Without offering much of an explanation, Brayson touched Gregory on his shoulder and teleported the group away from the White Chancellor’s tower-palace.
“Damn you, Brayson!” the Dark Chancellor shouted as he stepped out from behind the mirror and his invisible veil. The next lengthy series of moments was filled with agitated swearing, but the chancellor was forced to stop. Marcus could hear Mykklyn’s heavy paws thump against the floor of the tower as the lioness ran toward Gregory’s bedroom chamber to investigate the noise. As she crossed the threshold, Marcus vanished.
When the chancellor reappeared, he was in his own bedroom chamber. A moment later, he started laughing. “How coincidental and fortunate for you, little brother. Brayson saved your miserable hide yet again. But no worries. Your life’s source will stain my hands before I’m finished.”
Brayson appeared with the group inside his shrine on the southern end of his island. He motioned for the darkness to dissipate, and a moment later, it was replaced with a soothing light.
“What’s going on, brother?” Gregory questioned as he watched Brayson walk to the back of the shrine to retrieve the key to the Source’s temple from the chest that protected it. “Why have you brought us here? I have much to accomplish and only a few moments in which to do it. And who is this human female?”
Brayson took the moments to introduce Shalee, and then he explained the details of their current predicament. “I’m sending the two of you to speak with the Source. I’ll teleport ahead of you to let the Ancient One know you’re coming. I’m going to need your assistance once you’ve looked into the Eye.”
“After all these seasons, why would you do this, brother?” the chancellor queried.
Brayson put his hands on Gregory’s shoulders. “I need you to trust me. We’re going to need more power to fight the forces that will come out of the Kingdom of Hyperia. Boyafed will send his Argont Commander to rally the mercenaries of Bestep. He’ll continue to the forest of Shade Hollow and ask the Serwin King to follow him. I also imagine that Boyafed will meet with Kassel, and we both know the numbers of the Hyperian King’s army. But the one thing I fear most is that Boyafed will call upon the debt Balecut owes him.”
“Not Balecut,” Gregory protested. “We can’t defend against his tactics.”
Shalee spoke up. “Who’s this Balecut?”
Fisgig was the one to respond. “He’s a powerful wizard who lives in the Petrified Forest. He can summon the power to bend the moments in which we live. Even though this power won’t work against Brayson or Gregory, he is feared by most every other being on this world.”
“So you’re saying this Balecut character can manipulate time?”
Fisgig’s feathered face appeared confused. “I’m not familiar with this term, ‘time,’ Shalee. Please explain.”
“It means the same thing as the moments you just referred to as being bendable, but it’ll be easier to explain later when we have enough time, or rather, enough moments in which to explain it.”
“I think I understand,” the goswig replied. “With Balecut slowing the moments in which we live, this could give the dark army a significant advantage if we fail to prepare for his tactics. This is why it’s so important for one of you to successfully look into the Eye. Brayson will be able to teach you how to summon this cherished power once you’ve received the Eye’s gift.”
“I understand,” Gregory responded. “I hope the Source finds me worthy on this occasion.”
“Don’t worry about that,” the Head Master responded. “He will.”
Shalee was deep in thought, so much so that she seemed distant.
Brayson snapped his fingers to capture her attention. “What has your mind tied up, Shalee?”
The Queen of Brandor took a deep breath. “Is it safe to say that one of us may never return from this little outing?”
Brayson lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. “Both of you may never return from this journey. You can have no doubt in your abilities, Shalee. You must find the courage to go before the Eye and look into its light. The Source won’t stop you once you arrive ... I’ll see to that. But you’ll still need to find your way through the Void Maze in order to get there.”
Gregory nudged Shalee. “This will be an easy task. I’ve done this before. I’m far more powerful than I was the first series of moments I went through the trials. We will be standing before the Source’s cave within a respectable amount of moments. Just stay close to me.”
Shalee lowered to a stone bench that was inside the shrine. “Head Master, Sam told me you possess the strongest magic on Luvelles. Why don’t you stop this Boyafed fellow from recruiting Balecut?”
