Mosley waited for Shalee to stop kidding around, and then he directed his attention to Sam. He was comforted, knowing these were questions he could answer. "I have the knowledge to answer your inquisitions. The G.o.ds have left suitable attire for you inside the temple. Shalee, I have no idea what you consider fab. If you don't like what has been provided, you'll need to speak with Ba.s.sorine."

Shalee smiled and tapped the b.u.t.t of her staff on the ground. "Don't you worry about that, once I figure out how to zap him good with this thing, I'll get his fashion sense up to speed."

The wolf laughed. "The G.o.ds will seal the temple to visitors once you've changed. They won't want the inhabitants of Grayham knowing about the crystal's disappearance."

Mosley continued to answer their questions. "Your second question was how many Peaks will it take to get to Brandor. If we travel by paw, it is a 56 Peak journey. Your final answer is-"

Shalee interrupted, snapping, "Didn't he just say, from one Peak to the next is a day?" She looked at Sam for the answer.

Seeing her expression was a mix of anger and disbelief, the wolf's enthusiasm to answer their questions dwindled.

Sam responded, "He did. Why?"

Shalee turned and gave Mosley a look. "You listen to me, you big overgrown puppy. If you think for one minute that I'm going to walk 56 days to get to this Brandor place, you're crazy. I'm no Joan of Arc, and I'm definitely not a Mormon pioneer. I don't even own a wagon."

She continued to vent. "Who does this s.h.a.ggy mutt think I am anyway, the Crocodile Hunter's wife? For heaven's sake! There better be another way to get there. And where would we sleep tonight? I'm not about to wear these PJs two nights in a row. That's just wrong. They look terrible. Look at all the burn marks."

She poked her finger through a few of the holes left behind by the lightning. "I don't have money on me. This is nuts." Looking back at Mosley, a new thought blurted out. "I just got a pedicure, and my nails are looking delicious. I don't even have my hairbrush. How can you possibly expect me to deal with all of this without my brush? You're lucky I don't have a rolled up newspaper."

Sam found Mosley's wide eyes. He could see the wolf was confused. He ignored Shalee and attempted to whisper into their furry guide's ear. "Just disregard her for now."

Hearing the comment, Shalee blew up. "Disregard me? Who do you think you are, buddy? Who died and made you a king?"

Sam held Mosley's gaze. "Like I said, just ignore her." As he continued to speak, Sam could feel Shalee's glare stabbing him in the back.

Mosley decided to play along. He winked at Sam in his own wolfish way and then turned to Shalee. "I said it was a 56 Peak walk, but I said nothing about sleeping. It will take twice as long to get there if we waste the moments necessary to rest. Did you expect us to stop? I can make the journey straight through."

It was clear by Shalee's response that she failed to recognize the wolf's chiding. "Oh, for all the angels in Heaven!" she shouted. "You've got to be kidding me!" She flopped down on the wooden platform and started to cry.

"I said I wanted an adventure, not blisters. I don't have any suntan lotion for a trip like this, and I burn easy. I don't have my makeup. I don't have deodorant. I don't have perfume. I don't even have any clean panties. For Pete's sake, I hate this place. I swear I'll never wish again. Yep, oh yeah, I'll never wish again. Thanks, Mom, for feeding me a wonderful line of c.r.a.p about how wishes come true. This isn't even close to my idea of fun. This has got to be the worst granted wish ever." Tears filled her eyes as she put her head between her knees and continued to crumble. "I think I'm having a breakdown."

Sam had to smile at Shalee's reaction. He looked at Mosley and leaned in closer to the wolf before whispering again. "Just wait until she figures out she doesn't have any tampons. She's really going to blow then."

Mosley tilted his furry head and whispered back, "What are tampons, Sam?"

The human could only laugh. "Aahhhhh ... forget it. Let's just say where we're from, most women don't find this sort of adventure entertaining. I also hope you have another solution for getting us to Brandor. I don't want to walk 56 Peaks, and we'll definitely need to sleep."

Shalee lifted her head and whimpered, "I need a soft pillow to lie my head on, Mosley. I'm not cut out for this kind of thing. How can I look decent if I can't get rest?" She buried her head again into her knees.

Sam changed the subject. "Okay, okay. So how do we get down from the top of the cliffs? They don't look scalable."

Nodding, Mosley responded, "The G.o.ds did make the cliffs una.s.sailable. There are, however, stairs behind the face of the rock, but this isn't how we'll be traveling."

Mosley turned to Shalee, who was still crying, and raised his voice. "I have a way to get you to Brandor without making you walk! You can stop crying now. Let's get you dressed for the journey."

