Brayson was waiting at his table when his invisible door opened. "h.e.l.lo, brother," Marcus said as he moved across the room, the smoke from his pipe trailing behind him. "I see you're still living inside this miserable mound of rocks. I'll never understand why you insist on such a simple existence."

The Head Master smirked. "There are many things that you'll never understand, Marcus. You spend too many of your moments focused on trivial matters. I much prefer my 'simple existence' over the misery that looms above your city."

Marcus leaned over the table and lowered his pipe as his long hair fell forward. His brown eyes were filled with disgust. "How typical! You'll never change. You think you're better than me."

"No ... not better ... just more pleasant." Brayson's smirk transformed into a smile.

Before anything else could be said, Gregory entered. "Gentlemen, how are we today?" He vanished, only to reappear in the seat next to Brayson.

Marcus grunted and then took the seat across from them.

Brayson leaned back in his chair. "I'm well, Gregory, and yourself?"

"Busy. I've been working on a set of plans to build a bridge across Lake Lavan. It will connect the sh.o.r.es of Inspiration to the sh.o.r.es of Lavan. The king and I have been working on this idea for more than a season now. We're about ready to break ground."

"You're pathetic!" Marcus snapped. "Why do you feel the need to connect your precious city to an area filled with weak minds? Why share it with a people who can't command even the simplest uses of magic?"

Gregory shook his head. "They can command magic, brother. You underestimate them. It's just not as strong as ours."

Marcus grunted. "Still ... they're beneath you, Gregory. They're mere halflings. Why do you a.s.sociate with those of impure blood?"

Brayson rolled his eyes. "You'll never get it. It's hard to believe we shared the same father. How you ever became so angry, I'll never know."

Marcus wanted to curse Brayson. But to do so would only hurt his future plans.

Brayson studied Marcus' countenance for a moment before he spoke again. "You asked for this meeting. Why are we here? I don't have all Peak, so get on with it."

Lasidious and Celestria are inside their home beneath the Peaks of Angels on the hidden G.o.d world, Ancients Sovereign. They are discussing the next part of their plan. The moment to call for a meeting of the G.o.ds is at hand. The next piece of the Crystal Moon will be hidden.

Brayson, Gregory and Marcus are still inside Brayson's home. The conversation has become heated, and from the looks of things, it may prove to be a useless gathering.

Payne is with Kepler. George has requested they talk. Although reluctant, Kepler has agreed. The jaguar will try to tolerate the fairy-demon.

Susanne and Athena are in Susanne's new home. Susanne is feeding baby Garrin, but he won't stop crying. Athena is doing everything she can to help her sister find a way to soothe the child.

Mary is anxious to use her mirror to contact Brayson. The only obstacle stopping her is the short amount of moments it has been since his departure.

Sam Goodrich, King of Brandor, and his queen, Shalee, are discussing what to do with Kepler's brothers on the World of Grayham. Sam's army has hunted them down and brought the beasts to Brandor in two large cages.

Southern Grayham has changed over the past 116 Peaks of Bailem. There are two major issues to deal with. The first is the queen's health. Nearing the end of her second trimester, Shalee has started to bleed sporadically. The best healer in the city has been summoned to keep an eye on their queen until she delivers.

The second issue is the reaction the king will face when attending the meeting he has called with the Senate. Sam must explain his decision to allow 11 barbarians to join the Senate as members of a reformed government. He must convince them that these barbarians must have a voice to vote on the laws governing the daily operations of the kingdom. Sam will need to leave Shalee with the healers and head to the Senate of Brandor now that the new roof is complete.

Mosley has been using many of his moments to watch Sam and Shalee. The wolf is invisible to those within Sam's castle, and he has been listening in on their conversations to get an idea of how expected events may unfold.

On Ancients Sovereign, the others of the Collective have watched to see how the Kingdom of Brandor would change. Brandor's army has defeated the barbarians of the north and Brandor is now in control of all Southern Grayham.

As ordered by Sam, the legion leaders have continued to spare barbarian lives, even those who are hesitant to swear allegiance to Sam's crown.

Thank you for reading the Luvelles Gazette

CHAPTER 3.

Bitter Memories The World of Grayham The Senate's Chamber SAM TOOK HIS POSITION at the head of the Senate. The room was wide and large enough for 120 members. Stadium-style seating surrounded a stage that had been covered with a red, woven rug. Positioned at the center of this rug was a rectangular table that was made of a dark, cherry wood. A single chair sat at its head, and from opposing sides of the table, legislators presented their arguments.

The leader of the Senate, Tenarkin Kois, was also the chief judge over Brandor's Royal Court. He was moved from his normal seat at the head of the table and asked to join the others to make room for the king's throne. Until Sam declared the war was over, Tenarkin was not allowed to reclaim his seat.

As the door to the chamber bearing Brandor's crest closed, Sam stood from his throne and moved to the far side of the table. He removed Kael from his sheath and commanded the sword to burst into flames. Once Sam had everyone's attention, he spoke with a solemn voice. "I've called you here to inform you of the changes that I would like to implement before I announce the end of the war. These changes will be permanent, and I don't want to remove any man from his position, but I will do what I must to ensure that the wisest of minds across Southern Grayham occupy the seats of this Senate."