“My position as Head Master, though powerful, does not allow me to choose a side in war. I don’t want this war to happen, but if I were to force those on Luvelles to stop, it would be an abuse of my position. All I can do is try to act as peacemaker.” Brayson placed a hand on Shalee’s upper arm. “You are not bound by the same rules as I am ... nor is Gregory. You’ll be able to use your newfound power to put an end to this war. While you’re gone, I shall try to find what’s causing the tension between the armies. I plan to start by speaking with your friend, George.”
Shalee cringed. “George ain’t no friend of mine. Is he the one that’s behind all this?”
“I can’t be sure,” Brayson replied, “but if what Sam told me is the truth, perhaps he’s the best choice to begin my investigation.”
“Oh, it’s true alright,” Shalee confirmed. “The guy is a total jerk.” She turned to look at Gregory. “We should get going.”
Gregory redirected his gaze. “Brother, I need you to deliver a message to Lord Dowd. He must finish gathering his forces without me. I already spoke with Ultor, but Dowd will need to do the rest of what he has requested of me on his own.”
Gregory took Shalee by the hand and grabbed the key to the Source’s temple out of Brayson’s. After placing it inside his robe, the next thing Shalee knew, the duo was standing outside the entrance to the Void Maze.
CHAPTER 19
I’m Drunk as a Skunk
and Need Some Lovin’
The Dark Order’s Temple
BOYAFED WAS PREPARING TO LEAVE for the Petrified Forest when the goddess, Mieonus, appeared to him. He was standing without his shirt inside his bedroom chamber that was located inside the temple of the Order. With lightning reflexes, the dark paladin jumped back, grabbed his blessed long sword and took a defensive posture.
The goddess smiled. “At ease, Boyafed. I’m not here to harm you. Do you know who I am?”
Boyafed pointed the tip of his blade in Mieonus’ direction. “Speak before I cut this conversation short.”
Mieonus put her finger on the tip of Boyafed’s blade and pushed it aside. “How clever you must consider yourself. I’m Mieonus. You may kneel before me now.”
The Order leader knew the name. He took a knee and bowed his head despite the fact that she was not his god. “Did Hosseff send you, Goddess? What must I do to serve my lord?”
Mieonus hated the way the paladin’s statement sounded. The thought of being the shade god’s personal errand girl made her want to vomit. Dismissing her irritation, she glided across the room. Her red gown clung to her hips as she moved, and her black, lifted heels clicked against the white marble of the floor as she stopped next to the side of Boyafed’s bed.
The Goddess of Hate took a seat and then adjusted her voluptuous figure into a seductive position. She was amused at how disciplined the Order leader was. He had kept his eyes lowered, so he had not seen her overt attempt at seduction. He was patiently waiting for her to speak.
Mieonus patted the bed beside her. “Hosseff didn’t send me, Boyafed. Please ... come to me and sit.”
The goddess admired the width of the dark warrior’s shoulders as he walked across the room. He sat without question and bowed his head.
Boyafed’s strong, elven features appealed to Mieonus. His eyes were dark br
own, his hair equally dark, but soft and short. His strong jaw complemented the masterpiece that served as his body. She reached over and lifted Boyafed’s chin until his eyes found hers. She could feel the paladin tremble as the hair on his arms stood at attention.
With her sweetest smile, Mieonus spoke, “Have you ever touched a goddess, Boyafed? Would you enjoy being with a woman of my beauty?”
Boyafed was unsure what to say. He remained quiet while he searched for a response.
The goddess leaned in and kissed his lips, but Boyafed did not kiss her in return. Rather than stop, she kept at it until he finally succumbed.
The dark warrior found the courage to reach over and pull her to him. She was too beautiful to resist, and Boyafed could feel his heart pounding. The Order leader stood, lifted Mieonus off the bed and then took control.
The goddess took his aggression upon her being for an expansive series of moments before the mood subsided and they both lay satisfied.
Mieonus smiled as she lay in the paladin’s arms. “Boyafed ... I wish with everything in me that I could say my visit was solely for the benefit you’ve so graciously blessed me with. But I cannot say this without it being a lie. I hate to tell you, but something awful has happened. I don’t wish to hurt you, but I’ve come to deliver terrible news ... news that will cause you to seek vengeance. I assure you, I truly don’t wish to be the bearer of pain.”
