The king commanded Kael to bring forth his fire. Once this had been done, he spoke the words of power to extend the length of the blade as he pointed the tip in the jaguar's direction. The demon cried out as the sword skewered his undead heart. The men surrounding the oversized wagons backed away as the sword's heat intensified.

Keller was forced to move to the far side of his cage as he watched his brother reduce to a pile of ash in a matter of moments, and the steel bars of his cage warped.

The king commanded the blade to go cold before he redirected his attention toward his General Absolute. "Michael, say nothing of the cat's end to our queen. If asked, the beast returned with his brother to their pa.s.s, and they have agreed to live in peace. See to it that the men keep their mouths shut as well. Remind them that I'll remember their faces."

Michael smiled. "As you wish, Sire."

Sam found the eyes of every man present before directing his attention to Keller. "I a.s.sume you're still ready to talk?"

"I am. Will you allow me to walk out of this city unharmed? Do I have your word that you won't send your army after me once I've gone? Agree to this, and I'll tell you all you want to know."

"You have my word. My army will not come for you. Once you are past the city gates, you're on your own. Are we agreed?"

"Agreed."

"Where is Kepler, and is George with him?"

"If I tell you, I'm free to go?"

"I will open your cage myself. I'll escort you to the city gates to ensure your safety. Beyond that, you're on your own. But my army will not set foot outside this city in pursuit."

Keller studied Sam's face. After a moment of silence, the cat spoke. "My brother left with George. They went to Luvelles. They traveled with the Merchant Angels, and I haven't seen them since."

Sam looked deep into the demon's eyes. "Come close to the bars. If you're telling the truth, the sword will confirm it, and then you'll be free to go."

Keller hesitantly moved toward Sam. Once Kael was placed against the jaguar's shoulder, Sam spoke. "Say everything you told me again, demon."

"My brother and George left together. They are no longer on this world. They went to Luvelles."

Kael's blade began to pulse with a soft light. "He's telling the truth, Sam, but this creature's heart is dark, and he could become an issue if you let him live."

Keller took a defensive posture and growled. "You gave your word!"

Sam moved to the end of the cage. "A promise is a promise." He looked into the demon's glowing eyes. "When I open this door, I expect you to be on your best behavior. Don't doubt my ability with this sword. You'll stay with me until we get to the city gates. If you make one false move, I'll separate your coat from the rest of your body and use your hide as my bedcover."

The demon rolled his eyes as Sam motioned for the general to bring him his mist mare. "You don't need to be so dramatic about it, King of Brandor. I'll do as you command. I have not dominated territories by being witless."

As Sam and the giant cat walked through the streets of Brandor, the people darted inside the closest building. Children peered over the ledges of window sills to capture a glimpse while mothers pulled them away to close the shutters.

Keller smirked and thought, As if those flimsy barriers would stop me.

As they arrived at the north gate of the city, Sam dismounted. Seeing the demon's body would not fit through the smaller door at the base of the gate, the king ordered the men to open the larger barrier. It took 20 to push the heavy wood back while Sam turned to Keller and commanded Kael's flame. "You should run, demon. I want you out of my sight."

Without a word, the jaguar bolted, leaping overtop of the men who stood in his way. A moment later, Sam ordered Michael to bring him his bow. The general removed the weapon from the king's mount and tossed it through the air.

Sam held the bow to his side. "General, if memory serves me right, I promised that the army would not set foot outside the gate."

"Yes, Sire, you're correct."

"I also said that once he gets past the gate, he's on his own."

"Right again, My King."

"But I did not say I wouldn't end him myself. I wonder if my arrows will pierce his coat?"

"Here's to good shooting, Sire."

Sam raised his Bow of Accuracy. Five arrows with burning tips were made ready. The king waited until the jaguar was a fair distance down the road before he shot the arrows in succession, and then he waited. Moments later, the arrows. .h.i.t the ground, failing to hit their target.

The General Absolute slapped the top of his own forehead. "You missed! How?"

Sam stood in silence, thinking, If I missed, the bow must consider my actions unjust. What to say? What to say? How do I explain this?

The king put a smile on and then turned to look at Michael. "General, the cat has received another word of warning. You didn't truly expect me to break my word, did you? What kind of a king would I be if I had no honor. Besides, my queen would've been angry." Sam patted Michael on the shoulder. "Get rid of the other demon's ashes."

Michael signaled for three of his men to follow him. "Everyone will hold their tongue, Sire. The queen will not know of the demon's demise."

The attention of both men was redirected as one of the castle handmaidens rushed up on horseback, shouting as she approached. "My King! My King! The queen is screaming and the baby-"

Before the servant could finish, Sam ordered the general to hand him the reins of his mist mare. He threw his weight on top of the beast and shouted, "Cain, take me to the castle! Make haste!"

