Alistar turned to the others. "It would benefit us all to agree that we can no longer appear in the likeness of another on this Collective. That kind of manipulation is far too powerful. Also, I further propose that we vote to no longer take on the form of the people on the worlds to increase our flocks. I believe no other laws are necessary at this moment."

Alistar looked at Lasidious. "You have no choice. You must vote."

Lasidious scanned the faces around the table as he feigned a high degree of anger. "This is outrageous! I have plans! You're going to ruin them with these ridiculous laws."

Celestria placed her hands on her lover's shoulders and squeezed. "Careful, my pet. You'll encourage them to side with Alistar. These laws will affect us both."

Lasidious rolled his eyes. "That's what I meant!" he replied indignantly.

As Lasidious continued to glare at Celestria, Helmep lifted from his seat and a.s.sumed a perfect posture. "It appears this is the proper moment to implement these laws, Alistar." He looked down the table at Lasidious. "I'm sorry, but your ambitions are far too dangerous to remain unbridled. You cannot be allowed to steal the loyalty of my followers."

The room exploded with mixed emotions. It was four against eight as the G.o.ds cursed at one another, each with their own strong opinion.

The Book of Immortality floated to the center of the table. "I call this meeting to order! Mosley's vote shall remain neutral. The first matter: the G.o.ds will no longer take the form of any other deity for any reason whatsoever. Those in favor, raise your hand."

Four hands in the room did not go up. Lasidious, Celestria, Lictina, and despite being the G.o.d Lasidious chose to impersonate, Hosseff refused to raise his hand in support of the law. The shade tried to express his objection, but Gabriel reminded him that his chance to voice his opinion had pa.s.sed once the call to vote had been given.

After counting the hands, the Book continued. "Then it's settled. The first law is decreed. Gabriel opened his binding and allowed the G.o.ds to watch as the law appeared on his pages. He uttered the words as they were scribed. "The members of the Farendrite Collective shall no longer be allowed to take on the form of another deity without penalty of being made mortal." He closed his binding.

"Now ... for the second matter: the G.o.ds can no longer impersonate the people of the worlds in an attempt to sway followers to change who they worship. Those in favor of adding this law to my pages, raise your hand."

The same four hands remained lowered while the others were lifted.

"Then it is thusly decreed." Again, Gabriel opened his pages and allowed the G.o.ds to watch as the law was scribed. "The members of the Farendrite Collective will no longer impersonate the people of the worlds for the purpose of swaying followers to change their service from one deity to another." He closed his cover. "Unless there is another proposal, I shall end the Call to Order."

When no other proposal was presented, the Book announced, "So be it!"

Lasidious stood and took Celestria's hand. "You're all fools!" They vanished.

Alistar laughed and then slapped the top of the table. "We beat him at his own game! Well done. We should celebrate. This will minimize any possible advantage he may have had over us."

Hosseff shook his head. "The ratification of these laws was a mistake. We could've used such manipulations to fight Lasidious at his own game. We could've confused the people to keep them from worshipping him. We should've used his own tactics against him."

Alistar moved to the head of the table where Lasidious had sat. "I believe the laws are in our favor. I must take my leave. There are matters of famine that I need to attend to on Harvestom. Now that Mosley has sought solitude, it's up to me to keep the war brewing." The G.o.d disappeared.

Moments later, Alistar reappeared inside Lasidious and Celestria's home beneath the Peaks of Angels. The brothers embraced, and after Alistar greeted Celestria, they sat around the table.

"I think that went rather well," Lasidious said. "Don't you agree, brother?"

"I do." Alistar smirked. "They don't realize that this is what we intended to happen all along. I'd love to see their faces if they knew that I was the one who created the dagger you used to capture Sam's soul. It's nice to watch our plans come together. It won't be long before you'll rule the others."

Celestria sat in silence.

Lasidious saw her hesitation. He pulled his chair beside hers. "What's wrong?"

A moment of silence pa.s.sed before the G.o.ddess of Beasts responded. "As I sit here listening to the two of you gloat, I realize there's a lot I don't know. Allow me to tell you what's going to happen next. You will tell me everything. Once you're finished, I'm going to look at you, my pet, and then I will ask if there's anything else you've failed to disclose. You better not omit even the smallest detail, because if you do, the potion I gave you to drink will reveal the deception. If this happens, my love, you will never touch me again. I'll have no more secrets kept from me. Look me in the eyes, Lasidious. Do you understand me?"

