After the wraith hounds arrive, Strongbear plans to start a conversation with Wisslewine, the Wraith Hound Prince. He was dying to know if the hound will choose to be with him ... or against him.

Marcus arrived at the home of Maldwin. He killed his guide after he searched the barbarian's mind to acquire his memories of Grayham's topography. Now he can teleport to a number of locations on Southern Grayham and will no longer need to travel on beasts he considers beneath him.

The Dark Chancellor plans to read from the scroll George gave him in a few short moments, and then he will begin to call out the rat's name.

Lasidious and Celestria are inside their home beneath the Peaks of Angels. Lasidious has visited with Brayson once again in the middle of the night. During this visit, Lasidious asked Brayson to deliver a message to George. The message will reveal the location of an item that had been hidden on Grayham since its creation.

Keylom is about to take Mosley to Siren's Song. The wolf will begin his search for the wisp that remains hidden in the mist.

Gabriel has decided whom he will approach to replace Yaloom. This creature will become the new G.o.d of Greed, providing he accepts Gabriel's offer. The Book antic.i.p.ates his selection will cause tension on Ancients Sovereign.

Thank you for reading the Luvelles Gazette

CHAPTER 26.

Dragon World Western Luvelles George and Athena's Home "HOLY COW, THIS IS STRESSFUL," George said as he pushed his hands through his hair while facing Brayson. "I've never heard a woman scream that loud. Are you sure Mary knows what she's doing?"

Brayson laughed as he opened the door to allow the healers he had sent for to come in. He pointed to the teleportation platform that would take them to Athena's room. Once the last healer vanished, Brayson turned to George. "Like I've already said on three occasions, everything is under control."

George led Brayson onto the front porch. "Look ... I know you're busy tonight, but I need you to do me a favor."

"And this favor would be?"

"I need you to take Gregory to the Kingdom of Kless on Harvestom ... more specifically, the throne room, or I guess the king's barn would be more accurate if I wanted to label it. You know ... I bet he has a really cool stall, and it's probably full of the freshest hay since he's the king and all. Or do centaurs even eat hay? Do you know what they eat?"

Brayson had to reel the warlock in. "George, you're letting your mind wander. But yes, Lasolias does have a unique throne. I have spoken with the centaur on a few occasions over the seasons through my mirror. Now, finish what you were going to say, so I can get going."

George focused. "Gregory will need to tell Lasolias that his bag holding his kingdom's Seeds of Plenty hasn't been stolen by Boseth. Lasidious told me that the t.i.tans intend to start a war on Harvestom. They've lied to both kings. There's no valid reason for this war. Lasolias' bag has been hidden, not stolen. It's right under his nose."

Meanwhile, on Ancients Sovereign, Hosseff and Mieonus could not believe their good fortune as they listened in on George and Brayson's conversation.

Mieonus smiled as her eyes studied George's image. "Finally, Lasidious' pet has made a mistake."

Hosseff's wispy voice added, "With this knowledge, we can defeat Lasidious at his own game."

"I think you're right, shade."

Both deities turned their attention back to the waterfall.

"...Then you understand everything we've talked about," George confirmed.

"I do," Brayson replied.

"Good." George reached out and put his hand on Brayson's shoulder. "Hurry back. I need you. This whole baby business is intense." George telepathically communicated the rest of what he had to say. I will go to Harvestom and get your brother tonight while you handle the business our lord has asked you to accomplish.

Brayson nodded and then spoke aloud. "I'll hurry. Once I explain everything to Gregory, he'll stop the war on Harvestom. Lasidious' words of peace, love and unity shall be shared on this Peak."

"This is the break we've been waiting for," Hosseff said as the image within the waterfall faded. "We need to find Keylom. He's the best choice to appear to Lasolias."

Mieonus frowned. "I hate the idea of giving that centaur anything ... especially when it involves handing him followers. But you're right ... he is our best chance to use this information to our advantage. We better hurry. Keylom needs to arrive before Gregory does."

The G.o.ds vanished.

Once Brayson left, George rushed up the stairs to check on Athena. He was surprised by the greeting he received. Athena screamed from the bed. "Oohhh! So you've decided to be a part of this after all! How nice of you to take a moment to stop by, Mr. Nailer!"

With a smile hidden inside, George moved to take Athena's hand. "I'm sorry, babe. I thought you were in good hands up here."

"You're not allowed to think while I'm in this much pain! Do you understand me?"

"Yes, dear. You better pay attention to what the healers are telling you."

Again, Athena snapped. "Don't you tell me what to do! Listening to you is what got me in this situation in the first place! Just shut up, and hold my hand! I don't want to hear any of your garesh!"

George looked across the bed at Mary. "Did she just swear? I can't believe it." He looked down at Athena. "I think I'm rubbing off on you, too."

