As a child did you ever believe that there were strange and magical lands just waiting for you to discover and explore? There might have been times that you entered a wardrobe half expecting the back to be no longer there, that you would soon be in "Narnia". Or maybe that a certain rabbit hole would lead to a "Wonderland"?. So many writers tapping into a similar source, finding their "Lilliput" or "Dinotopia". Can it be coincidence? Maybe there's some distant memory stamped into our DNA? An unconscious fact crying for full recall, a way to our forgotten past.  What if those childhood stories carry a truth, one lost since ancient times? What if there are magical lands just waiting for someone to dial the right combination and open the door? If so this story might just be true.....

Combinations

Prologue

The Isle of Anglesey, North Wales, approximately 2000 ago. The Roman campaign against the druids nears its close.

 The stiff breeze brought a whiff saltiness from sea, adding to the camp’s familiar mix of cooking fires, damp leather and canvas. Suetonius Paullinus, the Roman Governor of Britannia, had to admit he liked those odors. Unfortunately, they competed with the stench of sweat from veteran legionnaires and horses. Not to mention the festering smell from the latrines, kept close to the ground thanks to the damp, cold climate. He let none of this show as he watched with seeming disinterest as two legionnaires approached on horseback, pushing a disheveled boy before them.  He motioned casually with his free hand, sending an aide over to question the riders before they reached him.  
“Your Excellency, they bring news of the search and information regarding the druid leader Grymmed.”
Saluting together, the legionnaires stepped forward with the frightened boy between them. The senior of the two spoke.
 “Your Excellency, the general reports.  We crossed the causeway as ordered and found this boy trying to come the other way. He says he had just left Grymmed. Apparently, the druid brought his family and those of other druids to a meadow on the far island.  We searched the meadow; no one is there.”
“So the child lied to you?”
“The general doesn’t think so. Broken carts, a couple of lame mules and other recently abandoned belongings littered the field. A fairly large group must have left there and in a hurry. We sent out scouts but found no one for miles.  It’s as though they disappeared!”
“When you have seen as many campaigns as I have, you will come to know that what disappears has an annoying habit of reappearing at the worst of times! Tell the general to continue searching. Find where they went!” He stood, for the first time seeming to show genuine interest in the matter. “Where was this boy going?”
The second legionnaire spoke to the young man in Celtish as the others looked on.  The cowed and trembling boy covered his face with his hands and started jabbering in the same language.  Moments later he stopped and looked fearfully at the governor.
“Apparently, your Excellency, he is one of seven who were sent out to find …” Turning briefly to the boy, he exchanged more words with the Celt before continuing his account to the governor. “…to find the Secret Keepers. They were to relay the command that the secrets be concealed within their families; no outsider must learn of them. He claims that no one but the Keepers themselves know the secrets. All he understands is that they are of the land. `Lands within lands’ is the closest translation I can make, I’m afraid.”
“Hmm,” growled the governor, “find me these Keepers.  As the land is ours, so should its secrets be.”

1 School’s Out

Tyldesley, North-West England, present.

