Boyafed stepped down from his platform. With his dagger drawn, he cut into the left palm of each elf's hand. "Holy Brothers, allow your life's source to flow into your chalice. Give Hosseff a taste of the being who will serve him." The Order leader turned toward the statue and lifted his arms. "Lord Hosseff, accept this token of these pure-blooded elves as a symbol of their faith in you ... for their life's source is now your life's source."

As Kiayasis Methelborn and his graduating Holy Brothers watched their blood run into their chalices, the hall filled with another shout of praise for Hosseff.

The seven men wrapped their hands with a pure white cloth and then moved to stand beside the altar. They emptied their chalices across its surface and then each placed their cloth in a neat stack at the center of the altar. "Mighty Hosseff, what was mine is now yours!" they professed. "My service is promised with this offering! I pledge my existence to you, and only you! Blessed are the children of the mighty Hosseff!"

As the hall rang out in agreement, the demons hanging from Hosseff's hands animated as the stone they were made of turned to flesh. With wings spread, they dropped from the G.o.d of Death's fingers and landed beside the altar. The seven elves who were standing in front of the altar, took a step back as the demons retrieved the blood-soaked cloth of each man and moved to stand in front of them.

The first demon's eyes were as pitch black as his companion's and both towered over Kiayasis when they stopped in front of him. They spoke in unison with voices that carried a whisper with it. "Our lord accepts your offering."

Each demon grabbed an end of Kiayasis' cloth and reach forward to gently wrap it around the elf's neck. As they did, they professed, "Serve your lord with everlasting fort.i.tude, and be willing to perish in his holy name."

The demon to Kiayasis' left reached out and took hold of the hand that Boyafed had cut open with his dagger. He twisted Kiayasis' hand and presented his palm to the other demon to Kiayasis' right. This demon reached out and placed his hand above the elf's. Again, the demons' voices carried a whisper with them as they leaned forward to speak so that only Kiayasis could hear. "Honor your G.o.d until the Peak of your pa.s.sing, and speak to no one of this prophecy." The demons relayed the elf's prophecy, and as they did, Kiayasis' eyes widened. They finished by whispering, "...For upon this glorious Peak, you shall receive a most blessed place next to your lord in the heaven he has provided for you."

As the demon removed his hand from above Kiayasis' palm, the cut was healed, and left behind in its place was a scar that was shaped like the Order's symbol. Kiayasis was once again whole.

Both demons pulled Kiayasis into their arms to embrace him. As they did, they folded their wings around him and lifted their voices. They shouted so that all could hear, "Glory will shroud this Order as it serves the mighty Hosseff!"

Again, the legion and those in training stomped their right foot. "Blessed are the children of the mighty Hosseff!"

Once the ceremony was complete and the demons had reclaimed their spots at the end of Hosseff's hands and turned back to stone, the hall emptied. But as Kiayasis was leaving, Boyafed pulled him aside. They were standing near the golden altar when the proud father addressed his son. "You look strong, Kiayasis. The colors of the Order suit you."

"I have longed for this Peak, Father. I want to make you proud."

"And I am proud. Follow me. I have something for you ... something I shall give no other."

Boyafed led Kiayasis to a teleportation platform that was hidden behind Hosseff's statue. When they reappeared, they were standing outside the city in an area without a population. The stables of the Order spanned before them, covering one square jaunt. These stables were like no other on Luvelles.

Except for the earthen floor and a ceiling that was made from trees that were harvested from the Petrified Forest, the structure was constructed of dark marble. Each stall was 20 paces wide and twice as deep. On both sides of each entrance, burnt-red, demon statues with black wings rested in a seated position. Each demon had six arms, two legs and was 14 paces tall. Their arms were outstretched, and their hands acted as hinges. They were grasping an iron gate, and each stall was capable of holding only one of the dark paladin's mounts-the krape lords.

After opening one of the gates, Boyafed looked up and pointed at a krape lord. The beast was holding a partially eaten corgan in its hand.

Amidst the bones crunching in its mouth, Boyafed looked at Kiayasis. "Most elves must earn a mount of this caliber, but you're not just any elf. You're my son. This is my gift to you. I've had this animal groomed since birth. He hasn't fully matured, yet he stands over 14 and one half paces tall."

Kiayasis grinned. "Father, I had no idea you had this much faith in me."

"I've always had faith in you. After all, you're a Methelborn, and all Methelborns are strong. I never expected any less."

Boyafed placed one hand on Kiayasis' shoulder and the other on the krape lord's leg, and then he teleported them to a farmer's field that sat to the north. Seeing his surroundings, the krape lord sauntered off to eat in peace.

Kiayasis admired his new mount. "Father, he's magnificent."

Boyafed smiled. "I'm glad you approve. He's been named Joss. He has been trained and is responsive to the commands you've learned. He'll serve you better than any other mount within our stables."

"I couldn't ask for anything more, Father. Thank you."

Kiayasis stood in awe for a moment longer before he changed the subject. "I was told you have an a.s.signment for me."

Boyafed whistled for the krape lord to return to them, and then he grabbed Joss' reins. He commanded the beast to follow.

