The Dagger-Key book II Darkness is on the Sunrise

By Daniel Ferguson

The mystery and adventure continuse, as Kyhawn and his comrades take to the high seas in search for the ancient artifacts, and dagger-key. As the plot thickens and the action becomes more intense, double sun-day is almost upon them. Wicket are the days to come, but even more dreadful are the chains of chaos that await them if the evil Kebadon spirit is released from the peg-lock canister.
Armed with swords, muskets, daggers, magic crystals, and the wizdom of Emaya, will Kyhawn and his comrades be able to overcome their enemies black magic, flesh eating creatures, and evil intentions. Who will take possession of the ancient artifacts, the Grongels, the yellow skin pirates, or Kyhawn and his comrades defending the freedom and land of Rhaw...?
Read the mystery and enjoy the adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daniel Ferguson
• Release date: Apr 21, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476183411

Daniel Ferguson

First disabled person in space, winner of two Pulitzer prizes as well as a Hugo and a Nebula, president of the world, first person to explore the entire earth, 14 sold out world tours, direct descendant of King Arthur, Hercules AND Jesus, inventor of the wheel and first man to create fire......I am none of these things.But I do make amazing Spaghetti Bolognese.Usually.(The secret is garlic. LOTS of garlic. For when you're serving vampires.)

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ACKNOWLEDMENTS

I wish to dedicate this book to : my loving sister Brenda Ferguson whom has passed away from cancer. She was a big fan of book I, and never had a chance to read book II.

I would also like to thank my dear friends, Bryan L. Manire of Eureka Springs Arkansas, Phillus Hurt of Kahoka Mo., and Jack Huston of Kahoka Mo. for their reviews and opinions through its editing process.

All rights reserved: no part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the written permission from the author of the fiction story contained within this book, except for review purposes.

Cover page design by: Daniel L. Ferguson

First Serial Rights ©2012

By: Daniel L. Ferguson, Smashwords Edition

THE DAGGER-KEY

DARKNESS IS ON THE SUNRISE

Book II

By: Daniel L. Ferguson

Mystery and Adventure

In days of old

Prologue:

It had been almost eleven months since our young detective Kyhawn had returned from the mysterious invisible Island. Much had changed since then; the religious Grongels cult was no exception. They had been, along with Captain Joenf, much of his old crew, and a portion of King Lumarkahawn’s navy, struggling to relocate the invisible island ever since.

After a few battles at sea, the Grongels had tricked Captain Joenf, his crew, and the King’s navy by having one of their ships slip away, while their other ships played siege on the King’s navy. It was during this time the Grongels managed to relocate the island and recovered the specially constructed wooden chest containing the ancient artifacts. By the help of their new sea captain, the notorious Captain Luxton who had recovered from his wounds and escaped from the invisible island. He had made a deal with the Grongels and quickly rose to Captain of their navy.

Out numbered by the Grongels, Captain Joenf and the other war ships from the king’s navy had to retreat. And unknowingly to them, the Grongels had recovered the ancient artifacts. Battered and in dire need of supplies, Captain Joenf, and the King’s navy reeled their way back to the fishing town of Omakohak defeated.

Meanwhile the Grongels had regrouped in the land of Togmon. Togmon was once a place where, along with meditation and prayer, zacs lived in harmony with nature. But the land had quickly become the home to the Grongels, who were rapidly growing in numbers.

With the promise of ending all wars, which they had started, but at that date in time the common people were not aware of this information, for much of the population were illiterate, and news traveled slow.

The zacs who did live in the land of Togmon were either becoming new recruits, escaping elsewhere, hiding, being made slaves, or being put to death.

The Grongels, who once ruled the western portion of Zacterron a thousand years earlier, were now on their way in spreading their philosophy over the entire known planet; a philosophy that for the most part, only catered to the wealthy high ranking Grongels. While all others essentially became slaves to the system, or died trying to change that very system which had been stumped-out a thousand years earlier.

Along with the Grongels during that era a thousand years prior, the evil spirit Kebadon and his black magic powers ruled. But after Kebadon became imprisoned within the specially constructed canister possessed with a magic spell by a few brave zacs of that era, Grongel supremacy drifted away with the tides of a new area.

