The change in the water was not what the badger expected. Sure, the lake went dark from the absence of light, but something marvelous happened. Portions of the surface began to glow with angelic, soft-blue lights and then dissipated as they returned to the depths. It was not long before a combination of illuminations glided through the water at a rapid pace. As the number of beings increased, so did their brilliance. Eventually, enough beings were swimming that they lit the surface of the lake and the beach with a heavenly aura.

Now, fellow soul ... allow me to tell you about the Ultorians. As a race, they looked somewhat transparent. Their internal organs were visible while beneath the water. Their bodies were shaped like humans, but with giant wings that allowed them to glide through the water. As their numbers increased, so did the intensity of the glow that radiated from their bodies. But when they came ash.o.r.e, these incredible beings took on a new form.

Gage watched the water stir not far off sh.o.r.e. A single figure emerged and worked its way toward him. The Ultorians form changed with each step it took on dry land. His wings retracted within the confines of his back, leaving no biological sign that they ever existed. His skin began to radiate with a tremendous heat as it turned into a prism of color. Steam rose into the bite of the night as the water on his body evaporated.

Gage kept his eyes fixed on the Ultorian as he walked across the pebbles that were laying on the beach. With each step, a trail of bright-white, gelatinous goo squished out of the back of the stranger's heels, staining the small stones and the surrounding sand.

The badger listened as the creature tried to communicate in a language he could not understand. The phonetics of his speech sounded like a series of clicks, some longer than others, but all high-pitched and somewhat painful to his ears. "I'm sorry. I don't understand," Gage reasoned, bowing in case the being standing before him was of a royal bloodline.

The Ultorian began to heave as if he was about to vomit. The colorful being did this again and again before Gage understood that this was the creature's way of laughing at him.

Gage's smile lacked conviction. "You're not royalty, are you? I'm not sure if you can understand me, but I seek a home. Can you help?"

The Ultorian turned and lifted his hand in the direction of the water. Ultrasonic waves resonated from his palm and disturbed the surface. It was not long before another, smaller Ultorian emerged and rushed across the beach to stand beside him. This being's face was more childlike, his colors not as bright as his predecessor's, and he failed to leave a gooey trail as he approached.

After an awkward silence, the smaller Ultorian spoke. "My name is Syse. This is my friend, Swill. Who are you?"

"Oh good," Gage exhaled and then took a relaxed breath. "You can understand me."

"I do, but you've ignored my question. Who are you?"

"My name is Gage. I seek refuge."

"Are you goswig?"

"I am. I've lived in service to Marcus Id for many seasons."

Syse shook his head. "You'll need to speak with King Ultor. Considering your circ.u.mstances, I cannot authorize asylum."

"Is it because I was created and not born of a natural mother?"

"No. How you were born is of no consequence. I cannot say anything further. You shall speak with our king. Only he can give you the permission you seek."

Swill began to speak in a series of high pitched clicks. Syse turned to face the water, giving the attention Swill's mannerisms commanded. Swill's speech sharpened, and the speed in which the clicking sounds escaped his mouth increased.

Without explanation, Syse rushed into the water and dove beneath the surface. Swill stomped his foot. Goo squirted from the back of his heel and landed next to Gage's paw. The Ultorian sent another wave of ultrasonic pulses toward the water to deliver an afterthought.

After a moment of silence, Swill turned and lifted the badger off the ground. He began to walk down the beach and into the water. As the lake deepened, Gage squirmed, "Ummm, Swill? Swill? I can't breathe under water. Swill! SWILL!"

Meanwhile, the Outskirts of the City of Marcus Kiayasis Methelborn set the necessary ingredients on the table. Ever since he could remember, he had helped his mother create the same magical elixir every 20 Peaks.

On this Peak, as always, Gwen was being difficult. Refusing to drink her potion had become common place, and Kiayasis, just like he always did, he remained loving and understanding.

"Yes, Mother, I know you're unhappy. Why must you fight me so?"

A shallow voice responded from the shadows across the room of the rundown home. "I hate myself. I don't want to live."

"You don't mean that, Mother. You're just depressed. You'll feel better in a few moments."

"I'll never feel better. I'm hideous. I'm disgusting. Everyone hates me. They look at me like an outcast." She shouted in the Elven language. "Aman delootha aman Thango ya.s.san tampla!"

Kiayasis frowned. "Stop that. You know you're not cursed."

"They all hate me!" A cup filled with water flew out of the shadows and broke against the wall. The water doused the sconce and the room went dark.

