The Tear of Gramal

by Phillip Jones

  Kepler turned and looked at the crates that were scattered about the island. “What would you have me do with the goods inside these?”

  “Many of these containers are made of steel. I’d imagine a fair number of them are filled with the magic that keeps food cool. We will use this to our advantage. I want the crates brought to the temple. By the moment we get them there, I want the rest of our army to join us. We’re going to take it by force if we have to.”

  Sam thumped the map with his finger. “With the damned migrating, we don’t want to waste any of our moments, so let’s get going. Make sure everyone understands my orders.”

  Kepler smirked. “I’ll do as you ask, but I’m not calling you My King.” Kepler ran back toward the crates.

  With the jaguar out of earshot, Sam pondered the demon’s response. A moment later, his anger manifested. His eyes began to glow as if a light had been placed behind them, and though it was only for a short series of moments, they were an intense golden-brown. “You will address me as My King, or you’ll perish, Kepler.”

  Another moment later, Sam grabbed his head. What the hell is happening to me? he thought. I can’t go around threatening my allies.

  Meanwhile, the Forest

  South of the Mountains of Gannesh

  In his human form, Alistar reached down and lifted Garrin off the blanket that Lasidious had placed a safe distance from the campfire. “It appears the milk is working. Garrin has dropped his defenses.”

  The Mischievous One chuckled and then lowered the Prince of Brandor to another blanket that he had spread out not far away. “Don’t be so sure about that, brother.”

  Lasidious stood from the stone he was sitting on and then walked around the fire. As soon as he was within arm’s reach of the god-child, Garrin put up a barrier that encompassed both himself and Alistar.

  Lasidious smiled and then spoke in his best baby voice. “See? He won’t let me near him. Oh no, he won’t. But Daddy loves him anyway. Oh yes, he does.”

  The God of the Harvest smiled. “You should speak baby more often. It suits you.”

  As Lasidious reclaimed his seat, Garrin lowered the barrier. “Both babies were beginning to trust me before stasis began. Garrin even allowed me to put him on my stomach. Now, I’m not sure why he won’t let me touch him.”

  Alistar spoke in a baby voice of his own as he tickled Garrin under his arms. “Did you decide not to trust your daddy? He only wants to play with you.”

  The God of the Harvest pretended to eat the fingers off Garrin’s hands. The baby giggled as Alistar continued to speak to him. “I’m sure you’ll allow your daddy to play with you some Peak, won’t you? Did you know your papa can make funny faces? He can make his eyes red, his teeth sharp, and then he gets really, really ugly.”

  Garrin chuckled as Alistar lifted the child to blow on his belly.

  Lasidious lifted the prince onto his lap, retrieved a bottle filled with the Vampire Queen’s milk and then placed the nipple into the baby’s mouth. “Why don’t you feed Garrin? Yolan’s milk has got to work, or our plan will fail.”

  After retrieving a bottle and propping it up in the god-child’s mouth, Alistar responded. “Perhaps you need to stop thinking about the plan. Perhaps Garrin can feel the tension. I know I can.”

  Alistar lowered Garrin back onto his blanket. “We should talk. Did you make sure Kepler’s memories were adjusted? Will he protect Sam until his magic manifests?”

  “I did,” Lasidious responded. “Our brother will come to know his true self shortly.”

  “Wonderful. I cannot wait to put my arms around him.”

  The Mischievous One bit down on his lip and then forced a smile. “I also long for that embrace.”

  “How long will it take before Yaloom’s potion has an effect on him?”

  “The potion has already had an effect. Sam could hardly keep his eyes open when last I spoke with Kael.”

  Alistar frowned. “We should stop calling him Sam. We should speak of him by his true name. He would ask as much from us.”

  Lasidious shook his head. “I say we let him earn it. Though I’ve missed him dearly, he failed us, remember?”

  “I don’t know that we agree with you. Perhaps we should change the subject.” A fair series of moments passed before Alistar spoke again. “I think Celestria no longer believes that you will return to her. I tried to defend you, but I don’t think she trusts me.”

  “What do you propose we do about it?” the Mischievous One questioned.

