The Key to Tantalis

When Martin Fields is nine years old, he and his father bury a special box beneath the old oak tree in the family's backyard. The Latin inscription reads Stultum est timere, quod vitare non potes. His father explains that these are words of great meaning and courage: It is foolish to fear what you cannot avoid. Now a tragic car accident leaves his father dead and Martin paralyzed. Martin realizes it is time to open the box, but strange things begin to happen when he lifts the cover. Inside, he finds a key and a note that says "Tantalis." e and his best friend Dominika begin to investigate and are transported to the special world of Tantalis-a land inhabited by trolls, faeries, dragons, and the evil creatures known as Inkwish. Once there, Martin learns that the creatures of Tantalis need his help. His loyalty is torn between Dominika and this world of Tantalis, and he faces threats from Diablo, the leader of the Inkwish. Martin learns the truth about dragon flight and that one ancient legend on Earth might not just be a story told through the generations, but is in fact a reality that reaches out to demand the utmost of him ... and almost kill him.