"Use Precious!" Sam ordered. "Make him swallow it!"

Shalee lifted Precious, but no words came out of her mouth. Her arm dropped, and the b.u.t.t end of the staff buried into the sand. "I don't know the words for that, Sam. I can't do anything for him."

"Teranay!" Sam responded. "Teranay means swallow."

Without hesitation, Shalee lifted her staff. "Precious, teranay!"

Justin's body began to shake as the magic tried to force the essence beyond his tongue to make him swallow it, but it did not work. The general's tongue was too large. It was so swollen that it defeated Shalee's magic.

The horror in Sam's eyes served as his reaction.

Shalee dropped to the sand and landed on her knees. Her guilt was epic as she lifted Justin's head onto her lap. "I'm sorry. I wasn't strong enough."

The general's ears did not hear Shalee's apology as the king rushed across the sand and dropped down next to his friend. Keldwin was not diplomatic in his actions as he shoved Shalee aside to take the general's head upon his lap.

The king recognized that his moments with his beloved friend were short. He leaned over to whisper in Justin's ear, not realizing his voice could not be heard. "You'll always be my champion, my friend. You'll be remembered in the pages of old. Pa.s.s well, mighty Graywind. I shall be with you in Mosley's Heaven soon enough."

The general's last moment on Grayham would not be peaceful. His powerful hand reached up and grabbed the collar of Keldwin's armor as his body convulsed.

The king's eyes were filled with sorrow as the last bit of life abandoned the general's body, and his eyes closed forever. The mighty Graywind's grip relaxed, his arm went limp, and his powerful hand dropped to the sand.

A long series of moments pa.s.sed as the arena sat in silence, but Keldwin's mind was churning. It wasn't supposed to be like this. You deserved a n.o.ble end. As the silence continued, the king began to question. How could you pa.s.s when no one touched you? The king's eyes captured a glimpse of the blood that was smeared on the side of Justin's neck. Have you been betrayed?

The king took a closer look. He slowly rolled Justin to his side and noticed the welt that had been left behind by the dart. The king rubbed his finger across the back of his friend's neck. As he did, he became convinced that the reason for his friend's pa.s.sing was, indeed, betrayal. Keldwin stood and shouted, "Guards! Secure the arena! No one leaves until everyone has been searched!"

The king redirected his attention toward the healers. They took the brunt of his anger. "What good are you if you couldn't stop the general from pa.s.sing? I should weigh you down and cast you into the depths of the sea."

The pain in Keldwin's heart was agonizing. He and Justin had been friends since they were boys. Justin's father had also served under the late King of Brandor as a high-ranking officer, and as children they shared the same teacher while studying the arts of war. During countless sparring engagements, Justin had often thrown Keldwin to his back.

The boys had done everything together: hunting, fishing, riding, playing, and when they were old enough to appreciate women-hunting of a different kind. The general had always been the better fighter, and when Keldwin ascended to the throne, he watched Justin fight his way to the position of General Absolute. When Justin slew the previous general, Keldwin felt honored as he appointed Justin the new leader of the army. Their friendship had come full circle, and the memories of their lives together would be his until he pa.s.sed.

Keldwin would make everyone wait until the general's body was cleared from the arena. One by one, the spectators were searched as they left. The guards desperately searched for any clues that would pertain to Justin's pa.s.sing, but they found nothing.

The people who waited in line were filled with anxiety. They had no idea what the king might do or what royal power Keldwin would invoke to appease his tormented mind.

The search for an explanation lasted through the night while the king found solace with Sam and Aaron in a small, secluded room beneath the arena. Keldwin collapsed in Sam's arms.

Sam motioned for Aaron to give him a moment alone with the king. "Keldwin, I need you to listen to me. I know you're hurting, but remember how Justin would've wanted his king, his friend, to remember him."

The king pulled away. "I don't know what to do, Sam. My heart is destroyed. No one knew how close we were. We've been friends since we were boys. I confided everything in him. When my queen pa.s.sed, Aaron was just a babe. It was Justin who helped me be the father I needed to be. What do I do?"

"I think you know what Justin would say. He would tell you to be strong, and remember him with honor. He would tell you to live and enjoy the last few Peaks of your own life and not to waste them living in sorrow. Look forward to being with your friend in the afterlife that Mosley said he would provide for you."