Lasidious looked at Alistar and then back at Celestria. "I do. I'm sorry you feel left out."

"Don't apologize. Just answer this. Do you and Alistar intend to rid yourselves of me once you seize control of the Book, or is it your intent to love me forever?"

A smile crossed Lasidious' face. "My love for you is genuine. I'd never do anything to hurt you. I'd never betray you, our son or my brother. We're all in this together, and you're all I care about. You have asked me that question before, and my answer was then as it will always be. You are my everything."

Celestria took a deep breath. "Then, I suggest the two of you start talking. I want to know everything. I refuse to be the one who is uninformed. Do you understand me?"

Alistar chuckled. "Yes, ma'am!"

Meanwhile, Western Luvelles The City of Hyperia Hyperia, located north of Lake Id, was filled with halflings and elves with limited magic. The city was split into two sections. Half remained inland, surrounded by the mountains while the other half was comprised of anch.o.r.ed structures that floated on the lake. This half of Hyperia would have reminded someone from old Earth of a medieval Venice. The people of the city moved freely through the waterways that existed between the buildings as they rowed from storefront to storefront and home to home. The most important structure in this section of the city was the king's castle.

To the east and to the west, the mountains nearly touched the sh.o.r.e of the lake. In each case, ma.s.sive walls were constructed. At more than 30 paces wide and 40 paces high, the walls extended from deep into the mountain and into the water far beyond the sh.o.r.eline.

There were only two points of entry into Hyperia. Both entrances were guarded by the king's finest. These men were the strongest warriors in the city and also commanded dark magic, but their power could not compare to the strength of the weakest paladin employed by the Order.

Boyafed appeared in front of the king's throne. He took a seat on Ka.s.sel's chair and then sent one of the guards to fetch the king. There would be no kneeling to show respect on this chilly morning. With a motion of his hand, every servant in the throne room vacated.

Eventually, the king entered.

Boyafed stood from the throne. He did not offer Ka.s.sel a proper greeting. Instead, he chastised the king. "Why did you keep me waiting? I don't want to spend my Peak wasting my moments on you."

The king claimed his throne before he responded. "I know why you've come, Boyafed. This war you intend to fight is not the problem of my people. There's nothing to be gained by fighting a war that cannot be won by either side. The last battle my ancestors followed the Order into nearly ended every man in Hyperia. They were used as shields. Our magic isn't strong enough to withstand the forces of the white army, and you know it. I won't order good men to their demise."

Boyafed shook his head and then moved to the window. His breath billowed in front of him as he looked down at the ca.n.a.l. A halfling woman was carrying a bag of grain toward her boat. She slipped and fell head first into the water. The bag hit the corner of her boat that was docked in front of the store and burst open, spreading the grain across the ca.n.a.l.

Boyafed enjoyed the woman's shrieks as she flailed in the frigid water. She reached up, grabbed the edge of the boat and tried to pull her rounded, grain covered frame into the craft, but as she struggled, her heft caused the boat to flip over on top of her.

The men standing outside the store reacted. They grabbed a rope and tossed the woman an end to fish her out. It took three of them to pull her back onto the dock. After a few blankets had been retrieved to protect her from the morning bite, Boyafed wiped his smile off of his face and then turned to face the king.

The dark paladin strolled toward Ka.s.sel and stopped only a pace from the throne. He leaned over and allowed the warmth of his breath to find Ka.s.sel's face. "I'm not asking you to order your men into battle ... I'm telling you. If you don't, there are others who want to be king. Perhaps someone who despises you as much as I."

Ka.s.sel stood and reclaimed his personal s.p.a.ce before he responded. "This is against my agreement with Marcus. You cannot simply override the chancellor's authority. What will he have to say about this?"

Again, Boyafed closed the gap between himself and the king. He grabbed the halfling by the throat and pushed Ka.s.sel against the stone wall behind the throne. He squeezed until the king began to choke. "Marcus would not utter a word in your defense, I a.s.sure you."

Boyafed tightened his grip. "Have your men open their homes to the mercenaries of Bestep. They're headed this way. Give them anything they request, and I shall send word when the moment has arrived to march. Your men will stand with my army on the Battlegrounds of Olis. And yes, you'll be used as shields just as your ancestors were."

Boyafed leaned in and allowed his forehead to find the king's. "Do I make myself clear, Ka.s.sel?"

The king nodded.

The Order leader relaxed his grip and then vanished.

