The Eye Of Luvelles Part 50

George gave Kepler a look, and without opening his mouth, he spoke to the jaguar. Great. Just what we need ... another pain in the a.s.s to deal with. He thinks he's better than us.

Kepler returned a thought of his own. Watch what you say. We have no idea if he can listen to our thoughts.

The warlock cringed. Oh garesh. I didn't think about that.

George tapped Alistar on the shoulder. "It looks like the moment has come for us to get to know one another. I have to admit, I hated not being able to speak with all the players of this little game of ours."

Alistar turned around after looking the area over. "It has been many seasons since the last moment I came to these mountains. I should speak with the Source while I'm here."

Kepler growled, "Well, h.e.l.lo to you, too."

"Yeah," George added. "Holy garesh, Alistar. Is that how you greet people? You didn't even say hi, kiss my a.s.s, pound sand, shove it, or anything remotely close to a d.a.m.n greeting. Come on, man, you can do better than that. I don't want to work with you if you're going to be an a.s.shole."

Alistar had to smile. "My brother said he enjoys your candor. I can see why he likes you, George. You're direct."

George nodded. "Would you have it any other way?"

"I suppose not." Alistar walked over to Kepler, grabbed a handful of the cat's fur and then shook it. "Amazing. The power surging through your veins has improved your appearance. You must be pleased that you now possess the fairy-demon's soul? Does Payne realize he's undead?"

George stopped the conversation. "So you really do have a soul, and that line of c.r.a.p you fed Shalee is the truth. Well ... not the part about Lasidious giving it to you."

The jaguar grinned. "Whether my soul came from Payne or our supposed lord is irrelevant. It sounded good, and I'm still the Master of the Hunt whether I possess his soul or not."

A look of concern appeared on Kepler's face as he redirected his gaze. "Alistar, I don't believe the freak should know that he surrendered his soul to me. He's happy, and there's no reason for that to change. News of this nature would only cause him unnecessary stress. Besides, he's an immortal now ... just like I was, and there are benefits to being undead. I know this to be the truth."

Alistar released his grip on Kepler's fur. "Nonsense! The loss of one's soul is not a trivial event." The G.o.d of the Harvest looked at George. "We should change the subject. I don't enjoy the demon's ignorance."

Kepler growled at the G.o.d's slight while George simply shrugged and replied, "It's your show, man. What do you want to talk about?"

Before he responded, the G.o.d of the Harvest moved to the front of the jaguar, placed his hand under the cat's chin and then scratched the bottom of it. The jaguar instantly recoiled and continued to growl.

"Perhaps you should change your att.i.tude, Kepler," Alistar suggested.

Kepler turned away and lowered to the ground and spread out across the island. "Or perhaps you should speak with George, and leave me out of the conversation."

Alistar grinned. "Lasidious has told you too much. You clearly fail to respect beings you should fear. Nevertheless, the moments have come to finish what's been started. Lasidious will no longer be able to communicate with you in your dreams. In his absence, I'll deliver his messages. The G.o.ds are watching him now more than ever, but we still have the advantage. They don't know of our relationship."

George nodded. "You've got to love an advantage. Tell me ... were things nuts in Brandor after Lasidious gave Sam his soul back?"

"Yes. You and Lasidious have done a remarkable job. The beings on Southern Grayham will be questioning their faith. Though I like the wolf, Mosley will be the one who's affected most. With the way Keldwin embraced the wolf prior to his pa.s.sing, and with the way Sam exalted Mosley during his wedding, the people naturally began to worship him. It was a smooth transition, but now that the people believe Lasidious has returned their king's life's source, their belief in Mosley will waver once word of the miracle spreads. A few more visits by Lasidious' prophet should be all it takes to sway the ma.s.ses and secure their prayers."

George laughed. "I think you mean Lasidious' false prophet."

"False or not, the people have been molded and are ready to listen."

George thought a moment. "I'll head to Grayham here shortly. Since I need to implement the rest of Lasidious' plan anyway, I'll take Athena on a trip down memory lane."

"I'm sure Athena will enjoy that," Alistar replied. He removed a parchment from his robe. "There are other plans we need to make. We also need to speak of your future visit to Harvestom. This is what I propose..." The conversation continued.

The Hidden G.o.d World Ancients Sovereign Gabriel appeared inside Lasidious and Celestria's home after Celestria agreed to allow the Book to enter. After lowering his heavy binding to the table within their cave-like home, Gabriel spent a few moments talking with Celestria about the pleasant feel of the decor she had applied to the cave's walls while they waited for Lasidious to join them.

