Sam looked at Shalee. "Looks like someone's star-struck."

Shalee laughed. "Maybe they have room on this world to start a celebrity magazine. I betcha BJ would be tickled pink."

"What are you two talking about, Child?"

"Oh, nothing worth explaining. Pay us no never mind."

"I'm not going to visit the king looking like a beggar," BJ announced. "I'm going to buy some new clothes. You should do the same."

Shalee walked over to Sam and nestled into him, speaking in her cutest voice. "Baby, don't you want to take your loving, sweet, wonderful, s.e.xy, kind, generous, perfect, sublime, little magic-user shopping? Don't you want to spoil me? I'll make it worth your while."

Sam rolled his eyes at BJ. "See what you've started, old man? Let me have the coin, and I'll buy us all something."

The Next Evening Sam and Shalee's Bedroom Chamber The Castle of Brandor "I'm sick of all this royal c.r.a.p," Sam grumbled. "Ever since we've arrived in Brandor, I've bowed far more than I care to.

" I'm telling you right now, I'm not going to kiss his father's b.u.t.t tomorrow when we meet him. If the king can't have a normal conversation, then screw him."

He turned to face Shalee. "I had the world in the palm of my hand on Earth, and I didn't need to kiss anyone's a.s.s to make it happen. I just know I'm going to have to suck it up tomorrow to get anything accomplished. This place p.i.s.ses me off."

Sam pulled Kael from his sheath and poked the tip of the blade into the wooden footboard at the end of the bed. "I know I should be more patient, but I've killed so many people since we've arrived, and for what? It was all to get here, and now that we are, I'm about to lose my mind. We don't know if this guy will even listen to us."

Sam stormed across the room and looked out the window. The torches above the arena were glowing in the distance. "How am I going to make a king believe I'm here to create an empire to set an example for the worlds to follow? He'll see me as a threat or even a traitor. I need a vacation."

Shalee could only smile at Sam's outburst. "Would you relax? Maybe you don't have to kiss his b.u.t.t after all. Just be bold."

The sorceress took Kael out of Sam's hand. Seeing the damage the blade had caused to the bed, she commanded Precious to fix the marks that had been cut into the wood and then returned the blade to its sheath. "You know I've got your back, Sam."

"So what would you have me do?"

"For heaven's sake, show them your strength. Just shake the guy's hand like you did Aaron's and see how it goes. I know you don't like politics. Use the fact we're not from here to cut through the red tape. If that doesn't work, just p.i.s.s him off." She tapped the b.u.t.t end of Precious on the floor. "I'll take care of everything else. I'll do it all nice and tidy-like. When I'm done, we'll have the king's attention. His ears will open up. After all, we've been sent here by the G.o.ds. Let's act like it. Let's take charge."

Sam looked back out the window. They had been given a room near the prince, and from this part of the castle, the city stretched as far as he could see. The architecture was different than that of West Utopia. Brandor reminded Sam of Camelot with a dash of Roman influence.

Although this city was built with attention to detail, he liked the architecture of West Utopia better. The Romanesque style of that city felt like it had more cla.s.s.

Sam could not understand why the king would allow his realm to have so many different forms of architecture. If he was king, there would be consistency to the grand design. He thought, This hodgepodge of styles is something that should bother Shalee, not me. She's the architect.

After a moment, Sam turned from the window. "Exactly how would you have my back? I can only a.s.sume you're referring to your magic. Give me an idea of what you're talking about. I need some news that will make me feel better right now."

"I can do more than that," Shalee responded as she scanned the room. In one of the corners of their suite, she saw a potted plant containing loose gravel. She grabbed it, ripped it out, handed the pot to Sam and then moved to the far side of the room. "I want you to take a handful of that gravel and throw it at me as hard as you can."

"I can't do that. I'd hurt you."

"Don't be so sure. I wouldn't tell you to do something unless I knew I was going to be okay. Throw it, you big sissy."

"Are you sure?" Sam said with a look of uncertainty.

"Just throw it, and I'll make it worth your while." She licked her lips to emphasize her point.

Sam grinned as he grabbed a handful. He reached back and threw it.

The sorceress had already lifted Precious and was speaking her command. The pebbles stopped in front of her face and stayed suspended. She walked around them, methodically circling the floating stones while she plucked a few from the air. She turned to face her lover and then flicked one at him.

