The Eye Of Luvelles Part 42

Alistar shook his head and then continued. "All of us know we seek followers to increase our power. Just look at what Lasidious has accomplished thus far. His power has grown over the last 10,000 seasons. He has surpa.s.sed us all, and the one he was unable to surpa.s.s, he used the Book to destroy. We know there were many who served Ba.s.sorine, and those who served him on worlds other than Grayham no longer have a deity to wors.h.i.+p ... and they don't even know it. The wolf has only revealed himself on two worlds thus far. He has let us down."

Alistar leaned into the huddle further. "I don't mean to pick on you, Mosley, but think about it. We have watched Lasidious grow because of the sheer number who choose to wors.h.i.+p him. Most of Dragonia bows to him. The trolls on Trollcom even wors.h.i.+p him, and we all know how significant their numbers are.

"With enough followers, Lasidious will obtain the power to make Gabriel his servant. Clearly, he plans to do this by making himself the deity of choice on all the worlds." Alistar looked up. "Just look at his statue. He's glorifying himself, and he'll continue to do it until every being kneels before him."

The wolf growled. "This is beyond frustrating. It's tyranny." Mosley snorted his disdain. "How could this collective have been so shortsighted?" The wolf scanned the group. "Lasidious is using the laws you created against us. Like Alistar said, his plan is brilliant. It's not nice, but it's brilliant, nonetheless. There's nothing we can do to stop him. He'll become the leader of the grandest pack of all."

"Hang on just a moment," Bailem interjected. He straightened to adjust his robe, and before he added to the conversation, he once again touched the back of Keylom and the shoulder of Alistar. "This is disturbing. How should we proceed? It doesn't appear there are options. If we fight, we'll be destroyed, and if we don't, he'll eventually destroy us anyway. I see no other solution. We should surrender the Book to Lasidious while we can, and allow him to govern Gabriel. All we can do is hope that he'll allow us to continue to exist." The angel-G.o.d looked at Mieonus. "I don't see much hope for you."

"I agree with Bailem," Alistar urged. "I have no desire to be destroyed. We should vote on this ... right now."

Those present erupted into an argument over the different ways they could foil Lasidious' plans, but none of their ideas had much merit. Eventually, Mosley managed to get their attention by lifting his head and howling. The temple walls reverberated his call. With the G.o.ds' full attention, the wolf spoke. "I may have a solution."

Mieonus snapped again, "Oh, here we go!" She put her hands on her hips. "As if a mutt could be our savior!"

Almost as if everyone shared the same mind, the group shouted, "Shut up, Mieonus!"

Mosley smiled as Mieonus stomped her foot and crossed her arms. He waited for her to calm down. After watching her place her hands back onto the centaur's front shoulders and Lictina's arm, the wolf continued. "If you'll listen, I may have a solution."

With stealth, Alistar lifted his hand just off Bailem's shoulder, careful not to let the others see his movement. Bailem was so intent on listening to what the wolf had to say, the angel did not realize Alistar had removed his hand.

Now, fellow soul ... the Rule of Fromalla was allowed to be broken only by the one who initiated the pact. With Alistar's hand removed, Lasidious could listen in on the conversation. The Book of Immortality could not sense this action because no law had been broken.

Lasidious and Celestria watched from within their home as the group of G.o.ds stood huddled together inside the temple. The green flames of their fireplace projected each deity with perfect clarity. Lasidious smiled as he watched Alistar lift his hand. The voices of the G.o.ds could now be heard through the fire.

Mosley cleared his throat as he studied the group's faces. "It's clear that we have a difficult task in front of us. All of us ... and I do mean all of us ... will need to work together to save ourselves. If Lasidious' intention is to gain followers to increase his power to take control of Gabriel, then we must act to counter his efforts.

"We must keep the populations on each world from abandoning the G.o.ds they now serve. I doubt we'll be able to convert those who wors.h.i.+p Lasidious, but we should try. We can stop those who are able to be manipulated. We need to become a part of their everyday lives. We'll appear to them as often as Lasidious appears to his followers or even Hosseff does to his."

Without thinking, Owain removed his hat with his right hand and used it to point at the wolf. "Perhaps you should be doing a better job. Those who followed Ba.s.sorine should already be aware of his destruction. They should all be serving you by now."

The wolf growled as he watched the others agree. Frustrated, he sat on his haunches and scratched the back of his neck. "Your point has been made. There is something else I should bring up. I shouldn't share this information, but in light of current events, I feel it necessary to do so."

Lasidious and Celestria leaned toward the flames, antic.i.p.ating what the wolf would say. "This is going to be good. I can feel it," Lasidious said as he pulled Celestria close.

