Deep beneath the Peaks of Angels on Ancients Sovereign, Lasidious pounded his fist against the wall above the cube-shaped fireplace inside his home. His eyes burned red hot as he stared at the vision of Sam while the king watched the stallion run away. "d.a.m.n it!" the Mischievous One cursed. "All you had to do was ask, Sam. The answer was right in front of your face."

The Mischievous One waved his hand across the flames and the voluptuous image of the pregnant Celestria appeared in the blaze. "Please tell me you saw that, so I don't have to explain."

The G.o.ddess nodded. "Yes, my pet. I was in my room watching as you requested."

Lasidious frowned. "Can you believe Sam didn't ask the question?"

A confused look appeared on Celestria's face. "Why would you want him to do that, my love? You know his mind is not yet ready, or have you forgotten?"

The Mischievous One would have reb.u.t.ted, but he realized Celestria was right. "I just... I just want this to be over!"

The G.o.ddess of Beasts looked into the glowing orb that was sitting in the palm of her right hand. She presented her most seductive smile as she stared at the vision of Lasidious. "Easy, my love. Your desires will be fulfilled in due season. I love you."

Lasidious slammed his fist again on the wall above the fireplace. "I know you're right! I just don't want to hear it!"

Meanwhile, Michael walked across the clearing and stopped at Sam's side. "It seems the mares no longer have the ability to destroy, Sire." With the king still looking in the direction Cain fled, the general added, "That stallion seemed to have a moment with you."

Sam shook his head. "No, General, they just chose not to attack. Send two men to find the herd! Six of the mares will willingly return to Brandor with them."

Shalee tugged at Sam's arm. "How do you know that?"

From Sam's hip, Kael responded, his blade pulsating to match his disdain. "Sam, must two horses speak on the same Peak?"

Sam pulled Kael from his sheath and put the blade in front of his face. "I've heard enough! One more snide comment toward Shalee, and I swear to Mosley, I'll throw you into a forge! G.o.d-sword or not, I won't allow you to speak to my queen ... my wife, that way! Do you understand me?"

Kael did not respond. The glow around the blade diminished.

A moment later, Sam scoffed. "Bah!" He sheathed Kael.

Shalee shook her head. "What in tarnation is his problem?"

Sam waved the question off. "Who cares? Let's just send a couple men to get a few of the mares, and let's get going."

Shalee shrugged. "Well, if you're going to send somebody after them, I want one, too."

Sam took an extremely long, deep breath. "Why do you think I said six? Take it easy."

Seeing the king was vexed, Michael stepped forward and interjected. "Sire, shall I ready the army to cross the lake."

Sam shrugged. "Just make it happen."

Michael turned and shouted, "Make ready the boats!"

Sam took Shalee by the hand and led the queen to one of the crafts. As they walked, Shalee put her hands to her mouth and shouted down the beach. "Helga! Let's go!"

The king's boat was capable of holding 30 men, and it was not long before the rest of the legion was also rowing toward Scorpion Island. As they crossed, Shalee winked at Helga and gave her a thumbs up.

The elderly sorceress smiled and opened her pack to look at the mask that Shalee had acquired from Double D after the a.s.sa.s.sin had been slain in the theatre.

George, Kepler and the Tiger Approach the Island George waved his free hand over the group as they drew closer to the island. Each of them vanished as they prepared for their secret invasion of the Scorpion King's kingdom. They all had seen the bright column of light to the south, but since they could only guess as to what caused it, they blew it off without much discussion.

As the raft ran onto the sh.o.r.e, the ice crunched as it slid across the rocks. The noise captured the attention of three giant scorpions who turned to investigate. Everyone exited the raft and moved away, observing the creatures' movements from within George's veil of magic.

George was awed by the arthropods' size, but he did not feel the need to get a closer look. They were ma.s.sive, and from where he stood, what he could see was enough-tails at least one to two paces long, with stingers that ended in a fine point. Two scissor-like mandibles clacked against each other over their mouths and their big, beady eyes gave him chills. He was sure they would zoom in on him at any moment.

