Kiayasis winked. “Perhaps you could help me out of it when I return.”
Shalee could not hide her pleasure. “Are you flirting with me, Kiayasis?”
A feigned innocence appeared on the dark paladin’s face. “I wouldn’t dare be so bold, Your Highness.”
“Yeah, right,” Shalee chuckled. “Well if you’re going to flirt, then you best be willing to back it up with dinner.”
“Will this dinner be followed with a kiss?”
Shalee took Kiayasis’ face into the palms of her hands. She leaned in and whispered in his ear. “You’re being awfully presumptuous.”
Kiayasis blushed and took Shalee by the hand. They began their walk into the village after tossing Joss’ reins to a servant of the Order. The stable hand led the beast into a stall that had been prepared for the dark paladin’s mount. Three corgans were tied up inside. The beasts screamed as the krape lord tore into his meal.
“Goodness-gracious!” Shalee exclaimed as she turned around to look. “That sounds dreadful. Joss must have been hungry.”
“I told you he’s a carnivore.” Kiayasis looked down the dirt road toward the village. “I have business to attend to. I’ll take you to the inn and then meet you for dinner once I’m finished. I’ll see to it that our meal is special.”
“I hope so.” Shalee winked.
The sorceress’ wink was so seductive that Kiayasis had to catch his breath. “Um ... we’ll need to leave in the morning. I think just after Early Bailem should give us the moments necessary to recover from a night of drink and fun. We have a long journey ahead of us.”
Now, fellow soul ... allow me to tell you about the village of Bestep. It was a rough place that was full of hardened people. Many of the village’s inhabitants were mercenaries—warriors with magic for hire. Parts of Bestep were in ruin. Hot tempers had destroyed many of the structures on the east side of the village that was filled with the less fortunate. There was a stone wall that separated the classes. The wall had been scorched on the east side from ending those who had committed crimes. Though the definition of a crime had a tendency to vary from one villager to the next, all sentences were given and carried out by one man, Tygrus, an ex-soldier of the Order, and the owner of the best inn in the village.
When Shalee and Kiayasis reached Tygrus’ inn, E Agare Kolpala (The Blood Bucket), Kiayasis left Shalee under the retired soldier’s care and then headed for his destination. Tygrus was well-known as a merciless executioner, and ironically, his inn was the safest place for the queen to stay. All those who came to Bestep avoided confrontation while in Tygrus’ establishment.
It took most of the afternoon before Kiayasis arrived at his destination. As he crested the final hill, he stopped to look at an old, run down shack that sat on seven stilts above the Id River. He jumped down from the back of his horse and then patted the animal’s neck as it lowered its head to chew on the grass.
After securing the horse’s reins to a bush, the dark paladin walked down the hillside toward the shack. The structure was rickety, and the wood planks of the boardwalk leading out to it felt weak beneath his feet.
The door to the structure was not solid. A fire burned inside, and he could see through the cracks. Kiayasis had to knock on four occasions before a brown eye peeked through one of the holes.
A hermit of a man shouted, “No one’s here, I claim! Go away, I say!”
Kiayasis’ tone was cold. “Open in the name of the Order!”
“Open in the name of the Order, he says. What else will the mean elf threaten, I say?”
The bottom of the door scraped across the wooden floor. A little man with a bowed back and arms covered in sores scurried away from Kiayasis. He took a seat next to the fire at the far side of the room and then pushed his long, matted hair clear of his face before he pressed his tongue against the backside of a smile filled with rotted teeth.
Kiayasis could not hide his disgust. “How do you live like this, Gorne? It’s not wise to have a fire in here.”
“How does Gorne live like this, he says? Better than me, he thinks he is, I say. What does the mean elf want from Gorne, I wonder? He wants something, he does. The fire isn’t real, I say. A stupid elf stands before me, I think.”
Kiayasis ignored the comments and stepped into the room. His foot passed through the rotted wood, and he had to catch his balance.
“Hee, hee, ha, ha! Heavy is the mean elf, I say. Lose weight he should, I think. Fat the Order has become, is the word I shall spread.”
