Gage is still sleeping. His strength has increased, but he is still not ready to be up and about. Meanwhile, Strongbear has called for a meeting. The large, brown bear will announce Gage's arrival to the others.

Lord Dowd met with four of his Paladins of Light. He has dispatched them to spy on Marcus and the leader of the Order. The men are to return once they understand the intentions of their enemies.

Yaloom has been sealed inside his casket and placed within Brandor's Royal Crypt. Sam ensured the ex-G.o.d's body was well-preserved. He will keep Yaloom there until Shalee is able to retrieve the nasha fruit from the hidden G.o.d world.

Kiayasis has arrived on Luvelles' Merchant Island. He intends to wait for Shalee and then carry out his orders. Since Kiayasis was the only one riding Joss, the krape lord was able to fly the distance. Once loaded with the queen and her belongings, flight will no longer be possible. They will be forced to travel by land.

Hepplesif is with his battalion of kedgles. The tiny commander is working on the best way to protect Gregory's palace and other key areas of the city.

Thank you for reading the Luvelles Gazette

CHAPTER 9.

Quaggle 5 Peaks of Bailem Have Pa.s.sed The Merchant Island of Luvelles SHALEE STEPPED OUT OF HER TRANSPORT CONTAINER and took her first look at the Merchant Island of Luvelles. The place was busy, buzzing with many rugged-looking elves and halflings as they loaded and unloaded containers that were much larger than the one she had exited.

Since becoming a queen, she learned how each world shared merchandise between them. It was this sophisticated flow of trade between planets that fueled each world's economy, no matter how barbaric their cultures seemed.

Mosley visited Shalee during her trip and discussed the dangers of Grogger's Swamp. She now knows where she needs to go, and it was just prior to the Merchant Angels placing her on the island that Mosley vanished. She had to sit in the darkness and wait for the docking crew to arrive the following morning.

While she waited, her thoughts dwelt on Sam. She wanted nothing to do with a man who was judgmental and blamed her for the loss of their baby. Many tears had run down her cheeks since Mosley's departure, and now-as if out of nowhere-a man had walked up and claimed to be there to help.

"Your Majesty," Kiayasis said as he bowed on one knee and lowered his head. "I'm here to a.s.sist you with your journey to the swamplands."

Shalee knew she looked horrid and worn out from the trip. Her clothes smelled of her own waste since there had been no provisions inside the container in which to relieve herself. She studied her visitor.

Kiayasis kept his head lowered.

The queen lifted her arm and sniffed. Her eyes rolled with disgust. Without saying a word, she turned and walked back into the container. After throwing on a new dress, she dabbed a few drops of Strallise on her neck to cover her odor. Now she smelled like berries with a dash of urine-a wonderful combination for a first impression.

Grabbing Precious, she threw her bags over her shoulders and then stepped out of the container to look over her escort again. He was dressed in black pants and a gold shirt. His hair was long and black, and his eyes were lowered so she could not see them.

"Who are you?" the queen questioned, wishing she could run and hide.

"I am Kiayasis, a third sergeant in the Order, My Lady. I've been sent to a.s.sist you on your journey. Allow me to collect your belongings."

"Hold on a just a cotton-pickin' minute, mister. I had no knowledge that you'd be coming."

"My apologies, Your Majesty. I have no understanding of what a 'cotton-pickin' minute' means. Does this mean you wish me to leave?"

"It means, give me a moment, please."

Kiayasis shrugged. "As you wish." His shoulders were fit and gave form to the golden shirt that had been issued by the Order.

"Who sent you?" Shalee inquired as she lowered her bags.

"I've been sent by the Head Master. He has commanded that I take you to your destination and see to it that you arrive safely."

Shalee sighed. "Well now ... what an unexpected surprise. I must tell Brayson how much I appreciate his generosity when I see him."

"May I stand, My Lady?"

Shalee pondered his question. He had a soothing voice. She would allow the escort. "By all means, stand. Let's find a place for me to get some rest. My crate was uncomfortable, and I could use a good night's sleep ... and a nice, hot, soaking bath."

Kiayasis smiled and looked up. As he did, Shalee took note of his blue eyes. They were stunning, and his facial features were appealing to her. She was absorbed as she looked him over yet again, and barely heard him speak.

"Allow me to call my mount." Kiayasis turned and gave a sharp whistle.

Shalee snapped out of her lapse of concentration and found something new to marvel at as Joss emerged from behind a group of crates. The krape lord kept his wings folded as he approached. "Goodness-gracious! What's that thing?"

"Don't be alarmed, Your Majesty. This 'thing' has a name. He is called Joss. He'll be our transport to the swamplands. I a.s.sure you, he's tame. Allow me to have your hand so that I may introduce you properly."

"I'm not so sure about that. He looks mean. I would hate for him to think that I always smell so nasty."

Kiayasis looked Shalee in the eyes. "My Lady, I a.s.sure you it's safe. He doesn't care how terrible you smell. I'm here to protect you, not allow Joss to devour you." The paladin gave a charming smile. "Besides, I've told him that queens taste sour."

