For the first series of moments, Sam heard Kael laugh, and then the blade responded. "So what's the plan?"

"Beats the heck out of me," Sam shrugged. "It's not like I go charging into the belly of toads every Peak, you know? Let me think about this a bit." Sam rolled over to take another look, but Grogger was gone. The king looked up. To his surprise, the shapple toad was falling from the sky. The beast was going to land on the back side of their position on the side of the hill he had ascended.

Sam quickly commanded Kael to bring forth his fire. Further, he commanded the blade to protect his skin from the acid inside the toad's belly. He tucked Kael tight to his body to ensure that he did not drop the weapon and kept its point facing the ground. He closed his eyes, balled up tight, and waited.

The ground shook as Grogger landed. Sam could hear the screams of the souls wailing from inside the toad's stomach as it opened its mouth. The force with which Grogger's tongue pulled them inside nearly knocked Sam unconscious, but somehow, the king avoided breaking a bone. In fact, the toad swallowed them so quickly, the flame of Kael's blade did not have a chance to burn the creature until they were inside its stomach.

As the lining of the toad's stomach sizzled, Grogger stirred as his guts took the brunt of Kael's heat.

The motion helped Sam regain his composure. When the king opened his eyes, he found himself in a pocket of protection. A man dressed as a hunter was holding the missing piece of the crystal, and he was staring at him.

Grogger hopped around the side of the hill in pain, throwing Sam and the hunter around inside him. The king fought through the pain that was inflicted by Grogger's tongue and buried Kael deep into the floor of the beast's stomach. "Hang on!" he shouted.

Both men could hear Grogger's horrific cry. Suddenly, the pile of bodies beyond the protective barrier began to shift as the walls of the beast's stomach began to spasm. The toad was going to barf.

Sam reached over and pulled the hunter close. "Here we go! This is going to get messy!" Sam commanded Kael to extend his blade.

Like projectiles, every being inside Grogger's belly was expelled into the open, all of them landing across the hillside.

As they were pushed out, Sam had held tight to Kael's handle. The blade sliced the toad from its belly through the beast's mouth. The size of Grogger instantly reduced once the mound of bodies had been vomited up. The brutal cut left the toad lifeless and the lower half of its body had been split open.

Sam stood and wiped the stomach juices off his clothes. "d.a.m.n, I've dissected plenty of frogs, but that was ridiculous."

The king commanded Kael's flame to dissipate. He wiped the blade clean as best he could under the circ.u.mstances and then extended his hand toward the hunter. "What's your name?"

"My name is Geylyn Jesthrene, from Hyperia."

The king reached out and took the piece of the Crystal Moon. "This is what I came for. I hope you don't mind, but I need to take this bad boy with me."

Geylyn nodded. "Yes. Yes. Please, take it."

"Geylyn, it looks like this is your lucky Peak. How long were you inside the toad's belly, and how did you protect yourself from the acid?"

"I cannot answer," the hunter responded. "I've been commanded to hold my tongue. The crystal is yours. I must return home without speaking further. Thank you for saving me, sir."

Geylyn pulled a small scroll from beneath his shirt, read the words aloud and then vanished. Sam watched tracks appear as Geylyn's invisible form worked its way down the hillside toward the water of the swamp.

Sam lifted Kael to his mouth. "How's that for grat.i.tude? Let's find my pack and help as many as we can. We've got to get them out of here."

Before a step could be taken, Mosley appeared beside Sam. The wolf-G.o.d said nothing at first and gave the king a moment to think.

Sam was pleased to see Mosley, but he knew he had to swallow his pride. "I owe you an apology for how I spoke to you in my throne room. I was out of line. I'm sorry. Are we still friends?"

"Of course we are, Sam. I knew you'd eventually calm down as your moments pa.s.sed." Mosley stopped to sniff the air. He then lowered his snout to the ground and began exploring his surroundings. After the third half-digested body, the wolf looked up and snorted to clear his nostrils. "To gaze upon one's demise would make anyone think about what's important. I know you're struggling with Shalee's unfaithfulness, Sam, but I want you to know that with enough moments, that pain will also pa.s.s. Your anger with the queen will be replaced with love. Everything will be as it should be. Once you leave the swamp, you may want to return to Grayham. War is coming to Western Luvelles, and your presence here is no longer necessary."