Kiayasis gathered his thoughts, still ignoring the irritating mannerisms of the hermit. “I have business we need to discuss. I need you to sell me the knife.”
“Eewww, hee, hee, ha, ha! The knife, he says. The Knife of Spirits he wants, I say. Why does the mean elf think Gorne has the knife, I want to know?”
“ I’m in no mood for games. Sell me the knife so I can leave.”
“Why, I say? The purpose, I want to know.”
“Don’t question my authority. I have the lawful right to take whatever I want. You can sell the blade to me or I’ll take it from you, but either way, I’m leaving with it.”
“Don’t have the knife, I say. Go away, you should, I think. Shut the door, I command. Leave Gorne alone, you should.”
Unsheathing his blessed sword of the Order, Kiayasis responded, “Give me the knife, and do it now. I don’t want to end you ... but I will.”
“Hee, hee, ha, ha, ho, ho, grrrrr! Kill Gorne, he threatens, I say. Hate the mean elf, I do. Give you the Knife of Spirits, I will. To kill something magical you need to do, I think. Strong this magic must be, I say.”
Gorne scampered across the room, and then he reached under a mattress that was riddled with holes. He tossed the sheathed blade and watched it land at Kiayasis’ feet. “Go away, I say. Leave Gorne alone, I ask. I have given you what you want, I have. Hate you Gorne does, I say. Leave your coin on the table, I beg.”
Kiayasis shook his head and then pulled the door shut after dropping a pouch filled with coin through a hole in the floor. He walked back across the boardwalk and smiled as he heard Gorne dive into the water to retrieve the currency. Mounting his horse, Kiayasis headed for the inn.
The dark paladin entered his room and took enough moments to make himself presentable before he knocked on Shalee’s door. His long, black hair fell across his muscular shoulders which were now covered by a fresh, golden shirt. The blue of his eyes gleamed with anticipation as the queen opened her door.
Shalee had used her magic to create an elegant, emerald gown. Her blonde hair had been pinned up to expose a thick, gold necklace that hung tightly around her neck. Earrings, also made of gold, held an assortment of gems and shimmered as they dangled.
Kiayasis was the first to speak. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.” He looked down at Shalee’s feet. “Your shoes ... they hold your heels high off the floor.” He looked up. “Your face has color on it. I can’t take my eyes off you.”
Shalee grinned.
Kiayasis’ face showed a spirited pleasure. “It’ll be a shame to take such a wonderful gown off such a beautiful woman.”
Shalee took a step back. “What?” Her hands moved up and down the front of her body as if she was putting herself on display. “You’re not going to see this dress fall so easily. Perhaps ... if you’re lucky ... I might allow you to kiss me goodnight … only perhaps.”
“Then a kiss it will be. I have ordered a special night. It’s being prepared as we speak.”
“Ahhh. So you’re going to spoil me. But we’ll just have to see about that kiss, mister. I’m not a floozy, you know?” Shalee took Kiayasis’ arm and squeezed. Not a single thought of Sam entered her mind as they headed out.
Brayson’s Island
The Next Peak
Just Before the Peak of Bailem
George, Payne and Kepler arrived at the shrine that was located on the southern tip of the Head Master’s island. The key to the Source’s temple was sealed in
side.
“What kind of place is this?” George remarked, scowling. “Sticking this thing out here in the middle of nowhere is creepy. This is a crypt, not a shrine. Brayson definitely has a flare for the dramatic.”
George dropped his bag of supplies to the ground. He adjusted his purple tunic to a more comfortable position. It was split below his waist and a loose-fitting pair of pants covered his legs. His pistol was strapped under his right pant leg, and it was loaded with his last bullet. Lastly, a short sword hung from his left hip. George was ready for the trials that would begin as soon as the group entered the shrine to retrieve the key.
Payne flew above the shrine. He planted his small, red behind on top of it, and then he relaxed his wings before as he looked down and shouted, “I’m hungry!”
“Shut up, Freak!” Kepler growled. “Be quiet while we think.”
George shrugged. “At least he didn’t speak of himself in third person.”
Kepler growled again, and then he looked up at the fairy-demon. “Kepler want to eat Payne, because Payne still a freak.”