Mosley had everyone's attention. "As we all know, when Gabriel was created, Ba.s.sorine allowed his creation."

Gabriel stopped Mosley. "Are you sure it's wise to reveal Ba.s.sorine's plan?"

The emptiness beneath Hosseff's hood whispered, "Intriguing. How is it that the two of you share the knowledge of Ba.s.sorine's scheming, yet the rest of us have no knowledge of his plotting?"

Alistar added, "We should know Ba.s.sorine's secrets, Gabriel. The sanct.i.ty of the Collective is in jeopardy. If we can't find a way to stop Lasidious, everything will be lost to his control."

"I agree," Keylom added, stomping his right-front hoof against the floor.

Seeing the Book's hesitation, Mosley contemplated his delivery of Ba.s.sorine's secret. "I have a better way of saying this. What you all don't know is that Ba.s.sorine developed a plan to regain control of the Book if one of us was able to abuse its power. He called this plan his failsafe. After all, tactics were what he did best. As of this moment, the backup plan isn't powerful enough to stop Lasidious from controlling Gabriel, but with the proper allocation of moments, it will be."

Alistar broke into the conversation. "You use the word 'it' as if 'it' isn't a being. What, or whom are you referring to when you say, 'it?'"

Mosley looked into Alistar's eyes. "I won't answer your question. All I will say is this. 'It' needs the moments necessary to mature, and until 'it' does, we need to keep Lasidious from gaining the power he needs to control the Book. This shall keep us busy."

Alistar's brow furrowed. "I wish to know more about this 'it.' Is 'it' a being, or not? It would make sense if 'it' was. Share with us so we can help this plan acquire the power 'it' needs to stop Lasidious. I would like 'it' to save us all."

Mosley thought long and hard about his answer. The wolf decided to lie. "The plan does not involve a being. 'It' is something much larger. I'll say nothing further."

The room erupted with angry voices.

Mosley looked at Gabriel and winked.

The Book smiled and then vanished.

A moment later, Mosley turned to face the others. "I know you don't approve of what I've chosen to divulge, but there's planning to do. Let's return to the Hall of Judgment."

Lasidious walked away from the fireplace and took his seat at the table. Celestria followed and lowered onto his lap when Alistar appeared at the opposite end.

There was fear in the G.o.d of the Harvest's voice. "Did you hear what Mosley said? I've got to get to the hall, but what plan could the wolf be referring to?"

Lasidious smiled. "Go to the meeting, brother. There's nothing to worry about. We'll talk about it later." The Mischievous One watched Alistar vanish.

Lasidious chuckled. "If it wasn't for Mosley, the Collective would've taken the bait. They would've surrendered the Book to me without opposition. It was worth the effort. You've got to admire that wolf. Mosley is a worthy opponent. I'm enjoying our little game."

Agitated, Celestria stood and began to adjust the vases throughout the room. "What about Ba.s.sorine's plan? Does this not bother you? It bothers me. Even you didn't see this coming, my pet. How are we going to deal with something we can't control? If it isn't a being, then what could it be? What could grow to have the power to take back your dominance over Gabriel once you acquire it? You need to find out what the wolf is talking about."

Lasidious chuckled again.

"What's so funny? I fail to see the humor."

"Don't you see? There's no one else it could be. 'It' is a being. It's Shalee."

Celestria stood from the Mischievous One's lap. "You're being awfully presumptuous. How do you know it's Shalee? You seem sure of it."

"If I'm being presumptuous, then answer me this. How else would you explain the growth of her power?" Lasidious argued. "She's grown faster than any sorceress before her. She possesses the power of a woman who has commanded magic for over 200 seasons. And supposedly she's done it without the help of the G.o.ds. I think Mosley believes that he truly has a secret, but I have everything under control."

"I'd love to know how you have it under control. You can't touch Shalee. She is protected by the Book, and we don't have power over Gabriel to stop her. How are you going to get rid of her?"

Lasidious stood and enveloped Celestria within his arms. He kissed her forehead. "Who said anything about getting rid of her? That's what George is for." The Mischievous One paused. "Now that George has looked into the Eye, he's powerful enough to teleport between the lower three worlds. We can use this to our advantage. If Shalee gets in our way, George won't be far behind."

Celestria smiled and positioned her mouth near Lasidious' ear. She whispered in her most seductive voice, "I suggest we celebrate the development of your pet, my sweet. George is becoming everything you wanted him to be. Your cunning makes me hot."

