Let me now relate an exciting tale from our recent trip to the World of the Northern Lights.
After experiencing the unbelievable beauty of the Crevice of Moli, we decided to visit the renowned Rotankes Caverns, outside the village of Tamlek.

Although Jestinna, one of the village elders, warned us to be wary of these caves and their dangers, we decided to press on to this newest adventure. We were furnished with sleigh and horses, provided directions, provisions for the day, and earnest wishes for a speedy and safe return.

As we journeyed through the forest, we would try to name the exotic plant life around us and observed some of the creatures that we passed, hidden among the trees.

About an hour later, we stopped at a cave entrance that had been charted on the map for us. Although it was only late morning under a cloudless sky, the foreboding mouth of the crevice was in total darkness.

Zyndal, staff in hand, led us into the murky darkness. As we began the long descent down the uneven pathway, it grew very quiet. The forest sounds had been left far behind and all we could hear was our own labored breathing.

After stumbling over several hazards, Zyndal whispered to his staff, and immediately light began to shimmer through the cave. The glow from his staff then produced a blazing orb that shot overhead, lighting the entire cavern in a soft light. Suddenly we could see everything around us and in that moment, our danger.

There, in the gloom, edging toward us, were a dozen or so creatures that I can only describe as terrifying. Added to their formidable looks was the fact that they carried short spears and their expressionless faces were not smiling.

Turning towards the others, I quietly remarked, "let us force into the hall of greatness, the wall of windswept grace, for if it fails, then the sky would be as yesterday's equinox of habit".
Backing up the rocky path we had just come down was a bit of a challenge, but we found it necessary to avoid the approaching catastrophe.

As we slowly backed up, I explained that these were probably the dreaded Dolanks, the blue skinned people that legend says had inhabited these caves for a millenium. We had foolishly stumbled into their territory and they looked as though they were determined to make us pay the price.

We continued to back away while the Dolanks pressed forward. The delicious terror of the next few moments was indescribable!

Finally arriving back at the cave entrance, I lifted my arms in farewell and as I did so, a gentle, golden light began to emanate from my fingertips. The Dolanks were enraptured by the light and as it touched the opposite wall of the cave, their gaze followed. In that moment we were able to make good our escape. Leaping into the sleigh, we called to the horses and blazed a new pathway back through the forest.

Other adventures were ours in that enchanting world, but those will be written about at a different time. The music track depicts our descent into the caverns and the spine-tingling feel of the vision of the Dolanks..........Davutus