Boyafed stepped back and shook his head. “I believe you, Grolan. But the task you describe is a job for one man, not four.”
Again, Tolas shouted and warned Grolan to say nothing, but the white paladin’s terror superseded the order. “Please! Let us go!”
Boyafed placed his blade against Grolan’s chest and pressed until the tip drew blood.
The white paladin pissed himself.
As the Order leader watched the yellow liquid run down Grolan’s right leg, Boyafed withdrew his blade, placed it in its sheath and then cupped his hands in front of his mouth. “When I woke, I thought this Peak was going to be uneventful. Grolan, you have provided a wonderful entertainment.”
The Order leader looked at Tolas. “I would wager that this is Grolan’s first assignment. He’s never faced real danger, has he? I would further wager that he has fought only his counterparts while in training. It’s a shame that I must break his spirit.”
Grolan shouted at the top of his lungs, “I swear to the gods that I serve! There’s no other reason we’re here!”
Tolas lowered his head. He knew Boyafed would not allow his men to leave without being punished. “Grolan is a boy, Lord Methelborn. He dishonors even you with his words. As for the rest of my men, they’ll say nothing. To torture us would be a waste of your moments.”
Boyafed moved to Grolan and lifted his chin. His dark eyes burned through the white paladin’s soul. “You disgust me! There’s no honor in betraying your lord. Dowd would kill you himself if he was here. But I have other plans for you. I’ll send you home with a reminder of your failure. I’m sure Dowd will deal with you. Why he would send someone so weak is beyond my imagination. If I was Tolas ... you wouldn’t leave this dungeon alive.”
Boyafed carved the Order’s symbol into Grolan’s chest. He repeated the process on the others until he came to Tolas. Instead of carving further, he wiped the blood from his dagger across the hair on Tolas’ chest and then sheathed his blade. He lowered the white paladin to the ground and then removed his bonds.
Boyafed extended his arm and pulled Tolas to his feet. “You are worthy of my respect. You held to your oath and didn’t waver. You spoke with courage. Take your men and leave. Tell Lord Dowd that fighting one another would be a senseless loss of life. He should stay on his side of the Ebarna Strait where he belongs, and keep his men away from the Order. If I find another spy, they won’t be so fortunate as to arrive home in one piece.”
Boyafed thought a moment and then handed his dagger to Tolas. “I believe you have business that requires your attention. Leave the blade with the guards on your way out.”
Tolas lowered his eyes to show the dark army leader his respect. “Thank you, Lord Methelborn. Lord Dowd will receive your message.”
As the Order leader ascended the dungeon stairs, all that could be heard was Grolan’s screams. Boyafed stopped. “Ah, the beautiful sound of death.”
CHAPTER 11
Three Little Words
Ancients Sovereign
The Hall of Judgment
THE GODS GATHERED, and those able to sit around the large, marble table within Gabriel’s hall took a seat.
The Mischievous One stood and cleared his throat. “I’ve called you here to announce the location of the third piece of the Crystal Moon. Each team has made a choice as to who will be seeking this piece. Mieonus’ team has chosen George, and Mosley’s has chosen Shalee.”
Lasidious tossed two pieces of parchment onto the table. “The crystal is hidden within three words.”
“Another riddle?” Mieonus sneered as she stood to reach across the table to snatch one up. “This is ridiculous. Your last perplexity was impossible to understand.”
The Goddess of Hate unfolded the parchment. A look of disgust appeared on her face as she tossed it back onto the table in front of her. “How can a riddle be solved with only three words?”
Lasidious grinned. “There are only two possible answers. Both quests are filled with danger. The rules are simple. You’ll give the riddle to your choices. If anything is said to assist them in any way, I’ll destroy the Crystal Moon, and the worlds will follow. It’s up to George and Shalee to determine which path they choose.”
Mosley jumped onto the table and read the words aloud. “A soul swallowed.” The wolf looked up and found Lasidious’ eyes. “Interesting. This seems simple enough. I’m sure Shalee will enjoy the challenge.” He vanished.
