The Tear of Gramal

by Phillip Jones

  Taransay stopped dead in his tracks and leaned in. “I’ve asked for that for countless seasons, and you’ve always rejected my proposal. Why now? You’ve been acting like a new vampire. Something has come over you, I know it.”

  Lasidious smiled as he reached up to grab the back of Taransay’s neck and responded as he placed his forehead against his supposed brother’s. “A funny thing happened the other Peak when I took my bath.”

  “Do tell?”

  Lasidious grinned. “I allowed my hands to explore, and I found my courage. I should do something with them, don’t you think?”

  It took a while for Taransay to stop laughing. “You jest, but I’m glad you found your balls. I’m equally glad your mind has changed. We should rid the underworld of the council and establish two sects ... you the leader of one, and me, the leader of the other.”

  The Mischievous One pulled back. “I have a better idea. We shall rid ourselves of the council and you can run the entirety of the underworld. I care not for its politics any longer.”

  Lasidious enjoyed the look of disbelief as it appeared on Taransay’s face.

  “You’re still jesting, aren’t you?”

  “No, brother. The Peak is fast approaching when I will hand you my crown. It will be yours to do with as you please. But first, there are matters we must discuss. First, did you fly beyond the Dragon’s Backbone and see if the rumors were true?”

  Taransay nodded. “I did. The seas are filled with tortured beings, and many of them are headed toward the backbone and will eventually find their way to the mainland as you claimed.”

  Turning to follow his brother out of the throne room toward the chamber of the council, Taransay continued. “I don’t know how you knew, but you were right. The mainland won’t be the same once they arrive. We must prepare and relocate the entrances. They must be inaccessible.”

  Lasidious stopped walking. “Our relationship with the demons will be more important to maintain than ever before. We cannot afford to have two enemies. These tortured beings will be mighty enough.”

  “What else do you know about their migration?” Taransay questioned.

  The Mischievous One began walking again. “I know that these beings cannot perish. They’re perfect for us to feast upon.”

  “How do you know? Are you sure you’re the same vampire? The Tardon I know would not have been this proactive.”

  Lasidious chuckled. “The Tardon you know will never return. I’ve grown tired of him and his passive ways. I vow to be a better leader ... a better vampire ... a better king until the moment comes that you replace me.”

  The Mischievous One reached out and threw his arm back across Taransay’s shoulders as they continued to walk. “We have plans to make. Before we can rid ourselves of the council, we must use their influence to prepare the underworld. A new series of tunnels must be dug.”

  “Tunnels? For what?”

  “With the tortured beings being unable to perish, we’ll harvest them like crops. We’ll chain them to the walls, and once there, we’ll drain them of their blood again and again and again. We’ll have a never ending banquet. Hunting will become a sport and no longer be a necessity.”

  Taransay rubbed his hands together. “A continuous feast that never ends. And to think, I thought these beings would only bring war.”

  The Next Morning, The World of Shaymlezman

  The Dragon Council has Convened

  With the Dragon Council gathering, Odin appeared near the base of an obelisk that had been erected at the center of a circle the dragons had formed for their meeting. Not far to the south, a lake spanned a vast area as it followed the mountains and stretched to the east. The Mountains of Farramore were steep, but in this spot, the Source had leveled the peaks, and he used the ledges of the cliffs to lie on while the council convened.

  The lake acted as home to one of the most esteemed members of the council, yet this body of water remained unnamed. With the lake pressing against the mountains, the dragon did not need to leave the comfort of the water to attend the meeting.

  The monument had been given the name, the Obelisk of Planes. The Source had removed it from his old cave on Western Luvelles and had placed it just north of the lake’s shoreline. It was this obelisk that Zeus and Odin had used when they brought the rest of the Dragon Council to this plane more than 15,000 seasons ago, but the Farendrite Collective had not been told the truth about the monument. They had been led to believe the obelisk was the Source’s way of communicating with their Almighty.