For a brief moment, Shalee enjoyed Kiayasis' charm. She allowed him to take her hand.

Kiayasis lifted her arm into the air and then presented her palm. "Joss, varo tele' Seeldareene!"

"What did you say?" Shalee questioned as she watched Joss lower his head to sniff her hand.

Kiayasis patted Joss on his snout. "I told him to protect you ... and ignore the foul stench."

"Well that was rude. It's not like I could-"

Kiayasis laughed and stopped Shalee before she could finish. "I was just being clever, Your Majesty. I didn't really say that. I only told Joss to protect you. I hope you like to jest, My Lady." Again, Kiayasis smiled.

"Was that the language of the elves you were speaking? I've studied some of it, but only enough to get by."

Kiayasis nodded. "Tay nay ... Arweenamin."

"What does that mean?"

"I said, 'It was, My Lady.'"

Shalee was going to enjoy Kiayasis' company-and his blue eyes.

Kiayasis took her bags and put them inside the pouch across Joss' belly. The hair inside acted as a cushion, protecting the krape lord from being injured when objects shifted. With his large, ape-like arms, Joss distributed the weight until he was comfortable. Between Kiayasis' armor, his weapons, their food, and Shalee's bags, Joss was carrying a full load.

Kiayasis commanded the krape lord to lower to the ground. "My Lady, your foot. Allow me to give you your first lesson on how to mount a beast of this nature. It may take a few tries, but I a.s.sure you, it gets easier."

"I'm sure it does. He's so huge. Are you sure about this?"

"Your Majesty, everything will be alright. If you don't like riding him, I can carry you myself, but you have to promise to bathe first." Again Kiayasis' smile widened.

Shalee slapped Kiayasis on the arm. "Are you thick headed? A woman doesn't want to hear that she smells. I'm sure I'll be just fine. I'm not as fragile as I look. And please, call me Shalee. I'm sure you'll enjoy the way I smell once I've cleaned up."

Kiayasis' smile faded. "I cannot address you by name, Your Highness. To do so would be a disgrace to your crown."

Shalee leaned in. "Calling me by name can't be any worse than telling me that I smell like p.i.s.s. Besides, who's going to know? I most certainly don't plan on telling anyone. Consider it an order, and then you'll have to."

"I will consider it, Your Majesty. We best get going. It'll take many moments to get to an inn. The one on Merchant Island is full, but they'll allow you to bathe before we cross the Ebarna Strait. We'll head to the ferry once you've cleaned up. There's a small village on the other side with an inn fit for a crown. You can rest there." A moment later, Kiayasis chuckled.

"What's so funny?"

The dark warrior's expression turned serious as he leaned toward the queen and whispered, "I'm just glad that Joss moves swiftly. This will leave you downwind."

The Queen of Southern Grayham held tight to Kiayasis as they departed. She enjoyed how the dark paladin felt. She would have experienced guilt for enjoying this pleasure, but her anger toward Sam welcomed the diversion. At least with Kiayasis, she was being viewed as a woman and not a failure.

Meanwhile, Marcus Id's Dark Tower-palace Boyafed entered Marcus' throne room. Many symbols of dark magic had been carved into the walls, and the furniture, made out of trees harvested from Wraithwood Hollow, also possessed these symbols.

The chancellor was standing in front of the window that sat beyond his throne, puffing on his pipe. Instead of the smoke leaving the palace as the chancellor intended, the breeze forced it back into the room and caused it to linger.

The dark paladin tried to clear the air with his hand. "What do you want, Marcus?" the Order leader snapped as he stopped next to the chancellor's throne and put his right boot up on the arm.

Hearing the tone in Boyafed's voice, Marcus bit down on his pipe. A moment later, he forced a smile to cover his irritation and turned around. "I have news. I overheard my brother plotting to send spies to live amongst us. You may want to look for new faces within your ranks. They seek to gather information of a possible attack."

Boyafed's brow furrowed. "Why would they seek information of this nature? I have no intention of sending the army to attack your brother's city. Our forces are well matched. An attack without reason would be a senseless loss of life and resources."

Marcus leaned against the edge of the sill. "I agree, but Gregory is sending spies nonetheless. He intends to give you a reason for war."

Boyafed crossed his arms and then took a seat on the chancellor's throne. "How were you in a position to acquire this information?"

Marcus snapped. "I don't presume to know everything you do, Boyafed! How and why I do the things I do is my business. Perhaps you should concentrate on getting rid of the intruders, and spend less of your moments scrutinizing my affairs."

The leader of the Order pushed himself off the throne and closed the gap. His eyes grew cold, and his fists tightened as he leaned in, putting his face within a hand of Marcus'. "If I were you, I would speak to those who fear you in that manner." Boyafed took a step back. "Now answer the question. I'm in no mood for games."

Marcus wanted to challenge Boyafed's advance, but after a moment of biting his tongue, he responded. "I was at a meeting with my brothers. Though it was done subtly, Gregory spoke as if he plans to march against us. He's tightening the security around his palace. If you don't believe me, send spies of our own to investigate."

