Lasidious nodded. "You're right. I'll show you your failure firsthand. Come with me to see what the situation is like in Brandor. Meet me in the theatre next to Mosley ... if you have the nerve." After a snide look, the Mischievous One disappeared.

When Lasidious reappeared, he was standing next to Mosley on the stage. Like the wolf, he was invisible to those who filled the theatre. Soon after, Mieonus and Yaloom popped in. They said nothing as they watched Sam place the blade onto Double D's shoulder. This was going to be an event worth watching. Each took a seat on the stage floor.

Eventually, Lasidious decided to make conversation that could only be heard by the G.o.ds. "Mosley, I see your manipulations have Sam in the best position possible for the upcoming war." The Mischievous One reached out and patted the wolf on his neck. "Sam ... a king and Shalee ... his queen. I must admit, I'm impressed, my friend. I should keep a better eye on you from now on. It appears you're as proficient in mischief as I am."

The wolf turned and looked at his fellow G.o.ds. "Sam is impressive to watch, is he not? It didn't take more than a few simple suggestions to turn him into a leader. I would not say I'm as mischievous as you, Lasidious, but I appear to have a knack for it."

Yaloom cut in. "I should've been watching you. Be a.s.sured, I won't make that mistake twice. I had no idea you had Sam in the position to become Brandor's monarch. It's clear to me now that the a.s.sa.s.sination was an error in judgment."

"Ya think?" Lasidious snapped. "You two managed to kill everyone who stood in Sam's way. What should've taken seasons to accomplish, you managed to hand him in a matter of Peaks. Please ... remind me, why do the two of you deserve to live on Ancients Sovereign?"

"Okay, we get it!" Mieonus sneered. "How about we focus on your shortcomings. Answer this: what have you been up to?"

Lasidious rubbed his hands together in front of a sinister smile. "I could tell you ... but I a.s.sure you, there would be no shortcomings found in my answers."

Mosley ignored Lasidious' response and took a few more moments to brag. "Sam has completely taken control of this situation. Look at how the people support him."

"He's extraordinary," Lasidious responded.

Mosley changed the subject. "I found your George."

"Really?" Lasidious said without allowing his surprise to appear on his face, "I was wondering when someone would."

Mosley reached up with his back leg and scratched his neck as he responded. "I sensed his presence yesterday just before Early Bailem. He teleported to meet with Kepler and his brothers on the north side of Gessler." The wolf turned and looked into the G.o.d of Mischief's eyes and waited for Lasidious to respond.

"Finally, the games we play are becoming more interesting. It will be harder to deceive one another now that we know who to look for." Lasidious knew he could still speak with George in his dreams if he needed to. Whether Mosley was watching the Earthling or not, it would not be an issue once he spoke with him.

Mosley licked his jowls and then spoke. "George is headed north into the Barbarian Kingdom. Since he's teleporting, someone must have given him a way to find power of his own."

"Really?" Mieonus oozed as she glared at Lasidious. "I thought you were staying neutral and allowing the teams to play."

Lasidious laughed. "No. I said I wouldn't cheat while I was on a team ... and I didn't. I never said I didn't have goals of my own. What fun can be found in idle complacency? Besides, it appears it's good that I abandoned my team. The two of you are no smarter than mortals. Sam would make a better deity than you."

"Stop with the digs!" Yaloom snapped. "We get it. You're the master. That was made clear when you found a way to rid us of Ba.s.sorine with the Book."

Lasidious took a moment to enjoy the verbal pat on his back. "Thank you, Yaloom. There may be hope for you yet."

Mieonus rolled her eyes. "Could you possibly have a bigger opinion of yourself? For your sake, that over-inflated head best not leak."

Distracted, Mosley rolled onto his side. This new position allowed him to sniff Mieonus' feet. "Delightful!" He twisted his head to look at Lasidious. "I'll be watching George from now on. He's controlling advanced magic for this world, and we both know it. I noticed he teleported without a spell or staff. Perhaps you'd be willing to divulge how he accomplished that."

"You're perceptive, Mosley," Lasidious responded. "What else have your senses been telling you?"

Yaloom and Mieonus agreed with Lasidious that the wolf's perceptions were accurate, although they did not know why they were agreeing.

