The badger stopped beside a wagon that was loaded with jugs filled with corgan milk. He tapped the side of the wagon with his cane. Despite being made of glass, it still sounded like wood. At the head of the wagon, a light-brown, miniature horse, graying from his seasons, turned his head to find the cause of the disturbance.
A boy elf walked out of the nearby store, grabbed the horse’s reins, nodded in the badger’s direction and then led the horse to their next delivery.
Gage marveled at how the wagon looked like any other as its glass wheels rumbled across the roadway.
As the badger continued his tour of the city, it did not take long for Gage to develop an affection for Inspiration. At one point, the sun finally poked through the clouds. Its rays penetrated one of the prisms that were scattered throughout the city, and a rainbow was cast on the side of Gregory’s tower.
Gage smiled. “This place is magnificent ... and peaceful. I now understand why Marcus is jealous of Gregory.”
Southern Grayham
The City of Brandor
George appeared at the center of Brandor’s arena after leaving Athena. Three guards rushed toward him with the intent to arrest him. The warlock’s actions would have normally left him sitting in a cold dungeon, but not on this Peak.
As the prophet watched the men approach, he lifted his hands and shouted, “Go into the city, and announce to the people that the prophet of Lasidious, the savior of their king, has come to speak with them! I intend to spread the word of the one true god!”
The guards stopped in front of George as he continued to speak. “Make haste. Bring the masses to me. No being should miss hearing what I’ve got to say.”
George tossed each man a single Yaloom and then spoke to the man with the highest rank. “You, Sergeant, what’s your name?”
“My name is Cholis.” He bowed on one knee. “Prophet, please tell Lasidious that I pray to him now. Tell him my family desires to be in his favor.”
George smiled inside. Like putty in my hands, he thought and then responded. “This may come as a shock, but I was looking for you, Cholis.”
The sergeant looked up. “For me? Why, Prophet?”
George reached out and put his hand on top of Cholis’ head. “Our lord has heard your prayers. He does favor your family. I’m here to bless you because of it.” George reached inside his tunic to retrieve another Yaloom. He placed it in Cholis’ hand. “Lasidious knows your heart. He knows you’re a good man. Go home, and spoil your family.”
George turned to the next man. “Corporal, what’s your name?”
“My name is Diayasis.”
“Diayasis, go to your king, and announce my arrival. Let him and his queen know that I’ve come to spread my lord’s good message.”
Diayasis lowered his head. “Yes, Prophet.” He hesitated. “My family also prays to Lasidious.”
Being the master of deception, George heard the lie that was hidden in Diayasis’ response. He reached out and lifted the corporal’s head until their eyes met. “Are you sure you speak the truth, Diayasis? If I hand you a coin, and you’ve lied to me, Lasidious would be most displeased. The last man who lied to me lies unrecognizable, frozen in the tundra of the north.”
Diayasis dropped down and grabbed George’s feet. “Please, Prophet, forgive my transgression.”
George assisted the corporal back to his feet. “You’re forgiven. Now go.”
“Yes, Prophet.” Diayasis rushed off.
It was late morning before the people of Grayham began to file into the arena in large numbers to take their seats. George did not wait for the crowd to settle before he started to speak. He only needed to get the message to a few before he departed.
The warlock lifted his voice to address 300 souls. “Lasidious has seen to it that Southern Grayham has a king. He wants you to know that he intends to bring peace and prosperity to your kingdom. He’ll do whatever it takes to ensure a higher quality of life. No longer will Lasidious allow war to consume your lands. No longer will any man’s family want for food. Your needs shall be addressed.”
A voice from the crowd responded. The man’s appearance was well-groomed, and his robe exquisitely tailored. “How does Lasidious intend to ensure that the people want for nothing? How can he keep the peace on Southern Grayham? If you can answer my questions, I’ll serve Lasidious.”
George lifted his voice. “What’s your name, friend?”
“I am Kolton, a senator of Brandor ... voice of the Fourth and Fifth Marks.”
