Copyright 1998 by Madeline Bell.

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Anja and the Druid 

Chapter 5 

Pyramid 
Anja embraced Pieter; Dav followed suit in turn. 
'Till next time' Pieter waved cheerfully as he strode off toward the Great 
Glacier. 
The two friends stood and watched him depart until he moved from view, and then 
they turned and re-crossed the Klosters to re-enter the village of the same 
name. 
'Home for you too?' Dav ventured 
'Yes' Anja replied 'what about you?' 
'I suppose it would be nice to see the Saure again, it has been so long.' 
'You are welcome to stop off with me' 
'We'll see' 
They stepped back into 'The Glacier' and ordered breakfast. 
'I think I shall stay here for a couple of days before going home' Anja stated 
'Yes that seems a good idea' Dav got out in between mouthfuls of bread and 
cheese. 


It was midday on the day after Pieter left that the shade that was the Druid 
materialised in Klosters. Anja and Dav returning from collecting supplies for 
their journey north, were somewhat surprised by his presence and both had a 
sense of foreboding as they approached to greet the grey figure. 
' I trust I find you both well' 
They both agreed in kind. 
'I can see you are concerned by my appearance so I will not beat around the 
bush. I need your assistance once more. There is an outhouse just beyond the 
village, a girl, her name is Mad-e-Lyn, she has been entrusted to me by the 
Council of Druids, however evil stalks the land and she is no longer safe with 
me. I would entrust her to you, but also ask that you recover something for me, 
something that can combat this evil, the Tollgarth' he paused for their comments 

'What of the girl?' Venture Dav 
'You must take her with you on this venture, I have also summoned some 
assistance for you, I believe you are up acquainted with Keren and Rhodrii.' 
'Yes, they are good friends' replied anja, 'the whole story now' 


They ordered ale and settled into a corner booth for the Druids story. 
' And so you see both sword and Mad-e-lyn must both be delivered to Ayla's Grove 
on the eve of the Solstice.' 
The Druid concluded his tale as the bar began to feel with its evening 
clientele. 
'How do we get the blade' asked anja 
'As I mentioned it is held within the Blue Pyramids on the Great Plain, the only 
assistance I can offer is the script which tells of the dangers you will 
encounter and how to gain the Tollgarth. 
He withdrew a roll of parchment from his sleeve and gave it to Anja. Directing 
his comments to Anja he continued 'you must follow these instructions and take 
the blade from its home.' 
Anja took the offered script and unfurled the text 
"Two blue on green, a beauty to be seen, 
North not south is found the mouth, 
A step below will see you in, so begin, 
Four left, four right will prevent a fright, 
The pyramids from the South, you must survey 
To the West then it is the way, 
Past the kings of the West you descend, 
If first the Stone does not you bend, 
A room of blue on the route for you, 
The way ahead of similar hue, 
Straight and long the way goes on, 
To a choice of two, up or down is up to you, 
Your name is the key to the door but not of floor 
Instead a king of three daughters is the clue, 
Only one way in and one way out, but not the same no doubt, 
For the exit remains well lit within but not out."

'A long riddle' Anja commented 
'A riddle you would do well to heed' the Druid concluded 
' Where are Keren and Rhodrii?' Dav showed no emotion 
'I instructed them to meet you at the East end of the Klockner Pass where the 
Kloster road joins it. They are already in the shadow of the Klosterhorn.' 
'Do they know the reason for this trip?' Anja only needed the Druids 
confirmation of what she knew in her heart. 
The Druid replied flatly 'no, you may tell them if you wish, but I have led the 
lowlanders to understand it is one of your you want of your 'usual' trips. 
Seeing Anja's expression he continued 'you still have the seeing stone?' 'Yes' 
the woman replied 'it is always with me' 
'Before you use it on this errand, remember that its use will attract the 
attention of our enemies' 
The Druid sat back from the table. 
'I will collect you and take you to Mad-e-lyn in one hour.' With that he rose 
and without a backward glance, departed their company. 
'Did we agreed to this?' Dav asked his companion Anja replied
'I think I missed the part where he asked. I just came in where we asked 
pertinent questions to help us.' 
'I thought as much' Dav gave a resigned shrug 'he's done us again, volunteered, 
press-ganged and instructed in one move. You just have to admire his style, we 
fall for it every time.' 
'I suppose we can't duck out now?' 
'Do you think he would let us, honestly, no I think we are in it up to our necks 
once again' 
Dav finished his ale,' let's get our gear together.' 



Almost to the second the Druid reappeared at the inn. Anja and Dav hoisted their 
bags onto shoulders and set off in his footsteps on the road north out of the 
settlement. The half-timbered houses quickly fell behind to be replaced with 
small fields and the occasional barn. After about 15 minutes the grey figure 
left the main roadway and turned on to a track that led into the forest. However 
after a few metres they broke into a clearing where a dilapidated barns stood. 
Their guide a motion for them to remain outside whilst he entered. Shortly he 
returned to the door and motioned them in. 
A bright lamp suspended from an overhead beam replaced the gathering gloom 
outside. Sitting to one side was a young girl of probably 15 or 16 and nearer, 
in the centre of the room a small fire crackled. The girl was eating and did not 
seem aware of their arrival; at least she made no movement that would indicate 
this. 
The newcomers shrugged off their bags and waited for the introductions to begin. 
The Druid approached the girl 
'Mad-e-lyn, these are your guardians for the journey to the Grove, the Saurienne 
Davril and Anja, both are trusted by me and should be by you also.' 
Dav and Anja both managed a hi! But it was a moment more before the girl 
indicated she had heard. Mad-e-lyn raised her face from the half-eaten meal on 
her knees. Her new escorts were mesmerised by the gaze that she cast towards 
them. 
