The City Under the Sea: the Lost City of Pharmanston First edition

Mista organizes a group explore a legend of the formation of an inland sea, the Mistal Sea. The legend states that an ancient capital of the region lies at the bottom of the sea, and that treasure and magic artifacts might be found there. A mysterious person is also searching for this city, but his method is to drain the sea. As Mista and his friends get closer to their goal, the stranger mounts more and more vicious attacks to prevent them. In the process Cato momCato grows from a barbarian warrior into a season war leader. In the struggle to find the lost city, the band forms bonds that will last for years, and a derelict teen-age girl finds acceptance in the eyes of others.