Meanwhile, Ancients Sovereign The Hall of Judgment Gabriel lowered his binding to the top of the large, marble table within his hall and waited for the G.o.ds to arrive. The moment had come to deliver some news of his own. The deities the Book had chosen to replace Yaloom and Mosley would be introduced, and Gabriel had sent a message filled with intrigue in order to persuade the Mischievous One to attend.

One by one, the G.o.ds made their appearance, and as always, Keylom's hooves clapped against the floor as they waited for the fashionably late Lasidious and Celestria to arrive.

Eventually, the Mischievous One appeared with the G.o.ddess of Beasts at his side. Celestria was wearing a bright-red gown that hung low across her bosom. Her hair was pinned up to expose her gem-covered neck and dangling earrings. She was radiant and greeted everyone with a genuine smile.

Once the Collective was settled, Gabriel rose from the table. "As we all know, Yaloom failed to name his replacement. Because of this failure, our laws command me to choose for him."

Gabriel floated to a position that was directly above the center of the table. "There is also another matter that I wish to discuss." Gabriel took a deep breath. "Mosley has broken the Collective's laws. He has been stripped of his right to remain on Ancients Sovereign, and he must also be replaced."

Lasidious was the first to react as he stood from his chair. "What could the wolf have possibly done? He is too smart for that."

Keylom responded, thumping a heavy hoof on the floor to get everyone's attention. "Mosley attacked me. We had a confrontation, and he failed to control his anger. Gabriel had no choice but to strip the wolf of his immortality."

The others began to shout questions as Lasidious lowered into his chair. The Mischievous One looked at Celestria. "Too bad. Mosley was my favorite. I wonder what would've caused him to do something so drastic?"

Celestria responded. "Perhaps his reasoning was not drastic at all. Perhaps it was for other reasons that we simply don't know, reasons we could discover if we were to find him. He wasn't stupid."

Gabriel floated over to the couple. "You're right. The wolf wasn't stupid. He broke the law intentionally. He used Keylom as a way to regain his mortality.

"You may not have realized it, but Mosley didn't enjoy the games the G.o.ds play. That was his reason for choosing a mortal life. His final request was that I place him on Trollcom, but the reason why remained his own."

Alistar lifted from his seat. "Forget the wolf, Gabriel. I want to know why you waited until now to choose Yaloom's replacement. You could've chosen this being much sooner."

"That's a great point," Mieonus added as she pushed her brunette hair clear of her face.

Bailem stood and adjusted his robe as he always did. "Get on with the announcement, Gabriel. I don't have all Peak."

The Book moved clear of the table and hovered at the far side of the hall. He motioned for the demon queen, Sharvesa, to enter.

Everyone in the room gasped.

Lasidious looked at Alistar and then at Celestria. The Book's decision to promote the demon queen to G.o.dhood would hurt their plans on many levels.

After Sharvesa addressed the Collective, she looked at Lasidious and spoke in the language of the demons. A rough translation was, "With respect to your greatness, My Lord." She hesitated. "Perhaps I should address you in a less formal manner, now that I've ascended. It's good to see you."

Sharvesa thought a moment. She reconsidered her position and then decided to stay with what she knew best. "My Lord. The demon council has met. All demons will worship me as soon as my daughter, Charansay, has succeeded me as queen. However, I would like you to know that I enjoyed serving you while I was on Dragonia. I'm sure you can understand my desire to be the object of their affection."

Everyone in the room watched to see what Lasidious' reaction would be, but the Mischievous One refused to give Gabriel the satisfaction. Since he respected the demon queen for her tact, he stood from his chair and smiled. "You shall make a fine G.o.ddess, Sharvesa. I will be sure to compliment Gabriel on his choice, and I welcome you to the Collective." Lasidious turned and found the Book's eyes. "She is worthy of replacing the wolf. Who's next?"

Gabriel's heavy brows narrowed as he studied the Mischievous One's countenance. He was unsure how to interpret Lasidious' reaction. After a moment, he shook off his confusion and motioned for the other being to enter.

As the Troll King of Trollcom, Kesdelain, entered, the room once again filled with gasps, but during this series of moments, Lasidious had to fight back his emotions to keep a straight face.

The troll had cleaned his black dreads for the occasion, and the dirt from his cavernous throne room had been washed off of his vibrant orange and black skin. Kesdelain appeared confident and ready to meet the Collective.