The girl's long dark hair was carefully coiled around her head; black eyes drew 
the other's gaze in. Although at first frail in appearance, she was obviously of 
robust nature, the ring through her nose glinting as she surveyed the pair. 
'Thank you both for coming on this venture.' 
The girl placed the plate to one side. 
'I can guess that the old man has used his usual tricks to bring you here on 
this journey, but still I thank you.' 
Anja and Dav exchanged quick glances and anja spoke for them both 
'It is true that the Druid did use his guile to bring us, but if put plainly to 
choice I speak for both of us when I say that we would have come along out of 
curiosity any way. I hope we can all be friends, it may be a difficult trip'. 
'That is so, and yes I would like for us all to be friends too. Come sit, there 
is food on the fireside, stew the old man calls it, and is just barely eatable.' 

The Druid still standing to one side held his own counsel but joined the others 
in a plate of his stew. After they had eaten, he signalled that he wished to 
speak to them. 
'I must leave tonight and return to Pastron. I will meet you at the Grove at the 
solstice.' he paused, 'stay here tonight, meet the others tomorrow and make 
haste, the Kelacker will no doubt search this way, it does not yet know off 
Mad-e-lyn's presence but it is only a matter of time. Rest now and be careful in 
all parts of your trip.' 
With that he collected his stave and as was his habit disappeared out into the 
night with nary a backward plants. 
'The old man is right,' Dav started,' we should rest. I will take first watch.' 
Rather than argue the toss Anja consented, rose to extinguish in the light then 
selected a suitable pile of hay to make a bed on. Their charge followed suit and 
soon both women were settled. Dav drew his broad sword from its sheath and 
placed it between his legs in easy reach and leant back against the wall to 
watch the door. 
The pre dawn light found Anja and Dav's positions reversed. Dav woke up to the 
smell of coffee and rousing Mad-e-lyn on the way proceeded to join his blonde 
companion by the small fire. After a brief breakfast they collected their 
possessions, extinguished the fire and departed the barn. They retraced to the 
North Road and turned away from Klosters. 
They exchange small talk as they climbed through the pre-dawn chill and mists of 
the forest. The sky overhead showed no signs of clearing and after an hour's 
travel proceeded to weep on them as steady drizzle. The three travellers pulled 
up their hoods and the conversation dropped to warnings of treacherous footing 
and comments on the way ahead. 
The track joined a tumbling stream, and rose and fell sharply as it wound its 
way inevitably it up wards. When they cleared the trees shortly before midday, 
the weather seemed to take a turn for the worse, surrounding the Klosters Hutte 
in cloud and the more distant Klockner completely hidden from sight. After 
fording the brook they ate quickly in the lee of an outcrop of rock and rested 
only shortly. 
They route tracked the waterway for most of the afternoon, the weather getting 
worse as they climbed forever up. By the time the well-worn track left the brook 
it was late afternoon and the path now doing a fair impersonation of a river 
itself. They rested again before continuing up on to the small plain at the base 
of the Klockner, the going getting easier on this stretch although the way had 
its fair share of floods and mud. 
It was in a fast closing murk that they reached the Klockner Pass and the cairn 
that acted as route marker. There was no sign of Rhodrii or Keren, so using the 
cairn for shelter the trio settled in for them to arrive. 
Rhodrii was a little surprised at first to receive a message from Anja. He and 
his sister Keren had been with friends in the Seewald and the last he had heard 
from their friend had been several months back when their paths had crossed up 
country. How Anja had located them was a mystery, but still, Anja's trips were 
usually the stuff of legend and no one refused an invitation to join her. His 
immediate problem was securing passage for them on a boat going to Blauehafen 
near Funfbrucke, two days by ship but at least four by road. 
Keren meanwhile was packing for their trip; they were to meet Anja at the 
Klockner Pass so that most likely meant a trip west. In turn this meant that 
they could travel quite light with a minimum of extra clothing but they would 
need to carry ample rations. By the time Rhodrii returned she had assembled 
supplies to see them to Funfbrucke where they would restock, and also now wore 
her travelling garb. 
A trading vessel was leaving in a couple of hours and the lowlanders would berth 
with the 'Trollgitter' on its northbound trip. The young man soon change into 
clothing similar to his sister, leather breeches, long boots, thick shirt and 
tunic with a warm travel cloak fixed about the shoulders. The only real 
difference was that Keren favoured light tan and her brother wore more 
flamboyant red. The each hefted their gear and collected their quivers and long 
bows as they left the inn. 
Before leaving Seewald, they located their friends; Ingrid and Eric Borgsen, the 
fish merchant and his wife were busy in the smokehouse preparing herring for 
smoking. They made their farewells and left promising to return in the autumn. 
The siblings made their way through the village, savouring the smell of the wood 
chips used in the many smokehouses that serviced the local fish trade. Passing 
out of the main settlement, boathouses, Chandler's and one or two small 
warehouses sat above the pebble beach. 
Resting at anchor just offshore were a number of long boats, merchantmen for the 
most part, although two carried the colours of King Haraldun, whose realm lay 
amongst the islands, two day's sail across the Vossen Straits. Sitting on its 
own just beyond the warships, the Trollgitter was almost ready to sail, Rhodrii 
greeted the master as they approached, he indicated a gang plank running up to 
the stern from the nearby shore. 
The ship was pretty much in the mould of most of the shipping, a long boat of 
about 18 metres, shallow of draught and only a little over four metres wide. At 
the bow a high curved prow was adorned by a stylised carved head in the form of 
a dragon whilst the stern sported an unadorned version. The crew of 40 oarsmen 
readied themselves, as they would be fighting the current all the way to 
Blauehafen. 
The master led them down the centre deck, under which the cargo was stored, past 
the stepped mast and indicated a tent like structure in the bow, which would be 
home for the next two days. By the time they had stowed their gear, the crew 
were gently sculling the Trollgitter away from the shore. Once clear of the 
moorings the master issued an order and the men picked up the pace, they were 
soon being propelled over the calm waters of the Seewald fjord at a steady 10 
knots. 