The Order leader rolled toward the goddess and kissed her on the end of her nose. “I’m a powerful, proud elf. I can handle adversity.”
“I don’t doubt your ability to handle any situation. I have no doubt in you at all. I wouldn’t be lying here beside you if I did.”
“Then tell me ... why is it you’ve come?”
“You must promise to hear me out.”
“You have my word.” Boyafed stroked Mieonus’ hair. “Continue.”
“Your son, Kiayasis, was ended by the King of Southern Grayham. I’ve come to tell you that he broke your son’s neck and left him lying in the forest southeast of Grogger’s Swamp. I have always admired you, Boyafed, and a man of your stature deserves an opportunity to seek justice.”
Boyafed rolled clear of the bed and stood, failing to cover himself. “Why would the king have ended him? He had no knowledge of Kiayasis’ order to dispose of his queen.”
Mieonus enjoyed Boyafed’s pain, though her facial expression did not show it. “The king saw his queen lying in Kiayasis’ arms. I’m sorry for your loss. I wouldn’t want any child of mine rotting in the forest. Shouldn’t your son’s remains be offered to Hosseff?”
“It should, indeed, Goddess.” Boyafed’s face hardened. “Where is the king now?”
“He’s inside the swamp. If you hurry, you could be waiting for him when he exits the swamp. If you wish, I’ll return to comfort you after you’ve avenged your loss.”
The goddess watched as Boyafed donned the black plate of the Order. He sheathed his blessed sword and then helped Mieonus out of bed. He took one last glance at her body. “I must go. I have a king to end and a sacrifice to offer. I’d enjoy your company when I’m finished.” Boyafed vanished.
Mieonus smiled as she put her gown back on. She whispered to the empty room as though the paladin was still standing in front of her. “My attraction to you was fictitious, Boyafed. You’re a pawn. How could you believe that I, a goddess with my beauty, would want to be seen with the likes of you? You’ll grieve without me.” Mieonus paused. “However, I must give you credit. Your movements were delightful satisfactions. Perhaps I shall use you on some other occasion.”
Boyafed appeared outside the stable that held his krape lord. Before the dark warrior had the chance to enter, Hosseff appeared. Boyafed dropped to one knee. “My Lord, how may I serve you?”
From within the nothingness beneath the god’s hood, Lasidious altered his voice to match Hosseff’s wispy tone. “Be careful, Boyafed. Don’t allow yourself to be deceived. What Mieonus told you about your son is true. Kiayasis has perished, and your desire to avenge his end is acceptable, but Mieonus has desires of her own, and they stretch far beyond lying with you. Her true intent is to use you. I don’t want to see you turned into the goddess’ puppet. You’re far too strong for that.”
Boyafed sighed, “I shouldn’t have laid with her, My Lord. I beg your forgiveness. It won’t happen again.”
“Nonsense. I understand the desires of a strong elf. You did what any man would’ve done, considering the situation. I applaud you for taking advantage of the opportunity while it existed. The goddess is indeed a beautiful woman, is she not?”
“Yes, My Lord. She was a good lover, to be sure. I’ll avoid her in the future.”
“There’s no need for that. Use her how you will. Turn her into a plaything, if you wish. Just remember the god you serve when the moment comes that she tries to manipulate you further.” After a brief pat of his wispy hand on the side of Boyafed’s arm, the Hosseff imposter continued, “We have many things to discuss. Your desire to avenge your son’s death can be harnessed to glorify me. I have a task for you, Boyafed. Are you ready?”
“I live to serve you, My Lord. What would you ask of me...?”
The City of Nept
Just after Late Bailem
Now, fellow soul ... Nept was a city that had a large population, but it was not the city the inhabitants on the rest of Luvelles came to see. It was the outskirts that called many to its beauty. The countryside of Nept was the home to the finest vineyards on all the worlds. The grapes grew naturally and were used to produce many vintages, but one special wine was made from a vine that grew not far from an inn called Lissey Fione, which meant, sweet wine. This was the only inn on all the worlds that sold a wine called Mesolliff. The amount of coin it took to buy a single bottle was steep—two Yaloom.