Now that a thousand years had passed and Kebadon was still imprisoned within the canister, not much was known of Kebadon. In fact, only a few documents of that era gladly pronounced the memories of that time of gloom.

But now that time of gloom had found its way into the evil hearts to which it came. The Grongels had managed to slip through the magical window into the circumference zone on to the invisible Island, and recovered the chest. It now threatened that era of gayety and innocence to a deathly end. Like a ship on the edge of the world, the gayety and innocence had no place to run, and no place to hide. With grit, Kyhawn and his comrades knew what they had to do in order to save Zacterronian kind as they knew.

Pirates were also afoot. And though the Grongels had outwitted Captain Joenf and King Lumarkahawn’s navy, the pirates of Trigon Island also gave the Grongels a fearless fight for the artifacts before they had a chance to reach the land of Togmon. All were killed except Captain Luxton and others that stood beside him; for he had betrayed the Grongels. Captain Luxton and his band of pirates cheered at the sight of the Grongel ships as they sunk. The pirates, along with the specially constructed wooden chest and all of its ancient artifacts contained within, sailed to their island of Trigon; where the ruins of ancient cities stood, protected by high cliffs, course rocks, hidden coves, and hidden underground chambers of long past.

Though at this time Captain Joenf, Kyhawn, along with the rest of their old crew, and the King’s soldiers didn’t know all of this had taken place, they only knew of rumors that the Grongels had possession of the artifacts.

Coita had tore down Earron and his old shack and built him a small two room cabin in its place near the docks in Omakohak. He lived alone, and spent most of his time working for Mr. Rembrant preparing smoked fish for the marked, and fishing with his old friends Werdna and Nevets, who had obtained a nice used fishing boat they had purchased from Tailk the ship builder. And though Nevets’s leg was still growing back from his terrible experience on the invisible island, with a nice pare of handmade crèches Tailk, threw in on the fishing boat deal, he did manage to get around.

The real professor La’mamm had been murdered. When Washburrn looked into the matter he found that pirates must have played a roll in his death, but all clues led the X detective to a dead-end. Shortly after, he had decided to settle down near Kyhawn, Emaya, and his mother Sailma. They had purchased a cottage in the wood north of Omakohak.

Kyhawn with the wish of his mother, promised her he’d remain on dry land, and worked for the most part in Omakohak settling domestic crimes and salving domestic mysteries, such as finding lost pets etc…. During his spare time he drew and painted, and also helped in the reconstruction of the old kingdom directly behind Omakohak. It was amazing to watch the workers rebuild the old city thought Kyhawn. But he enjoyed rummaging through the old city castles and smaller buildings even more.

There were no prophecies and no historical figures that encouraged King Lumarkahawn to rebuild the Old Kingdom. He simply wanted to rebuild it, restore their history, and hoped it might help Omakohak grow.

It was during this time, Washburrn began studding the art of meditation, and fencing as he once did in his younger years. When Kyhawn could, he’d come over to learn from Washburrn the art of fencing and meditation. Some times Coita joined them. Though Kyhawn didn’t have the patients for Coita, Washburrn knew that his presences would help Kyhawn learn to also learn the art of patience with others. Though Kyhawn had much patience with painting and drawing, he lacked the skills of patience while dealing with others he didn’t always get along with too well. He was still dealing with his own thoughts of self doubt.

Though Washburrn had no intention on battling the Grongels or anyone else; a life of solitude in the woods was more to his liking, but the world was changing, and he knew deep down in his soul, his quite time was soon to come to an end.

CHAPTER 1:

Kyhawn sat on a bench outside the front door of his cottage. He glanced around at the trees, then in the direction of the Old Kingdom beyond a few miles of woodland; beyond the old kingdom laid Omakohak. He glanced to his left. Emaya had opened the door. He stared at her with deep concern. What makes you thank the Grongels have taken the artifacts from that invisible island, Kyhawn asked. And what makes you feel I should know something about it?

Wrapped in her long dark red shawl, Emaya approached him with admiration, placed a hand on his shoulder, and took a seat beside him. She peered into his large dark brown eyes. You’ve been having strange dreams again, haven’t you?

Kyhawn nodded with a disturbed look. Yes, but like before all of this started last year, I don’t seem able to figure them out. They’re all, or should I say… it’s so mixed up. And the symbols are like none I’ve ever encountered. Kyhawn clinched a branch he held; tapping it on the bench, then abruptly stood, went inside, grabbed his musket, slung his cabac over is shoulder, and headed out the door.