A perfect day. The mid-July sun stood high in the summer sky. The laughter of children echoed around the rapidly emptying school buildings, like the call of gulls at the shore, underscored by the multi-tonal hum of hundreds of excited adolescent voices. The smell of freshly mown grass hung in the air. More importantly, school was finally over for the summer!
Having just said goodbye to his girlfriend, Emily Dawes, Daniel Evans was waiting for another girl, Amanda Pryor. Mandy had been his closest friend since they were both toddlers, he would be sixteen in September. Dan didn’t mind school. He was an athlete and especially enjoyed playing for its football team, but oh, how he enjoyed the summer holidays.  Born and raised in Tyldesley, an old town put on the map during the Industrial Revolution, Dan had spent most of his summers on the green, sedate isle of Anglesey, North Wales, where his family owned rental caravans.  He would be traveling there Sunday, and anticipation bubbled inside him.  Chatting with Mandy, Dan headed up Elliot Street toward home.  His house was on Upper George Street, just ten minutes from Fred Longworth High School.   As they approached Dan’s he got the front door key out of his pocket. He started to walk up the short path to the front door of the red brick house, expecting Mandy to follow him.
“I’ll be back soon, Danny.  Right now I’m going home to change into real clothes. I want to forget my uniform for the summer!” She instead informed him.
“Sounds good.  I’ll leave the door unlocked. Just come in when you’re ready. See ya soon!”
The door open, Dan stepped into the cool vestibule, past the four sets of Wellington boots and through the glass door into the hallway. Here Sylvester, the family cat met him, rubbing against his ankles. He reached down to stroke its neck then jogged up to his bedroom, turned on his computer to check email and rapidly changed into a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. Having done that he casually threw the piles of freshly washed clothes, his mum had left on his bed, into their respective drawers. He was putting his underwear and socks in their drawer when he heard the familiar message, “You’ve got mail.”  It was a message from Emily.
Danny – Dad’s taking the boat up to the lakes on Tuesday so we can water ski. He said that I can invite someone, as long as it was you! He doesn’t trust me to drive the boat!  I’d love you to come with us. I miss you. I am sorry about the argument, I do know that you don’t think of Mandy “that” way. Love, Emm.
Aw no! It would have to be this Tuesday, wouldn’t it!  He smiled, just like Emm to forget. He wrote back:
“Hey, Emm – Sorry, but I can’t make this Tuesday. I promised Mum that I would go to Anglesey with her – help her get the caravans ready. Tell your Dad sorry. I do want to go with you. Hopefully some other time. Got to go now. Bye, Danny.”
He clicked “send” and was thinking of water skiing and Emily in her swimsuit when he heard the door downstairs.  He jogged down the steps and was startled to see Mandy no longer had the carefree look they had shared on the walk home. 
 “Are you all right?”
“It’s my Mum and Dad, Danny. They’re fighting again. More and more!” she replied wearily.
“They’ve always fought. You’re just older and realize it more.” He reasoned.
“No, I’ve heard them. When they forget I’m there or think I’m asleep. They end most fights saying stuff like ‘At least I only have to put up with you for one more year’ or ‘I’ll be glad when she’s done with school, so I’ll be done with you!’  I really don’t know what’ll happen to me then. Dad’s been offered jobs by his company in all kinds of places, but he’s always turned them down. I think he’ll take the next one.”
“A year’s a long time, Mandy, anything could happen before then.”  Wanting to get her mind on more pleasant thoughts, Danny added, “Don’t forget your bike on Sunday. Anglesey’s great for biking.”
 “That’s great.  I was afraid it was going to be boring, what with us just cleaning caravans and hanging around the site,” she smiled tentatively.
“Yeah, there’s not going to be as much cleaning as we thought either. The new caravan we bought on the other site was spotless. Like new Mum said!  So most of the work is already done.”
“Is it just going to be the two of us riding our bikes everywhere?”
“No, Jules has a mountain bike now, so it will be the three of us.”
“Of course, I forgot about Jules. Brilliant.”
She had startled herself. Why was she so disappointed not to have Dan all to herself? She loved Jules. If she was ever to have a little brother, she would want one just like him. It’s not like she didn’t see enough of Dan.
“C’mon, let’s go find something to snack on,” Dan suggested and they headed for the kitchen.
They settled on Mars bars and cans of pop and went to the living room. Dan stared out the window while Mandy looked around the room and at Dan. She smiled because she felt like she knew what he was thinking. Dan and Jules were both second generation train buffs with a model railway in their cellar. Their dad used to take them on day trips to various places where enthusiasts continue to run steam trains.  Dan would often tell her how his dad was raised in the house next door and how he would stand, as Dan himself was, looking out the window. He’d mention that the hill below was where the town’s railway station had stood, no more than a quarter mile away.  Since Dan’s dad was killed six years ago, she’d watched him stand like this often. She knew it was the remembrance of his dad, not the view, which continually brought him back to that very place.