"What about Shalee? I can't leave her behind."

Mosley tilted his furry head. "Where is she?"

"She began the trials to meet with the Source. Brayson sent her to look into the Eye."

When the wolf did not respond, Sam could tell that Mosley knew something he was not sharing. "What's on your mind? I can sense you're conflicted."

The wolf took a long, deep breath. "I wish I could tell you, Sam. I desperately want to share with you, but Ba.s.sorine demanded that I stay silent."

"Why? What are you talking about?"

"I must go, Sam. I'll come to you again at a later moment. I must join this piece of the crystal with the others." The wolf vanished and so did the piece of crystal from Sam's hand.

"d.a.m.n that wolf!" Sam snapped. After a moment, the king redirected his attention. He removed the small vial that Brayson had given him, and after a close inspection of all the figures scattered across the hillside, he decided he could save only 10 of them.

The Village of Gogswayne That night, the goswigs could not believe their eyes as King Ultor made his way onto the banks of Crystal Lake. The Ultorian King had sent Swill and Syse ahead to summon the goswigs to a meeting. Everyone was present, except for Strongbear.

The king's skin finished changing as he stood in front of nearly 1,000 creatures that held the t.i.tle goswig. Ultor looked at Gage. "Where's Strongbear?"

Gage did not want to answer. "He's hibernating, Your Majesty."

"Why would the bear be hibernating? The season hasn't changed yet."

The goswig population began to murmur, all of them unsure how the badger was going to explain the situation. They had agreed that Gallrum would avoid telling the king about the uniting of their magic to bring winter to their underground village, but now they were forced to face the consequences of their actions.

Gage decided to tell the truth. "Your Majesty, Strongbear was driving us mad. We were tired of listening to his orders, so we pooled our magic to bring in the new season to our village. We're all against him and are no longer with him."

The reaction Gage received was not what the goswigs expected. Ultor began to laugh. The badger had to reach down to hold his stomach as the gagging motion of the Ultorian's laugh made him sick.

Eventually, the king settled down. "Who organized this use of power?"

Every goswig pointed at Gage.

Again, the king laughed. On each occasion Ultor lunged forward, Gage did too. The badger's stomach was cramping as a result of the tension he felt because of the Ultorian's strange laugh.

Eventually, Ultor's enjoyment of the moment subsided. "You must wake Strongbear. The white army has requested that the goswigs fight beside them in the upcoming war. Strongbear's magic will be needed on the Battlegrounds of Olis. I shall return tomorrow after dark."

Ultor strolled back into the water. His skin once again changed to an iridescent blue as his large wings began to emerge from his back.

Gage tapped his staff against the ground as he turned to face the goswig ranks. "Great! Now we've got to wake him." He mocked, "Are you with me ... or are you against me?"

All the goswigs grumbled as they headed home.

The Next Peak, Early Bailem Shalee and Gregory are working their way through the Void Maze. Since George killed most of the creatures inside the dungeon's corridors, they are left with just the task of finding their way through it.

Kepler and Payne are waiting for George to return from his visit with the Source. Kepler has decided to teach Payne to speak correctly. The pace at which Payne is learning is unexpected. Because of this, the demon-cat has decided to embrace the little freak and accept his company as permanent. Kepler hates to admit it, but Payne is growing on him.

Mary, Athena, Susanne and baby Garrin are inside Mary's home having breakfast. The events of the night before last are fresh in Mary's mind, despite the hangover she still has from the effects of the Mesolliff wine.

Boyafed has set up camp. The Dark Order leader is waiting for Sam to exit Grogger's swamp.

Brayson is sitting outside the entrance to the Source's cave. He is waiting for George to exit.

The Head Master has given Lord Dowd the message that Gregory will not be able to finish gathering the forces for the war.

