Shalee rolled her eyes. "You're not the only one who dreams, you know. I don't know this place, but I've seen this stick."

She turned her attention back to Ba.s.sorine. "This is kind of exciting. It's kind of scary, too. Heavens ... how will I know if I've used too much power?" She pulled her arm back and clapped her hands. "I can't believe I get to do something so unreal." Shalee's mind continued as she placed her hand back on the staff, Maybe I can bring Chanice and my family here once I know what to do with this thing.

Mosley chuckled at Shalee's reaction and then spoke with an enthusiasm of his own. "Your instincts will guide you. You'll know when you've extended beyond your abilities." The wolf snorted. "You'll learn to avoid tragic outcomes by trusting your senses. This will take many moments to master, and your flanks will be punished.

"The staff's power is only as strong as your inner strength, so practice often. As you grow, the power will become a natural part of you. It's an impressive tool if you ask me."

The wolf lifted his back leg to scratch the back of his neck. "I've seen similar staffs, though as Ba.s.sorine said, this one is special. You should be honored."

Shalee looked at Ba.s.sorine and placed her other hand on the staff. "I may not understand it all yet, but lay it on me, big guy. Let's get started." She released her left hand and extended it. "Gimme a high-five."

With a puzzled look, Ba.s.sorine responded, "Why would I give you a lifted number, lovely one? How does this 'high-five' relate to the staff? Numbers need not be involved."

Shalee dropped her hand. "Really? Are you serious?"

"I am always serious," Ba.s.sorine responded. "It will be up to you to name your staff." He let go of the object.

Instantly, Shalee's fingers tightened around its shaft. She lost control of her body and lifted from the floor. As she rose into the air, the light filling the great hall faded. Her arms flung to either side, and her back arched, pushing her chest forward.

Sam stood in awe. He watched as the clouds painted on the ceiling came to life. They emerged from the art and took form before lowering and stopping above Shalee's head. As the clouds hovered, they rumbled and extended a number of wispy arms toward her body. Moments later, they detached and began to spin. As a cyclone formed around Shalee, it filled the hall with a mighty wind.

As the anger in the clouds magnified, Ba.s.sorine shouted. "The fury of the storm is building! Get behind me!"

Mosley did as instructed, but Sam did not move. A clap of thunder filled the hall as a storm of lighting shot forth from the clouds.

Ba.s.sorine grabbed Sam and pulled him away from the spectacle as lightning struck the pillars and scorched the floor where Sam's feet had been. After ensuring Sam was safe, Ba.s.sorine continued to shout. "The staff is bonding with her! The ritual will weaken her! She will be tired and need to sleep!"

Instead of responding, Sam rose onto his toes and peered over Ba.s.sorine's shoulder until the fury of the storm subsided. Eventually, the lightning stopped and the cyclone vanished. The clouds returned to the ceiling as the hall once again filled with light.

As Shalee drifted toward the floor, Sam could see the scorch marks the lightning had left behind on her pajamas. They were ruined, and one of the bunny ears that had been attached to the slipper on her right foot fell to the floor and crumbled to ash.

Watching Shalee fall limp to the floor, Sam reacted. He rushed to her side and knelt. Her breathing was shallow. The doctor lifted her into his arms, cradled her head and then checked her neck for a pulse. It was faint.

"What the heck did you do to her?" Sam demanded.

Ba.s.sorine walked over and stood above them. "Worry not. She'll recover." The G.o.d turned and motioned to Mosley. "Take Sam's place. Give Shalee a pillow to lie on."

Sam allowed Shalee's weight to transfer onto the wolf's body, then he moved aside.

Mosley nuzzled Shalee's head with his nose until it rested upon a softer part of his belly. "There, that should do."

Sam stood and looked at Ba.s.sorine. "I don't want your gift if that's what I have to go through."

Smiling, Ba.s.sorine removed the bow from his back and presented it to Sam. "Your gifts require a different form of bonding. This is the Bow of Accuracy. There is none with its ability on any other world. With this weapon, you can strike down your enemies from great distances. The enemy must be seen by your eyes. The bow will not miss if used for a just cause. It will only respond to a master with a good heart, and it will not allow a dark spirit to pull its string. Its quiver of arrows will never empty. You may pull from it forever."