Kyhawn, Emaya calmly announced, Captain Joenf, Alil and the King’s soldiers did their best to relocate that invisible island. Don’t blame yourself.

Kyhawn stop and turned to her.

She took off her shawl, shook it as if freeing a bothersome bug trapped inside, then wrapped it around her shoulder. A second window in time has opened. You already know what needs done.

Kyhawn turned and proceeded into the woods. He glanced over his shoulder at her with a dreadful knowingness, and then continued on his way ascending north on a well beaten path.

He was heartbroken hearing about rumors of Grongels possessing the ancient artifacts. Worst of all, time was running out. The next Double Sun-Day was getting ever so closer. The only days in the year that a Kebadon ritual could take place. Kyhawn thought. If only they had tossed the artifacts into the Zacton Ocean when they had a chance. In the middle of the ocean. He pointed his musket high into a tall tree and fired at a wung-bug; a bird creature, which looked something like a cross between a fly and a pheasant. A flock of them flue in all directions, but none of them fell and fluttered to the ground. I messed, he thought, as he crouched to reload his musket. No sooner then he had it reloaded he fired again, and messed again. Two more disappointing attempts later he leaned his musket against a tree, set, reached for his drawing pad and lead-stick inside his cabac, and started drawing a large tree not far from where he was sitting. That invisible island holds at least two parts of that plate, that Caytona plate. Soldiers of the King are everywhere it seems. Strange windows from my nightmares are opening before me again, but this time it seems they too are everywhere. They were windows without walls. He pondered his thoughts, as his nightmares of children crying, homes burning, fathers and mothers being eaten alive by strange looking war machines. It was a time of invention, and it seemed the other guys had the upper hand. Suddenly he heard a shuffle nearby. He reached for his musket.

Hold on there, it’s only I, Washburrn lowered his arms.

Kyhawn leaned his musket against a nearby tree. You never know these days, he said as he reached for his drawing-pad and lead-stick.

Let’s see what you’re drawing, Washburrn leaned his musket against a tree, laid his wung-bugs aside, and couched beside Kyhawn.

Drawing that tree, Kyhawn pointed. I thought the angle was unique, the way rain has eroded the soil, exposing its roots.

Well…yes, interesting. I see what you mean, but what’s this? his older friend pointed with an odd expression.

If you’re referring to these marks, I was drawing a wung-bug. It was sitting over there before you walked up. Kyhawn slightly frowned.

Well… sorry. Here, you can take a look at the two I have here. You won’t need worry about these two flying off. Washburrn stood before Kyhawn, wung-bugs in hand.

One will do. Can you hold it in a standing pose, over there… where you frightened away the one I was drawing, Kyhawn pointed with his lead-stick. No. Over there at the foot of that tree, on the other side, Kyhawn waved his lead-stick. Don’t make him appear so dead. Raise his head up some.

Washburrn gave him a thin smile, then posed the bird as Kyhawn suggested.

Kyhawn waved his lead-stick again. "Hold it right there. Perfect.

And about twenty minutes later Kyhawn had completed his drawing, and they ventured deeper into the woods. I haven’t been here in a long time, Kyhawn said as they stood on a mountain ridge several miles from where they had been. To their left were steep cliffs; to their right the forest stood tall as it ascended the mountainside, there in the land of Rhaw.

There should be some Muta-boars in these parts. Washburrn believed as they first turned to have a look over the ridge into a valley. I also thought you’d like the scenery up here.

I do … it’s beautiful. Kyhawn smiled. But hasn’t this area been forbidden to enter?

Well… yes, but I doubt those Grongels, and those other groups of radicals have penetrated this far into Rhaw such as Captain Owem and Joenf has mentioned. Washburrn turned toward the landscape behind them, then forward. Let’s do some real hunting.

Kyhawn nodded, somewhat unsure about being where they were. Over there. I thought I saw something, He pointed his musket beyond some large boulders resting firmly in the ground.

