"Don't worry about Sam right now. Just chill for a moment. Besides, he won't be dead long."

Confusion spread across Shalee's face. "What in tarnation are you talking about, George?"

"Everything will make sense. Relax. I plan to take you to Grayham so you can watch the one true G.o.d restore Sam's life. Lasidious has promised that he'll return Sam's soul."

"That's impossible, George," Shalee snapped as she wiped the tears off her chin. "Lasidious is evil. There's no way he can pull someone's soul out of the Book of Immortality. I don't believe a word you're saying. That isn't how things work here."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Will you just allow me to explain? If I'm right, the G.o.ds told you Lasidious was a mischievous being. They also told you they thought Lasidious was the one who brought me from Earth. How am I doing so far?"

Shalee's eyes narrowed. "So far, everything you've said is what we were told."

George straightened his legs and then leaned back, supporting himself with his arms. "Did they also tell you that Lasidious planned to use me to do his dirty work?"

"They did. Doggone it, George, what are you getting at?"

"Well ... what I'm trying to say is that it wasn't Lasidious who brought me here. It was the G.o.ddess, Mieonus. She was the one who asked me to do all those hurtful things."

Shalee reb.u.t.ted. "Hold on a cotton-pickin' moment. For argument's sake, let's say this is true ... just for argument's sake, mind you. Why would you do such terrible things in the first place? Why would you hurt so many, even if the G.o.ddess did ask you to do them? I know as well as you do, the G.o.ds can't force us to do anything. No one put a gun to your head. You chose your own path."

George leaned forward, pulled his right knee up and then crossed his arms around it. "Let me ask you this. When you lost your baby, how did you feel?"

"What does that matter?" Shalee barked.

"Just answer the d.a.m.n question, and I'll explain."

"For heaven's sake, I felt like I wanted him back, of course."

George snapped his fingers. "Exactly! That's the same way I felt when Mieonus told me she could get my daughter's soul out of the Book. She told me if I helped her create a diversion on Grayham to keep the attention of the G.o.ds off of her while she worked on a plan to take control of the Book of Immortality, she would return Abbie to me."

"For the love of G.o.d, George. The love of your daughter doesn't give you the right to kill folks."

"I agree. I agree with you 100 percent. I was really screwed up for a while. You knew I was hurting inside ... didn't you?"

"I suppose. But still."

George lowered his head and feigned his shame. "Look, I feel bad about the things I've done. But I'm not the only one who has done them. Let me ask you something else. How many people have you and Sam killed in order to fulfill that freaking prophecy about setting an example on the worlds? Take a hard look at everything that's happened. Even if you didn't have to fight in the war I caused, Sam still had to kill in the arenas of Grayham to gain the glory the G.o.ds asked you guys to obtain. You both had to kill to lead. How sick and disturbing is that concept? How can it be okay to kill in order to create an empire for the races to emulate? What makes you taking life acceptable and me taking life unforgivable?"

Shalee sat in silence for a long series of moments. "I hate to admit it, but I see your point. But you're still killing folks, aren't you? Why are you doing that if you feel so bad? Has Mieonus brought you to Luvelles to start another war on this world?"

George nodded. "Yes, that's exactly what she brought me here to do."

Shalee shouted, "I knew it! You are up to something!"

George held up his hands. "Whoa! Take it easy, cowgirl. Holster that Texas spirit so I can explain. It's not what you're thinking. I have no intention of doing what Mieonus wants me to do."

"Really? And why is that? Why turn over a new leaf now?"

George picked up a pebble from Fisgig's little island and then tossed it into the water. "Fair question. My reason is this... I found the truth. I found out that there is a heaven, one where the souls of Lasidious' followers are sent. The other G.o.ds are jealous of Lasidious. They loathe him and have created many lies to get the beings of the worlds to turn their backs on his path of righteousness."

"George, what in tarnation are you talking about? Sam has said nothing about Lasidious having this kind of power. In fact, Sam said everything to the contrary. He's read everything in the royal library about the G.o.ds. He said Lasidious is dastardly."

George shook his head. "Don't you see, Shalee? Lasidious doesn't have many followers on Grayham. Ba.s.sorine had most of the followers on that world. I'm sure Sam told you that. Ba.s.sorine had a statue of himself erected there, for h.e.l.l's sake. You do remember the d.a.m.n statue, right?"

Shalee recounted. "I remember that Sam was irritated because Ba.s.sorine's destruction left a lot of people without anyone to believe in. Sam said it seemed like a joke to have G.o.ds who were so limited in power ... so limited in their knowledge of so many things."

