Each deity's ears focused on Gabriel's every word. The Book floated to the center of the table while he prepared his thoughts. "Now that I have your promise regarding the t.i.tans, I shall share a bit of my own scheming. Lasidious, you're not the only one with secrets. You're a fool to believe that you'll ever acquire the power you need to control me. I promise to enjoy your misery when I'm finished with you. I suggest you all attend my next meeting so you can watch Lasidious when he hears the news." The Book floated toward the exit.

The others sat in silence, but the Mischievous One gave chase. "Gabriel! What do you have planned? Gabriel ... come back! What did I do to you? Don't be like that! Gabriel! Get back over here!"

Now, fellow soul ... allow me to clarify. This new solar system proposed by the G.o.ds would consist of six worlds, one hidden G.o.d world and a single sun. In addition, each world was slated to be given its own moon, or in some cases, moons. The beings living on the worlds must be put into stasis for the changes to take place. However, whenever stasis is lifted, no one would have knowledge that Lasidious' new coin had replaced Yaloom's. In all beings' minds, Yaloom never existed. Only those with G.o.dly memories would retain this information.

CHAPTER 27.

Little Joshua K. Nailer Western Luvelles George and Athena's Home JOSHUA K. NAILER EMERGED as the healer lifted his tiny body onto his mother's belly. He screamed as he was pulled free of the warmth of Athena's womb, the chill of the room needling his sensitive skin. The umbilical cord was severed, and after a magical circ.u.mcision, he was wiped off just enough to allow his proud parents to dote.

Joshua was beautiful. He had blue eyes, his mother's hair, and his father's-well, they were not really sure what he had of his father's looks since his skin was so shriveled. He looked like a prune.

George leaned over and gave Athena a kiss while Mary took the child to clean him up. "You did good, babe. I love you."

A tear rolled down Athena's cheek. "I love you, too. I'm sorry for being so nasty. I didn't mean to curse."

"Ah, come on, babe. It's not like you talk foul every Peak. Heck, I've only heard you cuss once since I've known you. Besides, you had every right to react the way you did. I'm the one who knocked you up." George turned his head toward the window. "I think we have a little guest hovering outside. He's dying to see what's going on. Should I let him in?"

Athena peeked over George's shoulder. "Yes, but you better explain to him that Joshua doesn't have the ability to rip his fingers off like he does. I don't want any test morphing happening on the baby. And make sure he knows that Joshua can't burst into flames either. He needs to understand the baby doesn't have the same abilities he does. Make sure he-"

"Babe. I get it already. I'll speak to him. How about we tell Payne that he is his brother's protector. I think it's important that he still feels like we love him. He needs to know that he's loved just as much as Joshua."

Athena sighed. "Perhaps you should show Payne where his new bedroom is. Let him know he will be sleeping inside from now on."

George waved his hand, and the window opened. He motioned for the fairy-demon to come inside and allowed the window to shut behind him.

"Payne, come here a moment. I want you to meet your brother." He pointed to Mary who positioned the baby for a better view. "That's Joshua K. Nailer."

Payne scratched the top of his head. "It look funny."

George smiled. "He is not an 'it.' Joshua is a baby. His looks will change as our moments pa.s.s."

"What 'K' mean?" Payne questioned as he flew over to Mary and hovered above her shoulder while she continued to clean the newborn.

"Well," George responded, "Athena and I decided that since we're going to allow you to sleep inside with us from now on, we should do something so Kepler doesn't feel left out. The initial K means, Kepler, but we aren't going to say his full name. So when you say his name, you will say, Joshua. Do you understand?"

True to form, Payne's mind had moved past his curiosity about the baby. "Payne hungry. Mom feed Payne?"

George had to laugh. "Come with me, buddy, and I'll get you something. How about I make you an omelet?"

Southern Grayham Sam's Throne Room Shalee smiled as she watched the sun touch the horizon through one of the throne room windows. The people below moved about the cobblestone streets of Brandor with joyful hearts. It was easy to see the happiness in their gaits, and it appeared as if everyone had a new sense of respect for one another.

