Author's note:

I just want to thank anyone who has actually finished reading this story, it's definitely a work in progress, and needs a lot of help. It started as part of a dream when I was a kid--- honestly--- isn't that where a lot of fantasy novels start? And then as a shared idea and re-write. 

Jessica-- my daughter--- loved the story when it was about Lane and Teva, and it was actually so different that the only things that survived the re-write were the mountain and the shape-shifters. The Talisman--- the people--- were all different once upon a time.  

It was Jess who encouraged me to find a way to tell the story, and then another friend, Jim, added his encouragement as a fantasy reader--- with some good ideas and character names.

I'm actually hoping to figure out a way to fix it---- so if you have any ideas, I'd be more than happy to hear your thoughts, and ideas.

If not--- then in my opinion--- the second and third stories in the series are actually less confusing and more interesting.

Deb