They passed into the mouth of the Gross Donau River and within minutes were 
passing beneath the road bridge that led to Oden Bay. The weather was dry but 
overcast with little wind and indications were that their journey would be 
uneventful. Keren settled in a corner with her quiver and set about repairing 
and replacing fletches, Rhodrii meanwhile went to talk to the master. 
At nightfall the crew weight oar and the Trollgitter was anchored in mid Channel 
- bandits were not unknown in this area. The rowers quickly raised their shelter 
and all on board gathered there to eat the fish stew that had been bubbling away 
all day. The ship's crew failed to story telling but the travellers retired to 
their quarters. 
Dawn found the Trollgitter sculling smoothly towards the mouth of the Blaugau, 
which would take them to their destination. The day passed uneventfully, apart 
from a brief stop at Kaltenbach to unload some cargo. By the time the ship tied 
up below Blauehafen-it was late evening. Thanking the master, Rhodrii and Keren 
alighted on to the dock and made their way through the port and into the town of 
Funfbrucke. 
They made their way to ease their usual stock off The Ogres Head, in the middle 
of the town. Taking their usual rooms they dined and sat a while listening to 
the singing and selling of tales that was a part of being in the Ogre. The old 
clock over the hearth showed a little after 11 when they departed to sleep and a 
little before seven when they return to eat next morning. 
The rendezvous was three days walk away, so after breaking fast and restocking 
with supplies of goat's milk, bread, meat and cheese they set out for the Gau 
Gorge. The weather remained dry but overcast and they made good progress, by 
midday they were descending into the gorge above the rapids. The way was now 
fairly flat for the remainder of the day's journey across water meadows and 
through stands of birch and pine. By the time night began to approach they were 
just about clear of the gorge, the path crossed the river by a pack bridge and 
nearby was a bothy which the pair intended to use for the night. 
The small stone shelter was uninhibited by other than rodents and insects. They 
ate and bedded down for the night, only the surrounding wildlife disturbing the 
silence of the night. Next morning they again woke early to find an early 
morning mist clinging to the land. Collecting their belongings, they were soon 
picking their way through the mist, the weather clinging to their clothing and 
chilling the early morning air. 
By mid morning the moisture gave way by degree to low cloud, shrouding the Monck 
from sight, however the meadows were now clear and they could now pickup the 
pace slightly. They reached the road to Klosters without seeing more than the 
occasional shepherd or goatherd high above them. After resting awhile they moved 
onto the new road and were soon climbing steadily through the pines; the way was 
quite wide and well traversed, being on one of the main overland trade routes. 
As a result the gradients were never too severe and after they cleared the 
trees, caravan campsites dotted the roadside every couple of kilometres. 
They passed little traffic even on this road, a shepherd and his flock, a group 
of transient walkers and shortly before stopping for the night, a grey shrouded 
man swept past. In The closing dark they could see the Klosterhutte outlined 
briefly by the setting sun and then it was gone. During the day Keren felled a 
Ptarmigan which they now cooked, hidden from view 20 metres or so from the road. 
Taking turns to keep watch, the night passed without the event. 
The light of dawn revealed clouds scudding eastward overhead but a light drizzle 
had replaced the previous dry conditions. The going from here to the Klockner 
Pass was, although rising steadily, quite easy-going and after eating they were 
soon setting a good pace. 
A few more travellers were about today and mid morning they passed a caravan of 
about 100 camels heading east. They exchanged greetings with their fellow 
travellers and by noon the Klosterhutte and Klockner dominated the view ahead, 
the roadway taking in a minor pass between their flanks before the pass proper 
was entered. The rested in the shelter of a large rock, the drizzle has steadily 
turned to rain, the rock offering some small respite. 
Heather and gorse of the surrounding mountains sides was becoming as great as 
the sky by the time they set off once again. The mountains disappeared as the 
roadway began to flood and puddle; the pair drew their cloaks more closely about 
them to keep out the chill weather. It was from out of this murk that they found 
themselves confronted by several men all armed and intent on mischief. 
Instinctively Keren turned to stand back to back with her brother; two more 
ruffians stood a short way behind them. The travellers stood still and watched 
as their assailants manoeuvred themselves around them, both releasing hidden 
knives in preparation for the forthcoming fight. Outnumbered three to one things 
were not looking good! 
Rhodrii pulled his bow free and prepared to use it as a stave, Keren dropped the 
knife into her hand and as if that were the signal, the bandits attacked. The 
pair fought back to back and well, a co-ordinated attack would have cut them 
down in seconds but their opponents acted individually, Rhodrii drew the 
attention of four and Keren at a disadvantage due to stature, fought a holding 
action with the others. 
They fought for over fifteen minutes with first the attackers then the attacked 
gaining the advantage, Rhodrii laying one man out with a blow to the temple and 
removing a another with a well-placed kick below the belt. Keren became 
separated and was now with her back against a boulder, just about keeping her 
assailants at bay. 
It was a lucky blow to Rhodrii's shoulder, which turned events, throwing him off 
balance, the bandits, was soon on to him and with a swift chop to the neck he 
was out of contention. With four of them against her, Keren decided that 
continued fighting would not improve the situation, so she dropped her blade and 
waited for what they would do next. 
Throughout the battle the ruffians barely spoke and this did not change now. One 
carefully retrieved her knife and motioned for her bow and other belongings. The 
result of such encounters varied, tales in the Inns recounted robbery, rape and 
murder for the victims, Keren vowed to take whatever fate handed out stoically. 
Another of the bandits was instructed to tie her up and soon she found herself 
bound and gagged next to her brother in a depression out of sight of the 
roadway. Rhodrii was still unconscious but those he had felled were now back on 
their feet, bruises on her brother's face were testament to their revenge. 
