A NOVEL: Seventeen-year-old Archie is part of a team of archaeologists. Based in Southeast Asia at the site of a super volcano's last eruption, they're hoping to discover evidence of ancient human habitation. When Archie finds a book of ancient tablets containing hieroglyphic inscriptions, she believes she holds the traces of a vanished society. Back at Yale University, she deciphers the tablets and, unexpectedly, finds hidden "wafers" - according to the tablet's inscriptions, they will transport her back in time. Yuri, her friend, is sure it's a hoax and before Archie can stop him, he pops a wafer into his mouth, and disappears. Archie does the same. They are catapulted back to the ancient city of Montoba. Here they discover evidence of amazing technical advances as well as war and environmental hazards. Living creatures have been pushed to the brink of extinction and exist hidden underground while traversing Montoba's tunnels. Archie and Yuri encounter an ancient leprechaun, a gnome, a fairy, elves and a wizard. Together they vow to rescue the "lady," who is the last remaining Princess of Montoba, and one of the few remaining humans. The success or failure of their quest will affect the destiny of all mankind. They survive attacks by the Flying Crab, the Draken and other terrifying creatures, while being pursued relentlessly by the evil Scarth. They solve riddles, rescue the princess, find the hidden treasure and salvage the secrets of this ancient world. They reunite the princess with her lost love and help her achieve her destiny. At last, Archie and Yuri return to modern times to face a puzzling mystery. But it is the dreaded mountain that has the last word.