  Alistar pondered for a response. “I don’t know, but at least Garrin trusts me. Perhaps we should seize this advantage and enter the Vampire King’s abode sooner than expected. Strike your accord with Tardon and let’s let Yolan help you push our plan along.”

  Lasidious nodded. “That’s a good idea. We’ll leave the babies in her care while the Tardon and I finish our negotiations.”

  “Do you want me to stay while you speak with him?”

  “That won’t be necessary.” Lasidious stood and looked toward the peaks of Gannesh that rose above the tree line. “Tardon won’t be a formidable foe to negotiate with. I’d rather you return to Ancients Sovereign and ensure we don’t acquire new problems. Find a way to keep Celestria off my trail.”

  Alistar lifted Garrin from the blanket and then tossed the cover over his shoulder. “I’d feel more comfortable returning to Ancients Sovereign anyway. Shall we get going?”

  Lasidious retrieved Sam Jr. and then responded. “Yes, let’s get moving.” Both gods vanished.

  Ancients Sovereign

  The Book’s Hall of Judgment

  Celestria appeared inside Gabriel’s hall. Gazing at the center of the table, she smiled. The Book was resting on his golden stand with his arms crossed and his eyes closed. How sweet, she thought. A book that sleeps. The Goddess of Beasts moved to the side of the table and reached out to caress the Book’s cover. “Wake up, Gabriel. I’m here as you have requested.”

  Beyond the door bearing the Source’s image, in the depths of Ancients Sovereign beneath the Book’s hall, the Archangel Gabriel reached out and placed his hand on Zerachiel’s shoulder. “How are you?”

  Zerachiel reached out and pulled his brother’s forehead to his own. “I fare well. Why did you call me here?”

  “I felt uncomfortable after our last meeting. I wanted to…” Gabriel stopped talking and looked toward the ceiling. A moment later, he reclaimed Zerachiel’s eyes. “I must go. We’ll speak later, brother. I’m being summoned.”

  Before the Archangel Zerachiel had the chance to object, Gabriel’s form began to dematerialize. It was not long before he was standing in the room alone.

  Though Celestria was standing above the sleeping Book when Gabriel reassumed his alternate form, the Goddess of Beasts was unable to see the process that allowed Gabriel to possess its pages. When, finally, the Book opened his eyes, Celestria exclaimed, “I thought you were never going to wake! Are you well, Gabriel?”

  As the Book lifted off his golden stand and assumed a hovering position in front of Celestria, he responded. “I am well, though I’m tired.”

  Celestria look puzzled. “I didn’t know you needed sleep, Gabriel. All these seasons have passed, and never have I seen you slumber.

  The Book feigned an exhausted yawn. “Nor could you have seen me slumber. As you know, I have only recently acquired the features that would allow you to notice.

  The goddess nodded. “I’ve been thinking about our last conversation. My position is this:—”

  Gabriel cut Celestria off. “Before you tell me, I also have a position that I want to make known, and my position is non-negotiable. I’ll spare your existence and the existence of this one other that you will name as long as this one other isn’t Lasidious.”

  Celestria frowned. “Why would I choose Lasidious? You know I’m angry with him.”

  The Book lifted his hand to command the goddess to remain silent. “I’m not finished. As I was saying, I shall
spare this other being, and in exchange, you will enter into a Promise of the Gods.”

  Celestria crossed her arms. “Do you distrust me that much, Gabriel, that I must first weaken my position and place my existence in jeopardy?”

  “Yes,” the Book replied without hesitation. “Though I have acquired a fondness for you, I don’t trust you at all. If I am to extend pardons for laws you’ve broken, then you must extend a promise. If you break this pact, the moment a word of betrayal is uttered, I’ll end you.”

  “You would end me? Why not just strip me of my immortality like you do the others? Isn’t that harsh enough, Gabriel?”

  Gabriel shook his head. “No, it’s not. To simply strip you of your immortality would leave you with the moments at your disposal to accomplish further betrayal. If ever your intent is to betray my confidence, you’ll be destroyed, and your soul will not be allowed to see the inside of my pages or the depravity of Hell. You will agree to my terms, because if you don’t, I’ll begin a search for the proof I need to strip you of your immortality.”

