Chapter 2
Past Times
This place is dull, said Eric. Its been ages and weve still not seen anything.
Relax, guys, said Hank. Theres still plenty of time.
Sheila the Thief privately agreed with Eric (though ages was a massive overstatement), but she didnt say anything. The last thing she wanted to do at the moment was break the peace. Fortunately, though the Cavalier was still tense, he didnt pursue the potential argument. Instead, he said:
Are we just gonna wander around hoping trip over this dumb Key? Do you have any idea unlikely that is?
Luck had always been an important factor in their adventures, but good fortune and coincidence was only going to get them so far this time. This city was huge, much larger than any theyd been to before, and so far theyd found nothing at all that could help them find either the Key or the Locked Portal. But there had to be something around here that would help.
Theres gotta be something around here thatll help us, said Bobby, making Sheila smile at him. Weve just gotta find it!
They had stopped searching the nearby houses after a while. They had all been empty of everything except the larger pieces of furniture, like chairs and tables. In some way it reminded Sheila of her old dolls house, the way there was everything there, but it was sterile and lifeless all the same. It was no surprise that their unicorn resolutely refused to go into any of them.
Sheila didnt like Ur, and was sure that there was nothing in this place that would make her change her mind. It was cold, and creepy, but most of all it was grey; the dull, flat grey of concrete blocks and skyscrapers. She was so used to open space in the Realm that this place seemed to close in around her. All around there was a muted glow, like sunlight through thick clouds, except it had no heat in it, and she knew it was night. And now there were actually in the city, there was no denying she regretted their decision to enter, no matter what lay inside (though she would never have said it to anyone, except perhaps Hank). There was something too unpleasant about the stillness. They had to get out of here as quickly as possible.
Where do we start looking for the Key? she asked.
How about a locksmiths? suggested Eric.
Maybe they could find a lock for your mouth! said Diana.
And maybe they could find the key to the box you left your brain in!
As the Acrobat opened her mouth to reply, Hank interrupted.
Knock it off, you two! This isnt the place! They glared at each other, but did as the Ranger told them. There must be a library, or something like that, where we can find a map, or at least more information.
We shouldda asked ol Dungeon-Misery when we had the chance! said Eric. Bet he knows all about it!
Sheila tried to remember what their guide had told them, but there was only something about those who are lost, and helping the right people. He hadnt given them any clues or riddles about how to find what they needed. She sighed and whispered:
I have a bad feeling about this. No one heard her.
Shouldnt we split up? suggested Diana. Wed be able to cover a lot more ground.
Sheila noticed the fractional glance Hank cast in Erics direction, then the Ranger shook his head firmly.
No. Well stick together, he told them. Were on a tight time limit here, and we dont want anyone wandering off. Well go this way.
Hank pointed down the main street. It was wide, as if made to house stalls and shops, as well as traffic and people. The width only heightened its emptiness and their isolation.
As they walked on, the buildings grew in size and grandeur, and her unpleasant feeling grew more acute. The others were aware of it too, as the conversation and playful jibes at the Cavalier slowly petered out until they were walking in silence.
Finally, they stopped in what was once a wide park-like area, except now all the grass and flowers were just brittle stalks. In the centre was a statue of a man with a crown on his head, a wand in his right hand and a book under his left arm.
That place could be a library, said Presto, pointing to a squat building close by. Its got arches.
I think your right, said Hank. And its as good a place as any to start.
He walked on, Diana and Bobby following. The Thief expected Eric to give a sarcastic response, but when she looked at him he was only muttering something under his breath. He noticed her gaze and winked at her.
To quote Presto; When in Loony-Land, do as the Loonies do.
She laughed. That was exactly how she felt at the moment as they walked over the dead grass, following the others. She had to be crazy to have gone along with this idea!
Crazy to get home
The building wasnt exactly a library. It was full of carvings and wall murals, depicting great scenes from Urs history, or at least thats how it seemed to Sheila. They explored more of the building than they had of any other, and the more they looked, the more artworks there were to find. Some were intricate metal statues; some were full-colour paintings that took up a whole wall. For all their time in the Realm, they had never seen anything quite like it.
Close to the back Sheila found another painting, but this wasnt like any of the others. It was darker, more threatening and showed what looked like the city being devoured by some unseen creature. It was also unfinished.