Sam paused, smiled and then reached up to place his hand on the king's shoulder. He squeezed. "The general admired you, Keldwin. He spoke of it more than once when he was preparing me for my position."

The king's face softened. "Did he say why?"

Sam grinned. "Of course. He admired you for your military mind. He admired you for your strength and honor. He told me of the things you did as children. I believe he could have had no finer friend than you. If Justin was in your place, he would be just as devastated, and I would tell him what I'm about to tell you now. Be strong and honor the fallen. Celebrate Justin's life, and have the bards write and sing songs to eternalize his memory. He would do the same if fate was reversed."

"You're right, Sam. I shall honor Justin and hold my head high. Thank you for your counsel. When I pa.s.s, Aaron could not have a finer advisor."

"Thank you. It will be an honor to serve Aaron." Sam responded. He then walked with Keldwin to the room where Justin's body was laying. Until now, Sam had not realized the situation he was in. The king had all but said he was going to command Aaron to make him his advisor. Sam would become the second most powerful man in the kingdom. He shook his head. This is happening way too fast. A one in a billion opportunity and it's happening to me. Mosley, where are you when I need you? I know something's not right around here.

The king would not allow the morticians to prod, knowing Justin would not have wanted to be torn apart to satisfy their need for answers.

After a while, Sam encouraged the king to leave the arena. He reminded Keldwin that there was 1 Peak of his tournament left. Even though the general had pa.s.sed, Justin had still won his battle. Sam could think of no better way to honor the general than to have his Pa.s.sing Ceremony in the arena Graywind loved so much.

Keldwin liked the idea and called his slaves. He ordered them to spread word throughout the city that the ceremony to honor the general would be held after Late Bailem. The slaves scattered.

Sam walked the king to his carriage and comforted Keldwin during the ride back to the castle. He was exhausted when he entered his room, and Shalee was waiting. They embraced. But they avoided talking and went to bed.

When Late Bailem arrived the next night, the arena was filled with royalty, n.o.bles, and the members of the Senate. The adoring fans of the general filled what was left of the seats.

Two hundred of the king's personal guards lined up in four formations around the platform at the center of the arena. The king entered, followed by Aaron, Sam, Shalee, Helga, BJ, Michael, and a few other officers who had made it back from their a.s.signments.

Keldwin led Sam and Aaron to the top of the platform to stand next to the general's body. They took turns saying goodbye and touched the warrior's sword before they left Keldwin alone with Justin's corpse.

The king knew the general would not want words to be spoken. He would honor his friend this way for one last moment. He bent over to kiss Justin's forehead and then lit the fire before he descended the stairs.

The arena sat in silence as the blaze consumed the structure. No one was allowed to leave until the flames subsided. This was the Kingdom of Brandor's way of showing respect, and the dying of the fire signified the ascension of the general's soul.

The next Peak, Sam was brought into the throne room and sworn into the General Absolute's position until Keldwin pa.s.sed. Michael returned to the position of second in command, and Sam sent word for his officers to return to Brandor immediately. Observing Keldwin's demeanor, Sam knew the king did not have many Peaks left to live, and it would not be long before he was advising Aaron.

5 MORE PEAKS OF BAILEM have pa.s.sed since Sam sent slaves to retrieve his officers throughout the kingdom. They have returned. The senators who remained in the city after learning of their king's failing health have been directed to the throne room with the officers of the army. The king is weak and wants to make an announcement before pa.s.sing. What he will say to his men is of utmost importance. The king has spent much of the last 2 Peaks working on the details of pa.s.sing his crown to Aaron.

DOUBLE D is hiding in the castle, waiting for the perfect moment to kill the prince. He was sitting in the corner of the throne room, with his mask on to hide his presence when he learned of the king's failing health. Keldwin told his subjects where he wanted his viewing to be held. The way the king described how his casket would be placed was the perfect set-up for Double D.

GEORGE kissed Athena goodbye and teleported back to Gessler to meet with Kepler. He is napping in his room at The b.l.o.o.d.y Trough, waiting for the jaguar and his brothers to enter through the window.

CELESTRIA is only 40 Peaks of Bailem from giving birth. She sat the elven witch family down to have a long conversation about how they are wearing on her nerves. They have promised to change their att.i.tudes because of this stern talk.

