Lasidious smiled as he patted the wolf on his back. "It's hard to put one over on Sam with his superior intellect, but I don't think it will be as simple as you think. There's a twist, I a.s.sure you."

"When can we meet again to discuss the second piece of crystal?" Mosley inquired.

"In 10 Peaks." Lasidious plopped into his chair. "Remember, you're forbidden to a.s.sist the people of Grayham." The G.o.d of Mischief disappeared.

Without a word, the wolf also vanished. When Mosley reappeared, he was standing in Brandor's royal dining hall. Sam, Shalee, BJ, Helga, and the General Absolute were discussing who Sam should choose as his new advisor. The general did not enjoy politics, and the role of advisor was laden with political engagements. Michael did not want to be pulled away from the day-to-day dealings of the army, so he had requested to be excused from consideration. To be the king's advisor would require a much heavier involvement with the Senate.

Sam had agreed to the general's request. This left the king with a decision to make. Who would be his advisor? Sam was pleased when Mosley showed up. Now, he could ask the G.o.d for his opinion. "Mosley, it's good to see you. What brings you here, My Lord?"

"I bring news of the first piece of the Crystal Moon. I've come from a meeting with the G.o.ds. You'll need to take your army to Scorpion Island."

BJ and Michael spoke at the same moment. Realizing he was not a proper part of the chain of command, BJ held his tongue and yielded.

"Thank you, BJ," Michael acknowledged. "Lord Mosley, the lake surrounding the island is a doomed body of water. It's haunted by the mist mares. No one has ever set foot on the island, except for one man, but Barutomus has long since pa.s.sed. From the writings of his exploits, the island is infested with giant scorpions. He wrote: they have a king with a poisonous tail over two and one half paces long. You cannot simply approach beasts of this nature. It will be impossible to find the crystal without taking heavy casualties."

Everyone at the table turned to BJ to hear his opinion. "I agree with the general, but I'm more concerned about the mist mares." He turned to Sam. "The army can surely fight the scorpions and win, but the mist mares are spirits. Neither sword nor any other weapon known to our kingdom will defeat the beasts. They traverse the top of the water and slay anyone that attempts to cross.

"For reasons we don't understand, the mares don't come ash.o.r.e. No one has ever seen them anywhere other than Lake Zandra. They look like ghosts, and from what I've heard, they breathe a mist that ends anything it touches.

" Some stories call them demons, others shades, and still others, spirits. No one has dared study their nature except from afar. The people of the kingdom avoid the lake at all costs, and even the hippogriffs and the griffins fly well above the water. To fight these beasts would doom us all."

Sam stood after hearing each man speak. He looked at Mosley. "Is this all you know?"

Mosley shook his head. "No, but this is all I can divulge. Anything more, you must figure out on your own." Just like he did in the Hall of Judgment, the wolf rose up and placed his front paws on the edge of the table. He then looked down and motioned with his snout for everyone to adjust their attention to the top of the table. The scroll holding Lasidious' riddle appeared.

Sam shrugged. "Well ... I do like a good puzzle. Let's open this bad boy up and see what you've brought." The king rolled out the parchment and read it aloud, Water mist mares of Zandra, Beautiful, yet deadly.

A soul reflection, Their nature is in war, Governing the lake from sh.o.r.e to sh.o.r.e.

Sam lifted his head after reading the scroll and scanned the room for clues. He had an idea what the answer was, but wanted to see if anyone else had a guess. He smiled at the commotion and watched as everyone pa.s.sed the scroll around the table. After a while, he reclaimed the scroll and queried for answers.

Michael was the first to speak. "My King, none of us has an understanding of its meaning."

Shalee reached forward. Sam's mug slid across the table and into her hand. She took a drink. "Sam Goodrich, you stop this right now, and tell us. I know you know. You figured it out as soon as you read it. Stop toying, or I'll..." The sorceress tapped the b.u.t.t end of Precious on the floor and smiled at her lover. The message had been delivered, warning Sam of a future b.u.t.t-zapping.

Other than Shalee, the only people in the room who understood what her actions meant were BJ and Helga. They laughed, and then BJ said, "You have to admire your queen's spirit, Sire. Only she would threaten her king in a meeting of this magnitude."

"Agreed," Sam replied as he winked at his radiant, pregnant wife. "She's a handful."

Michael and Mosley looked at each other with blank stares and then shrugged while Sam pulled Kael from his sheath and addressed the sword. "I wonder. Do you know the answer?"

"Don't be foolish, Sam. Of course, I do," the blade responded as it pulsated a shallow red, annoyed by the audacity of Sam's question.

