The Tear of Gramal

by Phillip Jones

  It took a moment before he responded, “I am called Ren, Prophet.”

  Taking note of Ren’s heavily freckled face, George handed the sergeant a Lasidious coin. “Please ensure they’re fed and watered.”

  The sergeant’s eyes widened at the sight of the coin. A moment later, he looked up at the krapes. “What do the beasts eat? I’ve never seen anything like them.”

  George pointed. “He prefers grain, and she apparently likes fruit.”

  Seeing the look of disbelief on Ren’s face as he stared at the krapes’ ferocious jowls, George patted the sergeant on the shoulder. “I know how you feel. I also assumed they ate meat when I first saw them.”

  The two senators and the interim general stopped a few paces away. Bouldon spoke as Ren led the krapes out of the courtyard. “Your mounts are unique beasts, Prophet. Where did you get them?”

  Seeing the faces of the younger soldiers who had remained behind after Ren’s departure, George reached into the pocket of his tunic, retrieved three more Lasidious coins and then tossed one to each. “Run along. Buy the members of your family something nice. I want to speak to the general and the senators in private.”

  With coin in hand, each man instantly looked for approval.

  Bouldon shook his head. “Get out of here. You’re no use to me when you can’t focus.”

  George watched the three men bolt out of the courtyard before he turned his attention to Kolton. “Why did you summon me?”

  “Prophet, we need your help. The prince has gone missing and our search to find him has produced no results. The child’s keeper said the boy lifted off the floor and vanished as if he had been absconded by some unseen force.”

  “Absconded?” The warlock queried. “How long has the baby been missing, and why didn’t you call me sooner?”

  Tardin pushed back his robe to retrieve a small logbook that he kept tucked inside his sleeve. After rifling through its pages, he pointed to an entry that had been made the morning of the prince’s kidnapping and turned the book so George could see it.

  From the way it read, the prince had been missing for nearly as long as Garrin. “So you’re saying the baby just vanished. Nobody else was in the room?”

  Bouldon was the one to respond. “Yes, Prophet. The child’s keeper was playing with the prince. She thought she heard a knock on the chamber door. After she went to investigate, she re-entered the room. One moment the baby was hovering above the floor, and the next, he was gone.”

  Though the warlock did not vocalize his opinion, he thought to himself, This can’t be a coincidence. Lasidious must have taken him when he took Garrin. But why?

  Tardin closed the book and took a step back. “What should we do? We’ve searched everywhere for the boy, and no man has come forward to demand a ransom.”

  George held up his hands. “Give me a moment. I need to think.” He turned and walked away from the group as his thoughts filled his mind. I can understand why Lasidious would want Garrin, but why would he want Sam Jr.?

  A long period of moments passed. I wonder if it has anything to do with the nasha I used on the baby’s corpse?

  The warlock stopped and looked up at the clouds. Holy hell. I bet it’s the nasha. I bet that’s why I didn’t fall into stasis with the rest of the worlds. The nasha must have left me with memories of the gods that I don’t know how to tap into yet. I knew eating that other damn pear was a good idea.

  George pulled his eyes off the clouds and continued to walk away from the group. Lasidious did say the nasha tree was the gods’ version of the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge combined into one. That must be why he demanded that I only take one piece. That must also be why he tried to make me fear the tree. Damn, I’m glad I’m hard-headed.

  The warlock turned and looked in the direction of the group. But none of that tells me why Lasidious would want the prince. What if...? He placed his hand to his chin. What if Lasidious isn’t the one who has the kid? What if someone on Grayham does have him? Maybe they’ll demand a reward for the prince’s safe return.

  No, that’s just stupid. With everything that’s happened around here, nobody would be dumb enough to take Sam’s kid. Everyone fears his damn sword.

  Another fair series of moments passed while the warlock continued his thoughtful rant. Even if Lasidious does have the baby, what the hell can I do about it? It’s not like I can make him give him back. What should I say to these clowns to pacify them?