Ka.s.sel collapsed, gasping and trembling from the exchange.

Southern Grayham The Village of Lethwitch Mary's Old Cottage Home George and Athena appeared outside Mary's old home. Athena was surprised at how her feelings for her mother's cottage had changed. Their neighbors had maintained the property, but Athena felt the home was primitive, now that she had a taste for the finer things on Luvelles.

Athena reflected. "I used to think this place was adorable. Not it feels barbaric. I bet Mother and Susanne would just die if they knew I was here."

George pulled Athena close. "I don't know. I still love this house. There are a lot of good memories here." He touched his wife's rounded belly. "After all, this is where our baby was conceived." The warlock lowered to one knee and spoke. "I found your mother in this town, and as far as I'm concerned, your grandmother's cottage will always be beautiful to me. This town is where the best part of my new life began."

Athena's smile widened. "You can be so romantic when you want to be."

George stood. "I'll show you romantic." He extended his hand. A fair-sized, leather, jewelry armoire appeared in his arm. "I had RJ, the leather guy, make this for you." As Athena gasped, he snapped his fingers. "I also had this necklace made."

"Oh, honey, they're beautiful," Athena responded as she admired the gifts. "You spoil me. I can't wait to show Mother and Susanne."

Athena's mood changed as soon as she mentioned Susanne. "I'm worried about Garrin. Susanne is just so upset about the baby's father. Garrin can sense how sad she is. He's been cranky because of it and extremely hard to pacify."

George opened the door to the jewelry box and hung the necklace inside. "I'll just send these home." He snapped his fingers and the armoire disappeared. "You've got too much on your mind to enjoy them."

Athena reached out and adjusted the collar of George's new shirt. "I'm sorry. They're beautiful. I wasn't trying to ruin the moment. I'm just worried. Susanne is my only sister. I feel like I should be there to take care of her. I-"

"Don't get so worked up." George interjected as he pushed a single strand of hair clear of Athena's face. "I'll just tell RJ that you couldn't contain your excitement when you saw his work." The warlock grinned. "Garrin will be fine ... so will your sister. Her anxiety will pa.s.s. Brayson and your mother are keeping an eye on her while we're gone. She'll be too busy dealing with them to sulk."

After a period of silence, Athena responded, "Perhaps you're right. Do you think Payne will be okay with Brayson?"

"Of course, he will. Why wouldn't he be? Chill, babe."

Athena frowned. "I don't like it when you say that. And why did you tell Payne it was acceptable to call me, Mother?"

"Ummm ... I didn't actually say that, if I remember right. But I should be punished." George gave Athena a cute puppy dog look, and then he waited for her to forgive him.

Athena slapped him on the arm and then grinned. "Stop that."

George rubbed the sting out while he responded. "Payne needs to be loved, so we should let him call you Mother to give him the feeling that he belongs with us, don't you agree?"

Athena frowned again. "I also believe he needs us, but you should be more careful about what you say to him."

George leaned in and kissed her. "If you'll forgive me, I'll promise to try harder."

As always, Athena melted when George touched her. "You better start consulting me from now on."

"Yes, babe. Perhaps you should go into town and thank RJ. I've got things to do for the next little bit. I also have another surprise for you before we head back to Luvelles. I think you'll love it. How about I meet you at your mother's inn around Late Bailem."

After pulling Athena into his arms, George gave her a quick kiss and then vanished.

Athena grinned as she stared at the empty spot where her husband had stood. "You're lucky I think you're adorable, Mr. Nailer."

Western Luvelles The Northeast Sh.o.r.e of Crystal Lake Strongbear stood in front of 733 goswigs as he inspected them all one-by-one. He refused to have untidy formations. The bear had already sent 265 goswigs home. Some were instructed to clean their armor while the rest were sent for other appearance-related infractions. Each moment someone was asked to leave, Strongbear shouted, "Clearly, you're against me!"

Gage was wearing a new robe that he created for the inspection. It was white with green trim. The ensemble accented his fur.

Gallrum's appearance remained unchanged. His magic was fickle. He had to remain unclothed for his magic to work. But, his scales were tough-so tough in fact that he did not need armor. However, the serwin was able to place a few rings on his talons to increase his resistance against the dark army's magic.

Strongbear looked imposing. His heavy plate covered the majority of his body. He looked born to destroy. The ap.r.o.n he normally wore while strolling around Gogswayne had been folded and placed inside his cave. There would be no needlework for the bear for the foreseeable future.

