" You don't understand. They'll end us."

Kepler twisted his head over his shoulder and gave the Order leader a look of warning. "Don't say another word. Allow me to show you how the Master of the Hunt slaughters."

The first of the tricksters reached the top of the stairs, his gleaming eyes were filled with malice as he glared at the giant feline. Once the group of four had a.s.sembled, they began their advance.

With a heavy growl, Kepler instructed, "Pay attention, Boyafed. This is how you annihilate."

The demon-cat sprang into action. He used the power of the Ancient Mystics to accelerate his movements. Even within the confined s.p.a.ce inside the tree, the jaguar was lightning quick, and the tricksters were no longer able to teleport fast enough to avoid being hit. The jaguar's heavy paws clubbed the sides of the tormenters' heads. One by one, they perished, falling lifeless to the floor after they hit the petrified walls with a thud. In one case, a trickster fell without his head attached.

Kepler smiled and thought, Huh! Not bad ... two heads in one night.

Boyafed remained quiet as he watched the cat stand motionless at the center of the room.

After many moments pa.s.sed, Kepler turned to face the Order leader. "Hear me. I've come to deliver an important message. Your G.o.d has deceived you. He isn't worthy of your service."

Boyafed started to respond, but Kepler growled to silence him. "Your desire to defend your G.o.d is admirable, but futile. Hosseff is a t.i.tan and nothing more, and though you may not realize it, your service is wasted on the weakest t.i.tan of them all."

The Order leader's lips started to move, but Kepler lifted his paw and pointed a claw in warning. "The war you're so eager to rush into is a creation of the one you blindly serve. Hosseff was the being who had Dayden murdered. He was also the being who ordered your men to be struck down in the streets of Marcus. Hosseff is an ally of death for a reason. He is not worthy of the t.i.tle, G.o.d. For G.o.ds do not need to survive on the souls of those who perish in order to command their power. This war is exactly what Hosseff needs to thrive. Make no mistake. He will devour the souls of your army just as he devoured your friend's."

Kepler motioned for Boyafed to speak.

"My lord has never betrayed me. Why would you make these claims?"

The jaguar lowered to the floor. "Allow me to explain." A long conversation ensued that spanned many moments.

Kepler concluded by saying, "...This will give you the chance to see for yourself that your G.o.d has deceived you."

Boyafed shook his head. "And if I refuse to comply?"

Kepler laughed. "I don't believe I've given you that option, paladin. My request is non-negotiable." The jaguar smirked. "Besides, I'm sure you'll enjoy the task."

Boyafed's reluctance was evident. "Arguing with you will get me nowhere, will it? What must I do?"

"Then it's settled. First, you will stop your army from traveling to Olis until you've completed the task I've a.s.signed. Once you've verified the truth of my claims, you'll be deemed a wise leader for saving the lives of so many innocent men. You may even decide to serve a new lord."

Boyafed crossed his arms. "I'll command my army to stop ... for now, but my service to Hosseff shall, forever, remain unchanged. I can promise you that much."

Kepler sighed. "I, too, was once as ignorant as you, Boyafed. But soon, you'll be enlightened. I'll come to you when the moment is right. Until then, go to your temple and wait for my arrival." The jaguar snarled. "Don't make me search for you, Boyafed. I don't want to hunt for you."

Kepler looked down at the still unconscious Head Master. The jaguar reached out and placed his paw on Brayson's leg. They vanished, leaving the Order leader bewildered and frustrated.

Two Peaks Later, Early Bailem George and Athena are awake and sitting with Payne at the kitchen table. They are working with the fairy-demon to improve his table manners. George has created clothes for Payne, and the couple has explained that he will be required to bathe on a regular basis. Payne is not happy about his new rules.

George plans to take Joshua and Kepler on a trip to give Athena a few moments to herself. The warlock and the demon-jaguar have two stops to make on their outing.

The Collective is meeting to think of other ways to keep Lasidious from gaining followers. Gabriel is absent from this meeting, and the others are now aware that both centaur kings have decided to spread Lasidious' good word.

