The Eye Of Luvelles Part 23

Brayson scowled at George's use of B.S. again, but he did not query the mage about its meaning. "Hmmm ... the G.o.ddess' words are vague."

"I agree, but what would you have me do? I couldn't force the answers out of her. Who am I to argue with a G.o.ddess?"

The Head Master nodded. "Your point is valid."

"I know, right? Besides ... it's what she said next that concerned me most. She said you won't be strong enough to survive the war. You're going to need my help, or you'll pa.s.s. Mieonus wants me to look into the Eye to acquire the magic I need to stand at your side. She has foreseen the war extending right to your doorstep."

Brayson rubbed the back of his neck. "The Head Masters of the past have never chosen a side in war. We have always remained neutral ... a voice of reason."

George rolled his eyes, but he was careful not to let Brayson see him do it. "It looks like Mieonus knows something you don't. I don't know what to tell you, but I need to look into the Eye so I can help save your a.s.s."

"But you're not ready," Brayson reb.u.t.ted. "The Eye will swallow your soul, and then you'll be able to help no one."

"I understand your concern, but the G.o.ddess thinks I am ready. You just don't realize it. Mieonus has prepared me for this Peak."

"George, if you only knew what happens when you meet with the Source. The Ancient One must allow you to look into the Eye. If he does, and the Eye finds you unworthy, your soul would be lost forever. Mary would have my hide for letting you do something so foolish. You're just not ready."

George patted Brayson on the shoulder. "I know all about the Eye. How many of your past Mystic Learners have a G.o.d as a friend?"

Brayson stood and moved into the clearing beyond the porch. He crossed his arms and looked toward the horizon. "I suppose I see your point. Mieonus is all-knowing. Who better to understand your ability than her? Perhaps I worry over nothing."

"There you have it. You've got your answer. That's how you know I'm ready. You have nothing to worry about."

Brayson found George's eyes. "This doesn't seem right. Why would the G.o.ddess wish to send a young boy of only 23 seasons to risk so much? Is there no other on Luvelles capable of this task?"

"Master, do you doubt your G.o.d?"

"No. I believe she's wise and knows what's best for the beings on Luvelles. But this isn't something I would do without giving you proper training. Look at what happened when you bonded with Payne. You nearly perished. If you look into the Eye, you could finish what the bonding process was unable to accomplish. You would be sacrificing your life for nothing."

George shrugged. "I appreciate your concern, but how do we tell the G.o.ddess no? How many men could have lived through the bonding process with Payne in the first place? It was an impossible task, but somehow, I pulled it off."

Again, Brayson rubbed his hands through his hair. His eyes seemed to carry the weight of Luvelles within them. "The way to the Source is filled with peril. You must go through the trials. I cannot let you bypa.s.s them. The Source won't speak with you unless you have suffered the test of the maze."

"I kind of figured you would say that. I'm not worried about the maze."

George closed the gap and then reached out to pat Brayson on the shoulder. "Master, Mieonus clearly knows something we don't. I have faith in my abilities. I don't doubt her. With Payne and Kepler at my side, I'm sure I'll pa.s.s the trials of the maze."

Brayson's smile was uneasy as he sat down to put his arm around his Mystic Learner. "I want you to remember something. I'd never say this to anyone, but considering the circ.u.mstances, I shall give you a hint. Don't forget ... it's your belief in yourself that saves you. Belief is the key."

"I won't forget, Master. I'll make you proud, I promise."

"If there's a war coming, then I shall need you at my side. I'll just have to put my faith in the G.o.ddess' hands."

George grinned. "Look at it this way. If Mieonus is wrong, and I'm not ready, I'll be toast. You can take care of Athena and the family for me, and I'll be just a fond memory. But hey ... let's not sweat the small stuff."

Brayson placed his hand on George's back. "I need a few Peaks to prepare the trials for your journey. I'll meet you in my office at the Peak of Bailem, 3 Peaks from now. You may want to gather the things you'll need. I cannot tell you what to take, so choose wisely."

"Thank you. I'll be there." George watched as Brayson walked back inside Mary's home. Once the door shut, a shallow grin appeared on George's face. "What a sucker."

An unexpected voice responded. "What's a sucker?" Athena inquired as she walked up behind him.

George put on an innocent face, stood and then pulled Athena into his arms. "A sucker is something that tastes good. It's just an Earth expression. How about we spend some quality moments together."

Athena put her head on George's chest, her favorite spot, "You're so adorable."

