The Eye Of Luvelles Part 47

George laughed. "I know, huh. Doesn't that just crack you up? I stole the idea from a movie I saw on Earth. You should've seen that sick flick. Their packages spoke when they were delivered to the kids. Since my home was destroyed, I'm sure they won't mind me using their idea, will they?"

Marcus just stood in silence, looking at George with a blank stare. George had to chuckle at the Dark Chancellor's confusion. "I imagine that when-"

Marcus held up his hand. "What will the note tell this Maldwin to do? I should know to ensure that I can complete the task. And how did you learn to speak the beast's language?"

George took a deep breath. "Look, man, I don't speak Ratanese. Somebody I know speaks it. I don't have to tell you anything other than what's necessary to get you into the Head Master's position. Do you get my drift?"

George could see the agitation on Marcus' face. "Look. Trust me. I can convince the rat to use his ability to get the people of Luvelles to accept you as their Head Master. You're a p.r.i.c.k. Someone has to help you, or you'll fail miserably."

The warlock extended his hand toward the wall. Marcus' broken pipe lifted from the floor and flew across the room. After mending itself, the Dark Chancellor reached out and plucked it out of the air.

George smiled. "I could've ended you if I had wanted to. We both know it. So perhaps you should allow me to finish giving you what you want. Stop being an obstacle. d.a.m.n, Marcus! You can be an annoying b.a.s.t.a.r.d. Once you're the Head Master, you're going to have to chill out."

"What does this 'chill out' mean?"

"It means you're going to need to stop being such an a.s.shole. If you don't, the people are going to hate you even more than they do now. I can get you into the Head Master's chair. I can even get them to accept your position, but I can't make the people respect you once I'm gone. You're going to have to do that on your own with the rat's help. Why do you think your brother is so beloved? He doesn't act like a piece of garesh like you do."

Marcus tightened his fist around the stem of his pipe. "I see your point. I will try to do this chilling you've suggested."

"Good. I imagine once Maldwin listens to the message, he'll want to come. You'll need to know how to shout his name when you're calling for him. This is how you say his name in his language... Mal-a-quay-o.

"Once Maldwin finds you, I want you to ball your fist, then lift your thumb like this, and say, 'Everything is A-okay, man.' The rat will know I've sent you. He should listen to the note without objection. Got it?"

"I do. If going after this beast will-"

George vanished before Marcus could finish.

The chancellor's eyes grew dark after watching the warlock disappear. "I'll retrieve your rat, but your life's source will be spilled after I've looked into the Eye."

Meanwhile, the Village of Bestep Christopher, Boyafed's Argont Commander, looked across the bar inside Tygrus' inn and admired the curves of the halfling woman who had served his ale. His long, pure-white hair fell across his shoulders, and his eyes were without a defined color, looking as if they were made of a fogged crystal.

Christopher's voice was strong as he made an advance. "Girl! Do you have the moments to lie with an officer of the Order tonight?"

A much heavier voice replied from behind the bar as he walked out of the door that led into the kitchen. "My daughter isn't a wh.o.r.e, Commander. I suggest you sow your seed elsewhere. Find a different vessel in which to place your manhood ... or I could just end you."

Christopher lowered his mug to the bar and bowed his head. "You have my sincerest apologies, Lord Blaines. I had no idea."

Tygrus nodded and then walked around the bar. He took a seat next to the Argont Commander. His brown eyes matched his long hair and carried within them a confidence that few men possessed. As Tygrus spun on his stool to face Christopher, he studied the much younger elf's demeanor. "Relax, Commander."

Tygrus had retired from his commission more than 60 seasons ago. Despite his retirement, he was still one of the most feared elves on Luvelles, and his magic was as strong as ever. He was the only elf who had served in the Order who Boyafed considered close to his equal when holding a blessed blade.

Tygrus slapped his hand on top of the bar, shouting at a human woman. "Wife, bring me my pipe."

Tygrus' wife was only 15 seasons old when her family visited Luvelles 30 seasons ago. After returning home, her father, a senator of Brandor, realized she was pregnant. After speaking with Brayson Id, it was agreed that she would return to Luvelles to spend the rest of her Peaks with Tygrus.

As the retired paladin watched his wife carry his pipe across the room, he motioned to Christopher. "What do you want, Commander?"