Alistar and Celestria also felt the threat of the Book's choice. They, too, had to work to keep their anger hidden while they waited for Lasidious to address the troll.

Now, fellow soul ... I must interject. Between the demon queen and the troll king, the loss of worshippers serving Lasidious drastically effected the Mischievous One's plan to control the Book and significantly reduced his power. That meeting of the G.o.ds was not one of the finest series of moments for the Mischievous One. Lasidious felt he was so close to seizing control, and by the end of the meeting, he knew he was far away.

Even though the centaurs on Harvestom, the beings on Southern Grayham, and the elves and the halflings on Luvelles were all questioning their faith, Gabriel's choices to replace Yaloom and Mosley kept the Mischievous One from attaining absolute power. Celestria, Alistar, and Lasidious would leave that meeting believing that they needed to work harder to find replacement followers to accomplish their goals.

Lasidious put on a smile as he spoke to the troll king. "So ... Gabriel has made you the new G.o.d of Greed, Kesdelain. I doubt you possess the fort.i.tude to handle a duty of this magnitude." The Mischievous One looked at the Book. "I would've expected a wiser decision from you, Gabriel."

The troll responded in his own language before the Book could rebut. "I have despised you for too many seasons, Lasidious. And to think I was foolish enough to believe your charade in my throne room. I shall lay claim to the prayers of every troll and enjoy watching you lose the power they provided. It feels good to crawl out from under the burden you held over me. It's my turn to reign."

Lasidious moved close and stood face-to-face with Kesdelain. "I wouldn't be so quick to glorify yourself. You aren't nearly as clever as those I've manipulated into throwing away their immortality. I've made much smarter minds than yours crack."

Alistar stood and added, "Kesdelain, Lasidious speaks the truth. He will tear at your mind until you make a mistake. I would tread with caution if I was you."

Mieonus shouted across the table at Alistar. "You act as if you're on Lasidious' side! Why do you care if he tortures the troll?"

With a calm demeanor, Alistar responded. "Because we need Kesdelain. Without him, Lasidious will convince the trolls to continue worshipping him. Must I explain a concept as simple as this to you, Mieonus? Does every detail need to be drawn out for you as it would be for a child? Perhaps you should spare us your babbling. Sit down and salvage what is left of our misplaced perception of your intelligence."

Celestria laughed as she watched Mieonus sit in a huff. She stood from her chair and sauntered toward Kesdelain. "Do you really know what you've gotten yourself into? You won't last a season before Lasidious convinces you to destroy yourself. Be careful whom you disrespect from now on. I pity you."

Gabriel decided he had enough. "There shall be no more discussion within my hall. Everyone leave."

Lasidious decided to take a new approach. He moved to stand before Gabriel. "What will you do if we don't, Book? Will you sacrifice yourself to shut me up? Will you allow the laws within your pages to destroy you if I continue to torture the troll's mind?"

The Mischievous One leaned in until his breath could be felt on Gabriel's binding. "I dare you to destroy me. Allow your hatred to employ you to do something so foolish. Do you really think I haven't prepared a way to survive if you strike me down? Do you truly think your decisions will stop me from controlling you?" Lasidious raised his voice. "Go ahead! Strike me down! Or are you afraid, Book?"

The hall went silent as they waited to see what Gabriel would do.

Many long moments went by before Lasidious made a scoffing sound. "As it is with all the G.o.ds, even you speak with words filled with empty threats."

Lasidious moved to stand before the troll. "Make no mistake, Kesdelain. I will find a way to destroy you. Your Peaks are numbered. Ask anyone in this room. Celestria was right. You won't last a season."

Lasidious turned his attention to the demon queen. "Sharvesa ... as always, it was nice seeing you again. It is a pleasure to have someone so brilliant living on Ancients Sovereign. When you are ready to choose a home, find me. There are places beyond the horizon to the south that I'm sure you'd enjoy."

Lasidious turned to face the Collective. He spoke with a calm voice. "I'm sure this has been entertaining for you to watch. I bid you good night." He looked over his shoulder and found Gabriel's eyes. "I shall speak with you later ... Book!" After grabbing Celestria's hand, Lasidious teleported.

Gabriel floated toward the table and lowered his binding onto it. "Have I made poor choices?" he said for all to hear. "Perhaps I've awakened a sleeping giant."