"Well," Mosley said in a calm voice, "we all know that George had no natural magical abilities when you retrieved him from Earth. The others would've known if you had tried to bring a magical being forward. The only way George could have gained his abilities is by eating the heart of someone before their soul left for the Book."

Lasidious shook his head. "That's not the only way." Lasidious smirked. "But it is the easiest way."

Mosley rolled his green eyes. "How about we level with each other, Lasidious, and you tell me how I'm doing so far? You gave George the ability to command a grand pack of his own, didn't you?"

Lasidious lifted his hand and waved off the accusation. "Careful, Mosley. You're giving me too much credit. All I did was tell the horse where the water was. George chose to drink it. I have been careful not to break the rules within the Book ... as I'm sure you have. Like you, I've done nothing other than make a few, simple suggestions. I only motivated my mortal to walk down a path of his choosing."

The wolf frowned. "I would not call eating someone's heart a simple suggestion. But whose power did he take?"

"Whether it's a simple suggestion or not is a matter of opinion," Lasidious responded. "I'll answer your question, but everything I say from here on out will fall under the Rule of Fromalla."

Fellow soul ... Mosley pondered Lasidious' request. The wolf knew the Rule of Fromalla was a law that had been voted into existence by the G.o.ds and written onto the pages of the Book of Immortality. The law was pa.s.sed because of the overwhelming lack of trust the Collective had for each other after the G.o.d Wars ended. Though the G.o.ds had fought together in order to survive, once the wars were over, a battle of a new kind began. Each deity needed worshippers to speak their name in order to increase their power once the worlds were populated. In an effort to undermine each other's campaigns, the G.o.ds shared the others' secrets.

It was Ba.s.sorine who had called a meeting of the Collective to suggest that they vote to pa.s.s the Rule of Fromalla, and this allowed for progress. The law was long and covered many angles, but it basically meant, if two or more members of the Collective gathered to share anything that was said to be under Fromalla, it could not be divulged to a non-present member of the Collective. The penalty for breaking this law-mortality.

"I agree to Fromalla," the wolf responded. "Who did George end?"

Lasidious looked at Yaloom and then at Mieonus. He watched as they nodded and verbally agreed to obey the law. "George acquired his power from Amar. I'm sure you remember. He was one of the mage-brothers from Lethwitch."

Mieonus gasped. "Are you serious? That was a wonderful manipulation, Lasidious. You could not have led a horse to more magical water anywhere on Southern Grayham."

Though Yaloom had no idea who Amar was, he nodded to ensure he did not look foolish.

Mosley growled. The wolf had spent a Peak or two with Amar over his seasons while accomplishing various a.s.signments for Ba.s.sorine. "I know Amar. He was one of the few beings on all of Grayham to have studied under the Head Master on Luvelles."

Lasidious nodded. "Yes, that would be Amar."

The wolf rolled to a more comfortable position as Sam's blade sliced Double D in half, but the G.o.ds' conversation continued without interruption. They no longer cared about the gruesome scene that was happening only a few paces away. "I would like to know how George learned to control the power he stole from Amar."

A huge grin appeared on the Mischievous One's face. "I'm happy you asked, because that's the best part of how my pet was created. Amar was the one who taught George how to wield the power that killed him. Ironic, don't you think?"

Mieonus shook her head as she pushed her long, brunette hair clear of her face. A s.a.d.i.s.tic smile appeared, and her brown eyes were filled with pleasure. "I'm sure you enjoyed yourself when you watched Amar pa.s.s. I know I would have. What do you hope George will accomplish with his newfound power?"

Lasidious shrugged. "Now, now, now ... you don't think I'm going to tell you, do you? You'll just have to tag along to find out."

"Ha! You can't blame me for asking," the G.o.ddess chided. "I think your manipulations are masterful, Lasidious." Mieonus clapped. "You must let me spend more of my moments with you. You play in a better sandbox of evil than I do."

Lasidious chuckled. "I'll consider it. What do you say we head over to Brandor's arena and watch them light the pyres? We can continue to converse there."

"That sounds like a pleasant idea," Yaloom commented. "I haven't been to an event like that for countless seasons."

They all disappeared. As the night progressed, the G.o.ds sat on top of the highest point of the arena and watched the fire consume Keldwin and Aaron's bodies. Sam lit the wood with Kael's flame and then took his place on his new throne inside the royal box.

