“Stupid wolf,” Gala muttered, rolling over in bed. Her tightly-wrapped shoulder itched terribly. She had wanted to join the group on the beach, but Merya wouldn't allow her out of bed. "You'll need to stay in bed for at least a month." Galadriel didn't argue--audiably. She was going to the Forbidden Isle if it killed her. I hope Trav has some antibiotical ointment and asparin.. But for now she was just going to get some rest. A knock sounded on Galadriel's door. "Can I come in?" a voice called softly. The door creaked open to reveal Trav, standing in a dark pool of lightless shadows, a rough, burlap bag clutched in her hands. She glanced furtively back down the hall. "Are you awake, Galadriel?" she hissed.  "Is this the part where you ask me what I was thinking and scold me, the part where you congradulate me for surving or the part where we sneak out to the Evening Star?" Gala quipped “None, it is the part where I tell you to lay down and get a life. Not everyone heals as fast as me." Ezra snickered. "What happened to you anyway? But I was expecting Trav." Galadriel moaned. "Trav, where are you?" “He mouthed off and Rulalin threatened him. Nothing new.” Trav sent a withering look at Ezra, who had snuck up behind her. "Shhhh." she hissed. “We aren't supposed to be here."
"I have some asprin here." Trav handed Galadriel two white tablets. "The Evening Star ships out in three days. Think you can hide in the lifeboat the night before?" Trav handed an icepack to her friend. "You were pretty good with those wolves." "Thanks,but I thought it'd be better to get injured here, where there are "doctors." Of course, I'd rather have immerged unscatched, but a shoulder wound's not bad. And Ezra, if you keep doing that, we may have to send you back to our world. " Galadriel nodded towards the backpack in the corner. "Could you get some pics of the Black Wolves please? And then some of me?" Voices echoed down the corriedor. Trav set the medicine down on Gala's bedside table and darted back to her own chamber, calling back softly. "Three days. Remember!"   The night before the Novaana boarded the Evening Star, Galadriel swung up her backpack and stumbled out of the room. She leaned heavily against the floor, and fell down several times. "Must..reach...ship." Galadriel told herself. As she rounded a corner, she collided with someone. As the room danced before her eyes, Galadriel recognized Valzaan.
"What are you doing up, young warrior?" He demanded.
"I-i-i," Galadriel suddenly threw up all over the prophet.She sank to the floor in embaressment. "I'm soo sorry." Hopefully this didn't count as an offense against Allfather.
"Your head is burning. You should be resting. I'll help you back to your room." Valzaan encouraged gently.
"Valzaan, I know I'm sick, but...I have to go on the Evening Star. Just...trust me." Galadriel begged.
Valzaan stood silently for a moment. "I do not understand, but Allfather tells me you must go. I will guide you to the ship."
"Thank you," Galadriel gasped.
Once on the beach, Galadriel crawed up the ramp of the Evening Star and hid under the landing boats.
"Will you be alright?" Valzaan asked.
"Yeah...just tell Trav I'm here. Don't let the Novaana know."

Click. “That makes picture 235,” Trav flipped through the picture memory. “I hope we have enough for the rest of the trip.” "Excuse me, young lady." Trav whirled around and saw Valzaan standing right behind her. "May I have a word with you?" he asked.
Trav nodded, eying his damp robe. "Yes sir?"
The blind prophet laid his hand on her arm and drew her toward the landing boats. He motioned briefly toward them. "Your friend Galadriel is under their. She is very ill, and needs help, but she would not stay in Sulare, and Allfather has given me peace about her presence."
Trav glanced around at the busy deck. "I'll go see her as soon as everyone is busy." she assured him.
