Brayson had to fight off his desire to laugh. "I seem to remember making you a promise. I told you I would take you someplace special. I'm sorry for disturbing you, but I a.s.sure you it's safe to let me in. I can ignore the fact that you aren't ready for the Peak."

Mary placed her forehead against the door. "Mr. Id, I need to do my hair. I'd love to see you, but I must remind you ... a woman needs notice. You'll just have to come back during some other series of moments."

Brayson waved his hand across the door. "Mary, please look into the mirror I gave you. I'm sure you look stunning. All you'll need to do is change."

Waiting for Mary's reaction, Brayson stood in silence with his pointed ear pressed against the wooden barrier. He heard her gasp. A moment later, the door opened.

In her excitement, Mary had disregarded the fact she was still in her nightgown. "How did you do that? My hair is perfect."

"Magic, my dear. Magic."

Mary took Brayson by the hand and pulled the Head Master through the doorway. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "You stay right here. I'll head up and change." Thrilled with her new look, Mary jumped onto the teleportation platform near the front door and reappeared in her bedroom-leaving the most powerful and influential elf on Luvelles standing in the foyer.

Meanwhile, the Castle of Brandor Sam's Throne Room "No, Mosley!" Sam shouted as he stood from his throne to walk down the steps toward the G.o.ds. "How often do I have to say it? I don't want Shalee going to Luvelles."

The king's eyes moved off the wolf and onto Alistar who stood nearby. "She has miscarried, and our relationship is suffering! We need the moments to fix us first before she goes tromping off to some other world."

Alistar nodded. "I understand your-"

"No! You don't understand," Sam insisted. "Shalee isn't her normal self right now. Everything I do is wrong. The G.o.ds need to settle this matter on their own." He pointed at the G.o.d of the Harvest. "Leave us alone."

Mosley sighed. "Sam, I understand your pain. Your concern regarding the stresses pressing down on your relationship is valid. I also understand you're angry about the baby. But-"

"But nothing! You're d.a.m.n right I'm angry about the baby! I'm also angry because the G.o.ds destroyed everything I loved! We did what the G.o.ds asked of us. I fought in the arenas of Southern Grayham. I became a king ... and for what ... only to lose the Crystal Moon's pieces to George. I united all of Southern Grayham under one throne, and there's peace across the kingdom. But that's not good enough for the Collective, is it? Heaven forbid they give us the moments we need to move past a problem that effects us. I'm sick of being your b.i.t.c.h!"

Sam looked down at the stones of the throne room floor. "Shalee believes our relationship is shallow. She feels we were rushed into marriage. And the sad part about it is ... I'm starting to agree."

The king looked up. The sadness in his eyes was replaced with conviction. "BUT ..." He pointed at Alistar again. "... I'm not willing to sacrifice what's left of my relationship with Shalee so you can send her away to hunt for another piece of the Crystal Moon."

The king turned, ascended the steps leading to his throne and then took a seat. "It amazes me how foolish the G.o.ds were when they created the laws you live by. The idea that Ba.s.sorine could not fix this mess because of some ridiculous rule on a book's pages... What a joke! How could G.o.ds be such buffoons?"

Mosley and Alistar waited patiently while Sam continued to rant. "Now I find myself mourning the loss of my son, and while I'm doing this, you come to me and tell me that Shalee is needed on Luvelles." The king hit the arm of his throne with the side of his fist. "We haven't even had the chance to grieve, d.a.m.n it!"

The king stood, walked toward Alistar and poked his finger against the G.o.d's chest. "I know how the Book of Immortality works. I also know you can't make Shalee go. I won't allow it, and there's nothing you can do to stop me. I'm tired of the games the G.o.ds play, and Shalee is in no condition to go gallivanting off on one of your expeditions."

Alistar's response would have to wait since Shalee walked into the room, a.s.sisted by her team of healers. She was groggy, and she was still recovering from the effects of consuming Yaloom's potion. She gave Sam a nasty glance, and then she looked at Mosley and forced a smile. "Did I hear y'all talking about me?"

Sam moved to his queen's side. "It was nothing, sweetheart. Why are you out of bed? You should be resting."

The queen ignored Sam.

Mosley and Alistar could feel the tension as they moved to greet her. Mosley spoke first. "h.e.l.lo, Shalee. It is good to see that you're up and moving about."

"Agreed," Alistar added. He removed a leaf from the pocket inside his robe and handed it to Shalee. "I brought this for you. It's from Ancients Sovereign. Chew on it, and it'll a.s.sist in your recovery. You'll feel as good as new before the Peak of Bailem arrives. I'm sorry for your loss."