  As George walked back to the group, he searched for a plan. Something doesn’t feel right about this. If Lasidious has the baby, he’s no longer being honest with me ... if he’s ever been honest at all. Does he need the prince as part of his plan to acquire the power to get my Abbie back, or is this just a set up for something larger?

  He turned around and walked away again. But how can a baby be a set up for something larger? Could Lasidious have known that Shalee was incapable of carrying the child to term? Could he have done something to make sure she had a miscarriage?

  George looked back up at the clouds. The more I think about this, the more I feel like there’s a snake in the grass. But until I know more, all I can do is play it cool. I need to look like I know what I’m doing. Holy garesh, I hope I know what I’m doing.

  The warlock returned to the group. “Bouldon, I must leave. Since your king isn’t here, you will deliver a message. You’ll tell him that I’ve gone to speak with Lasidious. Until I return, Michael is to remain on the throne.”

  “Where are you going, Prophet?” the general inquired.

  “I’m going to find your prince, your queen, and your king. Many Peaks may pass before I return, but until it happens, Michael is to stop looking for the prince. Instead, he needs to focus his efforts on improving the morale of the kingdom. Bouldon, you’ll ensure the army helps Michael make this kingdom flourish.”

  After redirecting his attention to the senators, he reached into his pocket and handed Kolton a hefty bag filled with Lasidious coins. “The Senate will use this currency to create three tournaments, each lasting 10 Peaks. The first tournament will be to determine the strongest human. The second will be to determine the strongest barbarian, and the third will be to determine the strongest beast. The winner of each tournament is to be glorified. They’ll be given land and titles. The beings of every territory will come to Brandor to celebrate. These tournaments will inspire the largest celebrations this kingdom has ever seen. This will be the Senate’s way of helping Michael and Bouldon get the minds of the people off their problems. Are my orders clear?”

  Kolton opened the bag and looked inside. His eyes widened at the wealth. “Yes, Prophet. But why would you have us abandon the search?”

  George reached out and secured Kolton’s forearm. “If I’m correct, your prince is where no one on Grayham can find him. You must do as I say, and tell your king to get the minds of this kingdom off the royal family’s disappearance. Tell Michael the prophet has guaranteed their safe return.”

  Before Bouldon or the senators could respond, George vanished.

  Moments Later

  The Family Homes on the Head Master’s Island

  Western Luvelles

  When George reappeared, he was standing near the pile of boulders above Kepler’s old lair. The children who were old enough to play in the woods beyond the community could be heard in the distance.

  The warlock walked to the front porch of his home, took a seat and then lowered his head into the palms of his hands. Rubbing his eyes, he muttered, “What the hell’s going on? Something’s up with Lasidious. I know it.”

  “You’re right, George,” a female voice responded. “Something is up.”

  When George lifted his head, a gorgeous woman with beautiful blonde hair and soft-blue eyes was standing in front of him. She was dressed in an emerald gown, and her smile was warm and inviting. “Who are you?”

  “My name is Celestria. You may have heard of me.”

  George nodded. “You’re Garrin’s m
other.”

  The goddess smiled. “Indeed, I am Garrin’s mother.”

  “I was wondering if I’d ever meet you. Is Garrin okay? Has something happened to him?” George asked.

  Celestria’s face showed her confusion. “The baby isn’t with you?”

  “How could he be? Lasidious took him. If you’re his mother, how come you don’t know that?”

  The confusion on Celestria’s face vanished and was replaced with irritation. “When was Lasidious here? I also need to know what he said when he took the child.”

  George stood and walked down the steps. “All I know is that Lasidious appeared to me when I was on a boat in the middle of the ocean. I was on my way to Eastern Luvelles when stasis fell across the worlds. It was—”

  The goddess extended her hand and motioned for the warlock to stop speaking. “How could you possibly know about stasis?”