  “The perception of Fosalia’s passing will be rectified,” Zeus announced as he lowered his massive, dragon head to focus on Odin. “She has always had a soft spot for mortals.” He turned his head and glared at a dragon who was cowering at the center of the circle. “Fosalia, I grow tired of your poor decisions.”

  Fosalia cringed at Zeus’ tone. “I’m sorry, Father.”

  A frown appeared on Odin’s face as he looked over the priestess’ dragon form. “She’ll never change, Zeus, you know that. You chastise her for nothing. Perhaps we should speak of your daughter’s shortcomings at a later moment. There are other matters I’d like to discuss with this council before we resolve the illusion of the priestess’ passing.”

  Odin spread his angelic wings and flew to the top of the obelisk that sat just shy of 90 paces above the ground. Once his feet were planted firmly on the top of the monument, he spoke again. “Zeus, perhaps we should address your shortcomings. As of late, you’ve made yourself unavailable to this council. I and the others would like to know why you’ve broken our pact.”

  The Source sighed. “Mighty Odin, I haven’t broken our agreement, nor do I have shortcomings. I swore my allegiance to you and this council, and my loyalty has not and will not falter.”

  Fosalia was quick to defend. “Yes, my father is loyal. Zeus would never betray the council.”

  “Quiet yourself, Hebe,” the Source growled. “I don’t need to be defended by the likes of you.”

  Crossing his arms in front of his breastplate, Odin shook his head as he again watched Fosalia, or rather, Hebe, cower. He then directed his gaze. “Tell me, Mighty Zeus, why have you been conspiring with the Archangel Michael to create a Heaven for this plane? Your actions suggest betrayal to the council, and if they don’t, why not speak with us first?”

  Zeus nodded. “You’re right, my friend. I have failed to communicate. There’s no excuse for my actions. But I assure you, my allegiance to our cause shall forever remain unwavering.”

  Odin’s face softened a bit. “If this is, indeed, the case, then please explain your dealings with Michael.”

  The Source took a moment to gather his thoughts. “When the archangel approached and asked for my help, what was I to say? We all knew this Peak would come. You all remember ... it was the wish of this council that I lead the Collective down a path of deception. Because of me, they believe their Almighty has required that they replace what they destroyed. So when Michael approached for my help, I accepted only because there was no other answer. But the archangel’s plea was not the only reason I agreed to help him.”

  A two-headed, female dragon was standing on top of a massive rock that matched the height of the obelisk. “I’m sure the mouths of this council would wager a woman is involved,” she sneered. “It’s always a woman ... isn’t it? Who is she?”

  The Source’s booming chuckle caused the water in the lake to ripple. When Zeus stopped laughing, he responded. “You know me too well, Hera. But my eyes haven’t found an affection for just any woman. This woman is an angel ... but not just any angel. You may remember her as Anahita.”

  One of Hera’s two heads gasped as the other responded. “Are you referring to the same being that Michael followed out of Heaven and into that eternal Lake of Fire?”

  Zeus smirked. “I am.”

  Hera spit and watched it hit the ground. “That stupid archangel sacrificed his status in his Almighty’s Heaven for a woman. And only you wo
uld find it wise to conspire with the enemy over a pair of breasts.”

  With the majority of his serpent-like body still submerged beneath the water of the lake, Poseidon entered the conversation. “Unless you’ve found a way to manipulate this angel, you should distance yourself from her. You’re putting us all in jeopardy.”

  “Agreed,” Odin added. “This council has waited nearly 11,000 seasons for the opportunity to take back what was ours. The full strength of this council has nearly returned. It won’t be long before we can reclaim it.”

  “But Father,” Hebe interjected. “My power was expelled when—”

  The Source roared and stopped his daughter from continuing. “Yes, we know! You wasted it on the Isorians!”

  Odin crossed his arms and shook his head. “It’s a good thing we don’t consider her a real part of this council, Mighty Zeus. She’s useless to us.”

  Rather than respond right away, the Source transformed. By the moment he was finished, his scales had been replaced with a golden suit of armor that glistened in the sunlight, and a magnificent pair of wings emerged from his back. His overall height and size had reduced to equal Odin’s, and his black feathers matched the color of his long, flowing hair.