George put his chin on top of Athena's head and squeezed. He felt guilty for the half truth, leading her to believe that calling Brayson a sucker was a good thing. He was compromising his vows, and he hated himself for it. He thought, d.a.m.n it, George. What's wrong with you? You need to keep your love sacred. You need to do better than this. Lying to Athena isn't acceptable. She deserves your best, so find a way to pull your head out. You can't afford to mess this up.

George lowered to his knees and placed his ear against Athena's belly. "How's my little guy doing in there?" he questioned as he looked up. "What do you say we have a picnic?"

"What a lovely idea," Athena responded.

2 Peaks of Bailem have Pa.s.sed The Western Sh.o.r.eline of Lake Iple Since just before Early Bailem, Kiayasis and Shalee have been following the western bank of Lake Iple. Joss had been an effective means of transportation, and the moment had come for them to set up camp again for the night.

Now, fellow soul ... let me bring you up to speed. The past few Peaks were enjoyable. Shalee pushed her problems with the king of Southern Grayham to the back of her mind. Kiayasis' company proved to be a wonderful diversion, providing the queen with a much needed distraction.

Shalee was feeling beautiful again. Her long, blonde hair had been pinned up, and she had used her magic to transform one of the dresses in her bag into a fitted pair of pants. The idea of using the dress to create such an item seemed unfashionable, but after putting it on, the queen was surprised at how great they looked. She could straddle the krape lord's saddle without fear of being exposed.

The krape lord lowered its ma.s.sive form to the ground. Kiayasis reached up as Shalee slid from the top of Joss' saddle. The dark paladin caught the sorceress by the waist and then set her on the gra.s.s beyond the sh.o.r.eline.

Kiayasis emptied the krape lord's pouch. Once the leather saddle was removed, the beast spread its wings and then took flight toward the lake.

"Where's he going?" Shalee questioned as she marveled at Joss' graceful movements. "That's so incredible. When he flies, he looks like a dragon."

"He needs to feed. He'll be back by morning." Kiayasis took a seat and began to remove the hair off his armor that had attached itself while it shifted inside the krape lord's pouch.

Seeing a nearby tree, Shalee used her power to chop it into pieces. With the wood settling into a pile in front of her, she pa.s.sed her hand overtop of it, and a campfire erupted. Shalee held her hands near the flame and looked up as Joss dove toward the water. The krape lord rolled into a gliding position only a pace or two above the surface, causing the water to ripple as he pa.s.sed above it. "I would've never seen anything like that on Earth. So ... what does he eat?"

"I'm sure he'll find a large animal of some sort or perhaps a corgan or two from a farmer's field."

Shalee did not respond. Instead, she enjoyed the setting sun as it cast an orange glow across the water. "That's just so magical."

"What is?" Kiayasis questioned.

The queen took a deep breath. "I just love sunsets."

The roar of the krape lord could be heard in the distance. "Oh my!" Shalee blurted. "He must have found something to eat. I don't know why I a.s.sumed that he didn't eat meat. Perhaps it's because he seems so gentle and sweet."

Kiayasis chuckled. "Joss is definitely a carnivore. It's in his blood. But don't worry ... he's been trained not to attack unless given the order. He left the other night while you slept as well. You just didn't see him go."

"How do the farmers feel about him eating their livestock?"

"They don't say anything. The laws of Hyperia allow krape lords to feed wherever they want. The farmers are paid by my father, but I imagine it's not as much as they would be compensated on Merchant Island."

Shalee sat next to the fire and looked through the flames. As Kiayasis polished his armor, the light reflected off its metallic, black surface and flickered across his face. She took note of his long, dark hair. Perfection. She desired him. I'm glad he doesn't know about my pregnancy, or look at me the way Sam did, she thought. She felt confident and could be herself. "Is there someone special in your life?" the queen questioned.

Kiayasis' countenance turned serious. "A woman shouldn't ask this question of a man. Are your customs truly so different on Grayham?"

Shalee looked away, embarra.s.sed, and stared into the fire. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. I was only trying to get to know you better."

The dark paladin studied Shalee's reaction. "Perhaps I overreacted. You're a queen. Special liberties should be extended because of your crown. I shall answer."

"No, don't. Now I feel stupid. If it was improper to ask, then perhaps we should drop the subject."

Kiayasis smiled and then lowered his breastplate to his side. "This is a question that the men on our world should initiate. Elven men do this in a subtle manner, and only if the male is interested in the female. However uncustomary, I shall answer because I, too, would like to know you as well."