The krape lord snorted and then did as instructed.

Boyafed handed the reins to Kiayasis. "I need you to go to Merchant Island. Your orders come directly from our lord, Hosseff. He has informed me that a woman from Grayham will be arriving soon. You are to take her to Grogger's Swamp. Once there, she must enter alone."

"What of her safety?" Kiayasis queried. "The toad will devour her."

"Hosseff has commanded that she be allowed to go in alone. It's not for us to question our lord."

"I'm sorry, Father. I meant no disrespect."

"No disrespect has been shown. Besides, this woman is a powerful sorceress. She'll be fine. There's something else I need to tell you ... something that has also been commanded by Hosseff." Boyafed put his arm around Kiayasis and led him down a nearby path with Joss in tow as they finished their conversation.

Now, fellow soul ... just a quick word to clarify. Krape lords were relatives of the krapes, though they were much bigger. Krape lords could grow to a height of more than 22 paces, which was nearly 10 paces taller than their cousins, the krapes, and they could carry a saddle large enough to hold three adult elves.

The krape lord's tail split at its end like a j.a.panese sai from old Earth, and a large, poisonous dart protruded from the center. This dart was often used as a projectile while in battle, and then a new dart grew within a matter of Peaks once the projectile had been expelled. Krape lords had powerful arms that they used to throw heavy objects. The biggest difference between them and the krapes was that the krape lords were carnivorous. Their diet consisted primarily of corgan meat. On average, an adult krape lord ate six of these 3,100 pound cow-like creatures every 3 Peaks.

CHAPTER 8.

Lord Dowd The Underwater City of Ultor GAGE TAPPED HIS CANE against the gelatinous wall of his underwater barrier and growled. The Ultorian children staring at him spread their wings and disappeared into the ma.s.ses. They just kept coming, swimming up to his bubble and staring at him as if he was some sort of freak show. Growling was the only thing that scared them off.

Syse had been called away, and Gage's patience was running thin. He was stuck, and all he could do was wait. When King Ultor finally arrived, those who swam past the barrier stopped to acknowledge their beloved leader.

Just as Syse had done after pa.s.sing through the barrier, the king used his wings to cool the area as his skin heated up and changed into a rainbow of color.

Gage marveled as he watched the king's transformation. The king's size was imposing. Despite Ultor's dominant appearance, Gage remembered his discussion with Syse. The king was still unimaginably small, because just outside Gage's bubble, there were more than 100,000 of Ultor's subjects swimming inside a single pore within a small section of coral. Not only that, but another 30,900,000 Ultorians occupied the rest of the pores within this two hand square coral kingdom, and yet there still seemed to be plenty of room.

King Ultor lowered to one knee, level with the badger's eyes, as his wings retracted into his back. "Why have you come, goswig? You've betrayed your master. Explain your actions."

Gage swallowed. "Sire, I seek refuge. My master is an angry being. His hate consumes even him, and his thoughts echo through my mind. They cause me great distress. I beg you ... please, don't send me back."

"Your master told me that this Peak might come. How can I oppose the will of Marcus? To do so would bring suffering to my people. I can appreciate your desire for inner peace, but your presence puts my kind in danger."

Gage lowered his head. He knew Ultor was right. "Sire, I'm sorry for putting you in this position."

The king could see the distress in Gage's eyes. Ultor's heart reached out. "You said your master's thoughts echo through your mind. Explain."

"My master's thoughts are mine to share when he's near. I've come in hopes of escaping this torment. His hate is overwhelming. His pain is my pain. I can't take it anymore. If it's your intent to send me back, please allow me to pa.s.s here in peace. I would consider this a merciful end."

Ultor thought a moment. "Does your master also share your mind?"

"No, Sire. My thoughts are mine alone."

"This is good," Ultor encouraged. "There may yet be a way to allow you to take refuge with the other goswigs. Without you at his side, Marcus will not be able to visit the inner dwelling of my kingdom. He will be too weak since you've been with him for so many seasons. The loss of your companionship will significantly weaken even the chancellor's magic."

Ultor stood and moved to look out the barrier. He watched many of his subjects swim past before he turned around to face Gage. "No one can know of your service to Marcus. If you agree to this, you may stay."

Gage's furry face gleamed. "Sire, I can become a ghost to my past, you'll see. Thank you."

"You're most welcome. If the Peak comes that you sense your master's mind, you must teleport away from the others. You must go into seclusion. I cannot allow Marcus to have the knowledge that I've gone against his wishes. Yet I cannot return you to him in good conscience. I know of Marcus Id's ruthlessness."

"I won't fail you, Sire."

Ultor lifted his head and shouted a series of high-pitched clicking sounds. It was not long before Swill appeared with Syse. With Gage protected, they began their ascent to the sh.o.r.e of Crystal Lake to place the badger in the care of the other goswigs.

The Mountains of Oraness Brayson appeared with Mary at his side within the Mountains of Oraness. Before them, a pool of water that had fire burning across its surface produced an uncomfortable heat that could be felt from where they stood, some 20 paces away.