Christopher quickly swallowed his ale. "I've been ordered to request the presence of your mercenaries on the Battlegrounds of Olis."

Tygrus took the pipe from his wife and then kissed the top of her hand. He bowed his head. "As always, my love, I cherish you."

The woman smiled and walked away.

Tygrus lit his pipe. He took a drag and admired his wife's beauty as she resumed her ch.o.r.es. He then turned and blew the smoke in Christopher's direction and enjoyed the commander's displeasure. "I hope you brought plenty of Yaloom. My mercenaries won't be cheap ... even for Boyafed..."

The World of Trollcom The Kingdom of Trotloss Now, fellow soul ... Bailem, Owain, Lictina and Keylom were on Trollcom. Trollcom was a dark world, with an even darker way of life-but the story of this way of life would be best left for later-it is a story of an unexpected sacrifice.

Lictina and Owain planned to meet with the lizardians and the dwarves while Bailem and Keylom waited for the King of the Trolls to return from an evening outing with his fortieth queen. When Bailem and Keylom had first approached Kesdelain, the troll had been sitting on the riverbank of Greslowfem feeding his queen, Sholifenda, the brains of an enslaved dwarf. The trolls were waiting for the fish to strike at a special bait they had cast while using carved poles made of whipple wood-a wood that was known for its flexibility and durability.

Kesdelain was a mastermind at controlling the different races of trolls-thanks to the gifts given to him by Lasidious many seasons ago. As a result, all trolls served one king and held Kesdelain in the highest regard.

Kesdelain was born of a dominant bloodline, a race of troll called the Tradesmeal, (Tra-des-meal) or when translated, Deadly Ones. His mother and father were n.o.bles and had a strong set of family values-as strong as family values could be, considering they often ate their young for simple disobedience.

Kesdelain's black and red-orange skin was vibrant. His features were considered handsome by troll standards. His blood was acidic, and it could burn through many forms of light armor. His ability to regenerate was much faster than other trolls, and this was a trait that was coveted throughout his kingdom. He was the first and only king to have the respect of every race of troll.

Kesdelain sauntered into his cave and made his way to the cavern that held his throne. The chamber was dark, except for the light that was cast by two torches that sat on either side of his throne. The wall on the south side of the cavern held back a body of water called Lake Shovain. Because of the moisture that seeped through the wall, the room was cold and carried a nip.

The torches flanking Kesdelain's throne were not present because light was needed for the king to see. In fact, his eyes preferred the darkness. They were for shedding light on his majestic form, and the slaves who served him needed the light to perform their deeds.

Kesdelain knew who Bailem and Keylom were as he took a seat on his throne. He cared nothing about the G.o.ds and ignored their presence as he made himself comfortable. His service to Lasidious was given only because of the Mischievous One's gifts, and in return, Kesdelain had agreed to decree that all trolls would live in service to Lasidious, and speak the Mischievous One's name twice Peakly.

Now, fellow soul ... a new law was added to the Book of Immortality because of the Mischievous One's manipulations. Lasidious' act of generosity had given the G.o.d what he was ultimately after-more followers. His power increased substantially once the Troll King used the gifts to command his subjects to worship Lasidious.

Just like many of the laws within the Book of Immortality, this new law had flaws. It stated: no member of the Collective could give a gift, or blessing, that would give any being on any world the ability to control or manipulate the free will of others, but it failed to state that a G.o.d could not bestow a gift that would glorify a being who already possessed the ability to manipulate the free will of others.

Fellow soul ... for those of you who are saying, "Well, didn't Lasidious give George his abilities, and because of this, doesn't George have the ability to control the free will of others?" My answer would be: Lasidious never gave George anything. There was no gift or blessing bestowed upon him. The Mischievous One simply told George where he could find power if he chose to go after it. Ultimately, it was up to George to seek out the power and take it for himself. Lasidious' use of information did not break any laws.

But enough of George. Let us speak more of the Troll King. I shall translate into common tongue the language of the trolls to spare you the aggravation of trying to read the symbols of their language.

As Kesdelain looked down the steps that led away from his throne, the Troll King spoke. "I care not about speaking with G.o.ds on this Peak." He sniffed the air and then scowled. "Your stench pollutes my cavern."

