"Aahhh!" Helga cupped her hand over her mouth. She watched in horror as the Scorpion King took a defensive posture, and then he began to use his ma.s.sive pincers to feel around. Please move on. Please move on, she thought. Just move on. There's nothing here for you.

Helga watched as the first of three pa.s.ses of the giant's powerful pincers missed finding her, but the fourth pa.s.s found her leg. The beast squeezed. The sorceress bit her lip, but the pain was too much. She shoved the mask to the top of her head and began speaking her words of power.

"Your Majesty, na-" Helga was stopped in the middle of her command. The scorpion's ma.s.sive stinger had barreled its way through the air as she tried to speak her last word and buried itself deep in her chest. The force of the collision knocked the air out of her. Helga's final word was lost forever as the poison from the tip of the Scorpion King's tail filled her body. The last thing Helga would ever see would not be the love of her life, BJ, or Sam, or Shalee. Instead, she would stare into the beady eyes of the royal killer as his mandibles ripped into her face.

Now, fellow soul ... I'm sure you are as bothered by Helga's pa.s.sing as I was when I learned of this truth. I truly loved her. You see, the problem was, Helga's staff was given a name with too many syllables. This was a name her teacher hated when she was a young sorceress-in-training. Your Majesty simply took too long to be spoken. As you witnessed, that was the Peak when Helga realized the consequence of her mistake. She had named her staff in fun, not realizing what she might face. Once p.r.o.nounced, the staff's name could not be changed. Unfortunately, as I continue the telling of this story, the fire for Helga's pa.s.sing will need to be lit. I would cry if my soulful eyes would allow it.

Back on the Southern Sh.o.r.e of the Island Shalee's body count was growing as she sent magic arrows that were covered with fire into the ma.s.ses of the Scorpion King's army. The skittish horde was falling at a rapid pace. Body parts of both beast and man were everywhere, and the ground was saturated with blood of men and the oozing green slime of the scorpions' life's sources. By the end of the battle, the sorceress had killed more than 430 of these giant arthropods.

Sam's men had slain another 2,637 as the king and the general continued to plow their way through the horde. The magic Shalee had used to toughen the army's skin helped to prevent the scorpions' stingers from penetrating their bodies, but in many cases it had not been enough. In fact, it was Kael's power that spared Sam and Michael's lives. Despite Shalee's magic, both men suffered venom-filled punctures that were ignored because of the blade's protection.

Sam's sword was cutting through the beasts like b.u.t.ter. Michael and Branson remained at the king's side. They, too, were tearing through the enemy.

Sam enjoyed the frenzy as Kael sliced through another of the giant beasts, causing it to squeal like an 800 pound lobster being dropped into a pot of boiling water. Back and forth, Sam swung Kael's extended blade through the air as the sword of the G.o.ds cut through their numbers. Now and again, the sword would pa.s.s without ill effect through Michael and Branson.

"This is what I call a fight!" Sam hollered as they moved toward the top of the hill.

"Agreed, Sire!" Michael shouted while he blocked one of the scorpion's tails with his forearm and then severed it with his blade. A downward thrust to the giant's back was all it took to end the beast. Michael enjoyed its nightmarish scream. "That's 17, Sire."

"That's it?" Sam chided. "Twenty-one here." A few moments later Sam shouted again. "Twenty-two!"

The general just shook his head and kept fighting.

A long while later, the fighting finally stopped as the last giant scorpion dropped to the ground. In total, Brandor's army had lost 1,070 men, with another 943 lying wounded. Six hundred forty-three of these men would not live through the night as the poison injected into their bodies was too toxic for both the healers and Kael's magic to combat. While the healers continued to do their job, the general ordered the rest of the men to stack the deceased on the boats.

The command Sam had given Kael to protect those around him from poison was working for those men who were able to make their way to their king and had suffered minor injections. Sam and Michael watched in awe as the poison oozed out of the small holes that were scattered across the soldiers' bodies while Kael's magic fought to flush their blood.

Meanwhile, Shalee was growing more worried as her moments continued to pa.s.s. Since Helga had not returned, Shalee navigated her way through the carnage to find Sam. "We have a problem."

"What kind?" Sam asked as he tossed one of the giant's stingers to the ground.

"Helga was wearing the a.s.sa.s.sin's mask. She hasn't returned. She went to find the-"

"What?" Sam snapped, cutting the queen off. "Why would she do something like that? Which direction did she go?"

Shalee pointed. "I'm pretty sure she went that way. I'm not completely sure because I couldn't see her."