4 Peaks Later The harvest for the Kingdom of Brandor was moving forward as planned, and the fields replenished themselves just as Alistar had promised. The crops that were gathered on the last Peak of the harvest had to be stored in the barns that were built across the kingdom, and they were overflowing.

There were 1,770 harvest wagons that had been built by the king's army making their way to the coastal cities. The harvest was so plentiful that almost every man who owned a wagon had to help in the effort. In total, there were more than 80,000 wagons on the roads, each filled to capacity.

To the north, the Kingdom of Bloodvain was also gathering their crops, but there was nothing special about this event, and life in the north moved forward as usual for everyone-everyone, that is, except Senchae Bloodvain and his mages. The Barbarian King planned to meet George outside the city of Bloodvain's walls.

Senchae's scouts had spotted George and his jaguars, and they had returned to inform the king that George would arrive at the gates of the city by Late Bailem.

Senchae had heeded the talking bull's words. He wanted to confront the human before George could challenge him in front of his military. The warning had made the king fearful that he could lose his crown, and Senchae was not about to let that happen. .

Since the meeting was not until later, there was a meal that needed to be eaten first. Kepler, Keller, Koffler and George were sitting down to have breakfast. They were a half-Peak's walk from Bloodvain, and they figured they would arrive around Late Bailem. Keller had caught a baby fawn, and the mage was sitting by the fire with a stick to cook his portion of the catch.

"That's awful," Keller growled. "How can you stand to eat it that way? You're cooking the flavor out of it, George."

" Yeah, the flavor out of it," Koffler added in his normal idiotic demeanor, his mouth full of flesh.

"Shut up!" Kepler snapped. "I'm not in the mood." The demon looked at George. "We're not far from Bloodvain. What's your plan?"

The mage pondered a moment before he responded. "As soon as the tigers you summoned arrive, we'll continue on to the city gates."

"I like the idea of back-up," Kepler interrupted as he spoke between licks while cleaning himself. "But if you win the fight against their champion, do you really believe the king's mages will simply let you challenge their king for the crown? They won't let an outsider ruin their way of life. We both know their invitation to fight for the crown is a farce. They'll never serve you."

"Kepler, my friend, my black, furry friend, you underestimate me still. Allow me to show you how I'm going to get the people to love us and stop the king's mages." George reached into his pack and pulled out the sleeping Maldwin.

The demon looked at the rat. "Hmmm. Nicely done. You teleported to Lethwitch to retrieve the rat."

Kepler said h.e.l.lo to Maldwin in the rat's language and then looked back up at George. "What do you want me to tell the little guy to do? I could tell him, you said to tell him, that I should tell him that you said telling him was a good idea, to tell me something that I could tell you, so you could tell me, to tell him it's a good idea, for him to tell me, to tell you that he understands."

George laughed, "You're never going to let me live that one down, are you?"

"Nope, never gonna, George," Koffler said with a stupid laugh as he choked on his food.

Kepler and Keller growled at their brother as if they were using the same mind. "Shut up, idiot!"

George continued. "Anyway, I want you to ask Maldwin, not tell him, to give the barbarian people a vision of how great we are when I give him the signal. I want to walk around Bloodvain and not worry about our safety. I also want him to send his visions to the king's mages if we find ourselves in trouble. Just have him keep an eye out."

Kepler did as George requested. "He says he understands, George."

Once the four tigers arrived, George outlined the plan and then they were off to Bloodvain.

The four G.o.ds-Lasidious, Mosley, Mieonus, and Yaloom-still in their invisible state, watched as George divulged his plan to the cats.

"It will be interesting to see how this turns out," Mosley said. "George is smart and a decent tactician, but he may still be underestimating the barbarians. They are a formidable people."

Lasidious smiled. "Isn't it great? Seven giant cats and a rat can also be formidable. When I told George about the staff, I never expected that he'd turn Maldwin into an ally. It's unlikely, but he just might pull this off. I wish I could tell him how to do it. I'd like more of a guarantee that this is going to work." The Mischievous One paused. "But where's the fun in that?"

Mosley nodded. "I know what you mean. I wanted to tell Sam about Double D, but I was bound by the same law you are."