The Thief found the picture fascinating for some reason. She lingered by the picture for a short while, as the others moved off to try and find some books. There were so many small details, that the closer you looked, the more you seemed to see.
There was a tall, handsome knight in silver armour that was trying to stand up to this invisible creature, wielding a double-handed sword. Behind him was another man, maybe another knight and in his hands he held two orbs of light. On one side was a skeletal figure, reaching for one of the orbs. The other orb was next to some sort of special box; it was difficult to tell what it was supposed to represent, as that part of the painting had only the sketches on the wall. What haunted her most about the picture was the look of despair on the Knights face. Whatever he fought was almost unstoppable.
Eventually, Sheila turned away from the picture, part of her wishing she had never seen it, part of her wishing she had more time to stay. But the others were almost out of earshot, and Hank wanted them to stick together.
Downstairs, in one of the storerooms, Bobby had uncovered about ten dust-covered books, tucked away behind an old table. Unfortunately, no one could read them.
This is hopeless! said Eric, tossing the final book against the wall. And a waste of time! Were not gonna find anything here!
Not if you treat books like that! said a soft, rasping voice.
They all turned, Sheila automatically reached for the hood of her Cloak. The others were ready with their weapons in an instant too.
In the doorway was small creature, just Unis height, that looked harmless enough; not quite rotund enough to be a halfling, or quite green enough to be a goblin, he had an angular face, pointy nose and ears, and a short curved tail. There was something that reminded Sheila of the head librarian from school, except in miniature, and with no glasses.
The little creature skittered across the floor, and Uni backed away in fright. He bounded up lightly onto the table, and looked at them with a frown.
What are you? he asked Presto. I dont recognise you.
Um Im a human? he replied.
Stupid! he hissed, I can see you are a human! He pointed to the Hat. What ARE you?
Im a, um, Magician.
I see The creature looked round at the others, one at a time. When he looked at her, Sheila felt a brief twinge of fear; the eyes were so yellow and bright, with a fierce intelligence in them. But the feeling only lasted a second.
When asked, they all said their titles, and only then did the frown fade away. She looked up at Hank, but if he seemed worried, he didnt show it.
But what are you? asked Bobby.
You may call me Thom, he said. Welcome to my home.
Thanks, said Hank with a small smile.
This place is your home? said Bobby, looking amazed and sounding incredulous. Inside, Sheila winced, wishing that Bobby had learned to be more polite, shed tried so hard to teach him, though he rarely seemed to listen. But Thom nodded, and didnt take offence.
I happened apon this city a long time ago, and quite by accident, he said. And I never left. Thom saw the confusion on their faces, and gave a gruff laugh.
Um why? asked Presto.
I hadnt finished.
Hadnt finished what? the Magician said.
The Books.
Oh. Right. Books.
Presto turned to Hank to help him out of the still pause that followed.
Are there many books here? the Ranger asked.
The creature let out a low splutter that could have been a laugh.
There are more than you have ever seen in you short, little lives, Thom told him. I could have left this city any number of times, but even so, I still havent finished.
So, theyre a good read, then? said Eric, a touch too smugly for the creatures liking. It hissed at him.
I think, young Cavalier, you would do well to watch your manners!
Eric visibly clamped down on a comeback, after Diana had given him a surreptitious poke in the ribs.
And you? Thom said. Why are you in this dread city, young Adventurers?
He addressed Hank, as hed obviously figured out who was the leader, but the Ranger hesitated.
Thom showed no fear of them, quite the opposite. The way he sat there on the table, staring at them made her feel vulnerable, as if she would never be out of its sight while in Ur. He talked a great deal as well, but seemed not to understand the concept of answering questions with any clarity. His oblique mode of speech had made her confused, then wary. Sheila was usually the first to give people the benefit of the doubt, but she wasnt sure about Thom. Hank wasnt either; she knew him far to well not to notice the subtle signs.
Were searching for something, the Ranger said at last.
Your no different for all of the others who venture here, said Thom. Everyone is searching Ur for something. The gold and jewels have been ransacked already, years ago.
No, were not looking for money, Hank replied. Sheila saw Eric roll his eyes and sigh. Were looking for a way home.
Thom blinked slowly at him.
So you seek the Locked Portal, he said. Thoms voice was suddenly sombre. Then you should leave while you still can.