The G.o.d unbuckled the sheath holding the sword and handed it to Sam. "This is the Sword of Truth and Might. It is also one of a kind. The sword possesses the ability to search for truth when used upon your enemies. Place the blade on your foe's shoulder, ask it for the answer you seek, and it will be given unto you."

Sam's face lit up. "Okay, okay. So you're saying the sword will weed through the lies, and the bow will let me hit any enemy as long as I can see it and use it with good intentions?"

"Yes and no," Ba.s.sorine responded. "Just because you possess the sword, doesn't mean you have the ability to wield it. The sword will only work once it feels you have earned its respect. It lives and has a mind of its own. You have much to learn, and a short period of moments in which to gain this knowledge. You do not want the blade failing you in battle. Your bow, however, is not so fickle."

Ba.s.sorine knelt next to the sleeping Shalee. "Mosley, take them to Brandor. I shall come to you once I know more of the Crystal Moon's location."

The G.o.d of War looked at Sam. "I cannot make Lasidious do anything against his will. I can only hope he sees fit to provide the clues needed to play a fair game. I shall return."

With that, Ba.s.sorine disappeared, and a new statue appeared in place of the old, minus the Crystal Moon.

Mosley, Night Terror Wolf Mosley looked up at his likeness and grinned as a wolf would. "I must admit, I look good up there."

Sam smiled and then bent down to rub Shalee's arms. "I have so many questions. I suppose they'll have to wait until Ba.s.sorine returns." He looked at Mosley. "Do you think we should get going as soon as she wakes?"

"I do," Mosley replied. He sniffed Shalee's hair. "Mmmm, berries. Perhaps we can talk along the way. I may have the answers to many of your questions."

These questions were still on Sam's mind: Why did he feel like he had met Ba.s.sorine before? Why did he understand the markings on the base of the statue? Why did the laugh of the red-eyed announcer with the razor-sharp teeth seem familiar? Why was Shalee dreaming about her staff? And, finally, how much of what they had been told was c.r.a.p?

The genius wanted and needed clarification, or his mind would never slow down. He could only wonder how long it would be before he could ask the questions necessary to gain resolution.

Well, fellow soul ... as you can see, there is much to learn as I move forward with the telling of the Worlds of the Crystal Moon.

So what are you waiting for? Keep reading!

CHAPTER 3.

A Lost Power Lasidious and Celestria's Home Lasidious, G.o.d of Mischief Celestria, G.o.ddess of Beasts FELLOW SOUL ... just before he fell, George heard Sam yell for him to get down from the base of the statue, but before he could comply, the shaking started, and his footing slipped. To compensate, George placed his hand on the chest of the bronze man, but that wasn't enough. He was unable to grab hold of anything because the piece of the Crystal Moon he removed from the dragon's back. It had occupied his grasp, and he did not want to let it go. The opportunist never let go of anything with potential value.

To George's surprise, the floor had swallowed him, and the last thing he heard as he fell into the darkness was Sam screaming his name. As he tumbled head over heels, the hole closed, and he saw the light inside the temple fade away.

Since then, his heart raced. His pathetic life continued to flash before his eyes, and his little girl, Abbie, would be his only unselfish thought before he expired. He could only wait for the impact.

The Hidden G.o.d World Ancients Sovereign "Do you think Ba.s.sorine has figured it out yet, my love?" the G.o.ddess, Celestria, questioned while fondling the morning scruff on her lover's chin.

Lasidious enjoyed her touch for a moment before he backed away. "I'm sure he knows by now I've pulled a fast one," he responded as he circled the heavy stone table at the center of the room.

The G.o.ds' home was warm, despite being created deep beneath the mountain range known as the Peaks of Angels. Celestria had softened the hardness of the rock walls with many elegant touches, and like the Temple of the G.o.ds, the light filling their home originated from within the rock, but only in key locations.