The deceiver chuckled. "I wasn't really talking about the law, but whatever. Sometimes the G.o.ds make the d.a.m.nedest rules."

"Agreed," Mieonus interjected. "But the rules have their purpose, or they wouldn't have been made."

"I think it makes the game more interesting," Yaloom added as he turned his attention away from George's group. "Shall we follow them to see what happens?"

Lasidious responded, "Yes, let's do that because talking to you is anything but interesting."

Yaloom rolled his eyes. "You just can't stop yourself, can you?"

The Mischievous One shrugged. "You make it too easy."

Mosley sighed as they walked. "Being a G.o.d, and having the ability to summon what you want, kills any amus.e.m.e.nt that could be found in wagering on whether or not George will succeed. I so enjoyed wagering when I was mortal."

Lasidious nodded. "Perhaps there is a way to find enjoyment through wagering. Instead of a reward for winning, we could punish the loser through embarra.s.sing acts."

"I like that idea," Yaloom confirmed as he pulled a ring from one hand to put it on the other. "Wagering could provide a few laughs. Let's swear on the Book of Immortality that we must perform the acts of punishment ... providing they don't embarra.s.s us in front of our followers."

Lasidious smiled. "I'll agree to that. How about you, Mosley?"

The wolf grinned. "This is the most cub-like thing I've agreed to in many seasons, but it'll be fun. I never thought G.o.ds would do something so foolish."

Outside of Bloodvain Later that Evening The G.o.ds found a large rock and took a seat on it to watch the meeting between George and Senchae. Yaloom was unable to sit. He had lost the first wager. He had to stand with his robes draped over his right arm, and as his punishment, he had a large, red bow placed over his privates until the next wager was settled.

Senchae and his mages were now within eyesight of George. They dismounted their large horses, a breed common to the north. The stallions were predominantly black with white socks, and they had matching splotches across their flanks. They were capable of carrying the weight of the barbarian people.

The mages tied the horses' reins to a nearby tree. They then walked with their king toward George. Both sides were cautious as they drew closer, but George was relaxed as he stood with Maldwin in his arms and only Kepler at his side.

Yaloom looked down at his bow. "This isn't what I had in mind. I hate red."

"Shut up, and pay attention!" Mieonus snapped.

Mosley grinned as Lasidious held up his hand. "Shhhh. I want to watch without you two babbling."

George took a deep breath as the barbarians stopped in front of them. The king was ma.s.sive, a true freak of nature, the likes of which George had never seen. Senchae's dark skin only added to this perception. d.a.m.n! That's the biggest black guy I've ever seen, George thought.

George leaned toward Kepler and whispered, "Holy garesh, this guy has muscles in places that don't even exist. Maybe you should warn Maldwin to be ready."

"Agreed," the demon responded. "I could end him ... but you should prowl with caution."

George rolled his eyes. "You're a c.o.c.ky b.a.s.t.a.r.d. You know that, right? Don't you worry about me, I've got everything under control. Just make sure Maldwin is ready."

George took note of Kepler's invisible subjects. He had used his magic to hide their presence. As instructed, the tigers and Kepler's brothers had crept up behind the king's five mages, and they were ready to attack.

Both groups were standing on a well-traveled road of packed dirt in a heavily wooded area that led to Bloodvain. They had stopped by a rock that was surrounded by trees, the same rock that held the invisible G.o.ds. They were alone and George could not have asked for a better setup.

George addressed the king. "I'm a.s.suming you're Senchae."

The big man responded, "Who are you to speak my name? You haven't earned the right, and I should kill you for your ignorant tongue. I'm a king, these are my lands, and you will address me with respect."

Kepler marveled as George just laughed. He had seen George do this before. He remembered how it made him feel when he was unsure of what George was capable of. He knew the human intended to pick a fight.

Senchae did not know how to respond, so George spoke. "Do you meet everyone outside your city walls, Senchae?"

"Only the swine who don't deserve to see beyond them," Senchae retorted.

George frowned. "You suck at talking trash, don't you? How can a guy as big as you not be frightening?"

Senchae was about to unsheathe his sword, but George held up his hands and shouted, "Wait! Please don't kill me! I have something you need to know first!"

The Barbarian King was so shocked by how this puny man from the south was speaking that he stopped to listen to what George had to say. "Go ahead. Utter your last words before I end you."