Retrieving his bracers, Kiayasis continued polishing. "There's no one special in my life. I've dedicated my seasons to attaining my position in my father's army. I have only just attained the goal I set 20 seasons ago. I've often longed to be with a woman, but I haven't had the moments to get to know one. I suppose I'm ready when the Peak comes that I meet the right one." Kiayasis looked up and found the queen's eyes through the flames. "What about you? Is your king a great man?"

Shalee's mood changed as she withdrew within herself.

Seeing her reaction, Kiayasis lowered his bracers to the ground and moved to take a seat beside her. He took her hands and placed them between his. "I didn't mean to upset you. Clearly, there's something wrong. You may have my ear if you need it."

The queen looked at the paladin's hands. They were strong, yet they possessed tenderness. She looked up with tears in her eyes. "The king blames me for the loss of our baby. He feels like I'm a disease. I don't think I can ever go back to Grayham. Queen or not, I want to abandon my life there. I cannot live with a man who thinks that I'm a failure and wants to control me. A controlling man is cancerous."

"Your king said these things?"

"Yes. It's in his every expression. I can hear it in his voice. He hates me. He loathes me."

Kiayasis scooted closer. His voice was soft, and his eyes carried an understanding Shalee longed to see. "I cannot imagine a woman with your beauty being a failure. Your grace alone should bring joy to the heart of your king. Tulla senome, elle nay vanimma, cormameen londua ela elle."

"That sounded wonderful. What did you say?"

Kiayasis made sure he held Shalee's gaze as he responded. "I said ... you're beautiful, and my heart would sing to be with a woman like you. That's a rough translation anyway."

Shalee melted and allowed Kiayasis to place his arm across her shoulders. The dark paladin pulled her to him as she continued to weep. He did not let her go until the queen's last tear fell.

When morning arrived, Joss landed and Kiayasis reloaded the krape lord's pouch. "Shall we get going? It'll take us more than 4 Peaks to get to Bestep. There's something I must do before we head north to the swamp. Bestep is a less-than-desirable village. I shall tell you about it along the way."

Shalee smiled as Kiayasis a.s.sisted her onto the krape lord's saddle. "Mornin', Joss," she said as she settled down on the padded surface. "I hope you enjoyed your meal."

Joss' response was unexpected. The krape lord grunted as he released a pungent fart that vibrated the saddle.

Gagging, the queen pinched her nose and shouted, "For heaven's sake! And to think you were growing on me!"

Kiayasis could only laugh as he climbed up and took his seat. He grabbed hold of the beast's reins and commanded the krape lord into a powerful run across the sh.o.r.eline. With each extension of Joss' mighty legs, a wake of sand was thrown into the air.

The Dungeon of the Dark Order As the sun reached the Peak of Bailem, the city of Marcus remained beneath a cloud covered sky. Despite the Peak being pleasant throughout the rest of Western Luvelles, the dungeon of the Order remained cold, damp, dark and miserable.

Four Paladins of Light waited in agony for the leader of the Order to arrive. They had been hanging by their arms since Early Bailem. Beaten, their flesh had been torn apart from being whipped, each receiving more than 20 lashes. Once word spread that there were spies within the ranks of the Order, it did not take long to single out Lord Dowd's men.

When the leader of the Order made his descent down the dungeon steps, he commanded his men to leave. He stopped in front of his enemies. They were weak and fading in and out of consciousness. Boyafed moved to the far side of the cell and then revived each one with a cold bucket of water. Once they were aware of his presence, he spoke. "I want to know why you've come."

Seeing that there would be no response, Boyafed decided to start with the basics. "We're all military men. There's no harm in sharing our names. I am Boyafed ... leader of the Order. Who among you is your superior?"

Spitting blood to the stones of the cold floor, a fit elf, with short blond hair, lifted his head. Blood dripped from the end of his toes as he struggled to gather the air he needed to speak. "I am called Tolas. There's nothing else that needs to be said. We will not answer your questions, and we're prepared to surrender our lives if need be. We're willing to pa.s.s for our G.o.ds, and we're equally willing to pa.s.s for Lord Dowd."

Boyafed admired Tolas' strength. He knew the elf would give his life to serve both his G.o.ds and his lord. He could only hope the others were not as strong. He moved to stand in front of another of his enemies. He reached up and grabbed the chin of an elf whose body was shaking. "Tolas is strong. He is a fine leader, to be sure. What's your name, boy?"

"I'm not a boy. You waste your breath." The elf pulled himself up against the chains to capture another breath. His muscles rippled as he did. "My name is Kollis. I won't tell you anything."

The Order leader pulled his bone-handled dagger from its sheath. He put the point of the blade against Kollis' chest. He could see the fear in the elf's brown eyes as he touched him with its tip. "Your fear tells another tale, Kollis. You'll speak, I a.s.sure you of that." Boyafed began to carve the symbol of the Order into Kollis' skin.