Mosley watched from within an invisible veil as the murmurs of the senators filled the chamber. Not a single soul spoke out. The tone Sam had used had set the mood for the meeting.

The king grabbed the end of Kael's fiery blade and then placed the sword behind his neck. The men in the chamber were awestruck as their king remained unburned.

"As we all know, 11 members of this body perished during the quake that collapsed the roof of this chamber. Before I call an end to the war, I personally intend to choose their replacements."

Sam looked around the chamber. Every pair of eyes was fixated on him as he continued. "These men will not be your normal representatives. They'll be barbarian n.o.bles."

As the chamber filled with grumbling, the king removed Kael from behind his neck and pointed the blade in the direction of every senator as he pa.s.sed the weapon across the room and then sheathed it. "My Lords, please know that my decision was not made impulsively or rashly. You all know my mind. I ask that you open yours to a new idea. For this kingdom to flourish, we must abolish hatred, or we'll be doomed to repeat a b.l.o.o.d.y history filled with loss. With the enemy defeated, you, gentlemen, have the opportunity to make new law and work with me to unify a kingdom. No longer should it be us vs. them ... southerner vs. northerner ... Brandorian vs. Barbarian. It should be this simple ... WE ... our future ... our lands ... our kingdom ... our inspiration ... our joy ... and our government."

Sam presented his best smile. "We all swore an oath to serve Brandor, but beyond that, I now extend your oath to include the obligation of making the lives of every being ... not just Brandorians' ... across Southern Grayham worth living..."

Brayson's Home The Meeting Continues "You had your chance to speak with the Source, Marcus. I gave it to you 100 seasons ago. I'm glad the dragon didn't find you worthy. The Eye would have swallowed your soul, and you would've been ended!"

"What a pile of garesh! I'm stronger now, brother ... as strong as you are ... even without looking into the Eye. I didn't become the chancellor of the dark arts because of you ... unlike how you appointed Gregory. The Source would find me worthy now." Marcus took a puff of his pipe and blew it in Brayson's direction.

Brayson waved his hand to clear the air and stood from the table to avoid the smoke. Grabbing his gla.s.s, he took a drink. "I don't doubt your abilities. I'm sure the dragon would allow you to look into the Eye. But you have a problem, dear brother. I determine who sees the Ancient One, and the hate in your heart sickens me. If I allow you to stand before him, who knows what kind of pain you would inflict."

Marcus pointed a bony finger in Brayson's direction. "Careful, brother, it's not for you to monitor my life. What I do beyond the Eye is my right."

"I never said it wasn't. I have no desire to monitor your actions. However, when they could potentially become a problem for the well being of many, it's my duty to prevent it. You won't be getting another chance to speak with the dragon. You would become even more of a liability if I was to let you."

Gregory spoke before Marcus had the chance to explode. "I agree. You'd be a threat to us all."

Marcus glared at his brother. "Mind your tongue, Gregory. You're not strong enough to oppose me. I would hate to suffer the reality of looking down at your corpse."

Brayson had enough. "And you're not strong enough to make threats of this magnitude in my presence! Leave my abode. If you aspire to hurt Gregory, you'll deal with me. I'll end you."

"You don't have it in you!" Marcus sneered. "We both know my magic rivals your own."

Brayson's face turned cold. His blue eyes darkened as he leaned across the table toward Marcus. "I wouldn't test my resolve, if I was you."

"We shall see, Brayson. Some Peak ... we shall see." Marcus vanished.

After a moment of silence, Gregory spoke. "He's making me nervous."

Brayson put his hand to his chin. "I fear for your safety. We need to figure out what Marcus is up to. If he were to stand before the Eye, he would receive the knowledge to destroy us. I can't allow him to meet with the Ancient One. He has overcome his weakness. The reason the Source rejected him no longer exists."

Gregory moved to stand near the hearth of the fireplace. He leaned over and touched the bottom log. A strong fire began to burn. Turning back to Brayson, he queried. "Exactly what is the key to getting past the Source?"

"Doubt. You must not have doubt. You must believe you are worthy, or the Source won't allow you to pa.s.s."

"After all these seasons, I've never figured this out. It's disturbing to know I was held back because of my inability to believe in myself. I wish I would've known."

"As do I."

"What should we do?"

Brayson fidgeted with his goatee as he pondered the situation. "We need to figure out what Marcus is planning. This is a matter of urgency. I'll come to you when I know more. Until then, I want you to wear my amulet."

The Head Master opened a small chest sitting on a bookshelf. He removed the amulet and waved his hand across it. The diamond shaped stone burned bright green within its leather strapped setting. "Put this on. It will protect you until I can determine a proper course of action."

Brayson clapped his hands, and three kedgles approached. The hard tips of their legs clicked against the stone as they hurried across the illusion of the forest floor. He bent down, picked one up and then placed it in the palm of his hand. "Hepplesif, my friend, I need your a.s.sistance."