Keylom has taken the moments to explain how Gregory's appearance on the centaurs' battlefield was devastating to their campaign to solicit the blackcoats' service. Gregory showed up at an inconvenient moment, and after acknowledging Keylom's presence, the White Chancellor moved past Keylom to speak with Boseth.

The chancellor knew all the right things to say, and he used his reputation from previous visits with Boseth to gain immediate favor.

Gregory was careful to show Keylom respect, but he told Boseth that Keylom was a t.i.tan, and not a G.o.d. Keylom regrets his reaction to the insult. The G.o.d's anger at Gregory's comments solicited an unwanted validation that his power was, in fact, limited. Gregory used the opportunity to explain how Lasidious was the only G.o.d capable of commanding the power necessary to offer Boseth's followers a heaven. He explained how Lasidious had sent him to create peace on Harvestom.

Alistar is putting on a show of frustration while he rants to the Collective. He is feigning his surprise at Gregory's ability to sway both centaur kings' hearts.

The G.o.d of the Harvest plans to continue his masquerade by informing the Collective that he felt confident the centaur would command his kingdom of browncoats to serve him after he left Harvestom, but clearly, Gregory must have showed up and foiled his attempt.

Alistar's theatrical reaction to Keylom's revelation will solidify the Collective's belief that Lasidious has, yet again, masterfully manipulated the events.

Lasidious and Celestria have also avoided the Collective's meeting. They are chatting inside their home deep beneath the Peaks of Angels. Everything is falling into place, and more planning is in order to give George and Kepler more knowledge to increase their power.

Boyafed has returned to the city of Marcus. He is going crazy as he paces the polished floor of the Order's temple. He has sent word with his runners that he wishes to meet with Lord Dowd to call off the war. He further plans to order his Argont Commander to have the army stop and wait for additional instruction.

The words Kepler used to define Hosseff are bothering Boyafed. The cat called his lord a t.i.tan, and further said, his G.o.d is not worthy of his service. The jaguar said many other blasphemies during their conversation, yet Hosseff did nothing to stop him. This angers him.

As the Order leader continues to ponder Kepler's words, he will admit to himself that it is strange that Hosseff wants the souls of his fallen paladins to be offered up to him by laying them on his altar. Boyafed will also wonder if the cat is telling the truth. What if the souls are being devoured and used for the purpose the cat proclaimed? Boyafed will come to the conclusion that he needs to learn more before he speaks with his lord again.

Gregory is with Lord Dowd and the rest of the army doing more of his lord's work. The White Chancellor has stopped their march to the Battlegrounds of Olis. He is explaining the situation while standing in a ma.s.sive field. Gregory's goal is to convince Lord Dowd that a personal meeting with the Dark Order leader is necessary.

Marcus is wandering about Southern Grayham. After he teleported with Maldwin to the Merchant Island, he felt the need to stay behind. Something inside his mind is telling him that he needs to go to Brandor, but the specifics are not yet clear why. All he knows is that he has the desire to be at an inn just outside the city of West Utopia's gates before the Peak of Bailem to learn more.

Maldwin is in a container that has been carried between worlds by the Merchant Angels. He plans to stay put on Luvelles' Merchant Island until a man named Brayson Id comes to take him to George. He looks forward to his visit with his old friends, even the cat, Kepler, though he often feels like a meal around the jaguar.

Mosley has found the Wisp of Song within the mist below the cliffs of Griffin Falls.

Gabriel has decided to replace Mosley's position on Ancients Sovereign. The Book intends to introduce Yaloom and Mosley's replacements to the Collective in the near future.

Mary took care of Brayson after Kepler brought him home from the Petrified Forest. Brayson was ill from the poison after his run-in with Balecut. The family united to help with the Head Master's recovery. Now that Brayson is back on his feet, he has work to do. He needs to go to the Merchant Island on Luvelles to retrieve the rat while George and Kepler are on their outing.