Alistar looked at Gabriel. "I'm not sure what to think." He looked at Kesdelain. "If I were you, I'd look for a way to find favor with Lasidious. I pity you." Alistar vanished.

Hosseff stood from his chair and also vanished, leaving a wispy laugh echoing throughout the hall.

Mieonus moved to stand before the two new G.o.ds. "I wouldn't worry about Lasidious. You can always seek my counsel if you need anything."

Sharvesa laughed and then the demon queen disappeared.

Mieonus hid her irritation with Sharvesa as she faced Kesdelain. "And what do you have to say on the matter?"

Kesdelain sighed. "To befriend you would serve no purpose." The troll teleported from the hall.

Mieonus stomped her high heels on the marble. "d.a.m.n them!" When she turned around, the only one left in the room was the Book. "I think you made fine choices, Gabriel. This will set Lasidious back in his planning. He never saw it coming. You quite possibly saved us all."

Without responding, the Book vanished.

Another high heel found the floor. "d.a.m.n, d.a.m.n, d.a.m.n!" the G.o.ddess of Hate screamed.

CHAPTER 29.

Brother vs. Brother Southern Grayham The King's Dining Hall Just After Late Bailem THE DINNER CELEBRATING SAM JUNIOR'S RESURRECTION was delicious. Shalee had worked with the chef to prepare a delectable meal while the king cared for their son. Sam learned that his skills as a warrior paled in comparison to the skill required to change an infant's diaper-especially one made of cloth.

Sam invited the heads of the legions, the members of the Senate who lived in the city, and a number of other families Shalee had befriended since becoming queen, to attend. With George's family, Lord Dowd, and Boyafed, 187 people were sitting around a ma.s.sive table that sat in a dining hall which stretched more than 100 paces and spanned a width of 35. Everyone was enjoying each other's company.

During many moments over dinner, Sam made it a point to show George his grat.i.tude for bringing the nasha. Mary, Athena, Susanne, and Shalee spent their moments discussing the features of the babies. Sam Junior had the hair of his father and the eyes of his mother while Joshua was showing signs of George's chin and nose. Yet Susanne and Mary struggled to find any resemblance to Susanne in Garrin. Seeing this, George convinced Boyafed that the baby's features resembled Dayden's. Hearing Boyafed's confirmation, Susanne's anxiety subsided.

Lord Dowd and Boyafed shared stories of Luvelles' past with the members of Sam's military and the Senate.

George watched as Payne sat next to Athena in his high chair, a chair the warlock had used his power to create, one that took into account the fairy-demon's wings. He had also used his power on the buckle to ensure Payne could not get loose.

Kepler also mingled. He had a large pile of rare meat stacked in the corner. On occasion, he strolled over to take a bite, and then he returned to his conversation. The jaguar was interested in the stories Dowd and Boyafed were telling. The demon-cat still did not know that Sam had ended his brother, Koffler, and Sam had ordered that this information never be revealed.

Maldwin decided to take up his own place of comfort on the floor beneath George's chair. He was in his own rat heaven. The rodent's nose twitched as he savored a selections of cheeses that Shalee had requested from the chef once she realized the rodent was present.

George reveled inside as he watched his plan come together. He waited until after dessert to speak with everyone in the room. The night was productive.

Southern Grayham The Cat Plains After teleporting just north of the sh.o.r.eline of Lake Latasef, Mosley began his journey around the Cat Plains. The wolf knew that to venture directly through the plains would surely bring his own demise.

The weather on Southern Grayham was changing throughout the Peak, and it had been snowing. It was ankle-deep, and though Mosley was able to warm himself through the use of his magic, he was still unsure as to what the extent of his power was as a mortal.

To rid himself of his uneasiness, the wolf had been casting many spells along the way to define his limitations. He could still command smaller uses of fire, ice, water, and he could even order the earth to do many small, useful things. But he soon realized in an abrupt manner that his power was not strong enough to summon even the most minor of earth elementals. After Mosley failed to bring forth the creature, magic punished him. It threw the wolf more than 13 paces, and when Mosley landed, he tumbled through the tall, wispy gra.s.s of the plains. His punishment was not without injury. Though he had somehow avoided breaking a bone, the right side of his body and his left, rear haunch were severely bruised.