Sam dodged as he watched the pebble fly past his face.

Grinning, Shalee emptied the remaining pebbles in her hand into Sam's palm and then pa.s.sed her hand seductively across his chest as she headed toward the bed. "Be a darling, and put the rest of them back for me. I'll be waiting."

After pa.s.sing through the door of the washroom, she poked her head around the corner while she changed. Her voice was seductive. "Hurry, Sammy-kins."

Sam turned back to face the floating rocks. With haste, he gathered them up and threw them into the pot. He thought, That woman's a tiger.

The next morning, after Early Bailem, Prince Aaron guided Sam and the rest of the group into the king's throne room. As they entered, everyone was told to bow. They did as instructed, kneeling on one knee as they waited for the king to enter.

It was a long wait, which angered Sam. He was tired of royal protocols wasting his moments. Bow here, bow there, bow, bow, bow, and bow again was the only thing they seemed to do in this city.

Aaron had sent one of his slaves to inform the king that they had arrived, but somehow this news did not seem to create urgency on his father's part. After being on their knees for what felt like forever, the king finally entered. They lowered their heads and waited for the signal to lift them.

The king was a handsome man with long, dark hair that complemented his brown eyes. He also had the body of a fighter and looked nothing like his son. His wife had been a handmaiden whom he married after donning the crown of Brandor many seasons ago. His decision to marry a commoner was not well received, but over the seasons, she became loved by all. It was her fair complexion that colored their son's. She died not long after giving birth, and the king never remarried because his heart would not mend.

"Stand, fighter," the king commanded. "Let's have a look at what the commotion is about." The king waited patiently for his order to be carried out. "I must admit, you have a presence about you." The king motioned for the rest of the group to stand, "I welcome you to Brandor."

The group did as instructed without saying a word.

Sam, however, stopped the king's party in full stride. He was not about to spend all Peak on meaningless formalities. "Look," he said in a matter-of-fact tone. "I'm sure we can spend our moments greeting one another. I would even bet that under different circ.u.mstances it's fun and has its place, but can we skip to the part where we get something accomplished? I have information you need to know. The quicker we get going, the sooner we can win a war."

As Sam was speaking, BJ was squirming. He knew this was not the way things should be done, and he expected the king to explode.

Although she did not show it, Shalee was more than ready to back Sam up. As agreed the night before, they were not about to be brushed off. She was holding Precious, and she was ready to make an impression.

The fighter walked up the steps toward the king's throne and stuck out his hand.

The affront caught Keldwin off guard. He was unsure how to respond and looked to his son for guidance as the guards took a readied stance.

"I told you his mannerisms were strange, Father. During our flight to home, he made the most interesting claims. He said he's not from this world, and he's been brought here by the G.o.ds to create an empire. He further claims that they're expected to be an example to all the worlds."

Aaron paused for only a moment, then continued. "Father ... I hesitate to say this, but they were involved in the disappearance of the Crystal Moon."

The king moved behind his throne. He did not care for what he heard, especially the part about Sam and Shalee creating their own empire. "So you're the ones responsible for taking the Crystal Moon!" the king shouted. "Do you know what this has done to the fate of our worlds? You have-"

Sam ruined Keldwin's momentum and interrupted with a voice loud enough to cover the king's. "Keep your royal pants on, Keldwin! Put your listening ears on, and pay attention! No one said we're responsible! Aaron said we were involved! I knew this was going to be a waste of my moments. If this is all you managed to comprehend of your son's words, I'm disgusted! I would never serve a king with your apparent weakness!"

BJ was about to die. He knew what was coming next. Sam would be hung before sunrise. For that matter, they would all be hung. Even the prince was fidgeting.

The king was astounded. Sam's lack of respect was inexcusable. "Guards! Seize them! Take them to the dungeon!"

This was Shalee's cue to take action. She jumped to her feet and yelled, "Precious, illuvu sol!" Almost everything in the room froze. The only beings who could move were the king, Sam, and herself.

Keldwin looked at his guards before turning his head toward Shalee. He unsheathed his sword and took a step toward her.

In turn, Sam retrieved Kael from his hip, pointed the blade at the king and yelled, "Val arna, nuar!" The blade burst into flames. "Not so fast! I don't think you want to go there!"

Shalee watched the leader of Brandor take a few steps back to avoid the intense heat of the G.o.d-sword. As he did, the king lowered his weapon.