Again, George snapped his fingers at Shalee. "That's what I'm trying to tell you. The G.o.ds are limited in power, except for Lasidious. After I started the war on Grayham, Lasidious, the one true G.o.d the others fear, came to me. He was p.i.s.sed, Shalee ... I mean, really p.i.s.sed. He was mad because of my actions. But despite his anger, he took me to see his heaven. I saw so many glorious angels. I saw the most magnificent creations I could've never imagined. Shalee, I saw things that would have blown your mind."

"Keep talkin'."

"Lasidious told me I was to go back into the world and change my ways. He said he saw something good in me. Don't ask me how, but he did. Anyway, he asked me to become his prophet of peace."

Shalee rolled her eyes. "Was Lasidious drunk or something? Does he not realize the kind of person you truly are? Or does he have an affection for screw-ups?"

George smiled. "Look, I feel you. But who am I to tell a G.o.d that he's wrong? Lasidious gave me a chance to become something better than I am. If you were me, wouldn't you be thrilled if you were given the opportunity to do something worthwhile? I'm sick of being an a.s.shole. n.o.body likes an a.s.shole."

Shalee stood and walked to the edge of Fisgig's island. She looked down and saw her reflection in the pool. After a fair amount of moments pa.s.sed, she turned to respond. "I suppose I see your point, but I need to hear more."

George stood and wiped the dirt from his backside. "Lasidious wants me to spread his words of peace and love. I am to do everything I can to bring harmony to the worlds. He said the other G.o.ds are constantly manipulating to bring war and heartache to the ma.s.ses. The G.o.ds want war so the souls who perish can be replaced by the souls trapped inside the Book. Apparently, this is their sick way of allowing the souls waiting inside the Book to be reborn. It's a vicious cycle of death. It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard."

Shalee stood in silence. It was not until after George cleared his throat that she responded. "If you're lying, I'll know it. I drank a potion that gave me the memories of the G.o.ds. It may take a while before I can recall them, but I'll know it eventually. Yaloom, himself, gave me the potion."

George had to think fast. He had no idea what Shalee was talking about, and to falter now was not acceptable.

After a moment, an idea popped into the warlock's head. "Shalee ... the fact you drank a potion that will give you the memories of the G.o.ds causes me to have concern for you. I think you need to consider the source of where the potion came from. You may eventually know many, many things, but with the way the G.o.ds have concocted so many lies, how are you going to know what's really true? I don't envy you at all. I can only imagine how confused you'll be. Is this really how things should work? Shouldn't there be a better way? I mean ... think about it. Your head's going to be full of garesh."

Shalee pushed her hands through her long, blonde hair. Her blue eyes revealed her stress. "This is terrible. If what you've told me is true, then Mosley is keeping terrible company. I can't fathom the idea that Mosley could be as misled as we have been. That poor wolf."

As Shalee turned her back to George to look into the pool, a sinister grin appeared on the warlock's face. "I hate to break it to you, Shalee, but Mosley is part of the G.o.ds' deceptions. He never really ascended. He was a G.o.d when you met him. He only pretended to be Ba.s.sorine's pet. You should ask Mosley what his job as the G.o.d of War entails."

Shalee turned to face George. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, I have been told that Mosley's job is to make sure the beings of the worlds choose war over peace. He does this willingly to ensure the souls inside the Book of Immortality are rotating through its pages. Mosley knows he's on the wrong side. He also knows he has deceived you the same way the others have. Once you've spoken with Mosley, you'll know the truth about his character. But be careful how you ask. Mosley is every bit as evil as Mieonus. If you p.i.s.s off the wolf, he'll bring war to your kingdom. I would hate to see that happen again."

Shalee shook her head in disbelief. "Let me get this straight. You're saying that Lasidious isn't a mischievous G.o.d. You're saying everything we've been told is a big lie. This is s.c.r.e.w.i.n.g with my mind. I can't wrap my mind around all this."

George moved to Shalee and put his hands on her shoulders. "Lasidious is quite the opposite of everything you've been told. Lasidious is a loving G.o.d. He saved me from a life of hate and deceit."

George lifted his hands toward the sky. "I'm a prophet of peace and love now." He lowered his hands and looked into Shalee's eyes. "I have come to share this love with you. I'm here to allow you to say goodbye to Sam before you look into the Eye of Magic. Lasidious intends to return his soul in front of the people of Brandor before they have the chance to light the fire of his pa.s.sing."

Shalee insisted. "Take me to Sam. I want to see his body."

"I'll take you and then bring you back. If you wish to put off looking into the Eye until you've had the chance to witness his resurrection, I'll allow you to stay with my family until the moment arrives to take you to Brandor.

