They stared upward as the Darkness rolled away, and the inky black sky spread out above them. The full moon hung directly overhead and illuminated the plateau with a ghostly pale light. Suddenly, a scream rent the still night air. The scream echoed off the sides of the mountains. The rejoicing dwarves fell silent, and the Rangers looked at one another with questioning glances.

“That sounded like Niki,” declared Tanya.

Jenneva nodded as she gazed up at the full moon hanging over the Southern Mountains. “I agree,” she stated softly, “but where is she?”

“At the base of the mountain,” answered Alex as he pointed below. “If I am not mistaken, that appears to be the wagon of Master Khatama.”

Arik sheathed the Sword of Heavens and picked up the small glass bead that had popped out of it. “I am going down to see what the problem is,” the Prince of Alcea declared.

”Me too,” Bin-lu quickly added.

“We should all go,” offered Wylan. “Arik should never be left alone.”

“Wise words,” nodded Alex. “Arik, send Prince Midge on ahead while we descend.”

Arik nodded to the fairy prince, and Prince Midge darted into the night air. The Rangers gathered at the edge of the plateau while Alex looked for a path down the side of the mountain. Darok, the dwarven prince, walked next to Alex and pointed to a trail.

“That is the best way down,” Darok declared. “A party of dwarves will accompany you. There may be some goblins in the area that were not sufficiently feared by the awesome display of the Sword of Heavens.”

“Lead the way then,” nodded Alex, “but tread carefully. We must not lead Arik into a trap.”

“The Garala will not be harmed in dwarven territory,” insisted Darok. “Our lives are pledged to him and his safety.”

Prince Darok and four dwarves led the way down the mountain trail. The Alcea Rangers followed, and another twenty dwarves fell in behind them. Darok pointed to potential problem areas of the trail as he moved swiftly down the trail. A few minutes after they started their descent, Prince Midge landed on Arik’s shoulder. The party halted.

“It was Niki who screamed,” reported Prince Midge. “Fredrik is also there. Master Khatama appears to be in trouble. He collapsed when the Darkness fled. That is why Niki screamed.”

Alex nodded at Prince Midge’s report and turned to Darok. “Still we must be cautious,” Alex said. “Let us continue down.”

Prince Darok nodded and resumed their downward journey. Within minutes, the group entered the campsite of Master Khatama. Niki looked up in fear as the dwarves entered, but she relaxed when she saw the Rangers.

“He collapsed,” Niki sobbed. “We all woke up when the lightning pierced the Darkness. I don’t know what is wrong with him.”

Jenneva and Tanya hurried to Niki’s side and hovered over Master Khatama.

“It is the same as it was in Barouk,” Jenneva frowned. “He is suffering from some type of magical shock.”

“That is too much of a coincidence,” declared Tanya. “He collapsed when the Diamond of Edona was inserted into the Sword of Heavens, and now he does the same when the Dwarven Ruby is inserted. There must be a connection.”

“I agree,” Jenneva nodded. “Niki, can you prepare some hot water for Master Khatama?”

“Certainly,” nodded Niki as she rose.

“Do you remember the healing spell I used on Master Khatama the last time?” Jenneva asked Tanya after Niki had left.

“Yes,” answered Tanya. “Why?”

“Use it,” instructed Jenneva. “I want to probe Master Khatama’s mind before he awakens, but I do not wish to delay the healing process.”

“You know he frowns on such things,” cautioned Tanya.

“I know,” nodded Jenneva, “but I must learn what is causing him to collapse. Start healing him.”

Tanya nodded and started the healing spells to eradicate the magical shock. Jenneva placed her hands on Master Khatama’s head and closed her eyes. A deep frown covered her face as her mind linked with Master Khatama’s. For several minutes, Jenneva remained motionless as Tanya continued chanting the healing spells. Suddenly, Boris groaned and opened his eyes. Jenneva’s eyes popped open at the same time. Her gaze locked with Master Khatama’s eyes, and her hands fell away from the old magician’s head.

“What type of manners do you possess?” scowled Boris. “Did your master not teach you anything?”

“I am sorry,” apologized Jenneva. “My master did teach me better than that, but I fear for your health. How are you feeling?”

