The Eye Of Luvelles Part 58

Balecut frowned. "I do have feelings, you know?"

The dark warrior lifted his mug. "You're right. I should be more sensitive. The backside of a corgan would have been less harsh."

The wizard smirked. "The same old Boyafed. You and I are nearly the same age, and yet I look as if I'm ready to pa.s.s. Since the Peak my goswig abandoned me, I've slowly lost most of my power. The tricksters only flee from the man I once was."

Boyafed put his elbows on the table. "The consequences that come with a goswig abandoning its master is the reason why I don't allow my men to bond with one. Even Lord Dowd sees logic in that."

The wizard placed his mug on the table. "Perhaps I should've joined the army as you requested."

The dark paladin shook his head. "You don't have the patience to lead men." After taking another swig of his ale, he continued. "I suppose you could consider yourself fortunate. Gallrum could've abandoned you before you established your prominence in the forest. If he had, you would've been at the mercy of the tricksters."

"If he had, I would not have moved to this forest," Balecut argued.

The dark paladin chuckled and then changed the direction of the conversation. "I came seeking your help, but it appears my visit is pointless now, considering your current state."

Balecut stroked his beard. "But the moment of your arrival is intriguing. The Head Master plans to visit me tonight. He said something about a new G.o.d he serves and that the moments were right for a visit. I was going to turn him away, but now that you're here, I'm beginning to think Brayson was right. I believe an opportunity is about to present itself."

Boyafed looked puzzled. "What do you mean, and why would Brayson want anything to do with you?" Before Balecut had the chance to respond, the Order leader answered his own question. "Brayson must know I intended to solicit your help."

"I suspect you're right." Balecut tapped his cane against the edge of the table. "I haven't seen Brayson in many seasons. He has no idea my health has diminished. Perhaps we can use this to our advantage."

Boyafed's brow furrowed. "Advantage?"

"If I were to have help ... perhaps from someone such as yourself ... our power combined could possibly overwhelm Brayson. I believe it's worth the risk to steal his power."

"Are you insane? The Head Master has the power to destroy us both. If we bully him, he would swat us like flies. We would perish from our efforts."

The room fell silent for a few moments before Boyafed added. "Besides, in your current condition, I doubt you could finish eating his heart without throwing it back up."

Balecut stood, hobbled over to a shelf and reached for a vial filled with a black liquid. "With this, I can handle the taste. Don't you worry about that. I also would not worry about our ability to defeat him. I have something I can slip in his drink. We can bind him once he sleeps."

"You've gone mad. The loss of your goswig has taken more than your power."

"Perhaps. I expect Brayson to arrive shortly. If I can regain my youth by eating his heart, I'll help you win your war."

Boyafed looked out the window toward the menacing eyes scattered throughout the darkness. He shook his head. "If we do this, we must make it look like the tricksters got him. Agreed?"

Balecut smiled. "Agreed."

George and Athena's Home George stood next to the kitchen table with Joshua nestled in his arms. The proud father was listening to Brayson's account about leaving Gregory on Harvestom while he played with the baby's hair.

George looked up and whispered. "So you just showed up to drop Gregory off and the centaur began shouting Lasidious' name. That's strange, don't you think? Tell me more about this gem the centaur tossed to Gregory."

Brayson leaned in and adjusted the blanket around Joshua's face. Once he believed the infant was cozy, he responded with a whisper of his own. "The gem was left behind by our lord. Lasolias told Gregory he was to use it to teleport to the location where the centaurs' armies were preparing to battle. Lasidious must be a gracious G.o.d, because Lasolias was anxious to wors.h.i.+p him. My brother said more than once that the centaur began shouting our lord's name before he even had the chance to introduce himself."

George smiled and then looked down at Joshua. The warlock's heart was full of joy as he continued to play with the soft, blond hair on the baby's head. "I told you Lasidious wants the best for us."

The warlock kissed Joshua on the forehead. "Perhaps you should prepare for your outing tonight. I want you to be ready for anything. You have a monumental task in front of you. Convincing Boyafed and Balecut to stop pursuing the war won't be an easy job."

Brayson took a seat at the table. "I doubt either of them will listen to what I have to say."

"You'll do fine. Lasidious didn't choose you to be one of his disciples without a good reason. The right words will come to you, I'm sure of it."