"You'll like my wife. Athena will treat you well. Besides, there's nothing for you to do on Grayham anyway. Sam's pa.s.sing celebration has already been scheduled."

Shalee's brow furrowed. "How dare Michael schedule the lighting of Sam's fire without me. I'm his queen, for heaven's sake."

"Hey ... that's something you'll have to take up with your General Absolute. Close your eyes, and I'll take you to see Sam's body."

Meanwhile, Lasidious was standing next to Sam's coffin on Merchant Island. The king's casket had been placed inside a heavy, iron crate that had been scheduled for the Merchant Angels to transport to Grayham.

The Mischievous One opened the lid and reached inside. He laid his right hand on Kael. The handle of the blade had been placed at the base of Sam's chin and the rest of the weapon extended toward his feet.

The Mischievous One addressed the blade. "How have you been, Kael? It won't be long before your master realizes who he truly is. I'm sure you look forward to that Peak."

Kael's blade began to pulsate. "I so long for that, Lasidious. Too many moments have pa.s.sed since our last conversation. Soon, everything will be as it should be. The reuniting of the fallen will be a blessed event, and my master will return to his former glory. I long to speak with him, and I grow tired of waiting."

Lasidious lowered across Sam's body and kissed the king's forehead before he took Sam's hands and folded them across the top of Kael's handle.

George and Shalee appeared outside the crate as Lasidious whispered to the weapon, "Kael, the moments are approaching to remind my brother of who he really is. Remember, you must do this in a subtle fashion, or Sam's mind will crumble beneath the weight of his memories. Until we speak again, protect your master."

Lasidious shut the lid to the coffin and then disappeared within an invisible veil as the door of the crate opened. The Mischievous One circled to the back side of the casket and watched Shalee step inside.

Shalee covered her mouth with both hands. Tears erupted from her eyes and streamed down her face. "Oh my goodness. I hate myself. This is all my fault."

George entered the crate. Though he could not see Lasidious, the warlock winked at the emptiness beyond the coffin. George stepped forward and lifted the lid to the casket. Sam was lying inside with Boyafed's dagger still in his side.

"Oh, my Lord," Shalee said as she stopped next to the coffin. "How could Boyafed be so cruel? How could he just leave his dagger in him like that?" She reached in and tried to pull the blade out, but she was unable to. The sorceress tried to use her magic, but still, the dagger would not budge. She tried again and again, but no matter how hard she fought, the blade would not pry free. Eventually, she gave up and leaned over the side of the casket to kiss Sam on the lips.

As the queen pulled back, she looked at the sword. "Kael, what happened? Talk to me."

The blade was unresponsive.

After a few moments of listening to Shalee beg the sword to communicate, George stepped out of the crate and remained quiet while the queen grieved. Wow ... she really did love the big ox, he thought. I bet she cares for him as much as Athena cares for me. She doesn't deserve this, Lasidious.

It felt like forever before Shalee kissed Sam for the final moment. She turned away from the casket and announced, "I'm ready to leave."

George walked back inside the crate, put his left hand on Shalee's right shoulder and then teleported them back to the entrance of the Source's cave. "I'm sorry for your loss, Shalee. I really am. Why don't you come with me and meet Athena? She'll take care of you for a while. You need a d.a.m.n break."

Shalee lowered to the ground. "I'd prefer to be alone. Isn't there someplace else you could take me until the moment comes for us to go back to Brandor?"

George thought a moment. "I could take you to Floren. The innkeeper there is a fairly pleasant elf named Kebble. He'll ensure everything you need is taken care of. I'll make sure of it. Would that work?"

Shalee shrugged. "I suppose. I can't think of any other place to go. I would go home, but I don't think I'd be able to find a moment to myself. The people would be all over me. Not only would they want to comfort me, but I'd be the only monarch for the Senate to pester."

George extended his hand to help the queen up. "Then it's settled. I'll take you to Floren." He touched her shoulder again, and when they reappeared, they were standing outside Kebble's Kettle. "Let me introduce you. You should be fine here until I return. I'll be back in 8 Peaks."

The queen nodded. "Thank you. But what about Sam's pa.s.sing?"

"Don't worry about it. If you decide to witness the power of the one true G.o.d, I'll be happy to take you to Brandor. If you're worried about making it on time, don't... You won't have to sit in a crate or in your own garesh again. My G.o.d gives me the power to teleport between worlds. If you decide you really want to go, you'll see your husband rise again. I can make that happen."

As they walked through the swinging doors, Kebble's smile widened when he saw George. He waddled over and hopped up onto his booster steps that were behind the counter. "Who would this beauty be, George?" He looked at Shalee. "How can Kebble help you on this fine Peak, my dear?" The elf lifted his pipe to his mouth and took a puff of his cherry-smelling tobacco.