"d.a.m.n it, Shalee!" Sam barked. "How could you be so...?" The king stopped his sentence, and without wasting another breath, he a.s.sembled 100 of his men and followed the scorpions' tracks to the center of the island.

Shalee had to use her magic to keep up with the group since they were running so fast. Her fear for Helga's safety increased as soon as they saw the mouth of the cave.

"This is where the tracks lead!" Sam announced to the group. "Make sure you're ready for anything!"

Shalee commanded the darkness to dissipate as the king led the way into the cave. After a while, they found the corridor where Helga had been snared. The Scorpion King had severed her legs and tried to back out while dragging her body. The giant had become caught in George's second snare, and it was fighting to free itself.

Sam tried to stop Shalee from rounding the pillar on the left side of the corridor as soon as he saw the b.l.o.o.d.y scene. "Don't go in there. Why don't you let me handle this? Go back to the boat."

The queen could see the concern in Sam's eyes, and this amplified her need to see for herself. She pushed past the king and walked through the entrance of the corridor.

The queen gasped as she lifted her hands to her mouth. "No! No! No! Helga, No!" She thrust her right hand forward. A thousand iron needles flew from her fingertips and buried into the Scorpion King's body. The cave filled with the monster's piercing cry as it fell to the floor with a thud. The scorpion thrashed about for a short period of moments, and then its nerves perished.

George watched from behind the pillar as Shalee ended the beast's life. His power to teleport had returned, but he could not bear the thought of leaving now. This scene was too priceless. He just had to watch its conclusion. This was going to be an Academy Award-winning performance by his favorite blonde ditz. He leaned down and whispered into Kepler's ear, "I wish I had a camera." When the mage saw the confusion appear on the jaguar's face, he rolled his eyes. "Really?"

George adjusted his gaze and focused on the queen. He could see the pain on Shalee's face as she knelt beside what was left of her friend's mutilated body. The only thing identifiable was a pendant necklace that he watched Shalee pull out of the pulverized ma.s.s that once served as Helga's chest.

The queen mumbled, "I gave this to her, Sam ... only 8 Peaks ago." Shalee dropped her head. "This is my fault. She would've never been here if I hadn't agreed. I'm responsible for her pa.s.sing. I should've stopped her from using the mask." She buried her face in the palms of her bloodied hands and sobbed as the king gathered her into his arms.

George came out from behind the pedestal. His voice struck a nerve as he announced, "I'm sorry for your loss, Shalee."

Shalee spun out of Sam's arms and sent her magic flying.

George was forced to react. He quickly held up his hand and diverted the power. The needles buried into the wall of the corridor to his right. "Relax! It's me ... George! Holy garesh!"

Sam reached out and grabbed Shalee's arms to keep her from invoking more of her magic. "George, what are you doing here?" the king questioned. "Are you here for the-" Sam stopped himself from continuing.

George drummed his fingers on top of the pedestal. "If I was to take a guess, I'm here for the same thing you are." He motioned to the b.l.o.o.d.y pile that was Helga. "I was present when your friend pa.s.sed. I wish I could have saved her, but it wasn't in my best interest." The mage moved to stand next to the hidden demon.

Sam shook his head. "Why would you be after the crystal? And, why wouldn't it be in your best interest to save someone's life?"

"Look, man, you and I are on opposite sides now. I'm running the show in Bloodvain. It's my house now." The mage pointed toward the needles in the wall. "My power has been demonstrated. Shalee knows I should be mincemeat right now, but she isn't strong enough."

"He's right, Sam," Shalee confirmed. "He should be dead. Where did you learn to wield that kind of magic, George? And just so you know, I would've never tried to hurt you. You startled me." The sorceress paused. "What do you mean, you're running the show in Bloodvain?"

George frowned. "You were never the brightest apple to fall off the tree, were you? Anyway ... we fight for different sides now. Nothing else needs to be explained. From this point forward, we're enemies. The next moment I see you two, I will drop you like a bad habit." The mage smirked. "Sure, it sucks when you think about it, but hey, it's all about getting my daughter back. This is the only way I know how to make it happen."

Sam tried to reason. "George, your daughter? She's dead. You know this."

"No!" the mage emphatically reb.u.t.ted. "I can save her! I can bring her back! I know how!"

The king held up his hands to show that he did not want a confrontation. "Okay, okay, George, I hear you. But you should think this through. Everyone died when Earth was destroyed. I know it's hard to believe, but-"

George thrust his right hand forward. A single dart shot from the tip of his middle finger and stopped only a hand away from the king's face. The energy driving the dart caused the object to hum as it remained suspended. "One more word, and you're a dead man, Sam," the mage hissed.