 “Fancy a walk?” Dan asked, breaking out of his reverie.
She was quick to agree.
Finishing their snacks, they headed out, walking to the corner and turning left down Warring Street, the street that used to lead to the old station. The station had long since been demolished and much of the railway’s embankment had been sculpted and landscaped, along with the old refuse heaps left from the coal mine that once existed. Mandy was glad for the walk.  They always had deeper conversations whilst walking alone.
 “Do you really think they’ll divorce?” Dan asked.
“This time? Yeah, they talk like it’s all planned out.”
“Bummer,” Dan commented.  “Do you think one of them is having an affair?”
“I don’t think so…..”
After talking and walking for an hour, they returned home and parted company. Julian arrived home soon after Dan’s return. His last day at the junior school ended earlier than usual but not as early as the senior school. Dan could see a mix of emotions on his brother’s face as he walked in, a handful of finished projects and artwork in his hands. Julian made only the briefest acknowledgement of his brother’s greeting as he trotted up to his room. Clomping down the stairs minutes later, he headed straight to the kitchen, grabbed a Mars bar, opened the door to the cellar and jogged down to run the model railway. Dan joined him.
They were proud of their railway. Central to it was a model of Tyldesley’s old station. Most of the landscaping and the buildings, apart from the station, were placed to their own design. Their dad had been the main architect and builder, but he had found a way to include his sons in every step of the project.  Dan remembered carefully draping the papier mache over the crude cardboard structures as his dad’s strong fingers smoothed the wrinkles.  Even young Jules helped paint the green hills and place the shrubs and trees.  He remembered the cold, wet feel of the gooey papier mache moustaches they stuck to their faces to surprise Mum and her soft scolding over the state of their clothing.  They were still in the cellar nearly two hours later when they heard their mum arrive home.  Walking part way down, she perched on the steps.  She asked them about their days and told them a little about hers. Carole Evans was still slim and youthful, with only the creases around her eyes betraying the weight of her life.
Sunday morning dawned bright and warm, and the Evans household prepared to attend church services. Afterwards, they would leave for North Wales. Mandy came around first thing to go to church with them, something she rarely did. Emily was waiting outside the church with her parents as they chatted with another couple. She hurried over to join Dan.  Although this was not the kind of church where everyone had to dress up, Emily never missed an opportunity. She wore a beautiful light green dress and carried a small white handbag. Her hair and make-up were close to perfect. The colour of her dress highlighted the green flecks in her eyes and contrasted strikingly with her jet black hair. Mandy still hated to wear dresses and never could pull off what Emily did effortlessly. The service, for Mandy, seemed painfully long.  The girls were the best of friends when they both started school. Mandy was considered the prettier one then. A scar along Emily’s jaw line, the result of a fall as a toddler, had made her painfully self conscious. She grew and the scar didn’t, that, along with dotting parents, brought out a deep seated self-confidence. The two remained friends, recently however, Emily’s poise and beauty had been annoying Mandy more than she could explain. Was she jealous? Nah, she didn’t look at Dan that way. She never had.
After the service ended, Dan drifted over to speak with Marty Dawes, Emily’s Dad. Her arm linked with his and leaning gently against him, Emily listened happily to their conversation.  Dan always got on well with Marty, and they shared many interests. A fan of Manchester United, and a bit of a train buff, he also shared Dan’s interest in history. All these details added to Emily’s compatibility with Dan, and Mandy was finding it harder and harder to like Emily.  But, she couldn’t be jealous.  After all, it was Mandy who was traveling to Anglesey with Dan that afternoon…a fact she casually remarked upon several times to Emily.  Perfectly aware of the planned trip, Emily was her beautiful best. She had persuaded her parents to go to church with her that morning as a striking reminder to Dan of what he would be missing. Emily knew that Dan felt no attraction for Mandy, however, she still wanted to be the one he spent his time with. She would feel the same way about a male friend that Dan went off and did things with. She was aware, even if Mandy wasn’t, of Mandy’s growing feelings towards Dan. For this reason she made sure that Mandy was watching when she kissed Dan goodbye.
After a light lunch Dan gave the bikes and the bike rack a last check to make sure that they were both secure.  Jules and Mandy made faces at him through the back window, and Carole started the ignition.

