Sam removed Kael from his sheath and commanded the blade to protect him from the four elements. "Then I'll just have to take my chances with Kael. I can rip this guy apart. I'm sure of it."

Shalee quickly handed Sam Junior to her handmaiden. "Don't you even think about going out there, Sam Goodrich!"

Before the king could respond, Marcus shouted. His voice filled the arena and captured everyone's attention. "Are you afraid to face me, brother? Do you fear me now that you've seen the depth of my magic?" The chancellor extended his arms level to the arena floor and pushed out his chest. "I've defeated two of the best our world offers! You're all that remains! Come and get me, brother!"

George turned. With a wave of his hand, he knocked Marcus across the arena.

The crowd laughed, but quieted as soon as Marcus sent a wall of flame toward the spectators nearest him. They lifted their arms in front of them and screamed as the firestorm approached.

The explosion hit George's protective field and sounded like thunder while the flames rolled along the barrier in front of the people before it dissipated. Shaken, it took a fair series of moments before the crowd regained the confidence to cheer again.

George faced Sam. "What an a.s.s Marcus is. If you go out there, he'll end you. You wouldn't stand a chance."

"Agreed," the Head Master responded. Without saying another word, Brayson teleported from the king's box and appeared on the arena floor. The people cheered as they antic.i.p.ated the next fight.

Marcus brushed the snow and sand off his robe. Seeing Brayson standing with his sword drawn, the Dark Chancellor lifted his own blessed blade to his mouth. He spoke to it in the language of the elves. "Enteula in' tampla."

The brothers ran toward each other. Sharpened steel once again filled the arena with its wicked sounds. Slices, lunges, spins, stabs, and sweeps were all used in a barrage of calculated movements to find the upper hand, all happening amidst a series of magical exchanges.

Many, many moments pa.s.sed before Brayson found the first opening. He kicked Marcus in the chest with his right boot.

Falling to the ground, the chancellor scrambled to his feet only to have the right hand of Brayson, filled with the b.u.t.t end of the Head Master's sword, club him upside the head.

Again, Marcus fell, but now he was unable to stand. He crawled forward on his knees.

Brayson's right boot found his brother's ribs. His kick was hard enough to lift Marcus off the arena floor.

Marcus' ribs cracked. The sound was heard by the people nearest the exchange. Again, their cheers filled the air.

Brayson moved in to finish the task, but Marcus managed to collect himself enough to lunge at his brother blade first. The attempt was blocked and followed with a left foot to the side of Marcus' face. The blow was so severe that the chancellor spun and fell flat on his stomach. The snow around Marcus' body billowed away from him when he hit the ground.

With Marcus' back to Brayson, the Head Master saw his opportunity to end the battle. He thrust his free hand forward to deliver a powerful storm of needles made of ice. The magic plowed into Marcus, but the result was not what Brayson expected. The Head Master's power was deflected, and Brayson became the target of his own magic.

Because of the velocity behind the spell, the moments were not available for Brayson to react. His magic impaled his chest, and the impact sent the Head Master flying across the arena where he crashed into the wall below the king's box. His head hit the stone, and then he fell to the ground in a heap.

As the ice needles began to melt beneath Brayson's skin, Marcus struggled to gather his wits. The Dark Chancellor crawled to the wall nearest him and used an iron hoop that had been attached to the wall to pull himself to his feet.

Marcus limped across the arena and stopped above his brother's unconscious form. He was thoroughly exhausted. Even the muscles in his face were hurting from the exchange. A shot of pain kept the chancellor from smiling as he tightened his grip on the handle of his blessed blade and prepared to deliver the final blow.

"My sword's special power is what saved me, brother," Marcus wheezed. "Not even you are strong enough to conquer it. You should've ended me with the point of your blade. You're so predictable. I could always count on you being the fool. Once I find a way to end George, I'll enjoy lighting the fire of your pa.s.sing."

Marcus paused as he watched his brother's blood flow out of the holes that the ice had left behind. He enjoyed how saturated Brayson's robe was becoming, and better yet, he enjoyed the wailing of Brayson's harlot who was begging for him to spare Brayson's life in the king's box above him.

Mary's cries could be heard throughout the arena. "Please! Spare him, My Lord!"

The chancellor's ears were deaf to Mary's pain. He scoffed, "Of all the men I've ended, brother, I shall enjoy delivering your demise the most. I'm going to rape your wh.o.r.e when I'm through with you."

Disappointed that Brayson had not heard a word he had said, Marcus lifted his sword with the intent to plunge it through his brother's chest. But before the chancellor's blade could begin its descent, Boyafed appeared behind Marcus, right next to Kepler who was still licking himself and had remained unconcerned with the battle.