Boris grumbled and sat up. He gazed around the campsite at the assemblage of dwarves and humans. He shook his head slowly. Niki ran over and wrapped her arms around Boris. He looked strangely at the young redheaded girl, but he said nothing.

“You are better,” smiled Niki. “I knew it was nothing. I am boiling some water. Would you care for some tea?”

“I prefer coffee,” frowned Boris.

Niki nodded gleefully and scampered off. Tanya rose sadly and walked to the fire. She sat down on a log and stared into the flames. Jenneva rose and sat next to Tanya.

“What did you see in Master Khatama’s mind?” whispered Tanya.

“Darkness,” frowned Jenneva. “Nothing but darkness with a small hole in the middle.”

“What does it mean?” questioned Tanya.

“I wish I knew,” Jenneva shook her head. “I should have been able to share his thoughts, but I doubt that what I saw was of his creation. I need to try it again.”

“No,” warned Tanya. “Do not be foolish. You know that he would never allow it. He considers it a rude invasion of one’s mind. To attempt it against his will would be extremely dangerous.”

Boris gazed up at the sky and suddenly smiled. He looked around the campsite again and his eyes rested on Arik. He rose to his feet and approached the Alcean prince.

“You have restored the Dwarven Ruby,” stated Boris. “You have three more gems to gather. You are over half-way to your goal.”

“That appears to be true,” nodded Arik. “We are concerned with your health, Master Khatama. Is there anything we can do for you?”

“Do not worry about me,” smiled Boris. “I am of no importance. It is the Emerald of the Elves that you must worry about.”

“Is that the next gem then?” questioned Arik.

“It is,” nodded Boris as he gazed skyward again. “The Sword of Heavens will guide you. Look at that moon. Have you ever seen anything so wondrous?”

“It is beautiful,” smiled Arik. “I look forward to everyone being able to gaze upon it.”

“Will you travel with us to retrieve the Emerald of the Elves?” asked Alex. “Your company would be most agreeable to us.”

Boris turned and looked at Alex with a puzzled expression. Slowly he shook his head.

“I think not,” Boris said hesitantly. “I am sure that our paths go in different directions.”

“Where are you heading then?” asked Bin-lu as he jumped up on a log and balanced himself.

Boris smiled at the young Lanoirian and laughed.

“You have a strange collection of followers, Prince Arik,” chuckled Boris. Suddenly the old merchant turned serious. “Do not let down your guard now,” he warned. “The closer you get to fulfilling the Ancient Prophecy, the easier it will be for Sarac to find you. Be ever vigilant in the days ahead. The Dark One weaves many plans for your destruction. You must not let him prevail.”

Arik opened his mouth to respond, but halted as the eastern sky was suddenly illuminated with flaming projectiles. Before anyone could react, a dozen fireballs slammed into the group assembled around Master Khatama’s wagon. Three dwarves that had been standing guard near the edge of the clearing were struck first. Their flaming bodies were tossed to the ground as the fireballs struck. One fireball struck the log that Bin-lu was balancing on. He leaped into the air, his feet ablaze and his arms stretched out before him. Another fireball slammed into Bin-lu’s hands as the young Lanoirian fell to the ground screaming. Arik flew backwards as two fireballs hurtled into his chest. The rest of the streaming projectiles soared through the campsite without hitting anyone, although they had clearly been aimed at the Prince of Alcea.

Alex immediately drew his sword and moved to stand in front of Arik’s body as he gazed up at a small plateau. He saw over a dozen dark shapes sitting on their horses preparing to throw more fireballs. Scores of Dark Riders were heading down from the plateau in two streams.

“Sarac’s Ravens,” shouted Alex.

“I have the shields,” yelled Fredrik as he swiftly erected a magical barrier over the group.

“Trembling Ground,” added Jenneva as she jumped to her feet and swiftly cast a spell.

The ground beneath her feet began to rumble as it started to undulate. The ground rippled into a wave that began to flow towards the attackers. The wave grew in intensity as it moved away from the Rangers.

“Wind,” Tanya said softly as she stepped next to Jenneva and cast her spell.

The branches of the trees began to shake as Tanya gathered the air about her. Small pebbles rose off of the ground and were suspended in the air. Tanya released the air and sent it hurtling towards Sarac’s Ravens. It sped over Jenneva’s ground swell.