Meanwhile, the Hidden G.o.d World Ancients Sovereign Beneath the Peaks of Angels After entering their den, Lasidious walked up behind his lover and kissed the nape of her neck. "Brayson allowed George to keep Payne as his goswig." He then kissed the side of her cheek and enjoyed the softness of her skin against his lips. "You look beautiful, as always."

Celestria took a seat at the table. The G.o.ddess had recently redecorated with bright yellow accents that contrasted against the dark walls. Every vase was filled with an array of color and the flowers permeated the room with an inviting fragrance.

Celestria leaned her head back and allowed Lasidious to kiss her lips. It was his charm that had won her heart more than 13,000 seasons ago. She stood and moved into his arms. Her every curve and gesture were flawless. Her voice-angelic-was sweet and soft to the ear. She was worthy of the t.i.tle, G.o.ddess.

"How did our baby look, my pet? Did you see him?" Celestria leaned in and nibbled on Lasidious' ear.

Lasidious struggled to focus as the wetness of her tongue left its mark, but somehow he managed to answer the question. "I did. Garrin is loved. He cried when Kepler roared, but he's well. He was just startled."

Celestria caressed his chin as she responded. "We must be careful. Garrin must grow before he can command the power we need to seize control of the Book. We cannot afford a mistake."

"Which is why I've been working to create tension between the brothers. Marcus' anger grows stronger by the Peak. His dreams are turning to nightmares, and all he thinks about is how much he hates his siblings."

Celestria cupped the G.o.d's face. "Your mind amazes me, my sweet. How you ever thought to plant the seeds of resentment all those seasons ago is beyond imagination. I can imagine the expression on Marcus' face when he heard his mother's rejection. It had to have hurt him deeply. If you push Marcus, how far do you think he'll go?"

Lasidious lifted Celestria into his arms, spun with her and then lowered her to her feet. "I don't need to push him. Marcus has already decided to go after his brothers. He just needs to figure out how."

The G.o.ddess changed the subject. "When does George meet with Brayson again?"

"I haven't been watching, but I'm sure it'll happen soon. George will go through the bonding ritual with Payne, and if he survives, the fairy-demon should be able to help George when the moment arrives."

"What of the others? They are talking. They want to know when you will reveal the location of the next piece of the Crystal Moon."

Lasidious smiled, took Celestria by the hand, and then he guided her toward their bedroom. "I shall call a meeting of the G.o.ds tomorrow. But first, I need to meet with the Book of Immortality. For now, a little fun is in order." The deity shut the door as he pulled Celestria close.

Western Luvelles Marcus Id's Dark Tower-palace Gage kept his distance as Marcus threw most everything he could get his hands on around his bedroom chamber inside his dark tower-palace. Books, scrolls, quills, chairs, and even pillows had been strewn across the cold floor.

The badger was feeling a whirlwind of emotions as the chancellor's mind screamed with disorganized thoughts. It was clear Marcus was hurting. He sucked on the tip of his pipe as if he wished to pull the tobacco through it. His heart was not only full of hate, but also a tremendous, agonizing sorrow. All Gage could piece together were small bits of Marcus' past. After many moments, the chancellor settled down. His exhaustion consumed him and sleep followed not long after.

The goswig walked over to the side of the bed and jumped up onto it. He lowered into a seated position on the mattress, put his small wooden cane to his side, then took a deep breath. What he was about to do was forbidden, but he had to know the reason Marcus acted the way he did. He began to search his master's memories. Something had to be the cause of all his hate, resentment, and fear.

Gage closed his eyes. The memories presented themselves in a vision as clear as if he had been there.

"Mother! Mother!" a young boy's voice, full of excitement, shouted as he entered the school of magic.

Gage recognized the boy and the school. The boy was a memory of the past, a young Brayson Id who looked no older than 13 seasons. The school was under the care of the boy's father, Hedron, the Head Master whom Brayson would replace as an adult.

A moment later, another boy ran in, but this child was younger by nearly four seasons. The badger also recognized this child. It was Gregory.

"I'll be right down!" a stout female voice shouted. "Stay on the rug and off the floor ... it's been polished." A heavy woman began making her descent down the spiral staircase. She was an elf with a rounded face and clearly out of shape. Her outfit, although nice, could not hide her heft. She waddled as she walked. Her face was broken out and scarred because of it.

Gage looked for Marcus, a.s.suming he must be nearby. When he did not see the boy, he noticed a small crack in the door that led outside to the village. He moved to take a look, pa.s.sing through the door as if it was not there. On the other side was the child, about 11 seasons old. He was waiting, crouched, ready to jump out and scare his brothers when they exited. His ear was pressed against the door, close to the crack, and he was listening for his brothers' footsteps. He could hear the conversation inside.

"Mother, Gregory cast his first spell today!" Brayson shouted.

"Yeah, I turned a frog into a mouse. It was neat."

"That's wonderful. Your father will be proud. I'll tell him once he has finished the lesson with his new Mystic Learner. I'm proud of you, Gregory."