George s.h.i.+fted the baby to a more comfortable position on his arm, and then he looked back at Brayson. "Do me a favor, and lean forward. I need to touch your head so I can familiarize myself with your memories of a place I need to go. I'm going to head over there once I retrieve your brother from Harvestom."

Brayson could only marvel. "You have the ability to see inside the willing mind? And I thought your ability to speak telepa-"

George cut Brayson off. "Hey, hey, hey! That's a secret." The warlock continued by speaking telepathically. You and I need to keep that between us. We don't ever talk about communicating that way out loud.

With an odd look, Brayson leaned forward. Okay, but I cannot imagine why it's a secret. It doesn't seem any worse to talk about that than it does your ability to retrieve a memory from my mind.

Brayson lowered his head. Go ahead. Find your memory. I only wish I could see the memories inside your mind.

George chuckled and continued the conversation by speaking aloud. "Believe me when I say this, you wouldn't want to see the nasty things I've done. I'd rather forget them. As I've told you before, I was an-"

"An a.s.s," Kepler interrupted, finis.h.i.+ng George's sentence as he walked into the kitchen. With the presence of the demon-cat, the room suddenly felt cramped.

Seeing the baby was asleep, Kepler was careful to keep his voice low.

George pointed at the jaguar and whispered, "Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner. I was an a.s.s, for sure."

The warlock shook his head in amazement as the giant cat lowered to a comfortable position on the floor. "d.a.m.n, Kep, you nearly take up the whole room. Good thing I pushed the table to the side or you wouldn't fit in here." George continued to speak telepathically. You're one majestic creature, buddy.

George turned his attention back to Brayson. "Let me touch that noggin of yours. It'll only take a moment."

Brayson leaned forward again. "I'm a.s.suming you mean my head."

"Ding, ding, ding. We've got another winner." George placed his hand on the Head Master's head and then closed his eyes. A moment later, he reopened them. "You better get ready. You need to leave soon."

After Brayson vanished, George turned to Kepler. He broadcasted his thoughts into the cat's mind. Let me touch your head, too. This is the information I told you I would get for you. It won't be long before Brayson heads over there, so you'd better be careful tonight. I don't want to lose you.

Kepler responded with a thought of his own. I'm going to enjoy this hunt. It's been far too many moments since these claws tore a being apart.

George nodded. Just be careful. You're my favorite kitty.

Kepler sent a growl into George's mind.

The warlock smiled. He reached down to adjust Joshua's blanket and presented the baby so that Kepler could get a better look. "Isn't he cute?"

Kepler leaned in and sniffed. He pulled back and snorted, "He's cute if you like the way he smells. He needs to be changed." Kepler vanished.

George caressed Joshua's cheek. "Are you Mr. p.o.o.py-pants? I bet my magic will allow me to change your diaper without touching it, oh yes I do."

The Petrified Forest Balecut's Home The Head Master appeared outside Balecut's tree. He knocked on the door and then waited as he took note of the tub of dirty water that was still sitting on the forest floor.

It was not long before Boyafed answered. The Order leader acted surprised to see Brayson. "Head Master, we were not expecting you."

Brayson looked down at the dark warrior's underpants. "Interesting attire, Boyafed. I had no idea you and Balecut were so close."

The Order leader frowned. "You're hilarious. It's a long story. Come inside."

Balecut did not bother to stand as Brayson crested the top step. "Ahhh, Head Master ... I never imagined that you, of all the elves on Luvelles, would come to my humble home. Why do you grace us with your presence?"

"I have business to discuss," Brayson responded as he looked at the mess that was scattered about. Taking note of the wizard's withered body, he took a seat beside Boyafed, but he did not comment on Balecut's appearance. "I'm glad you're both here. I need to speak with you." He looked at Boyafed. "My lord said you'd be here."

Boyafed instantly became nervous. "What business would your G.o.d have with me?"

Balecut decided to speak before Brayson had the chance. "You've come to request that Boyafed stop his advance against the white army, haven't you?"

"I have."

"I knew it." Balecut stood and used his cane to balance himself. "I have a fresh jar of ale around here someplace. Allow me to get you a mug full, Head Master."

Brayson waved off the offer. "I won't be here long enough for you to waste fresh ale on me. Thank you. I'll pa.s.s."

"No, no, no. I insist," Balecut demanded without hesitation. "It's not every Peak the Head Master visits my humble home. Please, allow me one drink so that I may have a proper story to tell when I'm sitting in the company of others. Would you like it served warm or chilled?"