2 Home Away From Home

 A narrow strip of water called the Menai Straits separates Anglesey from the Welsh mainland. The Evans’ destination was actually on a further island, Holy Island, made part of Anglesey by the causeway connecting them. They had always loved Anglesey. Its many beaches had been adventure playgrounds for the boys growing up. Their favourite, Trearddur, boasted both rocky areas with many tidal pools and sandy areas gently sloping into the water. Where shallow streams emptied into the sea, the boys had often enjoyed making dams of driftwood, pebbles, and sand. Growing up, Dad would often take them to explore the tidal pools with their little buckets and spades. They would catch and examine the collections of creatures that lived in such places – starfish, anemones, urchins, fish, and small crabs. The boys continued these expeditions for many years after their dad’s death; Julian still enjoyed it from time to time. It was hard to believe it had been six years since Philip Evans’s fatal accident. His death had taken its toll, particularly on Dan. For the first year he had been plagued by bed-wetting and recurring nightmares. Though the nightmares still continued, they had grown further and further apart, and he now hoped they were at an end.
 Dan’s mind drifted as he thought about what lay ahead for him this summer.  He was planning to update the list of various landmarks described on the old manuscripts he recently been given.  They were contained within the antique box, small casket really, that his Grandfather Evans passed to him last winter.  He remembered his grandfather telling him,
“This box ‘as been ‘anded from father t’son fer longer than anyone knows.  Now they are yours Daniel, my grandson.  Familiarize yourself with the contents.  It is our family’s responsibility t’update the lists if ever anything changes in the landscape around the sites in Anglesey.  This summer we’ll work on it together.”
  With Granddad’s unexpected death, Dan was left to accomplish this strange task alone.  He still had a memory of seeing his Dad and Granddad, their heads together, poring over the papers long into the evening after having spent time exploring the countryside.  Watching them, Dan’s own interest in history grew as he looked forward to the day when he would join his father in updating the old papers held within the strange casket.  As he made preparations now, he felt very much alone.  Only his promise to his grandfather held him to his commitment.
Upon arrival at the caravans the youths could barely wait to be outside in the fresh air. Dan and Mandy soon set off for a stroll around the caravan site carefully avoiding talking about anything real. They had decided in the car to put aside all thought of real things until tomorrow, when they would bike to the two sites on Dan’s lists, his grandfather had told him that none of the others listed were updatable any longer.

 Monday arrived, the boys and Mandy made final preparations for their bike journey. Dan had brought an Ordnance Survey Landranger map, as was his usual practice when he was about to cycle into places he didn’t know very well. Fortunately, both of the historic sites he needed to check were on Holy Island and within five miles of the caravan. Nevertheless, they packed a lunch to carry in their haversacks so that they could explore if the fancy took them.
After a comfortable ride through the lush countryside they arrived at their destination. The first site, Trefignath, was a burial chamber thought to be originally constructed around 3750-3500 BC.  Trefignath had, not surprisingly, seen better days.  Despite its state of ruin it was quite easy to imagine what it once looked like, the vertical slabs of stone that formed the walls of the entrance still stood. Following the instructions printed on his papers, Dan stood in the prescribed places to search for the various landmarks of the area, as detailed on the paper. 
“Looks like Granddad’s notes marked the construction of that farmhouse during the war,” Dan commented.
“Bet that cell phone tower wasn’t there during the war,” Julian cracked. 
“Better make a note of that; history needs to know.  Why are we doing this again?” Mandy whined.
“Because he promised,” Julian replied, a tilt of his head indicating Dan.
No changes to the sites description were needed. They soon left with Dan too wondering why he was spending his first day, or any day, of his summer holiday doing this.
A twenty minute bike ride later and they arrived at Penrhos Feilw. It was an ordinary looking pasture except for two vertical stones, approximately three meters apart and standing three meters high, in the middle. Propping his bike against the wall by the gate to the field, Dan took out the fresh paper onto which he had copied the lists. Following the instructions Dan walked to the stone on the left and turned his back to it as he faced north. Standing in this position he had a quick look around. It was just a typical farmer’s field.  Nothing out of the ordinary could be seen, except for the stones.  Dan did notice, however, a strangely round hillock relatively close to the field and, of course, the twin stones standing weather beaten but proud. He glanced back down at this list, which reminded him of a pirate’s treasure map, and he made the mistake of saying so out loud.  Mandy and Julian struggled to contain their giggles. 
“Arr, Matey.  Three steps this way to the treasure,” Julian smirked. “Maybe our ancestors were swashbuckling buccaneers ?” He suddenly stood as if holding a sword.
“You two pirates? Please.” Mandy interjected scornfully.  “More like loons or sadists.”
Ignoring the jesting from the sidelines, Dan focused on walking out the series of straight lines, turning after each one to align with a different direction each time.  Diligently checking his instructions, he continued turning and walking.  He made several turns then stopped, facing the gap between the stones.  As he looked up he flinched sharply and stepped back in shock.  Before him a glowing mist shimmered in the clear air of the meadow.
 “Do you two see this?” Dan inquired, not knowing if he could trust his own eyes.
 “If you mean the haze that just appeared, then yes,” Julian answered, not even a hint of joking left in his voice.
 The two bystanders quietly walked to where Dan stood.
 “Be careful, Danny, don’t go any nearer!” Mandy gasped.  “Is this mentioned on any of those papers?”
 Dan knew he would have remembered reading about something like this.  He inched slowly closer to examine the strange phenomenon. Hesitantly he reached out with his right hand and froze, as his hand vanished within it.
 “What are you bloody doing?!” Mandy shrieked, as she grabbed Dan and pulled him from the mist.
“Brilliant!” exclaimed Julian on seeing the hand reappear.  “Please tell me we’re going to check this out.” 
“No! Absolutely not.” Mandy yelled.  “It’s could be dangerous.  We don’t even know what this is.”
Dan knew she was right.  It might be dangerous, and yet he felt that somehow he was meant to discover this.  Instead of debating, Dan Evans made a decision.  The haze swirled gently as he walked into it and disappeared.
“Danny you great wally!” Mandy cried, but then Julian made to follow his brother she stopped him.  “Wait,” she said.  “I suppose I’d better go with you.”
 Hand in hand, they stepped forward.