"Thanks! Where's Marcus? I've got to show him."

What Gage heard next out of Helen's mouth was unbelievable.

"On how many occasions have I told you boys to stay away from Marcus? He's a mistake your father made with the local wh.o.r.e. You two need to stick together. Marcus isn't worth your love. He's an abomination, an ugly little thing that won't go away."

"But, Mom," both boys said, almost at the same moment.

"No! I'll hear nothing of it. You stay away from Marcus. I pray to Mieonus that tragedy will find him and take him from this world."

Gage watched Marcus lower his head and walk down the village road. The badger could feel the rejection and pain the boy felt.

The vision began to fade. A moment later, Gage found himself in a different memory.

Marcus, still only 11 seasons, crept into his father's bedroom. The Head Master was not home, but Helen, now nothing more than another fat corgan that he hated, lay sleeping beneath a quilted cover. The badger could feel the boy's anger as he approached the bed.

Helen's words were playing in his mind as her snoring filled the night. On how many occasions have I told you boys to stay away from Marcus? He's a mistake your father made with the local wh.o.r.e. You two need to stick together. Marcus isn't worth your love.

Gage watched as Marcus lifted the cover, careful not to wake Helen. The boy pulled a cossenger from his pack. The snake was the deadliest reptile on Luvelles. Once bitten, the venom would kill its victim in a short series of moments.

The badger desperately wanted to cry out for Marcus to stop, but this was only a memory. The past could not be changed and Marcus could not hear him no matter how loud he screamed for his attention. All he could do was watch. It was only a matter of moments before the bite would happen.

When it did, Marcus covered Helen's mouth so she could not scream. The boy just looked into her eyes until she was lifeless.

Gage's heart ached for Marcus as the boy put the snake back into his pack.

"I hate you, too," was all the child said before leaving the room.

Many other memories, filled with pain, were pulled from Marcus' mind as Gage sat next to the chancellor's sleeping figure. After a while, he focused on another memory.

The boys were in the Head Master's office, but now, all three had grown into adult, elven men. They were standing in front of their father. Hedron spoke. "Brayson, the moment has come for you to visit the Source ... you too, Gregory. Let's see if what I've taught you has sunk into those brains of yours."

"Am I going, Father?" Marcus asked. "I'm ready. I can make you proud."

"You won't be going. Only your brothers are ready."

"But I can do everything they can. I'm better than they are, and my magic is stronger."

Hedron waved his hand across the top of Brayson and Gregory's heads. Once the brothers had vanished, the Head Master responded. "You're not ready. Something isn't right with you, boy. Until you figure it out, I cannot send you to speak with the Source."

"But-"

"But nothing! You're not ready. We'll continue your training tomorrow. Now, fetch my dinner."

Gage could not believe how directly Hedron had spoken. It was as if Marcus was an annoyance, not a son.

The vision faded. After a moment, another memory surfaced.

It was many seasons later. Again, it was a vision of the Head Master's office, but during this series of moments, Marcus was not standing before Hedron. He stood before Brayson, the new Head Master. Gregory was not present.

"I don't know what to say, Marcus. I can't help you anymore. I allowed you to speak with the Source. It's not my fault you were found lacking and denied the opportunity to look into the Eye."

"It is your fault! You knew I wouldn't be allowed to pa.s.s! You could've told me the secret! All you had to do was tell me how to get past the dragon!"

"Why would I do that, Marcus? That's not how it works, and you know it. It wouldn't be much of a test if I told you the answer. Some things need to remain sacred."

"Of everyone, brother, I thought you'd be the last person on Luvelles to hold me back. You could've helped me. You're the Head Master. You can do whatever you want. Tell me the secret and allow me to speak with the Source again."

"No! You had your chance. I won't give you another. There are things you must learn before you deserve the power you seek. The only person holding you back, is you."

The memory faded.

Gage lifted from his seated position and stood on the bed. He looked at Marcus and thought, Master, you're a mountain waiting to erupt. I'm sorry, but I don't wish to be in your presence when this happens. I'm not strong enough to share your hate. When you awaken, I'll be gone. I must get away from you ... far enough to avoid sharing your mind. I hope you find peace.

The badger vanished.

Lasidious plans to meet with the Book of Immortality in the morning. He will address various topics and set a meeting of the G.o.ds.

Celestria plans to visit Grogger's Swamp to secure a hiding place for the third piece of the Crystal Moon.

Head Master Brayson will meet with George. He needs to explain the responsibility of taking on a goswig. Other matters of George's training are also necessary subjects of conversation.

George is with Kepler and Payne. He is going over a few last moment instructions before teleporting their group to Brayson's floating office.

Athena and Susanne are inside Susanne's home again. Garrin is still crying. They are finding it hard to comfort the child.

Both women feel like the addition of Payne to George's group is odd, but Athena was quick to point out her husband's tendency to pick strange companions. The conversation turned to the absence of Maldwin, the rat.