Brayson smiled. "Chilled would be fine." He watched Balecut use his power to cool the drink before he set the mug down in front of him.

With a simple nod to give thanks, Brayson continued their conversation. "Boyafed, the war you intend to pursue with Lord Dowd is unnecessary, and although I cannot stop you from taking this course of action, I'm here just the same. I've been a.s.sured by the G.o.d whom I now serve that peace is coming to Luvelles. Further loss of life isn't necessary to find a solution to the problems between the armies."

Boyafed s.h.i.+fted on his rickety chair as he watched Brayson take his first drink. The dark warrior smiled within as Brayson's Adam's apple bobbed. "As much as I respect your opinion, Head Master, it wasn't you who had to deal with the spilling of your best friend's life's source after the white army ended him. It wasn't you who had to place his remains on Hosseff's altar and watch his body burn. I know nothing of the G.o.d you serve, nor do I care to know him. Dowd will pay for what he's done."

"As well he should pay for his actions," Balecut added. "But, perhaps, we shouldn't speak of Dayden. His demise is still too recent." The wizard paused. "Head Master, I find it fascinating that a G.o.d would approach the only elf on Luvelles who is required to remain neutral in the ways of war. Why would a G.o.d ask you to get involved in matters your position requires you to remain clear of? I mean no offense when I say this, but isn't it your duty to act only as an advisor in matters pertaining to unexplained magical happenings that the kingdoms are ill-prepared to handle ... not the art of war?"

Brayson set his empty cup on the table. "You're mostly correct. It is also my duty to suggest diplomatic resolutions in order to avoid war. As I've stated, I cannot stop Boyafed from pursuing his course of action. I simply don't want to witness the demise of thousands when a dispute between kingdoms can be settled between two elves."

Boyafed leaned forward in his chair and put his hand on Brayson's shoulder. "I wouldn't consider Dayden's demise ... my best friend's demise ... to be a situation that can be settled by two elves."

Balecut and the Order leader could see the effect the drugged ale was having on Brayson.

The dark warrior continued to talk as if he did not notice anything. "Dayden was a good man. His murder is inexcusable. I'll have my vengeance before the end of the season. I can a.s.sure you of that."

Boyafed stood and moved behind Balecut. "Head Master, you look as if you don't feel well. Can I get you another mug of ale? You look as if you need a drink. Your skin is flushed and your brow is covered with sweat. Allow me to fetch you a wet cloth."

Brayson reached up to wipe the moisture off his forehead. "I feel lightheaded."

Balecut was quick to respond. "My apologies, Head Master. Perhaps it's hot inside my humble tree. I've taken precautions to ensure the cold stays outside these walls. I find that my body doesn't respond to the cold the way it used to. Boyafed is correct ... a wet cloth would do you wonders. Allow me to fetch you another drink while he retrieves it. I'm sure it'll make you feel better."

Brayson stood from the table. "I don't know that I should ... should ... drink..."

Boyafed caught the Head Master as he fell face forward toward the table. After lying Brayson on the floor, the Order leader stared at the Head Master's face.

"This is our moment to act," Balecut boasted, seeing that Brayson was vulnerable.

Boyafed's reaction was not what Balecut expected. The dark warrior's eyes were conflicted as he knelt next to Brayson. He could not stop thinking about Dayden's demise. This memory, combined with the Head Master's prestigious garments, reminded the paladin of honor and how much he cherished it. To end the Head Master like this was wrong. His murder would be an act of cowardice.

Boyafed stood. "There's no honor in ending him like this." He looked into Balecut's eyes. "There must be another way to recover the power you've lost without sacrificing our honor. I don't wish to dishonor even the Head Master in a way. His demise would be no better than how Dayden was disgraced by Dowd."

Balecut's face was cold as he responded. "I know of no other way. You do want to win the war, don't you? Without Brayson's power, I cannot guarantee your victory. You won't be able avenge Dayden's pa.s.sing."

Boyafed moved clear of Brayson's figure. "Taking the Head Master's life's source in this manner isn't an acceptable way to gain justice for my loss. Only Hosseff has the right to command that a man's end be delivered without reason. I won't dishonor Brayson, myself, nor the memory of Dayden."

"Ugggh!" Balecut moaned. "We've been friends for far too long to allow something so trivial to come between us. If you cannot watch him pa.s.s, then leave. I'll finish the task without you."