Mary, Athena and Susanne eventually arrived at the old, countryside inn, Lissey Fione. This was the first location the ladies had seen on Luvelles that reminded them of their old farming community, Lethwitch, back on Grayham. The buildings were not alive like they were everywhere else on Luvelles, and none of the structures had been created by using magic. The entire town was built the old fashioned way with blood, sweat and tears, since most of the locals were unable to command the arts at all.
Athena and Susanne were glad to get off their feet. They had struggled to keep up with Mary as their mother stumbled through the countryside from one vineyard to another.
After entering through the swinging doors of Lissey Fione, Mary found a pleasant table near an open pit fireplace that sat at the center of the establishment. It did not take long before Mary had ordered and finished yet another glass of wine.
Grabbing the parchment off the table that listed each vintage, Mary scanned it. “Mesolliff,” she announced as her eyes dropped to the bottom of the list. “Look at this, Athena, it’s two Yaloom for a single bottle, and even a glassful is one Jervaise.”
Athena’s eyes widened. “That’s more coin than we used to make in 30 Peaks, Mother. You’re not considering it, are you?”
Mary nodded. “Of course, I am. Why shouldn’t I? We’re here to experience something new.”
Susanne sat Garrin on her lap. “No, Mother, you can’t spend that much coin on a single experience. It’s obscene and not very polite.”
Mary dismissed Susanne’s concern. “Brayson won’t be upset. He told me to have fun before we left, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”
“But it’s the most expensive wine on the list,” Athena rebutted. “Why not send that coin back to Grayham and help the rest of the family we left behind?”
Mary scowled. “All the family I care about came with us. You know that. Besides, Brayson didn’t give me the coin to give it to someone else. Now that would be impolite.” She paused. “So if you think about it, there’s really only thing we can do. Let’s find out how good Mesolliff tastes.”
Mary slammed a Jervaise on the table and ordered a glass. “Would you girls like one as well?�
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Susanne adjusted the baby to her other knee. “Of course, not. I need to watch Garrin, and Athena’s pregnant. Besides, one drunk is enough in this family.”
Athena jabbed Susanne in the side. “Be nice.”
Susanne frowned. “Like you weren’t thinking it, too.”
The glass of Mesolliff was delivered to the table by a well-dressed female halfling who had a towel draped across her forearm and rose colored gloves on her hands.
Mary quickly learned that she loved the taste of Mesolliff—A LOT—and she did not hesitate to order another glass after her first taste. It only took three sips before Mary became intolerable.
Mary opened her bag to retrieve the coins that Brayson had given her and then tossed two Yaloom on the table as she looked across the room at the sommelier who was standing behind the bar. “Bring me a bottle!” she demanded with a slurred voice.
Athena leaned toward Mary. “Mother, you need to stop. You’re embarrassing us. You shouldn’t be shouting.”
Mary grinned and took a swig of Mesolliff. She lifted her head and shouted, “I’m drunk as a skunk, and I need some lovin’!” She said it again and again, announcing to everyone in the establishment that she was anxious for some very specific attention.
Mary stood from her chair and leaned against Athena. “I need some lovin’! I need some lovin’, Athena! Where is my elf when I need some lovin’?”
Athena snapped, “Mother, enough! You’re embarrassing me.” She looked at Susanne. “We’ve got to get her home.”
Susanne nodded. “I agree. Perhaps Brayson will be able to shut her up.” A moment later, both girls wanted to die as the owner of the inn walked over to speak with them. As he did, he set the bottle of Mesolliff on the table and placed the cork in a small, clay saucer next to it. “This must be your mother’s first series of moments consuming Mesolliff. It’s easy to spot a woman who has just had her first taste of nature’s seduction. I suggest you take her someplace safe before she starts to fondle the furniture. It’ll get worse before it gets better, so I’d hurry if I were you.”
The Eye of Luvelles Page 41