"What the h.e.l.l?" Sam shouted. "We don't want to hear you're sorry. We want our son back!"

"Shut up, Sam!" Shalee barked. The queen took a seat on her throne. "Just shut up! There's no reason to yell at everyone!"

Sam tried to calm himself, but failed. "I know I shouldn't be yelling, but d.a.m.n it ... Mosley and Alistar are here to ask you to go to Luvelles. They want you to go after the third piece of the Crystal Moon. Can you believe that?"

The king took Shalee's hand in his own and knelt. "We did what the G.o.ds asked of us, and look where it got us. I've killed many men ... and so have you for that matter. Let me ask you this ... what have we received in return for doing the G.o.ds' dirty work?"

Sam released Shalee's hand and stood. "Not a d.a.m.n thing, that's what. Earth is gone. We managed to lose the first two pieces of the Crystal Moon. And if that's not bad enough ... our baby is dead." He whirled around and extended his hands. "Yeah, sure, we live in this castle, but that doesn't replace our son ... and it sure as h.e.l.l doesn't replace our families. The least the G.o.ds could do is give our son back."

Shalee began to cry.

Sam realized how his tone must have sounded, and as all good men do when they realize they have been idiots, he instantly tried to console her.

"No! Don't you dare touch me!" Shalee barked again. "You need to back off! I don't want to hear another word from you! I won't stay here while you resent me for our son's pa.s.sing!"

"I'm not resenting you."

"Yes, you are! I know you think that I let you down. You think my magic is to blame. You aren't mad at the G.o.ds. You're p.i.s.sed at me. You're disgusted because I failed as a woman, and I can see it in your eyes."

Shalee crossed her arms and continued. "Perhaps I do need to go. Perhaps I need to get out of here for a while." Shalee looked at Mosley. "You know what? I will go. I'll go to Luvelles so I can get away from him."

The wolf-G.o.d did not have a chance to respond before Sam's anger intensified. "No ... you won't! You're not going anywhere! You can't go unless I request permission from the Head Master, and I sure as h.e.l.l am not going to do that! You belong with me and no place else!"

"Don't you dare yell at me like that, mister! Your att.i.tude is chappin' my hide. I belong where I say I belong ... not where you think I belong. I need a break. If you won't get permission, then I'll leave you. I can find a place to be alone no matter how you feel. I won't sit here and look into your judgmental eyes. The way you look at me makes me sick. I'm not a failure!"

"What a crock of garesh! The way I look at you, my a.s.s. All I've done since the miscarriage is take care of you. I don't have a problem with you. You act like you're the only one hurting. I have feelings too, you know. You're acting like a witch. Oh wait ... what am I thinking ... you are one!"

"I'm not a witch! I'm a sorceress!"

Sam rolled his eyes. "Big difference! You're the only one judging anyone around here. I'm not blaming you for the loss of our baby. You are."

"Don't lie to me! Don't you dare lie to me, Sam Goodrich! I'll use Precious to turn you inside out."

"Oh! So, now you're going to use your magic on me. Nice touch, Shalee! Nice touch!"

Shalee scowled. "I'm going to Luvelles whether you like it or not. If you won't get approval, then I'll give you my crown and you can stick it where the sun don't shine. You can find a new queen for all I care!"

"What? I don't want anyone else. You can't walk out on me. You're my queen! I love you."

Shalee gave Sam a disgusted look. "Yeah, right! You loathe me. I don't care about being your queen anymore. It's not like this relationship ever had a chance anyway." The queen unfolded her arms. "Are you going to get permission from the Head Master, or shall I give you this crown right now? I won't spend another night here if you don't let me go."

"d.a.m.n it, Shalee! I don't loathe you, nor do I want you to leave. But hey ... if you want to go ... if you want to run out on us ... h.e.l.l, I'll make it easy for you, and you can kiss my royal a.s.s on your way out the door. Perhaps, with some luck, you'll get it through that thick head of yours that I don't blame you for anything. Take your moments apart ... but remember this ... I'll always love you, no matter what, no matter how hard you make it. And if you don't believe me, you can kiss my a.s.s again for thinking otherwise!" Sam turned and headed out the door.

Shalee called after him. "Just get the approval, Sam! I'll decide what's best for me from here on out ... YOU BIG JERK!" The queen motioned for her handmaiden's a.s.sistance and then headed for the opposite door. "Mosley, come with me! Alistar, I don't want to speak with you, so go away!" The queen stormed out of the room with the healers in tow.