Boyafed shook his head. "You're not hearing me. I said this isn't honorable. I cannot allow you to do this."

Balecut struck his cane against the floor. "I can't believe you'd rather watch me pa.s.s than end someone who opposes you? Where is the honor in that, my friend?"

The Order leader shook his head. "Your suffering was self-inflicted. You chose to treat your goswig poorly, not me. Your desire to regain your youth is not more important than my desire to maintain my honor. I refuse to choose the wrong path."

"Then it seems you and I are about to have our first disagreement," Balecut declared. "I've been loyal to you over the seasons, but now ... well ... now the circ.u.mstances have changed. I need him to keep from rotting away, and I won't stop what we've started. I'm warning you, Boyafed. Even in my condition, you don't have the power to oppose me."

Boyafed did not hesitate. He lifted his hands and two, dark spirits erupted from his fingertips. These ghostly paladins s.n.a.t.c.hed Balecut by his robe and swept him across the room before he had the chance to react.

The wizard tried to defend. He was speaking a command to strike the spirits down, but before he could utter his final word, he was thrown toward the wall just above the spiral staircase.

A haunting screech followed as the ghostly warriors watched the wizard smash into the petrified barrier. Balecut fell limp onto the edge of the top step and tumbled head over heels to the bottom of the stairwell.

The Order leader's face was stern as his dark, magical figures chased his old friend down the staircase and disappeared from his sight. Boyafed jumped over Brayson's unconscious figure and rushed toward the stairs to continue his a.s.sault. His feet were light, despite the pain he was still suffering from the tricksters' barbs, and his movements were precise and strong.

As the dark paladin bound down the staircase, Boyafed was forced to stop mid-stride seven steps from the bottom. Standing over the threshold of the petrified tree, a giant cat loomed over Balecut. Blood was dripping from the white fur around the beast's mouth as it spit Balecut's head to the floor and then watched it thump against the riser of the first step.

Realizing the significance of this new threat, Boyafed closed his eyes to teleport. When he reopened them, to his horror, his magic had failed. The beast was now stalking him. Its right, front paw had already reached beyond the first two steps, and its burgundy-red eyes were aglow.

The dark warrior instinctively reached for his hip to draw his blessed blade, but he came up empty. The weapon was still outside lying on the forest floor with the rest of his armor. His only option was to match the predator's advance as he backed up the stairs.

Boyafed returned the stare of the jaguar's glowing eyes as he gripped the railing to ensure his balance. Never in his life had he seen a cat this large. The beast's ma.s.s filled the width of the staircase, and the only way to retreat was toward the windowed room.

Boyafed's mind raced as he looked for a way out. The window. I could escape through the window, he thought. There's no way he could follow me through it.

With the window in sight, the dark paladin sprinted toward it, but Kepler reacted. With a nod, the demon-jaguar froze the paladin in place at the center of the room.

The windowed room was tight due to Balecut's clutter. The demon's size filled what little s.p.a.ce there was, and in order to move past Boyafed, Kepler used his magic to remove the debris. "Ohya oda O amono say," he commanded. An instant later, the piles of refuse vanished. They reappeared high above the forest floor and fell to the ground in a heap. A moment later, Kepler shoved Boyafed aside with a flick of his paw. "Move, paladin!"

The Order leader did not respond. Every step the ma.s.sive cat took, its paws remained quiet as it crossed the petrified floor.

Kepler leaned over Brayson. After he was sure the Head Master was still breathing, the jaguar growled.

Boyafed felt a chill consume his being. He desperately wanted to run, but he was still frozen in place as the cat turned to face him.

"h.e.l.lo, Boyafed." Kepler licked his ma.s.sive chops to clean the blood off his mouth before he spoke again. "My name is Kepler. You're one of the few elves who has no reason to fear me." Kepler stopped talking to sniff the air. He released his magical hold on the dark warrior. "Get behind me. Pull Brayson with you into the kitchen. We have visitors."

The tricksters could be heard below as they picked through Balecut's remains. Their howls, chuckles, and verbals reverberated throughout the trunk of the tree as they ricocheted up the staircase. It would only be a matter of moments before the deviants would begin their ascent toward the windowed room.

"What would you have me do?" Boyafed whispered after he pulled Brayson into the kitchen. "My magic isn't strong enough to stand against them."

Kepler responded in a low growl, "Stay put, and don't move."