Mieonus stomped her lifted heel. “This is aggravating! I don’t think the wolf knows anything. How could he? How do you expect George to find something so small with a clue as useless as this?”
Keylom’s hooves clapped against the polished floor as he moved into a better position to see the words for himself. The centaur looked at Lasidious. “As always, your wit has proved challenging.”
“Oh, shut up!” Mieonus barked. “He’s toying with us again.”
Ignoring Mieonus’ comment, Lasidious took Celestria’s hand. “Good luck.” Both gods vanished.
Mieonus rolled her eyes. “He does this to appease his sick mind.”
Hosseff stood and pulled his hood up. As the hood cast its shadow across his face, his features faded to nothingness. His wispy voice filled the room. “Just give the parchment to George, Mieonus. Stop complaining. I’m sure the others feel the same as I do. I have better things to do than listen to your constant protests.” Hosseff vanished, and the others followed suit.
Mieonus and the Book were left behind. “Gabriel, I think—”
“I don’t care, Mieonus.” The Book disappeared.
The goddess stomped the lifted heel of her right shoe on the floor again. “I hate it when they do that!”
The Head Master’s Island
George and Athena’s Home
Mieonus appeared inside the kitchen of George and Athena’s home. “George, we need to talk,” the goddess announced.
Athena was startled by Mieonus’ appearance. She moved behind George as he turned to face her.
“Ever heard of knocking?” George snapped. “You should try it during one of your less rude moments.”
Mieonus’ eyes were cold as she responded. “Careful how you speak, mortal. I’m in no mood to deal with sarcasm.”
“Sarcasm? Who gives a garesh what you’re in the mood for? I’ll act however I want to in my own home. Perhaps you should leave, or better yet, go commission your friends to hunt me down. I’ve got a little surprise waiting for them.”
Mieonus could not believe George’s confidence. He was completely unshaken. She could have sworn that she had left him with a sense of desperation when last they spoke.
The goddess was about to chastise the mage, but Athena tugged on the sleeve of George’s new, royal-purple tunic. “Honey, where are your manners?” She looked at Mieonus. “I’m sorry for my husband’s tone. I’m sure if you had knocked, this conversation would—”
Mieonus waved her hand and Athena’s voice was silenced. “I’m in no mood to listen to your dribblings. I should destroy you for your husband’s arrogance.”
“As if you could,” George rebuffed.
The mage took a step forward and leaned in toward the goddess. “I know something you don’t,” he whispered. “So spare me your threats, and let’s get to the point. I’ve decided to go after the crystal, but it has nothing to do with what you want. I hope you send your goons after me. I’ll use them to my advantage, and I’ll steal their power from them. You have no idea how much power I command. Give me the damn information, and get lost.”
Mieonus remained calm. “It appears Lasidious has taught you something more than I’m aware of. No matter. I’ll find another way to torture you.” She flipped the parchment at the mage. “Use this to find the crystal. I hope the journey destroys you.”
Athena was gripping George’s arm. She knew he could feel her distress, but she also knew that her husband was not about to back down. Tears flowed down her cheeks as she waited for George’s response.
After a moment
of staring at the words on the parchment, George looked up and smiled. “This seems to fit what I’ve learned. Master Id is a better teacher than I thought. He said the Eye of Magic can swallow a man’s soul if he isn’t ready to take on the responsibility of handling great power. It seems your note couldn’t have come at a better moment. I’ll go through the trials and speak with the Source. Perhaps then, the crystal’s location will be revealed.”
Mieonus was stunned. “You got all that out of three words? How convenient it is that you find yourself in the position to be Brayson’s new Mystic Learner. It appears we have the advantage. I can only assume your desire for power will strengthen your resolve to go after the crystal for me.”
George could see the fear in Athena’s eyes. He had find a way to make his wife feel better. “I’ll go after your crystal, but I’ll do it only after you make the Promise of Sovereign. You’ll leave everyone I love alone. You must promise that you won’t send anyone to hurt them ... or me. You and I will call a truce and start this relationship over. I’ll give you the respect you deserve after you make this promise.”