As they journeyed alongside a narrow stream the leaves on the trees were bursting with color, and boulders of all sizes laid scattered throughout the wooded landscape. They stopped and aimed their muskets at a few Muta-boars. The large four halved hairy creatures with long tails were about three feet tall. As their small beady eyes stared back at them, their long pointed ears stood erected. Their four horns on top their large heads, and two fangs overlapping their long narrow jawbones gave them a fearless appearance.

Kyhawn fired his musket, and down one of them went. Moments later as the other two Muta-boars ran away, they knelt admiring their kill. He’ll be good eating. Washburn laid his wung-bugs aside and pulled out his dagger to gut it, but they heard a noise coming from higher grounds. At first they didn’t think much about it, but when they seen several Zacs with long gray hooded cloaks carrying musket approaching they became alarmed. Washburrn spoke in a loud friendly tone as he waved, How’s it going there…?

Two of the Zacs slung their hoods back to their shoulders and fired their muskets. Washburrn and Kyhawn darted behind some boulders. Who do you think they are? Kyhawn’s eyes widened with fear.

Not sure, but they’re yellow skinned. Haven’t seen any yellow skins in these parts… for a while.

As the yellow skinned Zacs drew near and their numbers increased. The pellets also continued as if Washburrn and Kyhawn were the prey. Let’s get out of here, Kyhawn exclaimed as they quickly fled.

After running down the mountainside a ways through the thick of the trees, Washburrn fell to his knees. Go on Kyhawn. I can’t go any further, he panted, short of breath.

Kyhawn stopped, and hurried to his side. Get up. I can hear their approach. He pulled on Washburrn’s arm. There’s some caves just down over there a ways. We can make it. Come—on! Kyhawn pulled on his older friend’s arm.

Washburrn got to his feet, and they hurried to the caves. But Kyhawn soon found himself running alone.

Washburrn was surrounded by three yellow skinned Zacs. They had put their muskets aside, and had drawn their swords. When they looked around for Kyhawn, he had ducked behind some trees. Now what? Kyhawn thought. I can’t let them just kill him. Who are they? Are they Grongels? Are they pirates like the ones we fought with in that cave on the invisible island last year? Who are they, and what do they want with us? Kyhawn wasn’t sure what to do. If I shoot and hit one of them they might kill Washburrn. He waited with his musket aimed at them, and then thought, the others with them will be here soon… sure enough.

Seconds later he announced himself. Whoever you are, one of you is going to die if you don’t back away from him. Kyhawn slowly approached.

While two of them backed away, one stared at Kyhawn with his sword pointed at Washburrn. Washburrn waited for Kyhawn to kill the Zac, but instead Kyhawn drew closer. Why … why are you here, and what do you want with us?

We’re hungry for some sweet silverish-blue meat. The yellow skinned Zac smiled at his mates, exposing his even yellower teeth.

Kyhawn stood next to the Zac at Washburrn’s side with his musket pointed at the yellow skin. Drop the sword.

While the other two Zacs approached, Kyhawn fired his musket. As the Zac nearest Washburrn dropped dead, Kyhawn butted another one with his musket, and went for the dead Zacs sword. Washburrn rolled to one side and got to his feet. Just then two more yellow skinned Zacs quickly approached.

While one of the first yellow skinned Zacs on the scene dropped his sword and went for his musket, Washburrn grabbed the sword. The yellow skin aimed his musket at Washburrn, pulled the trigger but it didn’t fire.

Washburrn quickly approached. His aggressor swung his musket at him, but missed. Washburrn drove the sword deep into his gut, pulled it out, and turned around to face the other approaching yellow skins. Kyhawn and Washburrn stood side by side ready to fight the three Zacs, who where dressed in common day garment, gray cloaks, black boots and baggy under garments that varied in colors.

While one of the three Zacs was ready to fire his pistol at them, his mate pressed his pistol downward. Don’t shoot them. If it’s a sword fight they want, then its’ a swordfight they shall get, he laughed. I’ll take this old one. You two can have the younger one.

Seconds later Washburrn and Kyhawn found themselves in the middle of a sword fight. While Washburn’s sword clashed with the one yellow skinned Zacs, the other two seemed to be taking turns sword fighting Kyhawn.

Kyhawn stumbled, dropped his sword, but as the Zac went to kill him, Kyhawn quickly picked up a stone, threw it, and hit his appoint in the face. The Zac dropped his sword in pain. Kyhawn grabbed up his sword and thrust its blade deep into the Zac’s flesh.