Kiayasis lifted his hand and allowed his magic to fill his palm with the light that was necessary to replace the wick. Once lit, he allowed his magic to dissipate. He watched the flame flicker as he lowered the gla.s.s around it. "No one thinks ill of you, Mother. Now stop throwing a fit, and drink your elixir."

Kiayasis siphoned the liquid from the kettle above the fire and then put the necessary dose into a small vial. All Gwen needed to do was swallow the liquid and the scars covering the majority of her body would melt away.

Now, fellow soul ... for as long as the potion lasted, Gwen was stunning. Her long, brunette hair, brown eyes, olive skin, and gentle curves turned every male elf's head. But as the potion lost its effect, Gwen hid her appearance for 3 Peaks until her body could withstand another dose. During this period of moments, Gwen was a miserable reminder of an experiment gone wrong.

At 12 seasons old, Gwen snuck into her father's laboratory and began to play with magic she didn't understand. Before anyone could stop her, she had concocted a deadly combination of components that exploded, destroying the lab and nearly taking her life. Her instinct was the only thing that saved her. She saw the reaction of the components and dove for cover. Her father's large, wooden worktable saved her from the devastation, but not before the intense heat left her with a lasting reminder of that Peak. Gwen was forced to deal with the knowledge that her face, not to mention most of her body, would be grotesque and monstrous looking for the rest of her existence.

Kiayasis, on that Peak was 120 seasons old and had strong features. His eyes were blue, his hair was straight, flowing, long, and black, and he stood over two paces tall. He was well-built, and was almost as strong as his father. He was also charismatic and charming, and he lived at the center of Marcus' city, but returned home to the outskirts to let his mother know that she was loved during her moments of struggle.

Gwen's home was in shambles. She, like many other elves that lived on the outskirts of Marcus, was considered one of the city's rejected. A large wall separated Gwen's community from a higher cla.s.s of elf that lived inside the walls-those who had the ability to harness stronger power of the dark arts.

Only elves of a pure bloodline were allowed to reside within Marcus' walls, but blood alone was not enough to gain residency. Along with the ability to command the dark arts, an elf had to possess substantial wealth. Many of the elves living near Gwen, although of a pure bloodline, were without magical abilities, and they were lived in poverty. As a result, they were treated as irritations and given jobs that were considered less than desirable.

Gwen never married. She tried to find a companion, but each relationship ended because of the depression she experienced when the potion wore off. Her longest relationship was just under a season, a union that produced the joy of her life-Kiayasis.

Her baby's father, Boyafed, was a powerful man. Boyafed was the leader of the Order, and lived in the temple that circled the Dark Chancellor's tower-palace that sat atop a hill at the center of the city of Marcus.

Like Kiayasis, Boyafed was charismatic, charming, strong, and handsome. These were just a few of his many delicious traits that Gwen fell in love with.

Boyafed's love was the best season of Gwen's life, but her happiness was short-lived. Boyafed realized how taxing it was going to be to live with Gwen, and dealing with her ongoing depression was not a task that he cared to undertake. He took Gwen outside the city walls and left her with enough coin to pay for the home she lived in. This was Boyafed's way of ensuring that she had a safe place to give birth and raise their child. Although Boyafed did not remain an active part of Gwen's life, he did remain active in his son's and visited often.

Kiayasis, despite his mother's inability to use magic, benefited from Boyafed's biological contribution. As a result, Kiayasis commanded strong magic of his own. For the last 20 seasons, he had lived near his father, training, and praying to the G.o.d of Death, Hosseff, to become a dark paladin.

"Mother, drink your elixir. You'll feel beautiful again. I hate seeing you like this."

Gwen kept her head lowered and remained huddled in the corner.

"Mother, stop sulking. Let me help you up." Kiayasis leaned down, and as he had done on many occasions, lifted Gwen and carried her to a chair that sat near the kitchen table. As he lowered her onto it, the old wood creaked beneath her thin frame.

"Open your mouth and drink. You know it will make you feel better. Please don't make me force it down your throat."

Gwen lifted her head as Kiayasis poured the elixir into her mouth. It only took a moment for the magic to take effect. Her skin cleared, and the scars peeled away and fell onto the floor. Once again, Gwen was beautiful.

Kiayasis smiled. "See? You look wonderful." As he always did, he lifted a mirror to ensure she could see the benefit.

And as always, Gwen acted surprised after the transformation. "I'm pretty. I'm beautiful. Do you think I'm beautiful, Kiayasis?"

"You have always been beautiful to me, Mother."

"Ohhhh, my boy, you're so good to me. You can never leave me. I need you, Kiayasis. Your father is keeping you from me, and I don't think I can stand another Peak without you."