Just Outside the Source's Cave The Peak of Bailem Brayson was standing next to Fisgig's perch waiting for the warlock to make his exit. When George strolled out of the cave, he stopped and looked across the pool.

After seeing George's past with Mogg, the Head Master had decided that a softer approach was in order. He called out in a diplomatic manner. "Congratulations! I see the Eye has spared your soul!"

George did not respond, but he thought, Holy gares.h.!.+ He's waiting to confront me. He's got to be p.i.s.sed about Amar. The warlock backed up into the shadows cast by the mouth of the cave. Recalling a discussion he had in one of his dreams with Lasidious, he reached under his tunic and removed the feather he plucked from the phoenix prior to entering. He lifted it to his mouth, cupped it in the palms of his hands and then began to whisper a chant in the Elven language-a language gifted by the Eye.

"What are you doing?" Brayson questioned, trying to sound positive and upbeat. He knew what he had to say would cause tension, yet he still cared for George, despite what he had learned about his friend's pa.s.sing. He wanted to help his Mystic Learner find peace and move beyond the horror of his past. "Come to me, George! Let's converse!"

George lowered his hands from his mouth and then opened them. A single arrow, made of water and cursed with the essence of the phoenix's feather, shot from his hands across the pool and skewered Fisgig's crimson body.

Brayson gasped as his goswig fell to the ground and landed with a shallow thud at the base of his perch. The Head Master reacted by waving his hand to slow George's moments, but the power to do so had ended with Fisgig.

George did not hesitate. He sent a wave of force that crashed into Brayson. The magic knocked the Head Master across the far side of the pool and into the opposite wall of the cliff. For good measure, George sent two other waves of force in his direction to ensure that Brayson would be knocked unconscious.

As the Head Master's head sunk beneath the surface of the pool, George trudged through the water and pulled Brayson clear to keep him from drowning. He lowered Brayson to the ground and then grabbed him by his feet. The warlock dragged the Head Master into the alcove where he had first appeared prior to entering the cave. He bound Brayson with a rope from his pack and then leaned down next to the heavy weave it was made of and whispered another chant, but during this series of moments, the new warlock did not speak in the language of the elves-he spoke in the language of the Ancient Mystics. "Tolamea susayan, cun n.o.ble spolasemos papaya ress."

The rope tightened. The restraints woke Brayson, and he cried out in pain.

George casually took a step away, and with a wave of his hand, commanded the water in the pool to create a s.h.i.+mmering throne.

Brayson's eyes widened as the young warlock took a seat. The two stared at one another for a long series of moments before a word was uttered.

"I know that you know about Amar's pa.s.sing, Brayson," George divulged.

Brayson nodded. "I witnessed the murder with my own eyes."

George sighed. "Then we have a problem, don't you agree?"

Again, Brayson nodded, but said nothing.

"What should I do with you? Mary knows Amar has pa.s.sed. Have you told her that I was the one who ended him?"

Brayson shook his head. "I've said nothing. I wanted to speak with you to understand your mind first."

George tilted his head. "Isn't it obvious? I ate his heart to steal his power. But you know that."

"Do you intend to eat my heart as well?" Brayson queried.

George had to laugh. "Why would I want to eat a heart that has less power than my own? Eating your heart would only screw things up. It would cause me to lose the advantage I have over you. Now that your goswig has pa.s.sed, you can't touch me."

Brayson was not sure how to respond. He fumbled through his next statement. "Wh ... why are you doing this? What do you want?"

George stood and trudged through what was left of the water. He lifted the phoenix's body by its talons. Once standing back in front of Brayson, he threw Fisgig's corpse at Brayson's feet. "You can't give me anything that I don't have the power to take, so your heart's safe."

Brayson knew his situation was grim. "Then do you intend to end me?"

George reclaimed his seat on his watery throne. "You know what? That's a good question. You see ... I've been asking myself that same thing ever since I met you at your school. I have to admit, I intended to end you as soon as I could, but then you became an important part of Mary's life. Now the question I have to ask myself is this ... do I love my wife? And the answer is ... I do ... very much. My next question is ... do I love her family? And my answer is ... I do ... very much. So if that's the case, I have no choice but to find a way to spare your existence and treat you as the father-in-law you're bound to become. I should give you the love I've given them. And though it really p.i.s.ses me off, I'm going to find a way to accomplish my goals and work around you."

George's countenance became more serious. "Brayson, do you love my mother-in-law ... or better yet, does she love you enough to miss you?"

Brayson cleared his throat and tried to find a more comfortable position within his bonds. "I love Mary with everything in me."