As Kyhawn pulled his sword from the dieing Zac, the other Zac jump in front of Kyhawn. You think you’re skillful with that blade, do yeah? he pointed his sword at Kyhawn as if showing off its beauty.

Two more yellow skinned Zacs approached. They acted as if sword fighting with their prey before eating it was just a game to them. Yeah a sword fight, one of them shouted.

Kyhawn’s blade touched the other Zac’s blade. He and Washburrn knew if they were going to get out of this alive they had better end this real soon before any others that might be with them arrived.

Washburrn aimed his musket at an on coming Zacs, but quickly dropped it and went for his sword. If it’s a sword fight they want, then it’s more sword fighting they’ll get, he thought. I’m getting too old for this violence. He madly approached them hoping to scare them off. But it only made them more eager to fight.

Washburrn superset his pain from a cut to his upper arm, found and opening, and slashed his enemy’s side just beneath his ribcage. The Zac held his wound as if he couldn’t believe he’d been cut. A split second later Washburrn bashed him over the head with the hilt of his sword.

He turned, glanced at Kyhawn only to see him clashing blades in combat. The Zac was big, much bigger then Kyhawn. Washburrn quickly turned with a tiring look, to confront yet another cannibalistic Zac.

Kyhawn spun around as if to go in one direction, then quickly turned the other way. At the same moment his key bracelet Emaya had given him became exposed. A reflecting light shinned into the yellow skinned Zac’s eyes, catching him off guard. Kyhawn cut into the Zacs front side.

The Zac screamed in rage.

Kyhawn stepped back and stumbled on a rock. In that very same moment the raging Zac sliced the younger lads arm off.

Kyhawn’s four-arm and sword dropped onto the ground. In a state of shock, for the moment he felt no pain.

Washburrn swiftly thrust his sword into his enemy, then kicked him away removing his blade. As the Zac lay dead Washburrn spotted a pistol tucked in his enemy’s sheath. Washburrn grabbed the pistol and shot the larger Zac standing over Kyhawn. The larger Zac dropped to his knees in pain. Washburrn then slung the pistol at the Zac, hitting him dead center on the forehead. And the Zac’s body seemed to go lip, as he leaned from one side to the other.

Kyhawn cradled his severed limb starting to feel pain.

Washburrn kicked the dieing yellow skin off to one side, and quickly went to Kyhawn’s aid. He pulled out his dagger, ripped a piece of gray cloth from a dead Zac’s cloak, and helped Kyhawn wrap his wound. He then grabbed their two muskets as Kyhawn stared at his severed arm with tears in his eyes.

Washburrn placed his arm around Kyhawn’s shoulder. We need to get down the mountain— he demanded as they began their descend. And they didn’t stop until they reached the location where Washburrn had found Kyhawn drawing. By this time Kyhawn was weak, and Washburrn was worn-out. He spoke as if out of breath. It’s only a litter further to your cottage. He held his heart as if it might explode.

My bracelet—the one Emaya gave me. It’s on … on my arm. We’ll need to go back for it.

We’ll have to go back later. Let’s get you home.

* * *

When they reached Kyhawn’s cottage Sailma and Emaya were on the front porch. While Emaya rose from her rocking chair, Sailma jumped to her feet, and Washburrn explained what happened as they rushed Kyhawn inside. Moments later Kyhawn was in bed in his bedroom at the back part of their cottage, with his mother Sailma at his bedside.

Emaya had started mixing some herbs in the kitchen. Before the hour was out, Emaya and Sailma had done all they could for Kyhawn’s wound, as he lay in bed, now sound asleep.

Washburrn entered the bedroom. What happened to Sheriff Nossgon and the others? Weren’t they going to be here for dinner? he asked as he took a seat he had brought in from the kitchen.

As Emaya had gone into the front room to stoke the fireplace, Sailma slowly looked up at Washburrn. He sent one of them Ooweds over to let us know they wouldn’t be here for another three days, she said as she laid a book of prayers on a small table next to Kyhawn’s bed. She glanced at Washburrn and then stared at the bandages covering her son’s wound. As Emaya entered the room, Washburrn’s gaze followed hers. He crossed his legs, scratched his wishers, and then once again started to tell them about their dreadful event.

