“No, no, no, no, no, Kep! You can’t do this! Fight, damn it! Fight!” Seeing the demon was not going to respond, George fell across the cat’s body. Unable to control his emotions, the mage wailed.
The sun lowered behind the horizon before Marcus decided it was an acceptable moment to break his silence. “George ... I can help him.”
The sound of the Dark Chancellor’s voice angered the mage. He pushed himself off the cat’s body and flew across the forest floor toward Marcus. He lifted his hands, and with all his hate, he sent his magic flying. Lightning enveloped Marcus, but failed to cause anything more than minor discomfort.
George closed his eyes and concentrated. He channeled Payne’s power to amplify his own. A fire storm filled the afternoon air. The trees surrounding Marcus instantly turned to ash, but the heat only managed to give the chancellor a slight burn.
George took a step back, his chest heaving. “How—?”
Marcus cut him off. “Your magic isn’t powerful enough to harm me.”
The top of the tree behind the chancellor had disintegrated, leaving Marcus bound to a stump. George looked at the ropes. They remained intact. “Why didn’t they burn?” he mumbled.
Marcus looked down at the ropes that were running across his chest. “Because the bonds are touching my body. Everything I’m wearing is protected. These are things a Mystic Learner with your ability should know.”
“Who in the hell are you to tell me what I should know?” George snapped.
Marcus shook his head. The ash in his hair created a small cloud of dust before it settled to the ground. “Your skills are impressive. I was surprised to learn that my brother was sending you to stand before the Source so soon. When I learned this, I was unable to fathom how a new Mystic Learner could be ready so quickly. It appears I’ve underestimated you. You’re far stronger than Brayson’s last Mystic Learner. I’m sure you wouldn’t hesitate to end me if you could.”
George spit on Marcus. “I don’t need magic to end you.” He lifted his fists. “I’ll drive you two paces under with my bare hands. I’ll squeeze your life’s source right out of you.”
Marcus grinned. “You could ... but you won’t.”
“You don’t know me!” George poked his own chest with his finger. “You don’t freaking know me at all! Don’t think I don’t understand how to screw with someone’s mind. You’re not going to get into my head. I’m the master when it comes to that.” George walked toward Marcus and pulled his fist back into a striking position.
Marcus turned his head to prepare for the blow. “If you end me, you won’t be able to save your friend!” he blurted.
The mage stopped his swing. He grabbed the back of Marcus’ head and forced the chancellor to look at him. “He’s passed already! That’s bad for you!”
“I can fix this! I can prove it.”
George thumped the back of Marcus’ head against the stump. “What do you mean, you can fix this? He’s gone! There’s no saving him!”
Dazed, Marcus responded. “You’re wrong. I can bring him back. I serve Hosseff. I command his Touch of Death.”
George stood. “Tell me more!”
“If I tell you, you’ll have the advantage.”
“Really? Really? You still believe you have a card up your sleeve? Are you dense? What kind of a fool are you? You must think I’m stupid.” George took a knee next to the chancellor. “I should take your power from you. I should cut your ass open and eat your heart. I’ll keep your power for myself.”
Marcus started to laugh.
“You find that funny? Only an idiot would laugh at that.” George stood and moved toward the shrine. He took a moment to think. “Perhaps there’s something you know that I don’t.”
Marcus nodded. “Indeed. The power you need isn’t mine to command. I know you could end me and add my power to your own. I‘ve stolen magic myself throughout my seasons. I’m surprised a human would have knowledge of this nature. Someone powerful must have shared this secret with you ... someone worth my respect. But it wasn’t Brayson, was it? He wouldn’t share information so sacred with just a mere student.”
Marcus took a deep breath. “Unfortunately for you, the power you need wouldn’t pass to you with my demise. It doesn’t work that way. The one power you would want to command most would be lost with my last breath. Your feline friend would remain cold.”
“Explain!” George demanded.
“You must be a servant of Hosseff, and not just any servant. You must be blessed by my lord himself before you can summon the power to raise those who have passed. His Touch of Death is only controlled by the chosen of the Order. With this touch, I can take life or give it once per season.”
