p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Already here? /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He glanced around. Vikus and Mareth were lifting a... a door out of the ground./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Wait, so the Fount's underground." She nodded, smiling at his obvious confusion and surprise./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "They chose to build underground because it allowed them only one entrance to defend during an attack. Also, it is hard for most creatures to open the latch, so they are much more secure in that way than us. By now Vikus and Mareth had opened the entrance to a hole in the ground. It was small—about three feet across. Crudely made mud steps were formed. Vikus and the other underlanders stepped down the steps and out of sight. Gregor followed suit. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" The stairs quickly leveled out to form an uneven tunnel. It was dank and cold. Every ten yards or so was placed a candle. The candles afforded just enough light to see by. No more, no less. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" After only a few minute's walking, the group stooped. They were lined up single file, so Gregor couldn't see ahead to why they had stopped. A moment passed, in which he heard what sounded like a gate swing open, then the group continued. Up ahead Gregor could see bright lights. And then, quite suddenly, he reached the end of the passage. It had opened up to form the biggest cave he had ever seen. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" It had to be at least a thousand feet high and went on for as long as the eye could see. Gregor felt his jaw drop open in amazement. Scattered all around were candles and lamps. There were so many, it was like standing in New York during the day. Well, technically he was, but, well, you know, he was underground so it didn't count./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" Inside this cavern were astonishingly beautiful towers, and castles, and other buildings, all composed of stone. Many were decorated with carvings of people and animals. The place might not be quite as grand as Regalia, but it was certainly stunning. Gregor could have stood there forever, but all too soon, Vikus was leading the group on, toward the largest and fanciest-looking building in the whole place. When they reached their destination, they were greeted by two guards dressed all in black. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "York has been expecting you," said one of the guards, in a clipped formal voice. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Very good," said Vikus. The two guards pushed open the solid stone door. The view was breathtaking. The door had opened into a large, cathedral-like room. It seemed to Gregor, that the room was filled with fairies. It sparkled and glowed. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "The Fount is known for its glasswork," Luxa whispered in her ear. Then he saw it. What looked like fairies, were actually thousands of glass containers filled with candles. The effect was spectacular. Vikus seemed to know where he was going. He led the party straight through the hall and into a smaller, but just as grand, room. In the center of the room was a large table with serious-looking people sitting around it. At the head of the table, sat York. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "We have been expecting you," said York, in his deep, slow voice. He got to his feet and walked over to Vikus. At almost seven feet tall, he towered over Vikus. "It is good to see you, Vikus," said York. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "And you, York," said Vikus, giving him a slight nod. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "But we have little time for pleasantries," said Vikus gravely. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Indeed," agreed York. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "My people are ready when you are," he said, giving a slightly exaggerated bow. "but perhaps one last real meal before we set out?" asked York. Vikus hesitated, then nodded. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Okay," he said, smiling at York. "That would be most welcome." /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "I shall alert the kitchens," said York. "Perhaps you could escort our guests?" he asked one of the men sitting at the table. The man nodded and rose to his feet. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Follow me," he said, walking out of the room. Gregor looked at Luxa, and she at him, then they both followed the man out of the room. The man led them through halls and up stairs, and down stairs, through small rooms and large room, until, at last, they reached their objective. Gregor's head was almost spinning from trying to take in all the sights. He wished he had an extra pair of eyes in his head. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" The dining hall was a tall, relatively narrow room with a seemingly endless ceiling. The man gestured for them all to sit down, and they did, carefully lowering themselves into chairs lining an enormous table that seemed to take up most of the room. Glass dishes were lining the table. Gregor picked one up and saw intricate designs detailed into them using some form of coloring./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Pretty cool," he muttered to Luxa. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Yes," agreed Luxa, "they are beautiful." /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" Five minutes later, men and women carrying trays appeared. As they started to place dishes down on the table, Gregor got a good look at the food. There were slices of bread with a dish of butter besides; small dishes filled with greens; large tureens of beef stew; dishes of roast sweet potatoes; large grilled fish on silver platters; and an enormous cake atop a large stone tray. The latter of these seemed to greatly interest Boots. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Cake?" she breathed, her eyes wide. "Can I have it?" /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Sure, Boots," said Gregor, "after you have some real food." /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Okay, I hungry... Hungry, hungry, hungry!" she sang in a sing-song voice. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "That is good; we are about to eat," said York, dropping into a chair a few feet away from Gregor and Boots. "I suggest we all—what is the overland phrase...? Ah, yes—dig in!" Gregor obliged with vigor, as did Boots. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" He started piling food from the nearest dishes into his bowl. He took several pieces of buttered bread and a large portion of the stew. He looked at Boots' plate, to see that she had taken an entire fish, along with half a loaf of bread. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Maybe we start with a little less?" he said, smiling. He reached out and returned most of her food to its original containers. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "We have arranged a little surprise for you… for your entertainment…" said York, gesturing with his hand. Gregor looked to where York had indicated and saw a small troop of musicians carrying musical instruments. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" For the most part, they were wind instruments-flutes, whistles, something that resembled bagpipes, and several penny whistles. There was also a percussionist who was holding a pair of drumsticks above an elaborate set of different-sized pieces of wood and stone. Plus there were a few small drums with animal skin heads and wooden bodies. The percussionist clapped his sticks together, setting the pace for the song. He got to four, and the band burst into song. There was a brief instrumental section, then the lead singer took a breath and started to sing:/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "The time has come, the hammer has fell. We've told all the stories that we have to tell…" Beside him, Boots was wiggling her toes in time with the music. Once they got to the chorus, the back-up singers came in with a simple harmony. It blended beautifully with the melody. It brought Gregor back to when he used to play the saxophone. It had been a long time since he last played. He sometimes missed it. After the song ended, the underlanders applauded. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "I believe it is dessert time!" said York. This statement was greeted with applauds. A woman walked over to the cake, carrying one brute of a knife. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Would you like a piece?" the woman asked Boots. She nodded in delight. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Cake good!" she exclaimed happily as the woman dropped a generous-sized piece onto her plate. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Thank you!" she cried. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "You are very welcome," said the woman, beaming down at her. Once the cake had been distributed, the band began to play again—this time a slow, sad song with lots of 'ooohs' and 'ahhs' from the back-up singers. Gregor looked at Luxa. She seemed transfixed by the music. She hadn't even touched her cake. Gregor tried a mouthful of his own cake. It was surprisingly light and fluffy. And there was some sort of flavoring… was it rosewater? Whatever it was, it sure tasted good to him. The musicians played another two songs (one about being in a boat, and one about flying away on a bat) took a bow, then left. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "I'm afraid we must be going," said Vikus rising to his feet. York rose to his feet, as did most of the Regalians. Gregor stood up, albeit, reluctantly. He was warm, comfortable, and sleepy from all the food he had consumed. The last thing he wanted was to go flying through the air. But too bad for him. And whoever was on his bat if he got airsick. Which wasn't out of the question, giving how much he had eaten. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Come on, Boots," he said, pulling her chair away from the table. "Time to go." And go they did./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" They left the building and walked until they came to the tunnel leading to above ground. (well sort of.) When they poked their heads out of the hole, they saw the bats lying peacefully on the ground. York's men were there also. They were laying containers onto the ground. Gregor saw food, medical supplies, and a few extra water skins. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "We are ready to depart," York told one of the men. They hustled into action and began loading supplies onto the bats. It didn't take them long. Before he knew it, they were on their bats, flying through the air. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "So how far is the graveyard?" Gregor asked Luxa. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "I am unsure," she said. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Make a guess," said Gregor. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "I would hazard a guess at maybe a week's journey each way." /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "A week?" said Gregor. That was a long time. So much for him being back with his family quickly. Why hadn't he told his mom about what he was really doing? She would be worried sick. Then, she'd ask one of the underlanders back in Regalia why they weren't back yet, and then she would be told everything. She would know he had lied to her. Gregor felt awful. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" Partly because he needed something to take his mind off his mom, and partly because he was curious, Gregor leaned nearer to Luxa and asked, "How come it's called the Dead Lands? I thought it was because there wasn't anything living here, but there's loads of stuff." As if to illustrate his point, a small lizard scampered across the ground far below them./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Oh no!" said Luxa. "It is called the dead land because there was a great war. It was fought here for over a century. Our population was quartered. All the bodies are still there." Gregor nodded thoughtfully. "The ground is formed from the decaying bodies." /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Yuk," he said with distaste. The idea that below them were thousands of rotting corpses disturbed him more than he cared to admit. He'd never liked horror moved. He didn't understand people who did. Wasn't there enough horror in everyday life? /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Yes, as you say, "yuk" agreed Luxa. "Whatever 'yuk' may mean," she added, clearly looking for a definition./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Oh—um—like gross, foul, rotten…" "That well describes the way I feel," she said. "Somewhere down there are my parents," she said. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Oh, geez, Lux, I'm sorry," he said./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "I have grown used to their absence, though I still miss them a great deal." /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Yeah," said Gregor. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" He and Luxa sat in silence for a few moments before Boots and Hazard burst into the alphabet song. This was something Boots had taught Hazard a couple of years back. They were both singing in high-pitched, out-of-tune voices. Plus they couldn't seem to stick to one key. It was going to be a long trip… Gregor lay back on the bat and closed his eyes. They would likely be flying for several hours so he might as well get some rest. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Luxa," he said. "Can you wake me if Boots needs something?" /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "As you wish," she said. Gregor smiled. Something about the way she had said it made him think of The Princess Bride. He fell asleep almost at once and dreamed a most peculiar dream. He dreamt that Inigo Montoya was rousing Fezzik on a spit with the help of Wesley (a.k.a.). The Dread Pirate Roberts.) In his dream, Inigo and Wesley kept asking him which part of Fezzik he wanted to eat. All the while Fezzik was quietly singing Bruce Springsteen's "I'm On Fire" while turning above the blazing flames below him. It was all very strange. And Gregor was rather glad when he awoke a few minutes later. Though he was curious what part of Fezzik he would have chosen if he had remained asleep. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" Boots, Hazard, and Luxa were all fast asleep. Gregor yawned and tried to stand up. It didn't go too well (to say the least.) He managed to raise himself only a few feet before collapsing from the motion under his feet and the rushing air. He was, of course, still on a bat, flying through the air. Someone (probably Luxa) had put a blanket on him. It was warm from his sleepi/spanstrong style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"ng body and he curled back into it and closed his eyes again. He fell quickly asleep. Though this time, it was dreamless. /span/strong/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He glanced around. Vikus and Mareth were lifting a... a door out of the ground./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Wait, so the Fount's underground." She nodded, smiling at his obvious confusion and surprise./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "They chose to build underground because it allowed them only one entrance to defend during an attack. Also, it is hard for most creatures to open the latch, so they are much more secure in that way than us. By now Vikus and Mareth had opened the entrance to a hole in the ground. It was small—about three feet across. Crudely made mud steps were formed. Vikus and the other underlanders stepped down the steps and out of sight. Gregor followed suit. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" The stairs quickly leveled out to form an uneven tunnel. It was dank and cold. Every ten yards or so was placed a candle. The candles afforded just enough light to see by. No more, no less. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" After only a few minute's walking, the group stooped. They were lined up single file, so Gregor couldn't see ahead to why they had stopped. A moment passed, in which he heard what sounded like a gate swing open, then the group continued. Up ahead Gregor could see bright lights. And then, quite suddenly, he reached the end of the passage. It had opened up to form the biggest cave he had ever seen. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" It had to be at least a thousand feet high and went on for as long as the eye could see. Gregor felt his jaw drop open in amazement. Scattered all around were candles and lamps. There were so many, it was like standing in New York during the day. Well, technically he was, but, well, you know, he was underground so it didn't count./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" Inside this cavern were astonishingly beautiful towers, and castles, and other buildings, all composed of stone. Many were decorated with carvings of people and animals. The place might not be quite as grand as Regalia, but it was certainly stunning. Gregor could have stood there forever, but all too soon, Vikus was leading the group on, toward the largest and fanciest-looking building in the whole place. When they reached their destination, they were greeted by two guards dressed all in black. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "York has been expecting you," said one of the guards, in a clipped formal voice. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Very good," said Vikus. The two guards pushed open the solid stone door. The view was breathtaking. The door had opened into a large, cathedral-like room. It seemed to Gregor, that the room was filled with fairies. It sparkled and glowed. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "The Fount is known for its glasswork," Luxa whispered in her ear. Then he saw it. What looked like fairies, were actually thousands of glass containers filled with candles. The effect was spectacular. Vikus seemed to know where he was going. He led the party straight through the hall and into a smaller, but just as grand, room. In the center of the room was a large table with serious-looking people sitting around it. At the head of the table, sat York. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "We have been expecting you," said York, in his deep, slow voice. He got to his feet and walked over to Vikus. At almost seven feet tall, he towered over Vikus. "It is good to see you, Vikus," said York. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "And you, York," said Vikus, giving him a slight nod. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "But we have little time for pleasantries," said Vikus gravely. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Indeed," agreed York. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "My people are ready when you are," he said, giving a slightly exaggerated bow. "but perhaps one last real meal before we set out?" asked York. Vikus hesitated, then nodded. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Okay," he said, smiling at York. "That would be most welcome." /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "I shall alert the kitchens," said York. "Perhaps you could escort our guests?" he asked one of the men sitting at the table. The man nodded and rose to his feet. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Follow me," he said, walking out of the room. Gregor looked at Luxa, and she at him, then they both followed the man out of the room. The man led them through halls and up stairs, and down stairs, through small rooms and large room, until, at last, they reached their objective. Gregor's head was almost spinning from trying to take in all the sights. He wished he had an extra pair of eyes in his head. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" The dining hall was a tall, relatively narrow room with a seemingly endless ceiling. The man gestured for them all to sit down, and they did, carefully lowering themselves into chairs lining an enormous table that seemed to take up most of the room. Glass dishes were lining the table. Gregor picked one up and saw intricate designs detailed into them using some form of coloring./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Pretty cool," he muttered to Luxa. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Yes," agreed Luxa, "they are beautiful." /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" Five minutes later, men and women carrying trays appeared. As they started to place dishes down on the table, Gregor got a good look at the food. There were slices of bread with a dish of butter besides; small dishes filled with greens; large tureens of beef stew; dishes of roast sweet potatoes; large grilled fish on silver platters; and an enormous cake atop a large stone tray. The latter of these seemed to greatly interest Boots. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Cake?" she breathed, her eyes wide. "Can I have it?" /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Sure, Boots," said Gregor, "after you have some real food." /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Okay, I hungry... Hungry, hungry, hungry!" she sang in a sing-song voice. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "That is good; we are about to eat," said York, dropping into a chair a few feet away from Gregor and Boots. "I suggest we all—what is the overland phrase...? Ah, yes—dig in!" Gregor obliged with vigor, as did Boots. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" He started piling food from the nearest dishes into his bowl. He took several pieces of buttered bread and a large portion of the stew. He looked at Boots' plate, to see that she had taken an entire fish, along with half a loaf of bread. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Maybe we start with a little less?" he said, smiling. He reached out and returned most of her food to its original containers. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "We have arranged a little surprise for you… for your entertainment…" said York, gesturing with his hand. Gregor looked to where York had indicated and saw a small troop of musicians carrying musical instruments. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" For the most part, they were wind instruments-flutes, whistles, something that resembled bagpipes, and several penny whistles. There was also a percussionist who was holding a pair of drumsticks above an elaborate set of different-sized pieces of wood and stone. Plus there were a few small drums with animal skin heads and wooden bodies. The percussionist clapped his sticks together, setting the pace for the song. He got to four, and the band burst into song. There was a brief instrumental section, then the lead singer took a breath and started to sing:/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "The time has come, the hammer has fell. We've told all the stories that we have to tell…" Beside him, Boots was wiggling her toes in time with the music. Once they got to the chorus, the back-up singers came in with a simple harmony. It blended beautifully with the melody. It brought Gregor back to when he used to play the saxophone. It had been a long time since he last played. He sometimes missed it. After the song ended, the underlanders applauded. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "I believe it is dessert time!" said York. This statement was greeted with applauds. A woman walked over to the cake, carrying one brute of a knife. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Would you like a piece?" the woman asked Boots. She nodded in delight. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Cake good!" she exclaimed happily as the woman dropped a generous-sized piece onto her plate. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Thank you!" she cried. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "You are very welcome," said the woman, beaming down at her. Once the cake had been distributed, the band began to play again—this time a slow, sad song with lots of 'ooohs' and 'ahhs' from the back-up singers. Gregor looked at Luxa. She seemed transfixed by the music. She hadn't even touched her cake. Gregor tried a mouthful of his own cake. It was surprisingly light and fluffy. And there was some sort of flavoring… was it rosewater? Whatever it was, it sure tasted good to him. The musicians played another two songs (one about being in a boat, and one about flying away on a bat) took a bow, then left. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "I'm afraid we must be going," said Vikus rising to his feet. York rose to his feet, as did most of the Regalians. Gregor stood up, albeit, reluctantly. He was warm, comfortable, and sleepy from all the food he had consumed. The last thing he wanted was to go flying through the air. But too bad for him. And whoever was on his bat if he got airsick. Which wasn't out of the question, giving how much he had eaten. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Come on, Boots," he said, pulling her chair away from the table. "Time to go." And go they did./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" They left the building and walked until they came to the tunnel leading to above ground. (well sort of.) When they poked their heads out of the hole, they saw the bats lying peacefully on the ground. York's men were there also. They were laying containers onto the ground. Gregor saw food, medical supplies, and a few extra water skins. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "We are ready to depart," York told one of the men. They hustled into action and began loading supplies onto the bats. It didn't take them long. Before he knew it, they were on their bats, flying through the air. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "So how far is the graveyard?" Gregor asked Luxa. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "I am unsure," she said. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Make a guess," said Gregor. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "I would hazard a guess at maybe a week's journey each way." /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "A week?" said Gregor. That was a long time. So much for him being back with his family quickly. Why hadn't he told his mom about what he was really doing? She would be worried sick. Then, she'd ask one of the underlanders back in Regalia why they weren't back yet, and then she would be told everything. She would know he had lied to her. Gregor felt awful. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" Partly because he needed something to take his mind off his mom, and partly because he was curious, Gregor leaned nearer to Luxa and asked, "How come it's called the Dead Lands? I thought it was because there wasn't anything living here, but there's loads of stuff." As if to illustrate his point, a small lizard scampered across the ground far below them./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Oh no!" said Luxa. "It is called the dead land because there was a great war. It was fought here for over a century. Our population was quartered. All the bodies are still there." Gregor nodded thoughtfully. "The ground is formed from the decaying bodies." /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Yuk," he said with distaste. The idea that below them were thousands of rotting corpses disturbed him more than he cared to admit. He'd never liked horror moved. He didn't understand people who did. Wasn't there enough horror in everyday life? /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Yes, as you say, "yuk" agreed Luxa. "Whatever 'yuk' may mean," she added, clearly looking for a definition./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Oh—um—like gross, foul, rotten…" "That well describes the way I feel," she said. "Somewhere down there are my parents," she said. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Oh, geez, Lux, I'm sorry," he said./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "I have grown used to their absence, though I still miss them a great deal." /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Yeah," said Gregor. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" He and Luxa sat in silence for a few moments before Boots and Hazard burst into the alphabet song. This was something Boots had taught Hazard a couple of years back. They were both singing in high-pitched, out-of-tune voices. Plus they couldn't seem to stick to one key. It was going to be a long trip… Gregor lay back on the bat and closed his eyes. They would likely be flying for several hours so he might as well get some rest. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Luxa," he said. "Can you wake me if Boots needs something?" /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "As you wish," she said. Gregor smiled. Something about the way she had said it made him think of The Princess Bride. He fell asleep almost at once and dreamed a most peculiar dream. He dreamt that Inigo Montoya was rousing Fezzik on a spit with the help of Wesley (a.k.a.). The Dread Pirate Roberts.) In his dream, Inigo and Wesley kept asking him which part of Fezzik he wanted to eat. All the while Fezzik was quietly singing Bruce Springsteen's "I'm On Fire" while turning above the blazing flames below him. It was all very strange. And Gregor was rather glad when he awoke a few minutes later. Though he was curious what part of Fezzik he would have chosen if he had remained asleep. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" Boots, Hazard, and Luxa were all fast asleep. Gregor yawned and tried to stand up. It didn't go too well (to say the least.) He managed to raise himself only a few feet before collapsing from the motion under his feet and the rushing air. He was, of course, still on a bat, flying through the air. Someone (probably Luxa) had put a blanket on him. It was warm from his sleepi/spanstrong style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"ng body and he curled back into it and closed his eyes again. He fell quickly asleep. Though this time, it was dreamless. /span/strong/p