Eventually, the Mischievous One walked out of their bedroom and took his seat at the table. "Welcome to our home, Gabriel. I'm sure you have many questions. But before you ask them, let me save you the breath it takes to utter the words. I won't answer them. My secrets are mine to keep."

The Book allowed a smile to appear on his face. "I'm not here to ask questions, Lasidious. You've broken no laws. Whether I have an understanding of your accomplishments or not doesn't matter. You have free will to do what you wish ... as long as the laws of the Collective are not violated."

Celestria was the one to respond. "Then this is a social visit. I shall create something to drink. Would you like cold ale ... or wine?"

"Or perhaps some nasha," Lasidious added.

The Book used his right hand to wave off their offers. "I'm not here for pleasantries. I've come to let you know that the others intend to call a meeting of the G.o.ds. It will be held in the morning."

Lasidious chuckled. "We won't be attending that meeting. It doesn't pertain to something I can manipulate, so I have no desire to listen to the Collective babble."

The Book lifted off the table and floated closer to Lasidious. "I knew you would feel that way. That is why I've come to tell you that Alistar has informed me of a loophole he claims to have found within my laws. He believes he won't need you to be present to invoke a Call to Order."

The skin between Lasidious' brows wrinkled. "I know of no such loophole. How's that possible, Gabriel? Have you searched your pages to find the oversight?"

"I've done nothing other than come straight to you. If Alistar says he intends to vote, you might want to figure out how he intends to do it."

Lasidious leaned forward and looked the Book in the eyes. "This is a trick. Why would you help him?"

Gabriel waved off the accusation. He then floated away and created a comfortable distance between them before he responded. "Everything I've said is what Alistar told the rest of the Collective. You can do as you wish, but remember ... you've been warned." The Book vanished.

Mosley's Cabin High Atop Catalyst Mountain Late Bailem has Come and Gone Night had swallowed the opulent valleys below Mosley's cabin when Keylom appeared in the darkness a short distance from the steps that led up to the porch. A crystal orb was mounted to the right of the door, and it shed enough light for Keylom to view the structure. The centaur could see the wolf sleeping in his usual spot at the top of the steps.

Even from where he stood, Keylom could hear the distress in Mosley's whimper. "I shall have my vengeance, George," the wolf mumbled in his sleep. Mosley stood and took an offensive posture, snapped his jaws and then spit out the finger he had dreamt he bit off to the ground. "I warned you that my attack would come from behind." A moment later, Mosley lowered back to the porch. A satisfied grin appeared on his face as his dreams changed to something more pleasant.

Keylom approached in silence to avoid startling his sleeping ally. The closer he got, the more he noticed the mess that was surrounding Mosley's body. The wolf's shedding had clung to the wooden planks, and his prized spot at the top of the steps was covered to the point that it was almost as black as his coat.

Keylom cleared his throat to capture the wolf's attention. "Mosley, perhaps you should tidy this porch up a bit. It's a mess."

Mosley lifted to his feet, stretched and then sat back down on his haunches to scratch behind his ears. Fur fell to the porch and added to the acc.u.mulation. When finished, the wolf examined his surroundings. "What mess are you referring to? I see nothing to tidy."

Keylom chuckled. "I suppose you wouldn't."

Seeing it was pointless to argue, the centaur changed the subject. "You were bound to be the brunt of one of Lasidious' schemes. All of us have been on one occasion or another. But the Collective needs you to have a clear head if we're going to stop Lasidious from recruiting the followers he needs to capture control of Gabriel."

Mosley jumped off the porch. His thoughts took him away from the cabin and into the darkness before he returned to the light that was cast by the orb.

Keylom said nothing. He allowed Mosley to work through his anxiety.

Eventually, Mosley stopped in front of the centaur. "I cannot express the depth of my anger. I see no way for the G.o.ds to fight against Lasidious. We are bound by too many ridiculous laws, and we've lost the power to even act as G.o.ds."

A long sigh followed, and then the wolf continued. "Prior to Ba.s.sorine's destruction, I believed he was the greatest pack leader of all, but now I know the truth. The G.o.ds forfeited most everything that sets us apart from mortals. What good is our power if we're so confined?"

Keylom scuffed the earth beneath his right, front hoof. "You simplify the G.o.ds' importance too much. Don't lose heart, Mosley. The laws are what keep us from repeating the tragedies of the past. We all want to avoid another G.o.d War."