Although uninjured, the girl was tired from the fight and soon fell asleep. 
She was woken soon after by one of her captors who hauled her to her feet and 
directed her with the point of his sword to precede him, the cord securing her 
ankles to each other had been retied into a hobble which prevented any rapid 
movement. After a short distance, the others hove into view in a small clearing 
amongst the gorse that offered some protection from the elements. The individual 
who appear to be nominally in charge motioned his cohorts to release her arms, 
but she remained hobbled and gagged. 
Fear started to grab her but she managed to control herself as she was inspected 
by the one of the others addressed as Ganf, they spoke very little, she realised 
that mostly it was grunts with a lot of arm waving and only the occasional word 
punctuated their communication. It was fast becoming evident that rape was the 
best she could expect of this motley crew and this was confirmed when Ganf 
indicated that she should start undressing. She removed her tunic but before she 
could proceed any further she was pitched to the floor, however she was relieved 
to realise that this had been done to remove the hobble and her boots. 
All back to her feet, Ganf motioned for her to continue, it was evident that he 
would have her first, the others voyeurs. Thoroughly wet, she shivered as she 
removed her breeches and shirt then with more prompting her underclothes. 
Standing in the grove naked, her captors again started to inspect her, Ganf 
playing with her nipple rings then bringing his companions in to show them her 
tattooed body. Keren stood shivering trying to shut out all emotions as the 
inspection continued without a word only Ganf was there shedding his trousers. 
Two of the others then grabbed her arms and forced her to the ground. Kneeling 
in front of her assailant the lights suddenly went out. 
Keren awoke with a ringing in her head and the smell of urine in her nostrils, 
trying to move she found herself restrained. Over the ringing she could hear the 
bandits nearby but as far as she could tell, They had stopped short of rape. 
Moving her head she ascertained that her arms were staked out above her head and 
her spread legs similarly treated. More uncomfortable was the fact that her 
nipples were also attached by cord through the rings to the stakes restraining 
her wrists. It was also apparent that the pool of yellow liquid in the hollow of 
her stomach was of the source of the urine smell. 
The she realised that she was no longer gagged but all she could manage was a 
croak. Naked in the cold and wet she suddenly gave a shudder then wished she 
hadn't has her breasts erupted in pain. The rain became heavier, the voices of 
her captors became heated, she heard several sets of foot steps depart then 
others move her direction. 
Movie in her head carefully to the side she could see Ganf approaching with just 
one of his colleagues. Gripped again with fear, she lay to await her fate. Ganf 
again removed his trousers and came to her, his friend seated a short way off, 
'here it comes' thought Keren but just as it seemed inevitable a voice, clear 
and hard shouted. 
'Stop where you are' 
Ganf pulled up short and turned to the newcomer who had already disposed of the 
watcher. 
'Turn the girl free'; 
Ganf hesitated as the other levelled his sword at his chest
'Now!' 
The half-dressed man did as instructed freeing her ankles first, then arms 
leaving her nipples painfully to last. 
'Now over there' 
the swordsman indicated the downed man, Ganf started to move but as he drew 
level with the other, Keren's rescuers struck him on the neck putting him out 
next to his friend. 
'Come girl, quickly' 
Keren sat up and tried to get some life into her deadened arms and legs, seeing 
her plight the other helped her to her feet. 
'Your gear is over here, were you alone?' 
Finding her voice she replied, 'no my brother, he was in a hollow by the road.' 
'I thought it looked a bit of a struggle for only one girl, come dress quickly 
before their friends return.' 
Keren found all her clothes and set about replacing them, shivering all the 
while and wincing as the garments fell on her sore breasts. She was soon fully 
clothed; the other was keeping watch for her assailants. 
'Come bring your gear, I think your brother is nearby' 
Moments later they were reunited and their saviour was cutting Rhodrii free. No 
sooner was he up and the stranger started toward the road. 
'Quickly, we must leave here fast, if they recapture you, they will not spare 
you any indignity.' 
The turned West and only stopped after an hour, the rain continued to fall 
making the path treacherous in places. The Trio had travelled in silence thus 
far and only when they had settled under an overhang did conversation restart. 
'I am Pegar and you?' 
Rhodrii replied ' I am Rhodrii, this is my sister Keren' 
'Pleased to make your acquaintance.' 
'How can I thank you?' Keren asked 
'The pleasure was mine of fair lady, and your company here is enough for me.' 
'But how did you know we were there?' Rhodrii asked what was on Keren's mind. 
'Ah that was the simple bit. I could see by the churning of the road that a 
fight had taken place and you could hear those ruffians' miles away arguing. I 
approached their hideaway and observed four of them heading towards the road. It 
was obvious from the actions of the other two that some woman would soon have a 
visit, and not voluntarily. I decided the even the score a trifle then. So I 
followed, caught one on the hop and the rest you know.'
'I still cannot thank you enough ' Keren stated 
'Nor I, for I was lacking in my protection to my sister' Rhodrii continued. 
'Not so, from what I can tell you to put up a fair fight to save her honour.' 
Pegar started a fire and soon they were eating stew that he carried in his bag. 
'Is there a danger from a pursuit now do you think?' asked Rhodrii 
'I think not although we should post a guard, these bandits use the peak to 
quite a smaller area, but I think that group were heading up country from what I 
caught of their conversation.' 
'Do you know what they are, they spoke mostly in grunts' Keren asked 
'They come from beyond the high plain, they are known as Thiffrey and all of 
their kind are rogues', Pegar paused 'and what are too lowlanders doing here 
anyway?' 
'How did you know' Keren started 'that we are from the lowland?' 
'Your decorations of course' and Pegar winked at her, Rhodrii still did not know 
the extent of his sisters degradation. 
