old man, there was now empty air. "He must have gone through the Aether," Anthony said "That is the Wanderer for you," said Captain Ricardo. "You can never tell when you will see him, and when you do, you can not tell when he will leave again." The travellers waited half a day, while the flyiny machine was reinflated and prepared for travel. Benjamin did not return. Eventually, they left the Tower at Land's End and headed back in a northerly direction. They went back in the direction of the land-army, led by Sir Morris and Sir Eldwin, which they knew was still a day's march to the north.THE STENCH OF BETRAYAL
Bronastrata was the first to comment on the foul smell in the air as the zeppelin and its passengers flew northwards. "I wonder if the storm brought in bad air," Anthony wondered. It came as a sudden surprise when the flying machine met a hail of arrows, stones and spears. The army of Sir Eldwin and Sir Morris attacked the travellers as soon as they were within range. "What is going on?" shrieked Bumble Dwink. The gnomes were so surprised that it took time to turn away. By this time flame-arrows rained into the fragile airbag and moments later the flying machine was burning. "I am going to cast a spell..." Anthony began. "No," shouted Captain Ricardo, over the noise, as the gnomic machine moved sluggishly away, steadily losing height as it went. "These are our friends. We must not hurt them." A knot of knights and soldiers gave chase. "That is Sir Eldwin," Ricardo said. "And Sir Morris," said Timothy, with his hand close to his sword. But Timothy did not draw the sword. He did not want his friends to die, although their attack was inexplicable. "Look at their eyes!" remarked Princess Leanne. As the flying machine dipped closer to the ground, the passengers could see that all of the mens' eyes below were very bright, and staring. "It is as if they are hypnotised," said Timothy. He noticed that his brother was gesticulating towards the ground - he was casting a spell. "Our friends are betraying us," Bronastrata said, sorrowfully. There was no more time for talk. The dirigible was a flaming wreck, with the ground rushing up. Anthony hurriedly cast a flame shield spell to cushion the impact. Even with the spell, the passengers were flung willy-nilly around. The flying machine burnt its last - the second to be destroyed by violent means. Timothy and the others picked themselves up. "Quick," Ricardo said. "We must head eastwards, towards Gordia. There we can find help. We must hurry, before the army gets here. Fortunately we fell a little way away." "We'll be safe for a short time," Anthony said. "I cast a sleep spell on Sir Eldwin and the other leaders. It will be some hours before they can lead a pursuit." The survivors of the crash headed east, led by the experienced Captain. The gnomes followed, trying on their short legs to keep up with the pace. The following hours were an agony of walking as rapidly as possible. A few of the gnomes fell behind, but no one dared remain for the army soon to follow. The rough country made it difficult and Anthony and Timothy were glad of the lengthy time they had been learning to travel across country.TOWN OF THE DEAD
The travellers came to a dead town. The hills around the town had once been covered in fields of fertile vineyards. Where once proud buildings had stood, were only mounds of rubble. Homes and public places had become the final resting-places of the victims. The streets of the town were littered with corpses. The stink was almost more than the travellers could bear. "I can not stand anymore," Princess Leanne cried. She pulled the locks of her dark hair in anguish. The faces of those who were with her were equally appalled. "Who could have believed that the beautiful Gordia could be reduced to this," Bumble Dwink said. "Only the Black Prince could have done this," Anthony said. "I must go to..." "No," said his brother. "We may need you here." "Your brother is right, Anthony," Ricardo said. "There is no help for us here. Something terrible has happened. We must go north - back to Laratena. I hope..." Not one of those with him wished to complete the captain's sentence. A sobbing attracted their attention. Bronastrata was the first to find the woman. She was unkempt and her hair and clothes were torn and bloodied. "Please tell us what has happened," Princess Leanne asked, while the healer tried to help the woman. The woman told her bleak story: "I had wrapped my head with a bandage, because I had a bad migraine. It was very quiet outside, then a noise like a storm. Afterwards, it was quiet for a while and then the smell came. I heard shouts and I went outside. They came from below - the men in the cellars where we store the wine. Brother fought brother. Our friends betrayed us. Those who survived turned on the houses, and the buildings. Everything is gone. They are all gone. The town is all gone."