MOSLEY is going to attend the pa.s.sing of Keldwin's crown and wants to ensure the transition of power is perceived as supported by the G.o.ds. His team has also decided to take an interest in this event, and they are now en route.

The G.o.ds know Double D is in the city, and they are curious. Although they cannot intervene, they want to show their support of the king's decision to turn his crown over to the prince before he pa.s.ses.

LASIDIOUS plans to entice the Serpent King, Seth, to visit George in the city of Bloodvain. He knows George is now only 7 Peaks from the Barbarian King's city.

SENCHAE BLOODVAIN is training harder than ever. His mind has not been able to rest.

ONLY 4 PEAKS remain until the people harvest their crops across the Kingdom of Brandor. The oversized harvest wagons are finished, and the barns are complete. Sam has dispatched part of the king's fleet to the coastal cities to wait for the wagons to arrive with their cargo.

Thank you for reading this edition of the Grayham Inquirer

CHAPTER 30.

Justice The City of Brandor The Royal Dining Hall SAM STOOD BEHIND JUSTIN GRAYWIND'S OLD CHAIR. He was wearing armor designated for the leader of the king's army. This was Sam's last series of moments as General Absolute. By the end of the meeting, he would a.s.sume the role of advisor to the new king, Aaron Brandor, and Michael would take his spot as general.

Sam spent 2 Peaks getting to know Keldwin's son. There was much he admired about the royal offspring. They were about the same age with many of the same likes and dislikes. All in all, Sam figured his service to Aaron would be a pleasure.

Sam started the meeting. "Gentlemen, I hope you enjoyed breakfast." He scanned the face of each officer. "I've called you here to listen to the king's wishes. He's weak. Once we enter the throne room, any questions you have will need to wait until after the king has left. I'll be the one to address them. The king-"

Before Sam could finish his sentence, Mosley and the rest of the G.o.ds on his team appeared around the table. The men's reaction to the surprise visit was far better than the last series of moments in which Mosley appeared.

Mosley spoke. "General, we have come to show our support. We have no need to partic.i.p.ate in these proceedings, but we would like to acknowledge the new leader of Brandor's pack."

Mosley had learned of Double D's arrival in the city, and this was the real reason why he wanted to come. He desperately wanted to inform Sam of the a.s.sa.s.sin's presence, but he had to abide by the same laws as Lasidious. The wolf was unable to divulge any information that would directly affect a transition of power on the worlds. To tell Sam of the a.s.sa.s.sin's presence could possibly result in the a.s.sa.s.sin's failure to kill his intended target.

Sam took control of the meeting. "My Lords, we are honored to have you watch the proceedings." Sam sent a messenger to inform Keldwin of the G.o.ds' attendance. He wanted the king to be prepared when they entered the throne room.

Moments later, the king entered the dining hall, sitting in a wheeled chair pushed by the prince. Everyone, except the G.o.ds, kneeled.

Keldwin motioned for them to stand and reclaim their seats and waited for the room to settle. His voice was weak. "Thank you for coming." As he spoke, he coughed, spewing blood into his hands as he covered his mouth. No one reacted. They dared not dishonor their king.

Keldwin regained his composure and continued. He outlined his instructions over a substantial series of moments. After concluding his orders, Keldwin called each man by name, bid him farewell and then proclaimed, "My crown is now my son's. From this moment forward, Aaron is your king."

Keldwin motioned for one of his servants to wheel him from the room.

Once Keldwin was gone, Sam led the group as they bowed to their new sovereign, Aaron Brandor.

Meanwhile, Mosley stared into the corner of the room. The wolf's gaze penetrated the magic of the a.s.sa.s.sin's mask, but he was careful not to allow Double D to notice. Mosley just had to see the killer's face.

Aaron addressed the leaders of his army. "Much needs to be done to make this kingdom ready for the upcoming harvests. In addition to my father's Pa.s.sing Ceremony, we need to ensure the crops are harvested efficiently. I would like to hear status reports from those of you who carried out General Graywind's orders."

Sam was impressed by how Aaron was speaking. He sounded like a veteran and a young man with a powerful presence. The meeting lasted until the middle of the night, with the new king giving many orders, saving the most important for last. "My father's ceremony will be held in the arena. You shall all attend. I bid you good night."

