The people below murmured to themselves. "We are here to announce a new God will join us, if he so chooses. A man known for his goodwill and justice." Sybillias opened her arms and a shimmering form of a man stood before her. It was Gabriel! "King Gabriel of Whitehold, you are offered the position of immortal God of the Heavens.
“You are of the bloodline of Akadius and have shown your honor and compassion." Sybillias, the God of the North, produced Akadius’ crown in her hands. "Do you accept our offer to take your rightful seat amongst us?"
Gabriel turned to Tradan and asked, "How will this affect him? How much a part of his life can I be?"
Hypotios answered, "He will take his place as king and ruler of these lands and will most definitely need advising." She gave a wink to the young king.
Gabriel smiled, "Then I accept your most gracious offer."
Immediately Gabriel's mortal body vanished from the altar. He appeared next to the other Gods dressed accordingly.
Sybillias turned to the people. "All hail Gabriel, Lord of the Heavens!"
The crowd cheered Gabriel's name and the celestial beings were gone.
Zachery walked over to Tradan, "This is fabulous news! Gabriel as the Lord of the Heavens, he can visit you when you need him most!"
Tradan took a deep breath and felt a new sense of relief come over him. He smiled. "He can also talk to me; he is with my mother watching over us."
Zachery looked to the Heavens. "This is a new start for Amundiss. A new era of Light and peace."
The people cheered for their new king and the thought of a new beginning. They set the altars ablaze, wishing the good King Kegan a peaceful journey through the afterlife. A new chapter unfolded for Whitehold, all knew of the ones that gave their lives, and a monument was to be erected in their honor as a tribute and reminder. A reminder to always be mindful of the shadows.
The eighteen years Amundiss was held captive by the demons almost broke the people's spirit. In the end, Light will always prevail against darkness. We have a long road of recovery and rebuilding ahead of us, but I know it will be a joyous adventure. Cassy and I are to be married and we will have our farm outside of Whitehold, with a place big enough for Barrok of course.
My father, at the encouragement of Antoine, will take his place on the King's Council. Speaking of Antoine, Andrea came to him later on and told him they were expecting a baby. She also reminded him that twins were highly possible in her family. Benzoete, Aliz'Ra, and Elos decided to return to Eska'Taurn and lead the elven people in the new era. We discovered Launa had the gift of Guardianship, which was awakened by the power in the sword when she grasped the hilt. She will learn more in Eska'Taurn with their heritage scholars. She promised father she would visit Whitehold every chance she could. My grandmother Valindra chose to stay at Whitehold with my father, though her time was to be short. When she used her gift of healing to stop death from taking father, it took her immortality and she will taste death as a mortal. Our time is precious––spend it with the ones you love.
___ _BATTLE FOR THE Heavens_________________
47
Shadows
As the good people of Amundiss mourned their losses and celebrated their new beginning, a dark figure was seen walking to where Malonox had been buried. The man plunged his hand into the ground and pulled the evil skull from the grave. As he held it close to his face, the outer skin and darkness fell from the bone leaving a bright white skull.
"Poor Malonox. You should have known not to battle the Light alone, brother. We will avenge you." He placed the skull inside his dark robes and sank back into the shadows.
The Prime's death was felt within his brethren. The burial site of Malonox would forever be a barren and sad place. This marked the beginning and end of a maker. Could he truly be gone?
Once the makers were bathed in the Light. Now darkness shadows their souls. Evil can never be truly defeated, but trust in the Light to show you the way.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
As a writer, words are supposed to come easy, but finding the words to express the gratitude I have for these people is near impossible. When you decide to take the journey of writing, you better have a great team to guide you:
Josh Rhoades is the first person to hear of Amundiss and the heroes that live there.
The main support for a writer is having someone believe in you. From day one, my family never doubted me, even when I doubted myself.
April, my gorgeous wife. I love you and thank you for standing by me.
Christian, my beautiful daughter. Thank you for pushing me to be the best I can be.
Marshall and Frances, my parents. Through your example, taught me about the Light. Because of you, I can see the way.
Lastly, two of the best friends I have never met. Your constant support, kind words and willingness to help means alot to me. @TimWilliamsArt and @microstakeshero Keep Twitter going guys!
Thank You.
Seven Crows Publications
Did you love The Bad Seed? Then you should read The Key of Knowledge by Michael Lackey!
It's the year 2058, and the world has been taken over by an immortal tyrant that calls herself The Countess. She became immortal when she found the body of Lazarus. We all know the story of Lazarus. He died and four days later, resurrected by Jesus. The story you don't know is what happened those four days in the grave.
In 2058 we find Lucy Ducit. Lucy just lost her grandfather, the only person she had left in her life. With the delivery of a strange package, her life flipped upside down. Lucy finds herself in the middle of a fight to save the world and defeat The Countess.
The Key of Knowledge is the first book in a five-book series. It is approximately 60,000 words long.
About the Author
Michael Lackey is the author of the Battle for the Heaves and Keys of Lazarus series of young adult novels. He is also an accomplished children's author with the Oswald the Onion series. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for first announcements and giveaways.
About the Publisher
A Murder of Crows
One crow for malice,
Two for mirth,
Three for a funeral,
Four for birth,
Five for silver,
Six for gold,
Seven for a story, that should never be told.
Eight for heaven,
Nine for a hell.
Ten to the devil,
where ever he may dwell.
The Bad Seed Page 28