Fire appeared in Athena's eyes. "Didn't I tell you to be quiet? Don't make me say it again."

Mary gave George a quick grin to let him know that everything would be alright. "Just give her something to squeeze."

As Athena pulverized George's fingers, Payne was hanging outside the window with his claws grasping the sill. His eyes were peeking over the edge just enough to satisfy his curiosity. He had never seen a birth. With each pain-filled holler, the fairy-demon cringed.

Kepler looked up at Payne and shouted while he was lying atop the pile of boulders above his lair, "Get down here, Freak. Leave the humans alone!"

Southern Grayham Maldwin's Home Above the Cliffs of Latasef Marcus read from the scroll George gave him. With his mind shielded, the Dark Chancellor was sitting outside the hole that led into Maldwin's cave, and he was shouting the rat's name. Every now and then, he would emphasize the phrase, "Everything is A-okay, man!"

Not far from the exit, Maldwin was sitting hidden in the shadows. For many moments, the rat just listened. He was trying to decide what to do. On one claw, he wanted to use his ability to project a vision and send his unexpected visitor walking off the edge of the cliffs. On the other claw, he heard the man shouting the phrase George had used while they traveled together. Eventually, he decided to scurry out of the cave.

Once in the open, Maldwin spoke. "All quay alla foot uswayya doy."

Not understanding, Marcus lifted his thumb into the air. "Everything is A-okay, man." The Dark Chancellor reached into his robe and removed the letter the warlock had given him.

Maldwin took a step back and readied a vision. His nose twitched wildly as Marcus set the paper on the ground and slid it toward him.

Once the rat felt the parchment was close enough, he looked up and shouted, "Yaway astoot!" which meant, "That's far enough."

Marcus could only smile. He held up his hands. "It's okay. I'm not here to harm you. I'll back up to give you some room."

Maldwin did his best to appear threatening as Marcus moved away. Many more moments went by before the rat felt comfortable enough to drop his guard and step forward to take a look at the parchment. He poked the paper with his claw, and the result was instantaneous. The note began to speak in his native tongue.

The message, when translated, said, "Hey, Maldwin, it's me, George. I hope this has found you and your family safe and in good health. I've got to admit, I miss traveling with you, buddy.

"Anyway, I'm living on a new world called Luvelles, and Kepler is with me. I'd like you to come and visit me, if you wouldn't mind, of course. I've made special arrangements for you to find your way to my home, and oh, by the way ... I've got a huge block of cheese waiting for you."

The parchment unfolded a bit more to reveal the next part of the message and continued to talk. "You'll need to catch a ride with the Merchant Angels. Use your visions on the man who delivered this message to make him take you to them. Once you arrive on the island, you'll need to find a man named Hesston Bangs. Allow Hesston to see a vision of my face. He'll know what to do from there.

"Now ... there's something else I'd like you to do for me. The guy who delivered this message is an a.s.shole ... a really bad guy. He's ended a lot of your kind, and that's unforgivable if you ask me. As I'm speaking to you, this note is casting a spell on his mind to make him vulnerable to your visions. I've sent this man to you so that you can use your abilities to make him stay on Grayham. I don't want him coming back here. Together, we're going to end him for hurting your kind."

The parchment unfolded a bit more and then George's voice continued. "But before we end him, I want you to give him another vision that compels him to do a few things for me. His punishment will be delivered after that."

The parchment went on to explain other details about what Marcus needed to do on Grayham. After listening to the paper list the details more than once, Maldwin went back into his cave to process everything George had said.

It was not long before the rat heard Marcus shout out the words, "Is everything A-okay, man?"

Maldwin moved back into the open. He lifted his head, twitched his nose and then determined that all the rats the Dark Chancellor had supposedly ended deserved justice. He projected a vision into Marcus' mind to accomplish everything George had requested.

Southern Grayham The Siren's Song Keylom and Mosley appeared in the mist of Siren's Song. With the change of season caused by the third piece of the Crystal Moon, the moisture in the air carried a chill with it, but this did not bother Mosley. With the thickness of the wolf's coat, the moisture was only a minor inconvenience.

"Mosley," Keylom said, "I shall miss you on Ancients Sovereign. I truly hope you succeed on your journey. I further hope you find a way to rejoin the Collective some Peak."

Mosley nodded. "Just please be my eyes on Ancients Sovereign. I want to know everything Lasidious is up to."

Keylom sighed. "I'll consider your request. I don't want to become Lasidious' target."

The wolf grumbled, "I better get moving if I'm going to end George before I pa.s.s."