The top of the scorpions' backs were waist-high and the pincers at the end of their front appendages could tear a man in half. He had never seen a scorpion up close, and these three were more than he cared to see again. The mage motioned for the group to move on.

The rocky sh.o.r.es of the island turned to desert as they traveled inland. They tried not to attract attention, but the sand they flipped up left a cloud of dust with every footstep, leaving a clear trail of footprints to follow.

They needed a diversion. George decided to release the magic that was keeping the tiger hidden. Once the cat was visible, the beast became the scorpions' target. The big cat gave George a look as if he had been betrayed and then took off running. The scorpions gave chase.

Once they were far enough away, George spoke. "I think the tiger is quick enough to outrun them for a while, don't you?"

"That was mean, George," Kepler growled. "But I love it. We should pick up the pace."

"Yeah, let's go." They began to run within his spell of invisibility.

After much searching, the sand finally gave way to a rocky stretch of land that formed a gigantic mound at the center of the island. Relieved, the duo no longer had to worry about leaving tracks, but the way ahead was littered with a mult.i.tude of monstrosities.

"Holy garesh," George whispered after he placed his mouth next to Kepler's ear. "These d.a.m.n scorpions are everywhere."

The cat just nodded in agreement.

George began to look for a way through the ma.s.ses as he watched the scorpions skitter across the top of the mound. The arthropods were not going to be their only problem. They would also need to avoid the cacti and p.r.i.c.kly bushes that were growing out of the rock-not to mention the fairly large piles of scorpion garesh that were everywhere.

It took a while, but eventually, they reached the top of the mound, and on its back side was the entrance to the Scorpion King's underground dwelling. The cave was shrouded with vines and the way beyond was dark.

With the path ahead being no less intimidating, they slowly began their descent into the hole. George used his magic on his eyes so that he could see.

The South Side of Scorpion Island Sam's Army has Landed Sam jumped onto the bank of the island and ordered the general to form ranks. The king then grabbed the side of the boat and motioned for Helga to come close. After securing his hands around the older woman's waist, he lifted her out and set her on the ground. Turning to a.s.sist Shalee, Sam could only smile as the queen used her magic to float over the side of the craft and lower to the ground.

Irritated by how the ranks were forming, the general shouted, "No, no, no, Branson ... I said ten, not nine!" Michael grabbed the collar of the legion leader's breastplate. "You best get these men organized! I said I wanted 10 squads, each with 664 men. If I had wanted nine, I would have said that in the boat."

"I'm sorry, General!"

"Don't apologize! Tell me, if your men are 20 abreast, how many soldiers should be in each line, Branson?"

The legion leader's response was without delay. "At 20, each line should be around 80 deep!"

Michael shook his head and tapped the flat of his blade against the legion leader's breastplate. "Wrong! The lines would be not be around anything! They would be exactly 83 deep, Branson! Why are they not formed properly? Tell me that!"

The legion leader stood at attention. "It was just an oversight, sir!"

Michael placed the tip of his sword on top of Branson's shoulder. "There is no such thing as just an oversight in war, Branson! You've been in command of this legion for over a season! Did Graywind make a mistake when he chose you?"

"No, sir! I will fix it!"

As Branson rushed off to get the men in order, Sam walked up and stopped next to the general. "You were hard on him, don't you think?"

Michael shook his head. "Not at all. I'm not in the mood to perish on this island, are you, My King?"

Sam just grinned.

Before the ranks could be reformed, the tiger crested the hill in the distance with more than 140 scorpions in tow, and there were more on the way.

Sam shouted, "Prepare for battle!" The king grabbed Michael by the arm. "You and Branson stay close, and fight at my side!"