'Yes' replied Keren 'why? Oh yes we are meeting, or should I say, should have 
met some friends for a trip into the West today. They will wait I am sure.' 
'Where were you to meet?' Pegar watched his companions closely. 
'At the start of the Klockner Pass' Rhodrii replied 
'Ah good, I will see you safely there at first light then I must go down to 
Klosters.' 
They then fell into discussing the road conditions and weather, Keren massaged 
her bruised chest beneath her cloak, only on a toilet visit was she able to 
apply some salve to her battered teats. They grabbed sleep as they could but 
none were fully rested when dawn came. The drizzle of the past day was gone but 
a strong wind now blew down from the surrounding peaks, the Groß Klockner could 
now be seen a day's travel away to the West, and nearer the Klockner and 
Klocknerhutt. 
After a simple breakfast they returned to the road and an hour later could see 
the Klockner Pass and the Klosters road. They could see a figure coming towards 
them along the road, some 15 minutes later and they recognise it as Davril. Soon 
they met and after introductions they started heading down to the base of the 
pass where Anja and Mad-e-lyn waited by the cairn. When they arrived Mad-e-lyn 
had prepared coffee and the newcomers told their story. It was mid-morning when 
Pegar bade farewell and headed down the Klosters Road. 
Anja's party hoisted bags soon after and started on the four day crossing of the 
Klockner. The wind blew hard in their faces all day and by sunset they were 
north of the Groß Klockner. Even in summer snow fell at this altitude and that 
night it started to do just that. They built a lean too from brush and settled 
in. They talked that night of adventures past and of what they had each done 
since last they had been together. Mad-e-lyn ventured little and seemed to 
withdraw into herself. 
They awoke to find the land blanketed in snow, not deep, but it would make the 
going hard. After packing they set off, the line of the road clear as it wound 
up and over the high moors, the wind again gave little relief but the sky was 
clear and blue overhead, the Sun however had little strength to it. 
Rhodrii supplied a brace of hare for dinner and by the time sunset came; the 
Crystal Mountains were in sight. Mad-e-lyn contributed a bit more to the 
conversation that evening although Dav continued to run the topics. The 
following morning they were greeted by a grey sky and what snow remained was 
being eaten into by a steady drizzle. 
The road by now was in a sorry state, the camel train they passed did not help 
matters and soon all five were well splattered with ochre coloured mud. The wind 
was again ever present but by midday the snow and rain had gone leaving the 
Crystal Mountains shrouded in grey clouds. At midday they ate in the shadow of 
the Orb Spire. Soon afterwards they left the main road and took the road known 
as the Crystal Pass. 
That evening they left the road and camped in the caves below the Tebeukhorn, 
which offered somewhat better shelter than the surrounding country. Various wild 
life obviously thought the same and they had to flush a giant ground shrew out 
before they could make camp. Again they had hunted en route to provide meat to 
supplement their dwindling supplies and Mad-e-lyn was showing a surprising 
talent for preparing their fare. 
Their last day in the mountains dawned clear and bright but today without the 
stiff wind, just a gentle breeze bringing the fragrance of the high meadows to 
their nostrils. Apart from a few sheep they encountered no others travelling the 
Crystal Pass, and by mid morning they started to drop toward the settlement of 
Erdbeer Feld. To their left the Pferdkopf stood looking out over the High Plain 
which they could see in the distance. 
It was early evening when they reached the settlement of Erdbeer Feld, sheep 
farming community of low stone houses with shallow roofs and small windows. 
However it was not all austere, window boxes adorned every home and some walls 
carried large murals of various subjects. They found the inn and secured rooms 
then food. Over the evening meal Anja suggested they stop over for a day to rest 
as it could be well over a week before they again had the chance. All agreed, 
they should have ample time to make their rendezvous in the nine days at Ayla's 
Grove. 
Anja had briefed Rhodrii and Keren as she thought it prudent that they were 
aware of what lay ahead. The rest day proved to be invaluable as it gave an 
opportunity to check and repair equipment and wash their mud stained clothing. 
Rhodrii's bruises had now gone and Keren was no longer sore about the chest, all 
were however sore about the feet and most of the day was spent sat at the inn. 
Few travelled this way and apart from the children, the villagers seemed 
oblivious to the strangers from the East. Only Anja ranked more than a second 
look, her blonde hair seldom seen here, even the Saurienne was ignored. Hot 
springs just outside of the enclosure gave the opportunity for a hot bath first 
Rhodrii and Dav, then the girls. Her companion's body art, Anja's string of 
exotic blooms and Karen's birds and flowers entranced Mad-e-lyn. Only lowland 
women normally wore such designs, Anja although not a lowlander had adopted the 
country and had been tattooed as a sign of oneness with her lowland friends. As 
a woman Anja was an anomaly, blonde when almost the entire population were dark, 
an adventurer and universally liked by those who knew her. A sometime sell sword 
and occasional haus Frau she provided inspiration for many of her sex. 
The next morning they restocked with provisions and departed for the High Plain. 
About an hour later they arrived at the lift which held the cliffs that ran the 
length of the Crystal Mountains. They waited whilst a load of timber was raised 
up the cliff, then descended in the cage down to the base of the outcrop some 
200 metres below. The wooden cage creaked and shook as it fell and landed with a 
jolt at the base. 
They decanted onto the scree and were quickly on their way towards the edge of 
the Stiehlwald. Passing into the dense forests the sky disappeared behind the 
canopy above them and for most of the day they remained in the half light of the 
old forest, only breaking out on to grassland late in the afternoon. Shortly the 
Great Divide hove into view and by early evening they reached the rope and plank 
affair that answers as a bridge here. 
At Dav's suggestion they camped there by the bridge. They were woken next 
morning by pack animals crossing the bridge towards them; four small mulas were 
about halfway across the two-kilometre stretch so they ate breakfast while they 
waited for the animals to finish their transit. The pack master exchanged 
greetings as he passed; the friends were soon crossing the rickety construction. 