The old man grinned widely. "I can take care of that."   Footsteps neared Galadriel’s hiding place. "Is that you, Trav? Where's everyone else?" Trav hissed at the moaning boat. "SHhhhh! Everyone else has apparently left. Or they are hiding. I'm not sure." After a quick check for watchers, she darted under the large dome of the boat's hull. "How are you feeling?" she whispered "I don’t think anyone else is coming.” Gala’s stomach swirled. By the way, did I tell you I threw up on Valzaan?" Before she could stop herself, she vomited on Trav’s skirt. Trav stared down at her skirt. So gross. It’s a good thing I like you, Gala, cause otherwise I’d kick you overboard. Trav brushed off her dress. "I’m pretty sure it’s just us.” Hoping to distract her friend, she smiled. “Have you ever been to sea before?” A loud clump, like something falling onto the deck, sounded behind them, and Trav whirled round.  "Are you ladies alright?" The speaker was a young man in jeans and a t-shirt that read Sanity is overrated. "Not exactly," Galadriel moaned. "Who are you?" "I am Sulmandir, master of the blade and named after a great dragon because of my agility and speed. How may I assist you?" Trav peeked out from under the boat. "Well, it’d be great if you have some Lysol." She reached down into the Bag at her waist. "Never mind." Trav sprayed the area thouroghly with a can of Lysol and handed Galadriel a knockout pill. "Here, this might help the motion-sickness." "Can I have one also?" Sulmandir asked. "I get seasick easily." "Thanks." Galadriel mumbled. The tread of heavy boots approached across the deck. It was Aljeron and Koshti.
"What do we have here?Two stowaways? Galadriel, you should not have come. That wound needs time to heal. And who are you?" He turned to Sulmandir. "Another one of these--Otherworlders?"
"His...name's..Sul." Galdriel broke off coughing. This was not a good time for questions. Her stomach churned nerviously. And in a rush of bile, she threw up on Aljeron's boots. Sul and Trav jumped back just in time.
"I'm...sorry..." Galadriel moaned as she floated out of consciousness. Questions were forgotten for the time being as Aljeron called the other Novaana over. Meanwhile,Trav filled in Sul on the "rules" of being an 'Otherworlder.'   "Ummmmmmmm," Sul said, "So you don't think I should tell them my full name?" Trav elbowed him. "No. You probably don't want to go there." she turned to Galadriel. "Let's get you to a bunk somewhere. Now that everyone know about you - " she gestured toward Aljeron, who was pointing at them and talking to Joraiem, Pedraan and Cain. "-it's safe. Not like they can turn back now anyway."
She helped Galadriel up and glanced at Sul "But if she pukes on me one more time..." "I think that would be funny" Sul smirked. Trav glared at him. She had a glare that she was quite proud of - she had once stopped a suicidal Clibnon with it.   After sleeping for several hours, Galadriel woke up feeling much better. "I guess now's as good a time as any to discuss what we're doing on the Forbidden Isle. I, for one, am not being captured by Malakim."  "Of course you will," Sul said, "Then I can come to your rescue. Or maybe you won’t get caught--either way is fine with me. One thing I plan on doing is going fishing with Synoki and Rulalin. I'm so not letting him kill Jori—he’s my favorite charrie!" Galadriel glanced at Trav. "We went over this already. It'd be like Bilbo killing Gollum--a lot of bad things would be avoided, but many good things wouldn't happen either. And Allfather knows if we'd be able to get home afterwards." "I’m still not letting him die," Sul answered. A young woman walked into the room. Her eyes darted around the room. “Ashley? Jane? Where are you?” Her gaze paused on Sul, Trav, and Gala."Wh-Where am I?" "The world of Kirthanim from the series Binding of the Blade by L.B. Graham. We are currently aboard the Evening Star, on the way to the Forbidden Isle." Galadriel spoke up and looked at Trav again. Even if everyone else had gone home,at least they were getting some new arrivals. "I am known as Galadriel—or Gala for short--, and my friend here is the Traveler, aka Trav. He's Sulmandir, but we call him Sul for obvious reasons." Sul put his hand out. "I'm the protector of this rag-tag band. Do you have any knowledge of weapons?" “’Fraid not. You can call me Sulaire.” Galadriel sat up; then lay down as she was overcome with diziness. "Sul, I believe Trav has senority--she's been to Middle Earth and trained with Pippin. Sulaire, how does 'Laire' sound as a nickname since Sul's been taken. And a word of wisdom for both Sul and Laire: No talking about future events AKA prophecying!" "Oh ya? I think not. I've been trained by High King Peter, and as for this ‘Pippin’ guy, he sounds like a pipesqueek." Sul grinned, "Oh and don't let ol' Gala Apple here scare you off. She can't do much to you right now" "Ok, got it…I'm Laire…no talking about what we know ..." Laire said almost to herself. "Another one for the “be quiet” team....." Sul muttered. Trav nodded to the newcomer. "Hi, Rhee, or do you prefer Laire? I'm Trav. Yes, I've been to Middle Earth, as well as many other places that ‘supposedly’ don't exist." she looked pointedly around. "Like this one.And yes. You ARE NOT allowed to change the course of events. Well, I'm not even sure if you really can. I tried, with that kid in Sulare, and it didn't work."