George had no idea what Kolton meant, but he had hoped someone of importance would come to this meeting, and a member of Brandor’s government was perfect. “Kolton, Senator of Brandor, voice of the Fourth and Fifth Marks, I have a gift for the Senate. Lift your hands to the sky, and open your palms so that I may leave it with you. You, Kolton, will be the one I trust with the responsibility for the safekeeping of Lasidious’ Promise.”
George reached into a small pack and pulled out a crystal orb. It had a green hue and bore markings that resembled Grayham’s topography. The crystal was supported by a dragon similar to the one that cradled the Crystal Moon. George lifted the statue above his head. Once he saw Kolton’s arms had been extended, he used his magic to send the orb floating across the arena.
Some in the arena were frightened, while others watched in awe. Once the Lasidious’ Promise rested in Kolton’s palms, George continued to speak, but now he stood in front of a much larger crowd. “Beings of Brandor, hear me. I am Lasidious’ prophet. The orb given to Kolton, Senator of Brandor and voice of the Fourth and Fifth Marks, will allow the Senate to call for my assistance when Southern Grayham is in need. Hold out your hands. Cup your palms together. I have a gift for you all.”
George thought to himself as he watched the people extend their arms, Let the people’s greed win me their loyalty.
Yaloom coins, the highest currency in the land—3,425 in total—were dispersed throughout the crowd. Each set of hands was filled with five coins. George listened to their exclamations as they realized the wealth they had been given.
“Lasidious desires that you share this gift with your loved ones. Those given this privilege shall pass four of your coins to others in your family. You are only to keep one coin for yourself. This act of kindness is Lasidious’ way of ensuring your understanding that giving and loving is the only way to true happiness.”
George listened to the cheers of the crowd as he began walking toward the exit of the arena. He no sooner passed beneath the arches when Sam and Michael approached, riding their ghostly mist mares.
Sam shouted at George. “Who do you think you are to come into the city and speak to the people without asking permission?” The king dismounted and then unsheathed Kael. He motioned for Michael and the rest of his personal guard to surround George.
George smiled and held up his hands in submission. “You’re right, Sam. I owe you an apology. I’m not here to piss you off, or cause you any problems. I’m here for other reasons.”
Sam placed Kael’s tip against George’s chest. “I don’t care what you’re here for. You’re a dead man.”
With a quick gesture of his hand, George used his power to hold Sam and his entourage in place. The warlock took a step back to scan their faces. “None of you has power over me. I’m not here to fight. I’m here to speak with your king.”
Sam rebutted. “You think binding me is going to get you the conversation you’re after?”
George grinned and bound everyone’s ability to speak. “Eighteen vs. one is not what I would call fair odds. Binding you is my way of saving my ass.”
One by one, George approached each man and released his hold over him. As he did, he handed them a handful of Yaloom and then instructed them to go home. “Return to the castle in the morning. There will be no consequences for abandoning your post. Now go.”
Each man looked at their king. George used his magic to force Sam’s head to nod his approval.
George
then moved to stand in front of Michael. He released the general’s unseen bonds. “Your king will be safe with me. No harm will come to him.” He reached inside his tunic and removed a ring. He placed it in Michael’s hand. “Lasidious knows of your daughter’s sickness. Place this ring on her finger. Her body will be whole by morning. Now go to her.”
Michael looked at Sam. “My King?”
Again, George used his power to force Sam’s head to nod. Once the general had departed, George released his control over Sam’s mouth.
Sam sneered. “Do you think undermining my authority is going to get you what you want? Why are you here? Have you misplaced the rock you crawled out from under?”
George sighed. “Just shut up and walk with me, Sam. Calm down so we can talk.” The warlock turned and headed toward Sam’s castle.
Realizing he could move, Sam grabbed the reins of his mist mare and followed. As he did, Shalee arrived on a mare of her own.
George turned and began to walk backward. “I’m glad you could make it, Shalee. I have come to keep my promise.” He looked at Sam. “I told Shalee that I would make sure she had the chance to look into the Eye of Magic. She will need the additional power to help you defend this kingdom.”