  George shrugged. “Your moment of arrival could not be more perfect. Clearly we’re both confused. How about we do it this way? I’ll tell you everything I know, but first, I’d like you to answer a few questions.”

  Celestria crossed her arms. An inquisitive look appeared on her face. Ask away.”

  George clapped his hands. “Thank you. Not knowing would’ve driven me insane.”

  “Not knowing what?” the goddess inquired.

  “Where should I start? Did you know Lasidious sent me to find the nasha tree?”

  The goddess nodded.

  “Good ... then that’s one less thing I need to explain.”

  Celestria extended her hand and rolled her wrist to encourage George to speak faster.

  The warlock smirked. “I bet you and Lasidious work well together. He’s just as impatient as you are.”

  The goddess pursed her lips. “George, please! If you wouldn’t mind. I don’t have all season.”

  The warlock pondered the goddess’ demeanor for a moment before he responded. “Anyway, while I was on Ancients Sovereign, I took an extra piece of nasha off one of the trees in the orchard. When I had a moment to myself, I ate it. This leads me to my next question. Did eating the fruit give me the godly memories that Lasidious said I possessed? Is that why I didn’t end up in stasis?”

  “You were not supposed to be given the power to pick a second piece from the tree. Lasidious said he would not allow it. Only the gods are to pick the fruit. We saw to that when we created the orchard.” Celestria’s face clearly showed her aggravation as she took a seat on the steps. “I told him it was not acceptable for you to see the glory of Ancients Sovereign.”

  George tried to respond, but the goddess silenced him with a wave of her hand. “Why would Lasidious want to end you if he intended to bestow the knowledge of the gods upon you? What would be gained by his actions?” With another wave of her hand, she allowed the warlock to respond.

  “Hold on a moment,” George barked. “What do you mean, Lasidious wants to end me? I thought we were partners. Sure, the S.O.B can be a little shifty, but he’s been going out of his way to help me. Why end me now? That would make the moments he spent molding me a complete waste.”

  Celestria shook her head. “I was under the impression that your usefulness had run its course, but it appears Lasidious isn’t finished with you as he claimed he is. To bestow the knowledge of the gods upon a mortal is risky. He must believe he has found a way to mitigate this risk.”

  George threw his hands in the air and then placed them on top of his head. “You’re creeping me out. When Lasidious spoke to me on the ship, he acted surprised that I wasn’t in stasis. If what you’re telling me is the truth, then he knew I ate the nasha as soon as he showed up and saw that I wasn’t frozen. He must have given me the power to pick the extra piece.”

  Celestria nodded. “I believe that to be the case.”

  “Holy garesh,” George mumbled. “My brain is so fricking fried right now!” The warlock took a moment to collect himself and then found Celestria’s gaze. “I don’t know what to think. Lasidious did tell me to pick only one piece ... so is he on my side, or is he my enemy? Perhaps he knows my character well enough to know that I’d take another one anyway. What do you think?”

  The goddess played with her bottom lip as she searched for a response. “There was a moment when I would’ve thought I had the answer to your questions, but now I find that I’m as confused as you are. It wasn’t long ago that I thought I’d spend the rest of my Peaks with Lasidious, but as of late, it appears we don’t communicate as we used to.”

  The goddess reached out and took George’s hand. “Let’s change the subject. You said Lasidious took Garrin. I had no knowledge of this. How did your family react to the loss?”

  The warlock reached into his pocket to retrieve the stone Lasidious had given to him while he was on the Ocean of Agregan. He handed it to Celestria. “I placed this stone in everyone’s hand. They don’t know that Garrin ever existed. They’ve forgotten everything about him. Hell, that’s not all they’ve forgotten. After stasis, they don’t even remember Kepler.” Pointing at the goddess, George added, “I know Kepler is in trouble, but I don’t know what to do to save him or how to get him back.”

  Celestria queried. “How do you figure your friend is in trouble?”