Lasidious grinned. "If I know Ba.s.sorine, he's thinking my actions are nothing more than a minor inconvenience. But I would wager he's happy. The crystal's disappearance will start wars, and you know how he loves to battle. I'm sure he'll confront me in front of the others to appease his ego, but I'm ready for him. As planned, I'll crawl under his skin to kindle his anger before I strike. He won't know what hit that thick, scarred-up face of his when I'm done with him."

Celestria circled the table toward Lasidious. She was the definition of elegance. Her eyes could have stolen the blue reflected from the clearest ocean and made it her own. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders and swayed across her back as she walked. If an imperfection was to be found anywhere on this woman, it would not be found on the outside. Every curve and gesture was flawless. Even her voice, an angel's voice, was sweet and soft to the ears. She was worthy of being called G.o.ddess.

Lasidious continued to speak as he watched her move. "I have everything under control."

"Do you?" Celestria replied. "I worry we'll be discovered, my pet."

The Mischievous One frowned. "You worry too much. We only used the opportunity the others provided to find a mortal who craved power and brought him to Grayham. You know the Book of Immortality wasn't created yet when I s.n.a.t.c.hed George from Earth. How could we be expected to obey a rule that didn't exist?"

Lasidious sighed. "Be a.s.sured, I won't break the laws on its pages. I'll handle the mortal as required. I won't do anything other than give George a reason to seek the power he desires."

Celestria smiled. "You're a clever G.o.d," she purred.

Lasidious enjoyed the verbal pat on his back and then returned Celestria's smile. His eyes turned bright red, and his teeth elongated to sharpened points.

"Stop that!" Celestria snapped. "You know I hate it when you make that face. You're not handsome when you do that. I like my cute, little devil-G.o.d when he looks striking." She stroked his face. "You're not kissable when you look so mean."

Lasidious shifted from one foot to the other as his appearance returned to normal. When his eyes were not glowing red and his teeth were not pointed, his appearance was debonair. With short, sandy-brown hair, blue eyes, and a chiseled chin, he was a tad less than six feet tall. His athletic build pleased his G.o.ddess and Celestria loved every inch of him.

The Mischievous One pulled Celestria closer, a frown creasing his brow. "I'm sorry. You know I love you. I won't do it again. Well ... not while you're looking anyway." Replacing the frown with another smile, he added, "I hate the story we told the people on the worlds. Why the Collective ever agreed to glorify Ba.s.sorine is beyond me."

Celestria cupped Lasidious' face with her hands, and gave him a long, soft kiss. Looking him in the eyes, she placed his hand on her belly. "Like it or not, he has the power to destroy us, my pet. I, for one, have no death wish ... nor does our baby."

The G.o.ddess pulled away and adjusted a decorative setting on the table. "It's too bad that exalting Ba.s.sorine was one of his conditions before he agreed to the creation of the Book. Fortunately for us, you masterfully manipulated him, my love."

Lasidious sighed. "But he still has the sword, and we both know what will happen if he figures it out. He would take it all back."

"But he's afraid to risk it. That's why you're going to provoke his rage. You're the only one who can make him angry enough to try to reclaim the power he lost."

The G.o.ddess returned to Lasidious and touched her mischievous partner with a seductive playfulness. She leaned in and whispered as she pressed her body against his. "Have I told you today, I find you amazingly handsome? What a delicious couple we make." She smacked her lips and tickled his ear with her tongue.

Lasidious trembled as Celestria continued. "I'm glad you're unable to lie to me. We've found a way to trust one another, my sweet. If I was in Ba.s.sorine's boots, I would not be as forgiving for the trick you played."

Lasidious looked at her belly, smiled, and then frowned again. "You know I would lie to you if I could. It's not natural for me to be so honest ... even with you. Like I've said on a thousand occasions, I would never have drank your potion if it wasn't for your intoxicating beauty."

After a brief period of reflection, Lasidious continued, "Who am I kidding? Being with you is the best thing for me. Drinking your potion has given me not only you, but our baby as well. I can't wait until our baby is strong enough to tip the scales of power. It will be awe inspiring to rule the others without voting."