"Then tell us," Sam retorted.

"If I must! But the parchment clearly states that the power of the mist mares is in a soul reflection."

"What do you mean by a soul reflection?" Michael questioned.

Kael sneered, "Only an imbecile would not know what a reflection is." The blade pulled itself out of Sam's hand, floated across the table and hovered in front of Michael. "Who are you, mortal? You're not my master. I have not given you permission to speak to a sword of my caliber. Utter another word and it'll be your last."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, Kael! Take it easy," Sam urged as he retrieved the blade. "Let's put you away. We'll talk about this later. These people are our friends."

"No, Sam. They're your friends. They're beneath me." The blade grew hot before Sam could sheathe Kael, and the king was forced to release him. "Please stop wasting my moments. Figure out who you are so things can be the way they used to be." The blade lowered itself into its sheath without saying anything further.

Shalee gasped. "What in tarnation did he mean by that? Pull him back out and make him tell you!"

Sam shook his head. "It's probably best to leave him alone. Besides, we have a riddle to solve." The king paused to gather his thoughts. "What Kael was referring to is the sole reflection of the mare that is created by the water beneath its feet. In this case, the word 'soul' has two meanings. It's a play on words. The first is literal. A soul is actually casting the reflection. So BJ was right. The mist mares are spirits. The second meaning was a clever way of saying, only one mare casts the reflection that holds the power of the herd. So the word 'soul' means both soul and sole. I believe the problem we will be facing is how to determine which mare is responsible for casting the reflection that will allow us to destroy the herd."

Mosley looked up from sniffing the corners of the room and announced, "I bid you farewell." The wolf vanished.

BJ looked at the group. "I swear, the G.o.ds meddle in our lives too much. I liked life better when I didn't have to worry about such things."

Sam walked around the table and put his hand on BJ's shoulder. "Just think of how interesting your life will be, now that I've decided to promote you to the position of my advisor. You'll have to deal with the G.o.ds and the Senate."

Helga screamed, jumped from her chair, ran around the table, and pulled BJ from his. She hugged him as Michael looked at Sam. It was easy to see the General Absolute had a question. Sam motioned for him to speak.

"Sire," Michael said, careful to choose his words. "I'd like to understand your decision. I mean no offense, but what qualifies a teacher of weaponry to perform the duties of running a kingdom?"

Sam pulled his chair out and took his seat. "Let's just say I believe he'll do a good job. I'm making my decision on a gut feeling. I'm sure you know what I mean." Sam sat forward. "When you're in battle, and the fighting is chaotic, it's your instinct that helps you make decisions. You know and trust these feelings, despite what anyone else thinks. This is what I'm doing. I want you to support my decision, and understand it's my instinct that is telling me BJ is right for the position."

Michael stood from the table and bowed. "Shall I prepare our advance on Zandra? The Scorpion King's island is small enough that we should be able to take just one legion to hunt for the crystal. I'll prepare the army and leave the problem of the mist mares to you."

Sam agreed.

Michael added, "I'll send word to Branson, the legion leader of Cottle, to be ready within 3 Peaks for our arrival." Michael continued to lay out a plan and finished by saying, "Does Your Majesty agree?"

Sam was impressed with Michael's quick decision-making. "It sounds like a fine plan, General. BJ will stay behind and run Brandor in my absence while Shalee and I go with you to retrieve the crystal. If there are no further questions, I say we adjourn."

Helga jumped up from her seat. "What about me, Sam ... I mean, Sire? I also have abilities that could be useful. I did train your wife to use her magic. I should come with you ... in case there's a magical emergency."

Sam laughed. "A magical emergency, eh? Well..." He would have objected, but he watched Shalee give Helga a high-five and knew it would be a waste of his moments. "I guess it's settled. Let's get moving."

Ancients Sovereign 2 Peaks of Bailem Later Lasidious appeared in Yaloom's home. The Mischievous One wanted to find out what the G.o.d of Greed was planning to do with the scroll he had been given.

"What do you want?" Yaloom snapped.

"I want to know when you're going to tell George about the scroll. I've watched you for the last 2 Peaks. All you've done is sit here and look at it. What's the problem?"

Yaloom looked in the direction of his waterfall. He placed his hands on the railing as he looked down at the pool filled with shimmering gems. "I can't figure out the riddle's meaning. This bothers me." He lifted his hands and played with the ring on his pinky. "I'll give it to George as soon as I figure it out."

