From a distance, Gage and Gallrum could see the men who were being stalked and knew they had to help. Without wasting another moment, Gage touched Gallrum and teleported both goswigs into the path of the fleeing men. Gallrum used his power to stop the men from running while Gage hobbled in the direction of the gashtion. With the beast nearly upon them, the badger lifted his paws and summoned a blinding light.
Clandestiny was forced to abandon her pursuit. As she slid to a stop, the ice beneath her claws broke apart and tumbled in the direction of the goswigs.
Gallrum reacted. The serwin extended a claw and used his magic to destroy the chunks. Instead of being crushed, the men were showered with a blizzard of shavings.
Lifting her claws in front of her face, Clandestiny used them to shield her eyes from the light as the badger looked over his shoulder and shouted. “Get them out of here, Gallrum! I’ll deal with this!”
Nodding, the serwin motioned for the men to form a massive circle. “Touch one another!” he commanded. A few moments later, the group vanished.
Gage kept the light burning bright until the rest of the Isorian army had cleared the ice and were safe inside the tunnel. As his power faded, so did his means of escape. Between the wall and the light, the badger had exhausted too much energy, and he would not be able to teleport to safety.
With the last of the light fading, Clandestiny lowered her claws. The skin of her jowls pulled back, exposing a ferocious set of fangs as she lowered onto all fours.
The badger did not run. His legs were too short. Instead, he looked down at his cane and then lifted it in front of his face. “Well, you’re not going to save me, are you? If only you were a sword.” He smirked at the ridiculousness of the thought.
Clandestiny lifted her right, front claw.
As Gage watched the gashtion prepare to end him, another roar filled the afternoon air.
Clandestiny turned to face the new threat. The roar had come from the edge of the cavern. Meerum Bosand had used his magic to find the Tear of Gramal. He had teleported to the Isorians’ side of the cavern and had begun the transformation.
With Meerum’s transformation nearing completion, Clandestiny abandoned her attack on Gage and turned to charge across the ice. As she did, Gage had to dive to his belly as Clanny’s massive tail, spanning a distance of more than 100 paces, passed just above him.
With every step Clanny took, her claws tore apart the ice. By the moment she reached Meerum, his transformation was complete. The collision sent the beasts flying off the edge of the cavern and into the depths of the water. Neither Clandestiny nor Meerum surfaced.
Northern Grayham
The Battleground Near Hydroth —With Clandestiny and Meerum failing to resurface after disappearing beneath the water that filled the chasm, the High Priestess gathered Shiver and the ruby eyed man. The trio teleported to the edge while Fosalia studied the body of the fallen gashtion. The priestess delivered the good news, letting the Isorians know that this was not their friend. She further explained that Clandestiny would have changed back into her normal appearance and remained expired.
With Fosalia’s ability to teleport, the trio then moved on to where Meerum had transformed. She ensured Shiver that it would be safe to approach the edge of the chasm, and it was crucial that they find the Tear of Gramal and place it about her neck. She would need to stay in Hydroth until a being capable of accepting her blessing could be found.
When Fosalia lifted the Tear off the ice, Shiver looked across the chasm and realized the remainder of the Tormalian army was vulnerable. They had nowhere to go, and though their numbers were still enough to keep smaller predators from attacking, he knew they’d perish if either of the gashtions returned.
To protect these men, the priestess extended her arm toward the water and used her magic to create a bridge of ice that stretched between the two sides of the cavern. As the Tormal crossed, they were directed to the safety of the tunnel that led to Hydroth.
With the estimated series of moments called Midnight approaching, Shiver ordered the Isorian army to accept the Tormal. He further commanded the food that had been left behind on Meerum’s side of the cavern be retrieved and brought into the tunnel.
Southern Grayham
The City of Brandor—The tournament the prophet commanded Michael to hold is being organized with the help of the Senate. The best warriors from every territory will be invited, and many festivals will take place throughout the streets of Brandor during the tournament to get the minds of all beings off the disappearance of the royal family.
Michael has ordered the Senate to ensure that every message board in the kingdom is filled with positive news. Any article that speaks of Sam, Shalee, or the prince is to be removed, and the author is to be spoken to privately and paid for their inconvenience. Further, Michael has ordered that any who oppose the removal of their work be brought to his throne room. If they fail to see reason, they will be thrown in the dungeon until they choose to cooperate.
On an unrelated note, Michael has ordered that the krapes the prophet left behind be taken to the royal stables. With one male and the other female, it is his desire to have them bred just as the army has been breeding the Water Mist Mares. If it works, the krapes will become the new mounts of all those who possess a commission. As the breeding process continues with the mist mares, all non commissioned men will eventually be assigned a mount from their offspring.
Harvestom
The Island of the High Priestess —After Sharvesa left Mosley, the demon-goddess went to Ancients Sovereign to retrieve a piece of nasha as Lasidious had suggested. She then returned and fed the fruit to the wolf. The effect was what the goddess was after. Over the past 2 Peaks, Mosley has made many advances in his ability to employ stronger uses of magic, and soon he will be ready to embark on a journey to find a specific member of the Swayne Enserad. It is this soulless immortal on Trollcom who can teach Mosley how to destroy the beings who stripped Sharvesa’s son of his power.