The G.o.ddess smiled. A dark intent was hidden behind her luscious lips. "Sometimes we must give in order to get, my pet. You're fortunate that I found you irresistible, or I would not have required you to drink my potion." She patted her belly. "With our baby's power and the beasts of the worlds who serve me supporting us, we'll be unstoppable. The Council of Dragons will be a powerful army against the others when our child is strong enough to force them into battle. We will rule without opposition."

Lasidious nodded in agreement. "The last vote we had, I was worried the others would discover you were with child." Pulling a chair from under the table, the Mischievous One took a seat and placed his ear against her belly. "I sat through that entire meeting nervous to the point of making myself sick. If they ever find out, you know the Book will punish us. The consequences of being made mortal are more than I care to deal with. I don't wish to be banished from Ancients Sovereign. To perish before our son saw the end of his first season would be so ... so ... so permanent." Lasidious paused. A look of concern appeared on his face. "What if our other plan fails?"

Celestria sighed, "If our initial plan doesn't succeed, the alternate is secure." She reached down and rubbed his back. "I also don't want to lose what is ours." Grabbing her lover's chin, she lifted his head and found his eyes. "Our baby will wield power far greater than the others. We needn't worry about that. Why else would we have spent thousands of seasons plotting. We have nothing to fear. They're solid." She bent down and kissed Lasidious. "Have faith, my love."

Lasidious frowned. "How can you be so sure?"

Celestria caressed Lasidious' hand. "Neither the Book nor the others will be able to do anything to stop us once we succeed. With our power pa.s.sing into our child, he'll defend us from the Book." She squeezed his hand. "Until then, we must stick to the plan and hide the baby from the others. He must live amongst the mortals until he's old enough to rule."

Lasidious stood from the chair, walked to the far side of the room and started to pace. "That's the only part of our plan I don't like. Sure, our son will defend us from the Book, but if the Book and the others choose to stand united, the battle would be lost until he's older. Hiding him won't be easy."

Celestria responded with renewed vigor. "Hence the need to create diversions, my pet. That's why you brought George into the worlds. You were right. His heart is filled with greed, and his desire for power will be easily channeled. All we need to do is influence the mortal to seize control of Southern Grayham, and war will follow. This should keep the others' attention off my pregnancy. They'll be forced to focus on the havoc."

"And if he fails?" Lasidious queried.

"We'll find another mortal. You've said it yourself. He's replaceable." The G.o.ddess changed the subject. "For now, I have news, my pet." Celestria walked around the table and pulled her lover close. She traced the edge of his lips with her tongue. "I've found a family, and they believe a world under our rule will allow them to seek what they're after."

"But, of course," Lasidious responded. "Exactly what are they after?"

"Lands ... t.i.tles," the G.o.ddess trivialized. "The usual luxuries simple minds request."

After a quick grin, the G.o.ddess continued. "I shall leave our baby with this family of witches. They are known by the surname Rolfe, from the Clan of Ashdown. The majority of their family is located in the mountain pa.s.ses of Vesper, near the village of Floren on Luvelles. They were easily influenced, and a deal was struck. But they did have one unusual condition."

"And this condition was?"

"It was to name the baby, and have him carry their surname until we retrieved the child to bring him to Ancients Sovereign."

"Did you agree?"

"I did. I agreed only because it shut them up. Besides, if I know you, they won't be caring for the baby long." Celestria ran her fingers through Lasidious' hair. "Do you not approve, my pet?"

"Mortal labels are of little importance," the Mischievous One responded. He took a moment to taste Celestria's lips. "Your family of witches will do fine. I could not have done better myself. Luvelles is a wonderful world. It is the best of our creations. I love it."

Fellow soul ... as your spirited storyteller, I feel I need to tell you a few things. After Lasidious and Celestria created their home beneath The Peaks of Angels, they combined their power to form a shield that keeps the other G.o.ds from entering. This barrier of privacy quickly became a source of contention amongst the Collective.

When the Book of Immortality was approached about the matter, it responded by saying, "They have a right to privacy, as long as the Laws of the G.o.ds aren't broken." The Book determined the laws had been obeyed, and it felt no wrongdoing. There was no law that stated two G.o.ds could not separate themselves from the rest of the Collective.