3 The Other Side of the Stones

 
 Mandy closed her eyes tightly, once they hit the haze, allowing Julian to lead her through. Even so it was immediately obvious to her that they were no longer under the summer sun in the meadow by the stones. Once her eyes were open it took several long seconds to adjust to the relative darkness. She remembered that the haze between the stones had been in no way damp. Where they now stood, however, she felt a cool dampness against her exposed flesh.  Her eyes soon told her that they were in a cave. Surprisingly to her, despite the cool moisture in the air, the cave wasn’t chilly or dank. There was a strong smell of earth and vegetation, unmistakably good, clean earth and strong, vibrant vegetation.  Letting Julian’s hand loose, from the death-grip she suddenly realized she had it in, she turned to him. She was glad to notice his eyes were as wide as her own must have been.
 “Are - you – okay?” He asked, carefully articulating each syllable so as to be heard above the sound of water rushing from a near by source.
 “Yes. Where’s Dan?” She replied, realizing that he was no where to be seen.
 Any answer became irrelevant as Dan himself came into view at the lighter end of the cave. She pulled in a deep breath, relieved to see him, and was struck by its sweetness.
  “This is incredible!” Julian exclaimed.
“Wh-where are we?” Mandy stammered.  She felt her body shaking as her whole being fought against what her senses were telling her.
“Th-this isn’t possible, Danny! Where are we?” she asked straining to see.
Light surrounded Dan as he beckoned, his wide-eyed gaze shifting wildly. He didn’t seem able to speak, but now made an effort to focus on Mandy.
“I-I don’t know Mandy; just give me a moment,” Dan replied, relieved he was able to speak at all.
 The cave walls were smooth under his touch, just a little damp.  As he peered back he could see no sign of the opening they had just stepped through.  The wall appeared to be as solid as the rest of the cave.  Purposefully, Dan strode back and reached for the wall that stood where the twin stones should have been. Mercifully his hand passed right through.  He let out his breath, satisfied that they could return home at will. Feeling free to explore, he led them towards the light and soon they found themselves in an even larger cave, both brighter and noisier than the last. The light came through a wall of cascading water
“A water-fall!” Julian exclaimed.
“This is so strange,” Mandy observed.  “How could all those steps and turns bring us to this place?”
 “I don’t understand it, but it’s almost like they were a combination, some kind of key to unlocking the way to this place,” Dan began as he reached out again, this time touching the torrent.
“Yes!” Julian interrupted. “Now this is brilliant!” he asserted, correcting his earlier opinion.
“It’s as though we’ve somehow stumbled into another world.” Dan pointed out.
Both Dan and Julian were warming up to the situation now, but Mandy was still standing wide-eyed, her face pale, filled with apprehension.
“Umm, guys? This isn’t brilliant or amazing. It’s like something from Dr. ruddy Who or Alice in Wonderland!” she remarked.  “All we need is a rabbit with a big watch!  Once again I have to ask, ‘Where the heck are we?’”
“I’m not sure, maybe we’re not even in Anglesey anymore,” Dan replied as he slowly crept toward the opening of the cave, where the wall met the water from the falls. “We need to investigate.”
Mandy just stared in disbelief. “You can’t be serious!” she cried.
“Mandy, we know where we came from,” Dan explained, pointing back to where they had entered the cave, “and we will always be able to find the waterfall. Besides, it’s not even half-past ten.”
“C’mon Mandy,” Julian coaxed. “Don’t worry.  We’ll look after you.”
“Great, that’s just what I need – to be looked after by an eleven year old and his mentally unbalanced teenage brother!” She paused and looked at them for a moment. “Well, ok, but just for a little while,” she finally conceded, “but I think I’m going to have to look after you, until you come to your senses!”
In life, no matter what the decision or challenge, when Dan made up his mind, he moved. Surprisingly, this had not yet blown up in his face. In fact, it was this decisiveness and outward self- confidence that made him popular among his peers.