  George frowned. “Look. I’m not stupid. Kepler went to Dragonia. I haven’t forgotten that, but all of a sudden, Dragonia doesn’t exist in the minds of my family or anyone else on this world. Even the books in Brayson’s office have all been changed. And if that’s not bad enough, everybody thinks there’s a Hell. Athena told me I was going to go there just the other Peak if I continued to swear as much as I do.”

  The warlock locked onto the goddess’ eyes. “I’m not an idiot. I can put two and two together just like you can. In my mind, it’s simple. Dragonia ... plus Hell ... equals screwed. I think Kepler is screwed.”

  The Goddess of Beasts had to smile after hearing George’s equation. “You’re right, George. Kepler is in a place where trouble will find him, and the King of Brandor is with him.

  “No fricking way! So Sam really is there. But why would he bail to the most undesirable world that everyone feared?”

  Celestria stood and returned to the ground. “Sam’s choice of worlds makes sense when you consider a god was whispering to his subconscious when he made the decision to flee. The destination he chose would not have been his first choice. In fact, Sam would’ve chosen to stay in Brandor.”

  George nibbled on his bottom lip as he pondered what the goddess had revealed. “Let me guess. You’re the one who whispered to his subconscious.”

  “I am ... and he listened.”

  George shook his head in disbelief. “How do you whisper to someone’s subconscious anyway?” The warlock turned his head, looked at the empty space next to him and then leaned forward. He pretended to whisper into an unseen person’s ear. “Hey, Sam. Pssst! Sam! Dumbass! Why don’t you run to the crappiest planet and hide out? No one will look for you there. It’s not like you ended anyone or anything. Don’t worry about the criminals, and who knows what else is there?” The warlock reached out and pretended to pat the back of the supposed king. “I’m glad you like that idea, Sam. I hope your subconscious is getting all this.”

  Celestria had to laugh. “Lasidious spoke of your humor. It pleases me to see it for myself.

  George looked down at the stone in Celestria’s hand. “So what about the rock? Will it tell you anything?”

  The goddess shook her head. “I don’t think so. The stone has served its purpose.”

  “Then what are we going to do? I can’t just leave Kepler on Dragonia, and you can’t let Lasidious run off with your kid. I want Garrin back just as bad as you do.”

  Celestria dropped the pebble to the ground and then reached out to place her hand on George’s cheek. As she did, Athena opened the front door of their home and stepped out onto the porch. But before Athena could say anything, the goddess extended her arm in Athena’s direction and then continued to pass it a
cross the community of homes.

  George looked up the steps. Athena was frozen in place. “What did you do to her?”

  “She’ll be fine. There will be no more interruptions while we speak.”

  The warlock ascended the steps and stopped next to his wife. He reached out and placed his hand on her forehead. She was frozen solid, just like the crew on the boat had been while they were in stasis. He looked back down the steps. “It can’t be good to freeze people like that. Aren’t there any side effects?”

  Celestria nodded. “Yes, stasis effects the body. Athena’s life will be shortened by nearly a season. Every being who has experienced stasis will suffer the same effect.”

  “So, she’s in stasis right now?”

  “Yes.”

  “That makes twice. Is the rest of this world also in stasis?”

  “No. The rest of Luvelles continues to live out their Peak. I’ve segregated this stasis to just the members of your family.”

  George did the math. “Between the last stasis the gods put on the worlds and this one, you’ve taken a total of 74 seasons away from the people I love most. That pisses me off. What are you going to do to return their lost moments?”

  Celestria shook her head. “There’s nothing I can do.”

  “What do you mean, nothing? You’re a god.” He took a deep breath to collect his thoughts. “Look ... they’re my family. I don’t want them to pass sooner than they’re supposed to. You wouldn’t want Garrin to pass before he was expected to, would you?”

  A grin appeared on the goddess’ face. “That would be impossible. Garrin is immortal. His life cannot be shortened. It can only be extinguished.”

  The goddess ascended the steps and stopped on the opposite side of Athena. “I’m not without compassion, however. I shall enter an accord with you.”