Sam grunted. “I don’t believe anything you say.”
George stopped. “Then use your sword to see if I’m telling the truth.” The warlock took a knee and lowered his head. “Go ahead, ask it anything you want.”
Sam looked at Shalee.
The queen nodded. “Go on, Sam. Here’s your chance to see if everything he has told you is the truth.”
Sam stared at George. The king had a hundred questions. He studied the warlock for a long series of moments before he finally lifted Kael and placed the blade on George’s shoulder. “What I most want to know has nothing to do with the Eye of Magic. Shalee told me that Lasidious has a heaven. Is this true?”
Kael’s blade began to pulsate as if he was searching for an answer. A moment later, the blade responded with a lie. “The prophet speaks the truth. Lasidious does have a heaven.”
Sam was taken aback. He lifted the blade in front of his face. “Are you sure, Kael?”
“Of course!” the sword snapped. “Ask him your next question.”
Sam lowered the blade back onto George’s shoulder. “You told Shalee that Lasidious has the power to return souls. My questions: does Lasidious truly have this power, and have the gods been lying to us?”
Again, Kael’s blade began to pulsate, and again, it was only a moment before the blade responded. “George spoke the truth on both accounts, Sam.”
Sam pulled the blade away from George’s shoulder. “I’m still not convinced.”
George stood and found Sam’s eyes. “If you can’t trust your sword, then who can you trust?”
Sam glared. “Once a tyrant, always a tyrant. I don’t care what Kael says.”
The blade pulled away from Sam’s hand and rose to a hovering position in front of the king’s face. “Sam, if you cannot trust yourself, then you should trust me. I assure you ... George speaks the truth.”
George smiled. “Hell ... I don’t think I’d believe me either if I was you. I guess only time will tell if I’m being sincere. You know, Sam ... I could’ve killed you if I had wanted to, but that’s not why I’ve come. All I ask is that you give me the chance to show you that I truly have changed.”
With lightning reflexes, Sam grabbed Kael’s handle and placed the blade against George’s throat. “Do not speak with the people again without my permission. I want to be informed when you decide to make your little appearances. If you’re serious about being trustworthy, then this won’t be a problem. Do I make myself clear?”
The warlock allowed the blade to press against his throat. As he spoke, its sharp edge drew blood. “I agree to your terms. But I’ve already given the Senate a way to call on me when they need me. I’ve brought you something as well. You’re going to need my help in the near future. Allow me to work with you to save Southern Grayham from a tyrant who’s far worse than I ever was.”
Sam pressed the blade just a little harder. “Why do I need you?”
“Because you are weak,” the warlock answered.
Before Sam could respond, George used his power to seize control again. The warlock turned the king’s blade against him with a single thought. As he reached up to grab Kael’s handle, the false prophet leaned forward and bound Sam with his power. “I can save your ass if you’ll let me!”
Sam’s eyes narrowed. The demon in the back of his mind was throwing buckets of hate to the forefront of his eyes. “You better end me now!” he hissed, “or I’ll find a way to end you.”
Shalee cut in. “Y’all need to lower the testosterone level a notch or two! People are watching.”
George lowered the sword. “She’s right.” The warlock returned the blade to its rightful place on Sam’s hip. He released his hold on Sam and then turned to continue his walk down the road toward the castle. The prophet waved to the people and smiled as they went.
Sam mounted his mist mare and then glared at Shalee. “I swear, I’m going to cut him in half.”
George could feel the king’s stare burning into the back of his head as he moved through the crowd. Eventually, the warlock stopped and turned to face the royal couple. “Shalee, perhaps there’s someplace private where we could continue this conversation. Take us there, and I’ll tell you more.”
Shalee teleported the group into the royal garden behind the castle.
George took a look around and admired the beauty, but his enjoyment of the moment was disrupted as Sam barked, “Why don’t you get to the point? I can’t wait to hear this pile of garesh.”