In response, the others told the Book that they feared Lasidious and Celestria were up to no good, and allowing them to spend their moments alone without governance was a platform for destruction.

The Book, somewhat annoyed, responded by saying, "The consequences of breaking laws should be enough to restrict their actions." The Book, however, did give a warning, advising Lasidious and Celestria that the privilege of having a barrier around their home would not be allowed to continue if it felt a law break. The Book further threatened, "I'll send you to join the mortals, and you'll suffer an expeditious death while your seasons consume you."

Lasidious and Celestria felt they had covered their tracks well enough to avoid getting caught-or at least they hoped they had. They brushed the threat off and did not let the warning stop their plotting. They knew their plans would take many seasons to develop, and when the moment arrived, everything would be in place. It would be too late for the Book to do anything. The tome would be forced to serve them.

After the Book made its ruling, Lasidious and Celestria watched some of the others pair off and implement the same practice within their own homes, but these couples never lasted. The Book's ruling took the Collective's eyes off Lasidious and Celestria, and it turned their attention toward more important matters.

It was in this newly created home where Lasidious and Celestria began plotting more than 11,000 seasons ago. The barrier allowed for their child to be conceived without the Book feeling that a law had been broken. Part of the plan was to keep the fetus from developing inside Celestria's womb until the moment was right. But this was not Lasidious and Celestria's only child. They considered every being they created to be their children, and some of them were nearly 10,000 seasons old.

Fellow soul ... I feel I must make one last point-though it will not make sense at this moment. The Book of Immortality was bound by one rule that superseded all others. The tome had to maintain a G.o.dly hierarchy above all else, but it had to do it without stripping the free will of the members of the Collective.

Enough of my rambling. Back to the story.

"Luvelles is a wonderful hiding place for our baby," Lasidious said, gazing longingly at Celestria. "After all, this is where the others agreed to place the Source. I have no doubt we can use this to our advantage."

Lasidious turned toward a large, cube-shaped cut in the wall that served as a fireplace. Green flames burned inside it as he stared at their wild movement before he turned his attention back to his G.o.ddess. "The decision you made to put our son in Floren is perfect. That village is full of magic. The air smells of it. Your decision offers me comfort."

The Mischievous One rubbed his hands together. "Wonderful devastations happen in Floren often, and the moments filling its days are riddled with magical disasters. It'll be difficult for the Collective to sense our son's presence in such a place."

Lasidious thought a moment longer about the Book of Immortality. "The more I think about it, the witches are acceptable ... for now. But we should keep our options open." Facing his G.o.ddess, the Mischievous One added, "I'm so glad you were of elven descent before you ascended, or our son would not have the features necessary to live on Luvelles."

Fellow soul ... Luvelles was a world where only elves, halflings, and spirits were allowed to reside according to the Agreement of the G.o.ds. Any other race, if not one of these three, had to have special permission from the Head Master of Luvelles, Brayson Id, to study the arts on this world. Yes, there were beasts, giants, demons, and other beings living there, but these races were not listed on the agreement. The G.o.ds had separated and applied rules as to where each of the following races lived: elves, humans, barbarians, dwarves, gnomes, halflings, trolls, spirits, and finally, the dragons. There was also another name for the dragons that I shall describe in further detail later, but this is not the proper series of moments for this revelation.

Only four of the five planets created were allowed to contain more than one of these designated races. Every other creature could quite possibly be found on them all-though the highest concentration of demons was found on Dragonia, and many of them were good and honest beings.

"Your elven parents blessed us with the ability to make the perfect, little halfling," Lasidious boasted.

Celestria and Lasidious laughed together for a moment before Celestria's thoughts changed course. "Where's George? He should've been here by now."

Lasidious grinned and waved his hand across the wall opposite the fireplace. The rock turned transparent, revealing George on the other side. It looked as if the human was falling, tumbling without an end to his suffering. His hair moved as if a great wind was pa.s.sing through it, and his expressions were wonderfully miserable.