George stood and looked into Marcus’ eyes. “You’re lying. I should end you now.”
“You could, but if you’re wrong, could you live with yourself knowing that you had the chance to save your friend?”
Payne walked over and stood next to George. He had heard everything Marcus said. He tugged at the bottom of George’s tunic. “Umm ... let the bad man help Kitty.”
George lowered to a height eye-level with Marcus. “I knew you would come. Your brother warned me about his last Mystic Learner. He has known for many seasons that you were the one who killed him. Your magic can’t hurt me. I’ve been given something to protect me. This power is the same reason you’ve been unable to escape your bonds, and it’s also why you’ve been unable to teleport. If I set you free, what guarantee do I have that you’ll use your Touch of Death to save Kepler?”
Marcus squirmed within his bonds. The ropes were cutting into his wrists. “You have something I want. Since I can’t take it from you, it appears I have no other option but to help you.”
“Brayson told me you would try to force me to give you the words to his spell. He also said you would end me if you had the chance. I’m not stupid. I understand the desire for power. I even understand why you want to speak with the Source and look into the Eye.”
The mage put his hand on his own chin. “You know, Marcus, perhaps you’re going about this the wrong way. Perhaps you should take a different approach.”
Marcus thought a moment. “A curious comment. Your tone suggests your loyalty wavers.”
George stood and took a few steps back. “Loyalty is a funny thing. There are moments when unexpected alliances can be forged. My loyalty adapts as I do.”
Marcus grinned. “I’ve never met a human like you. You speak with wisdom beyond your seasons. I wonder ... what is it that you have in mind? How else would you suggest that I attain the power I desire?”
George moved next to Marcus and took a knee. The mage leaned in and whispered to keep Payne from hearing.
After a long while, Marcus’ expression changed. “Ahhhh. I like the sound of that. I like it a lot. But there is much we need to discuss if it’s to work.”
George nodded and then took a seat. “All the angles will need to be considered, and I’m the man when it comes to covering angles.”
Payne tilted his head as his finger finally reattached itself to his hand. “What ‘angles’ mean? Tell Payne. Is Master talking about food? Payne hungry.”
CHAPTER 13
Passionate Moments
The Village of Solace
BRAYSON AWOKE WITH MARY at his side. After propping his head up on his pillow, he looked out across the ocean to watch the sun creep over the horizon. They had teleported to the village of Solace the Peak before for an evening of dining and relaxation. Dinner had gone well, and the massage by torchlight had set a romantic mood.
Now, fellow soul ... allow me to tell you about the village of Solace. It was a peaceful place, built into the tallest cliff that overlooked the Ocean of Agregan to the east. The village was designed to be a seasonal escape—a place of relaxation and meditation. Everyone had the same view of the coastline far below the face of the cliff as each structure within this community had been built into the side of it. The east wall of every chat
eau faced the ocean and had been left open with nothing more than a stone railing to keep its inhabitants from falling. Thanks to the extended season, the weather remained warm enough to bring Mary here for a quiet getaway—a getaway that had turned passionate.
Mary rolled over and put her chin on Brayson’s chest. She reached up and played with his pointed ears. “Your ears are adorable. I can’t stop touching them.”
“I’m glad you approve.” Brayson rolled Mary over and pushed her hair off of her neck before he kissed it. “I was hoping you would enjoy yourself. Solace has only recently been created. The elf responsible for this magical retreat nearly ended himself in the process, but the outcome was worth the risk. He has since recovered and maintains a residence here.”
“I have never seen places as nice as what I’ve seen on Luvelles. Even Kebble’s inn makes the town I’m from seem less than desirable. You don’t know this, but I still have a home in Lethwitch. My neighbors are keeping an eye on it for me. I’m from a rugged town filled with farmers, and magic is, well, it’s not like it is here. As far as I know, there are only two men, or rather were two men, who could use it.”