George's stare was cold as he leaned forward to look Brayson dead in the eyes. "I shall spare you. I believe you love her. I also believe she loves you, and I don't wish to hurt her. I hate to say it, but your old a.s.s has grown on me, too."

George leaned back in his throne and looked to the sky. "There are a few things that need to be changed."

Brayson' head dropped, defeated. "It appears I have no choice. What changes must I make?"

"First, I'll take over your position as Head Master. You'll retire. I'll do everything you would've done. I'll figure out a way to stop the war that's coming. I'm tired of killing. I'm equally as tired of hurting others."

The young warlock pushed his hands through his hair. "The dragon told me many things. One of them was he saw good in me. I don't want to let him down, so sparing you will be a step in the right direction ... wouldn't you agree?"

Brayson's nod was half-hearted. "I suppose, but you ended Fisgig."

George looked at the phoenix. "I'm sorry for that. I'm also sorry I killed Amar."

Brayson also looked at Fisgig's corpse. "How am I to respond? You act as if an apology should fix my loss."

George leaned back. "I know ... I'm asking you to deal with some heavy garesh. But somehow, we need to move past this. If you're willing to work with me, we can fix the problems on Luvelles. We can even live peaceful lives with the ones we love."

Brayson sat in silence for a long series of moments. As he watched the crimson color of Fisgig's feathers fade to a pale white, he exhaled. "Do you truly intend to stop the war?"

"I do."

"Do you truly intend to make Luvelles a peaceful planet?"

"I do."

Brayson fought back the tears as he continued to stare at Fisgig's body. "Without my goswig, I'll be unable to perform my duties as Head Master. I cannot retire until after I help you move into this position. Once the people understand that you command the power required to govern the whole of Luvelles, they won't object. Elf or not, you'll be accepted. They respect power, not the being. However, you may run into a problem with the G.o.ds. Humans are not allowed to live on this world unless permission is granted. They may not allow you to a.s.sume my position."

George smiled. "If you knew what I know about the G.o.ds, you wouldn't worry about them. They're useless. They won't do anything to stop me."

Brayson shook his head. "Your words are blasphemous. How could you speak about the G.o.ds that way?"

The warlock smirked. "Trust me. I know what I'm talking about. The G.o.ds are not what they appear to be."

A long series of moments pa.s.sed before the Head Master responded. "If what you're saying is the truth, then I only have one other concern. It's for my safety and the safety of Mary and the family."

"Go ahead. I'm listening."

"My brother, Marcus, will end us all once he realizes I don't have the power to stop him anymore. It would be best to end me now. Once the people know you're their Head Master, word will spread. Once it reaches Marcus' ears, he'll come for me."

George stood from his s.h.i.+mmering throne. With a wave of his hand, he removed Brayson's bonds. He stepped forward, extended his arm and then pulled Brayson to his feet. The water from the throne crashed back into the pool as George put his arm around Brayson. "What if I told you that I had a plan to deal with Marcus? Would you allow me to call you Dad after you take Mary as your wife?"

Brayson scowled. "Get your arm off of me! Your nerve is appalling!"

George did as instructed. "You're right, that was a bit bold. But you've got to admit, there won't ever be a perfect moment to ask that question, so I guess it boils down to this. Are you going to be able to move past this, or not?"

Brayson's scowl did not soften. "You ended my friends. I don't know."

"And I'm sorry about that." George extended his arms horizontal to the ground, exposing his chest. "Look ... if you want vengeance, take it. I won't stop you. I'll allow you to strike me down. I'd love to take back the things I've done, but I can't. I can only do better from here on out."

Brayson stood in silence for a long series of moments. "I desperately want to destroy you, but how would I explain these circ.u.mstances to Mary and Athena? They've seen nothing but good from you. Mary would shun me to stand by her daughter's side."

The Head Master turned his back to George. "So ... since I can't rid myself of you, and since you have spared me, I shall strive to adjust my mind. But you must do everything you've promised." Brayson paused. His eyes narrowed. "Remember this, George ... if you fail to stop this war, I shall sacrifice my relations.h.i.+p with Mary and find a way to destroy you."

George chuckled to lighten the mood. "Man ... you've got b.a.l.l.s the size of Kansas. You're either a stud, or you're insane."

Brayson reached out and s.n.a.t.c.hed the front of George's tunic. "I'm not finished! You will allow Fisgig to live. He won't be able to use his power any longer, but I wish to enjoy his company. He was more than my goswig. He was my friend ... my companion, and I loved him. As Head Master, you'll be able to restore his life's source once you have received the secrets of the position. Fisgig will live a long life, and I'll be able to enjoy his friends.h.i.+p."