Sam had allowed word to spread about the army's findings inside the Serpent King's underground city. Now that the army was bringing this surplus of coin back to Brandor, word was beginning to spread that the treasure was bountiful enough to strengthen the kingdom's economy for many lives over. As a result of this great news, celebrations had followed. But the coin of the serpents was not the only reason the people celebrated.

Despite Sam's encouragement to keep Lasidious' Promise quiet, the Senate believed in Lasidious' desire to see Southern Grayham flourish. They voted to overrule the king's wishes, and as a result, runners had been sent throughout the kingdom to spread word of Lasidious' gift that George had given the Senate.

The people were now in a giving mood, and the coin George left behind was the talk of Brandor. With the Senate's newfound sense of faith, how could Shalee-or even Sam for that matter-contradict the facts of what was happening?

Shalee knew there was another reason the people were joyful, and this reason did not involve a G.o.d or a prophet. It involved the greatness of her husband. Before returning the kingdom to the Senate, Sam had made many changes and implemented a number of new laws.

First, Sam freed the slaves across Southern Grayham. He declared that these hard-working beings were to be treated as equals. They would be allowed to choose their own employers.

Second, Sam decreed that each master of the freed slaves would receive ample compensation for the abrupt change in their lives. They would be given the coin necessary to pay for services equal to those lost for a period of one season.

Third, the last of the barbarian members of the Senate were named, and homes were ordered to be built within the walls of Brandor to accommodate the senators when visiting the city.

Fourth, every member of this reformed Senate was required to swear an oath that no man or barbarian, no matter how wealthy or strong, would be seen as anything other than equal under Brandor's laws.

Fifth, Sam established laws for the kingdom's newfound wealth. He implemented a banking system and, more specifically, created protocol on how this wealth was to be distributed as loans to the people.

Sixth, each member of the army who had fallen in battle was to be compensated. Their debts would be wiped clean, and the Senate would see to it that their creditors were paid in full. Families with no creditors were to be given a lump sum of coin for their loss.

Seventh, the members of the army who had survived were also to be given a lump sum of coin to help return to every Peak life. For those disabled in battle, Sam ordered schools to be built and temporary compensation be given on top of their lump sum until they could be trained to earn another living.

Eighth, Sam declared that any Senator who failed to uphold the new laws would find themselves facing the Sword of Truth. They would answer questions regarding their transgressions. If found to be a liar or a cheat, this senator would face a possible prison sentence on Dragonia of no less than one season or any other term deemed fit. Sam also reserved the right to sentence a senator to a punishment as strong as demise if his betrayal was considered traitorous.

Finally, and quite possibly Sam's finest moment as king, he changed the name of Southern Grayham. All lands would be unified under one t.i.tle. This kingdom would be called The United Kingdoms of Southern Grayham. The old kingdoms would now be referred to as territories: the Territory of Brandor, the Territory of Bloodvain, the Territory of Serpents, and the Neutral Territory. The bears and the Minotaur were also given territories with names reflective of their kind.

Shalee turned from the window and looked at Sam who sat on his throne. Her relationship with her king felt stronger than before, and she was not about to let anything come between them again. She requested that everyone leave the room.

Once the room was clear, Shalee walked toward the thrones and plopped onto Sam's lap and waited for him to cradle her in his arms. After lowering her head to his chest, she began her praises. "The people love you, Sam. I've never been so proud of anyone."

Sam tried to put on a happy face, but he failed to project the joy to go along with the smile.

"What is it, Sam? What's got you boggled?"

"I can't get George and Lasidious out of my head. I've asked the Senate to call me before they use Lasidious' Promise. I want to know everything that's going on. I also gave the Senate the scroll you gave me. At least, they'll be able to teleport into the throne room to solicit my presence."

Sam stood and lowered Shalee to her feet. "Something isn't right. This whole thing isn't sitting well with me. I don't care what Kael says."

Sam unsheathed the blade and held it in front of his face. "Kael, answer this. What if George is being manipulated? What if he's a victim of Lasidious?"