That did not make Sheila feel any better. Someone who knew about the city, and what they were up against thought it was a bad idea. For a moment, she thought Hank and the others would agree, but then she saw the look on Bobbys face and knew they had to try. She had to help and support them as much as she could.
No, we cant. Weve gotta find it, said Hank firmly.
It will not be easy.
Nothing in this dumb place ever is! muttered Eric.
Do you know anything? Would you help us? asked Hank. Can you at least tell us where to start?
The creature wrinkled up his nose, then jumped down from the table, again making Uni start. He headed towards the door.
Follow.
At first Sheila hoped that Thom would lead them straight to the Key, or at least the Portal, but she knew that what Eric had said was true; nothing was every easy in the Realm. Thom led them down some dark corridors and up a flight of stairs before stopping in a wide room near the back of the building. Maybe Thom used it as a study, or a place to read, as there was no dust, and seven thick white candles burned in the window. By the table was a chair, and on it was a small pile of books.
It may help, said Thom, jumping up on a chair in the centre of the room, if you understood more about this city. Perhaps, when you know, you will see why you should leave.
The kids gathered round as he started to speak.
They made lots of wonderful things in this city, the clever wizards. The Locked Portal was the greatest; it was rumoured to do almost anything, take you anywhere, even back and forth through Time. So powerful was the portal that it had to remain closed and locked, unless it was in use. Its creator tried to keep it a secret, being of a covetous disposition, but rumour spread nonetheless. It attracted Evil things that desired its power. So the wizard asked for help from the King, who gave him his best knights to guard it. To them he gave a solemn task; protect the Key at all costs, and if necessary, destroy it.
It was silent as Thom looked round at them, eyes glinting in the candlelight.
They thought they were protected, they thought they had thought of everything, but something still Evil came; something that worked from within to gain knowledge and power over those in the city. The people felt it; those who had any sense left, those who were too arrogant or disbelieving stayed, and were eventually destroyed.
What happened to the Portal? asked Hank.
The wizard who created it learned too late the value of humility, Thom replied with a skewed smile. He was destroyed on the first day of darkness, and it was one of the Kings knights that stood against Evil. He was a great knight, one of the greatest ever to exist, perhaps. He had once been a Celestial Knight, but he had pledged fealty to this City and the King. He fought for three days and three nights, keeping the evil at bay as the last few any with sense fled. Finally, desperate and defeated, the knight summoned up his strength and split the key in two with the last stroke of his sword.
The dramatic pause Thom had planned was ruined when Bobby gave a loud huff.
Gr-eat! he said. So we have twice as much to do!
May I continue, Barbarian? asked Thom, with pointed politeness.
Bobby lowered his head and nodded, and deliberately avoided looking at his sister, knowing what her expression would be. How often did she have to tell him not to be rude!
Well then, it seemed that the wily wizard had not left his creation unprotected. When the key broke, there was an enormous outpouring of magic, and the creature was imprisoned. The Knight died in the backlash.
The thought of that beautiful picture came back to Sheila and tears almost started in her eyes. It was clear now that the story shed heard, and the picture shed seen were of the same event, though why someone would make a painting of something that would never be finished, or even seen, was puzzling. Maybe it was a memorial or some kind. After all, the nameless Knight had died. She remembered the look of despair on his handsome face. He had died to destroy the evil that threatened everything, and he had known it at the time and didnt run away. He was a hero, though no one remembered him.
What about the Key? asked Hank. What happened to it?
Ah, well, yes. The two pieces were taken by one of those who survived. They were hidden separately within the city, and put under enchantments of the most powerful, dangerous and complex kind; powerful enough to deter all but the most foolhardy.
Thom looked down at them from his position on the table, with an expression that seemed to imply that anyone who looked for the key must be out of their minds.
Terrific, muttered Presto. We havent gotta chance!
Sheila felt the same, and the hope of getting home began to fade. It wasnt as painful anymore, it was a feeling she was getting very used to; they all were. But they couldnt just give up. Dungeonmaster had thought they could do it, he wouldnt have sent them here if he didnt.
Cmon guys, she said. We cant give up without trying!
I think we can, you know, said Eric. You can watch if you like.
I think Sheilas right, said Diana, scowling at the Cavalier. Stop being such a defeatist! The least we can do is try!