The wolf growled. "I should've ended George when I had the chance."

"You could have," the centaur replied, "but you know the consequences of breaking that law. Would it have been worth it?"

"Being a G.o.d is not worth immortality," the wolf reb.u.t.ted.

"You don't mean that, Mosley. Things may seem difficult at the moment, but they'll get better. Of all the G.o.ds, you have the wit to outsmart Lasidious. Ba.s.sorine's choice was no accident. He knew what he was doing when he chose you to take his position."

The wolf's head tilted. "Do you really think so?"

"Of course," the centaur replied. "Ba.s.sorine was not a stupid being, no matter how Lasidious made him appear. Perhaps you should stop sniveling and find a way to beat Lasidious at his own game. Make Ba.s.sorine proud."

The wolf walked away from the cabin. "My anger is not directed at Lasidious. I want vengeance for his deceptions. I won't be satisfied until I devour him."

A moment later, Mosley crouched to relieve himself as he responded. "Thinking like Lasidious is why I've come to an important conclusion." The wolf turned, sniffed the fresh pile, and then he returned to the cabin to plop back down on the porch. "George's power is significant. He's able to use telepathy now."

A look of disbelief appeared on the centaur's face. "Do you know this firsthand? How could he possibly acquire such a significant power so quickly?"

"I don't know, but George spoke to me by projecting his thoughts while we were in Brandor. The Eye must have believed him to be extremely confident. That's the only explanation I can come up with."

Mosley balled up and began to gnaw at the fur on the inside of his left, rear leg. "George's voice inside my head was just as annoying as when he speaks aloud."

Keylom grinned. "Clearly you're out of sorts from the experience." The centaur looked at the pile of the wolf's steaming excrement as he continued. "Your actions are unpleasant, and your thoughts are scattered. You need to focus. You spoke of an important conclusion. What does George have to do with this conclusion?"

"When George's words were echoing inside my head, he said, 'Face it, Mosley ... you're screwed. The beings of this world will soon worship the one who couldn't care less if they live or pa.s.s.'"

Mosley lowered his head to the porch. "Those words have been haunting me ever since. If those who worship me withdraw their service and offer it up to Lasidious, then there's no reason for me to stay on Ancients Sovereign any longer. My position within the Collective is pointless."

Without waiting for a response, the wolf lifted his head toward the sky and called for Gabriel. When the Book appeared, he continued. "Gabriel, I need you to protect our conversation. Everything we discuss shall be under the Rule of Fromalla."

The Book nodded. "Do you wish Keylom to be present?"

"I do."

The Book waited for Keylom to acknowledge the rule and then waved his arm to create an environment of privacy. "We may now speak freely."

Mosley stood and paced the length of the porch while he spoke. "I want to know how I can return to my mortal life, and keep the power I need to end George."

"Wh ... wh ... what?" Keylom stammered, flabbergasted. "You're willing to give up your immortality to seek vengeance on a mortal? You can't do that. It's against our laws."

Mosley stopped pacing. "The laws are the reason I want to return to my old life."

Keylom admonished, "Your question has no solution. You must cleanse your mind of this foolishness."

Mosley held the centaur's stare for a long series of moments and then addressed Gabriel. "The laws written on your pages have flaws. Lasidious manages to find them. I also intend to find one. If I don't do something, George will turn the people of the worlds into a ma.s.sive congregation of Lasidious' followers. Someone needs to stop him. Shalee's power isn't growing fast enough to be the failsafe Ba.s.sorine thought she would become. I could end George myself, and then you'd be forced to return me to my mortal life."

The Book's heavy eyebrows furrowed. "There's a problem with your conclusion. You seem to be forgetting that if you break the law of the G.o.ds that speaks of ending a mortal, I'd be compelled to destroy you and your soul. You'd never see your old way of life, nor would your spirit find your way onto my pages."

The Book lifted his hand to his chin. "As you know, there are many laws that prohibit a G.o.d from choosing a mortal life."

"There must be a way!" Mosley barked. "Help me find a loophole."

Keylom insisted, "There's not a way. The G.o.ds voted on this long ago. We were careful to ensure that every possibility was addressed. The laws pertaining to this matter are specific."

"Not every possibility," Gabriel retorted. "There is a way."

Keylom could not believe his ears. "Gabriel, we were careful when we voted these laws into effect. You're bound by them just as we are."