"I miss you, too, Mother. My training is almost at an end. I've enjoyed getting to know my father on a deeper level."

"But I can't be without you any longer." Gwen pulled away and turned her back to Kiayasis.

"Don't act like that, Mother. I've always been here for you, and you know it."

"It's not the same. Your father has taken you from me. I want you to come home. I demand that you come home! I won't spend another Peak without you under this roof!"

Kiayasis presented a gentle smile. "You've said that same thing for 20 seasons now. You know I love you."

"Loving me is not enough anymore! You'll return home to me for good!"

Kiayasis reached out, turned Gwen around and pulled her close. "Would you ask me to give up everything I've worked so hard for? Would you hold me back, Mother? You know I want this."

Tears ran down Gwen's face. "Your father has turned you against me. Your love for me has dwindled."

"Nonsense, Mother. I'll always love you."

Gwen's mood swings were becoming a source of constant contention. Kiayasis knew he would never be free to live a life of his own. She would ruin whatever chance he had at finding lasting enjoyment.

Again, Gwen pulled away. "If you love me, you'll come home. Stay with me. Don't go back to your father's army."

Kiayasis put on a smile and took a long, relaxing, deep breath. "Come here, Mother. I'll stay with you. You're right. I should not leave."

"Oh, my baby, do you mean it, Kiayasis?"

"Of course. You're everything to me. Come here."

"Oh my dear, sweet son ... thank you. I knew you would choose me." She rushed into his arms.

Kiayasis held his smile until Gwen's head rested beneath his chin. He caressed her back with his left hand as he reached behind his own with his right. His hand grasped the bone-handle of his dagger, a blade known only to the Order, as he continued to speak. "Mother, you don't have to worry any longer. I'll come home to you. I've always been here to remove your pain. You're right. I choose you."

Careful to keep Gwen's head tucked under his chin, tears ran down Kiayasis' face as he tightened his grip on his weapon. "You mean everything to me. I can stop your torment."

Without hesitation, Kiayasis plunged his blade into Gwen's back. He pulled Gwen's face into his chest to smother her cry as he twisted the weapon to ensure a quick death. It did not take long for Gwen's last bit of air to escape her lips. She remained standing only because it was Kiayasis' will to keep her erect. With one gentle swoop, Kiayasis lifted her into his arms and carried Gwen's corpse into her bedroom.

Kiayasis pulled the dagger free and used his magic to cauterize the wound before he laid Gwen's head on the pillow. He adjusted the rest of her body into a peaceful position, pulled the covers over her shoulders to tuck her in and took a seat next to her on the bed. "See, Mother? Now you'll always be beautiful. Your scars will never return. I cannot care for you any longer. May your soul find the peace that it deserves with Hosseff." Kiayasis rose and smoothed the blanket to ensure the perfection of his mother's appearance.

As he closed the door to her room, he turned to lean against the wall. He wept. After many long moments pa.s.sed, he cleaned the trail of blood that led into Gwen's room. When he left the house, he bolted the door and walked toward the gates of Marcus.

Kiayasis had not taken more than 20 steps along the packed, dirt road before the magic hiding Gwen's scars faded. He was wrong. Unaware of the transformation, the power the magic possessed abandoned Gwen's body as her soul left to find its home within the Book of Immortality. Gwen would be found as a hideous reminder of a gentle soul-she would be forgotten.

Meanwhile, the Temple of the Order "Lord Hosseff, to what do I owe this pleasure?" Boyafed, the leader of the Dark Order of Holy Paladins, said as he dropped to one knee before his G.o.d.

"Stand up, Boyafed. We have much to discuss. Walk with me."

Fellow soul ... the temple of the Order encircled Marcus Id's tower-palace. White granite hallways had been polished to a fine sheen, and they were lined with tall, red, demonic statues. Their wings were black, and their horns were ivory and thick. Some stood with wings folded while others appeared to be in flight with wings widespread. Their faces looked as if they were calling for battle. Each held a torch that cast an eerie glow.

The city of Marcus sat beneath shadows that loomed under heavy, gray clouds that never dissipated-thanks to Marcus Id's magic. This dismal atmosphere was why the city became known by its second name, The City of Shadows.

Boyafed wore all black, except for a golden shirt. His cape carried the Order's symbol at its center-a gold altar that represented the Order's belief in sacrifice to Hosseff. Boyafed's eyes were dark brown, his hair was short, and his rock jaw complemented a strong frame.

Boyafed lowered his head in reverence. "My Lord, how may I be of service?"

Hosseff stopped to look out one of the temple windows and pa.s.sed his eyes across the city. The G.o.d's voice sounded like a windy whisper. "I seek an escort to guide a human woman from Merchant Island to the swamplands of Grogger."