The demon-jaguar looked up as the dark paladin vanished. When Boyafed reappeared, Kepler growled as the dark warrior stepped forward and thrust his blade with his good arm. The Order leader's sword penetrated the unsuspecting chancellor's back. It pierced Marcus' heart and emerged through the front of his robe. The Order leader then collapsed to the snow as Marcus looked down in disbelief at the blood covering the tip of the dark paladin's weapon. A few moments later, the Dark Chancellor also fell to the arena floor.

Seeing that Marcus had perished, George waved his hand. Brayson and Boyafed vanished and reappeared beneath the arena on tables inside the healers' vestry.

George could see the stress in Mary's eyes. He touched his mother-in-law on her shoulder. "Close your eyes." When they reappeared, they were standing next to Jaress who was hovering over Brayson's body with a bottle of Soresym's essence in his hand.

Jaress turned to face George to give a prognosis. "They'll live once the griffin's essence has been administered, but Dowd may never walk again."

George nodded and then left Mary at Brayson's side. When the prophet reappeared, he was standing inside the king's box.

Athena was the first to speak. "Are they okay?"

"Brayson and Boyafed will be fine in a Peak or two, but it'll be a while before we know if Dowd will ever walk again."

Shalee gasped. "That's awful." The queen stepped to the front of the royal box and spit in the direction of Marcus' corpse.

George grinned as he turned to look at Sam. "The final threat to your kingdom has been eliminated. My family is going to need a place to stay for a few Peaks while everyone recovers. Mary is going to need her daughters to stay with her while Brayson heals. She's a mess."

Shalee was the one to respond. "I'll have rooms a.s.signed for everyone in the castle. You can stay as long as you like. I'll a.s.sign some ladies to help with the babies."

"Thank you, Shalee," George replied. The warlock reclaimed Sam's eyes. "Dispose of Marcus' body however you want. But I don't think he deserves a Pa.s.sing Ceremony."

"You can say that again," the king concluded.

The prophet faced Gregory. "Brayson will be alright. I need your head in the game, because we've got a lot of work to do tomorrow. We'll be gone for most of the Peak, but you'll have the moments to check on Brayson in the morning before we head out. Make sure you get a good night's sleep."

Gregory acknowledged the prophet's command. The White Chancellor took baby Garrin from Susanne and then touched her on the arm. The elf vanished with them and appeared inside the healers' vestry to check on his brother.

Sam placed a hand on George's shoulder. "You've proven that you're a changed man. Let's make sure the people know it." The king led George to the front of the royal box and lifted the prophet's hand skyward. As soon as the mob saw their arms lift, they celebrated. Many of them shouted their praises to Lasidious while others chanted, "Prophet! Prophet! Prophet!"

As Sam enjoyed the wave of energy that was flowing from the crowd, he affirmed, "I'll do whatever I can to help you spread Lasidious' word. You've earned my trust, George. I feel like I can believe everything you say now."

"And so do I," Shalee added. The queen stepped forward, pulled George and Sam into her embrace and then gave them a big hug.

George motioned for Athena to join them with Joshua. When the embrace was broken, they all faced the crowd and lifted their hands skyward while the handmaiden handed Shalee Sam Junior. As the cheers of the mob filled the air, George spoke to the queen, "Once things settle down around here, I'll take you to look into the Eye of Magic. For now, let's take the moments to get a sense of where our lives are headed. We should set the groundwork for peace and ensure that our families are taken care of before you go back to Luvelles."

Shalee smiled. "Sounds like a plan to me."

"Then it's settled," George replied. "Everyone close your eyes and touch one another." The warlock teleported with the group into the healers' vestry. After they vanished, the mob cheered again.

Meanwhile, Ancients Sovereign Lasidious and Celestria's Home Lasidious threw a candle that was made of red wax into the fireplace. "I hate that troll!" he shouted while he continued to storm around the table. "How dare that piece of garesh speak to me that way! To me ... of all the G.o.ds ... he should fear me the most! I'm going to torture that troll's mind! I'll make it my mission to make him suffer! Kesdelain's soul will find the inside of the Book's pages by the moment I'm finished with him!"

Most everything Celestria had done to accent their home had been ripped from its normal resting spot and thrown in every direction. Lasidious had not taken a moment to rest since Gabriel's announcement the Peak before.

Alistar and Celestria sat at the table without saying a word and waited for Lasidious to calm himself. It was not until after Late Bailem, and a full Peak of continuous shouting, that the Mischievous One stopped.

Lasidious took a long, deep breath and then plopped into the chair next to Celestria across from Alistar. The Mischievous One spoke as if nothing was ever wrong, as if he had never thrown a fit. "It appears a new plan is in order ... don't you think?"

Alistar responded with a sly smile. "Only if you're finished."

Lasidious looked at the mess he made. "I suppose I am."