Shalee wiped away her tears with the sleeve of her pajama top, and as she did, Mosley asked Sam to ring a large bell at the far side of the platform. "The only way to get from the top of the cliffs to the land below, without using the steps, is to ride the griffins who live inside the cliffs."

With that, Shalee started in again. "If you think I'm gonna ride some giant whatever it is, you got another think coming. I'm not about to get on some creepy, flying thing. I don't know how to ride stuff like that. Do they bite? Goodness-gracious, I bet they bite. Oh my gosh, do they smell?"

Mosley had heard enough. He leaned in and breathed on Shalee's face. She fell unconscious as her body slumped over onto the platform.

"She will be asleep for a while," the wolf said. "I'm sure she'll be far more pleasant after she's had the moments to adjust. Are all the women from your Earth like her?"

Sam smiled. "Only the ones worth keeping. I have to admit, I find her attractive. I like her sa.s.siness. She'll grow on you, Mosley. She's just stressed right now, that's all. But I am glad you knocked her out."

Sam took a deep breath. "I feel a bit off myself. Ever since I got here, so many things have reminded me of my dreams. It sounds like they have reminded Shalee of her dreams as well. I know I've never met her before, but I swear, it feels like I have. I wanted to tell her that, but that would've been too much for her to handle right now." He looked down at Shalee. "Just trust me, Mosley, you'll grow to like her. I'm sure of it."

"I hope you're right," Mosley responded. "I find her annoying ... like a tick on my tail."

Sam grinned and then changed the subject. "Earlier, you mentioned the G.o.d of the Sun. Do all the G.o.ds have t.i.tles?"

Mosley thought long and hard before answering. "They do amongst the Collective, but the G.o.ds do not allow their followers to know their true nature. Again, I know this only because of my service to Ba.s.sorine."

"Why would the G.o.ds hide their nature?"

"I'm not allowed to answer your question, Sam. We should speak of another topic. Why don't you tell me more about your Earth?"

Annoyed that Mosley was unable to answer his question, Sam shook his head and started talking about Earth. Soon, a ma.s.sive, flying beast appeared from below the edge of the cliff and prepared to land.

Sam moved to the far side of the platform as the creature set down. The wind generated by the griffin's wings made standing difficult. Sam had to grab hold of the railing to maintain his balance.

The griffin-part eagle, part lion-was huge, its wings sporting dark-brown feathers with white tips. The feathers covering his head were also white, and his beak possessed an amber hue that matched the setting sun. The rest of its body was covered by tan fur. The beast's ma.s.sive paws on its back legs touched down first while its razor-sharp, front talons grabbed hold of a round beam that rested just above the surface of the platform. The creature lifted its head, scanned the area with its piercing eyes and then shrieked.

Sam watched in awe as Mosley walked up to the creature without fear. Though dwarfed, the wolf shouted orders in a foreign language. To Sam's surprise, he understood pieces of the language, but again, he failed to comprehend why. He made a mental note and kept the discovery to himself.

"I asked the beast to wait until we return from the temple. We should hurry. Griffins are not known for their patience."

After Sam finished dressing, he changed Shalee and cautioned Mosley that, if asked, he was to tell Shalee a temple maid dressed her. He wanted her dignity to be left intact. But Sam did admit, however, that he enjoyed completing the task.

Sam's thoughts ran wild as he secured Shalee's headpiece. You're breathtaking. The outfit Ba.s.sorine left for you makes you look like a princess. How nice would it be if I was your prince?

Mosley showed Sam where a large pouch, full of food, had been prepared. The wolf explained the journey to Brandor would take 6 Peaks by air. Fortunately, the moments necessary would be provided to sleep, since the wolf really did need to sleep.

They made sure they had everything they needed before they left and watched as the temple doors were sealed. No one would be allowed to enter until the Crystal Moon was returned. The sign on the temple door read: Temple Closed For Inquisitive Minds, We are G.o.ds, and We Don't Owe You an Explanation (Fellow soul ... I'm just kidding. The sign didn't say that.) Sam lifted Shalee onto the griffin's back, and then he climbed up. After securing their weapons with leather straps that were attached to the saddle, he tied Shalee in. Sam gulped as the beast walked to the edge of the platform.

"Hold on!" Mosley shouted as best he could while biting down on another set of straps. "This is going to be exhilarating!" The wolf dug his claws into the leather of the saddle.

They dropped off the edge and fell more than 4,000 feet before the griffin opened his wings and swooped out over the picturesque landscape.

Soresym [Sor-e-sym]

CHAPTER 5.

Broken Back LASIDIOUS WAS STILL SITTING at his table, watching through the transparent wall of his cave-like home as George continued to tumble. The Mischievous One was deciding how he wanted to make his introduction. After rolling up a map of Grayham, the G.o.d chose a field near the Enchanted Forest to stage his rescue.

