Your laughter fills the air
Warmer than the sun
I am caught in your loving embrace
You are my light, my heart, my warmth, and my soul
George walked out of the room and then took Payne by the hand. He led the fairy-demon to Susanne’s house with Joshua cradled in his left arm. Payne was still fighting his new rules. He did not want anything to do with learning table manners, bathing, or wearing clothes, and since George was going to be gone for most of the Peak, the warlock wanted to leave Payne with someone who would see to it that Payne obeyed.
George felt confident that Susanne would keep Payne in his place. To keep the fairy-demon from burning anything, Brayson had selected another one of his potions to block Payne’s ability to burst into flames.
All in all, Payne’s fits were to be expected since he was so young. George was surprised that his patience for the demon-child’s antics was more than sufficient to raise him.
After dropping Payne off, George called to Kepler who lay sleeping inside his lair. It was not long before Kepler appeared on top of the rocks. George waved his hand, and his saddle appeared on the jaguar’s back. The cat’s white fur contrasted against the black, gem-covered leather, and George’s staff was secured to the side of the saddle.
Kepler jumped to the ground and then lowered to his belly. Once George had mounted, the jaguar rolled his head over his shoulder. “Is the baby secure?”
George nodded. With a wave of his hand, the warlock teleported the trio from Luvelles and appeared on Southern Grayham.
Kepler trotted up to the base of some extremely tall cliffs and studied his surroundings. “Where are we, George?”
“We’re at the base of Griffin Cliffs, on the northeast side of the Temple of the Gods.” The warlock looked over his shoulder. “And that’s the shore of the Blood Sea over there.”
Without further conversation, George faced the cliffs and used his free hand to reach down and untie his staff from the saddle. He pointed it at the base of the cliffs and then shouted in the language of the Ancient Mystics. “Tormay consoladifo! Mejasimadoma ys ne tepa!”
The rock began to crack and rumble. The stone peeled away and created an opening that exposed a way inside. “Head on in, Kep,” George instructed.
As Kepler walked into the mouth of the cave, George commanded the darkness to dissipate. A moment later, he used his staff to seal the opening. The rock once again began to rumble, but during this series of moments, it caused Joshua to stir. As the entrance of the cave finished sealing behind them, George quickly lodged his staff between his right leg and Kepler’s body, and then he caressed the baby’s head to soothe him back to sleep.
After appeasing his own desire to make sure the baby was comfortable, Kepler refocused on the path ahead. “Something isn’t right with this place, George. I can sense it. This territory is dangerous.”
George pulled his staff out from under his leg and then lowered it across the front of the saddle. He then reached forward and patted the demon-cat on the shoulder. “It’s only dangerous if you continue down the path you see before you. But we’re taking another route ... one that’s less-traveled.”
Before Kepler could respond, George began to whisper in the language of the Ancient Mystics. “Tormay jesolomondo mequa.” The path ahead began to change. The walls of the cave pushed back and formed a perfect circle. At the center of this cavern, a platform rose from beneath the floor, and a yellow, shimmering portal appeared. The light that escaped from the gate illuminated the cavern, and the chill inside the mountain was replaced with a soothing warmth.
George smiled. “You know what to do, Kep.”
The jaguar stepped up onto the platform and walked into the portal. The trio vanished. When they reappeared, they were standing in an orchard filled with trees covered with ripened fruit.
Kepler looked over his shoulder. The cat did not bother to speak. Instead, he looked inside George’s mind for their location. The demon-cat’s eyes widened. “Is this truly Ancients Sovereign?”
George nodded. “I know, this is freaking nuts, right? Can you believe it? It’s beautiful.”
“It’s definitely a territory worth prowling,” the jaguar replied. “I believe this domain is fit for a Master of the Hunt.”
George grinned as he adjusted Joshua to a more comfortable position. “What else do you notice about this joint?”
