Underground 11: 12 — Steve Elliott

The Lost City: While on a picnic, Stephen, Thorn, Tricks and Zen discover something very unusual. They accidently find a series of unknown symbols, carved into a rock wall. Intrigued, they take their findings to Durect, the Chief Librarian, who is as puzzled about the mysterious symbols as they are. However, after some study, Durect concludes that what was found represent an unknown language, which points towards a previously unknown race of ancient origins.Encouraged by this, they decide to continue with their explorations. In doing so, they uncover a secret tunnel that leads them to a long-forgotten city. In this deserted habitation, they come across a tentative link to the lost elf ancestors of Tricks, but they also uncover something shocking. These forgotten people worshipped a very disturbing Entity and their method of worship was terrible indeed.And then, Durect, lost in a frenzy of new discoveries, does something incredibly dangerous. In fact, it's so dangerous that it could spell the end of the entire underground civilization, unless his action is somehow reversed.Blood stone: Something terrible is about to happen to the fairy settlement in the shape of the Knarl - huge, aggressive spiders, whose aim is to enslave all the races. A war is inevitable, but who is going to lead the allied patchwork army? And will ordinary tactics work against the overwhelming numbers of the enemy? A miracle is needed, but where do you find one?Stephen is appointed Army Commander but is extremely reluctant to be in charge. However, what other choice is there? It's a recognized fact that the fairies, dwarfs and elves know nothing about waging war.As well as the Knarl themselves, there is also the matter of the fire-breathing miniature dragons to be considered. Is it possible to prevail against such odds? Stephen and his companions certainly mean to try. In the middle of all of this, Nix may finally have discovered love in the shape of a half-starved escapee slave. Then begins a race to find something called the 'blood stone', but why do the Knarl want it so badly, and what exactly is it for? The final battle climax is both bloody, enthralling and tragic.