Sheila looked at Hank, who was standing quietly to one side. She recognised the look on his face. She knew what he was thinking: That it was too dangerous, and too much of a risk, they now had twice as much to do and if they failed they might not be able to get out. He glanced up, looking straight into her eyes, making her heart suddenly start thudding. Those eyes were such a wonderful shade of blue.
We have to try, dont we Hank? she said.
After a pause, the Ranger nodded.
Do you know where the two pieces are hidden? he asked Thom. Can you help us get them?
I can help you find them, he said. But I cannot get to them for you.
Why? asked Eric.
Only one human may touch the Key.
Eric seemed to find that reply odd for some reason, judging by the look on his face. He glared at Thom.
And how do you know all this? asked the Cavalier, sounding suspicious.
Perhaps you would learn it too, if you stopped throwing books, and started reading them!
Diana suppressed a laugh, but Thom stood up, not even bothering with Erics reaction.
You dont have a great deal of time, he said, his full attention back on Hank. Well have to go, right now.
Well, lets go! said the Ranger, smiling at the others. The sooner we find the Key, the sooner we can get home.
Looks like we dont have a choice, muttered Eric as they headed out of the room.
If Thom heard, he chose to ignore the Cavalier, and bounded off towards the exit.
Once outside, he pointed down the main street, towards a collection of large, stately buildings a few blocks away.
Go that way.
They walked off, with Thom in tow, heading in the direction hed told them to go. Their new friend didnt speak to any of them, and didnt answer when the Thief tried to talk. He just ambled along at the back, and Sheila eventually gave up any attempt at conversation and walked along beside Presto and Diana in silence.
Thom was a strange little creature, not really like anything shed met before. It wasnt that she disliked him; she just didnt know what to make of him.
In a way, he reminded her of Venger; the look in the eyes, the cold, emotionless expression (and the dislike of Eric, but then, the Cavalier did have the tendency to rub people up the wrong way!). In other ways, he reminded her of Dungeonmaster; the calm authority and vast knowledge, the way he looked to Hank when he talked, not to mention the similarity in height.
Next to her, Presto and Diana barely talked, both were looking ahead with a familiar, will-we-get-home-look on their faces. Bobby and Uni were beside Hank at the front, striding purposefully along the road. Eric was in between, looking around with a half-frown on his face, a pensive and profound expression that had no place being anywhere near Eric. Intrigued, the Thief sped up to walk beside him.
Hey, whatya thinking about?
The Cavalier took a deep breath, almost as if he was weighing up what to say. Perhaps he was afraid she would laugh.
There was a picture in that place, showing what that creature told us about the knight and the key.
Oh! said Sheila. You saw it too?
There was something odd about it, familiar maybe, he said. At least, I think there was. Im not sure. I didnt look at it for that long.
It was beautiful, she said, thinking about the incredible detail. It must have taken weeks to paint.
Eric nodded.
But who would want to paint something like that, here, where it would never be seen? It wasnt even finished.
Maybe its a memorial. The look she got told her that the Cavalier didnt like that idea. Well, you think up something better!
Eric laughed, but not in an amused way.
You want to know what I think? he asked, but didnt wait for a reply. Heroes dont get to go home. They end up dead. With nothing left behind them but a half-finished picture.
Less than a month ago, hearing him talk like this would have, firstly, scared her to instant and voluminous tears; and then surprised her so much that she would have missed her step; Eric was never serious: Well, never that serious!
But what really surprised her was her answer.
I think it was worth it. She blushed as she realised what she was saying, and to whom she was saying it. He did what he had to do.
Eric raised an eyebrow in that way he did, but didnt reply.
He did what he had to do. That was the lesson theyd learned time and again in this place. It didnt make it any easier to accept, but each time a portal closed, at least they had the satisfaction of knowing it was for a good cause, that it was right. Even the Cavalier had learned the lesson eventually, as his actions helping the Fairie Dragons had shown. She looked up at him, but he was staring ahead, with the sombre expression back on his face.
But, strangely, their short conversation did improve her spirits. Together, they could face anything. She was still afraid of being alone, and never more so than when she remembered what good friends she had. But not even that would stop her doing what she had to do to get home.
They walked on in silence, and Sheila slowly started to feel uncomfortable. Eric did too, and he was looking around uneasily. Ahead, Hank slowed to a halt, and the others followed suit. They had stopped a short way from a large, cathedral-like building, with spires and arches and gargoyles and a pair of heavy wooden doors that were almost twice her height.