Kepler looked around at the mountains beyond the orchard and then toward the sky. “Strange. There’s no sun, but yet there’s light. It’s as if the light is beyond the sky, and it’s soft enough that it doesn’t hurt my eyes.” The cat paused. “How can this be? What kind of magic is this, George?”
George laughed. “You’re going to freak out when I tell you this. Ancients Sovereign sits at the center of the sun. Both of us are looking at a sky that exists within it. We’re literally at the center of the star that warms the worlds.” George looked around. “And if that’s not freaky enough, we’re in a flourishing orchard, and the mountains all around us still have snow on their peaks. Yet it doesn’t even feel hot in here. Is this some crazy-ass garesh, or what?”
Kepler lifted his nose in the air and sniffed. “What are we here for?”
George pointed to one of the trees. “Take us under that branch.”
The cat did as he was instructed.
George reached up and plucked a single piece of fruit. It was shaped like a pear. He placed it inside his tunic and then reached up to pluck another one. “These should come in handy. Let’s get out of here.”
“What are they?” the jaguar queried.
George smiled. “They’re life.” Before another word could be said, the trio vanished and after a fair series of moments, they reappeared outside the gates of Brandor and entered following a brief conversation with the guards.
Kepler held his head high as he walked through the city toward the castle. The people who were unfamiliar with the demon and the prophet moved to the far side of the street as they approached. It did not take long before someone recognized George. The man’s belly was round, he was hunched over and looked weathered for his seasons. His hair was long, and it was pulled back into a ponytail. The rancher called out as he hobbled toward them, “Wait! Prophet! Prophet! Please stop!”
George commanded Kepler to stop. The warlock smiled as he leaned over to converse with the old man. “What can I do for you?”
“Have you come to bless us? My herds have become too fat after the bounteous harvest, and I no longer have the strength to move them from field to field.”
George reminded himself that he needed to play the part of a giving being. “What’s your name, sir?”
“My name is Modain, Prophet. What must I do to solicit our lord’s assistance?”
George lifted his staff. “All you need do is ask. You are a child of Lasidious. Stand still, Modain, and receive your blessing.” The warlock placed the gem at the top of his staff against the rancher’s forehead and whispered, “Psolema ente ne wano, orsay.” The gem began to glow, and after a short series of moments, its light enveloped Modain.
Kepler was forced to close his eyes and look away. When the light finally dissipated, the jaguar found that he was standing amidst a crowd.
George’s magic had produced a dramatic effect on Modain. The rancher’s appearance was significantly altered. His seasons had melted away, and he no longer looked old. Further, the way Modain was now standing suggested that his youthful vigor had also returned.
The prophet spoke. “When you return to your pastures, you will have the strength to tend to your herds properly. I caution you, Modain, do not waste this gift. You must also share the words of your lord: peace, love and unity.”
The crowd shouted praises as they closed in. Sensing the need for more generosity, the prophet showered them with Yaloom coins and proclaimed that they were loved.
Kepler was enjoying the attention, right up to the moment when the children began to touch him, pulling at his fur, a
nd shouting out their calls of “Kitty! Kitty! Mommy, look, it’s a pretty kitty!” Despite his hatred for this kind of attention, the demon-cat allowed the children their enjoyment. For vengeance, the jaguar lowered his head and licked their faces with a massive, extra-slobbery tongue, pushing them to the ground.
With some children giggling and others crying, the prophet led the crowd toward the castle. As they approached, the gate opened. Sam and Shalee were waiting on the other side.
George waved. “Hey guys! I’ve got something I want to share with you.” With the gate shutting behind them, George showered the crowd again with more Yaloom coins.
Sam could only stare as he watched Kepler approach. Shalee had told the king of Kepler’s new appearance, but he had not been able to imagine how distinguished the demon would look until now.
The king shook off his surprise. “I’m glad you’re here, George. I have a million questions.” Sam took note that George was carrying a baby. “Who do you have with you?”