The kedgle twitched his mouse-like nose and listened with his tiny elf-ears as Brayson continued. "I need 100 of your kind to go with Gregory. You'll take up residency in his palace. Your illusions could prove useful. This would be temporary, of course. Please speak with your king, and tell him I would like his approval."

Hepplesif spread his wings and then responded as he lifted into a hovering position above Brayson's palm. "What shall I tell the king you offer in return?"

"What would he want?"

The kedgle lifted his tiny hand to his chin. "Perhaps a case of Froslip."

Brayson took a step back. "Hepplesif ... you ask too much. You know how hard it is to acquire ale from Harvestom. I had to make many promises before I was brought my case by the Merchant Angels. You know it's the rarest ale on all the worlds."

The kedgle lowered to the table. "Perhaps a bottle then. And I would require a mug for myself since it's I who must deliver your message."

"Ha, my friend, you drive a hard bargain. Tell your king that a bottle is his, and I shall give you two mugs, but they'll be mugs of your own size. Agreed?"

Hepplesif grinned. "You know me too well. I would have chosen one of yours. It would've lasted much longer."

"Like you said, I know you too well. Please hurry." Brayson opened the door and let the kedgles fly out.

After putting it around his neck, Gregory lowered the amulet against his chest. "Thank you, brother. You're a good man and a better leader." They embraced and then Gregory vanished.

Southern Grayham The City of Brandor Sam's Throne Room Sam stood from his throne. After asking everyone to leave, he turned to speak with Shalee. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay, I guess, but the spotting won't stop. I'm scared for the baby. The cramps are killing me. This has been going on for more than 6 Peaks now, and it's getting worse."

"Dang it, Shalee! On how many occasions must I tell you to lie down? You don't listen to me. It's not like I'm a doctor or anything. Heaven forbid you pay attention."

"For heaven's sake, Sammy, stop barking at me. I don't need the stress."

Sam softened his approach. "You're right, but you should be lying down. Michael will be here soon with Kepler's brothers. I'll question the jaguars, dispose of them and then fill you in when it's over."

"No, Sam. I want to watch. I want to hear what they say for myself. I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. There's got to be a way to convince the jaguars to live in peace. There's been enough bloodshed. Besides, Kepler was their ring leader. Without him, they're just big p.u.s.s.ycats."

"You can't be serious," Sam reb.u.t.ted. "The cats need to be ended."

"No, Sam, no. There's been enough death. All we need to know is where Kepler is, and George won't be far away."

Near the throne room window, Mosley was listening in on their conversation with his ears lifted high, invisible to the mortals.

The king rubbed his hand across his queen's face. "You can't really expect me to allow the cats to live."

"Sure I can. The jaguars are smart, and our army has proven they can be captured. The cats will agree to live in peace. You need to show them compa.s.sion. Make the jaguars our allies."

Sam smiled. "If I let them live, will you lie down and get some rest? I can get the information we want without risking your health. I promise to tell you everything."

Shalee thought a moment. She could not understand why she was having so many problems. Mosley had told her that she was perfect for childbearing. But now, the blood and the cramping suggested otherwise.

"I think I'll lie down after all. Wake me when you're done."

The king kissed the queen's forehead and then summoned three healers to escort her from the throne room.

Not long after, Michael entered. "Sire, the demon-cats are outside. What would you have me do with them?"

"Take them away from the castle, beyond the garden. I want some privacy. Don't allow the people to follow. Keep the cats in their cages so I can question them."

After checking on Shalee, Sam cut through the royal garden to where the cats were being held. He did not waste any of his moments. "What are your names, demons?"

Koffler mocked Sam. "What are your names, demons? What are your names? What are your names? We're not going to tell you anything, human." The demon flashed his eyes and growled.

Sam shook his head. "I will offer one of you a chance at freedom in return for the information I'm after."

Koffler laughed, but Keller, with a mind equal to Kepler's, took a different approach. "My name is Keller. This is Koffler."

Koffler became angered. "What are you doing? He is-"

"Shut up!" Keller growled. The cat turned to look at Sam. "What guarantee do I have that you'll spare my existence once I've given you the information you seek? What will keep your army from hunting me?"

Sam moved close to the cage, but stayed far enough away to avoid the demon-cat's powerful claws. He held up his sword. "I don't need you to tell me anything. I'm asking. I could always use this sword to acquire the information I'm after. Which would you prefer?"

Koffler shouted, "Don't tell him anything! He'll destroy us!"

"Shut up, idiot!" Keller turned back to Sam. "And how could your sword fetch this information? Your blade will not penetrate my coat."

Michael spoke up. "My King, the men's blades were useless against them. Their arrows bounced from their bodies like twigs. They were captured with nets. But I'm sure these beasts have never seen a sword of the G.o.ds. Perhaps you should test Kael on their flesh."

Keller lowered to his belly. "I have no desire to tempt fate. I'll tell you what you want to know, King of Brandor. Ending me is impossible since I'm undead, but I suspect you know my weakness, and my destruction would be inevitable."

"Don't do it!" Koffler roared. The demon threw himself against the side of his cage to make his point.

Sam walked over to Koffler's mobile prison. "You have exceeded your usefulness. Allow me to demonstrate my knowledge of your weakness."