The pool was surrounded. Cliffs shot up from its edges and created an enclosure that swallowed its perimeter. To the far side, opposite of their position, was an entrance to a cave. There was no way around the flames to get to this opening since the mountains were too steep. The spot where they stood was the only location where Brayson could have teleported them without being burned.

"This place is special," Brayson said. "I've never brought a woman here. Come to think of it, I've never brought anyone here."

Mary studied her surroundings.

Brayson smiled as he enjoyed her expression. "I can see that you're pleased. Have you ever seen anything like this?"

Mary collected her thoughts. "Never. How are such things possible? How can fire burn atop water?"

"The water doesn't burn. The fire exists above it because of the creature who sits at the center of the pool. It burns as a result of the beast's need to be comforted by the flames. This is powerful magic. This is also the home of my goswig."

"Your goswig? What kind of goswig would bathe in flames?"

"Take my hand, and I'll show you. Do you remember me telling George that I had a phoenix?"

Mary took hold of Brayson's hand, but her feet remained planted.

"It's safe," Brayson encouraged. "You'll be alright, I a.s.sure you."

Though apprehensive, Mary allowed Brayson to guide her into the flames and across the top of the water. As they walked, she looked down. "Why are we not being burned, and why are we not sinking? How can this be? I don't even feel the heat."

"You already know the answers to your questions, Mary. It's magic. It's always magic."

As they approached the center of the pool, the fire dissipated. They were now standing on a small island, and sitting at the center of the mound was a stone perch that held a crimson-yellow bird. The phoenix was enveloped by a thin sheet of flame, and Brayson's goswig was no taller than three hands.

Mary leaned into Brayson. "It's majestic."

"I agree." Brayson spoke to the phoenix. "Fisgig, I would like you to meet someone special. This is Mary."

The phoenix responded. "Heji, de yamesso yorkimento."

"She doesn't speak your language, my friend. You're going to have to lower yourself to our level to speak with us."

Fisgig sighed. "If I must. I was wondering when I would meet you, Mary. You're every bit as intoxicating as Master Id professed."

Mary enjoyed the goswig's compliment. "Thank you, Fisgig." She was not quite sure how to act. Being around magic made her feel alive, yet frightened all at the same moment. But she wanted to see what Brayson was all about, and she was willing to push the boundaries of her comfort zone to do it.

Brayson reached down to take the flaming bird on his hand. "Fisgig is preparing to burn himself to his end."

Mary's eyes widened. "Why would he do such a thing?"

Brayson laughed. "Perhaps I should explain. With each pa.s.sing, Fisgig is able to command greater power. This will be the end of his fifth existence. When he emerges from his ashes 4 Peaks from now, he'll be stronger."

"Are you saying this is normal, and his pa.s.sing is necessary?"

"Indeed. It's the natural cycle of a phoenix. I also benefit from his rebirth. My power will increase as well."

"How does his rebirth effect you?"

"We're bonded and share a foundation of magic. During his absence, I'll be vulnerable. After I take you home, I'll return and wait until Fisgig rises again. I've never told this to anyone. I'm entrusting you with my most sacred secret. This is the kind of trust I wish to have with you."

Mary did not know what to say. No one had ever wanted this kind of relationship with her-sharing thoughts, feelings and trust.

Brayson took her hand and lifted it to set the phoenix on it.

Mary pulled her arm away. "I don't wish to be burned, Mr. Id."

"Nor does he wish you burned," Fisgig responded. "I can control my flame. You'll be safe. It wasn't Master Id who protected you while you approached my perch. It was me."

Mary felt uneasy, but something in Fisgig's tone sounded truthful. She reached out, willing her hand not to tremble.

Brayson changed the subject as Mary took the phoenix on her finger. He pointed to the opening in the cliffs. "The cave is the home of the Source."

Mary stroked Fisgig's neck as she responded. "And where exactly are we?"

"My apologies. You're within the Mountains of Oraness. I send my students here when the moment comes for them to seek the gift."

"What gift?"

"The gift of power ... magic's ultimate power."

Mary thought a moment. "What is the Source?"

Brayson grinned. "I'll get to that." He looked up. "These mountains are protected. A man cannot teleport into this area unless he possesses knowledge given by the Head Master.

"When my students come here, they must use a teleportation platform within the Source's temple that is located inside the Void Maze. This maze is far from here, and it isn't simple to navigate. The maze is torturous. A man could become lost for Peaks before finding its center, or a way out. It would take a man nearly 100 Peaks to walk from the base of these mountains to the entrance of the maze ... not to mention, the boat ride necessary to cross the Strait of Ebarna.

"The Source is an ancient dragon said to be the protector of all magic, but this isn't the case. The Source is the guardian of the Eye of Magic and has been for ages."

"How old is the Source?" Mary cut in. "How ancient is this dragon?"

Brayson thought a bit before responding. "All I can say is, the Source has seen the creation and destruction of many worlds."

"You said he guards the Eye of Magic. What does he protect it from?"

Brayson grinned again. "I like your inquisitive nature. I can see how talking with you will keep me on my toes."