Brayson nodded, “Yes, I know them both.”
Mary smiled. “Isn’t Morre a good man? He’s always been kind. I’ll never forget the Peak when I met him. He looked different than the rest of the townspeople. His gray beard and dirty robe gave me the creeps. Ha, that’s something I learned from George ... the creeps. He speaks so strange every now and then.
“Anyway, after I got to know Morre, I found a way to look past his smell. I guess he grew on me. I heard he had a brother, but I never met him, nor did I ask Morre about his family. I should’ve been more sensitive. I’m not sure why I didn’t ask—”
“Amar,” Brayson cut in. “Morre’s brother is a human named Amar. He studied on Luvelles under my tutelage only 40 seasons ago. He’s a good man, but he has a tendency to lean toward the darker side of the arts. His magic is limited because of his fear of failure. I wasn’t able to allow him to speak with the Source. He just never matured enough.”
Brayson rolled to his back and put his hand behind his head. “Amar is still a friend of mine. In fact, he’s the reason why I allowed George to come to Luvelles. I’m glad I made that decision. Ever since I saw you step out of your crate onto Merchant Island, I’ve never been the same.”
Brayson sighed and then continued to speak. “George could be powerful some Peak. It seems he’s been blessed by the gods. I was speaking with Amar about this not too long ago. He suggested I should allow Payne to become George’s goswig. I wasn’t fond of the idea, but it just might work. I imagine Amar has gone back to Grayham by now.”
Mary sat up. Concern filled her eyes as she pulled up the covers to hide her bosom. “That’s not possible. Amar couldn’t have been here. You must be mistaken.”
Brayson sat up to match Mary’s position. “I wouldn’t lie about something as trivial as Amar’s visit.”
“Amar has passed,” Mary inserted.
Brayson rebutted, “No. I just spoke with him.”
Mary shook her head. “If you’re saying Morre’s brother was Amar ... then he’s not alive. There’s no way he could’ve spoken with you. Morre came into the inn one night while I was working. It was just prior to my family’s departure from Grayham. He was crying and drinking Paradin Whiskey. After a few drinks, he told me his brother’s body had been found in a shed just outside the city of Champions.”
Brayson’s mind began to race. He stood, walked toward the stone railing without covering himself, and then he placed his hands on top of it. His muscles tightened. Mary could not help but notice the tension in Brayson’s buttocks. It was impossible to ignore, and it was worth her admiration. She secretly enjoyed the moment while she waited for the Head Master to respond.
Brayson turned to face her. “Are you sure about this?”
“Of course, I’m sure.”
“Then, if he has passed, I’ve been misled.” Brayson could see Mary was not hearing him. Her attention was elsewhere. He moved to the bed and pulled the covers off the bed and threw them around him. “Mary, this is serious. Pay attention to these eyes, not that one.”
Embarrassed, Mary looked up. “You have my attention.”
After a brief smile, the concern reappeared on Brayson’s face. “If what you’re saying is true, something is amiss. I must speak with George.”
“But how? You said he started the trials. I thought you couldn’t speak with him until after he looks into the Eye. From the way it sounds, if the Eye swallows him, you may never have the chance to speak with him. I hate the sound of that.”
“You’re right. I can’t, at least not now anyway. Besides, I need to investigate Amar’s passing first. I swear to you, he was just here.”
“I believe you. I’m sure there’s an explanation.”
“There must be. I’ll search for the answer after I’ve taken you home.”
Mary frowned. “I don’t want to leave. I like it here.”
Brayson thought a moment. “One more Peak won’t change anything. We can stay until tomorrow.”
Mary smiled and then thought of her daughter. “What will I tell Athena if George doesn’t return? I didn’t have the heart to tell her that he was going on such a dangerous journey. If he doesn’t, she’ll be left to raise their baby on her own.”
Brayson lowered to the bed. “If he doesn’t make it, I’ll help raise the baby with the rest of the family. After all ... you and I would make wonderful grandparents.”
Mary gasped. “Do you hear what you’re saying?”
