When the Book did not appear, Celestria stormed to the side of the table the gods gathered around. She grabbed the Book’s golden stand and then flung it across the room. “I said, show yourself, Book!” The goddess pulled out the chair that Lasidious usually occupied and flopped into it. “Gabriel! Don’t you dare make me wait!”
A moment later, the Book appeared, hovering above the center of the table. “What could be so important that you would scream so? I was busy.”
Celestria stood from her chair and slapped the top of the table with both hands. “I’ve come to surrender all that I am, and I want to take Lasidious with me. He’ll pay for his abandonment of our love.”
The space between the heavy brows above Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. “Explain yourself. You’ve broken no laws. How do you expect to sacrifice your godliness?”
The Goddess of Beasts laughed. “You’re so uninformed. The depth of our scheming has broken many laws. Would you like to know which ones?”
The Book rocked back and forth to insinuate a nod. “Why are you doing this, Celestria? You’ll regret—”
“I’ll regret nothing!” she barked. “His love for me has been a lie for over 10,000 seasons. I intend to see that he pays with the loss of his immortality.”
“Even at the cost of your own?” Gabriel questioned.
“Yes. Even at the cost of my own.” Celestria paused in thought.
The Book could see the turmoil behind her eyes. “Are you having second thoughts?”
A long moment of silence passed before the goddess responded. “There must be another way for me to have my revenge. Perhaps you and I could come to an arrangement.”
“What do you mean?” The Book lowered to the table in front of the goddess. “There are no provisions within the laws that allow me to negotiate when one of them has been broken.”
Celestria smiled and stroked the side of the Book’s cover. “And yet there are no laws that prevent you from negotiating either. Perhaps you could find a way to spare my being. The information I possess is worth a great deal. It would allow you to stop Lasidious from gaining the power he needs to control you.”
Gabriel lifted off the table and floated a few paces away. “I should’ve let you rant. But alas, I’ve allowed my caring to get in the way of an objective.”
“Aahhhh, come now, Gabriel. Do you really think so ill of me that you would wish to see me destroyed?”
The Book turned to face the goddess. “I happen to be quite fond of you. It’s the company you keep that bothers me most.”
Celestria stood from her chair and clapped her hands. “Then there is room for negotiation.” She closed the distance, plucked the book out of the air and then placed him on the table in front of her as she took a seat at the opposite end. “I want to see Lasidious pay for the lies he’s told me, and I want you to avoid being controlled. It’s in our best interests to work together ... don’t you agree?”
Gabriel frowned. “What do you want for this information?”
Celestria leaned back in her chair. “There are two beings who must be spared. The first is me, and the second I will name when the moment is right. I want to keep my immortality and maintain a peaceful existence away from the others on the unclaimed territories of Ancients Sovereign. The being whom I will name must be allowed to exist with me. No longer will I hold a position on the Collective, nor shall I seek the prayers of those who worship me. You may replace me and give my title to another. I simply want to live and be happy. I’m tired, Gabriel.”
The Book’s mind was filled with a hundred questions. “I’d like to know if the other being you want me to spare is god or mortal.”
Celestria crossed her legs on top of her seat and then leaned forward. “I’ll say nothing further until an arrangement has been made.”
The Book’s eyes narrowed. “You ask for much, yet I have no proof the information you possess is worth a promise of that magnitude. For now, I’ll agree to one thing and one thing only. No matter what laws you’ve broken, I will spare your existence. I won’t, however, promise anything else until you’ve given me something in return.”
The goddess smirked. “I figured as much.” She stood and prepared to leave. “When you change your mind about that, find me. Your moments are running short. Soon, you won’t be able to stop Lasidious. Everything the gods have created will be under his control, and there will be nothing I can do or say to help you stop him.”
The goddess vanished before the Book could respond.
Annoyed, Gabriel lifted from the table and floated out of the room toward the corridor that would take him to the black, iron door with the golden image of the Source at its center. He waved his hand and whispered. “Con gon onsey.” The lock released and the way ahead was revealed. Gabriel began his descent.