* * *

Two days had passed. During that time Sailma had gone to town to do some shopping, and inform Sheriff Nossgon about the yellow skinned Zacs, but before she reached the station house she ran into some of the king’s soldier. While the soldiers told her Sheriff Nossgon couldn’t be reached at the moment, they did follow her back to the cottage so to keep an eye out for the yellow skin Zacs. Once the four soldiers had arrived, Washburrn and two of the soldiers, well armed, had gone back to where Kyhawn had lost his for-arm. When they had reach the location, to Washburrn’s surprise, there were more dead Zacs lying about then he and Kyhawn had left for dead. And Kyhawn’s key-bracelet wasn’t on the wrist of his severed arm. He was indeed baffled as he had finished telling the soldier’s what all had happened. Appears Muta-boars have been eating on some of them, Washburrn announced.

The tall stocky dark red skinned handsome Bekim piked up. What’s this…? He slung the front portion of his dark cloak over his shoulder and crouched next to a body.

Washburrn crouched beside him, and reached into his pocket for his spectacles. Appears the ones we didn’t slay have been … burnt, almost cooked, if that makes any sense...? he noted something shinny in one of their hands. Well, what is this? He broke the stiff fingers loose from their grip, and as the fingers fell to the ground he smiled. Here it is … Kyhawn’s bracelet. He shook his head in bafflement.

Bekim went to one side where the event took place. I recognize this cabac. Isn’t this Kyhawn’s, he crouched and took hold of it.

Washburrn nodded. Yes, that’s Kyhawns. And if you don’t mind….

No problem. I’ll take it to him, Bekim replied as they began their descent down the mountain.

On their arrival they told everyone the good news, and then the strange news. Emaya didn’t seem surprised. It was as if she already knew. And with the help of Washburrn, Kyhawn was most pleased to have his key-bracelet returned, and his black leather cabac. Soon after Washburrn took off his boots, and with the invitation of Emaya, he used her bedroom to get some well needed rest.

Later the following evening, Sheriff Nossgon, Professor Lumpskin, one of the original finders of the ancient artifacts, and a few more of the King’s soldiers, along with Captain Joenf, showed up at their door. And to Kyhawn’s surprise, Earron was with them. They shared a delightful meal prepared by Emaya and Sailma, with the help of Earron and Kyhawn. By the time everyone had finished eating Washburrn and Kyhawn had told them about their dreadful event at least three times over. None of them ever did figure out why the yellow skinned Zacs had been there, and where they might had came from, but soldiers were sent to search the entire area. After dinner Kyhawn and Earron continued trading stories of Chamquinil Trade School while washing dishes.

Soon after, while Emaya and Sailma, along with captain Joenf’s wife, Niat and a few other ladies remained in the kitchen talking, Kyhawn and Earron headed out the front door behind Washburrn to join the others seated at a large wooden octagon table. In fact when Kyhawn, his mother and Emaya moved in, Emaya insisted all of her octagon furniture be placed throughout the cottage to better protect it from ill spirits. The front door was even redesigned in the shape of an octagon split in two, so to create a double door. But for the most part only one door was used.

Bekim, along with a few other well trusted soldiers stood about. While Kyhawn felt somewhat insecure about loosing his forearm, Earron and he approached the octagon table with the old wooden box in hand. Earron set the old box in the center of the table.

And once again the story was told about Kyhawn and Washburrn fighting with some yellow skin Zacs, and Kyhawn loosing his forearm. Soon after all eyes became focused on the old wooden box. Sheriff Nossgon slowly reached for it, and replaced it on the table as he took a seat. Kyhawn, so you feel the chart in this old box is going to help us stop those Grongels from taking over and making slaves of us all? A stern look dominated the older Zac’s expression as he took a swallow of wine, setting the lid aside he reached for the chart.

Kyhawn glanced at Earron and Washburrn, then stared at Sheriff Nossgon. Yes I do, Kyhawn assured him. As you can see, I’ve made a copy of the invisible ink chart. But it’s an exact copy, he pointed. The invisible one’s in there as well. Kyhawn laid a piece of the Caytona plate on the table for all to see. He looked at Washburrn who he admired immensely. This Zac’s diary is also in here. Washburrn and I had it decoded in Chamquinil, and a copy made. Kyhawn slapped his copy on the table, which consisted of