This is the place? the Ranger asked Thom, as soon as the creature had stopped.
You are astute, said Thom, with a smirk. This is the Crypt of the Dead, where those who have died go to rest before burial. There are tombs in there too, of both the rich and the powerful; and one of the halves of the Key is hidden inside.
Great. Whats the downside? asked Eric in a sarcastic tone that, fortunately, Thom missed.
These were not the sort of people to leave their mortal remains unprotected, said Thom. Inside, there are traps and magic and deadly creatures; Crypt things, giant rats, Living Walls, lurkers, wights, wraiths Thom petered out as he looked round at the faces of the Young Ones.
Well, said Hank, sounding uncertain. I suppose that doesnt sound so bad. Once we get in we can
Didnt I mention, interrupted Thom, Those gargoyles are the guardians of the Crypt. He pointed to four of the larger, more grotesque statues on the façade, If they see anyone trying to go inside without permission, theyll attack. Theyll try and squash you when they jump down, or theyll turn you to stone and try and smash you!
No one spoke.
Well, I did try and tell you it was next to impossible, said Thom, sounding aggrieved.
They had hardly even been in this dreadful city of an hour and they were stuck at the first hurdle! The failure would have been embarrassing, if she wasnt so relieved.
You know, the building may be guarded, said Thom, but one of you can still get passed.
He was looking at her, those bright, yellow eyes gleaming in the subdued light. If they see anyone trying to go inside Of course, they wouldnt see her! She suddenly felt sick. This wasnt just dangerous, it was bordering on suicidal!
Involuntarily, she glanced up at Hank, seeing the stricken look on his face. For a second she thought he would forbid her to go; she was certain he wanted to, but instead he reached out to hold her hand.
Can you do it?
She didnt look round at the others. She was far too captivated by the Rangers eyes to be able to turn her head at all. She didnt want to go in there, but she nodded.
Yes, Hank. Ill go.
He must have known she would do almost anything for him. And she would do almost anything to get home.
Be careful, he whispered. Please.
He was so close to kissing her, they even leaned closer to each other, but instead he visibly forced himself to look at the others. They all looked worried, but at least they were making the effort to look calm, even the Cavalier.
Well wait for you here, Hank said.
Her little brother suddenly gave her a hug, something she didnt expect at all. As she held him, she smiled. She had to do it, to help him. He deserved to go home, after all this time. They all did.
Dont worry, Bobby, Ill be back as soon as I can.
As she stood, she turned to Thom.
What does the Key look like? she asked him.
It looks like half a key, said Thom, confused. But it might be in a box.
Is that really all the help you can give her? snapped Hank.
Thom blinked at him.
Well, I did say it wasnt going to be easy! And dont forget, there are probably booby traps on the floor too, Thom added, trying to be helpful.
Ill be ok, Hank, said Sheila quickly, seeing the look on his face. Before he could argue, she reached for the hood of her Cloak. She smiled at him. Ill be ok!
With a quick nod to the others, she pulled the hood up and disappeared, hoping that she didnt look nearly as scared as she felt. She had done this sort of thing many times before, it was just that this time it was more dangerous. From what Thom had said, almost anything evil could be behind the doors of the Crypt. But she had to get there first; she had to creep past the watchful glare of those golems.
Trying not to think about what Thom said, she stepped forward. At first, she only took small steps, but she grew in confidence. It was only a short way to the doors, and she crossed it within a few minutes. The gargoyles didnt move at all.
Opening the doors was trickier. They were terribly heavy, and didnt seem to have been opened in years. They creaked slightly, and she was sure one of the golems above her twitched. In the end she only opened it a tiny crack, then squeezed herself inside, thankful that she was slim enough to fit.
The inside of the Crypt was light by the same baleful glow that saturated everywhere else in Ur, but the interior was not what she expected. From what Thom had said, shed expected it to be dark and creepy and evil-looking. But instead, the room she was in was made of grey and white marbled stone, as smooth as polished glass. It was the size of a football pitch; there were a few windows high up, a couple of Statues, and two rows of columns that went all the way down to the far end. But there were no doors, and no other way out that she could see.