Lasidious became enraged. "Are you stupid? Only you would allow your incompetence to stop you from giving George the moments he needs to go after the crystal. Meanwhile, your chance to win this piece is fading. Sam is on his way to the city of Cottle to meet with his army and march on the lake."

Mieonus appeared. On this Peak, she was stunning, dressed in a short, yellow gown that complemented her olive skin. She pushed her brunette hair clear of her face. "I've been telling him the same thing, but he won't listen. I agree with you, Lasidious. He doesn't need to know the scroll's meaning to allow George to see it, but he won't move from this spot."

Lasidious shouted, calling for the Book of Immortality. It was only a brief moment before the Book appeared. "I've decided to take the team lead away from Yaloom and give it to Mieonus. He has the wit of a slug, and he doesn't have the ability to lead this team to victory."

Before another word could be said, Mieonus ran across the room, s.n.a.t.c.hed the scroll off the table and then disappeared.

Yaloom's expression was cold. "I have a notion to-"

"To what?" Lasidious hissed. "Even if we weren't governed by the Book's laws, you aren't powerful enough to challenge me. I'd destroy you. You're pathetic, and you always will be."

Yaloom started to raise his hands to evoke his power, but the Book floated between them. "I suggest you think about your actions, Yaloom. You'll be destroyed."

Lasidious laughed. His eyes turned red as he flashed a mouthful of sharp teeth, daring Yaloom to strike. "You're weak! You're spineless! You're a father's mistake and a mother's misery!"

After listening to this verbal a.s.sault, the Greedy One managed to calm himself.

Disappointed, Lasidious vanished.

Bloodvain's Throne Room Mieonus appeared in the Barbarian King's throne room. The only person present, besides the guards, was Senchae Bloodvain. The guards took defensive positions and prepared to attack, whereupon the G.o.ddess simply held up her hand and caused everyone in the throne room, except the king, to vanish and reappear outside the castle-lodge.

"Senchae, where's George?"

Unnerved, the king responded, "Who are you?"

"I'm Mieonus," she sneered as she looked over his person with a disgusted countenance.

Senchae held her gaze. "Is this name supposed to mean something to me?" he queried. The woman in front of him was using magic like George. He needed to be careful not to sound too bold.

Mieonus was annoyed that the king did not recognize her name. "You're wasting my moments, barbarian!" she snapped. "Where's George?"

"I'm here," the mage replied as he entered the room. "How can I help you on this fine Peak? And with whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"

The G.o.ddess softened after hearing the soothing sound of George's voice. "I'm Mieonus. I have come to give you this scroll." She lifted his hand and gently placed the parchment in his palm.

George was not familiar with the deity's name, but he remained sweet, careful not to ruin a chance to gain an advantage. "It's nice to meet you, Mieonus. May I say, you look ravishing? Yellow is your color. Your beauty is rare in this kingdom."

The G.o.ddess enjoyed the compliment. "Thank you, George." She untied the string around the scroll and opened it. "This should have been given to you Peaks ago. Brandor has a head start. It's the key to getting past the water mist mares of Lake Zandra."

George read the riddle. "Should I know what this means?"

Hearing George's ignorance, Mieonus' fascination with the mage's seductive voice vanished. She stomped the heel of her shoe on the floor. "I can't answer your question, simpleton! It's for you to figure out. All I can tell you is that Lasidious has placed the first piece of the Crystal Moon on Scorpion Island."

George thought, Well she's a loose cannon. Just be nice, George. He looked at the Barbarian King to see if the script on the scroll rang a bell. "Do you know where this Scorpion Island is?"

"My people haven't spent many moments scouting the area. I can't tell you much about the island, but I do know it's at the center of the lake in the western territories of Brandor. The lake is said to be haunted by demons that live on the water."

Mieonus was taken aback by the king's lack of knowledge, let alone his total ignorance of the mist mares. Her visit was a complete waste of her moments. She vanished.

Senchae grinned as he looked at George. "It appears burs have infiltrated her undergarments. Her mood was vexed. She spoke of the Crystal Moon. The moon is what keeps the worlds-"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know, I know. It keeps the worlds separated. If the pieces aren't put back together soon, everything will end. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. But what does this riddle mean?"

The barbarian looked at the scroll and shook his head as his guards re-entered the room panting and with anxious looks on their faces. Seeing the king's response, George sent one of the men to retrieve his pack. When the big man returned, George studied his map to find the lake. He realized that he could make it there within 6 Peaks. "If I leave now, I can do some reconnaissance."