“Ebbish nay, Kitty! Be nice to Payne.”
George rolled his eyes. “Come on, you two. Can’t we just all get along?” The mage poked Kepler with his elbow.
Ignoring George, the jaguar sniffed around the base of the shrine. After a few moments, the cat lifted his head. “Well, what are you waiting for? You have the words to Brayson’s spell. So use them already.”
The mage was about to respond, but a voice that was hidden amidst the trees of the forest spoke out. “Well, well, well! It appears the Peak has finally come!” Marcus emerged from the shadows, cupped his hands together and then placed them on his chest. “I’m so happy.”
Kepler was the first to react. The demon lowered into an attack posture and prepared to spring into action.
Meanwhile, George remained calm. He slowly turned around to find the source of the voice while Payne had simply remained on top of the shrine. The fairy-demon was unconcerned and his attention was elsewhere. Payne had pulled one of his fingers off his hand, and he was playing with a small likeness of himself that was standing on his knee.
“I have been waiting for you,” Marcus said, his brown eyes cold. “We have business to discuss, George.”
Kepler growled. “How does this elf know your name? Who is he?”
George grinned. “His name is Marcus Id ... Brayson’s putz of a brother. He’s also known as the Dark Chancellor. I hear he’s a penis.”
Again, Marcus clapped his hands. “Since it appears you know me, we should be able to dispense with useless introductions. They bore me anyway.”
Both Payne and his miniature likeness shouted, “Hey! You got food? We’s are hungry!”
Marcus ignored the fairy-demon and continued to hold George’s glare. “You have something I want. I think you know that.”
George leaned against the shrine and crossed his arms.
Kepler waited for the mage’s response, but when one never came, he growled. “Aren’t you going to say something?”
“Sure, when I’m ready. I’m still sorting out how little I give a garesh about what this chump wants. He’s been watching us for a while now. The bastard thinks he can just sneak up on us.”
Kepler’s eyes flashed. “When were you going to tell me that he was stalking us?”
George shrugged. “I didn’t know I needed to tell the Master of the Hunt that. I just assumed you would know.” The mage shrugged again. “But if it helps, here you go. Hey Kep, this chump has been stalking us. Look at him. I don’t think he’s tough enough to rip the skin off my nuts.”
Marcus cleared his throat. “George, it seems you don’t fully understand what I’m capable of. Must I demonstrate the sincerity of my presence?”
Kepler’s eyes continued to glow as he held them fixated on George.
The mage pushed himself clear of the shrine and matched Marcus’ stare as he stepped within a pace of the Dark Chancellor. “I know what you want. You should leave. You’re not going to get what you came for.”
Marcus leaned forward, his voice filled with hate. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way. The easy way ... you live. The hard way ... you perish. Which will it be? Either way, I care not.”
Kepler did not wait to hear another word. He lunged for Marcus with his massive claws ready to strike.
George did not have a chance to stop the demon’s attack. He could only watch as Kepler’s paw cut through the air with his nails deployed and aimed at the chancellor’s head. Instead of connecting with his target, Kepler’s body lifted from the ground, and the demon was sent flying with a simple flip of Marcus’ hand.
The force behind the chancellor’s magic was severe—so severe that the collision the demon’s body made as it wrapped around a tree, knocked the wind out of the jaguar. The branches broke beneath Kepler’s weight as he fell limp to the ground and landed with a thud.
Marcus extended his arm. A magical arrow made of fire erupted from the chancellor’s right index finger and buried itself into the demon-cat’s chest. The glow filling Kepler’s eyes quickly faded and rendered the jaguar unconscious.
Upon seeing Kepler’s fate, Payne and his finger reacted. The fairy-demon teleported behind Marcus and dug his claws into the back of the chancellor’s legs while his tiny counterpart appeared next to Marcus’ ear and bit down on his lobe.
Payne’s claws ripped downward, opening gashes before he was also sent skyward into the trees. Dazed, the fairy-demon tumbled through the branches just like Kepler had done and landed headfirst not far from the cat while Marcus reached across his chest with his left hand and flicked the miniature Payne with his finger. Now both fairy-demons had also been knocked unconscious.