George lifted the piece of the Crystal Moon to present it. "This is mine. My baby can be saved, and there's nothing you can do to stop me from getting her back. May the best man win, Sam."

George dropped the arm that was holding the crystal to his side. "No offense. It's just business." With that, the mage closed his eyes and disappeared after he touched the invisible demon on his back. A moment later, the dart fell to the floor.

Shalee turned to face Sam as he picked up the dart to examine it. "For heaven's sake, what's going on around here? Nothing makes sense anymore. How could George be our enemy? What did we do to him? And how did he get so powerful?"

"I don't know," Sam replied, "but let's get Helga's body out of here."

Shalee looked at Helga's pieces as she united her friend's half of the pendant to her own. She placed the trinket close to her heart and then surveyed the b.l.o.o.d.y scene to determine how it was best to collect the parts. A moment later, Shalee dropped to her knees. The cave spun as she vomited.

AFTER GEORGE collected the crystal from Scorpion Island, he appeared with Kepler in the Barbarian King's throne room. The mage opened his pack to place the crystal inside. To his surprise, the object glowed as he let it go. He was unsure of what to think. He showed Kepler, but the demon didn't know what to make of it either.

SAM took his grieving wife out of the Scorpion King's cave and ordered his men to collect what was left of Helga's body. They traveled to the southern sh.o.r.e of the island where Michael commanded Branson to take his legion back to the city of Cottle to light the pyres to celebrate their pa.s.sing.

The king informed the general that Shalee would be teleporting the three of them, along with Helga's parts, back to Brandor. They would return to Cottle within 5 Peaks to pay their respects once the army arrived.

Shalee instructed Michael to close his eyes and touch her shoulder. When the group reopened them, they were all standing in Sam and Shalee's bedroom chamber. Shalee asked Michael to have the morticians prepare Helga's remains and have her friend brought back in a closed casket by Early Bailem. The queen wanted to allow BJ one more restful night's sleep before she delivered the bad news. She didn't want the advisor to see his lost love in this condition.

LASIDIOUS has been sitting in his home far beneath the Peaks of Angels. He watched the events that unfolded on Scorpion Island in the flames of his cube-shaped fireplace. He was elated at George's luck. He would have never guessed that the mage would end up with this first piece of the Crystal Moon. It certainly made things more interesting, but an adjustment to future plans would be necessary.

Lasidious knows the others are going to be furious when he informs them that George already has the second piece. The mage has had it since his arrival on Grayham, but even George doesn't know it.

The Mischievous One remembers what Sam told Mosley. "George fell through the floor with the crystal," but the wolf never questioned the Mischievous One to acquire its whereabouts. Lasidious never intended to take the crystal from George. Instead, he made sure it remained invisible to the mage until the moment was right to reveal its location to the Collective.

As the vision in the fireplace changed, he watched as George put the crystal inside his pack. He could see that the mage had questions about why it was glowing. But an explanation would have to wait. He needed to avoid making an appearance to the mage until he spoke with the G.o.ds the following Peak at Late Bailem.

Lasidious' visit to the world of Luvelles was productive, and his conversation with the Head Master of that world was encouraging. His disguise as Amar provided the perfect deception. It was now only a matter of manipulating a few more details before the next part of his plan could be implemented.

CELESTRIA is only 20 Peaks from having the baby. She can hardly wait to hold her son. She is looking forward to seeing Lasidious after the baby is left in the care of the witches.

ATHENA'S morning sickness is rough. Mary has been rubbing her back while she talks Athena through it. Mary wishes that George was around, but she knows he won't be around much until the baby is born. She has no idea that George has been teleporting home most nights. The couple has managed to keep their secret.

BJ is on his way to Sam's throne room. It is now the following morning, and one of the castle servants was sent to fetch him after breakfast. For the last 2 Peaks, the advisor has been preparing a home to share with Helga. He can't wait to see his love.

During Helga's absence, BJ went into the city to purchase an extraordinary ring. He is looking forward to becoming Helga's husband.

Thank you for reading this edition of the Grayham Inquirer

CHAPTER 37.

What a Tangled Web George Weaves The City of Brandor BJ WAS AS JOYFUL as a man could be when he walked into the throne room. His head was held high as he searched for Helga, only to see Sam, Shalee, Michael, and the king's guards. It took only a moment for his eyes to focus on the coffin. A chill ran down his spine. Without a word, the advisor knew Helga was inside. His happiness was stolen in less than a single breath, and there was nothing he could do to reclaim it.