Kepler stopped and lowered to the ground so the warlock to dismount. Once his feet were planted on the cobblestones of the courtyard, George pulled the baby’s blanket clear of Joshua’s face. “I wasn’t sure if I should bring him or not, considering everything you guys have gone through. I wanted you to meet my son, Joshua. He’s the main reason I decided to make a fresh start. If you want me to take him home, I can come back without him.”
Shalee was quick to respond. “Don’t be silly. Life has to move on, right? Besides, Sam and I would love to share this moment with you.” The queen reached out and took the baby into her arms. “Goodness-gracious, Sam, look at him. His hair is so soft, and he’s cute as a button.”
George stood next to Sam. “I know you’re wary, but I wanted to share my happiness. I hate the fact I acted like a jack-ass.”
Sam frowned. “It’s what you do best, George. I expect nothing less from you.”
George grinned. “I kind of figured you’d say something like that. So ... to show you that I’m sincere about patching things up, I brought you guys a gift. I’d be willing to wager my life on it that this will fix things between us for the long haul.”
Sam looked George in the eyes. He was unsure where to go with the conversation. His contempt for George, and Kepler for that matter, was still at the forefront of his mind. Eventually, the king responded. “I doubt there’s anything you could do or say to ever ease my mind. You’re always up to something, so get to the point of why you’re here.”
Rather than respond, George patted Sam on the back and moved to stand beside Shalee. “He’s adorable, isn’t he?”
Sam spoke over Shalee’s response. “You’re stalling. Do you have something to say, or did you come here to rub your kid in our faces?”
George sighed, and then he reached inside his tunic. He removed a piece of the fruit he had plucked from the tree on Ancients Sovereign and tossed it to Sam.
The king caught the fruit and looked it over. “You brought me a pear? What do you want me to do with this?”
George looked up and found Sam’s eyes. “I think the best name for what your holding would be…,” The warlock threw up his hands as he sang the name of the fruit, “NASHA!”
The looks on Sam and Shalee’s faces were priceless as George enjoyed their surprise. The warlock took Joshua away from Shalee, and he moved next to Kepler. He placed the baby in a cloth and then reached up to tie its ends to Kepler’s saddle. To ensure the knots would not come loose, George used his magic to bind the cloth. He made sure the baby was cradled comfortably before he eased Joshua into a hanging position and then propped a bottle up in his mouth.
George circled to the front of the demon. “Keep an eye on him for me, Kep. I’ll be back.”
The jaguar grunted. “Great ... babysitting again. I refuse to lick the garesh from his backside though.”
George chuckled. “I’ll have one of the guards change him.”
A moment later, the gate lifted and Michael, Sam’s General Absolute, entered the courtyard riding his mist mare.
Recognizing his king’s visitor, the general dismounted and rushed to the prophet’s side. “My daughter’s health has returned, Prophet. Thank you. Lasidious be praised.”
With the king still studying the nasha, George responded. “You’re welcome, Michael. Know that Lasidious will always want the best for your family. Please have your men stand guard, and come with me. I’ve brought something for your king and queen that I think you should see for yourself. This will be the happiest Peak this kingdom has seen in many seasons, and the celebration we’re going to have will be one to remember.”
After the warlock ensured one of the general’s men was on diaper patrol, George patted Kepler on the neck and then led the group into the kitchen of the castle. As requested, Chef Thomas produced a ceramic mug and placed it on the counter. The warlock used his magic to squeeze the juice out of the nasha and allowed it to flow into the mug until the last drop had fallen.
The warlock lifted the mug and announced, “This juice will be what allows us to party tonight.”
Michael looked at George. “How will fruit juice bring any joy to this kingdom?”
Shalee lifted her hand. “Just shush, Michael. What are we supposed to do next, George?”
The warlock looked up at the king. “Where’s your son’s body?”
The king motioned for the group to follow him. He was so nervous that his legs felt weak as he guided the group to the crypt. A mausoleum had been made out of one of the guest chambers, and it was not far from the king’s personal quarters. A constant watch had been posted on either side of the door, and two sentries were to remain on guard during every moment of each Peak.