Kael's blade began to pulsate. "Your moments will eventually divulge the truth, Sam. What George professed during his visit was truthful. That's all I can speak on. Perhaps you worry over nothing."

Sam's brow furrowed. "Perhaps. But what about this new threat George referred to? I've read everything in the Royal Library about the Dark Chancellor. The writings speak of his power as if he's some kind of magical bada.s.s. How do you suggest I proceed?"

Kael pulled away from Sam's hand and floated toward Shalee. "You should allow George to take Shalee to look into the Eye. You'll need her to wield stronger magic to save Southern Grayham."

"I'm still thinking about that," Sam responded. He looked at Shalee. "The writings make me think your magic will be useless against the Dark Chancellor even if you do look into the Eye. If I hadn't seen how easily you could've been ended on Luvelles, I wouldn't even give this concept a second thought. I hate to say it, but George might be our only option."

Shalee smiled. "I know this sounds irrational to you, but I have a good feeling about George. I'm sure we'll get through this ... just like we always do." The queen took in a long, deep breath and exhaled slowly. "But something else is bothering you, isn't it? I can see it on your face."

Sam moved to look out the window. The last bit of light faded from the sky as the sun ducked below the horizon. Children were rushing through the streets, lighting the torches to fend off the darkness. He leaned against the sill and looked toward the direction of the arena that sat in the distance. "What if you look into the Eye and it swallows your soul? What if you don't come back? I don't think I can handle losing you. We've sacrificed so much already. Losing you would be the end of me for sure."

Shalee grinned. "You sound like a country song." After the queen chuckled for a moment, she continued. "I wish I knew what to say to make you feel better, Sam. But the Eye won't swallow my soul. I can give you my word on that. When I return, I'll be powerful enough to defend the kingdom from the chancellor. Don't you worry about him. I'll put this little, Texas foot right up his backside."

Western Luvelles The Petrified Forest The night was a miserable collection of moments in which to visit the forest. The petrified trees acted like sounding boards, causing the movements of every being to be amplified. The sounds of their actions reverberated throughout the forest, and it was impossible to determine from which direction the sounds originated. The slightest flap of a wing, skitter of a beetle and snap of a twig all heightened the tension inside the dark paladin's mind as he worked his way toward Balecut's home.

Map of the Area Around the Petrified Forest With each step, Boyafed pushed forward, looking for the tree of the wizard. With his elven eyes, he searched the shadows for the beasts he knew were hidden in the darkness.

Tricksters-devious creatures with the ability to teleport so rapidly that it was nearly impossible to bury a sword deep enough to end one. These beings were hideous game players that possessed the features of gremlins, only they were taller than gremlins by a half-pace or so. They often toyed with their victims before they delivered a gruesome demise.

Boyafed knew Balecut lived somewhere inside one of these ma.s.sive petrified trees that he had hollowed, but left standing. Boyafed also knew, the closer he came to Balecut's front door, the more likely it was that a group of tricksters would attack.

To the Order leader's knowledge, there were only two men who could command magic strong enough to defeat tricksters. The first was Balecut, and the second was Brayson Id. Both wizards had mastered the ability to slow the moments of another being's Peak, and it had taken this kind of power for Balecut to manipulate the tricksters into doing his will when he moved into the forest more than 400 seasons ago.

Though Boyafed did not understand how this particular magic worked, he did understand that this power could be used to slow the white army's moments, and this would give the dark army a tactical advantage during the upcoming war. Having Balecut at his side would practically ensure victory. All he had to do was find the wizard before the tricksters found him. Easier said than done.

It seemed like every footstep the Order leader took prompted a new bead of sweat to roll off his brow and drop to the forest floor. He desperately hoped to avoid teleporting home in order to evade a confrontation with the gremlins' cousins, only to return to try to find the wizard's home again.

As badly as Boyafed wanted no part of tangling with the tricksters on the night he entered the forest, Boyafed would not be successful. He was just too slow.