Just then, Wylla poked her head into Galadriel's cabin. "Time for dinner," she said cheerfully. Then she saw Sulare and Sul.
Trav took a breath to try and explain, but Wylla shook her head.. "Never mind. I don't want to know."   The group filed down a long, skinny hallway to the galley, where a steaming soup and some hot, crusty bread were laid out on a long counter. A large port-hole gave a glimpse of glistening blue sea and the stars just beginning to glimmer overhead. Rhee stumbled a bit as she headed to the dining room. She hadn't gotten her sea legs yet, and she was still shocked about being in another world.
"This place is so cool," Rhee said to Trav, "but I really don't know how well I'll manage. The only weapon I have any experience with is the bow. I could probably use a small sword or large dagger if it's not too heavy, but other than that I really don't know how to fight. Unless wresling with my brother counts..." she added hopefully. "Don't worry.” Trav laughed. “We’ll be lucky to get a look at the action, much less participate."
 Trav lowered her voice as she ladled out a serving of stew."So, who wants to stay with the women and the giants, and who wants to stay with the guys and see the dragon? We need a few in each bunch." "I really don't want to be caught by the Vulsutyrim, . I don't think it will be very fun getting stuck in the dark and then bounced around on Malekim backs. But the Novaana might make me go with the rest of the girls anyway." Rhee sighed. Because her excitement over new people, Galadriel felt well enough to have a small supper. "They can't really make you," she told Rhee."Just pretend to go with them and fall behind while running, then wait for Joriaem to open the gate." "Yeah, that's a good idea " Rhee commented. Gala glanced at Sul. "You and Ezra would get along fine. It's too bad he's not here--on second thought, I can only handle one guy at a time. And Trav's right about changing things. We tried to save Corlin when the Black Wolves came--but he ended up saving me." She tugged on her dress collar to reveal her shoulder wound. "That's how I got this. We all need to be careful--nothing changes if we die. Although..." she mused. "it's like if Jill and Eustace had died in Narnia in the Silver Chair...they may have...oh, never mind." "Well, I’m still going." Sul said, "And I am going to see some action. It’s been way to0 long since I've been able to use my sword." Rhee giggled nervously, "Oh, seeing action is not my problem. It's if I get in the action that I have problems. I only used a bow in gym class, shooting at stationary ojects no more than 30 feet away. Also, I have bad aim" She yawned. "Where am I going to sleep?" "With the girls." Sul said. “I'm going to go sleep with Aljeron, Jorry, and" he spat. “Rulalin." "You have to give Rulalin a chance," Rhee replied. "Besides, he hasn't done anything yet. And yout hostility towards him certainly won't help matters. I hope he doesn't die,” she added absentmindly. "He was just starting to come around." "Well, how far have you read?" Galadriel lowed her voice. "Between Father of Dragons and the first chapter of All My Holy Mountain, I think he's sincere, but I don't know if I want him to die or not. Depends on my mood. I think I'll join you." Galadriel yawned widely. "I still am not entirely better. Sleep sounds very good." "I've read all that’s released. “ Rhee rose to her feet.. "You’re right, though, let's get some sleep. We'll be needing it before long."     Galadriel woke early the next morning and slipped out onto the deck to watch the sunrise. She pulled her camera from her backpack and took several pictures of the beautiful scene.