If the cave was a vast contrast to the countryside of Anglesey, incredibly enough, so was the land surrounding it.
 “Wow!” Julian exclaimed. “The grass is greener on the other side!”
  Even Mandy had to agree. Everything seemed brighter here.
“Smell that air! Listen to the birds!” Dan exhorted.
They had been standing on the side of the hill by the waterfall, but now Dan and Julian started down to a clearing in the heavily-wooded forest below.  Soon all three were sitting down on the grassy banks of the river watching the clear water as it gurgled tirelessly past them, further smoothing the rocks that lay in its bed.
Julian looked at his watch. Something was wrong. The second hand was moving but at an incredibly slow rate. He flicked the glass, no change. “Probably needs a new battery,” he thought to himself. 
“Let’s go explore.” Dan suggested brightly.
“What! Danny, no! We have no idea what’s out there! What if we get lost!” Mandy shrieked.
“It’s okay Mandy. My compass says that the forest is north and the waterfall will always be on the river. We can’t get lost,” Dan assured her.
“But Dan what if there are dangerous animals out there?” she shot back.
“Uh, Dan,” Julian whispered as he nudged his brother.
Something had just emerged from the forest and was coming towards them. A person.  Barely five feet tall, he had dark blonde hair similar to the boys. Large green eyes danced from his youthful face, and his eyebrows came to a peak above his nose. Most peculiar of all were his ears that came to a point at the tops. He nimbly approached them, carrying a bow in his left hand and a quiver of arrows on his back. A short sword hung from his belt. Despite this weaponry, he brought no fear with him.
“Greetings, I am Drollan. I heard your speech; it is new to me. From where do you come?” He asked excitedly.
Dan stood up and held out his hand to the newcomer.
“Hello, Drollan.  My name is Daniel.  This is my friend Amanda and my little brother, Julian. We came from behind the waterfall, from Anglesey, Holy Island.”
At five feet ten inches Dan towered above Drollan who watched in amazement as Dan rose to his full height. It was obvious that he had rarely, if ever, seen someone of Dan’s stature. When he noticed Dan’s offered hand a few moments later, he seemed unsure what to do with it, and so he put his own right hand out in the same fashion. His left hand remained holding on to something hanging from a leather lanyard around his neck. Dan took the offered hand in his and shook it with a large smile.
“I’m pleased to meet you Drollan. Can you tell us where we are?”
A huge grin spread across Drollan’s face as they shook hands. He watched the hands as Dan spoke, then looked up to make eye contact.
“You are in Lucderran, of course, on the edge of the Great Forest. My home, the Great Tree, is just over the hill in the valley of the elves.”
 “So, you are an elf then?” Dan asked, wanting to be absolutely certain of what he had just heard.
“Of course, Daniel. I thought everyone knew that!” Drollan chuckled.
“Drollan, we’ve never seen an elf before. Up until two minutes ago, we didn’t believe that elves were real!” Mandy spoke up, her face alive with interest.
“Old Justus has often said, ‘Humans have a strange way of believing only that which they can see and touch’,” Drollan quoted.  “You must come to the village and meet the elders. Come, bring your bags. We will be there in less than an hour.”
Dan had his rucksack on his back in an instant.
“No, wait!” Mandy appealed, “What about the time? What about your mum?”
“Mandy at the very latest it’s eleven o’clock,” protested Julian, “and Mum told us that she wanted us to be back by six. That’s plenty of time.”
Dan started the stopwatch function of his digital watch as they set out. He noticed that the watch said it was 10:42 only twenty minutes since they had walked into the haze.
“Hey, Julian, is your watch working okay?” he asked his brother.
“It’s running slowly for some reason,” he responded.
Dan nodded and let the subject go for now, they all followed Drollan. 

Thank you for reading. Combinations is completed but for minor editing, I hope to get the whole novel published soon. As of 6-30-09 I have written a sequel to Combinations and am half way through writting the third book. Please feel free to contact me with any comments. Thank you again.