“Lasidious has taught you well,” Mieonus responded. “I have one condition before I’ll agree to your terms.”
Mieonus put her hand on George’s shoulder, then pushed him aside. She looked Athena in the eye. “Your family will prostrate before me. Whenever I appear, they’ll smell the ground they stand upon. If they do this, I’ll enter the Promise of Sovereign and abide by your terms. Do we have a deal?”
George moved to stand between Mieonus and Athena. He made sure he had the goddess’ attention. “I bet it took you more than a season to find a use for the word ‘prostrate.’ I cannot tell you how strong my desire is to bash your head in. Athena will show reverence to no one, nor will her family, and nor will I for that matter. Your only choice is to make the promise, or I won’t go after the crystal.” The mage tilted his head and gave a half-cocked smile. “Do we have a deal?”
Mieonus grinned. Again, she pushed George aside, and then she lifted Athena’s head after placing her hand beneath her chin. She wiped the tears from Athena’s cheeks. “You should be proud to have a husband whose first desire is to protect his wife.” She looked at George. “My desire for the crystal outweighs my desire to see you suffer. I agree to the promise.” She looked back at Athena. “It seems I won’t be coming back to watch your family perish after all. Pity ... I would’ve enjoyed that.”
The deity wiped another tear from Athena’s face. “It would have been fun to watch the skin of your baby get peeled from its body.”
George started to object, but Mieonus silenced him with a glance. After enjoying the irritation on the mage’s face, she looked back into Athena’s eyes and stroked her cheek with the backside of her fingers. “Perhaps my anger has been misplaced. I hope your baby is every bit as beautiful as you are, my dear.” Mieonus vanished.
Once gone, George and Athena’s voices returned. Athena did not hesitate. She poked George in the chest. “You and I need to talk, Mr. Nailer! You’re coming with me! You’re in more trouble than I can even express at this moment! How dare you bring danger into this home!”
“Babe!”
“Don’t even think about saying ‘babe’ right now! You don’t say a word unless spoken to, you got that?”
“Yes ma’am.” George thought, Damn, this is going to suck. She’s really pissed.
As they walked out of the kitchen, a small bird with blue feathers was sitting on the window sill. The finch took flight, flapping its wings for a few strokes before it vanished.
Moments Later
Marcus Id’s Dark Tower-palace
Marcus’ face was full of concern. He needed to speak with the Ultorian king. The Dark Chancellor would have teleported into the king’s throne room, but the magic necessary to protect him within the confines of the Ultorian’s microscopic castle required more power than he could muster without the assistance of his goswig.
The Dark Chancellor had been pacing within the confines of his bedroom chamber for the last few Peaks, waiting for the Ultorian King to return his request for a meeting. The smoke from his pipe had created a haze above his head, but just when he thought he was about to go insane, a glass sphere that sat on the stone table at the center of the room lit up with the Ultorian’s face inside it. Marcus snatched his pipe from his mouth and moved to take a seat.
The Ultorian king spoke first. “How may I be of assistance, Chancellor?”
Marcus collected his thoughts. “I trust everything is well, Farun?”
“Yes. All is well. The reef continues to flourish.”
Marcus watched Farun’s face as he interrogated, “Have you had any visitors that I would have interest in? I’m sure you know of whom I speak.”
“As we discussed many seasons ago,” Farun Ultor replied, “I would send such a visitor back to you if he made his presence known. If your goswig is missing, he must know you would seek him here.”
Marcus leaned toward the image. “If you’re protecting him, I’ll destroy your kingdom. Are you sure you haven’t seen Gage? Think hard before you answer.”
“Your threats are unnecessary. I haven’t seen your goswig. Goodbye, Chancellor.” The vision in the globe faded.
“Damn!” Marcus shouted as he grabbed the sphere and threw it against the wall beyond the table. The ball exploded into hundreds of pieces and the water inside splashed across the room. In desperation, the chancellor moved to the window and lifted his head toward the sky. “Lord Hosseff ... hear your loyal servant! I beg you to deliver good news.”