Ancients Sovereign
The Hall of Judgment—The Book of Immortality has called for a meeting of the gods. The moment has come to let the others know that Lasidious has the power to assume control of the Collective. The Book also intends to reveal Michael’s existence during this meeting.
The Book is looking forward to seeing the faces of the gods once they learn that Bassorine is an archangel, and that he never perished. It is Gabriel and Michael’s hope that the Collective will unite to protect all that has been created.
Though their deeds will no longer allow any of them to return to the Heaven the Almighty created prior to them falling, Michael will announce that the Source is creating a new Heaven for this plane.
The gods will need to abandon their petty differences, at least for now, or everything will be lost if they don’t prepare for the Peak when the Mischievous One realizes the magnitude of his power.
Western Luvelles
The Family Homes—As promised, Celestria returned to take George to Hell, but the warlock refused to go. With the return of Athena and Brayson’s memories, George was not comfortable leaving until he was sure that every question they could possibly ask had been answered.
With the help of Celestria, Brayson and Athena were eventually pacified, but their mental state was not the only reason George refused to go. Since Brayson will remain behind to care for the family, George believes he will need to solicit the help of a powerful companion until Kepler can be located and convinced to return to Luvelles.
With a companion in mind, the warlock has asked Celestria to meet him outside the entrance to the Cave of Sorrow on Southern Grayham. It is there a statue of a large ally sits waiting.
Outside the City of Inspiration—The power of the Ultorians has been more than sufficient to hold back the water of the lake while the elves and halflings continue to create the pillars that will support the structure of the bridge. Boyafed and Dowd hope to have the bridge completed before the first white rain of winter.
The New Hell
The Mainland—Sam’s army has abandoned the Merchant Island. They have taken every container that they could carry. The new members of his army have some unique abilities, and as it turns out, his choice for a temporary General Absolute in the red demon, Orgon, has given Sam the ability to control the trolls that were transported from Trollcom.
Many of the trolls are savages, and since abandoning the island, Orgon has had to slaughter three to keep them in line, and Sam has had to slice another four in half.
The new King of Hell has ordered camp to be set up just over 4 Peaks away from the Temple of the Gods. Using the memories that were given to the demon-cat by Lasidious, Sam has asked the demon-jaguar to teleport to the Criminal Stronghold to deliver his orders.
Sam wants his supposed General Absolute, Narasay, an immortal, also Swayne Enserad who was brought to Dragonia seasons ago by the Merchant Angels, to bring the most ruthless of their army to his current location. Sam is anxious and also excited to meet this powerful female who leads his army—an army he has never met—also the same army whose minds have been altered to believe he is their king.
Pydum—Following the members of Sam’s army after they abandoned the Merchant Island, Pydum watched Sam from a distance. On two occasions, the grendle-imp made sure the new King of Hell spotted him. Pydum has been searching for the right moment to approach Sam. But to do so could be his end. The king’s sword will react when he tries to tell Sam the truth.
The Vampire Underworld—Lasidious has spent the last few Peaks in seclusion with the Vampire King. The Mischievous One’s plan appears to be progressing as he estimated it would.
With the Book of Immortality calling for a meeting of the gods, Alistar returned to inform the Mischievous One. The duo agrees that this gathering could not have been called at a better moment.
The New Heaven
Anahita’s Shack—The Source will release Anahita and Dorick from stasis in the morning.
Thank you for reading the Crystal Shard
CHAPTER 16
A Big Marble of Dirt
Anahita and Dorick’s Shack
The Following Morning
FELLOW SOUL … THE SOURCE RELEASED ANAHITA AND DORICK from stasis. Though neither the angel nor the dwarf knew it, the dragon was patiently waiting outside the shack for the pair to exit. Since Anahita had been slow to recover after being released from stasis, Dorick made himself breakfast to pass his moments until the angel was ready to explore what the Source had created.
Pushing his bowl away, Dorick grumbled, “I don’t like porridge, Child. If you’re here to create a heaven, perhaps you should begin with finer dining.”
Anahita reached up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I feel weak.”
The dwarf reached out and patted the angel on her knee. “Perhaps you should eat something.”
“Gabriel said eating wasn’t necessary any longer. Besides, it seems like a waste of my moments. I’m sure this feeling will pass.”
Bored, Dorick lifted his spoon and allowed it to plop back into his porridge. “I’m not going to eat either, so let’s get going. I’m dying to know what the dragon left behind.”
Opening the door of the shack, Anahita stepped out onto the barren lands of the new Heaven. There were no trees, plants, mountains or anything that resembled the concept of beauty. “There’s nothing here,” the angel griped. “I don’t understand. He said Heaven would be my world to mold, but there’s nothing to work with. It’s like we’re standing on a big marble of dirt.”
A familiar voice responded. Though the sound was not vocalized, they could hear it in their minds. “There’s much more than dirt, little ones. Every resource you need to create exists on this planet.”