After the others returned from fixing their infractions, Strongbear gave the order to teleport to the city of Inspiration. Once there, each goswig was allowed to go their own way until the call to gather was given. They would join Lord Dowd and march to the Battlegrounds of Olis.

Gage took the opportunity to look around the city. It was a cloudy Peak, so Gregory's masterpiece could not demonstrate its reflective appeal. The badger looked toward the White Chancellor's tower. "It appears you don't toy with the weather as your brother does. I imagined that Inspiration would sit under clear skies during every moment," he mumbled to himself.

The badger stopped beside a wagon that was loaded with jugs filled with corgan milk. He tapped the side of the wagon with his cane. Despite being made of gla.s.s, it still sounded like wood. At the head of the wagon, a light-brown, miniature horse, graying from his seasons, turned his head to find the cause of the disturbance.

A boy elf walked out of the nearby store, grabbed the horse's reins, nodded in the badger's direction and then led the horse to their next delivery.

Gage marveled at how the wagon looked like any other as its gla.s.s wheels rumbled across the roadway.

As the badger continued his tour of the city, it did not take long for Gage to develop an affection for Inspiration. At one point, the sun finally poked through the clouds. Its rays penetrated one of the prisms that were scattered throughout the city, and a rainbow was cast on the side of Gregory's tower.

Gage smiled. "This place is magnificent ... and peaceful. I now understand why Marcus is jealous of Gregory."

Southern Grayham The City of Brandor George appeared at the center of Brandor's arena after leaving Athena. Three guards rushed toward him with the intent to arrest him. The warlock's actions would have normally left him sitting in a cold dungeon, but not on this Peak.

As the prophet watched the men approach, he lifted his hands and shouted, "Go into the city, and announce to the people that the prophet of Lasidious, the savior of their king, has come to speak with them! I intend to spread the word of the one true G.o.d!"

The guards stopped in front of George as he continued to speak. "Make haste. Bring the ma.s.ses to me. No being should miss hearing what I've got to say."

George tossed each man a single Yaloom and then spoke to the man with the highest rank. "You, Sergeant, what's your name?"

"My name is Cholis." He bowed on one knee. "Prophet, please tell Lasidious that I pray to him now. Tell him my family desires to be in his favor."

George smiled inside. Like putty in my hands, he thought and then responded. "This may come as a shock, but I was looking for you, Cholis."

The sergeant looked up. "For me? Why, Prophet?"

George reached out and put his hand on top of Cholis' head. "Our lord has heard your prayers. He does favor your family. I'm here to bless you because of it." George reached inside his tunic to retrieve another Yaloom. He placed it in Cholis' hand. "Lasidious knows your heart. He knows you're a good man. Go home, and spoil your family."

George turned to the next man. "Corporal, what's your name?"

"My name is Diayasis."

"Diayasis, go to your king, and announce my arrival. Let him and his queen know that I've come to spread my lord's good message."

Diayasis lowered his head. "Yes, Prophet." He hesitated. "My family also prays to Lasidious."

Being the master of deception, George heard the lie that was hidden in Diayasis' response. He reached out and lifted the corporal's head until their eyes met. "Are you sure you speak the truth, Diayasis? If I hand you a coin, and you've lied to me, Lasidious would be most displeased. The last man who lied to me lies unrecognizable, frozen in the tundra of the north."

Diayasis dropped down and grabbed George's feet. "Please, Prophet, forgive my transgression."

George a.s.sisted the corporal back to his feet. "You're forgiven. Now go."

"Yes, Prophet." Diayasis rushed off.

It was late morning before the people of Grayham began to file into the arena in large numbers to take their seats. George did not wait for the crowd to settle before he started to speak. He only needed to get the message to a few before he departed.

The warlock lifted his voice to address 300 souls. "Lasidious has seen to it that Southern Grayham has a king. He wants you to know that he intends to bring peace and prosperity to your kingdom. He'll do whatever it takes to ensure a higher quality of life. No longer will Lasidious allow war to consume your lands. No longer will any man's family want for food. Your needs shall be addressed."

A voice from the crowd responded. The man's appearance was well-groomed, and his robe exquisitely tailored. "How does Lasidious intend to ensure that the people want for nothing? How can he keep the peace on Southern Grayham? If you can answer my questions, I'll serve Lasidious."

George lifted his voice. "What's your name, friend?"