He turned to look at Shalee. A thousand questions filled his expression. The queen's legs crumbled as she collapsed under the pressure of his silent accusations.

Sam caught the queen, and then he ordered the servants to take her to their bedroom chamber. Once gone, the king turned to look at BJ's hopeless face and watched as his friend walked across the room.

Not a single word was spoken as BJ knelt next to the coffin. He lowered his forehead against its cold surface. Despair filled his body, and the pain ripped at his soul as he fell into a fetal position.

Sam rushed to his advisor's side. The king stopped as his advisor's scarred hand opened. The ring that was meant to symbolize BJ's greatest happiness, rolled from his palm and fell to the floor as nothing more than a useless trinket.

BJ wept.

Meanwhile, Athena and George's Home George popped in for a few short moments to give his wife a kiss and a cuddle. He was scheduled to meet with the Serpent King at Late Bailem.

The mage was sitting at the kitchen table when Athena walked in with her mother. George stood to greet them. "Hey, babe. I happened to be in the neighborhood," he announced. "I wanted to tell you that our family should be together on a permanent basis not too long from now." He redirected his eyes. "How are you, Mom?"

Athena ran across the room and threw herself into George's arms.

Mary responded, "I'm better ... now that you're here. This young lady has been throwing up. I can't wait until this phase of her pregnancy pa.s.ses. Your wife is unbearable at the moment."

George tilted Athena's head back from his chest and then looked her in the eye. "Are you still being a priss?"

Mary did not give her daughter the chance to answer. "You can say that again ... whatever a 'priss' is. You can keep her for a while. I'm leaving. I'll see you tomorrow, young lady."

Athena frowned as she watched Mary leave the room. She pulled her eyes away from the door. Seeing the love in George's smile, she matched his mood. "Hi, honey. How long are you here?"

"I have a meeting up north tonight, but it won't be anything that'll take all night. I'll come home as soon as it's over. Other than that, I'm all yours for the rest of the Peak and all Peak tomorrow."

Athena escaped George's grasp and ran toward a pail that sat near the front door. She threw up.

The G.o.d World of Ancients Sovereign The G.o.ds were in the Hall of Judgment sitting around the table where the Book of Immortality rested on its pedestal.

It was just after Late Bailem when Lasidious appeared. "I'm sure you watched the finding of the first piece of crystal with eagerness. I was impressed by how everything transpired," he said, gloating.

Mieonus jumped into the conversation. "So am I. I thought for sure, when I left that idiot barbarian's throne room, there was not a chance for George to capture the first piece."

Mosley snorted. "What do you expect? The leader of Brandor's pack did all the work. The door was left wide open for George to walk in and take it. I have to say, the fighting between Brandor and the scorpions was most impressive to watch. No matter how I feel, George won the crystal without dispute."

"It was also impressive to watch Shalee's power," Lasidious added. "I wish I knew what Ba.s.sorine did to allow her to grow so quickly."

The wolf grinned.

Lasidious caught a glimpse of it. "You know something, don't you? You know what Ba.s.sorine did, but you're not going to tell me, are you?"

"You give me too much credit, Lasidious," Mosley responded. "I don't know any more than you, but it does make me happy to know I have a chess piece who can hold a candle to George."

"Agreed," Alistar chimed in. "It was sad to see Shalee's friend pa.s.s. I'm sure this will set her back."

Lasidious ignored Alistar's sentiment. "Mosley, do you remember that I said there would be two pieces of the crystal placed on Grayham?"

"I do."

"Do you also remember the Peak you and Ba.s.sorine appeared before Sam and Shalee in the temple?"

"I do."

"Do you remember when Sam and Shalee said that three of them had appeared in the Temple of the G.o.ds, and George had fallen through the floor?"

"What are you getting at, Lasidious?"

"Give me a moment. I'm getting there. Relax. I was about to ask, do you also remember that George was the one who picked up a piece of the crystal, causing the rest of the Crystal Moon to vanish?"

"I do, but what does this have to do with where you put..." Mosley stopped mid-sentence. After a moment, he laughed in his wolfish way. "You cannot be serious, Lasidious." He looked at the Mischievous One. It was clear to both of the G.o.ds that the wolf had figured it out.

"What's so funny, Mosley?" Alistar inquired, acting as if he did not already know. The G.o.d of the Harvest winked at Lasidious and smiled, careful not to allow the others to see the exchange.

Mosley responded, "I'm laughing at the irony. I have known where the second piece of the crystal was during this entire series of moments, but I had not put it together until now."

"So where is it?" Mieonus snapped.