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underground labyrinths. Very soon, a fraction was formed and they decided to try to build their new lives on the world above ground, craving the harsh, unnatural sunlight. They broke away from the underground community and sought shelter in the surface caves and crags of the scattered rock formations. These people became known as the Dreden. Over many decades, theyadapted to the environment of Aridian's surface, but there was a price to pay.
    â€˜Generations of living in the desert climate and adapting to a harsh diet changed them into a resentful and aggressive people who became enemies with their former kinfolk. Their skin grew tanned and leathery, as they developed a high tolerance to the extreme temperatures and an ability to endure long periods without the need to drink. However, there always comes a time when water is critical for survival and this is when they attack us both above and below ground to raid our water sources and food stores.
    â€˜There has never been what could be called a war between us, just a continuing series of hostilities. When they are not fighting us, they argue and fight with each other. They live in scattered groups across Aridian's surface; it is only when a group of them becomes truly desperate that they attack us. Many times, we have tried to reason with them but they have had no overall leader, no one who would take responsibility to join them together so that we can encourage them to live in peace and harmony with us again.’
    A deep shudder suddenly passed through the floor bringing dust clouds from the walls and ceiling. She stopped for a moment, listening, and then she was on her feet.
    â€˜The Rune Stone! She tries for the Rune Stone again,’ Cassaria shouted as she ran towards the wall and pressed the stone carving. Ameer was also on his feet and he was heading for the doorway after Cassaria.
    â€˜Come on, Billy,’ said Frog. ‘We don't want to miss anything.’
    As they re-entered the great cavern, Cassaria was standing before the altar, her arms raised up in front of the now-pulsing orb. The bangles on her wrists were glowing white-hot and she was chanting in a strange language. The ground shook again and then a low drone resonated around the cavern, gradually rising in pitch until it was shrill and unbearable.
    Frog and Billy covered their ears as it vibrated around their heads and then penetrated their minds, numbing their thoughts. They sunk to their knees in pain and through half-closed eyes Frog saw that even Ameer was helpless, crouched against the far wall, his arms wrapped over his head.
    A shrill, harsh voice resonated from the Rune Stone.
    â€˜The Stone shall come to me. I shall rise up and conquer the Dimensions. The Hourglass will be mine and then time shall be my slave. My brother's powers have been passed to me through the Slipstream and the Stone's energy feeds my strength. Resistance is useless. Give up the Stone. Now!’
    The noise reached a shattering high pitch and pieces of the cavern's ceiling crashed down around them as the floor shook again. Cassaria was now suspended in mid-air, level with the floating blue orb. At once, she became enveloped in a white radiance, her arms outstretched and reaching into the orb. Frog could see that a gigantic battle of wills was being fought as Cassaria's figure wavered and rippled as if she had been turned into a thin veil of material. Another shudder and a statue toppled over and crashed forwards, the figure exploding into chunks of stone as it hit the floor.
    Frog felt Billy's arm nudge him as another large chunk of rock smashed into the ground close by. He could see that Billy was trying to say something but his words were drowned out by the deafening noise.
    â€˜What is it?’ Frog shouted back, not even hearing his own voice.
    Billy mouthed another word and nodded his head towards Frog's belt. Frog looked down to see that his leather pouch was glowing with the same burning white light