Hosseff turned from the window and moved down the hall. His face materialized as the direct light of the torches reached beneath his hood. Though human in form, the G.o.d's hood hid the truth that his ears were not elven. As he walked with Boyafed toward the shadows, his appearance changed. His face vanished and his hands turned hazy. "This human will arrive from Grayham. I would appreciate your a.s.sistance, Boyafed. I know your son, Kiayasis, has completed his training, and at Early Bailem on the morrow, he's to be given his first a.s.signment as an official member of the Order."

"Yes, My Lord, he's strong, and he'll make a fine addition to my army. He'll make his first sacrifice in your name in the morning. Would you like me to send Kiayasis to escort this woman?"

"I'm sure he'll do a fine job, Boyafed. This woman seeks something within the swamplands of Grogger. She must enter alone while Kiayasis waits." Hosseff put his wispy hand on Boyafed's shoulder. "The woman's name is Shalee. She's powerful ... a sorceress who wields magic strong enough to command your respect. Kiayasis will need to make his way to Merchant Island, and wait for her arrival."

"My son lives to serve you, My Lord."

Hosseff moved back into the direct light of a torch. Once again, his features solidified. He returned his hand to Boyafed's shoulder. "You're the foundation of my Order. You've made me proud for over 400 seasons. I'm sure you'll continue this tradition."

"Thank you, My Lord." The Order leader bowed.

Hosseff motioned for Boyafed to stand erect. "There's something else that I wish to discuss ... something of grave importance..."

Meanwhile, Southern Grayham Brandor's Castle Shalee threw her legs over the side of the bed and motioned for Sam to back off. "For heaven's sake, I'm not going to tell you again! Stop nagging me, Sam! I said I'll drink the potion when I'm ready!"

Sam moved to the fireplace and took a seat on the hearth to allow the fire to warm his back. "Why can't you just drink it? Are you not hearing me? Yaloom said it will give us the chance to save our baby. Don't you want to be a mother?"

"I'm sick of listening to you!" Shalee shouted. "I'm fixin' to go crazy!"

"Then go crazy after you drink the potion, and I'll shut up! What's wrong with you? This is our baby we're talking about!"

Shalee shot her hand out and opened her palm. "Just give me the d.a.m.n bottle! You're p.i.s.sing me off!"

The queen stomped across the room, s.n.a.t.c.hed the potion from Sam's hand and then returned to her seat on the bed. She tilted her head back, slammed the liquid down her throat and then chucked the empty bottle across the room. "Satisfied?"

Sam ducked as the vial shattered against the rock chimney above his head. The pieces fell and settled around him. He looked down at the mess and thought, Garesh! I'm glad I divided the potion into halves, or Yaloom would've been out of luck.

Shalee grimaced. "Yuck!" The aftertaste tore at the queen's taste buds. "That was awful ... almost as awful as our shallow relationship!"

Sam looked up. "Okay, okay! Hold on a moment! Where in the h.e.l.l did that come from? Talk about out of left field. How could you say something so mean and nasty?"

"Don't act like you don't understand what I'm talking about! We were rushed into this marriage. How could we possibly love one another in such a short time."

"It's not time," Sam reb.u.t.ted. "It's amount of moments. You know that."

Shalee held up her middle finger. "You need to eat a slice of shut up before I put my foot up your a.s.s! You know what I meant! Whether these stupid people understand time or not has nothing to do with this argument! Don't you be sa.s.sin' me! And you know what else? I won't stand-" Shalee was forced to stop talking. She doubled over and pressed her hands against her stomach. As she did, she fell onto the floor.

Sam rushed to pick her up and lowered her onto the bed. Before her head hit the pillow, she was out cold. "Shalee! Shalee! Wake up!" He pushed her hair clear of her face. "Wake up!"

The queen's heart rate was elevated, her pupils unresponsive, and her skin felt feverish. The king darted out of the room.

Moments later, Sam burst through the door of Yaloom's guest quarter. "What did you do to her? Why did Shalee pa.s.s out after drinking your potion?" he demanded. "What's wrong with her?"

The fallen G.o.d's appearance had changed drastically. He looked like an old man that was nearing his pa.s.sing as he struggled to stand from his chair. "What did you expect? Your wife's body needs the moments necessary to adapt. She'll be fine, I a.s.sure you. It'll be hard for her mind to absorb the information contained in my memories. As I told you earlier, she may not be able to use her new abilities at first, but she'll eventually come to understand them. Try not to worry, Sam. I would not have given you the potion if she wasn't strong enough to survive it."