But there was an upside to the wolf's failure. He did not need to use words to command his magic-a benefit Mosley believed the Book of Immortality must have chosen to leave with him. The downside, the wolf now knew his skills were equal to that of a weak mage, and that made him nervous-extremely nervous-considering the area he was attempting to skirt.

Mosley knew the cats of the plains hunted in prides, similar to the way he had hunted with his father and his brothers when he was a pup. On many occasions, his father, Arus, allowed him to tag along while his father observed. He could still remember his first outing with them...

A young Mosley, not even a season old, was standing beside his father, waiting for his brothers to chase a horned rabbit through a ditch. Mosley's father had whispered something special to him that Peak. "When the rabbit rounds the bend, you'll be the only thing standing between its freedom and becoming our meal. On this Peak, my son, you shall become a night terror wolf, and I will no longer allow the others to call you pup."

Mosley smiled as he remembered what happened next. His brothers funneled the animal into the ditch where he was standing at the opposite end. The sides of the ditch were steep, and the only way for the rabbit to free itself was to fight past him. With Arus standing at the top of the embankment looking down, he was anxiously waiting for Mosley to face their meal head-on.

As planned, the rabbit rounded the bend. Seeing Mosley in front of him, the beast lowered its horns. Mosley crouched like his father had taught him and prepared to tackle his prey, but unfortunately, the rabbit proved to be too much to handle. Mosley was run over by the rabbit, and immediately after, his seven brothers paws trampled him as they continued to give chase.

Arus jumped into the ditch and moved to stand over his cub. Mosley remembered the grin on his father's face. "Now that you're a wolf and no longer a pup, my boy, perhaps you should pick yourself up and help your brothers catch our meal. Make the pack proud. Go get him, son!"

Arus was a warm-hearted soul, and he always knew the right thing to say. On that Peak, he grabbed the back of Mosley's neck and lifted him to his paws. He then rushed off with Mosley to bring down the oversized, horned rabbit. What Mosley remembered most about his father was that Arus always had a way of making him feel so much bigger than he was during his seasons as a cub.

As the sun disappeared below the horizon, Mosley was forced to stop thinking about the past. His senses warned him of danger. He was being watched by something hidden in the darkness, but by how many sets of eyes, he did not know.

Taking a quick glance at the river to his left, he evaluated his situation. He had been following the river north from Lake Latasef to avoid being surrounded by the cats of the plains. He knew these felines hated water, and if he had to, he could jump into the river to avoid being attacked. But the current was swift, and he did not know if he would be able to swim back to sh.o.r.e once the current grabbed hold of his body.

With his back to the river, he used his magic to create fires to his left and right to protect his flanks. A group of bushes on either side burst into flames, and the magic fought the snow that covered their limbs and refused to be extinguished.

As Mosley's green eyes looked into the darkness covering the plains, the hiss of the fire reminded the wolf of George's deceptions. A few moments later, an idea popped into Mosley's head. He would be as cunning as George would be in this situation. He decided to call out to the beings stalking him.

Mosley shouted in the dominant language spoken by most all cats who roamed the plains-the language of the sabertooth. When translated, his deep-throated growls meant, "I've come by order of Lord Kepler! Show yourselves!"

Upon hearing no response, Mosley growled in a deeper tone, "I've come by order of Lord Kepler! Show yourselves!"

Mosley could hear the snarls of the figures hidden in the darkness. They sounded confused.

Again, Mosley growled, "I've come by order of Lord Kepler! I require an escort through the plains! I travel with an order given by your lord for five of your strongest to travel with me into the lands of the ice kings! I demand that you serve me as you would your lord!"

When no response was uttered, Mosley barked, "Show yourselves, so I may tell Kepler of your loyalty! Your lord has promised a reward for those who are brave enough to act as my guard!"

An enormous figure stepped out from behind a large mound of brush. His top two, prominent fangs were long and sharp like most sabertooths, and they reflected the light of the fire like beacons. The color of the beast's fur appeared as shades of gray until he was close enough for the fire to define their hues. Mosley took note of the browns, yellows, and blacks that covered his form while the cat's eyes also reflected the firelight. The saber lord's heavy paws were larger than Mosley's head, and they left imprints in the snow.

The saber spoke in powerful voice, "Why would Lord Kepler want us to travel the territories of the north with a wolf? What's your relationship with him to command our escort?"