Niki scowled as she looked at Arik’s body on the ground. Her eyes narrowed into slits as she gazed at the dark forms on the distance ledge. She reached out to the collective minds of the horses that the attackers were riding. She ordered them to flee.

Master Khatama moved swiftly to the rear of the campsite. When he was behind the Rangers and the dwarves, his hands shot skyward. He closed his eyes tightly as brilliant flashes of light streaked skyward from his hands. The light was so intense that the whole mountainside glowed as if the sun illuminated it.

Prince Darok ordered his dwarves to attack as he bent down and smothered the flames engulfing Bin-lu’s boots. All of that happened as the second set of fireballs was being sent towards the campsite. Fredrik shuddered as the flaming projectiles slammed into his shield.

The brilliant light sent skyward by Master Khatama blinded the attackers only seconds before Tanya’s wind tore into them. The horses panicked as the wind and the light struck. The animals heeded Niki’s command and tried to turn around. When Jenneva’s wave hit, horses and riders went flying.

Confusion and terror gripped the Black Devils and the Dark Riders. Fearful horses surged back up the trails and away from the campsite. Some Dark Riders were thrown from their mounts, while others blindly clung on to the stampeding horses. The dwarves raced across the open land and pounced upon the Dark Riders who had been left behind. In seconds, it was all over.

“Keep the shield in place, Fredrik,” commanded Boris as his brilliant display of light faded away. “Let’s tend to the wounded before Sarac’s minions decide to return.”

“My people will need no tending,” Prince Darok reported sadly as he knelt next to the bodies of the three dwarves who had been struck down. “They are dead.”

Alex knelt next to Arik. What was left of the prince’s tunic was charred beyond use. Alex felt for a pulse, and Arik groaned. Alex extended his hand and Arik grasped it and pulled himself into a sitting position.

“That is a mighty fine breastplate that you have,” Alex grinned.

“I agree,” nodded Arik, “but I have to stop testing it. How did they manage to find us?”

“The clearing of the sky,” Alex pointed to the moon. “They must have figured out that we would be near Dorgun. All they had to do was wait for the big event. We must plan on them being around each time you activate the Sword of Heavens.”

“Bin-lu does not look good,” interrupted Wylan. “The fires are out, but his hands and feet are all burned. He is unconscious.”

Jenneva knelt next to Bin-lu and cringed as she saw the extent of the burns. “He will not have the use of his hands or feet in the future,” she reported. “He is badly burned.”

Tanya gasped as she knelt next to Jenneva. Boris walked over and squatted next to Bin-lu. He gently picked up one of Bin-lu’s hands and examined it. Frowning, he lowered the burned hand to Bin-lu’s chest. Boris rose and paced the campsite for several minutes as the dwarves started trickling back into the campsite.

“Fourteen of the attackers are dead,” reported one of the dwarves. “Some of our dwarves are still pursuing the others. We may get some more of them.”

“Bring your men back in,” Alex said to Prince Darok. “The attackers have magicians among them. When the Black Devils regain their sight, your men will be killed.”

Darok nodded and issued orders to round up the dwarves. Boris stopped pacing and approached the dwarven prince.

“Can akatids be found around here?” Boris asked.

“Unfortunately,” nodded Prince Darok. “We lose several men a year to them. They are the most poisonous spiders known. Why do you ask?”

Boris ignored the question and walked to the back of his wagon. He rummaged through his goods and found four small tins. He emptied the contents of the tins and then resealed the empty containers. He walked back to Prince Darok and handed the four tins to the dwarf.

“Find four akatids,” ordered Boris. “Place one in each tin and return the tins here. I think they are what Bin-lu needs to recover.”

Prince Darok looked skeptically at the old man. He glanced towards Arik, and slowly nodded his head when Arik indicated that he thought it was a good idea. The dwarven prince handed the four tins to his men and instructed them to capture the deadly spiders. Boris returned to Bin-lu. Jenneva and Tanya were attempting to heal the Lanoirian, but their faces indicated their lack of confidence in their spells.

“There is no need to continue with that,” declared Boris. “You cannot replace burned flesh with a healing spell. At least not with any spells that you know.”

“Do you know of a spell that can do it?” asked Tanya.