Boyafed frowned. "I won't waste my men's moments on your suspicions ... especially when your brother only spoke subtly and didn't actually say he was sending spies. Why do you bother me with such trivial information?"

"I'm not finished," Marcus reb.u.t.ted.

"Then finish ... and be quick about it."

Marcus bit down on the end of his pipe again. "After I listened to Gregory's subtle threats, I chose to spy on him. I teleported into his throne room and listened from the shadows as he spoke to Lord Dowd. It was then I heard his request to send spies." Marcus moved away from the window and stopped near a table on the far side of the room.

"And?" Boyafed barked.

"And nothing! I thought it best to tell you what I heard. I wanted to give you the chance to prepare the army!"

Boyafed placed his hands on the back of Marcus' throne. "I'll send five men to gather intelligence. What else can you tell me?"

"The Kedgle King has sent 100 of his kind to help Gregory protect his city."

"Why?"

"They're planning to use illusion on your men while Dowd's forces strike them down. Dowd himself explained to the kedgle commander what your army would be wearing. They plan to attack only those who wear Order regalia. You'll need a strategy to combat the kedgles' magic."

Boyafed moved from behind the throne and lowered to the steps leading down to where Marcus stood. After a bit, the dark paladin looked up. "I know of these creatures. Getting past the kedgle's magic will be simple enough. We may be forced to attack your brother's city after all."

Marcus smiled within, and then he feigned his concern by putting his hand to his chin in thought. "Hmmmm! Perhaps you're going about this the wrong way. Perhaps a smaller strike without a large confrontation would be appropriate?"

Boyafed stood, removed his dagger from its sheath and tapped the flat of the blade against the palm of his hand. "Agreed. A few men would be able to dispose of the kedgles simple enough. Once they're disposed of, their king won't be so willing to send reinforcements. Then I'll return with the army and launch a full a.s.sault.

" With the size of the kedgles, I would imagine they're housed in a large room someplace inside or near the chancellor's tower. It would be best to dispose of them all at the same moment. I'll send two additional men to gather the intelligence we need to formulate a proper plan."

Marcus lifted his pipe and took a drag. "How will you deal with the spies in your ranks?"

Boyafed turned and headed for the door. He responded without looking back. "Don't worry about it. I've got it under control."

Once the paladin leader was gone, Marcus scurried across the room and claimed his throne. He looked at the door and grinned. "That went better than expected."

Brayson's Desk Inside the Book of Bonding A few Peaks had pa.s.sed since George and Payne's confrontation with the damsel who feigned her distress. They decided to take their chances and partake of the feast that was left sitting on the table after they killed the old woman and her beast protectors. The food had proven to be a blessing in disguise, and it was safe to eat after George summoned water to wash off the residue that had been left behind by the poisonous gas.

There seemed to be no specific reason for the table or the food to have been there. Despite the puzzle, their need to eat outweighed their need to understand. George made sure they grabbed the leftovers and stuffed them into a tablecloth. The mage threw it over his shoulder, and they headed out.

The duo followed a winding corridor that led back to the surface beyond the outskirts of the forest where the Book of Bonding had originally placed them. They walked in the direction of a distant mountain range. The landscape was changing drastically as they followed a creek that was fed by the melting snow from atop the mountains.

As they ascended the terrain, the vegetation was becoming scarce, and scorch marks darkened the earth around them. Eventually, they crested a large mound. Two pedestals sat at the center of a 20 pace clearing. Both were ceramic. The first was riddled with cracks and stood empty while the second pedestal was without flaw, and a small statue stood upon it.

The sculpture was Payne's height and looked exactly like the fairy-demon, right down to his wings and budding horns. Even the new scratch across the side of Payne's face has been etched into it.

Payne flew over to his hardened, clay counterpart and hovered next to it. "It Payne. Neat! Let's eat." Yet again, the fairy-demon's attention span failed to focus on something bigger than his stomach.

George played with the growth of his beard as he studied their surroundings, but his body odor was making it hard to concentrate. He fanned his tunic beneath his armpits as he spoke. "Something's telling me that this isn't good, Payne. This place stinks, and I know it's not just me."

"Why? Payne like Payne. Him's me ... like Payne."

"I'm sure you like him, buddy, but something's not right around here. I think we're in trouble again."

"Why, Master?"

"I don't know, but my spidey sense is going crazy."

Payne had a confused look on his face when a voice from behind George responded. "Our gut has always served us right, George. You're screwed."

George whirled around to face this new presence. He frowned. "Now I know this is gonna suck. Two of me can't be a good thing. There's only enough room in the universe for one Georgie boy."

The alternate George laughed while the real George moved closer to confront his perceived clone. "Who in the h.e.l.l are you, and what in the h.e.l.l are you?" The mage looked behind his alternate. "Is my a.s.s really that big?"

George did not give the being the chance to respond. "What do you want, and why do you look like me?" He took a whiff of the imposter and then scrunched his nose. "d.a.m.n! I really do reek like garesh."