Kepler pondered for a moment. "How did you know to use the snare scroll when you did? It's not possible that you knew the Saber Lord was going to attack."

"I really didn't," George admitted. "I got lucky. Before he attacked, I felt like something was watching me. I was creeped out enough that I decided to kneel and use the snare scroll to set the trap. It was just dumb luck the cat ended up where I wanted him."

"And the way you tortured him?" Kepler inquired. "Why?"

George sighed. "I'm sorry about that, Kep. I was overcome with anger. It wasn't until I drank the fluid inside the staff that I gained the power to keep you from killing me. I was bluffing you. I have no power other than the ability to turn your a.s.s to stone."

As George finished telling his side of the story, he flicked another ant statue toward the demon's feet. "So ... how do you like me now?"

Kepler had to laugh. "You have stalked your prey skillfully, George. You surprise me. To think that after I saw you kill the saber, I feared you. I thought you were a powerful being."

The jaguar stopped laughing. "I was angry when I watched you torture my subject. To know that you did it only because you lost your temper ... interesting. It pains me to know that you have only just now found a power to command. Granted, it's a solid power, one to be respected ... but you can't stop me from killing you if I truly want to. This is comforting."

Kepler let a large smirk appear. "I love irony. Well ... George, my friend ... I shall enjoy our hunts together until the day I cease to exist. You have earned a friend in me."

The demon plopped onto the ground. "When I think back on it, the look you had on your face during the ogre's transformation was quite amusing. You didn't know what was happening. I bet you thought your alliance with me was ruined.

Kepler rose to his haunches. "As funny as that was, we still have a problem. You should not have been able to touch the Crystal Moon, but now that it's missing, the worlds will come to an end. I wonder how long we have until this happens."

"I don't know," George replied. "But if Ba.s.sorine protects the Crystal Moon the way you said he does, then why was I able to take a piece? I had no power to do it. I was just a regular guy. Something else must be going on around here if this Ba.s.sorine character is a G.o.d."

"Perhaps," the demon responded. "I'm sure the answer will be revealed when the moment arrives. For now, I think we should get some rest. We can continue to Lethwitch after we wake."

George nodded. "I'm down with that."

George reset the alarm on his watch for a few hours later. Before he went to sleep, he reached for his wallet to retrieve his picture of Abbie. When he opened it, the photo was missing. He rifled through the compartments. The picture was nowhere to be found, but his eyes were too heavy to dwell on it. The exhaustion of the last few Peaks was overwhelming. When he finally fell asleep, he dreamed of Abbie and Athena. The dream made up for the missing photo.

Angels Village Sam and Shalee walked up the stairs to the top of the landing platform with their trainers. To Sam's surprise, the griffin, Soresym, had just arrived with the last of the servants from the Temple of the G.o.ds, most of whom were grumbling about the temple closing and being out of work.

Sam walked over to the griffin. "Soresym, how are you?"

The griffin's eagle head turned to look, his keen eyes expressing his surprise that Sam's face was sitting on top of a much larger body. "You look familiar, human, but the person I know with that face was much smaller. It's bad enough that one human should suffer such ugliness, let alone a relation. Who are you?"

Sam rolled his eyes. "You know who I am. It's a long story ... one where the G.o.ds gave me a couple gifts. I have thought of you on many occasions." The fighter crossed his arms. "Hold up. You think I'm ugly?" Sam smirked. "I suppose it's hard to compete with your majestic appearance."

Soresym chuckled. "You jest. Well done, Sam. It's unexpected to see you, and your look isn't as tragic as I portray. Perhaps I've thought of you as well on an occasion or two. I would like to hear the story of your gifts. Perhaps you would share it with me."

The griffin took a moment to study Sam's size. "I also see your female companion is awake." He redirected his gaze. "The last series of moments in which I saw you, young woman, you were unconscious. Perhaps you would bless my ears with your name."

Shalee was hesitant to respond, so Sam responded for her. "Soresym, I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Shalee."

"I see," the griffin responded. "Then you're the one who must stomach the ritual of mating with this male of your species. I'm truly sorry."

The griffin stretched his wings and then each of his back legs. "You wouldn't remember, but I brought you to this village. I'm glad you're rested. It'll be an honor to have your beauty aboard my back again."

"Why my goodness, aren't you flattering?" Shalee curtsied. Thank you for the compliment, Soresym."

Shalee's curtsy brought a look of pleasure to Soresym's face. "You looked like a Tralapataise while you slept."

"Oh my, that sounds ... umm ... a little odd. What's a Tralapataise?"

Soresym lowered his head and made sure his gaze captured Shalee's. "A Tralapataise is the rarest, most elegantly fragrant flower on Grayham. I compared your beauty to a true delight."