"Lovely morning, isn't it?"
Galadriel quickly dropped the camera into her lap and tried to cover it with her dress. Then she looked up. "Certianly, Valzaan."
"You are feeling better?"
"Yes,I am." Galadriel tried to sound lighthearted.
"Where did that boy come from?"
"Sul?" Galadriel rubbed her palms together. "I don't know. He just...appeared."
"Like you and Trav did?" Valzaan's voice was calm.
Galadriel licked her lips nerviously. "I don't know what you mean."
"I think you do. You just don't want to tell me."
"Ah...well..." Galadriel stammered.
Valzaan seemed to gaze into her eyes. "If you don't wish to explain, just remember that no one can keep a secret forever." And with that, he strode off.
Galadriel exhaled slowly. "That was close."

Later that morning, Galadriel sat on the deck with Trav, Rhee, and Sul. "I was thinking we should probably split up after Nal Gildoroth. I would be willing to be captured, but I think Trav and I should split since we have slightly more experiance. So, Trav, maybe if you could go with the guys, since you have more training...if I fought Malakim, I'd be dead. Sul probably should go with you, since he's a guy, and Rhee, maybe you could come with me?" Rhee sighed. "I'll go with you, Galadriel. Frankly I don't want to be captured by Malekim but like you I couldn't fight them. This is my second time Traveling, but the first time I went to Pern—no swords there.” “Give me your camera, unless you want the Malakim to steal it. I’m staying here—maybe I can kill Synoki before he poisons Rulalin.” Sul scowled. "Sul," Rhee said smirking, "I thought we weren't allowed to even try to change anything. Still, it would have been nice for Jorrey to be able to see his-" She stopped abruptly as Joriem came around the corner. Jorieam blinked. "I don't remember you...Are you new?"
"Yes. Joraiem, this is Sul and Rhee."
"Hello..." Joraiem blinked. "Did you sneek on with Galadriel?"
"Yes," Gala replied, casting about for a diversion."Is that Wylla over there?"
"Is it..." Jorieam repeated dreamily, wandering off.
"That was close.Let's go back in the cabin." Galadriel suggested. "No offense, Rhee, but...Pern? The morals there are frightful, and the dragons are pathethic. And Sul, the camera's mine, but Trav might have one. I'm hanging onto my own. The Malakim only take weapons. I can hide it." "I like those books and I didn't mean to go to Pern. I didn't even mean to come here...I just did," Rhee replied stubbornly. "Does anyone know how long until we land?" "To each his own, I guess." Galadriel shook her head and held open the cabin door. "I'd like to visit Narnia, Middle-Earth, and Dragons in our Midst." “Ya, ditto on Narnia and Dragons in our Midst, plus The Door Within! And here, of course." Sul answered. “Anyway...how long have we been on the ship and how far do we have left to go? The ship was already sailing when I got here," said Rhee. "Ask Trav. I was sick, so I don't really know. Three, four days, perhaps?" Galadriel stared at Sul. "We can send you home if you don't behave." “Yeah, if you kill Rulalin, I don’t know what would happen.” Rhee scowled. "They might tie you up or run you through or something. Well, they are Novaana so they probably won't kill you. But still..." "Alright, already, fine" Sul said "I'll be good but if anyone tries to send me away, well let’s just say it could get messy." ”That's a deal." Rhee replied. "I'm going to go for a walk. The twins will probably be training with their new weapons and I have to see that. Who knows, I might be able to pick up a bow and a dagger...just in case." “Make sure you grab some arrows to go with the bow.” Gala chuckled. “It’s no use otherwise.” "I'll come with you!" Sul said, a little too eagerly. "To—uh--make sure you will be ok."   Galadriel glanced around for Trav. Her friend had been very quiet recently. "Is something wrong?" she asked. "Are you worried about something?" Trav reached under the bunk and pulled something out. "I tried something last night." She held her fairy-gift bag in her hand. "Sul and Rhee, I'm not sure if you guys know about this. It's a "magic" bag and you can put anything—or take anything out-- as long as it fits through the top. So...I cut it in half."