Mosley turned to Alistar, nodded, and then followed Shalee. But before the wolf could leave the room, Sam barged back in to make one final comment. "So help me, Mosley, if she so much as suffers a single scratch, I'll find a way to make the G.o.ds pay for their manipulations. You've taken enough from us already. Don't make me figure out a way to destroy every last one of you. Because I won't rest until I do."

Mosley shook his head. "Sam, it seems that you've forgotten I'm your friend. I want to save you, not harm you. Shalee is the only one I trust to go after this piece of the Crystal Moon. The retrieval of the crystal is bigger than your feelings. It's also bigger than your marriage. And as much as it pains me to say this, it is even bigger than the pa.s.sing of your cub."

Sam shouted, "Nothing's bigger than the pa.s.sing of my son! NOTHING!"

The wolf growled. "Perhaps Shalee is right. The two of you need a break. You've become irrational."

Sam's eyes narrowed. "Bite me!"

With a motion of his snout, Mosley bound the king's mouth. The G.o.d's power lifted Sam off the floor, and he floated across the room before he settled down onto his throne. Mosley closed the gap, rose up and put his front paws on Sam's knees. The wolf's growl deepened as he leaned in. "You should watch your tongue, Sam! I value our friendship. I even understand your pain, but I won't tolerate your condescending tone. Don't think your ability to lead Brandor's pack gives you the right to threaten G.o.ds." The wolf's green eyes narrowed. "Has my message fallen upon open ears?"

Sam's defiant glare screamed a silent response at Mosley.

The G.o.d snorted his irritation with the human's demeanor and then lowered to the floor. "Shalee can save many lives. I'm doing what needs to be done to save billions. I'm sure you'll see through your anger soon enough. We'll speak then."

Mosley's countenance softened. "I care for you Sam. I always will. I'm sure that Shalee will find a way to overcome her depression. She'll come back to your den once she's secured the crystal's third piece." With his point made, Mosley released his bond on Sam's mouth.

The king leaned forward. "Get out of my face! You're no better than the rest of the G.o.ds!"

Undeterred, Mosley turned to leave the room. "Goodbye, Sam."

Seeing Mosley turn the corner into the hallway beyond, Alistar moved to stand beside the king. The G.o.d reached into his robe. "Sam, this is a piece of Fepple Root. I want you to brew this in water, and drink it. It'll settle your nerves and allow you to think straight."

"Hmpf! Whatever!" Sam s.n.a.t.c.hed the plant from the G.o.d's hands and left without saying a word.

Alistar's soft-brown eyes turned cold as he watched Sam leave. He whispered beneath his breath as he rubbed his hands together with satisfaction. "That was fun. Everything is coming together."

Shalee sat on the edge of the bed as Mosley entered the chamber. The queen did not waste any of her moments. She looked into the wolf's eyes. "You told me that Ba.s.sorine said I was given the perfect anatomy for childbearing."

To protect their conversation, the wolf surrounded them with an invisible barrier before he responded. "You were."

"Then why did I lose the baby?"

"Your body is struggling to keep up with the growth of your magical foundation. The fetus was unable to handle the strain. Once you've had the moments to adjust, you'll be able to have a cub. You must remember. You have not yet commanded magic for one full season." The wolf's head dropped. "I was concerned that this would happen when I first learned of your pregnancy. It was too soon."

"Why didn't you say something? You're supposed to be my friend."

Mosley reclaimed the queen's eyes. "You know I'm your friend, Shalee."

"Yes. But-"

"But what? What would've changed if I had said something? You still would've been pregnant. If I would've told you my concerns, it would've caused unnecessary stress. I was hoping I was wrong, and that you'd carry the cub to term. I'm sorry for your loss. I truly am."

"Then Sam was right. I lost the baby because of my magic."

"Did Sam actually say those words?"

"No ... not exactly, but I can see it in his eyes." She took a deep breath. "I want to go to Luvelles. I need a break. It may have been a mistake for us to get together in the first place. We should've never been married."

Mosley jumped onto the bed and placed his head on Shalee's leg after he lowered next to her. "You don't mean that."

"Ohhhhhhh, but I do." The queen reached under Mosley's snout and lifted his head. "Didn't you hear him? It's all my fault. He hates me. He only says he loves me because I'm the last thing in his life that reminds him of Earth. I can see right through his pile of garesh."

"I didn't hear Sam say any of that, Shalee." Mosley pulled his head free and nudged Shalee with the tip of his nose. "Regardless of how you feel right now, Sam loves you."

The queen rubbed the top of the wolf's head. "Of course, you heard what you wanted to hear. You're a male." Shalee stood and walked to the window. "I hear the true meaning of things. Only women have the ability to do that. I know Sam doesn't want me." The queen reached out and pulled the shudders closed. "Let's change the subject. This is depressing. I don't want to talk about Sam anymore."