"Why, Soresym, if you were a man, I'd eat you up. You may flirt with me anytime. I like a man who can talk special to a woman." Shalee turned and gave Helga a high-five.

BJ grumbled and spit off the side of the landing platform. "Stop with your ridiculous gestures," he said as he watched the spit hit one of the support rafters of the platform.

Helga looked at Shalee, then at Soresym, "BJ's cute when he's grouchy."

The griffin chuckled as he turned his head in Sam's direction. "Don't worry about your woman, Sam. You have nothing to fear. It's not possible for my species to mate with females from yours. I'll allow her to remain with you."

"Gee, thanks," Sam chided. "You're a feather-covered comedian. Who would have thought?"

Shalee smiled as Soresym looked toward the horizon. "Sam, where are you off to today? I'll give you a ride. Since the G.o.ds have shut the temple, my moments are free. I'll travel with you, so that you may reveal how you acquired your size."

Sam nodded, "Sounds like a plan to me."

The griffin addressed Shalee. "The weather is perfect for flying. Climb up. I can easily carry you all, but it will be a tight fit. You will need to sit close."

Everyone climbed aboard.

BJ sat at the rear with Helga just in front of him. He put away his grouchiness and replaced it with something more tender. Taking the opportunity to reach around her waist, he pulled Helga close and whispered in her ear, "I'm doing this for your safety. It's only right. A man should ensure the women around him are safe."

Helga managed to twist around far enough to find BJ's smile and his adorable wink. She accepted his advance and then nestled into his chest. She put her hands on top of his and enjoyed their ruggedness.

Sam and Shalee were not aware of the exchange as the griffin launched from the platform. Sam would talk with Soresym during the entire flight, and many laughs would be exchanged.

The Hidden G.o.d World Ancients Sovereign It was Early Bailem when Mosley arrived and began sniffing around the G.o.d of the Sun's home that rested atop Bailem's Aubade, the highest mountain on Ancients Sovereign. The outside of the structure looked more like an ancient Greek temple than a place that would provide creature comforts, and the inside was just as barren. As the wolf trotted through Bailem's capacious home, he admired the many grand openings that led to the outside world. Giant, stone columns, all white as snow and standing 144 strong, had been perfectly placed. They supported a dark, stone roof with an enormous circ.u.mference.

At the top of the structure, a faultless dodecagon gem with a canary hue had been set at the center of the roof, and a beam of light formed as the sun pa.s.sed through the stone. The ray that was produced hit the floor and then slowly moved across it.

Mosley teleported onto the roof to get a better look. At just over 12 paws wide, he admired the size of the gem. His G.o.dly eyes were now able to see so much more than they had before. The sun's rays reflected throughout the facets of the jewel, and the millions of crystallizations inside the stone were mesmerizing.

Curious as to why the gem produced a beam, Mosley teleported back inside and watched the ray approach one of 12 angelic statues that were standing atop a large, circular platform. A diameter of 24 paces separated the 12. They each faced one of their counterparts while they stood upon yet another smaller, circular base. Every statue had a gem embedded between their feet that protruded above the surface of their pedestal.

Eventually, the beam struck the gem of the statue that resembled Bailem, and as if the ray brought life with it, the statue animated. It adjusted its robe, a.s.sumed a new position and then looked toward the ceiling before it solidified.

Mosley was astonished. He had never seen anything like this before. The wolf waited for the beam to pa.s.s across the floor and hit the jewel of the next statue. It was during this series of moments that one of Bailem's fallen brothers animated and a.s.sumed a new stance. Though many of this statue's attributes did not resemble Ba.s.sorine, some of its facial features reminded the wolf of the fallen G.o.d of War. Before the statue solidified, it turned its hands level with the floor, spread its resplendent wings, looked down at Mosley and then smiled.

Mosley was still captivated. He sat on his haunches and waited for the beam to hit the next statue. When it happened, the look on this angel's face went from peaceful to threatening. It redirected its gaze toward Mosley, its eyes narrowed, and it spread its dark wings to their fullest extent. As soon as the statue solidified, the wolf shook off the eerie feeling and looked down at the plaque that was on the front of its base, directly beneath its feet. The plaque read: Metatron. This angel's wings would remain widespread until its gem was lit again the following day.

Mosley searched his G.o.dly memories, but in all he had been given by the Book, he still had no idea who any of these beings were. Apparently, Ba.s.sorine did not want him to possess this knowledge. The wolf turned to his right as he studied the names on the other 11 plaques. To the right of Metatron was Uriel, Raguel, Ramiel, Chamuel, Iophiel, Ca.s.siel, Sandalphon, Azael, Gabriel, Bailem-formerly known as Zerachiel, and then Michael.