Close by, was a town called Lethwitch. He would drop George just outside of town. This location would give the mortal the moments necessary to get the supplies he would need before heading north to the Pool of Sorrow.

The Town of Lethwitch to the north, the Pool of Sorrow East of the Pool is the Cave of Sorrow Skeleton Pa.s.s Runs North and South of Gessler Village George needed to be at the pool in 3 Peaks, which left no room for wasted moments. The Earthling would not be able to wander about sightseeing. He waved his hand, and George disappeared.

Lasidious pushed back from the table, put the picture of Abbie in his front pocket, grabbed the map of Grayham and a leather pack from his bedroom and then vanished.

The Mountains of Latasef Skeleton Pa.s.s The G.o.ddess approached the demon-jaguar, Kepler. The giant cat, over 25 feet long from tip to tail, had a smooth, shiny, black coat that conformed to his powerful, muscular stature. His claws were sharp as knives, terrifying to most, but not Celestria, G.o.ddess of Beasts.

Kepler yawned as she approached. His large mouth had been the instrument of death for many men. The cat's teeth were white, except for the yellowish stains at their base from the blood of man-flesh. As he closed his mouth, he stood and stretched his legs, neck, and back.

"You dare come into my lair as if you belong," he snarled. "Can you not see the dead that lie with their bones scattered throughout my pa.s.s? Are you not afraid of my skeleton army? I should summon them to gut you where you stand. This is my territory!"

"I go where I wish," Celestria reprimanded, her face stern and her voice forceful. "How dare you talk to your G.o.ddess that way? I should throw you to the dragons on Dragonia!" Her voice echoed off the walls of Skeleton Pa.s.s. "You will show me respect, demon!"

Realizing whom he had insulted, Kepler stepped forward and lowered his head in reverence. "My apologies, G.o.ddess. If I had known it was you, I would not have spoken so harshly." The giant cat pushed a half-eaten barbarian torso behind him with his back paw as if he was embarra.s.sed about the untidiness of his lair.

"Never mind your insolence, Kepler," Celestria replied as she watched him squirm. "I'm here to inform you of great things that are about to happen. The moments have come for those who want power to rise up and seize it. This uprising will forever change the hierarchy of Grayham's kingdoms."

"Sounds intriguing," Kepler responded. "But why tell me? I have all I need. I've ruled my pa.s.s for hundreds of seasons." He extended the nails on his right, front paw one by one. "All men fear these claws."

The G.o.ddess brushed her hand along his fur as she pa.s.sed and took a seat where he had been lying. "My dearest Kepler, you have been bored for many seasons. I know the secret of how you rule your pa.s.s. I watch you from the heavens and see how you lie about and wish for a challenge. I only tell you because I know of a man who is strong and possesses the wit to rule. I have foreseen this man to be the master of Grayham. He will send this world into darkness, and his companionship would make you a happy, little demon, my pet."

Kepler hated how the G.o.ddess had called him a "little demon," and her "pet," yet he dared not say anything to correct her. "Interesting," he parried with a hint of disdain. "I'll have my own private den of misery. I can't complain about something so grand. These eyes function best when I prey upon the weak in the darkness."

The G.o.ddess knew Kepler was intrigued, despite the fact that he had shown no interest in the human. "This man will be at the Pool of Sorrow 3 Peaks from now. He will be camped near the outlet where the pool releases into the Cripple River." Celestria knew her next statement would irritate the demon. "For all I know, this human may not find you worthy of his company. He may find you unnecessary."

"Unnecessary?" the demon snarled and then let out a ferocious roar. "I'm more than worthy to be in his presence! If he is to rule kingdoms, who better to have at his side than one who already rules territories on Grayham? I, alone, am capable of handling the burden of this authority. I am The Master of the Hunt for a reason."

Celestria was pleased with his response, but she did not show it. She knew of Kepler's immense pride and had hoped it was large enough to take the bait. She moved to stand beside the demon and stroked his shoulders.

"A beast with your abilities would be quite useful, my pet," she said as she reached up to touch the point of one of his teeth. Again, she leaned in and felt Kepler cringe. She smiled inside. "Perhaps you should meet with this human to see if he accepts your companionship. I warn you, Kepler, this is a strong-willed, hot-tempered being. I would not make him angry if I were you. I would hate to see you end up on a skewer, cooked for supper."

The beast let out another angry roar. "I'm no one's supper! I shall stare into his eyes, and he'll beg for my services. I'll only allow him to rule if I'm at his side. If the fool refuses to accept my offer, I shall pick his bones from my teeth before I return to my pa.s.s."