“I do. I intend to make you my mate.”
Mary grabbed his arm. “But I’ll age and pass long before you will.”
“I have knowledge of a way to extend your seasons. I haven’t waited my whole life to have you come into it and leave quickly. We’ll take a journey to Dragonia. The trip will be dangerous, but worth the risk. It’ll allow us to be together forever.”
Mary grabbed Brayson and pulled him close. “Are you immortal?”
Brayson smirked, “I only wish. I used the term forever loosely, or perhaps, you took me too literally. Nevertheless, we should live another 2,000 seasons if we drink from the Well of Covain.”
“Oh my! There’s a well that grants long life?”
“There is. But it’s heavily guarded by the Vampire King’s minions.”
Mary grinned. “Come here. I need to show you something.”
“As you wish.” Brayson pulled the covers overtop of them.
A short series of moments passed before Mary started to giggle. “Oh my. You’re a naughty elf. Stop that. No, no, no! Do it again. Stop that! Eeeek! Ahhhhhhh. Brayson Id, you better … oh my! If you do that again I’m going to have to start loving you. Again! Again! Again! Oh my!” Mary screamed, “I love you Brayson Id!”
Northwest of Bestep
The Beach of the Volton Ocean
2 Peaks of Bailem have Passed
The morning on the western shoreline of the Kingdom of Hyperia was brisk, yet comfortable with the assistance of a campfire that Kiayasis had made the night before. Shalee was sitting close to the fire, holding her hot cup of jasin. She was impressed at how the roots of the scrawny bush Kiayasis ripped out of the ground tasted after they were brewed. The beverage made a delicious replacement for the coffee she missed so much from Earth.
The sorceress could think of nothing better than to be sitting on a beautiful beach with the sand between her toes, looking out across the ocean. The only thing missing was the sun that would soon crest the mountains to the east and the warmth of Kiayasis’ arms around her. Unfortunately, at the moment, there was nothing she could do about the sun, but she could do something about Kiayasis’ arms since they were only a few paces away.
After cleaning up after their meal, Kiayasis lowered next to Shalee. He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. Aside from holding each other near the fire the night before, her cheek was as far
as Shalee would let Kiayasis go. Even at the village of Bestep, she had held Kiayasis at bay.
Kiayasis smiled, “Still just the cheek? Was breakfast not to your satisfaction?”
Shalee caressed Kiayasis’ forearm as he put his arms around her. “Breakfast was perfect. I think I’ve died and gone to paradise.”
“‘Paradise?’ I’ve never heard that word before. What does it mean?”
“It means, a place so beautiful that you’d be crazy to leave it.”
“Who says we have to leave?”
Shalee pressed into the dark warrior, took another sip from her cup, and then she reached up to touch his face. “I’ve never snuggled on a beach before. Thank you. It’s a beautiful memory that I’ll cherish.”
“As will I,” Kiayasis responded.
As all bone-headed men do, the dark paladin lost sight of the tenderness of the moment and changed the subject. “If we’re to get you to Grogger’s Swamp, we best get going.”
“Goodness-gracious, Kiayasis, you’re definitely a man. Only a male would take the perfect moment to talk about work. How about we take the Peak off and stay here? I’m tired of riding . My butt hurts. Let’s take a mental health Peak for our bottoms.” She kissed the top of his pointed ear. “I’m sure we could find plenty to do.”
Kiayasis stood, removed his clothes and headed for the water. He shouted as he ran, “I’ll be waiting!”
“Are you out of your mind? It’s too chilly to be going in there! I’m not going to allow you to see me naked!” Shalee continued to think, However, I have no problem looking at that cute, little bum of yours.
Kiayasis reached down and splashed the water across his chest. “Awww, come on! I promise to warm you up! Come swim with me!”
Shalee chuckled. “No! I told you you’re not getting my clothes off. We barely know each other!” She thought to herself, But I’ll play, big boy, I’ll play. She hiked up her dress and then waded into the water, knee-deep. Just not with my clothes off.
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