Mosley's eyes were drawn back to Metatron's plaque. He was still unable to shake the eerie feeling this being had given him. Beneath Metatron's name was a second moniker-Lucifer-and below this name was a piece of history inscribed onto the plaque: The Instigator of the G.o.d Wars. And below that, there was yet another intriguing fact that was written in an ancient language. The language read: Forever Cast from Grace.

A long series of moments pa.s.sed as the wolf took note of the careful positioning of every statue. Bailem had taken great care when he created the only sundial in existence. Over 3,713,875 animations of each statue had occurred since the Peak the G.o.d of the Sun formed his structure.

With the Peak of Bailem past, the others on Mosley's team appeared. Bailem was quick to call the meeting to order and asked Mosley to explain everything the wolf knew of Lasidious' devious game. The wolf told the G.o.ds all he knew about George, a person whom they knew nothing about.

"His name is George, and he leads no pack other than the one he's trying to form on Grayham. He was placed in the temple by Lasidious. The Mischievous One must feel that this human can be easily manipulated. Sam said George is a mean-spirited being. Shalee doesn't care for him either.

"As we all know, there were clear plans for Sam and Shalee. When I became enlightened, I gave my gifts to Sam to help his rise to glory. This should help our cause while a.s.sisting the mortals to gain an audience with the King of Brandor. We will need the kingdom to fight for the pieces of the Crystal Moon when the moment arrives. Sam and Shalee will need to be a key part of this."

Bailem stepped forward. The G.o.d was short, heavyset, and balding. What hair he had was a graying and on the sides of his head. He was pleasant to look at, wearing white robes with a dark-gold trim, and his angelic wings were folded against his robe. He was said to be the only angel to survive the G.o.d Wars, and he had been given the t.i.tle, G.o.d of the Sun.

Bailem was sitting on the base of Uriel's statue. The angel was holding his hand under the beam generated by the gem to keep the statue from animating, thus forcing him to move. "Thank you, Mosley, for shedding light on current events. If I might ask, what were the gifts you bestowed on Sam? He won't be able to gain an audience with the King of Brandor unless he defeats each arena's champion. And even if he survives the city of Champions' arena, we all know who he'll face in Brandor."

"Justin Graywind shows no mercy," Calla added before Mosley could respond. Her dress was modest, accented with lace, and though she was not stunningly gorgeous, she had pretty, short brown hair and was far from ugly. "The General Absolute has never been defeated."

Helmep further added to the conversation. "Every opponent he has faced has perished before they could be attended to by the king's healers."

Helmep was tall and thin, well-built with blond hair, hazel eyes, and he wore a tan robe with gold trim and a brown cape. He was handsome, and his smile carried a wonderful charisma. "The healers in Brandor are exceptional. They're the best on Southern Grayham, but the general doesn't leave room for them to work. When he's done, they're done."

The G.o.ds were becoming sidetracked as they conversed about the many swift deaths Justin had delivered.

Mosley called for order. "We must ensure Sam is invited to Brandor. A few suggestions is all it should take. The gifts I gave Sam increased his agility and strength. This should help him to gain an audience."

Mosley lifted his snout into the air. "As much as I would like to continue talking about Sam, the moment has come for us to leave for the meeting Lasidious has called. I suggest we adjourn."

Everyone agreed and then vanished. When they reappeared, they found Lasidious and his team sitting on the gra.s.s outside the newly created Hall of Judgment with the Book of Immortality floating nearby. The new hall was identical to the old one, just as the Book had insisted. It was normal for the G.o.ds to snap their fingers and create anything they wanted. The new hall had been constructed in less than 40 breaths.

"I'm glad everyone chose to come," Lasidious announced. "I've made a decision. Rather than putting a single piece of the Crystal Moon on each world, there will be two pieces placed on Grayham. I want to ensure they're rejoined within a reasonable series of moments. I will announce where the first piece has been hidden soon. Until then, I would work on strengthening your team's position on this world, and be ready for anything.

"Thank you all for coming. I must now excuse Celestria and myself from our team. I have realized that I would create an unfair advantage if we played. Your teams now have equal numbers. I'll see you again in 60 Peaks."

With that, Lasidious vanished, leaving the others staring at one another.

CHAPTER 20.

Warning to the Barbarian King of Bloodovain LASIDIOUS APPEARED IN FRONT of the mage, Amar, the brother of Morre, whom Lasidious impersonated when last he visited Lethwitch. Amar worked in his brother's store whenever he was on Grayham-the same store where George purchased the scrolls. Amar was a younger man than his brother. His hair was graying, but unlike Morre, he did not have a beard, weathered skin, nor did he smell.

Amar was startled when Lasidious appeared, but throughout his many seasons as a mage, he had come to expect the unexpected. He dismissed the shock and bowed before his G.o.d.

