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nothing. There is a law that prevents the king of one country from meddling with the affairs of another unless his life is threatened. We have been forced to stand back and watch the land spiral into a state of degeneration.
    “Altor didn’t give up easily—he fought hard, but he was young and was slaughtered like an animal. We don’t know how this happened because Altor had a large army of soldiers and Leostrial had only a score or so.” Gaddemar lowered his voice and slowly leaned towards Luca. “But we have a spy in the castle. They have informed us that Leostrial came across the waters with great and strange powers. It has never been known in our world for a man to wield powers such as these—powers that only the gods should hold.”
    “We fear the worst. Tyrants such as him are not happy until they can cause great devastation and conquer everything in their path,” Accolon said abruptly. He had been watching Luca intently throughout the conversation. Luca looked at the king with foreboding.
    “Why are you telling me this?”
    Gaddemar blinked. “Direct, aren’t you?” He shrugged and spread his hands wide. “It is a lot to learn at once. Especially if, as you say, you found the portal by accident. But you must understand, Luca, that we have many stories about Strangers who have crossed over. They have been treated with great respect. I would have your stay here be as pleasurable as possible. Perhaps, some day in the future, you may be able to help us.”
    Some day in the future. Luca considered the implication of his words. It was the first time since waking up that he’d had the chance to consider his predicament.
    “Will you help me find my friends?” Luca asked, his voice conveying a calm he did not feel.
    “Of course, we can try. How many of you crossed?”
    “Six, if everyone made it.”
    Accolon sucked in a quick breath. There was a light in his dark eyes as he looked wonderingly at Luca. Gaddemar only stared down at his hands, frowning, and said quietly, his voice heavy, “So. You have finally come.”

Chapter 4
    Jane and Fern walked for a day and a night and it seemed to her that they had been walking forever. It was not easy winding a slow path around the mountain, the track was often covered with slippery stones and crumbling edges. Fern didn’t seem to notice any of it—he spent the entire time singing and joking and telling silly stories. If he weren’t so tall and strong, she would have thought him a child.
    The mountainside began to level out, and a distant noise tickled Jane’s ears. “What’s that?” she asked, looking around them to find the source.
    Fern grinned secretively. “A surprise, lady. Close your eyes.”
    “I’m not closing my eyes anywhere near you!” she exclaimed. “You’d probably push me over the cliff for a good laugh!”
    “You think so little of me! I’m hurt.”
    Jane rolled her eyes, not deigning to reply. Fern leapt from a rock and clutched at his heart, groaning in mock pain. “Your cruel words have wounded me, lady. I might as well throw myself from the cliff to ease the pain!”
    She watched him for a moment, and couldn’t help a reluctant laugh. “Oh, all right. Don’t give yourself a heart attack. I’m closing my eyes.”
    After a moment she felt him gently take her hand. Slowly he led her, telling her repeatedly not to peek. As they walked she noticed how warm his hand was. How big and encompassing. This annoyed her.
    The noise grew to a deafening thunder and finally Jane opened her eyes.
    “Oh,” she gasped, rocking on her feet.
    Fern smiled, his eyes bright with triumph.
    They were standing at the edge of the mountain in a clearing that overlooked a massive cascading waterfall, several hundred metres high. Jane was frightened, for they were so close that she only really needed to take a few steps and she could have reached down and touched it. The cool spray drenched them both.
    From this gap in the trees, they had a clear view.