Seeing everything was under control, Shalee began to saunter through the frozen figures that were scattered about the room. She touched the guards on their shoulders as she pa.s.sed. "My King," she sighed, "You're being hasty. It seems you've let your crown boggle that head of yours." She turned to glare at the monarch. "You're not listening. If you'll pay attention ... right now ... I'm calling you, My King."

Shalee pa.s.sed her right hand across the blades of Keldwin's frozen soldiers as she continued to speak. "Your men keep their weapons sharp. You must be proud of your army. I would ask that you open your mind and realize your ways aren't our ways. We're not from your world. We won't be bullied, nor will we spend our moments on senseless traditions."

The sorceress continued up the stairs leading to the throne and walked behind Keldwin. She rubbed her hand across the nape of his neck and could feel him tremble. "Where we're from, we treat folks the way we want to be treated. You should give us the respect we deserve, My King, and we'll get along just fine."

Shalee floated back down the stairs and removed the weapons from the guards' hands. "We have no intention of bowing again until you speak with us as equals. You'll treat us with respect ... as friends. Once you've done this, you'll have our loyalty, and we'll adopt your customs. We'll conform to your silly illusion of respect. People don't respect you because they bow to you, Keldwin. I would imagine your people bow because they fear your crown."

The sorceress placed the swords at the king's feet and then backed up as she continued to grandstand. "I watched as you hid behind your throne. This is a sign of weakness, and I don't respect a weak man. I would only respect a king who has the nerve to get something accomplished. I respect a man like Sam. You need a man like Sam helping you, Keldwin. I won't stand here and allow you to make a mockery of him. You haven't earned the right to command us to do anything ... yet. If you want us to bow, I suggest you stop this foolishness before I become angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry."

Shalee moved back up the stairs and removed the king's sword from his hand. She turned it around and tapped the blade against his chest. "You don't wish to see me angry, do you, Keldwin?"

The king shook his head.

The sorceress continued. "We have been brought here by the G.o.ds, and we have no intention of leaving until we find a way to save the worlds. I think we should work together."

Sam could not wipe the smile off his face as he commanded his sword to go cold and sheathed Kael. He loved this side of Shalee.

The sorceress stood on her toes and placed her chin on the king's shoulder. "I want you to find a spot for Sam in your army ... and it better be an important position. Consider this a non-negotiable request. I'm sure you understand what 'non-negotiable' means. My position won't change on this matter."

The sorceress walked out from behind Keldwin and lowered the king's sword to the floor with the others. Before descending the steps to rejoin Sam, she brushed her hand across Keldwin's face. "Do we have an understanding, Keldwin? If we don't, speak now. I can always use much stronger magic than you've witnessed."

Keldwin felt disheartened as he lowered onto his throne. He took the moments necessary to think. After a short while, he responded. "Is anyone hungry ... or is it just me?"

Sam laughed and then ascended the steps to grab Keldwin's hand. Pulling the king to his feet, he put his arm around the monarch's shoulders. "Now, that's the best thing I've heard all Peak. Do you have pancakes?"

Sam and the king were about to leave the room when Shalee commented. "My King, no one will remember the events of this Peak, and we will now adopt your customs. Thank you for listening, Sire."

The king forced a slight smile. "It appears I was being hasty. We have much to talk about over breakfast."

Sam and the king turned to walk through the doors.

After they were gone, Shalee moved across the room and released her magic.

As the guards reanimated, they were confused by the absence of Sam and the king. They exchanged glances between their empty hands and the pile of swords in front of the king's throne.

Shalee giggled as Helga winked. The younger sorceress lifted her arm and pretended to give her friend a high-five before turning to leave the room.

Helga looked at BJ and grinned with a hint of mischief. "I may not be able to teach her how to command her power any longer, but I can still teach her how to be a vixen with it. I guess all went as planned."

BJ's brow furrowed as a hundred questions filled his eyes. "What are you talking about? What's a vixen? Did Shalee teach you that word?"

Helga licked her lips. "She did. Just wait until I teach you the phrase, 'Who's your daddy?'"

Taking him by the hand, Helga led BJ and the confused prince out of the throne room to find the king.

SAM, Shalee, BJ, Helga, and the prince spent the rest of the day with Keldwin. All parties enjoyed getting to know one another. They shared information that needed to be exchanged. And now, with Late Bailem approaching, the king is about to give an address, announcing the details of his upcoming tournament.