Bailem brought forth a glow that appeared around his form as he spread his wings. The angel stepped forward. "We bring a gift. We want every race of troll to live in service to us. Their prayers will magnify our names in the heavens, and for doing so, we shall reward you and make you the envy of every world."

Kesdelain laughed. "Everything I need, I have. There's nothing to give that I cannot take. Spare my nostrils, and be gone with you!"

Bailem stood firm. "I said nothing of need. I said we shall make you the envy of every world. We wish to glorify you, and in return for your faithful service, we shall immortalize your name. You shall be as esteemed as G.o.ds."

The troll leaned forward and placed his clawed-hands on his knees. "What kind of gift would offer exaltation?"

Before another word could be uttered, a blinding light filled the darkness of the cavern. Kesdelain had to cover his eyes until the light dissipated, leaving behind Lasidious with George at his side.

The Mischievous One wasted no moments, speaking before Bailem or Keylom could. "Kesdelain, why do you entertain fools? These creatures lack the power to offer such a gift. They're not G.o.ds. They're mere mystics ... liars. They deceive you."

Bailem was outraged. The angel-G.o.d's anger was amplified by the clacking of Keylom's hooves as he confronted Lasidious. "You treat us as if we're mortals. How dare you! Do you have no shame, Lasidious?"

Lasidious did not respond. Instead, the Mischievous One stood silent while George walked up the first few steps toward Kesdelain's throne. The Troll King watched as the warlock knelt on the shaped stones.

George's voice was filled with reverence. "Great King, I've heard powerful stories about you and your rule. Lasidious speaks of you as if you're a G.o.d in your own right. The service of your kind pleases him. The stories of your beautiful queens, and your greatness amongst the races of troll are stories of legend."

The muscles of Keylom's flanks rippled as he moved up the steps to stand next to George. He looked over his shoulder at Lasidious. "Do you have a new pet? Does George travel with you as a mutt would? Why bring a mortal to do the duty of a G.o.d?"

Again, Lasidious did not answer as George continued. "As I was saying ... Great King of-"

"Hold your tongue, mortal!" Bailem shouted. He looked at Lasidious. "Send your puppet home."

Again, George continued and Lasidious allowed him to do so. "As I was saying-"

"I said hold your tongue!" Bailem commanded.

Lasidious smiled. "Careful, Bailem. You threaten to take his free will."

George turned up the heat. The warlock walked down the stairs and stopped in front of Bailem. "Why would a king like Kesdelain wish to serve a fat man with wings? You're weak. You're a step away from pathetic. You have no power over me. I won't hold my tongue."

Bailem remained calm. He spread his wings again in an attempt to show his glory. "I find it humorous that you have the nerve to speak to me in this manner. I think the moment has come for you to-"

Lasidious lifted his voice to a level that made every mortal throughout the king's cave cover their ears. "I have heard enough!" Once he had everyone's attention, the Mischievous One addressed Bailem and Keylom. "If you have the ability to strike down my puppet, I'll allow your gift to be given to the troll."

Keylom responded, "You don't have the authority to stop us. We have no desire to end this mortal. Stop wasting our moments."

"You say mortal as if you're not a mortal yourself. I say you don't have the power, or you would've acted already."

Bailem was unsure how to respond. He knew George was protected by the Book of Immortality's laws. If they struck him down, they would suffer the Book's wrath.

Lasidious used the G.o.ds' silence to his advantage. "Just as I expected. You don't have it in you."

Keylom had enough. He decided to turn Lasidious' game against him. "If your puppet is just a mortal, then you also have the power to end him. If you cannot, then there's no reason for Kesdelain to serve you any longer. I believe Kesdelain's loyalty has been misplaced."

Lasidious walked up the steps and stopped beside the troll. "The centaur uses the word 'loyalty' as if he understands its meaning." The Mischievous One pointed down the stairs. "Kesdelain, you've witnessed their failure to provide proof of G.o.dhood. Allow your eyes to behold the power of the deity you serve." The Mischievous One lifted his hands and pointed them in George's direction.

George took a step back. "Hold on a moment. This isn't what we agreed on. You can't do this, Lasidious. I'm not a d.a.m.n sacrifice!"