The each gazed at the depths below and into the deep shadow as they crossed this 
break in the Earth's crust that stretched for 200 kilometres across the 
Continent. 
They were soon across but now instead of following the trail West their route 
was to the north. With Dav and Rhodrii in the lead they headed along the rim of 
the Great Divide across the rolling grass of the High Plain. The going was easy 
and they made excellent progress despite having to detour around several side 
chasms. The day was warm and from time to time swarms of gnats descended on them 
although this was the only unpleasantness. 
The first night on the plain was spent by the Great Divide, undisturbed by man 
or beast but as was their practice they posted watch as usual. Next day dawned 
much as the previous one, the Sun soon beating warmly down on them, such that 
capes and tunics were removed. Their route veered away from the Divide towards 
where on the horizon stood the blue pyramids. The grasslands stretched unbroken 
as far as the eye could see only the occasional stunted birch breaking the 
monotony. 
The day bore on, a stiff breeze rising, whipping their hair about faces, at 
their lunch stop both Anja and Keren plaited theirs for comfort, Mad-e-lyn's 
coiled style was beyond either of their skills! The wind abated a little late in 
the afternoon and by last light they were but a few kilometres from their goal. 
They camped as usual, finding a depression that offered some shelter from the 
persistent wind that raked the grasslands. A herd of antelope passed nearby but 
otherwise they were again undisturbed. 
They awoke under a heavy dew which was soon burnt off under the rising Sun of 
the plains. The friends are prepared for the day ahead in which they would enter 
the Pyramids, by taking a good breakfast before heading off to their 
destination. Anja re-read the script that the Druid has given her, it was 
evident that the further structure was the first stop. 
By mid-morning they were at the base of the northern Pyramid, the sun casting 
stark relief on the surfaces of the structure. In the west face rose a stairway 
that they cautiously started to ascend, with anja now leading they rose steadily 
above the green of the plane. The way was steep, the steps high and it took most 
of an hour to reach the top of the stairway. 
They took the opportunity to rest and to survey the surrounding country, on 
three sides all they could see was grasslands whilst to the East, the Stiehl and 
the crystal mountains could be seen through the haze. 
Anja read from the script 
'A step below will see you in, so begin 
Four left, four right will prevent a fright' 
'What can that possibly mean?' 
Dav had already been pondering on this and thought he had at least part of the 
answer. 
' I think perhaps if we check that first step down we might see what the rest 
refers to.' 
'Seems good to me' anja replied 
They all descended to the step in question and began to search for any possible 
marking. 
It was Mad-e-lyn who discovered the steps cut several metres to the side of the 
main stairway. Sure enough there were four to the right and Dav crossed and 
confirmed those on the left. 
'I suppose we must get to them to avoid the fright' Keren ventured 
'I think so' Anja replied 'any ideas?' 
'Yes I have a way.' It was Dav who spoke, 'if I can reach across, I think that I 
can, you can each use me to bridge the gap.'
'Sounds risky' Rhodrii stated 'but worth a go' 
'OK' said Anja 'lets try.' 
The Saurienne stood by the edge of the main stairway and flattened himself 
against the smooth surface of the pyramid face. Edging out slowly and slipping 
more than once he managed to get his leg on to the flat of the top side step. 
'All right then, Keren you first.' 
Keren moved out and was quickly across followed in turn by her brother and 
Mad-e-lyn. Dav then regained the main stair and repeated his crawl to the other 
side, anja climbed across and Dav pulled himself to join her on the right hand 
steps. 
With a single movement the main steps disappeared and at the summit above them a 
doorway opened and then a door slid open. 
'All right' Rhodrii climbed up on to the newly revealed terrace closely followed 
by his companions. 
'I guess we're in now' anja stated matter of factly,' are we all ready for 
this?'
Each confirmed that they were in turn
'Well I suppose we had better go in then.' 
And with that the young woman led her companions through the portal. 


Darkness greeted them but they could discern a smallish room and some more 
doorways. Dav hesitated with a feeling of foreboding but shook it off and 
followed the others through into the interior of the pyramid, to whatever fate 
dealt them. 
As the friends cleared the entrance, the huge block concealing it slid back into 
place behind them. Dav quickly located a brand that he then proceeded to ignite; 
its light as it crackled into life casting long shadows on the walls and 
ceiling. Rhodrii located another that he lit from the first and the small 
company surveyed their surroundings. They stood in a small anteroom perhaps 
three metre square with a vaulted ceiling, behind them stood the now resealed 
entrance, the walls to either side were decorated with murals, one wall 
mirroring the other, showing the construction of the pyramids. The last wall, in 
front of them had as its main feature two open doorways of distinctly dark 
demeanour. 
Dav walked over and shoved his torch into each opening in turn, but nothing 
separated their bleakness, they, like the walls, mirrored each other. Anja 
withdrew from her tunic the parchment containing their only clues to the correct 
route, Rhodrii moved closer to give her better illumination from which to read. 
'The pyramids from the south, you must survey, to the west is the way' 
'Over here quick' Keren pointed to the wall to the left of the entrance, 'the 
mural shows the pyramids'
'How do we know which is the south view?' Mad-a-lyn asked no one in particular 
as they surveyed the murals. 
'Look here' it was anja who spoke, 'the Bridge of Sighs is shown in this last 
panel,' 
the others gathered around her shoulders. 
'When we left the bridge we were headed mostly north west to the pyramids, the 
bridge when seen from the pyramids would be to the right, this shows it to the 
left.' 
'That means the other wall must be the south view of the pyramids if it reflects 
this one'
They all five crossed the chamber to check the theory with fact. 
'We've solved the first part at least,' Keren chirped, 'it is the right hand way 
which is west of the pyramids.' 