George calmly took a seat on one of the benches. “I know you have no faith in me, Sam. I deserve your hatred.”
Sam rebutted. “I don’t hate you. I pity you. You’re easily manipulated. I will save my hate for Lasidious and the others.”
Shalee remained quiet. She did not want to contradict Sam when their relationship was still rocky. George would have to find his way over the walls that Sam was putting up.
George moved to stand beside the king and produced a picture of Abbie. Grabbing hold of the mist mare’s reins, he lifted the picture. “Go ahead ... take a look at her. She’s the reason I caused the war on Grayham. I lied, murdered, and cheated, all because Mieonus filled my head with crap. She promised to give me Abbie back. I have since learned of the gods’ deceptions. I know everything Bassorine wrote on his statue, and everything Mosley told you, were lies. I have seen Lasidious’ heaven. I want to go there when I pass. I have to live a better life to get to it.”
Sam dismounted and then helped Shalee to the ground. He tethered their mares to one of the statues spread throughout the garden. “I don’t believe you’ve decided to live a good life. This seems sudden. It seems too convenient that Lasidious is some kind of almighty force the others relish. There must be another reason why you’re here.”
George smiled. “You’re right. There is something else we need to discuss ... something important. There’s a powerful threat that will come to Brandor. I have the ability to help you fight against it. Your sword will not be able to defeat this individual.”
Shalee jumped into the conversation. “What threat are you referring to?”
“The Dark Chancellor on Luvelles has made his way to Grayham. Lasidious has informed me that Marcus Id intends to take control of your kingdom. He’s not here to sightsee as you were led to believe, Sam.”
The king grabbed his head in disbelief. “Okay, okay. Hold on a moment. We just finished fighting a war. We’re not strong enough to fight another one. We took heavy losses in the last massacre you led us into. I could’ve been ended, and you could’ve cared less. How can I believe anything you say?”
“Look. I’m not here to justify my actions, Sam. I’ve admitted I was wrong, and my excuses for doing the things I did are not justifiable. I had no right to manipula
te this world because of a goddess’ promise to return my daughter’s soul.”
George turned and walked a few paces away. He spun back around. “I mean ... who am I to put my life above yours? All I can do is try to make up for the crap I’ve pulled.”
Sam thought a moment. “You expect me to believe that Lasidious is omnipotent, and the others fall short. Why is it that he’s the only god with a heaven ... and if he’s so all-powerful, why doesn’t he allow the souls within the Book to live in his heaven and not inside a bunch of pages?”
George shrugged. “Sam, I don’t pretend to have all the answers. But I have seen Lasidious’ heaven, and I desperately want to go there. I want to go there in the worst way. All I know about the others who call themselves gods is this. Lasidious called them Titans. He said they’re not gods at all.”
Sam cut in. “Titans? Like the Titans of Greek mythology? Titans were gods, George.”
The warlock rubbed his head in thought. “Beats the hell out of me, dude. I don’t know anything about Greek mythology at all. I didn’t study it when I was in school. I do know a guy with your intelligence could sit with Lasidious and have everything figured out in a moment or two.”
Sam took a seat on a bench while Shalee remained quiet. She, too, had limited knowledge of mythology. But she knew a ton about Greek architecture.
After many moments passed, Sam lifted his head and looked across the garden. “Nothing around here makes sense. In Greek mythology, Titans were considered gods ... powerful ones. But here, you say they’re not. Why isn’t Lasidious powerful enough to get rid of them then?”
George shrugged again. “Beats me, bro. Perhaps he doesn’t want to. You can ask him yourself when you get the chance.” The warlock needed to redirect the conversation. He was getting too far over his head. “Look, Sam, all I know is this. Lasidious asked me to come to Grayham and warn you of the threat that Marcus is about to become. Lasidious wants me to make sure Shalee receives the power she deserves by looking into the Eye of Magic. In doing so, she’ll be able to help you fight against the army that Marcus intends to build.”
The Eye of Luvelles Page 57