Susanne and baby Garrin are doing fine. The potion to keep the child's power from manifesting is holding strong.

Susanne is nervous. Brayson has invited Gregory to dinner. The Head Master has taken it upon himself to play matchmaker. If things go well, she will also have herself a magic man. Susanne considers the White Chancellor a handsome elf, but she will need to learn how to overcome her fear of magic.

Thank you for reading the Luvelles Gazette

CHAPTER 28.

G.o.dly Threats Southern Grayham Siren's Song Beneath Griffin Falls AFTER SEARCHING FOR THE WISP within the mist, Mosley finally found the elusive ball of energy. He was standing less than 30 paces away from where George had listened to Cadromel's song not more than half a season ago. The air carried a chill, and the wolf knew that winter would soon shower Southern Grayham with its white rain.

Mosley stared at the wisp, his breath billowing past his green eyes as steam rose from the illuminated pool. The sphere ascended from the depths of the water while the wolf stood in admiration. The moisture cascaded from the wisp's spherical form in sheets.

As the creature hung suspended only hands above the pool, a long period of silence pa.s.sed before the wolf began to sing to the wisp in its own language-a benefit of having served Ba.s.sorine. The wolf howled with what he felt was all the pa.s.sion he could muster. But despite his best efforts, his ability to carry a tune approached horrifying and sounded like garesh.

Cadromel stopped the wolf before he could finish his song. "Mosley, please, torture me no longer."

Mosley stopped howling. "Is it truly so dreadful?"

"Yes, truly. However, I do appreciate the gesture." After a few moments of silence, the sphere began a song of its own. The fog filled with a glorious melody-a song capable of melting the heart of the most evil of beings.

The wolf could understand the lyrics as they rang true to his core. They spoke of loving someone so unconditionally that they became just as important as air was to breathing. They spoke of trials, and staying true to this love, treating this bond as unbreakable-cherished above all else-so it would stand the test of a neverending continuation of moments. They spoke of a promise of an everlasting eternity with this love in a heaven for a life well-lived.

By the end of Cadromel's last note, Mosley was left to clear the tears from his eyes with his front paw. His love for Luvera resurfaced as a result of the song's magic, and without his G.o.dly power to protect his heart, he was unable to hide from the pain. His wife's soul was stuck inside a book. She was not living a beautiful existence within a heaven as the ballad suggested, nor was she waiting for him to come to her as the lyrics promised.

"Why have you come, wolf?" Cadromel inquired in a rhythmical manner, after allowing Mosley the moments necessary to collect his emotions. "I see my song has touched you."

Fighting to push back the pain, the wolf forced a reply. "Thank you for your gift, Cadromel. It has been too long since you last sang to me. Your words reminded me of how beautiful my ... my wife..."

Mosley began to wail. He fell onto the bank that surrounded the pool and lifted his snout to the sky. He howled in an effort to release the burden of his agony.

Cadromel composed a melodic collection of words. "I know of your loss. My song was meant to be uplifting and spiritual. It was not meant to sadden your soul. I long to take your pain."

Again, Mosley fought back the heartache. "You're not at fault. The one who murdered my wife is the one who administered my pain. Kepler is responsible. You've done nothing to be sorry for."

The mentioning of Kepler's name gave Mosley renewed focus. It was as if a switch had been toggled. It gave the wolf's mind direction as he focused on his hatred for George and the demon-cat. He would now be able to speak with Cadromel without crying.

After shaking off the water that saturated his coat, Mosley spoke with a stronger voice. "I've come in search of magic's greater power. I need to know where I can find the secrets of the Swayne Enserad. Is there any place on Grayham where I can find them?"

The wisp floated back a few paces as if it was, somehow, caught off guard. A moment pa.s.sed before his melodious speech once again filled the mist. "Why would a being who claims to be a G.o.d seek the secrets of the Swayne Enserad? Do you not already command this power?"

"Vengeance," Mosley replied. "I seek vengeance. I've sacrificed what I had become to be what I need to be. I no longer possess the power of the G.o.ds."