'Are we ready then to continue?' asked Dav
All signalled that they were so with Dav in the lead, anja then Mad-a-lyn and 
Keren following with Rhodrii bringing up the rear, they entered the chosen 
passage. Although dry it smelt musty and a small cloud of dust at their feet 
marked their passage. It was wide enough to walk two abreast although the 
company preferred to remain in single file, and the vaulted ceiling was high 
enough for them to walk unbent. 
After only a few metres they turned to the right and the floor began to angle 
downwards. As the light left the first turn, another, this time to the left came 
into view ahead. A gentle breeze followed them, causing the brands to flicker 
from time to time causing bizarre shadows to appear on the walls and ceiling. 
The group made the corner and the floor tilted into a greater gradient such that 
they needed to use the walls to steady themselves. At regular intervals, alcoves 
were let into the walls, alternately to either side. About half a metre from 
floor level but otherwise of doorway proportions, each contained a carefully 
carved image of a Westland King. 
They proceeded cautiously on, occasionally studying an unseeing bust. After 
passing about a dozen such alcoves, their way again turned to the right, the 
breeze whistled lightly as it made the corner. The friends continued on and down 
with just the scuffling of their boots breaking the silence, the gradient 
remained constant and the alcoves regular to each side. The corridor continued 
to stretch blackly away in front, the light from their torches hungrily consumed 
by the blackness as they descended. 
After passing about a further twenty alcoves of kings centuries dead, the paving 
started to camber making their progress slower as they continued. The floor soon 
resembled a shallow trough with no apparent purpose; they had been descending 
now for nearly fifteen minutes when a new sound made itself present in the 
corridor. Starting as a low rumble above them, it was gradually building to a 
roar as it descended toward them. 
'Quick, the alcoves'
It was Rhodrii who issued the instruction as he pushed Keren into the nearest 
depression, beside the statuary. The others didn't need further words, as they 
ran down the corridor to each in turn gain safety with the kings, the roar 
building quickly into a crescendo behind them. Dav was the last to attain 
shelter, his large form causing some problems in squeezing into the narrow gap, 
the brand dropped to the floor in the confusion. Moments later the source of the 
deafening roar became evident as it hurtled down the path at great speed. 
The whole atmosphere shook with a huge pressure wave as the rock that almost 
filled the tunnel, banged and crashed, unstoppable on its downward course. They 
each felt the air sucked from them as the leviathan reached their hiding places, 
then they were almost ripped out into the corridor by the following draft. Then 
as suddenly as it started, the noise and vibration ceased. 
'Stay still' Rhodrii's tone was instruction ' there may be a follow up device'
Before he finished speaking a new roar could be heard far above. They each 
waited in their retreats, this time knowing what to expect. The second boulder 
bounced its way past and on into the depths below. The first device had 
extinguished Rhodrii's brand and Dav's was lost too. Rhodrii found flint and 
when he had re-lit the brand they gathered to survey the scene. 
Above and below, the remains of the displaced busts of kings lay on the floor 
where they had been pulled from their niches, the remained of Dav's brand was 
reduced to splinters spread away from them. They surveyed the scene silently for 
a moment whilst dusting themselves down. 
'How did you know?' asked Mad-e-lyn
'The next line of the script 'Past the Kings of the West you descend, if first 
the stone does not you bend''
'I'm glad someone's sharp' Dav enjoined, 'I think we should check the script 
again before we proceed any further.' 
'Agreed' Keren and Mad-e-lyn echoed. 
Anja retrieved the document from her tunic and traced the lines as she confirmed 
Rhodrii's rendition of the text. 
'A room of blue on the route for you, the way ahead is of similar hue'
'Sounds like an interesting one anja' Dav opined
'Well at least we know a bit more in advance to expect trouble' Keren continued, 
'lets get on with it' 
Anja re stowed the document and this time with Rhodrii leading with their 
solitary light, they set off in the wake of the boulders that so nearly 
succeeded in their purpose. The slope of the floor revealed another purpose as 
they descended, the debris mostly gathered down the centre, a newly evident 
stream of water washed it slowly downward into the darkness ahead. 
They descended for at least as long again, the flow of water increasing, then 
suddenly a solid wall barring their way confronted them. Of the boulders there 
was no sign, the stream disappeared along its lower edge, their way forward 
temporarily unknown. The floor here had levelled and there was no clue to how 
they could progress further. 
Dav and anja both drew daggers and began probing the edges of the stonework of 
the barrier, hoping to locate a hidden catch or mechanism. The others searched 
the tunnel walls that here appeared to be of solid rock, only Keren didn't 
search as she held the torch to light their search. It was Mad-e-lyn who found 
what they sought, literally tripping over it, sat in the floor close to the wall 
and covered by dust was a short lever. 
Dav and Rhodrii carefully cleared the dirt of aeons away before Dav braced 
himself against the wall before attempting to move the device. After much 
grunting, and the timely intervention of Rhodrii's muscle power, Dav moved the 
iron to the left enough for the hidden mechanisms to engage. Expecting the wall 
under which the stream flowed to move they were all a little taken aback when 
the wall to its right slid back revealing another short passage. 
With the Saurienne taking the brand and the lead, they cautiously passed into 
the newly revealed route and in only a few more moments found themselves at the 
entrance to what seemed like a large room. Dav lit brands that hung to either 
side of the doorway, the spitting flames revealed what was obviously the blue 
room of the script. About ten metres across and stretching away into the 
darkness, they could make out columns standing parallel to the sidewalls. They 
were actually stood in a small reception area; Dav lit more of the bracketed 
brands, which crackled noisily into life in the musty air. Soon they could see 
that the walls were covered in more murals and a complex mosaic covered the 
floor. Just visible at the far end, perhaps fifty metres away, was a doorway of 
impressive proportions, through which it looked like their exit lay. 