DOUBLE D is still traveling to the city of Brandor. He is now only 3 Peaks of Bailem from the city gates.

GEORGE, Maldwin, and Amar are due to arrive in Lethwitch tomorrow and have decided to stop for a night's rest. They will sleep at an inn located inside the gates of the city of Champions, not far from the landing platform.

KEPLER is on his way to Gessler Village. His trip has been uneventful. When he reached the northern part of the Dark Forest, he asked Hestin, an asordian sparrow, to deliver a message to his brothers. He wants the cats to be at Gessler landing platform when he arrives.

THE GENERAL ABSOLUTE, Justin Graywind, is with the army's high-ranking officers. He is being briefed on the field reports so that he can create new orders. As expected, the wagons are being built in an orderly fashion. Each populated area will have more than 70 new harvest wagons within the next 17 Peaks. The carpenters and engineers are working with the king's army through the nights.

The general knows they only have another 20 Peaks of Bailem before the harvest. He orders his officers to disperse throughout Southern Grayham to ensure that all men, no matter what their occupation, are helping in the process. He also follows up on the progress of the construction of harvest barns, and he has given his officers enough coin to hire 400 men to build these barns. After a few more orders are given, he closes the meeting and makes haste to join the king at his dining table.

CELESTRIA is still living with the elven witch family. She has now taken up walking to avoid them as much as possible.

LASIDIOUS has been on the world of Luvelles. Five nights ago, he felt Shalee's power from afar. He excused himself from another long conversation with the Source and went to see what was happening.

Lasidious had put a warning spell on Shalee the day he brought her to the Temple of the G.o.ds. He had also secretly listened in on a conversation between Ba.s.sorine and the Book of Immortality inside the Hall of Judgment. The late G.o.d of War told the Book that Shalee was unique, and that she would eventually grow to command great power. This news prompted Lasidious to put the warning on Shalee.

Lasidious would never have dreamed that Shalee could become so powerful so quickly. Something more had to be behind her accelerated growth. Whatever the reason, he needed to find out why, or George would run into opposition that would affect their plans.

Lasidious was the one watching from the shadows near the town of Empire the night Shalee launched the tree into the air. The power it took to do this was substantial. The Mischievous One was now glad that he introduced George to Amar sooner than he had originally planned. He knew their relationship would need to be short-lived, because Shalee's power would command Amar's attention.

Lasidious would need to implement another stage of his plan immediately. He needed to appear to George. He hoped the Earthling's hunger for power was strong enough to stomach what he would need to do.

MOSLEY watched from the hidden G.o.d world, Ancients Sovereign, and enjoyed every moment of what happened in the king's throne room in Brandor. The wolf was impressed with how Shalee took control of the situation. Now the moments were ripe for an appearance during the king's upcoming dinner. Mosley has urgent news to deliver to Keldwin.

Thank you for reading this edition of the Grayham Inquirer

CHAPTER 27.

A Taste of Death GENERAL JUSTIN GRAYWIND arrived at the castle. He headed for the dining hall the king used when addressing his officers. He took his usual position to the left of the king, apologized for his tardiness and then introduced himself to the group as he took note of their positions around the table. BJ and Helga were sitting to Justin's left, and to the right of the king was Prince Aaron, followed by Sam and Shalee.

Keldwin ordered the servants to bring their meal as he informed the general of everything he knew. For obvious reasons, the king did not mention the events that transpired in the throne room.

The king reached out and patted Justin on the shoulder. "The general has been the champion of Brandor's arena for more seasons than I can remember, and like you, Sam, Justin has killed every being who has entered with him.

Upon hearing about Sam's successes, the general lifted his gla.s.s. "That's most impressive. I'm sure you'll be a worthy opponent when we battle."

Sam glanced at Shalee after listening to Justin's comment. She looked irritated. He remembered his promise, and now that he knew the full extent of the sorceress' power, he was not about to break it. Unsure how to respond, Sam's mind churned to formulate a response, but the king saved him by pushing the conversation forward.

"General, I'm not going to allow you to fight each other. I have other plans for you. You'll work together to strengthen our kingdom. With the knowledge Sam possesses and his skills with the blade, I'm placing him under your command."

The general nodded. "Understood. It'll be nice to have a sergeant who's well-trained."