"Good," Celestria responded. The G.o.ddess went to work. She waved her hand across the room. The mess was replaced with fresh decor. New place settings appeared on the table along with vases filled with fresh flora. The stains on the throw rug beneath the table vanished, and a new chair to replace the one Lasidious broke apart and tossed into the fire also appeared. Even the tapestries the Mischievous One had taken a knife to mended.

Seeing that everything was in order, Alistar summoned three cold mugs of ale and then looked at Lasidious. "I have a concern that does not involve the troll. My concern is Sharvesa."

Lasidious shook his head. "Sharvesa? Why would the demon be a problem?"

Celestria pushed her hair clear of her face. "Sharvesa is Payne's mother. What will happen when she finds out her son is being cared for by a human and not Defondel? Worse still, what will happen when she realizes this human is your prophet? And even worse yet, what will happen when she realizes her son no longer has a soul? I know she respects you, but does she respect you enough to forgive this much?"

Lasidious thought a moment. "Even if Sharvesa doesn't want Payne to stay with George, how could she possibly find out that Payne no longer has a soul? The fairy-demon has served his purpose, and Kepler has his power just as I antic.i.p.ated he would. Besides, I don't believe Sharvesa truly cares for the fairy-demon. And if she does, the worst that could happen is that she might force Payne to live away from George. The fairy-demon's absence won't change George's desire to get his daughter's soul out of the Book."

Alistar stood from the table and leaned toward Lasidious. "I don't think you're seeing the full picture, brother. Payne has become much more to George than just a fairy-demon."

Alistar took a drink of his ale. "Haven't you seen how George and Athena treat Payne? They make him take baths, wear clothes, and George created a high chair for him. The family treats Payne as if he is one of their own. They gave him his own room, and even Kepler has accepted his role in protecting him. Payne is part of their family now."

Alistar reclaimed his chair. "Granted, the relationship the family has with the fairy-demon is odd, but it's strong. George has become attached, and despite our failure to understand this attachment, George will remain loyal to Payne no matter what."

"I agree with Alistar," Celestria added. The G.o.ddess put a hand on Lasidious' knee. "Do you remember what George told you? He said he would sacrifice retrieving his daughter's soul to protect his family. This means, he'd do the same for Payne."

"She's right." Alistar summoned a bowl of fruit. He continued to speak as he peeled a banana. "If Sharvesa was to take Payne away from the family, who knows how George would react? This whole pet prophet plan of ours could backfire. We should keep Sharvesa away from the family."

A long period of silence pa.s.sed before Lasidious stood from the table. An angry look appeared on the Mischievous One's face as he grabbed the bowl of fruit and threw it across the room. It hit the wall with such force that chunks were sent flying in all directions. "d.a.m.n that Book! We were so close to having everything!" The Mischievous One's temper took over as pieces of furniture began to fly.

Western Luvelles The Camp of the White Army The Next Peak, the Peak of Bailem George and Gregory appeared at the center of the white army's camp, just outside the tent that housed the Argont Commander. They lowered a heavy chest to the ground and waited for Krasous to exit.

Once the paladin was standing in front of them, Gregory started the conversation. "Krasous, I'd like you to meet the Prophet of Lasidious. He has seen to it that there will be no war fought on the fields of Olis. Your men can go home to their families."

The Argont Commander lowered his head to symbolize his respect. "Forgive me, Prophet, if I don't comply. I serve the G.o.ds of the white army. I'm sure you're a great man to carry such a t.i.tle, but I know nothing of your G.o.d. I fail to see why your lord would bother himself with a war whose combatants don't speak his name in their prayers."

George nodded to validate the commander's point before he responded. "When Lord Dowd returns, I'm sure you'll feel differently. For now, I give you my word that you can break camp. Allow your men to return to their families."

Krasous' brow furrowed. "If it's all the same to you, I shall keep my men in place until Dowd gives the order."

Gregory responded. "Lord Dowd is on Grayham, recovering in the city of Brandor. Dowd fought side-by-side with Lord Methelborn to put an end to the instigator of our conflict here on Luvelles."

Krasous stroked his chin. "Why would Dowd fight alongside the dark lord ... and on Grayham, no less? The Order is our sworn enemy."

Gregory nodded. "I'll allow Lord Dowd to explain why. Your men owe him their lives for his sacrifice. He may never walk again. He intends to profess his loyalty to Lasidious upon his return."

George jumped back into the conversation, "Order your men to go home." The warlock reached down and patted the top of the chest. "Give each of them two of these for their service."

George waved his hand and the lid opened. The chest was full of Yaloom. "This is a gift from Lasidious. He wants your men to know prosperity. When the moment is right, I'll return to share his message of love, peace and unity with your legions." George placed his hand on Gregory's shoulder. They vanished, leaving Krasous standing in the snow staring at the chest full of wealth.