Dowd will send Krasous, his Argont Commander, to meet with Wisslewine in the enchanted woods of Wraithwood Hollow. Krasous is to ask the Wraith Hound Prince to call forth his pack of canine warriors from out of the Under Eye and bring them to the Battlegrounds of Olis.

Krasous will also go to the Spirit Plains to find the king of a race of spirits called the Lost Ones. Krasous needs to capture Shesolaywen so that Dowd can use the spirit's Call of Canair.

Mieonus is watching within an invisible veil as Sam guides those he saved from Grogger's belly out of the swamp. The magic surrounding the swamp will not allow for teleportation. Once they make their exit, they can teleport home. Mieonus is looking forward to the confrontation between Sam and Boyafed.

Mosley and Alistar have returned to Ancients Sovereign. They have called for a meeting of the G.o.ds to be held inside the Hall of Judgment.

Mosley has managed to successfully leave an impression on the minds of the leaders of Harvestom. The King of Kless has called for war, a decision made because of the theft of his Seeds of Plenty. The king ordered the commander of his browncoated army to march against the King of Tagdrendlia's Blackcoats. What is left of the food supply in Kless will be used to feed the army as they march into battle.

The G.o.ds estimate that many souls will be returned to the Book's pages. Hosseff will stroll through the carnage and cherish the loss of life.

Gage and the other goswigs are waiting for Strongbear to exit his cave. They have used their magic to reverse the change of season and the bear has been slow to wake.

Marcus is waiting inside his dark tower-palace. He is hoping George will return soon. They need to implement the last part of their plan. It will not be long before Marcus stands before the Eye.

Lasidious and Celestria are inside their home beneath the Peaks of Angels. They plan to teleport to the Hall of Judgment to attend Mosley's meeting. Lasidious is about to deliver some heavy news that will change the course of everything.

Lasidious' meeting with Boyafed outside the Order's stables was everything he had hoped it would be. The Mischievous One will no longer need to take the form of the shade to manipulate Boyafed. The last thing the Order leader said as the Mischievous One ended their conversation was, "I live to serve you, My Lord." Lasidious then returned to Ancients Sovereign to celebrate his deception with Celestria.

Thank you for reading the Luvelles Gazette

CHAPTER 20.

A Pair of Eyes Closed Forever Ancients Sovereign THE G.o.dS a.s.sEMBLED INSIDE Gabriel's Hall of Judgment. As always, Keylom's hooves clapped against the marble floor as he entered the room. Lictina's ugly face, which hardly complemented her elegant robe that was laced with gems, followed as her tail swished across the floor while taking her seat. Bailem appeared behind his chair, adjusted the robe covering his portly belly and then spread his wings just enough to allow him to sit. The rest of the Collective either appeared or walked into the room one after the other, and as always, Lasidious and Celestria were the last to bless everyone with their presence.

Mosley opened the meeting once Gabriel lowered to a comfortable position atop the table. "I have the third piece of the Crystal Moon, Lasidious. The moment has come to join it with the others."

Lasidious shrugged. "Then do it. No one is stopping you." The Mischievous One's tone was snide. "We didn't need a meeting for this. Go to the temple on Grayham, and unite them."

The room filled with questions.

Mosley spoke over top of them all. "I thought George had the crystals. When did you place them inside the temple?"

"They have been there for nearly 20 Peaks." Lasidious smirked. "I suppose I forgot to mention it."

Mieonus stood and shouted. "How could you forget to mention something like that?"

"Do be quiet, Mieonus!" Mosley snapped. "Your anger will solve nothing. When will you figure it out? He does this to irritate you, yet you continue to allow him under your hide. Sit."

Mieonus stomped her lifted heel. "I will sit when I wish to sit!" The G.o.ddess looked around the room. When every eye looked at her as if she was a fool, she stomped her heel again and then sat in a huff.

Mosley could not help but enjoy Mieonus' irritation. After a moment, he turned his attention back to Lasidious. "I a.s.sume you have protected the crystals from being taken. All we can do is add to the pieces. Is this correct?"

Lasidious stood and took Celestria's hand as she rose from her chair. "Mosley is correct. The pieces can be added to the statue they now rest upon."