Upon finishing his journey into the depths of Ancients Sovereign, Gabriel stopped in front of the final door. “Con gon onsey,” he whispered again. The door guarding his private chamber opened. Before he entered, he changed into his angelic form and then stepped inside to address the only other beings who had been given permission to pass beyond the door that bore the Source’s image.
Michael and Zerachiel were waiting on the bench made of amethyst that was still sitting on the carnelian star at the center of the room.
“Hello, brothers.” Gabriel announced, “It appears Celestria has grown tired of Lasidious’ antics. She offers assistance, but I fear her support will come at a high cost.”
Michael responded. “We know. We heard her terms.”
Zerachiel, otherwise known as Bailem, added, “Why listen to her at all? Destroy her and be done with it.”
Gabriel shook his head. “You speak hastily, Zerachiel. To do so would create a disadvantage. Must I remind you that Lasidious already possesses the power to annihilate us? We’re fortunate only because he doesn’t realize it yet. We can’t destroy the only vessel that may contain the knowledge to save us.”
“Hmpf!” Zerachiel responded. “I disagree. What could she possibly know that would help us defeat a being that already has the ability to end us? Dispose of her, Gabriel. She’s a waste of our moments and can’t be trusted.”
Michael reached over and placed his right hand on Zerachiel’s left knee. “Perhaps we shouldn’t focus on what she can tell us, but more on what we can accomplish by allowing her to work with us.”
“What do you mean?” Zerachiel questioned.
“Please explain,” Gabriel added.
“Let’s let Celestria redeem herself. We’ll use Lasidious’ vanity against him. Allow him to think that Celestria still longs to be in his good graces. Let him believe she’ll do anything to be at his side.” Michael focused his attention on Gabriel. “Celestria has admitted that they’ve broken laws on your pages, but until she states how, there’s nothing you can hold over her. For now, agree to her terms in exchange for her cooperation. She must help us lead Lasidious into a trap. If she conforms to our demands, she’ll receive all that she requests.”
“And if she doesn’t?” Zerachiel questioned. “What then?”
Michael redirected his gaze. “She will.” He then looked back at Gabriel. “But if she doesn’t ... destroy her.”
Nodding, Gabriel summoned a second bench and took a seat. “Once she agrees, how much of the truth should I tell her?”
Michael leaned forward. “All of it. Call upon her now. Bring her into this room. I want to see her face when she learns that I’m alive.”
Zerachiel stood. “Are you mad? What would revealing your ongoing existence accomplish?”
Michael stood to match his brother’s posture. “Any belief that Celestria still has in Lasidious would crumble when she looked upon me. When she sees that I’ve reclaimed much of my former glory, her fear will make her conform.”
Zerachiel shook his head. “You give yourself too much credit, brother. Sure, she may fear you … for now. But this is Celestria we’re talking about. She’d seize the first opportunity to sal
vage her relationship with Lasidious as soon as it presented itself. She won’t abandon 10,000 seasons of love over a few Peaks of irritation. Their relationship is too deeply rooted for that. Our best and only chance to get the information we seek was lost when Gabriel failed to let her rant.”
“You think this is my fault?” Gabriel rebutted.
Zerachiel shrugged. “Isn’t it? She was ready to throw everything away only moments ago, and you stopped her. You admitted as much yourself before you made your way down here.”
Gabriel sneered. “You have sat at that table with the rest of the Collective for more than 10,000 seasons, and you have yet to risk anything. You’ve hidden behind your walls on top of your mountain and cast your judgmental eyes across the valleys! How dare you sit in judgment of me!”
Michael stepped in. “Brothers! Brothers! We’ll get nowhere badgering one another. We’re united, remember?”
The room fell silent for a long series of moments before Michael spoke again. “Perhaps you’re right, Zerachiel. Revealing my existence does seem risky.”
“I also agree,” Gabriel confirmed.
“At least we agree on something,” Zerachiel mocked.
Michael placed his hand on the Angel of the Sun’s shoulder, “Must you act that way?”