Gala stared at her. “What the—“
Trav hastened to explain. "It was a calculated risk. And I sewed the halves together and got this." she pulled out a second sack. "They interconnect. Look." She shoved her hand into the first bag up to her elbow. Her fingers wiggled out of the other bag.
"Oh, sicko, weird," Sul muttered. “Look who was talking about murder,” Rhee retorted.
"Isn’t all of this weird?” Trav pointed out. “Anyway, it can keep us connected. When we split up after Nal Gildoroth, we can use these to communicate. Though we'll have to pass notes, because sound doesn't get through. Cool, huh?" "By the Mountain, that's clever!" Galadriel exclaimed. "It's better than a cell phone! We can share the camera, maybe even food. Let's test this out while we're on the ship. Here," Galadriel waved a piece of toast from breakfast and put it in one of the bags. "There's gotta be an appriate quote somewhere for this..um...ah...Beam up the bread, Sul." Galadriel tried to forstall the groans she knew were coming. "You guys have anything better to say? Just take the bread, Trav." Sul groaned, "Gala, that’s got to be the worst saying I’ve said yet." He burst out laughing. "But it was good, maybe I'll change my name to Scotty or something.... maybe Captain Kirk…” "So, Trav, you're going with the guys? That's okay, right?" Galadriel asked.
Just as Trav was about to answer, Rulalin stormed in. The cabin grew quiet as all four stared at Rulalin. "What's going on here?" He huffed. "Stop staring at me, all right?"
Galadriel glared at him.
"What's wrong?" Rulalin demanded.
Galadriel took a deep breath and went for broke. "Give up on Wylla already. She doesn't love you!"
Rulalin stormed up to Galadriel and backed her against the wall. "Who do you think you are? You know nothing!"
Galadriel gulped nerviously as the three Otherworlders watched. Rulalin muttered something under his breath before shoving his way out of the cabin.
"Whew!" Galadriel sank to the ground. "That was close." "I swear" Sul said, "If he touches any of you again, he will be sorry." Rhee, looking at Galadriel, said, "I don't think he'll get a chance to touch you again, one of us would probably run him through first." Trav groaned "Too dramatic, Sul. And you can't do it anyway. If you do, Jorry will—“ she lowered her voice, "die anyway. Heck, maybe YOU'LL kill him."
She held up the note-book sized bag. "Here, Galadriel. You want this?" she pulled out the toast with a flurish. "And sure, I'll go with the guys. I want to explore Nil Gothathingy anyway." "It's Nal Gildoroth," Rhee corrected. No, I’d never kill my favorite charrie.” Sul spat. "I’ll still run Rulalin through," Sul glanced out the window. "Hey--I see land!" The OtherWorlders spilled from the cabin and ran to the edge of the deck, pressing themselves against the rail. "It's pretty…” Rhee sighed, "I know what will happen, and has happened there, is not good--ya know," she lowered her voice, "with the Kumatin and everything but it's still pretty to look at." "Im going to question Synoki when he holds the hammer" Sul said Galadriel took the bag from Trav and looked out at the Forbidden Isle. The Novaana listened as Valzaan talked about why Malak's creations were so hidious."Let's try to bring as much as we can off the ship, since it will sink."