Cadromel shimmered as a plethora of electrical charges ricocheted throughout his sphere. "To sacrifice one's G.o.dliness for the sake of vengeance seems impulsive. I cannot pretend to understand your reasons."

Mosley snorted. "My sacrifice was necessary. That is all I can say. Please, Cadromel, tell me ... can I find the secrets of the Swayne Enserad on Grayham?"

"No. You cannot. But there is a way to get to the catacombs of Morsarasala on Trollcom by finding the gate of Gormasala that lies hidden on Grayham. The journey to the catacombs is perilous. Beyond that, I have no knowledge of the catacombs, or where the swayne have hidden their secrets within them."

The wisp paused. "Are you prepared to journey to find the answer to my questions in exchange for the location of the gate?"

A strength appeared behind Mosley's eyes. "I'm more than ready to begin this journey. What would you have me do?"

The sphere began to spin at a remarkable velocity. Within the wisp's body, an image of the frozen lands of Northern Grayham appeared. Many moments pa.s.sed as the visions took the wolf on a flight across the tundra. It was not long before the vision took them beneath the ice and stopped inside a throne room that was made of the element.

The wisp began to sing. "You shall travel to the Kingdoms of the Ice Kings. Once there, you must seek out the Tear of Gramal's rightful owner. She can tell you the secret of the Tear. She has struggled to master the power of the crystal for more than 285 seasons. Further, you must stay with her until you witness Clandestiny call forth this power. I want to be told the tale of her transformation."

Mosley thought a moment. "What transformation?"

"You'll see, wolf. You'll see."

Mosley's furry brows narrowed. He reiterated the song's message. "To clarify, I must travel to the lands of the ice kings to find this Tear of Gramal's rightful owner who I a.s.sume is Clandestiny. Once I've found her, I am to witness her transformation. Once this has transpired, I am to return to you to relate the tale. Is this correct?"

The wisp lowered a portion of its sphere into the pool and stopped. "If you gather this information, I shall divulge the way to the gate." Cadromel submerged, and his light faded.

Mosley searched his mind. He found that he had no knowledge of Northern Grayham. Not only that, but his G.o.dly memories about the other worlds' topographies no longer existed. Other than his vast knowledge of Southern Grayham, the only thing he could remember about the other worlds' landscapes was what each Merchant Island looked like.

He now knew Gabriel was being cautious. Mosley sighed as he remembered one more thing that angered him. While living his life on Southern Grayham, he had never traveled beyond the northern sh.o.r.eline of Lake Latasef. He would not be able to teleport beyond this area. He would have to cross the plains of the giant cats by paw in order to get to the Isthmus of Change.

The Isthmus was the only way to get to the Kingdoms of the Ice Kings from Southern Grayham. He could only hope that he had the power necessary to survive a confrontation with the cats of the plains.

George and Athena's Home George placed a parchment on Athena's pillow for her to find when she awoke. She was exhausted and needed rest. He had taken the moments necessary to write a poem. It read: My Athena Your beauty is the sun, fiery and untouchable Your eyes are as the sea; graceful, undeniable Your voice is like a bird's, sweet and unrestrained Your smile is like diamante; shining, unadorned Your hands are more gentle than the softest breeze Your laugh is sweeter to the ears than the finest song Your embrace is warmer than a summer Peak Your hair more lovely than a rose in bloom Your eyes twinkle in the sun In the dark they are lit by your beauty within Your beauty sets your skin aglow Like flowers at midnight Sweeter than the finest music Your laughter fills the air Warmer than the sun I am caught in your loving embrace You are my light, my heart, my warmth, and my soul George walked out of the room and then took Payne by the hand. He led the fairy-demon to Susanne's house with Joshua cradled in his left arm. Payne was still fighting his new rules. He did not want anything to do with learning table manners, bathing, or wearing clothes, and since George was going to be gone for most of the Peak, the warlock wanted to leave Payne with someone who would see to it that Payne obeyed.