Before another word could be spoken, Gabriel appeared next to Keylom. The Book's voice sounded urgent as he hovered eye-level with the centaur. "Keylom, make haste and go to the Hall of Judgment. There isn't a moment to spare. You'll understand why upon your arrival."

Without hesitation, Keylom teleported as instructed.

Gabriel looked at the wolf. "I wish you well, Mosley. Remember, you may call upon me whenever you choose to make your last request. Good journey, my friend. I will watch your progress with great interest. Until now, I've never been directly involved in the games the G.o.ds play, but I must admit, I'm going to enjoy being more than a spectator."

"Your words are comforting," the wolf replied. "I'll see you soon."

"Let's hope you're right, Mosley. You've grown on me." The Book vanished.

Mosley turned and looked at the thick brush that was shrouded by the mist. He lowered his nose to the ground, sniffed for the perfect spot and then lifted his leg to mark the beginning of his trail. Once finished, he took a deep breath and then pressed forward, singing: One big wolf just trottin' through the jungle.

Don't mess with me ... don't mess with me.

Who has powerful fangs and the breath to make you slumber.

Don't mess with me ... don't mess with me.

I shall hunt George down and make him tremble.

Don't mess with me ... don't mess with me.

This night terror wolf is coming for you.

When Keylom arrived inside Gabriel's hall, he was quickly greeted by Hosseff and Mieonus. The centaur's hooves clapped against the marble floor as he moved into a better position for conversation.

"Where have you been?" Mieonus demanded. "We've been looking everywhere for you."

Keylom whipped his tail across his flanks. "If only you were a fly, Mieonus. I was busy. Since when do I answer to you?" He turned to look into the nothingness within Hosseff's hood. "For what reason have you summoned me? What business could I possibly have with the two of you?"

The shade responded. "As you know, the centaurs on Harvestom are about to go to war. We have knowledge that Lasidious plans to use this opportunity to convince them to serve him."

"How?"

Mieonus was the one to answer. "Lasidious plans to send his new disciple to stop the war. He has convinced Gregory Id to worship him as well. You need to speak with the King of Kless before Gregory arrives, or we'll lose our advantage. Explain that his Seeds of Plenty are hidden, not stolen. We need to be the ones who stop this war, not Lasidious. We cannot afford to lose their service."

Keylom crossed his arms. "This could be the flaw in Lasidious' plan that we've been looking for. I'll go now." The centaur vanished.

Mieonus stomped her lifted heel against the marble. "Doesn't he need our a.s.sistance?"

Hosseff laughed. "I think he'd rather allow Lasidious to acquire more followers than be a.s.sisted by you."

Mieonus gave the shade a nasty look. "Why?"

Hosseff shrugged. "You know I'm right. Stop pretending. Besides, Alistar is already there to provide any a.s.sistance the centaur may need."

"Hmpf! Let's go back to my waterfall and watch what happens."

Meanwhile, on Harvestom, Keylom appeared next to Alistar inside Lasolias' throne room. The G.o.ds remained invisible to the mortals and began a conversation.

"What are you doing here, Keylom?" Alistar queried.

"I intend to appear to Lasolias to inform the king that his army doesn't need to attack Boseth. I will divulge where his Seeds of Plenty have been hidden and make him believe that I've spared his kind. In return, I'll allow his browncoats to worship me."

Alistar smiled. "I can only see one problem with your intentions."

"And that would be?"

"Even if you stop the centaurs from going to war, they'll never serve you. Their hatred for the blackcoats runs deep, and you, my blackcoated friend, are a representation of what they hate most. I think a different plan is in order, don't you?"

Keylom looked at the black hair on the stallion portion of his body. "What do you suggest I do about it?"

Meanwhile, Mieonus and Hosseff watched from her waterfall as Alistar explained that Keylom should go to the Kingdom of Tagdrendlia and speak with the blackcoats. He suggested that a blessing be given to Boseth, as well as a promise of peace. Alistar promised to stay behind and appear to the King of Kless to deliver the news about his kingdom's Seeds of Plenty. The G.o.d of the Harvest agreed to offer Lasolias a bountiful harvest, and abolish the hunger his people were experiencing in exchange for his service.

Mieonus waved her hand across her waterfall and the image of Alistar and Keylom faded.

"What did you do that for?" Hosseff snapped, irritated that Mieonus would dismiss his desire to watch.

"We should've thought about the color of Keylom's coat. One of us could have tried to convince the browncoats to serve us and not Alistar. I hate the fact that he is going to gain this benefit."

Hosseff laughed.

"This is funny to you, shade?"

"Of course, it is. Do you really want a bunch of fly-ridden centaurs worshipping you? You know you think they're beneath you. Your anger has been misplaced."

A short series of moments pa.s.sed before Mieonus conceded. "You're right. But the idea of Alistar being glorified by any being makes me sick."