When George and Gregory reappeared, they were at the center of the camp of the Order. It was sleeting and the air felt colder than it did at the white army's camp. With a similar speech and a second chest full of coin, Christopher was given a parchment that contained an order from Boyafed to send his men home to their families. Further, the mercenaries were to be paid far greater than they were promised.

To ensure there was no conflict, George personally met with Tygrus. The prophet explained that peace was coming to Luvelles, and Tygrus' mercenaries would no longer be allowed to be compensated for hurting others. The prophet also suggested that the mercenaries find new employment and become productive members of society.

George and Gregory also left Tygrus standing in the cold with a third and final chest.

CHAPTER 30.

A Cracked Gem.

Southern Grayham.

The Isthmus of Change.

5 Peaks have Pa.s.sed, Late Bailem.

MOSLEY STOOD WITH THE ORMESH, RASH, AND HIS FELINE COMPANIONS at the edge of the continent of Southern Grayham. The group looked north across the Isthmus of Change which extended beyond the horizon. The night terror wolf knew there would be many perils ahead. Never had the Wisp of Song given any being a journey that was free from tragedy.

Mosley also knew that his sabertooth escorts might not be enough protection to survive the frigid lands of the Ice Kings. Despite this fear, north was the answer to the wisp's question, and this was the only way Mosley would acquire the knowledge the sphere was after. The wolf had to be willing to put his feline companions at risk-and he was-after all, they were just cats. He had to find the gate that would take him to the catacombs holding the secrets of the Swayne Enserad in order to have his vengeance on George.

Across the Worlds Governed.

by the Crystal Moon.

130 Peaks of Bailem Have Pa.s.sed.

Now, fellow soul ... much happened over that 130 Peaks. The worlds were put into stasis by the G.o.ds, and a new dragon was created. All worlds were given a moon or moons.

All Yaloom coins were replaced with a currency that bore Lasidious' image, and any reference to Yaloom's existence was erased from all literature throughout the worlds. Though the Lasidious coins looked newer than the other, much older coins, the people on the worlds did not realize a change had occurred. The value of the Lasidious coin was the same value as its predecessor, and commerce went on as usual.

The literature on the worlds was also adjusted to add Sharvesa and Kesdelain. The mind of every being was altered, and when stasis was lifted, they had been left with the memories that Sharvesa and Kesdelain had always been exalted.

Peace settled across Southern Grayham, Harvestom, and Luvelles. Alistar, the G.o.d of the Harvest, visited George and gave the warlock news of the return of the Crystal Moon to the Temple of the G.o.ds. George delivered this knowledge to Sam and Shalee, telling the monarchs that Lasidious forced Mieonus to return the crystal's pieces. Because of this, the threat to the worlds was over, and the king and queen could focus on creating a better way of life for their kingdom.

Lasidious made many appearances to the beings on Southern Grayham to deliver his life-changing message of peace, love and unity. The Mischievous One became known to most everyone across the lands of Southern Grayham as a generous deity.

Lasidious reopened the doors to the temple and allowed the beings on Grayham to return to the plateau that rested high atop Griffin Falls. Since that Peak, many prayers were uttered, worshipping the Mischievous One's name.

Many of the barbarians had also begun to pray to Lasidious after seeing the generosity of the reformed Senate. The same race who once hated the swine living in Brandor now approved of their new king. They understood that it was because of Sam's vision that all barbarians were better able to thrive.

For the scattered sects of barbarians who rebelled, George had them corralled in secrecy. The warlock then teleported these groups inside the Mountains of Oraness on Luvelles. With the Source living on the new dragon world, George took advantage of the Ancient One's absence.

With the rest of the Collective unable to watch because of the power surrounding the Source's old home, the warlock put Maldwin to work. The rat was asked to use his visions to implant a message of peace in the dissenting barbarians' minds. By the moment George teleported each group back to their homeworld, the barbarians no longer felt the need to rebel.

More than 925,000 souls began praying to Lasidious on Southern Grayham, and since the Peak of that estimation, the number continued to rise.

Now, fellow soul ... there were also many happenings on Luvelles. Once healed, Boyafed returned to the city of Marcus and a.s.sumed his new position as Chancellor of Dark Magic. He made many changes in the way the dark arts were to be employed. He declared that the army would no longer be called the Order. Instead, their name would be changed to the elven phrase, Brugol Thelion, which meant, strength.

Christopher was promoted from his position as Argont Commander to the new leader of the army once he accepted Lasidious as his new lord. Christopher was ordered by Boyafed to change the army's policies. They would no longer govern the lands of Hyperia by force. Because of this, many rules were implemented to ensure there were peaceful resolutions to the kingdom's problems.