Lasidious' face was stern. "Your service is no longer necessary. I shall reward you in the afterlife."

George lifted his hands in front of his face and screamed, "No!"

Lightning erupted from Lasidious' hands.

Bailem and Keylom watched in disbelief as George combusted. A moment later, the warlock's ashes fell to the floor. They waited for the Book to appear and pa.s.s judgment, but Gabriel never came.

Lasidious smiled at his handiwork, and as he walked down the steps away from Kesdelain's throne and stopped in front of Bailem. "My power has been demonstrated."

The Mischievous One looked back up the steps. "I trust the prayers of those who live in service to your crown shall remain steadfast for seasons to come."

Kesdelain crossed his arms. "Hmpf!"

Lasidious grinned. "Kesdelain, I don't need to remind you who gave you your position as king. It would be just as easy to take it from you and give it to another."

The troll unfolded his arms. "Your threats are unnecessary. Their prayers will continue to fall upon your ears, just as they always have."

The Mischievous One nodded. "And I'm sure your own prayers will also reflect your grat.i.tude. I am to remain exalted on this world ... even by you." Lasidious vanished.

CHAPTER 23.

A Very Happy Kitty Kepler's Lair Beneath the Rocks "d.a.m.n!" GEORGE SHOUTED AFTER HE APPEARED in Kepler's lair. The warlock commanded the darkness to dissipate. His tunic was still smoldering. "Garesh! I barely made it out!"

"What are you complaining about?" Kepler questioned as he stood to stretch.

George frowned. "Oh, it's nothing. It's just a little coordination issue that can be fixed with practice."

"Are you here to stay, or are you going to run off and leave me behind again?" the jaguar grumbled.

George finished brushing himself off. "You sound like you've missed me, Kep? Do I need to give you a hug?"

Payne sat up. "Do it! Give him a hug, Master," the fairy-demon chided. "I want to see him squirm."

George whirled around. He could not believe what he saw. Payne was an additional three hands taller than the last moment he had laid his eyes on him. "Holy garesh, Payne. You've grown a ton in a matter of Peaks. Your voice is deeper, too."

Kepler cut in. "But he's still a freak. All he talks about is the hair on his privates. I think he's maturing."

George smirked. "How does anyone hit p.u.b.erty at only three seasons? Perhaps you are a freak, Payne."

The fairy-demon picked up a fish he had caught earlier on in the Peak and chucked it across the lair. It hit Kepler upside his head. "Now look at what you've done. Even Master is calling me a freak. I should teleport you to a frightful height and drop you."

George shook his head. "Payne, do you realize you're speaking like you're educated?"

Kepler growled. "Don't give him that much credit. I figured out what's going on. Once I began showing him how to talk, he figured out he could look into your mind. He knows everything you know. I've had to explain more things than I should have had to, and on more than one occasion, I had to stop him from saying something to Mary and Athena. I convinced him to wait until you got back before he does something stupid."

George turned to Payne. "What do you plan on doing?"

Payne stood. Though he spoke well, he still had the mind of a young boy. Despite having access to George's mind, he had no real idea of what to do with the knowledge that was available to him. "I don't like how your mind makes me feel, Master. I don't want to lie to Athena. I want her to know everything."

George lifted his hand. It only took a moment for Payne to realize he could no longer move. "I'm sorry, Payne, but I can't have you telling Athena anything. Look into my mind. What will I do to you if you say anything?"

Payne's face showed his surprise as he listened to George's thoughts. "You'd end me? Why?"

Again, Payne read his master's mind for the answer. "You think if I say anything, it'll stop you from getting Abbie's soul out of the Book. You're willing to sacrifice me to save her."

George knelt beside the fairy-demon. He cradled Payne in his arms and then lowered the demon onto his back. "What am I thinking now, Payne?"

Fear spread across Payne's red face as he answered. "You're going to give me a choice. I can surrender my power and the memories I've acquired about your deceptions, or you'll cut my chest open so Kepler can devour my heart. You're willing to send my soul to the Book of Immortality because you trust Kepler more than me."

George leaned over the fairy-demon, exposed his palm, and a knife appeared. His eyes turned cold. "What will it be, Payne? Live or perish? It's your choice. I don't want to end you, but I will."