“There is an old elven spell that may work,” posed Master Khatama. “I am not well versed in it, though.”

“There are elves nearby,” offered Jenneva. “I do not know their location, but the dwarves do. They are the elves of Sorelderal.”

“They should have the knowledge,” brightened Boris. “The Sorelderal elves were quite knowledgeable of magic. When the akatids are secured, we shall have Bin-lu taken to them. Jenneva, follow me.”

Boris turned and walked into the forest. Jenneva followed with a puzzled expression. When she caught up to Master Khatama, he was standing in a small clearing. He sat down on a log and patted it to indicate that Jenneva should sit next to him.

“What puzzles you?” Boris asked.

“Many things puzzle me, Master,” admitted Jenneva. “Your memory comes and goes like the waves of the sea. It troubles me because I cannot understand it. The last time we met, you could not remember who I was. Just now you addressed me by name. What is happening to you?”

“I do not know,” sighed Boris. “What did you see when you probed my mind?”

“Darkness,” answered Jenneva. “Darkness with a small hole in it. I do not understand that either.”

“Do it again,” commanded Master Khatama.

Jenneva’s jaw dropped as she stared at her old master. He smiled kindly at her and nodded. Jenneva slowly placed her hands on Master Khatama’s head and closed her eyes.

“Tell me what you see,” instructed Boris.

“The darkness lingers,” reported Jenneva, “but the hole is larger now. Inside the hole, I see your cave. I see myself as a young girl. You are thinking of the time we first met,” Jenneva smiled. “You do remember.”

“Sometimes,” sighed Boris. “Other times I do not.”

Jenneva frowned and removed her hands from Master Khatama’s head. She opened her eyes and smiled at Boris.

“What can I do to help you?” Jenneva asked.

“You have seen what I cannot,” replied Boris. “What does this darkness look like that surrounds my memories? Is it a solid black? Does it have form or shape?”

“It looks like a dark cloud,” shrugged Jenneva. “As if you were gazing skyward from someplace still under the Darkness.”

“Interesting,” mused Boris. “A cloud that blocks my memories as the Darkness blocks out the sun and the stars.”

“So you can not see this cloud?” asked Jenneva.

“Not in my mind,” Boris shook his head. “It is as if the size of the hole in that cloud is what changes my ability to remember.”

“I heard that your memory improved greatly on the way to Tagaret,” posed Jenneva. “Then it turned around at some point. When did you start forgetting things again?”

“Sometimes it is hard for me to realize when my memory is getting worse,” admitted Boris. “It was sometime after crossing the Southern Mountains. I am pretty sure of that because of the strange stares that I get from the people around me when I do forget something.”

“And how bad was your memory earlier tonight?” inquired Jenneva.

“Bad I am afraid,” frowned Boris. “I was not even sure where we were traveling to. Niki was guiding our path.”

“And piercing the Darkness has reversed the situation,” mused Jenneva. “The Diamond of Edona cleared the skies almost to the Southern Mountains.”

“So you are saying that my memory is affected by the Darkness that Sarac created?” asked Boris. “I can see why you are proposing that, but I have lived under this Darkness since the Collapse. My memory loss has never been this severe before.”

“I do not have an answer for that,” shrugged Jenneva, “but I do think there is a correlation between your memory and the Darkness. It is the only thing that makes sense.”

“I have to agree with you,” Boris finally conceded. “At least we now have a path to pursue in my quest to make sense of it all. We shall have to dwell upon it for a while. Maybe we can find out how the Darkness affects my memory, and why it does.”

“I am eager to find the source of the problem,” smiled Jenneva. “Tanya could help, too. She is a very smart lass.”

“Yes, she is,” smiled Boris. “There is something that you must know about her.”

Jenneva wrapped her arms around Boris and hugged him tightly. “We already know,” grinned Jenneva. “Oscar figured it out when you mentioned Ora and Beka. I cannot thank you enough for taking care of our daughter. Nor I could I ever think of anyone else that I would rather have had raise her. Thank you.”

“I am glad that I found her,” smiled Boris. “I am sorry it took me so long to get you reunited with her. She is a very special person.”

“All that matters is that you kept her safe from harm,” replied Jenneva. “You have brought much joy into my life, Egam.”