Four vines shot out of the darkness and la.s.soed each of Boyafed's limbs. The Dark Order leader closed his eyes and tried to teleport, but when he opened them, he found that his magic had failed to carry him to safety. A moment later, the vines grew taut and pulled Boyafed skyward, suspending him high above the forest floor. His new position was compromising. He was ensnared amidst the branches of the live trees that were intermingled with the ma.s.sive, petrified trunks of the Baradom trees. The vines that had trapped his limbs were pulling his appendages as far as he could be stretched in opposite directions, and he was now spread-eagle and vulnerable. There was no way to retrieve his blessed blade to cut himself free.

Boyafed's attention was captured by sinister giggles that ricocheted through the trees. The harder he fought to free himself, the louder the tricksters' cackles became.

The Order leader had nearly worked his right arm free of its bonds when suddenly, four tricksters appeared. The lead trickster's fur was black and had a white stripe that ran down the center of his chest and stopped just above his navel. This creature reached out and seized Boyafed's arm to tighten the vine that was securing his wrist while the others began to pop in and out around them.

These smaller tormenters were brown, but they possessed the same white stripe, and their pointed ears were not as well developed as their leader's. They shouted curses at Boyafed in a language he could not understand while they prodded many areas of his body with long, thin barbs that were more than two of their hands in length. The tricksters' games had begun, and all Boyafed could do was shout, "Balecut! Balecut!"

One of the tricksters appeared directly in front of the Order leader. His claws were balled tight, and he punched Boyafed in the throat to stop the paladin from calling out. As Boyafed coughed and gagged, the trickster added further insult to injury by poking the paladin with his barb on the left side of his neck. He giggled before he vanished, only to reappear and repeat the attack from behind Boyafed on the opposite side.

Eventually, this trickster grew bored with his game and stopped poking Boyafed, but now a different game began with the others joining in. The group took turns appearing in front of Boyafed. They each slugged the Order leader as hard as they could in his stomach for four different rotations before they stopped and allowed the paladin the moments to catch his breath.

With the others hovering behind the Order leader, the lead trickster removed Boyafed's armored boots while his companions took turns pulling out single strands of his hair. One by one, they plucked, and then giggled as they enjoyed the paladin's irritation. The more the elf struggled to move his head from side to side to keep them from securing another strand, the more intense their laughter became.

With the paladin's boots falling to the ground and his socks now wrapped around two of the tricksters' necks like scarves, a pair of the creatures dropped below Boyafed and began poking their barbs into the bottom of his feet.

The dark warrior screamed as the nerves were struck with each puncture. On 12 occasions, the barbs skewered the bottom of his feet and emerged out the top.

It was not long before the tricksters became tired of this game as well. They decided to move on to the next round of s.a.d.i.s.tic pleasure. Each tormentor appeared just above Boyafed's head and briefly urinated on the dark warrior's face. They did it over and over again, like dogs who were able to control the release of their streams.

Boyafed tried to turn his face to avoid the foul liquid, but his efforts were pointless. The wretched waste made his mouth, eyes, ears and even his nostrils burn.

Once the taste of the tricksters' p.i.s.s found his tongue, Boyafed began to gag. His reaction amplified their desire to pee longer and harder. Now they were urinating from four angles, and they would have kept at it until their bladders were emptied, but a loud howl penetrated the night.

The shriek sounded like a monstrous beast, and it sent fear into the hearts of the tricksters. They quickly vanished and left Boyafed suspended and vomiting.

The Order leader fought to gather his wits. He looked through the fog in his eyes, but the burning persisted. He shook his head to shed what was left of the urine out of his hair, and as the moments pa.s.sed, his eyes eventually cleared. When they did, to his delight, Balecut was standing on the ground, looking up at him.

The wizard looked weathered, far too old for his seasons, and he was barely able to stand. Balecut's back was doubled over, and he had to use a cane to keep from toppling. His hair was long, gray, and gnarled, and his beard was poorly groomed, patchy and short. Even his robe lacked the l.u.s.ter of the man Boyafed once knew.

"Get me down!" Boyafed pleaded.

With a simple motion of his hand, Balecut released Boyafed's restraints. He then turned his palm up to keep the Order leader from falling. Once Boyafed's bare feet were planted on the ground, Balecut relaxed.