The white paladin screamed.

Tolas' men shouted for Boyafed to stop, but Tolas remained silent. Seeing Tolas' courage, Boyafed retracted his blade and smiled as blood flowed down the white paladin's abdomen.

The dark paladin moved to stand in front of Tolas, then tapped the flat of his blade against the white paladin's chest. "If you won't allow your men to give me the answers I seek, then it appears I have no choice but to send them home with a reminder of their moments spent with me. I'm sure Lord Dowd will be happy to welcome them with the symbol of Hosseff carved into their chests."

The elf hanging at the far end of the line spoke out. "We were sent to discover your plans to attack Inspiration. We-"

Tolas shouted, "Say nothing further, Grolan! Respect your G.o.ds. Respect our lord." The white paladin superior turned to reclaim Boyafed's eyes. "You waste your moments. They'll say nothing further."

Boyafed held Tolas' gaze and then smiled as he tapped the flat of his blade against Tolas' chest again. "There's always a man who'll speak. Perhaps I should demonstrate my point."

As Boyafed walked to the end of the line, Tolas shouted, "Grolan, don't dishonor our lord further! Be strong!"

Grolan's red hair hung in front of his pale, freckled face as Boyafed stopped in front of him. The Order leader could smell his fear as he poked the tip of his blade into Grolan's chest.

Grolan begged, "Please ... I beg you! I don't wish to be scarred with your G.o.d's symbol. I don't wish to dishonor the G.o.ds I serve."

Tolas shouted. "Grolan, be quiet! You've already dishonored yourself! You've dishonored Lord Dowd, and you have dishonored our G.o.ds! Say nothing further, or I'll end you myself!"

Boyafed chuckled. "Don't fret, Grolan. I'm going to let you live. I would not want your G.o.d's symbol carved into my skin either. Tell me everything you know, and I'll let you go."

Tolas shouted again, commanding Grolan's silence, but Grolan did not listen. His voice quaked as he spoke. "We've been sent for no other reason than what I've given. I swear it. We were only sent to see if you were plotting to attack Inspiration."

Boyafed stepped back and shook his head. "I believe you, Grolan. But the task you describe is a job for one man, not four."

Again, Tolas shouted and warned Grolan to say nothing, but the white paladin's terror superseded the order. "Please! Let us go!"

Boyafed placed his blade against Grolan's chest and pressed until the tip drew blood.

The white paladin p.i.s.sed himself.

As the Order leader watched the yellow liquid run down Grolan's right leg, Boyafed withdrew his blade, placed it in its sheath and then cupped his hands in front of his mouth. "When I woke, I thought this Peak was going to be uneventful. Grolan, you have provided a wonderful entertainment."

The Order leader looked at Tolas. "I would wager that this is Grolan's first a.s.signment. He's never faced real danger, has he? I would further wager that he has fought only his counterparts while in training. It's a shame that I must break his spirit."

Grolan shouted at the top of his lungs, "I swear to the G.o.ds that I serve! There's no other reason we're here!"

Tolas lowered his head. He knew Boyafed would not allow his men to leave without being punished. "Grolan is a boy, Lord Methelborn. He dishonors even you with his words. As for the rest of my men, they'll say nothing. To torture us would be a waste of your moments."

Boyafed moved to Grolan and lifted his chin. His dark eyes burned through the white paladin's soul. "You disgust me! There's no honor in betraying your lord. Dowd would kill you himself if he was here. But I have other plans for you. I'll send you home with a reminder of your failure. I'm sure Dowd will deal with you. Why he would send someone so weak is beyond my imagination. If I was Tolas ... you wouldn't leave this dungeon alive."

Boyafed carved the Order's symbol into Grolan's chest. He repeated the process on the others until he came to Tolas. Instead of carving further, he wiped the blood from his dagger across the hair on Tolas' chest and then sheathed his blade. He lowered the white paladin to the ground and then removed his bonds.

Boyafed extended his arm and pulled Tolas to his feet. "You are worthy of my respect. You held to your oath and didn't waver. You spoke with courage. Take your men and leave. Tell Lord Dowd that fighting one another would be a senseless loss of life. He should stay on his side of the Ebarna Strait where he belongs, and keep his men away from the Order. If I find another spy, they won't be so fortunate as to arrive home in one piece."

Boyafed thought a moment and then handed his dagger to Tolas. "I believe you have business that requires your attention. Leave the blade with the guards on your way out."