Moments later, Marcus’ prayer was answered. “Tweet! Tweet!” The same blue finch that had been sitting on George’s window sill appeared, and the bird was headed toward the chancellor’s tower. It flew through Marcus’ window and landed on the table.
Marcus took a seat. “Well, well. What news do you bring?” He leaned forward and looked into the bird’s eyes. It was not long before a smile spread across his face. “This is, indeed, good news. Thank you, Hosseff.”
Meanwhile, Ancients Sovereign
The Home of Mosley
Mosley called Alistar to his cabin atop Catalyst Mountain. The wolf looked down into the valleys as he waited for the God of the Harvest to arrive. He took a deep breath and stretched. The air was refreshing. The wildflowers were in bloom all across the hillsides, and they appealed to his canine senses.
It was not long before Alistar appeared on the ground at the base of the steps leading up to the porch. “Have you given the parchment to Shalee?”
“I haven’t,” the wolf replied. “I don’t think it’s necessary. She knows where the crystal has been hidden, but the three words on the parchment will not give her its exact location. I plan to stay clear and allow her to continue the journey to Grogger’s Swamp. I’m sure the answer will present itself once she arrives. Beyond that, there isn’t much more we can do.”
“Lasidious will not like your decision.”
Mosley lifted from the porch and walked down the steps. He stopped to sniff their base, and then he lifted his leg to relieve himself. “Lasidious trusts my judgment. He won’t have a problem with my decision.”
“Then why am I here?” Alistar queried.
“I have called you here for other reasons.”
“And they are?”
“Something isn’t right within my gut. Something more than the game is being played with the Crystal Moon. I want you to help me look deeper than what’s obvious on the surface.”
“What are we looking for?” Alistar asked.
The wolf lowered his leg, then jumped up the steps to reclaim his spot on the porch. He scratched the back of his neck as he responded. “I don’t know. But what I do know is that Lasidious has been watching me, and I’m going to need your help to figure out what’s going on.”
Alistar put his right foot up on the second step, and then he leaned forward. “Do you have any suggestions as to where I should start, and what should I be loo
king for?”
“As I said, I don’t know. Perhaps you should start with George’s family. You might discover something that I’ve missed. It’s hard for me to investigate when I’m being watched so closely. You’ll be able to search without Lasidious’ knowledge. There must be answers hidden under our snouts.”
Alistar chuckled. “Our snouts? My nose has never been referred to as a dog’s. I do enjoy our conversations, Mosley. I’ll find you once I know more.” Alistar vanished.
Mosley frowned. “I’m a wolf, not a dog.”
The City of Inspiration
The Next Peak, Early Bailem
Lord Dowd entered Gregory’s throne room. His face carried a look of agitation as he stopped in front of the White Chancellor’s throne. Hepplesif was sitting on the arm of the chair next to Gregory.
Dowd addressed the chancellor. “My men have returned from the city of Marcus. Boyafed has no plans to attack. In fact, Tolas informed me that Boyafed desires peace. He believes a war would be a senseless loss of life.”
Gregory relaxed his grip on the arm of the throne. “Then it sounds as if Marcus has made another empty threat. This is good, but I’ll keep the kedgles around for a while longer. I want to be sure the danger is behind us. Thank you, Lord Dowd.”
The white paladin shook his head. “The news isn’t all good. One of my men perished on this mission. He dishonored himself and the gods. Despite this man’s weakness, we should see to it that his family is cared for.”
Gregory nodded. “I’ll visit his family myself. Leave the information I need with Mykklyn, and I’ll take the coin necessary to make the adjustment within their home easier. If need be, I’ll offer his woman duties within my palace to ensure they stay fed.”
Dowd smirked. “If the rumors are correct, it won’t be a woman you offer duties to. Apparently, this family was governed by two men.”
The chancellor’s brow furrowed. “Nevertheless, right is right.”
Dowd bowed. “As always, Chancellor, you lead by example.” The white army leader left the room.
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