“It has been a long time since anyone called me Egam,” grinned Boris. “Like yourself, I found it safer to appear dead to my enemies.”

“Then you should continue to do so,” suggested Jenneva. “There are still times when your anonymity can benefit us. At least you can keep Niki safe from Sarac. I do not think that he is sure that she is his descendent yet”

“Nor am I,” responded Master Khatama.

“Oh?” questioned Jenneva. “What causes you doubts? She has Aurora’s cloak.”

“She does at that,” nodded Master Khatama. “Still, the type of magic she possesses is rare. It is not the type of magic that Aurora had. I find it hard to believe that Niki is the one we seek.”

“Then we have more work to do,” frowned Jenneva. “There is still one Child running loose somewhere. There are only three gems left to restore the Sword of Heavens. We do not have much time to find her.”

“Or him,” corrected Master Khatama. “I will attempt to do that while you guide Arik on his quest for the gems. You have assembled a rather unique group of followers.”

“They are unique,” Jenneva nodded. “It is hard to keep track of them and keep them alive. We have lost Tedi and now it appears that Bin-lu will not be going with us.”

“Tedi is not far away,” Boris stated as he rose and faced south.

“You are tracking him?” questioned Jenneva. “I should have known. The spell on the cloak and the necklace, that was you?”

“It was,” nodded Boris. “Tedi now carries a staff with a tracking spell on it. And I think Bin-lu may survive his difficulties if the dwarves can find those akatids.”

“What do you plan to do with the akatids?” inquired Jenneva. “How can poisonous spiders restore the use of his hands and feet? Surely the poison would kill him.”

“The elves have a spell for restoring burnt flesh,” explained Master Khatama. “They must get him soon if it is to work, though. They will not poison the lad. They will extract the venom sacks, and then make a poultice of the akatid shells. I do not remember the spell enough to perform it, but I am sure that the elves of Sorelderal will know what to do.”

Suddenly, shouting from the campsite drifted into the forest. Master Khatama and Jenneva rose quickly and ran back to the campsite. Boris halted as he came into the clearing. Niki sat on the ground with the four tins in front of her. The tins were open and the akatid spiders were on Bin-lu.

“No!” shouted Master Khatama. “Put them back into the tins.”

“That is exactly what I am doing,” frowned Niki as she instructed the spiders to return to the tins. “You don’t have to get upset. I already took care of the problem.”

“She let the akatids bite the lad,” cried Prince Darok. “The bite from just one is enough to kill him for sure. They bit each of his hands and feet. I tried to stop her.”

“Dwarves don’t understand magic,” pouted Niki.

“They do understand akatids, though,” frowned Master Khatama as he raced to the wagon.

Boris pulled a blanket out of the wagon and tossed it to Price Darok.

“Wrap the lad in that blanket and hurry him to Sorelderal elves,” instructed Master Khatama. “Explain that he was bitten and that they need to save him before they restore his flesh. Hurry.”

Niki frowned as she replaced the lids on the four tins. Master Khatama bent down and scooped up the tins and handed them to Prince Darok.

“The elves will need the akatids as well,” added Master Khatama. “Tell them to spare no effort to save the lad. Tell them that the Mage will visit them shortly to review their progress.”

Prince Darok shouted instructions and his men bundled Bin-lu in the blanket. Four dwarves grabbed the corners of the blanket and the four tins and raced into the forest.

“They weren’t supposed to bite him?” Niki asked timidly.

“No,” sighed Master Khatama. “Your thoughts were well meant, Niki, but in this case, you guessed wrong.”

Niki started crying, and Tanya wrapped her arm around Niki.

“The elves will save him,” soothed Tanya with more conviction than she felt. “It is amazing how the spiders obeyed you. How do you do that?”

Niki threw off Tanya’s arm and ran into the woods to cry.

“Let her be,” suggested Master Khatama. “She needs to understand the consequences of acting without thinking things through. She will survive.”

“I hope the same can be said for Bin-lu,” frowned Wylan. “I would like to go to this elf village and be with Bin-lu. Is that acceptable?”

“I think that would be good,” Alex said softly. “Can you have someone guide him, Prince Darok?”

The dwarf prince nodded and motioned for a dwarf to guide Wylan to the elf village.