Another quiet series of moments passed while Zerachiel and Gabriel held each other’s gaze. Eventually, Zerachiel dropped his eyes to the floor. “I’m sorry.”
Gabriel stepped forward, placed his hand behind Zerachiel’s neck and then pulled him forward to kiss the top of his forehead. “We will always be brothers. Your apology is accepted.”
Zerachiel nodded. “How should we proceed?”
Michael turned and stepped toward the edge of the star. He studied the orbs that were attached to the wall while he determined a course of action. “Gabriel … offer Celestria what her heart desires in exchange for her cooperation. If she turns against you—”
“If?” Zerachiel interrupted. “How about when?”
Michael grinned. “As I was saying … if she turns against you, destroy her. Get what you can from her before this happens. That way, Lasidious is none the wiser and has no knowledge of my existence. Meanwhile, Zerachiel can continue to monitor the others while the Source works with Anahita to complete the new Heaven.”
Zerachiel nudged Michael and smiled. “So the task was bigger than you after all.”
Rather than respond, Michael redirected the conversation. “We’re nearly there, brothers. Soon, Anahita will be strong enough to defeat Lasidious with us at her side.”
Zerachiel rubbed his hands together. “I long to see the Peak when that smug look is wiped off Lasidious’ face.” The Angel of the Sun returned to the bench and took a seat. “Do you think our father will allow us to return to his Heaven once we’ve completed the task we promised to accomplish?”
Gabriel’s head dropped. “I don’t know. We’ve fallen so far from grace. We’ve lied, manipulated and assumed the roles of gods. We know the consequences of our actions. I believe he’ll forgive us, but I cannot fathom being extended a key to the gates of the Heaven we once knew. I hate to say it, but I believe our only chance at eternal happiness is to help Anahita create the best Heaven we can imagine. I believe we’ve sealed our fate.”
Zerachiel pulled his eyes off Gabriel and glared at Michael. “And to know we lost it all for the love of your woman…”
Northern Grayham
The Home of the Ko-dess
The withered king, Meerum Bosand, stood with his frail hand extended. His magic had been invoked, and he had pinned the Ko-dess against the wall of his cave. The king’s eyes were cold as he spoke. “It has been too many seasons since last our eyes fell upon each other, Cheval. Your power isn’t as strong as it once was. Too bad. I was looking for a duel.”
The Ko-dess struggled to free himself from Meerum’s magic, but all Cheval managed to do was cut his flanks against the jagged walls of the cave. As the hair from his black and white coat fell to the floor, he fought back the pain in order to respond. “Why doest thou persist in this course of action, Meerum? I’ve wished thee no ill will.”
Meerum released his power over the Ko-dess and allowed Cheval’s hooves to touch the ground. “Perhaps not.” The king snapped his fingers and two Tormalian slaves rushed across the cave and set a fresh block of ice on the floor. Once Meerum had taken a seat, he looked at Cheval. “My old friend.” He paused. “May I call you old friend?”
The Ko-dess did not respond. Instead, his gaze broadcasted his disbelief that Meerum’s question had fallen upon his ears.
The king smirked, “I suppose you’re right. Friend is a bit presumptuous. Perhaps we should start our conversation over. Allow me to address you in a more civil manner. Please, take a moment to heal yourself.”
The Ko-dess stared into Meerum’s eyes. When no deception was found, he lowered his head. It did not take long before a shallow glow began to emanate from the center of his being. As the healing light enveloped his flanks, the cuts mended.
Bosand waited patiently until the light faded. “I trust you feel better?”
Cheval nodded.
“You know why I’ve come.”
The Ko-dess did not answer. Instead, he trotted to the far side of the cave and took a drink from a spring of warm water that bubbled to the surface from an underground river that rushed below the mountains.
“Come now, Cheval. Ignoring me won’t make me go away. Give me what I’m after, and I’ll leave you in peace.”
The Ko-dess turned from the spring. “Why doest thou persist to acquire power beyond your seasons? Without the blessing of the High Priestess, the power of the gashtion would surely overcome thee.”