Shalee's voice sounded defeated. "I just need a room, please."

George spoke up. "Kebble, this is the Queen of Southern Grayham. She has come to escape the pressures of life. Her ears have recently heard tragic news. Will you see to her safety, and ensure that she has everything she needs? I'll pay you when I return."

Kebble removed his pipe. A larger than life smile appeared on his face as he leaned across the counter to lift Shalee's chin. "Any friend of George, is a friend of Kebble's, My Lady. Kebble will see to it that you're well cared for." The short elf winked. "He has an affection for queens."

Despite Shalee's despair, all she could muster was a slight grin.

Marcus Id's Dark Tower-palace After leaving Shalee at Kebble's inn, George teleported and appeared in Marcus' throne room. As soon as Marcus saw the warlock, he rushed over to him. "You live! I was beginning to think the Eye had swallowed your soul."

George nodded. "It's good to see you, Marcus. Everything is going as planned. Have you accomplished what we discussed while I was gone?"

"It's done, and more. The armies are rallying their forces. They will face each other on the Battlegrounds of Olis. Now you can send me to meet with the Source. I want to look into the Eye as soon as possible."

George turned away and then moved to the window of the tower. As he looked at the gloomy sky, he responded, "You'll have your chance to meet with the Source, but for now, there are two people going through the trials as we speak. Brayson has sent your brother to look into the Eye."

Marcus' face tightened. Rage filled his eyes as he threw his pipe across the room. The tobacco filling the bowl dispersed as the pipe shattered. "This is an outrage! Why would Brayson send Gregory when-"

George held up his hand and used his power to silence Marcus. "Does why really matter? I told you that you would look into the Eye ... and you will ... as soon as I can get you in. As promised, I'll see to it that you're the Head Master of Luvelles before I leave this world."

George walked away from the window, moved up the steps leading to Marcus' throne and took a seat. "Perhaps you should learn to control your anger. You need to find a way to make those around you enjoy your company, not despise you. What good will your magic be if no one respects you? I'll let you know when the moment is right to stand before the Source. Until then, there's something else I want you to do for me."

George released his power so that Marcus could speak. "Am I to be your errand boy now?"

George had to smile.

"What's so funny?" Marcus snapped.

George shook his head. "Look. This is a favor. You don't have to do anything that you don't want to. It's your loss if you don't. This will only help me get you into the position you've always wanted quicker ... a position that we both know you deserve far more than Brayson. If you want to be the Head Master, then I need you to shut up and help. I want you to go to Southern Grayham and find a rat named Maldwin, and bring him to me."

"A rat? What could you possibly want with a rat?" the Dark Chancellor contested.

"Just get him, Marcus. I don't have the moments or the patience to explain. I'll set everything up. The Merchant Angels will take you to Grayham three nights from now. I-"

Marcus cut George off. "Brayson will never allow me to leave Luvelles, nor will he allow a rat to return. Only Brayson can make the request to travel between worlds."

George frowned. "You leave Brayson up to me. I'll make sure you're allowed to catch a ride with the angels. Your brother trusts me. The rat is important, and I need you in the Head Master's position before I can move my family to Harvestom."

"Why would you go to Harvestom?" Marcus queried.

"What do you care? It's none of your business anyway." The warlock paused. "Look, you'll find the rat south of a city called City View. He lives in a cave that sits near the edge of the Mountains of Latasef where the cliffs drop into the Ocean of Utopia."

George tossed a rolled parchment across the room. "Use this scroll before you call the rat out of his cave. It'll protect your mind if he gets scared. Once you've read it, you'll have 2 Peaks to find him before the spell wears off and will no longer protect you. That should be sufficient."

Marcus stopped George from continuing. After reading the scroll, he looked up. "Why do I need to protect my mind? Is this a power the rat possesses?"

"No. It's not a power," George replied to protect Maldwin. "The rat's ability is natural. He has had this ability since birth. You won't be able to eat his heart and steal the ability from him."

Marcus smirked. "How do you know about such things? Eating the heart of another is a secret that only the most ancient of elves know."

George shrugged. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Blah, blah, blah. Everybody says that, but yet I know. And how I know is my business, just like everything else I do. I also know many other things that only the most ancient of the elves know. You won't be able to surprise me at all, Marcus. So don't even try."

George stood from the throne. "Don't forget to read the scroll before you call for the rat. When you see Maldwin, I want you to give him this note. It's written in his language. Once his claw touches the parchment, it'll speak to him."

Marcus tilted his head as a dog would. "You cast a spell that makes the parchment speak? I've never thought of doing that."