Boyafed crumbled to the ground and pulled his feet up to examine them. He then reached inside his pouch to retrieve an elixir. After pouring two drops under his tongue, he watched as the holes began to seal.

Boyafed stood, lifted his boots and scoffed at the idea that his socks had vanished with his attackers. He limped over to thank Balecut, but the wizard held out his hand to ward the paladin off.

"Stay where you are," he warned. "I have no desire to shake the hand of a urine-soaked idiot."

After looking himself over, Boyafed responded, "So much for a pleasant greeting."

Balecut chuckled and then turned to walk away. "Follow me."

The paladin did as instructed. He had to remain patient while Balecut slowly hobbled toward his hollowed tree.

Upon their arrival, the home seemed like any other of the petrified giants but with two exceptions. There was a door made of a wood that was not petrified, and a small window was located high on the trunk, and it had a faint light pa.s.sing through that originated from inside of the tree.

Balecut pa.s.sed his hand over the vegetation of the forest floor. A tub full of hot water appeared. With another wave of his hand, a bar of soap materialized. The wizard reached down and tossed it to Boyafed. "Bathe before you come inside. You smell," is all he said before he shut the door of his tree behind him and left Boyafed standing alone in the darkness.

As the Order leader removed his armor, he looked into the night. He could see the tricksters eyes glowing in the darkness. They were threatening to cross the imaginary boundary they feared to pa.s.s. "This will be the most uncomfortable bath of my existence," Boyafed whispered.

Once finished, Boyafed left his armor and most of his underclothes in a pile. He put on just enough to cover his privates and then went inside. "I'm sorry for the way I'm dressed, old friend!" he shouted as he ascended the steps toward the room filled with light. The stairs were stacked with ancient tomes and littered with junk, leaving only a narrow path. "Perhaps I should teleport home and return once I've changed!"

Balecut's voice echoed off the home's petrified walls. "Since when did you become so modest, Boyafed? I don't remember you being so bashful when we were children! Stay a while! I'm sure your undergarments will suffice!"

Seeing Boyafed crest the final step, Balecut added, "How about an ale?"

"That would be nice," Boyafed responded. The Order leader studied his surroundings.

Balecut lived like a trudgeboar. Clothes, trash, scrolls, ten season old parchments, jars of reagents, unclean dishes covered with rot, and half-full mugs were scattered all about, but Boyafed said nothing as he stepped over the many piles to get to a table that sat beneath the window.

As the withered wizard poured Boyafed a drink, he thought back to their childhood. "Do you remember when you, Dayden and I went swimming bare skinned in Farmer Perryman's pond? You weren't so bashful then." Balecut laughed and then continued. "Do you remember that Dayden screamed when he thought a fish bit his manhood?"

Boyafed chuckled. "I do remember that. He thought it had been bitten off."

Balecut lowered two ales onto the table. "I never did have the heart to tell Dayden that I had used my magic to make him feel like he had been bitten. I've enjoyed that memory for more seasons than I can remember."

Boyafed took a seat on a rickety chair that was heavily padded and positioned near the table. It wobbled beneath his weight as he leaned back. "Then it was you who did that. I can't tell you on how many occasions I've laughed about that Peak. It was a fine deception."

From his spot, Boyafed could see out the window. The tricksters were still scattered throughout the darkness. "d.a.m.n beasts!" He lifted his right foot up. "It still hurts. At least the wounds are gone."

Balecut nodded. "You'll live."

The taste of the tricksters' urine still lingered in the dark warrior's mouth, despite using the water from his bath to try to wash it out. He took a large swig of his ale, swashed it around, opened the window and then spit it to the ground. "d.a.m.n them!"

The Order leader shut the window. "Perhaps you could freeze a few so that I can have a little vengeance before I go."

The wizard lowered his mug. "If only I could. Without my goswig, I have continued to deteriorate."

Boyafed leaned forward. "I'm sure you don't want to hear this, but you look worse than the backside of a krape lord taking a garesh."