Shalee turned and took a seat on the sill. "I know you need me to go after your crystal. I hate this place, so I'm ready to go now."

"That's good to hear, but I'm sure you'll look back on this Peak and feel much differently about your relationship with Sam."

"I said I don't want to talk about Sam!" Shalee snapped. "Isn't there someone on Luvelles who could go after the crystal?"

"Yes, but I trust you. It'll be dangerous. In fact, I'm sure it will test your magic. With the way your power has advanced, I think it would be a good challenge to undertake a journey of this magnitude. I have faith in you."

"I'm not so sure I believe in your faith in me," the queen reb.u.t.ted.

Mosley growled. "Your belief isn't necessary. Ba.s.sorine believed in your abilities, and so do I."

Shalee walked across the room and crawled under the covers. She started to cry. "Goodness-gracious, Mosley ... I know you're right. I'm being too hard on you. You're not the one I'm mad at. I just feel so empty. I can't bear the thought of Sam looking down his nose at me. His eyes are filled with disgust. Maybe I'll stay on Luvelles and never come back."

Mosley scratched the back of his neck. "I'm sure those are emotional words. Your feelings will change."

"Stop telling me how I'm going to feel!" Shalee barked. "And stop trying to make it better. I can't believe how stupid men are. Just shut up and listen. That's all you need to do. You're supposed to be a G.o.d, Mosley. Why don't you know when to hush?"

Mosley did not respond. He simply sat there and waited for the queen to finish. After a moment of continued male-bashing, Shalee threw back the covers and stood from the bed. She put the leaf Alistar gave her in her mouth. While chewing, she continued. "I'll go to Luvelles. I'm done with Sam. I doubt our love was real in the first place. He won't even miss me."

Shalee waited for Mosley's response, but when the wolf just sat there and a reply never came, she snapped. "For heaven's sake! Men are just so ... so ... ewwwwww!"

Western Luvelles The Temple of the Dark Order Now, fellow soul ... allow me to tell you about the beliefs of the Order and the great hall where the dark council made sacrifices to Hosseff. At the head of this hall stood an 18 pace tall statue of the G.o.d of Death.

Hosseff's arms were lowered with his palms facing outward. At his feet sat a golden, stone altar. It was two and one half paces long and a pace wide. The altar served three purposes. First, it was the symbol of the Order. Second, it was the only place to offer sacrifices to Hosseff. And third, all dark paladins were laid atop it after they pa.s.sed to symbolize their completion of service to their G.o.d.

Two demon statues hung suspended from the end of Hosseff's hands. They hung upside down with their claws holding onto the G.o.d's fingers. Their arms reached toward the altar as if they were waiting to receive a sacrifice.

Two elevated platforms, filled with the seats of council members, sat on opposite sides of Hosseff's altar. The council consisted of 40 elves who had retired from the army. They were strong in the ways of dark magic and skilled with the blessed blades of the Order.

The chamber was large, able to hold two legions, each totaling 3,000 elves. The room was lit with hundreds of torches and their flames reflected off the polished, white marble floor. Between where the legions stood and the altar, the leader of the Order took his place on a circular platform to govern the meetings of the council.

Boyafed, leader of the Order, stood on top of his circular pedestal to address the council. Behind him, the first legion of the dark army, along with those in training, had fallen into 20 columned formations while seven elf men, with bra.s.s chalices placed before them, knelt around the base of Boyafed's platform with their heads bowed.

Boyafed lifted his head toward Hosseff's statue and held his arms high. "On this Peak, we honor you, mighty Hosseff!"

The gathering responded, shouting, "Our Lord, the wise and mighty Hosseff!" Each stomped his right foot at the completion of the praise.

Again, Boyafed spoke to the statue of Hosseff. "On this Peak, the men who kneel around me shall become your holy servants. They shall don the black plate of your army and deliver swift judgment to any who oppose your will."

Again the ranks shouted, "Our Lord, the wise and mighty Hosseff," and then they stomped their right foot.

Boyafed turned to face the first legion. "These seven, brave souls have completed their training, and they have earned the right to be called Holy Brother."

The ranks shouted, "Hail, Holy Brothers!"

Boyafed pulled his bone-handled dagger from its sheath and held it high. "On this Peak, these men will shed blood across Hosseff's altar. Their blood will be cherished by our lord. He will take them in as his children and bless them with his Call of Death. They shall become Holy Paladins of the Dark Order."

Everyone shouted, "Blessed are the children of Hosseff!"