Still treading carefully, and keeping her Cloak on, she began to search the room. But she couldnt find any hidden doors in the walls, or any secret panels, or in fact anything that was a way out at all. But she didnt find any signs of anything evil either, and that was at least something to be pleased about.
Eventually, having exhausted all the possibilities with walls, she looked at the statues. One was of the same man as before, outside the building where theyd met Thom. He still had a crown and a book and a wand, but this time he looked older, and he had a beard. The other statue was a woman, dressed in an oddly shaped helmet and a long robe. One arm was raised, much like the Statue of Liberty, and the other one held an enormous round shield upright on the floor. There was more of that incomprehensible cuniform writing on it.
Just as Sheila was about to give up, she noticed a small grill on the floor, just behind the male Statue. She went over and gave it a half-hearted pull, not really expecting it to be loose. But it was and lifted out easily revealing a hole and a small tunnel.
It was darker down there than in the hall, but it was wide enough for her to fit down, if she wanted to. Apart from the fact that she would have to return past those horrible golems outside, she didnt want to give up quite so soon and without finding the Key.
She wished the others were here with her, maybe one of them could make sense of what was going on, and where the Key was.
Glancing down the hole, the Thief frowned. What sort of creature would live down a small tunnel like this? she wondered. It couldnt be anything too dangerous. And if there was any trouble, she was still invisible and she could easily get back out the way she came. At least then she could return to the others knowing she had tried her best.
So Sheila carefully lowered herself down.
= = =
The children and their diminutive companion had stopped outside the Crypt and Venger stopped too, to watch from the safety of a shadowed archway.
Except for the noise of the accursed Young Ones in front of him, the streets of Ur were silent, and empty. The houses, the shops, the market place; all were just as they had been before the city had been infected, and had sunk beneath the sands to hide its shame.
There was a quietness in this place, as if Time had merely paused. The air was stale and everything smelt of dust, but not decay. Even the magical light that filled the city, as daylight filled the rest of the Realm, had the same sterile feel as everything else here.
Part of him longed to wander these cold and barren streets, to search the houses and the buildings to see what Time had left behind. There would be many artefacts of interest in Ur, as this place was once a stronghold of great power and learning.
But he didnt. Anything of value would have been pillaged long ago; adventurers and mercenaries, and even the occasional lost traveller had come and gone with the treasures of Ur over the thousand years since its fall. He had to get to the Key, or at least ensure the children could not use it. Nothing else mattered.
Though the streets seemed empty, and the city devoid of life, there was still something that he had sensed the moment he had passed through the gate. He could feel Evil here, sleeping but still sentient. He understood how Evil functioned, how it preyed on the heart and the soul. And this place was Evil. There was something within these walls that generated such vile and wicked hate that even Venger was in awe.
The Evil had penetrated everything, even the motes of dust that stirred as he passed by. Though it slept for now, it would be perilously easy to awaken it. He had to be careful. It would, no doubt, become aware of his power should he fail to be inattentive to the signs around him.
One of the children moved: The Thief. Venger watched with a slight smile as she disappeared beneath her Cloak. They must have found the location of the first part of the Key. It was a natural task for a thief, to circumvent the protection around the Crypt and locate the Key. But she would never be able to find it on her own! How long would it take her to realise that? It would be amusing to watch what she did. But then, she was unpredictable, that one.
A frown passed across his face as he remembered that fiasco with Karena, how the Thief had found and freed her, and how the Thief had used the rings to imprison him, instead of opening a portal to their homeworld. He had underestimated her, and that Thief had caused him a great deal of trouble; perhaps he should return the favour here.
Only a small amount of magic was needed to disrupt her footsteps and make her trip, or force the doors to stay closed, or maybe even appear before her in person. He had enjoyed the look of fear on her face when he had lifted her chin to look into her eyes, that day before the Crystal of Kronos was destroyed and that human had betrayed him. He would like the opportunity to taunt her again.
But he would not risk being found by the Evil that slept here, not even to torment the unfortunate Thief.
And much more importantly, only together could they gain the Key; and it would be far more amusing to reveal himself to all of them at once. He wanted them all to see him. There would be a better opportunity later, when they had the completed Key and were standing on the brink of the Locked Portal.
Any entertainment could wait until then.
Like the others who stood in the shadows near the doors of the Crypt, Venger waited for the Thief to return.
= = =
= = =