d speak
with you again."

_CHAPTER FIVE_

_Into the Caves of Darkness_

Again Garin stood before the jade throne of Trar and heard the stirring
of the multitude of the Folk in the shadows. Trar was turning a small
rod of glittering, greenish metal around in his soft hands.

"Listen well, outlander," he began, "for little time remains to us.
Within seven days the Great Mists will be upon us. Then no living thing
may venture forth from shelter and escape death. And before that time
Thrala must be out of the Caves. This rod will be your weapon; the Black
Ones have not its secret. Watch."

Two of the Folk dragged an ingot of metal before him. He touched it with
the rod. Great flakes of rust appeared to spread across the entire
surface. It crumpled away and one of the Folk trod upon the pile of dust
where it had been.

"Thrala lies in the heart of the Caves but Kepta's men have grown
careless with the years. Enter boldly and trust to fortune. They know
nothing of your coming or of Thran's words concerning you."

Urg stood forward and held out his hands in appeal.

"What would you, Urg?"

"Lord, I would go with the outlander. He knows nothing of the Forest of
the Morgels or of the Pool of Mud. It is easy to go astray in the
woodland--"

Trar shook his head. "That may not be. He must go alone, even as Thran
said."

The Ana, which had followed in Garin's shadow all day, whistled shrilly
and stood on tiptoe to tug at his hand. Trar smiled. "That one may go,
its eyes may serve you well. Urg will guide you to the outer portal of
the Place of Ancestors and set you upon the road to the Caves. Farewell,
outlander, and may the spirits of the Ancient Ones be with you."

Garin bowed to the ruler of the Folk and turned to follow Urg. Near the
door stood a small group of women. Sera pressed forward from them,
holding out a small bag.

"Outlander," she said hurriedly, "when you look upon the Daughter speak
to her of Sera, for I have awaited her many years."

He smiled. "That I will."

"If you remember, outlander. I am a great lady among the Folk and have
my share of suitors, yet I think I could envy the Daughter. Nay, I shall
not explain that," she laughed mockingly. "You will understand in due
time. Here is a packet of food. Now go swiftly that we may have you
among us again before the Mists."

So a woman's farewell sped them on their way. Urg chose a ramp which led
downward. At its foot was a niche in the ro