As the dwarf and Anahita whirled around, they could see the Source standing in the distance beyond the shack. The Ancient One was so far away that his mass had been significantly reduced. Only the top of his head and the top of his back could be seen above the roof of the shack.
Anahita walked to the side of the structure. With the Source in clear view, she responded. “I don’t see any water!”
Again, the Source projected his thoughts into their minds as he looked toward Heaven’s new sun to warm his face. “In this territory, most of it is beneath the surface. It will be up to you to determine where the water flows and how it pools.”
The dwarf began to fidget as he looked in the direction of the corner of the shack while Anahita responded. “Water won’t do us any good under the surface, will it? So ... I’ll need to get to it and then do something fab with it!”
The Source turned his head in the direction of the shack and projected another thought. “There’s no need to shout, Anahita. All you need to do is think. I can hear every thought you have.”
Dorick released his groin and instantly turned red.
The Ancient One chuckled. “Yes, dwarf, I know you need to pee. You’ll find the earth inviting.”
Anahita grinned as she looked down at Dorick. “Does your tinky-winky need me to turn around so it can have some moments to itself?”
The dwarf frowned. “I assure you, there is nothing tinky-winky about me … well ... outside my height.”
The angel covered her mouth. “Shhhh! Don’t be so cocky!” She pointed toward the Source. “He’s listening. And yes, the pun was intended.”
From across the terrain, the Source could be heard laughing. “I knew creating with the two of you would be entertaining.”
Undoing the front of his pants, Dorick walked toward the corner of the shack. “The idea of having a penis is starting to grow on me. I’m kind of fond of it.” With Anahita’s back to him, the dwarf threw his braided ponytail over his shoulder and then took care of business while he changed the subject. “Can you tell us why Anahita is so weak? Is there something wrong with her?”
As the Source turned to walk toward the shack, he projected his thoughts between the placement of each claw since the earth shook with every step. “An angel’s body reacts differently to stasis than other beings.” His right, front foot left an impression, and then he continued. “She’ll feel better soon enough.”
“Stasis?” Anahita snapped once the dragon had finished his next step. “You put us in stasis? Why, and how long—” Another footstep forced her to pause. “How long have we been asleep?”
“Not much more than a few Peaks,” the dragon replied.
“What is stasis?” Dorick questioned just before the earth shook again. “What are you talking about?”
With his response requiring a lengthy series of moments, the dragon lowered his claws to gather his balance and stopped moving. “Stasis was necessary for me to create.” He redirected the conversation. “If you were not an angel, Anahita, you would not be able to survive on this world as it is now. Many changes will need to take place”
“Then why can Dorick survive?” the angel rebutted.
“The dwarf survives only because I wish it so.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Do you see vegetation, Anahita?”
“No.”
The Source said nothing further. He allowed the angel the moments to think.
Looking over his shoulder at the angel, the dwarf questioned, “Are you as confused as I am, Child?”
Anahita shook her head and responded without turning around. “No. He’s referring to oxygen. He’s saying there’s not enough for you to live.”
“Then how did I survive inside the shack prior to the dragon’s appearance?”
The Source responded. “Because Gabriel kept you alive after you were given your new body.”
As the dwarf finished peeing, he grinned and closed his pants. “I don’t think I’ve ever taken this many moments to relieve myself. I believe I’ve set a new record, Child.”
Anahita turned around and rolled her eyes. “The other being’s personality that Gabriel pushed to the back of your mind must not h
ave been pushed back far enough. You’re disgusting.”
The Source laughed. “The being’s persona who was restricted did not influence your friend’s last comment.”
The angel touched Dorick on the arm. “Is that so? So, you’ve been foul all along?”
As both the dwarf and the dragon poked fun at Anahita’s demeanor, the angel eventually smiled and then pinched Dorick on the arm. She then placed a hand on the dwarf’s shoulder and teleported the distance. When they reappeared, they were within a closer proximity to the dragon.
Anahita looked up. “Despite how crude Helga has become, thank you for keeping her alive.”
“‘Become,’ Child? Have you forgotten our moments in the Royal Garden. Don’t you remember our conversation about the statues?”
Anahita elbowed the dwarf. “Will you shut up?”
Dorick looked up at the Source and shrugged.
Anahita extended her wings and stretched while she searched for a way to change the subject. “You said stasis effects angels differently than other beings? How so?”
The Source lowered to his belly, laid his head on the ground and then spoke aloud. “Every being is made of elements. The difference in the way these elements perform is what makes a being mortal or immortal. Take Dorick, for example. If I was to scratch his arm, it would take many Peaks before the cells of his skin closed the wound. Yet you, Anahita, cannot be scratched. Your body functions at a more efficient rate. You heal even before the wound can be inflicted.”
“What in tarnation? My brain must still be asleep. How can someone heal before they’re hurt?”
The Source lifted his head off the ground. “Allow me to demonstrate. Dorick, will you please stand back from Anahita?”
The Tear of Gramal Page 49