  Celestria stood in silence as she stared at the Book’s firm demeanor. Though she was angry at Lasidious, she desperately wished the Mischievous One was at her side to provide direction. She felt weak without his guidance. “May I have a Peak to think about my response, Gabriel?”

  “No!” the Book snapped. “The moments for half-measures and misdirection have passed. You will decide now, or I shall begin my search for wrongdoings against the gods’ laws. Don’t underestimate me, Celestria. If you leave my hall without protecting your existence, you will see mortality and you’ll perish because of it. Make your decision now.”

  The Goddess of Beasts threw up her hands. “Okay, you win! I choose to enter into a Promise of the Gods with you. I further swear my allegiance. What else would you have me do?”

  The Book stared into Celestria’s eyes for a fair series of moments. “That was too easy. I expected more of a fight.”

  Celestria crossed her arms in rebuttal. “You got what you wanted from me, and now it was too easy. Must I choose to end my existence before you realize I’m scared, Gabriel?” Tears filled the goddess’ eyes. “The only being that I’ve ever loved has abandoned me. Our plotting has left me vulnerable to the Collective, and I have no way of protecting myself against those who sit at this table.”

  Celestria allowed her arms to fall to her side. “I’ll do whatever you ask of me. Can you not see my fear, Gabriel? Just look at me. I’m a shell of the woman I was before Lasidious left me. All I ask is that you spare my existence, and allow me to live out my Peaks on Ancients Sovereign with the one I name.”

  The Book stared at the goddess, but he did not reply.

  Fidgeting, Celestria pleaded, “Gabriel, please stop. You’re scaring me. I know I have to help you bring Lasidious to his demise. I’ll do whatever you ask of me. I swear it. This is my Promise of the Gods. If I fail to show loyalty to you, I shall forfeit my existence.”

  Hearing the promise, the Book softened. “I accept your pledge. You shall be spared.” Gabriel lowered to the table and looked up. “As long as the one you name isn’t Lasidious, you may lay claim to any other whom you want to be spared. Asylum shall be granted here on Ancients Sovereign.”

  “And is that your Promise of the Gods, Gabriel? You’ll never hurt us, and we can live freely on Ancients Sovereign?”

  The Book confirmed.

  Celestria smiled as she pulled out the chair from under the table that was closest to the Book and took a seat. “Thank you, Gabriel. You’ve taken the worries of a mother and laid them to rest. The one I name is my son, Garrin ... the child I share with Lasidious.”

  Gabriel rose from the table and moved a fair distance away from the goddess. “What trickery is this?” he shouted. “How could a god-child exist without my knowledge?”

  Celestria smiled. “Why do you think Lasidious and I put up the barrier around our home so many seasons ago? You don’t truly believe it was because we cared about others in the Collective visiting. We did it to ensure the conception of our baby remained a secret. The fact the others could not enter only ensured our plotting remained undiscovered.”

  A long period of silence passed while the Book pondered Celestria’s revelation. When Gabriel turned to reclaim her eyes, his demeanor was firm. “It appears you’ve found a way to beat the laws on my pages. Now it is my turn to divulge a secret, but remember, if you betray my trust, you’ll be ended.”

  The goddess leaned forward in her chair. “Must you continue to threaten me? I’m on your side now, Gabriel. I’ve already promised that much.”

  Gabriel’s heavy, brow-covered eyes narrowed. “It’s best you remember that.”

  Celestria frowned. “Are you going to divulge your secret, or must you find another way to threaten me?”

  The Book played with the scruff of 2 Peaks growth on his chin for a moment while he pondered the goddess’ demeanor. “I’ll say this: the game Lasidious had us play with the Crystal Moon was unnecessary. Lasidious has had the power to seize control of this Collective even before the game with the crystal’s pieces began.”

  Celestria gasped. “That’s impossible!”

  “No ... it’s not impossible ... just improbable. Nevertheless, despite this improbability, Lasidious managed to beat the odds, and he acquired the power ... though he doesn’t realize it. Over the last few Peaks, I hoped that I would have the chance to tell you this secret. I’ve even tried to envision your reaction. But I must say, your eyes speak so much more to me than my Peak dreams ever could.”