Mosley took a deep breath. He looked at the base of the cat's paws. Without saying a word, he commanded the snow around them to melt while he spared the cat the intensity of the heat. The water hissed as it evaporated, causing the sabertooth to leap backward from the wolf.

Seeing the fear in the cat's eyes, Mosley took advantage of the weakness. "Perhaps Kepler fears my power. Do you mean to deny me the company of your warriors and risk the wrath of your lord? When I tell him of your refusal to cooperate, he will tear you apart for your disobedience."

The saber snorted as he lifted his head into the night. A deafening roar covered a vast area before he lowered his head and allowed his yellow eyes to find the wolf's. "I am called Rash. I'm the Ormesh of my clan. We shall need to pa.s.s my lair to collect the others as you've requested. I will do as Kepler has commanded, but you will not be allowed to speak with them until I deem you trustworthy. If my terms do not work for you, then say so now so that I may be on my way."

Mosley walked onto the patch of earth where the snow had melted and stood with his chest out. He lifted his head to find the saber's eyes that were a good pace and a half above his own. "You may call me Mosley. Your terms are acceptable, Lord Rash. Your reward upon our return will be grand."

A moment later, seven other cats emerged from the darkness. Rash growled, "Upon our return, wolf, you must agree to never speak of our journey. I cannot have my subjects learning of this disgrace."

Mosley felt miniscule as he watched the Ormesh's cats surround him. "I feel the same way. No wolf would be fond of hearing such a story."

Rash nodded and then ordered, "Follow me, wolf. My lair is close by."

Western Luvelles 6 Peaks East of the Battlegrounds of Olis The white army had set up camp. Their orders: stop marching, and hold tight until word was received from Lord Dowd to proceed.

Strongbear ordered the goswigs to set up their own section of camp to maintain a sense of community. Unfortunately, there was a problem that no one knew how to fix. Winter had slapped Strongbear upside the head, and it was causing the brown bear to yawn continuously. Eventually, the bear lay down in his tent and fell into a deep sleep and began to snore.

Strongbear's snoring was so loud that the Wraith Hound Prince, Wisslewine, entered the goswigs' camp and made a threat to devour the bear if he did not shut up.

Gage and Gallrum discussed their options. No matter how frustrated they were with Strongbear, they did not want the wraith to end him. Eventually, the decision was made to teleport the goswig back to his cave. When the deed was done, Gage looked at Strongbear's rounded belly after they removed his armor. With the a.s.sistance of Gallrum, the badger covered Strongbear with four of his own homemade blankets and then patted his belly with his claw on its peak.

Smiling, the badger turned to the serwin. "Well, we may not be with him once we teleport any longer... but we're certainly not against him." Both goswigs chuckled before they vanished.

Later that night, it was discovered that sleep was still going to be impossible for everyone to attain. The leader of the giants, Grosalom, had a nasty snoring habit of his own. When Wisslewine went to investigate, the wraith hound took one look at the giant's size and then contemplated biting Grosalom on his heel. A moment later, the wraith shook his head and growled, "I should've stayed in the Under Eye. Dowd better reward me handsomely." Before Wisselwine returned to his pack, he lifted his hind leg and p.i.s.sed on the giant's heel to make himself feel better.

Southern Grayham Brandor's Castle Later that Same Night George decided the proper moment had come to address everyone present. He stood from his chair. After clearing a spot in front of him, he stepped up onto the top of the ma.s.sive dining table and announced, "I want to thank everyone for coming to celebrate the gifts that Lasidious has given to this United Kingdom of Southern Grayham. We all know the beings of this great empire have seen too much sorrow, and too many lives have been lost."

George looked down at Sam who had leaned back in his chair and was holding Sam Junior on his lap. "Lasidious has promised to replace your subjects' sorrow with peace, love, unity, and above that ... prosperity." The warlock pointed at Sam Junior. "Look at your son, King of Brandor. An example of Lasidious' promise is sitting on your lap. All of us can gaze upon the blessing that Lasidious has given to you.

"Sam Junior's life is one of many gifts that my lord will bestow upon this kingdom. An everlasting peace will be delivered before the end of the Peak tomorrow. The final threat to Brandor is making his way to the city. He will walk through the gates with malice in his heart, and he plans to end your reign as king."