George motioned for the guards to clear the room. Once they were gone, George commanded, "Senchae, I want you to gather the army and prepare for war. The Serpent King isn't due to arrive for another 7 Peaks. I'll leave now and teleport to the city of Champions. From there, I'll head to the lake to see if I can gather information. If we're lucky, I'll learn more about these demon mares."

George paused. "I should make it back before the moment comes to meet with the serpent. After I meet him, I can teleport the slimy b.a.s.t.a.r.d back to his home, or at least as close to his home as I can get. He can mobilize his army and wait for further orders. If part of Brandor's army is going to be at the lake, we should destroy them while we can."

The mage paused again. Kepler was watching from the shadows. The demon had crept in to listen in on their conversation.

George smiled. He had put a spell on the demon and his siblings to alert him when they were around. The mage did not like the idea that the demons could hide in the smallest of shadows without him knowing. The way Kepler's brothers had appeared outside the Cave of Sorrow the day Kroger was turned to stone was eerie, and though Kepler was his ally, he also knew the cat was a master manipulator like he was. Manipulators always had to be alert for other manipulators.

"Kepler, dude, if you wanted to listen to what I was saying, you only had to walk in and make yourself at home. I keep no secrets from you. We're partners, remember?"

The cat emerged from the shadows. "How did you know I was there? And what does 'dude' mean?"

"It means buddy, friend, or pal." The mage unrolled the scroll and showed it to the cat. "Some hot chick appeared and gave this to me. I a.s.sume she was one of the G.o.ds, but I didn't confirm it. Her name was Mieonus. Does that ring a bell?"

"Yes. She's a G.o.ddess, but what she stands for, I don't know." Kepler sniffed the parchment in George's hand. "What's the message?"

George held it up. "It's about the mist mares on Lake Zandra, but Senchae doesn't know what it means. I was about to leave to gather information. Apparently, the first piece of the Crystal Moon is located on an island at the center of the lake."

Kepler growled and then lowered to the floor. He licked himself as if he did not care.

George rolled his eyes. "d.a.m.n it, Kep, what do you know?"

The demon yawned. "Well, my dude, it's-"

George interrupted. "No, Kep. Just say, dude. 'My dude' sounds like something Koffler would say."

Kepler frowned. "Hmmm! Dude, it's a good thing I showed up when I did. I know something about the mist mares, man."

George reached out and gently slapped Kepler on the forehead. "Knock it off. You're starting to sound like me. You're not cool enough."

"Oh, I'm cool, George. I'm like ice." Kepler stood and moved to scratch his back on one of the wooden pillars. "Ahhhhhhh."

George rolled his eyes. "You said you know something about the mist mares. Perhaps you could tell me during one of your free moments?"

Kepler dropped to his haunches, licked the inside of his right front leg and rubbed it across the top of his right ear before he responded. "I know about the mist mares. I also know the island at the lake's center is covered with scorpions. We would have no difficulty moving about the island if you keep us from being seen.

"It's the mist mares that concern me. They prowl their territory efficiently. They can see everything unseen. I know this firsthand. I tried to take a drink from the lake one night while traveling to Carlosam. Somehow, they saw me. They charged, but I was able to abandon the sh.o.r.eline to avoid meeting my end. I don't know why they didn't follow me, but if they could have left the lake's surface, they would have. They must be bound to the water. I've never seen such anger in a beast.

"The shortest distance to the island is from the north side of the lake. This is where we should start. If we can find a way past the mares, it will only be a half-Peak swim to the sh.o.r.e of the island. I hope you're strong enough."

"Swim? Who needs to swim?" George mocked. "I've got an idea to get across. The only problem I have is with this riddle. I don't know what it means. Apparently, it holds the key to getting past our little, demon pony problem." George spread the scroll out on the floor so they could read it.

"This seems straightforward," Kepler said.

After listening to everything the jaguar had to say, George looked at his map. "This is good. We'll go to Athena's home tonight, and in the morning, we can teleport to the city of Champions. From there, we'll depart for Zandra's northern sh.o.r.e."

George reached up and ruffled the fur on Kepler's huge neck. "You're turning out to be quite the ally, Kep. What would I do without you?"

"I'm glad you're pleased, George." The demon took a step back. "But do you think you could stop touching me? It's appalling to have a human be so caring. I've spent too many seasons eating your kind. My brothers have been jesting about our relationship. I want us to rule this world, but I have no desire for intimacy with you."

"Intimacy? Hmmm. You don't want to love me, Kep? You're breaking my heart." Grinning, George took the opportunity to poke fun. With the same voice he used to speak to a dog on Earth, he walked toward Kepler in a stalking manner. "Doesn't my furry, little demon love his Georgy-worgy?"