The king’s hands trembled as he fought with the heavy, iron lock that secured the door. Sam struggled to breathe while tears ran down Shalee’s cheeks. Both the king and queen’s hearts were beating against their chests as the door of the crypt finally swung open and revealed the tiny casket at the far end of the room.
George tried to hand Sam the mug, but the warlock could see the king’s hands were unsteady. “Perhaps I should hold onto this. You don’t want to drop it. This juice is our only shot at this.”
With the king nodding, the warlock moved ahead of the group to the far end of the room and stopped next to the casket. He passed his hand across the mechanical lock that Sam had crafted and used his magic to pop it open.
Lifting the lid, George leaned forward, and a strong smell of fresh rosemary escaped to fill his nostrils. The king had established a continual rotation for a group of his finest morticians to replace the herb once every seven Peaks to keep the casket fresh.
As George pulled back the cloth Sam had used to wrap the infant’s corpse, the warlock realized the baby had been mummified. Its body was bound with strips of vibrant-purple linen, and a number of small containers, each constructed of different materials, had all been placed around the remains. Each container held a vital organ, and they had been designed to symbolize how the king felt the organ should be represented.
Near the child’s head, a square piece of pottery contained Sam Jr.’s brain. The jar was glazed to a high sheen, and the picture on it had been painted by the kingdom’s most famous and skilled artist. The glyph depicted on its face was a tree that possessed a network of strong branches, and amidst the oak leaves, a number of books hung open with their pages exposed. A small boy was leaning against the base of the trunk, and he was reading the book that had been hanging from the lowest branch.
Of the remaining containers present, George only focused on one. It was a heavy, square, black, iron box that sat to the right of the infant’s left shoulder. The container had been polished to a high sheen to match the gloss of the piece of pottery that was holding the infant’s brain. Four hasps had been attached to each side of the lid. All four were lowered across eyelets, and gold-plated locks had been used to secure the lid.
“This is amazing craftsmanship, Sam,” George commented.
>
Before the king could respond, Shalee cut in, “Let’s talk about that later, George. Please, hurry.”
George nodded. The warlock bent over, lifted his pant leg and then removed his knife. He used the blade to carefully cut away the infant’s bandages and then took a long, deep breath before he poured the juice from the nasha over the length of the tiny corpse.
After a moment or two of excruciating silence, Sam shoved George aside and peered into the casket. “Why isn’t anything happening? I thought you said it would work.”
Shalee moved to the head of the casket, but she could not make herself look into it. “George, did you bring the wrong fruit? Are you sure it was nasha?”
The general joined in. “Prophet, perhaps you should summon Lasidious.”
George shook his head. “No. That won’t be necessary. This is definitely the right fruit. Lasidious told me where to get it and exactly how to use it.”
“Then why isn’t it working?” Sam barked.
George held up his hands. “I don’t know! I’ve got no idea what’s supposed to happen next. I’ve never messed with kind of crap before.”
“Crap?” Shalee snapped. “This is my baby you’re talking about!”
“I wasn’t talking about your baby, Shalee. I meant the process of using the fruit,” George defended.
Sam reached out and grabbed George by the collar. “You once told me that you knew how to get your daughter back. From the way I see it, you don’t know shit! If you can’t even bring my son back when a god is supposed to be helping you, how do you ever expect to see your daughter again? I knew I was right. It was wrong to trust you!” The king retrieved Kael from his hip as he shoved George across the room and slammed the warlock into the wall to the right of the casket.
As the king lifted his blade, Shalee called out. “Sam, wait! What if the magic takes a while? We can’t give up hope so soon.”
Sam’s eyes were hard as he whirled around to respond. “How long are you going to stick up for this asshole? Don’t you get it, Shalee? This whole thing is a sham. It’s just another one of his schemes that he brewed up to screw with us.”
The Eye of Luvelles Page 64