  With a few strong flaps of his wings, Zeus launched skyward to the top of the obelisk. Once his feet were planted and he was within arm’s reach of Odin. “Useless or not, she is my daughter. Let us change the subject.”

  As soon as Odin nodded, Zeus explained, “Anahita is being used to create this plane’s new Heaven. An opportunity exists to use the Collective’s deceptions against them. The lies they’ve told shall become our advantage. I’ve taken this opportunity to gain Anahita’s trust.”

  “Why would we need her trust?” Hera snapped. “And did you have to seduce her to get it?”

  The Mighty Zeus grinned. “I did not bed her, Hera. Calm yourself. I believe Michael intends to use Anahita as a weapon against all those who would oppose him and his brothers. I also believe Michael is still angry because of Anahita’s betrayal.” Zeus found Odin’s eyes. “You should’ve seen it. I’ve witnessed Anahita’s power. She’s creating at a remarkable rate.”

  “How is she doing it?” Odin wondered. “She must have received help.”

  Zeus reached out and placed a hand on Odin’s shoulder. “According to Anahita, Michael surrendered part of his being to her, but I don’t understand his reasoning. Why would he create a weapon to use against the others that he would be unable to overcome when the moment came to take his revenge? If he is, indeed, still angry, I’m missing something. And I intend to find out what it is.”

  The largest dragon, second only to the Source stepped clear of the others. “Your logic is sound, Father,” Ares responded. “If there’s anything I can do to help, I am ready. My power has nearly returned, and I no longer fear the Collective.”

  Though Zeus was standing on top of the obelisk, he still had to look up to find Ares’ dragon eyes. “Do nothing yet, my son. The moments for action are coming, but until I’m certain that my eyes haven’t been blinded by something that exists in front of them, we should wait for a sign.”

  Zeus passed his eyes across the rest of the council. “None of you will act until Odin and I know more about the Collective’s plotting.” He turned to face Odin. “Perhaps the moment has come for you and I to be more aggressive.”

  “I believe you’re right,” Odin replied.

  Hera interrupted. “This council should speak of a new course of action only after Hebe has departed. We cannot afford for her to make another mistake.”

  It was easy to see the aggravation as it appeared on the Titan’s faces when they all agreed.

  Zeus looked down at his daughter. “What shall we do with her, Mighty Odin? My daughter keeps choosing the wrong path. She continues to allow her love for the mortals to guide her actions. You may not yet know it, but Hebe has restored the life of a being known as Medolas on Grayham, and then she left the vessel we put her in to rot on the ice. As we speak, the priestess’ body is arriving on Harvestom, and it will be taken to her palace by a pair of goswigs known as Gage and Gallrum.”

  Odin’s frown deepened. “I told you we should not have given her the position of High Priestess.”

  “Yes, we know what you said,” Hera growled. “Yet here we are discussing it again.”

  Odin whirled around and looked in Hera’s direction. “Hebe may be your daughter, but that girl is impossible to teach. She’s a disgrace to your loins.”

  Hearing Odin’s insult, Hera launched from the top of her rock and landed next to her daughter. “Do you hear how he’s talking to me?”

  Hebe had to drop to the ground to avoid her mother’s claw as Hera took a swing.

  “That’s right. You duck. I should not have abandoned the post of High Priestess. You’re a disgrace.” Hera turned, looked up at the top of the obelisk and addressed both Odin and Zeus. “But what other choice did we have? The body I occupied was growing old, and the Collective would’ve become suspicious if I had not let it perish.”

  Zeus took a long, deep breath as he pondered the situation. “We will send Hebe back until we can determine a better course of action. For now, I’ll speak with the Book.” Zeus paused and faced Odin. “Speaking of the Book ... that reminds me of a secret I learned. The Book and the Archangel Gabriel are one in the same being.”

  Again, one of Hera’s two heads gasped as the other responded. “Finally, he resurfaces. I knew he would. I knew there was no way a being with his power could’ve perished during the wars.”