Sam retrieved Kael from his sheath and called out, "Val arna, coa, nug, vaura poi!" The sword burst into flames, and the blade extended an additional two and one half paces. Kael also protected the king and those around the monarch from the scorpions' venom.

The legion's battle cry filled the air as they rushed into formation and prepared for the ma.s.sive collision.

Shalee waved her hand in a half circle and toughened the skin of every man against the scorpions' stingers. She then lifted Precious and shouted, "Val arna, coa karon!" The air filled with meteoric b.a.l.l.s of fire that fell across the top of the hill, killing 17 giant arthropods in the blast. Scorpion body parts were sent flying in every direction as Sam's army cheered for their queen.

With the tiger running toward the army, Sam hollered, "Shalee, protect the cat! Use your magic to capture it, and get it out of here!"

The sorceress did as the king instructed. She used her power to lift the cat and take it to safety. The feline floated over the heads of the army as the sorceress adjusted the command in her mind. She placed the beast into a boat, and with a quick flip of her hand, she sent the tiger floating out onto the lake. But the cat was quick to abandon the vessel. He jumped out of the boat and swam away from the island toward the mainland.

The queen grinned. "Poor thing," she said as she looked at Helga. "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

"Don't worry about me, Child," The older sorceress replied as she lifted Double D's mask to place it on top of her head. "It looks like we've found ourselves a magical emergency." Her wink was filled with mischief.

Shalee chuckled as Helga pulled the mask over her eyes and disappeared. A moment later, the older sorceress began walking around the oncoming horde of scorpions while Shalee lifted her hands to send another wave of meteors crashing into the skittish invasion of poisoners.

Body parts of another 21 scorpions were sent flying in countless directions. Again, the army cried out as the general ordered the soldiers to advance. An enormous eruption filled the air as the legion, 6,640 strong, started to march into battle.

With Sam's grip tight on Kael's handle, the light of the sword's pulse was solid red as the weapon called for blood.

Moments later, Sam shouted, "Charge!" The entire legion ran with their king toward the approaching horror.

Meanwhile Inside the Cave of the Scorpion King The cries of Sam's army echoed off the walls of the cave as George and Kepler descended into the cavernous underground lair of the Scorpion King. They found themselves pressed up against the wall as the skittish soldiers responded to the war cry above.

Although they were still invisible, George had to use more of his power to create a protective barrier to keep them from being trampled. More than 3,300 scorpions pa.s.sed their position as they rushed up and out of the cave. Whatever was happening on the south side of the island was commanding a tremendous amount of attention, and it had left the cave empty. It also allowed George and Kepler to investigate freely.

The cave was dark, dismal and smelled of waste. It was impossible to take a step without getting scorpion garesh all over George's boots and Kepler's paws. Many moments pa.s.sed before they found an entrance to a branch of the cave that looked man-made. The rough walls had been flattened, smoothed and polished. It looked like they were about to enter some sort of labyrinth.

After entering, the duo navigated a series of turns before they finally found two torches that sat on either side of a columned entrance. They were not normal torches. In fact, their flames were magical. "Someone or something has been here," George whispered into Kepler's ear. "Someone with power."

Kepler's response was just a nod.

Beyond the torches, no more than 100 paces away, a sole pedestal sat at the end of this branch. There were no more turns. The labyrinth just ended. "Only one way in and one way out. This feels bad," George whispered again. "Kep, stay here while I investigate."

The demon snarled, "We should stay together. I don't like this."

"Relax," George reb.u.t.ted. "How could someone as big as you be scared?"

"I'm not scared. I'm sensible. Splitting up isn't smart."

"Dude ... I'm only going to be right over there. I want to see if the crystal is here. Just stay put and keep an eye out. Come and get me if you see anything."

"Okay, but hurry."

At a steady pace, George moved to stand over the pedestal. To his surprise, the piece of crystal was on top of it. He s.n.a.t.c.hed it from its resting spot-keeping his magic ready in case he needed to defend himself.