George felt confident that Susanne would keep Payne in his place. To keep the fairy-demon from burning anything, Brayson had selected another one of his potions to block Payne's ability to burst into flames.

All in all, Payne's fits were to be expected since he was so young. George was surprised that his patience for the demon-child's antics was more than sufficient to raise him.

After dropping Payne off, George called to Kepler who lay sleeping inside his lair. It was not long before Kepler appeared on top of the rocks. George waved his hand, and his saddle appeared on the jaguar's back. The cat's white fur contrasted against the black, gem-covered leather, and George's staff was secured to the side of the saddle.

Kepler jumped to the ground and then lowered to his belly. Once George had mounted, the jaguar rolled his head over his shoulder. "Is the baby secure?"

George nodded. With a wave of his hand, the warlock teleported the trio from Luvelles and appeared on Southern Grayham.

Kepler trotted up to the base of some extremely tall cliffs and studied his surroundings. "Where are we, George?"

"We're at the base of Griffin Cliffs, on the northeast side of the Temple of the G.o.ds." The warlock looked over his shoulder. "And that's the sh.o.r.e of the Blood Sea over there."

Without further conversation, George faced the cliffs and used his free hand to reach down and untie his staff from the saddle. He pointed it at the base of the cliffs and then shouted in the language of the Ancient Mystics. "Tormay consoladifo! Mejasimadoma ys ne tepa!"

The rock began to crack and rumble. The stone peeled away and created an opening that exposed a way inside. "Head on in, Kep," George instructed.

As Kepler walked into the mouth of the cave, George commanded the darkness to dissipate. A moment later, he used his staff to seal the opening. The rock once again began to rumble, but during this series of moments, it caused Joshua to stir. As the entrance of the cave finished sealing behind them, George quickly lodged his staff between his right leg and Kepler's body, and then he caressed the baby's head to soothe him back to sleep.

After appeasing his own desire to make sure the baby was comfortable, Kepler refocused on the path ahead. "Something isn't right with this place, George. I can sense it. This territory is dangerous."

George pulled his staff out from under his leg and then lowered it across the front of the saddle. He then reached forward and patted the demon-cat on the shoulder. "It's only dangerous if you continue down the path you see before you. But we're taking another route ... one that's less-traveled."

Before Kepler could respond, George began to whisper in the language of the Ancient Mystics. "Tormay jesolomondo mequa." The path ahead began to change. The walls of the cave pushed back and formed a perfect circle. At the center of this cavern, a platform rose from beneath the floor, and a yellow, shimmering portal appeared. The light that escaped from the gate illuminated the cavern, and the chill inside the mountain was replaced with a soothing warmth.

George smiled. "You know what to do, Kep."

The jaguar stepped up onto the platform and walked into the portal. The trio vanished. When they reappeared, they were standing in an orchard filled with trees covered with ripened fruit.

Kepler looked over his shoulder. The cat did not bother to speak. Instead, he looked inside George's mind for their location. The demon-cat's eyes widened. "Is this truly Ancients Sovereign?"

George nodded. "I know, this is freaking nuts, right? Can you believe it? It's beautiful."

"It's definitely a territory worth prowling," the jaguar replied. "I believe this domain is fit for a Master of the Hunt."

George grinned as he adjusted Joshua to a more comfortable position. "What else do you notice about this joint?"

Kepler looked around at the mountains beyond the orchard and then toward the sky. "Strange. There's no sun, but yet there's light. It's as if the light is beyond the sky, and it's soft enough that it doesn't hurt my eyes." The cat paused. "How can this be? What kind of magic is this, George?"

George laughed. "You're going to freak out when I tell you this. Ancients Sovereign sits at the center of the sun. Both of us are looking at a sky that exists within it. We're literally at the center of the star that warms the worlds." George looked around. "And if that's not freaky enough, we're in a flourishing orchard, and the mountains all around us still have snow on their peaks. Yet it doesn't even feel hot in here. Is this some crazy-a.s.s garesh, or what?"