" Yes, but there's one law that supersedes them all. This law requires me to ensure the G.o.ds' laws remain superior to the desires of a single deity. This means, I'm to a.s.sume any role necessary to hold them sacred. I only need to be mindful of the Collective's free will. This is the only law that cannot be superseded. Mosley's desire to become mortal could help the Collective protect the laws from Lasidious' manipulations."

The Book floated over to the porch and lowered onto the railing to avoid Mosley's hair. "I'm no fool. I know Lasidious seeks to control me."

Keylom cut in. "But this doesn't mean you can make Mosley mortal. Not even you can a.s.sume Mosley's mortality would stop Lasidious."

The Book frowned. "Perhaps you're right. But there's another way."

Keylom tugged at the vest covering his torso. "I'd love to hear it."

The Book looked down at Mosley. "The G.o.ds were, indeed, careful about how they voted to restrict the members of the Collective from choosing mortality. However, they were not so diligent when determining how they were to be punished. The Collective's failure to restrict my judgment when administering your punishment is the loophole you're looking for. I will allow you to use this to your advantage."

The Book hesitated and then continued. "Before I explain further, I have a request. This is something to which I shall hold you accountable."

Mosley tilted his furry head. "What would this request be?"

"You can never speak of your knowledge of the G.o.ds to anyone who doesn't already possess this knowledge. If you do, I'll be forced to extinguish your existence. I want you to make this promise, or I won't divulge anything further. As you know, a G.o.d's promise ... if broken ... results in your destruction. If you break this promise, I'll torture you for lying to me before I devour your spirit and spit it into the darkness of s.p.a.ce. You shall wander the darkness in misery, cursed and spend 10,000 seasons alone before I finally end your suffering. Do we have an agreement?"

Mosley and Keylom were stunned by the Book's harshness. The tone Gabriel had used was something far more serious than Keylom had ever heard him use before.

The wolf thought for a fair series of moments before he responded. "I will strike this accord. But can you grant my mortality and salvage my power?"

Gabriel's face filled with regret. "I cannot allow you to return with the means to end George. To do so would effect the balance of power on not only the worlds, but also Ancients Sovereign. You must seek the power you need to destroy him. I must also limit your memories. What is true about the G.o.ds shall remain, but the memories that would allow you to affect the free will of others shall be removed. This knowledge must be earned, not given.

"Since Ba.s.sorine gave you an extended life before your ascension, I shall restore this blessing. You will live out the rest of your Peaks as you would have prior to arriving on Ancients Sovereign."

Mosley nodded. "Will I have power at all, or will I be limited to my natural abilities?"

Gabriel had to search for a response. "If I am correct, you will possess your natural abilities, and you should also retain some degree of power, but to what degree, I cannot be certain. Reconst.i.tuting one's magical foundation can be tricky ... even for the G.o.ds. Magic is bigger than we are ... much bigger. It's far easier to build upon one's foundation than it is to tear one down."

Mosley's head tilted as a wolf's would. "I don't understand. How can magic be bigger than the G.o.ds?"

The Book grabbed his chin again in thought. "I cannot answer your question."

Keylom inserted, "You can't, or you won't?"

The Book frowned. "I did not misspeak. I cannot answer his question, and I won't speak another word of it." Gabriel looked at Mosley. "The power you may possess, if any, won't be enough to defeat George. It'll be up to you to rebuild your foundation and acquire the magic necessary to face him. Are you certain you want to pursue this course of action?"

Mosley thought of the consequences. There would be no coming back if he changed his mind. After a long series of moments, he responded. "I'm sure this is what I want. If I cannot end George as a G.o.d, I will end him as a mortal. Just make sure Lasidious doesn't know I've abandoned Ancients Sovereign. I want to seek the power I need without Lasidious sending his puppet after me before I'm ready to face him. Gabriel, please send me to Siren's Song after you've stripped me of my G.o.dhood. I'd like to start my journey there." The wolf paused. "And will you allow me to save my last request for a later moment when I'd rather use it?"

Keylom scuffed his right, front hoof across the ground. "This is insane, Mosley. You're making a monumental mistake! What happens when the G.o.ds gather in the morning? When Gabriel gives the Call to Order, and you're not present, Lasidious will know something is amiss."

"You're right," the wolf responded. "My absence will be noticed. My presence is also necessary for Gabriel to give the call." Mosley looked at the Book. "Gabriel, you may have my vote to do with as you please. This will allow you to give the call, and excuse my absence." The wolf looked at Keylom. "Will you a.s.sist me on my journey?"