George rushed in and punched Marcus on the side of his head. The Dark Chancellor fell to the ground, and George followed. The mage threw his weight on top of Marcus’ belly as he straddled the chancellor.
The wizard responded to the mage’s assault by waving his hand, but nothing happened.
George smiled and smashed his fist into the chancellor’s chest.
Marcus tried again, but still nothing happened.
George delivered another shot to Marcus’ face. The chancellor was forced to cover up to protect himself from the barrage of punches. It was not long before a blow connected with Marcus’ temple, and he, too, was knocked out.
With the Dark Chancellor incapacitated, George stood and rushed to Kepler’s side. He struggled to lift the demon-cat’s head into the necessary position to administer the elixir Brayson had given him. He reached inside the demon’s mouth and lifted his massive tongue. He uncorked the top of the vial with his teeth and then allowed two drops to fall. After lowering the cat’s head, he repeated the process with Payne, but he only used one drop with the fairy-demon. Once Payne’s mouth was closed, George rushed across the clearing and bound Marcus with a rope before the chancellor could awaken.
After dragging the Dark Chancellor’s lanky body to a tree, George secured him to its trunk with a second rope. All he could do now was hope that Kepler and Payne would be alright. George dropped to his knees next to his companions and waited for the healing power of the elixir to take effect.
Marcus opened his eyes. Realizing he had been tied up, he spit the blood in his mouth to the ground. “Release me or I’ll—”
“You’ll what?” George shouted. “You won’t do anything! You’re going to sit there, and shut the hell up! Open your mouth again, and I’ll finish you off.”
George moved to stand before Marcus and then crouched. He held the elixir in front of Marcus’ face. “This better work,” he hissed. “Because if they pass ... you’re a goner.”
Noticing how severe the bleeding was on Marcus’ legs, George smirked. “I can’t have you bleeding out before I know what’s going on. The cuts on your legs look pretty nasty. Open your freaking mouth, asshole.”
The chancellor did as he was told. The drop found its target, and it
was swallowed.
George moved to check on Payne. The fairy-demon was beginning to stir. George cradled Payne’s body and then lifted him off the ground. He propped Payne up against Kepler’s belly. The mage’s voice was soft as he encouraged, “I’m right here, Payne. I need to check on Kep. Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere.”
George used his power to lift the demon-cat’s head and set as much of it as he could on his lap. “Kep ... come on, wake up. Come on, Kep. We’ve come too far for you to pass on me now.”
Marcus’ magic had nicked the edge of Kepler’s heart. George knew fire was the only thing that could end Kepler. As the mage continued to encourage the jaguar, Payne finished gathering his senses and then moved to sit next to him. It only took a moment for the fairy-demon’s tiny mind to understand the severity of Kepler’s condition.
With his claws outstretched, Payne stroked the demon-cat’s neck. “Kepler,” he whispered, leaning in to lie against the cat’s blood-soaked, black coat, “Live. Payne like Kitty. Don’t want Kitty to pass. Kitty Payne’s friend. Kepler, Payne’s favorite kitty.”
The sentiment of Payne’s words ripped into George’s heart. Tears filled the mage’s eyes as he patted the fairy-demon on the head. Despite Payne’s words, Kepler continued to lie motionless on the forest floor.
George reached into his pouch and administered another two drops of the healing elixir. “Come on, Kep. I need you,” he whispered. “You’re my best friend. I can’t lose you, too. I’ve already lost too much. Fight this, Kep. Fight this, damn it.”
Payne watched as George lost hope. The mage shouted as he stared at Kepler’s closed eyes. “Get up, you big lug! Things won’t be the same without you!”
George backed out from under Kepler’s head and moved to the side of the demon’s neck. He reached through the fur to feel for a pulse. It took a moment before he was able to find one. It was shallow, but it was there nonetheless. He held his fingers over this spot and waited for the elixir to strengthen the frequency in which he felt the next beat. But this would not be the Peak for recoveries. Not long after—Kepler’s heart stopped, and he perished.
The Eye of Luvelles Page 27