Once the mage realized there would be no consequence, he motioned for Kepler to join him and then touched the cat on his back. They closed their eyes, but when they reopened them, they were still standing beside the pedestal.

"Garesh," George whispered.

"What's wrong?" Kepler questioned.

"I've used too much power. It'll be a while before I can get us out of here."

Kepler's eyes flashed. "This isn't good, George. Those things could come back at any moment."

"I know, I know. Let me think."

Now it was Kepler's turn to rebut. "What do you need to think about? You're out of power. We're in trouble."

"Would you just shut up already. I need to figure out a plan." The mage scanned the area. He still had two snare scrolls from his trip to the Cave of Sorrow. He pulled them out. "Just stay away from the areas where I use these scrolls. Their magic should stop anything that wanders in. We can hide until I can get us out of here."

Kepler chuckled.

"What's so d.a.m.n funny?"

The cat was smug as he responded, "I can hide, but you're screwed. They'll be able to see you ... not me."

George rolled his eyes. "You're a real pal, you know that, right? Go keep an eye out."

Helga Begins Her Descent Into The Scorpion King's Cave Having discovered the entrance by following the scorpions' trails from the southern sh.o.r.e, Helga also had to use her magic on her eyes to see in the dark. The older sorceress was disgusted by the smell, and she had to lift her dress to keep it from touching the garesh-covered floor. Yet, despite her revulsion, she moved at a steady pace.

The way ahead was surprisingly easy. It appeared to be clear of the poisonous creatures. A fair series of moments pa.s.sed before she, too, found the corridor that led to the pedestal. This has to be it, she thought. Shalee is going to be so ecstatic. I can't wait to see Sam's face.

Helga tiptoed toward the entrance, and then headed for the pedestal as she continuously scanned her surroundings. It appeared she was alone.

From his hiding place in the shadows, Kepler's ears snapped to attention as his eyes searched the area. He saw nothing, but the cat knew there was a presence. He lifted his nose and searched for a scent. Woman, he thought. She must be after the crystal. The demon did not have to wait long before his suspicion was validated.

Helga whispered curses as she found herself trapped in George's snare. "I can't believe this. How could I be so stupid?" The sorceress was unaware of the humongous cat that was listening.

Kepler crouched. The jaguar was trying to determine the height from where the voice was coming. He was about to step out of the shadows and strike with a calculated swipe that would pa.s.s through the estimated vicinity of Helga's head when a much larger scorpion entered the corridor. The monstrosity's tail alone was nearly a pace longer than the others. The jaguar lowered his paw. This must be their king, he thought.

Helga stared at the entrance and marveled at how the scorpion's form filled the gap between the walls. She knew her whispers had attracted the beast's attention, but she was still invisible. It must have heard me, she thought. Stay still and don't make another noise, old girl.

As the Scorpion King scurried toward Helga, she stood as still as she could, but she knew the creature was going to run into her. She wanted to use her magic, but in order to, she would have to remove the mask. The disguise would not allow her to use offensive magic. Its power was meant for stealth. To combine the different arts would destroy the being who invoked the conflicting magic. She decided to stay silent and hope for the best.

George watched from behind the pedestal as the Scorpion King approached. He could see the creature's size, and it was unnerving since his power had not yet replenished enough to teleport. He could not see Helga, nor had he heard her whisper when she became trapped. All he knew was that he might have to use his sword to fight the scorpion if the beast did not cross one of the snares' locations. He readied his blade and thought, Come on, you b.a.s.t.a.r.d, find the spot ... find the spot.

A moment later, the mage became aware of Kepler's presence. Given their current situation, it was obvious why the cat had moved. Kepler whispered from the shadows. "There's a woman. She must be using a spell to hide herself. She's stuck in your snare. The scorpion is going to run into her."

George smiled, but he did not respond. Sure enough, the giant killer made contact with the invisible woman. The mage listened as Helga shrieked.