After Aaron left the room, Sam called a close to the meeting. He waited for everyone to leave and motioned for Mosley to wait. When they were alone, Sam spoke to the wolf-G.o.d. But Mosley's attention was elsewhere. He was still staring at Double D as the a.s.sa.s.sin left the room.

Sam watched the wolf's eyes. "What are you looking at?"

Mosley redirected his gaze. "Huh? Oh ... nothing, Sam. What can I do for you?"

"Everything is changing so fast," Sam responded. "I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I was hoping you'd give me one of those G.o.dly blessings of yours to help me sleep. I'd be grateful, My Lord."

Mosley frowned. "Sam, please ... don't call me that. We don't need these formalities when others aren't present. Let's continue as we once were before I ascended. Let us treat each other as we used to."

Sam smiled. "You mean like the way you called me a fool when I started training with BJ? I can think of nothing better than going back to our old ways to create more fond memories." Sam moved in and lowered to one knee and then hugged the wolf. "Thanks for being here."

Mosley enjoyed the exchange, but he could sense that Sam still had something on his mind. "What else can I do for you?"

Sam took a deep breath. "Are you really able to provide Justin and Keldwin's souls a pleasant existence after their spirits arrive inside the Book of Immortality? They were good friends, and it's irritating to know that they're going to be stuck in a d.a.m.n book. You made it sound like you had some control over what happened. So level with me. Can you really do something for them?"

"I intend to try," the wolf replied. "All I can do is speak with the Book to see if it will create an alternate existence inside its pages. But it's up to the Book to make the final decision."

Sam shook his head. "I had a gut feeling they were going to get hosed."

Mosley cringed. "I swear to you, Sam, I intend to make an impression on the Book."

Gessler Village Kepler and his brothers squeezed through the window of George's room at The b.l.o.o.d.y Trough. Standing around the bed, their ma.s.sive bodies filled the large room and the wooden planks of the floor bent beneath their weight. They watched what they thought to be a sleeping George and joked as they looked down at the mage.

"Ahhhhh, how cute," Kepler chuckled. "I didn't know something so ugly could look so adorable."

Keller responded, "Humans don't have the ability to look adorable. They're furless monstrosities."

Koffler made an attempt to jump into the conversation, but the youngest of the triplet jaguars was not known for his intellect. "Yeah, yeah, human, yeah. No fur on the human, you guys."

Kepler and Keller looked at each other and rolled their eyes. After a moment, Koffler realized his brothers were mocking him. "What? What? Hey, Mother told you to be nice to me."

"Mother was destroyed many seasons ago, imbecile," Keller growled. "Do we need to take you out back and b.l.o.o.d.y you up?" He turned to look at Kepler. "I hate to say it, but I think every pride has a member that's not fit to be a territorial force."

"What?" Koffler growled.

Kepler rolled his eyes again. "Shut up."

George sat up, catching the cats off guard. "If you think I'm ugly, then I would hate to tell you what I think of you. Every moment I look at your big a.s.ses, I feel like I should put out a freakishly huge saucer of milk and say, here, kitty, kitty!"

"That's not funny!" Kepler snarled. "You know I hate that word, especially when you say it." He looked at his brothers. "That's the same thing he said as he stood over the Saber Lord and tortured him."

Keller and Koffler grumbled their displeasure. "We're not kitties, George!" Keller snarled.

"As you wish," George conceded.

After a moment, Kepler queried. "Where's Amar?"

George shrugged. "I killed him."

"What? Why?"

"He was going to screw us up."

Kepler shifted in place since the room was too crowded to pace. "How?"

"Lasidious told me that Amar would create problems. Do you remember the woman I told you about? The one I came to this world with?"

"I do."

"Well, she's a sorceress now. Lasidious told me that Amar had gone to Luvelles to study the dark arts. Apparently, Amar had plans to kill Shalee to take her power. I couldn't let this happen. If I had, Amar would've become powerful enough to destroy us both, and that would've sucked. He could've taken the barbarian throne for himself. So I ripped his heart out and ate it."

Kepler growled. "Wasn't it enough to kill him? What could you possibly gain from eating his heart? Would you have eaten Kroger's, too, if he wouldn't have turned to stone?"

George smiled. "Of course I wouldn't have eaten Kroger's. I only ate Amar's because it was the only way to steal his magic."

Kepler's eyes flashed. "What are you talking about?"