  Zeus nodded. “I believe this knowledge gives us an advantage.”

  “Perhaps ... perhaps not,” Odin replied. “We need to know more before we should consider this advantageous. However, I do find it interesting to know that Gabriel has always been this close to the Collective ... and me as I sat at their table. I was a fool to believe that we had placed the souls of the deceased inside a simple book.”

  “Well said, Odin,” Poseidon added. “You do appear foolish. You were the closest to them all. Your position on the Collective should’ve produced better results.”

  Zeus smirked. “Odin is no more a fool than you are, Poseidon. If there is one fool amongst us, then we all bear the title. Odin’s belief that the Collective placed the souls inside a book is accurate. Even the majority of the Collective doesn’t realize that Gabriel uses the appearance of a book as a way to spy on them.”

  “Then it appears this knowledge of the archangel returning changes nothing for now,” Poseidon replied. “We should move forward as planned.”

  “I agree,” Zeus confirmed. “I will go back to Ancients Sovereign and tell Gabriel that it was the wish of the Almighty that I restore Fosalia’s soul to her body. I will then tell him that this was why the priestess’ soul never entered the Book’s pages. We cannot have the members of the Collective learning that her passing was a ruse. They must believe the true power of the Tear of Gramal was invoked.”

  “What about Helmep?” Hera queried. “He’ll know Hebe did not truly invoke the power of the Tear. He’ll seek to investigate once he realizes he didn’t answer the Tear’s call for life.”

  “I’ll take care of Helmep,” Odin responded. “My power is strong enough that I can dispense with the weakest members of the Collective without rousing suspicion.”

  Zeus smiled. “This is good news. If you’re strong enough to surpass the rules written on the Book’s pages, then Gabriel won’t know of our trespasses. How do you know this to be the case?”

  Now it was Odin’s turn to smile. “You’re not the only one who has failed to communicate. I devoured Sharvesa’s soul just the other Peak to test my theory. You’ll be happy to know that we’re ready for battle, old friend.”

  As both Zeus and Odin laughed, Hera was still anxious. She growled to capture their attention. “Perhaps you laugh prematurely. The rest of us are not ready. What if Gabriel asks why the Almighty would want the priestess’ soul returned? What
then? What will you tell him to pacify his suspicion?”

  Zeus took a moment to search for a response. “I shall say the same thing I always do when I’m questioned.”

  “Well, go on,” Hera jeered. “Tell us what that is.”

  A conniving smile appeared on Zeus’ face. “I will say this: ‘Who am I to question the will of the Almighty?’ That should shut Gabriel up.”

  Odin reached out and patted Zeus on the shoulders. “That, my friend, is the one statement that always shuts them up.” Odin turned and looked down at Hebe. His eyes were stern. “If your father intends to have you continue your deception as Fosalia, then perhaps you should remind yourself that this council grows tired of your inability to perform the simple duties of priestess in an efficient manner. With the healers of the worlds coming to Harvestom to train under your tutelage, you fail to realize the importance of the position. Anything the Collective tells their followers prior to them coming to Harvestom to begin training will make it to your ears. This should be to our advantage, yet you have continued to fail us. Too many of your moments are spent on foolish emotions. They’re your students, not your friends. And the beings who live on Northern Grayham will no longer be visited by you. From now on, you’ll stay in your palace until the moment comes for our uprising. Do you understand me?”

  “Yes, Mighty Odin,” Hebe responded as she lowered her head in reverence. “I won’t falter again.”

  Zeus and Odin dropped from the top of the obelisk and landed in front of Hebe, but Odin was the one to speak. “You may be Zeus’ daughter, but I feel it’s safe to say that this council won’t cover for your mistakes any longer.”

  “We don’t need to,” Hera proclaimed. “Her affinity for foolishness is why we allowed Lasidious to believe he is her father. If she fails us again, we will rid ourselves of her and Odin can blame her destruction on the Mischievous One.”

  “But Mother!” Hebe gasped.