"h.e.l.lo, Amar," Lasidious said. "It's been a while, my friend. How's your brother?"

Amar kept his head lowered. "h.e.l.lo, My Lord. He is well. To what do I owe the joy of your visit?"

"Please stand. I'm here to speak as friends, not as your G.o.d. I'm here to discuss what is to come."

The mage rose. "I don't understand."

"I know, my friend. The other day I was in your store. I took a few scrolls and sold them to a man named George. There was a note left behind thanking your brother."

"I know of the note, My Lord. My brother spoke of it. He said he was overcompensated for the scrolls. He was pleased with the transaction, and I have since heard my brother say he has made replacements. I would've paid closer attention to what was taken, but I had no warning of your visit. Why would a few insignificant scrolls cause your visit?"

"I'm glad your brother was pleased with the finances of the transaction, but this isn't why I've come. The scrolls are of no consequence. The man I spoke of is seeking power. He will arrive in Lethwitch within 3 Peaks."

The Mischievous One reached out and placed his right hand on Amar's left shoulder. "George is the type of man you've been waiting for. I know you seek your own glory. This man could help you attain it. If you were to travel with him until it benefits you to part from his company, it would be wise for you to do so."

"What else can you tell me of this man, My Lord?"

"His heart is as dark as your own, Amar. I have determined that you would be good counsel on his journey." Lasidious removed his hand. "George travels with the undead cat, Kepler."

"Kepler, My Lord? Kepler is a vicious killer who is without honor. He can't be trusted? I've heard stories about the men he's killed as they journeyed through his pa.s.s. The demon kills without mercy."

Lasidious laughed. "Kepler can be trusted." The G.o.d stopped chuckling and changed his countenance to something far more serious. "Amar, you have also killed without mercy, have you not?"

The mage nodded. "I forget with whom I speak, My Lord. Please forgive me."

"There is no need for forgiveness." The G.o.d held out the palm of his right hand. A small image of Kepler and George appeared on top of it. "The jaguar has honor, but this isn't something you would know about. Like you said, you've only heard stories."

Lasidious allowed the image to fade, and then he put his hand back on Amar's shoulder. "The man I want you to travel with is ruthless, yet he, too, has honor. He's not from this world, yet he possesses the ability to dominate its kingdoms. George has traveled from the past. He has also aligned himself with the beast, Maldwin, from inside the Cave of Sorrow. He also had an alliance with Kroger before he killed the ogre."

"Do you mean Kroger from the Dark Forest, My Lord?"

"Yes."

"Kroger is a gentle giant. Why would this George end him? Why would I want to travel with a man who doesn't respect his allies?"

"Tisk, tisk, tisk, Amar. You have also stolen breath from an ally or two."

Amar hung his head. "My deepest apologies, My Lord. It's not everyday I speak with someone who knows my secrets. How was George able to align himself with Maldwin? The creature's visions are said to be deadly to all men."

A proud smile appeared on Lasidious' face. "George is immune to Maldwin's visions. He needed the scrolls he purchased from your brother to protect Kroger's mind, not his own. The giant was with him when he went into the cave. It was also at the cave where George killed Kroger by turning him to stone."

Amar's eyes widened. "Stone is a treasured power. Other than myself, there's no one on Grayham who can command it. Does George use a staff or scrolls?"

Lasidious shook his head. "George commands the power without staff or scroll. But he's finding it difficult to control it. His ability is natural and because of this, greatness follows him. He doesn't even need to speak words."

Amar could not believe his ears. "How's this possible, My Lord?"

"How isn't important, Amar. It would be wise for you to align yourself with George. You could be his counselor, and teach him to channel his power. You have been to Luvelles to train under the Head Master, and you understand the dark arts. You're the most powerful mage roaming the three kingdoms of Southern Grayham ... I've seen to this, because I knew this day would come."

Amar bowed. "I'll do whatever you ask of me, My Lord."

"No, Amar. I'm not here to ask anything of you. I'm here to inform you of things to come. It is my desire to see you develop into the man I know you're capable of becoming. I would like you to consider my visit a suggestion ... an simple idea to ponder. If you befriend George, your wisdom will be a great a.s.set, and your rise to glory will follow."

Amar was clearly excited. "I can't wait to tell my brother. Morre will be proud of me."

"I wouldn't speak of this with your brother," Lasidious suggested. "His service to his G.o.d is a fool's service. Morre wouldn't understand your desire to perfect the dark arts and seek power. It would be wise for you to keep your decision private. I have always looked fondly upon you, Amar. After all, we are friends, are we not?"

The mage's head could not nod fast enough. "Oh, yes, My Lord, we are friends, although I'm surprised you believe me worthy. I'm your humble friend, and I live to serve you."