Meerum chuckled. “You’re wrong, though you wouldn’t know it. As I have said … it has been too many seasons since last your eyes fell upon me. They’ve been absent and unable to bear witness to my growth. I assure you. I’m strong enough.”
Cheval shook his head. “If bestowed upon thee, how doest thou intend to wield the Tear’s kindred spirit?”
The king’s brows furrowed. “I’d wield it like any other. I’d drape it about my neck and use it to help the Isor protect their lands from the gashtion.”
The Ko-dess held Meerum’s eyes for a long series of moments. “It feels as though deception hideth within thy words. I cannot bestow the Kindred Tear upon thee in good conscience.”
Meerum took a step toward the Ko-dess. “Must I give you another demonstration of my power before you concede?”
Cheval shook his head. “No. Thy threat hath fallen upon open ears. But I must warn thee, thou doest, indeed, have the power to take on the form of the gashtion, but thou hast not taken into account the importance of the blessing.”
The Tormalian king frowned. “Considering the depth of my power, the priestess’ blessing is unnecessary. You underestimate me yet again, Cheval.”
A moment later, the Ko-dess dropped his eyes to the floor of the cave. “I hope thou doest not regret thine actions.” Cheval regurgitated the Kindred Tear. The gem slid up from the pit of his stomach and fell onto the floor of the cave.
The Tormalian King smiled. “I knew you were wise and would see things my way. Now I shall spare your existence.”
The Ko-dess whinnied as he shook his mane. A moment later he lifted his right, front hoof and then brought it down on top of the Tear of Gramal’s kindred spirit. The gem smashed into a hundred pieces.
“Noooo!” Meerum screamed. The king hobbled as fast as he could and fell to the floor beside the pieces. As his fingers fumbled through the slivers, the realization of the power that was lost to him fueled his anger.
Cheval’s eyes narrowed. “I believest thou came seeking a duel. Stand, and let us settle this dispute.”
The king’s rage turned to laughter. “With pleasure, Cheval! With pleasure!”
Meanwhile, Northern Grayham
The Wilderness 37 Peaks West of Hydroth
“Be still,
Medolas,” Gage ordered as the badger stood next to the Isorian who was sitting on his knees. “I cannot see into your mind’s eye unless you’re holding still.”
“I am still,” Medolas argued. “I couldn’t be more still if I had passed. Perhaps your power doesn’t work.”
The badger removed his hands from the top of Medolas’ head. “It’s useless. Your memories of home have abandoned you. They aren’t clear enough to find a place to teleport.”
“Well what did you expect?” Clandestiny mumbled. “We fled Hydroth 300 seasons ago.”
Gage turned around. “I was hoping for a better outcome is all.”
Clandestiny was sitting on the far side of their camp eating the blubber from a carnoth, a beast that looked a lot like Strongbear, but this beast’s coat was solid white.
The badger looked away from Clandestiny and found the Gallrum. “I still say Strongbear would be displeased with their choice in nourishment.”
The serwin nodded as he studied the carnoth’s claws. “Perhaps this beast and Strongbear were related.”
The badger grinned. “You jest, but I’m sure Strongbear would think we were against him.”
Both goswigs laughed.
“Why do you utter such nonsense?” Clandestiny questioned. “It’s impossible to project the feelings of another. I’m hungry, and I’m most certainly not against anyone.”
Gallrum hovered over and lowered next to the block of ice that Clanny was sitting on. “We meant nothing by it. It’s only a statement from a friend we know from Luvelles.”
Clandestiny frowned. “It sounds as if we’ll be forced to walk the distance. At least we’ll arrive unharmed.”
“Agreed,” Gage responded. The badger reached forward with his cane and poked the carnoth’s carcass in the area where Clandestiny had cut the blubber she was eating from its abdomen. A moment later, an idea popped into Gage’s mind. “Perhaps if you were to embrace.”
“What for?” Medolas wondered. “Why would she want to embrace a corpse?”
Gallrum shook his head. “He’s not speaking about the carnoth. He’s speaking about you embracing Clandestiny.” The serwin looked at the badger. “These blue beings are not very smart.”
The Tear of Gramal Page 39
