grains than we. But we can work metal better than
they, and can make fine things.'
8 'I fear for you,' cautioned The King, 'for you are my most beloved
son. But if you would go on this journey, go, and may He Who Makes The
Crystals Glow go with you! '
9 So it was, Groam climbed the secret passages and came out into the
light. The light hurt his eyes, for none in all of HIS kingdom was so
bright!
10 But his Wise Men, farseeing this, had made special goggles to
protect his eyes. He put them on and looked at the land. What he saw
pleased him. He picked up his sack, took his staff, and journeyed
down the mountain.
11 Now, the land he was in, was called Plentiful, for it was the
richest of those round about. It's forests were all fruit trees and nut
trees. There were no weeds, and every bush bore berries of some kind.
In the mountains were goats, in the hills were sheep, and in the
valleys were cattle.
12 Now, as Groam walked through this pleasant place, he came upon some
children swimming in a pool. He had never seen their like before.
13 He came to the bank to watch them, but when the children saw him,
they screamed in horror, gathered up their clothes, and ran away.
14 Groam was sad. He journeyed on, and saw a traveler making his way
down the road. The traveler whistled happily, swinging his staff from
side to side, touching each marker stone as he went along.
15 The Traveler stopped whistling and listened. 'Why, stranger, do your
feet drag so sadly? Are you lame, or is there sadness in your heart?'
16 Groam looked in the man's eyes, and saw that they were sealed. 'I am
sad,' he answered. 'I