"Careful, Kepler," the G.o.ddess cautioned, moving to stand in front of his ma.s.sive mouth. She tugged each of his whiskers while she continued to speak in a soft tone. "I know you're confident, but I must warn you ... I would not toy with this human. He's powerful. I would hate to witness your end only to watch one of your brothers rise to rule your pa.s.s."

The G.o.ddess scratched the underside of Kepler's jaw. "If you choose to accept this challenge, you'll need to make your way to the Pool of Sorrow. The human will be camping there 3 Peaks from now." She smiled. "It's your decision, Kepler. I'm sure there are other beasts who would be willing to accept this honor. I'll just let them know you weren't up for the task, if you choose to decline."

The demon-jaguar hissed. "The task is simple enough. Of all the cats roaming the plains, I'm the obvious choice. But a trek of this magnitude would take 30 Peaks. I cannot cross the mountains in only three without peril."

Celestria pointed at what appeared to be the right leg of a barbarian Kepler had killed earlier in the day. "I'll put a blessing on your dinner. This will give you the stamina you need to make it to the pool before the human arrives."

"You're saying this blessing will allow me to journey around the mountains in only 3 Peaks?"

Celestria nodded.

"Why are you doing this, G.o.ddess? Why do you care about my existence?"

Celestria rubbed her hands through the fur on each side of Kepler's snout. Though her size paled in comparison, she was firm and loved the way the demon-cat loathed every moment of her touch.

"Of all the great cats who serve me, you're my favorite. But it must be your decision to fulfill your destiny. I won't come to you again. This is your only chance to seize the territories you've long desired." The G.o.ddess kissed the tip of Kepler's gigantic nose and enjoyed the cat's discomfort. "I sure hope the human doesn't kill you." She vanished.

The demon-jaguar let out a mighty roar that caused the birds clinging to the face of the walls of the pa.s.s to take flight. He shook to rid himself of the G.o.ddess' unwanted advances. After a moment of staring at the blessed leg, he ripped the flesh from the bone.

Just North of Lethwitch George was sick to his stomach. The blackness opened and spit him out like rotten food. He appeared high above the ground, and now he was focused on his end.

Just before impact, he closed his eyes, but to his surprise, he landed on something soft. A loud scream erupted beneath him as his descent came to a halt.

George waited before he opened his eyes. Whatever he landed on was hurt. He opened his right eye to peek. A moment later, he lifted himself off a ma.s.sive, heavyset man.

Before the jerk inquired if the man was alright, George looked himself over. Everything seemed intact, except his clothes that were tattered. d.a.m.n, I can't believe I didn't break anything.

The man cried out once again.

George rolled his eyes, annoyed, and pulled his attention off his dangling shirt pocket. "Are you all right?"

"I think you broke my back!" the man wailed.

"Dang," George replied. "That sucks. Can you feel your legs? Is there anything I can do to help?" George grabbed the man's bag and rifled through it to see if there was anything he could use.

"Find the powder," the man groaned. "It's in a copper tin. Add it to the water in my hide." He groaned again. "It'll dull the pain."

George did as instructed and administered the tonic. "How's that feel ... better?"

"Much," the man sighed as if the potion had an instantaneous effect.

"Now what should I do?" George queried.

"Could you help me up against a tree? I have friends who'll be coming this way. They'll be able to lay me on their wagon and take me to the healers' vestry."

George politely smiled and then thought, Yeah sure they will... if they can get your big a.s.s onto the wagon first.

After another swig of tonic, George took the opportunity to move the man against the nearest tree. He grunted as he struggled to move the man's heft. In a winded voice, he fell onto his backside and said, "Why did you catch me?"

"I didn't catch you. You fell on me." The man looked up. "I was walking, and the next thing I knew, you landed on me. It's not like men fall from the sky every Peak. Did you fall from one of the hippogriffs?"

"Hippo what?" George replied. "You must be drunk. I'm not even sure what happened. One minute, I'm on a statue looking at a rock, and the next, I'm falling. If you hadn't come along, I'd be eating dirt right now.

The man looked puzzled. "What is this 'minute' you referred to?"

George's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Lasidious smiled inside as he continued to play the part of the fict.i.tious traveler. He was going to enjoy playing with George's mind. He redirected the conversation. "My name is Jason." The G.o.d pointed south. "I live beyond the field. Folks around these parts call me an adventurer. I like to call myself a traveler and a purveyor of hidden goods." After another swig, he questioned, "Who are you?"

George did not respond. He was distracted by the way Jason's chubby chin jiggled as he spoke.

"Are you going to answer me? I said, what's your name, boy?"