'What was the second part of that line again?' asked anja
'The way ahead is of similar hue' quoth Keren
'Well this is certainly the blue room' the walls and columns were predominantly 
a pale blue which complemented the vaulted ceiling. 
'I guess it means our route is indicated in blue' anja concluded. 
'Look, the floor' Rhodrii indicated the mosaic, 'a path across perhaps?' 
'But why?' Mad-e-lyn enquired. 
'Well there certainly is a path of blue tiles leading out, I suppose there is 
only one way to find out' Dav drew his long sword and proceeded to the edge of 
the mosaic. 
'Follow me carefully'
The others fell in behind as, testing each of the blocks with his sword, he 
moved cautiously along the blue route traced through the mosaic. The going was 
slow, their way winding back and forth across the room. As they approached the 
far end it became obvious that the blue path did not in fact approach the large 
door as they had presumed it would but seemed to terminate at the right hand 
wall. They followed Dav wordlessly toward the wall. 
'Where now?' the words were barely out of Keren's lips before a rumble warned of 
impending movement somewhere nearby. However in this case it was benign and a 
hidden door appeared where the path terminated. With Rhodrii now holding the 
brand, they moved into the new corridor. Dav armed everyone with a brand from a 
supply stacked inside the doorway and soon each was holding a lighted brand. 
They moved carefully into the enclosed space, the door closing of its own accord 
behind them as they moved away. The tunnel was narrow and musty with much spider 
evidence hanging in dusty skein's in the murk, hissing as the passing torches 
ignited it. The way although level wound back and forth, occasionally side 
tunnels left the main way, however instinct led them to follow the straighter 
route and this proved correct when they reached another door. A lever was this 
time in clear view but as a precaution Dav used his sword to trip the mechanism. 

Light flooded in to meet them and when they emerged, sighs of dismay were the 
order of the day, they were back in the blue room. However after taking the view 
in, it was clear that they had emerged to the left of the room, just a few 
metres from the huge door and from where they stood the blue path crossed to the 
huge portal. 
Again Dav proceeded cautiously along the blue mosaic and shortly they all stood 
in front of the portal. Rhodrii tried the handle and to their surprise the door 
swung silently open to reveal a short stairway. 
'Should we check the script again before we proceed' Mad-e-lyn enquired
'Yes I think we should' Dav turned to Anja who was already removing the 
parchment from its travelling place. 
'Straight and long the way goes on to a choice of two 
Up or down the way forward is up to you' 
'Well that's as clear as mud' Dav intoned as Anja concluded. 'I suppose it will 
make itself evident in time'
'Lets eat before we continue' Keren opined ' we're all tired and we shall likely 
need our wits later'
'Agreed'
They propped their torches against the walls and sitting on the steps, broke 
open the rations they all carried. The conversation was muted as they ate, 
concerned mostly with the way they had come and the way ahead, trying to 
discover the meaning of the next line. Shortly they retrieved their brands and 
cautiously started the descent of the stairway. Their route now followed a 
corridor that stretched for an indeterminate distance straight away in front of 
them. 
With Rhodrii leading they moved on as cautious as ever, the light from the blue 
room gradually diminishing as they moved further toward their destination. After 
an hour of walking, the corridor angled upward and they each felt a prickle of 
fear, remembering their earlier encounter with the boulders, this time there 
were no alcoves. However this time their fears were unfounded as the corridor 
ended in a junction. 
To the right a further corridor sloped down into the gloom, that to the left 
rose gently out of sight. 
'Which way now?' Keren was the questioner
'Well we've done the straight and long way, and this is obviously the up or 
down' Anja intoned, 'it says the way forward is up to you.' 
'There you just said it' chirped Mad-e-Lyn; 'the way forward is up!' 
'What do you think Dav' asked Anja. 
'She could be right, the other clues have been straight forward, we should not 
read too much into it and question it.' 
'What about you two?' Anja addressed her friends
'Dav is right, we will likely make trouble for ourselves if we question too 
much'
'Ok by me' Keren added. 
'Right, up it is then' declared Anja taking the lead from Rhodrii. The others 
followed on behind with Dav bringing up the rear. 
The gradient was easy; the tunnel of carefully cut blocks, a light breeze was 
just evident on their faces. The way turned to the right and continued upward, 
after fifteen minutes they turned right again, this was repeated four more times 
before the turns came quicker. Anja tried to mentally picture their route and 
place their position but the constantly changing direction threw her. The 
stretches of corridor between turns were short enough now to be seen in their 
entirety. 
Then without warning the floor below Mad-e-lyn and Dav opened, to swallow the 
screaming pair into a void. The remaining trio stared aghast as the floor 
returned to its previous position. For a moment they stood transfixed then 
Rhodrii broke the silence. 
'If they are still alive Dav will find a way out'
The two women remained silent, Keren appeared to be going into shock, Rhodrii 
put his arms about her in comfort and Anja joined them in a long, silent hug 
while Keren regained her composure. 
'We must go on' Anja said at last, 'they would both want that'
'Yes' agreed Rhodrii. 
Keren remained wordless but nodded her assent. They moved on and after a further 
two hours they arrived at a heavy door carved deeply with runes. 
'What does the script say of this' asked the young man. 
Anja produced the script again and read on from the previous clue
'Your name is the key to the door but not of floor 
Instead a king of three daughters is the clue 
Only one way in, one out, but not the same, no doubt 
For the exit remains well lit' 
'What do you make of that then?' Anja enquired
Keren broke out of her silence ' the script was given to you Anja, it must be 
your name it means for the door, but which king?' 
'Three daughters, the mountains!' Rhodrii exclaimed 'it must mean Eric'
'Lets try that then' suggested Anja, 'hold the brands so I can read the door'
Rhodrii too Anja's torch and with Keren to her left and Rhodrii to the right, 
Anja began deciphering the runes carved on the surface of the door. 

Maddy Bell 1998