  The goddess’ hand dropped to the table. “I cannot believe it. To know our plotting was unnecessary is beyond imagination.” Celestria’s mind was a whirlwind as she sifted through her thoughts. “Tell me, Gabriel, how could Lasidious not know his power had superseded your own? He should’ve felt your weakness.”

  “Yes, he should’ve, but my weakness was shielded.”

  “What do you mean?”

  The Book smiled. “I asked the Ancient One to help mask my weakness. The dragon ensured it was kept from the others until Bassorine and I could find a way to regain the power to govern the Collective. I had to hide my faults and lead you down a path of deception while I maintained the perception that I could still destroy you at any moment.”

  Celestria could not stop herself from grinning. “You lie as well as Lasidious, Gabriel. Why would the Source help you in that fashion? He despises deception, and he was the one who agreed to extend free will to those of us who sit around this table. I thought he agreed to stay out of our affairs.”

  “And the Ancient One has stayed out of our affairs until the Peak I approached him. Other than hiding my weakness as I begged him to, the dragon offered no additional help.”

  The Goddess of Beasts stood and began walking a continual loop around the table. “The Ancient One has always refused to choose a side. Why would he start now?”

  “He hasn’t chosen a side,” Gabriel responded. “He simply granted the request of a being who sought his help. Beyond that, he said it was up to me to find a way to stop Lasidious and maintain the balance of power.”

  Celestria stopped pacing and found the Book’s eyes. “What am I missing? There’s more to this story. I know it.”

  Gabriel lowered onto the table. With his binding spread to ensure his balance, he responded. “There’s much you don’t know. As you prove your loyalty, I will continue to share with you.” The Book motioned for Celestria to take a seat near him.

  “Where do we go from here, Gabriel?”

  Gabriel tapped his tiny knuckles against the table as he pondered the direction of the conversation. “What can you tell me that will help us win the fight against Lasidious?”

  A wide grin appeared on the goddess’ face. “I know so many things, but how can I be expected to divulge the knowledge I possess? Most of what I know was acquired after I entered the Pact of Fromalla.”

  “Are you saying you can tell me nothing, and everyt
hing shared between you and the Mischievous One was under the law of that rule?”

  Celestria stood and moved to the far side of the table. After placing her hands on the top of Lasidious’ old chair, she responded. “Does one of the gods’ laws supersede another, Gabriel, or are they all to be obeyed?”

  The Book floated the length of the table and stopped in a hovering position that was eye level with the goddess. “You know your answer. You entered your promise knowing full well that you could not divulge your secrets.”

  The goddess nodded. “Come now, Gabriel, I didn’t enter the promise with malicious intent. I said I’d help, and I will. I just cannot tell you what was discussed under the Pact of Fromalla.”

  Gabriel rolled his eyes. “It appears you’ve won again, Celestria. You have protected your baby’s existence, and ensured you have a permanent home on Ancients Sovereign. You have even managed to say nothing in the process. What’s your true intent?”

  “Gabriel, I’m not going to leave you empty handed. I told you I’d help, and I will. When next you see Alistar, I want you to look him in the eye and say this: ‘I know everything. You’ve lied to me for far too long, Alistar, and I no longer trust you.’”

  The Book’s eyes instantly filled with a thousand questions. “Why would I speak to Alistar in that manner? He’s a pillar of this Collective.”

  “Ha!” Celestria barked. “Fromalla demands that I say nothing other than Alistar isn’t who you think he is. I cannot tell you the truth ... only that you question what you believe to be the truth.”

  The Goddess of Beasts reached out and caressed the side of the Book’s cheek. “You must hold steadfast when you accuse Alistar. Simply say the same thing over and over in front of the Collective until he breaks. His pride will take over, and soon you’ll be one step closer to defeating Lasidious.”

  With Gabriel deep in thought, the goddess added, “Now if you will excuse me, I must go get my son. I want to bring him to Ancients Sovereign.” Celestria tossed a small, emerald-green, polished stone on the table. “If you need me, you can summon me with that.” The goddess vanished.