Hosseff leaned forward. His wispy voice filled the room. "What statue are you referring to?"

Lasidious' grin widened. "I suggest you take a look for yourself. There is a new resting place for the Crystal Moon." The Mischievous One and his lover vanished.

Without further discussion, the rest of the Collective also disappeared, only to reappear in front of the new placeholder for the Crystal Moon. The statue was made of the most precious gem that could only be found in the mines on Trollcom. It was called Diamante. The statue was clear with a slight yellow hue, and the light filling the temple reflected from it, producing a glorious glimmer.

The image portrayed was that of Lasidious. He stood with his hood down. His head and hands were extended toward the paintings on the ceiling. His hands had been placed together, and the golden dragon that cradled the first two pieces of the Crystal Moon stood in his palms.

Including the black marble base, the total height of the Mischievous One's new image was more than 10 paces. Forever would Lasidious' vanity stand where the statue of Ba.s.sorine had rested for more than 10,000 seasons.

Mieonus was the first to speak, sneering, "I say we destroy it! Who does he think he is?"

Alistar stepped forward. "He doesn't need our approval. We can't destroy it. It could provoke him to destroy the Crystal Moon. He holds the power to govern the worlds in the palms of his hands ... no pun intended, of course. It appears he has found a way to capture the eyes of the worlds without taking their free will. I hate to say it ... but his plan is brilliant."

Alistar looked at Mosley. "I think it's safe to say we now understand what his bigger objective was all along."

"What objective are you referring to?" Keylom questioned, his hooves clapping against the floor as he moved to a better position from which to speak. "What does a statue have to do with anything?"

Mosley shook his head at the centaur's ignorance. "How could you not understand? This makes perfect sense. The game with the Crystal Moon was not designed to entertain us. It was a ruse."

Mieonus crossed her arms and barked a command. "Get to the point, wolf!"

Mosley sighed. "Alistar is right. Lasidious knew that with Ba.s.sorine's destruction, he would be powerful enough to control the Crystal Moon."

The wolf looked at Gabriel who hovered next to Bailem. "He knew you'd be unable to take its pieces from him after we put them together. He intends to use his free will to hold the threat of the Crystal Moon's destruction over our heads. Like it or not, this collective doesn't have the power to create another one. We are now his puppets."

Lictina complained, "It's clear to me now. He simply wished to be the centerpiece of the worlds, and we helped him achieve his objective."

Mosley looked up from licking himself. "I think Lasidious has a bigger plan than being the figurehead of the worlds. I would wager that he strives to increase his followers. I believe the game with the Crystal Moon has been about his desire to get the ma.s.ses to stop worshipping us. He wants to control the Book."

Alistar spoke out. "I agree with you. But if I know Lasidious, he's prepared to destroy the Crystal Moon if we don't continue to play his game." The G.o.ds watched as Alistar leaned forward and motioned for them to come close. He whispered, "Everyone, touch one another. We need to combine our power to protect what I'm about to say. We can't afford to have Lasidious listening in. This is critical, and I'm invoking Fromalla."

Without question, the G.o.ds agreed and did as he requested.

Alistar put one hand on Bailem's shoulder and the other on Mosley's back. "Clearly, we didn't take everything into account when we created Gabriel. We overlooked many important details."

The Book of Immortality responded. "Many of your laws aren't written to completion, but I can see no flawed law that would pertain to this conversation."

The others agreed, but Alistar remained patient. "I'm not referring to a law that's been written. I'm not referring to a law at all. I didn't think of it until now, and even then, I didn't put it together until Mosley said Lasidious plans to take control of the Book. Gabriel, you don't have the ability to increase your power."

Hosseff's voice emanated from the emptiness beneath his hood. "Why would it be necessary for the Book to grow? He's stronger than us all. I'm not following your logic."

Alistar nodded. "The Book is powerful to be sure, but Gabriel's strength is limited to what each of us gave him when we poured a part of our being into his pages."

"What are you getting at?" Mieonus snapped. "We all know this already."