Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign (Worlds of the Crystal Moon, Book 1) (50 page)

Curious as to why the gem produced a beam, Mosley teleported back inside and watched the ray approach one of 12 angelic statues that were standing atop a large, circular platform. A diameter of 24 paces separated the 12. They each faced one of their counterparts while they stood upon yet another smaller, circular base. Every statue had a gem embedded between their feet that protruded above the surface of their pedestal.

Eventually, the beam struck the gem of the statue that resembled Bailem, and as if the ray brought life with it, the statue animated. It adjusted its robe, assumed a new position and then looked toward the ceiling before it solidified.

Mosley was astonished. He had never seen anything like this before. The wolf waited for the beam to pass across the floor and hit the jewel of the next statue. It was during this series of moments that one of Bailem’s fallen brothers animated and assumed a new stance. Though many of this statue’s attributes did not resemble Bassorine, some of its facial features reminded the wolf of the fallen God of War. Before the statue solidified, it turned its hands level with the floor, spread its resplendent wings, looked down at Mosley and then smiled.

Mosley was still captivated. He sat on his haunches and waited for the beam to hit the next statue. When it happened, the look on this angel’s face went from peaceful to threatening. It redirected its gaze toward Mosley, its eyes narrowed, and it spread its dark wings to their fullest extent. As soon as the statue solidified, the wolf shook off the eerie feeling and looked down at the plaque that was on the front of its base, directly beneath its feet. The plaque read: Metatron. This angel’s wings would remain widespread until its gem was lit again the following day.

Mosley searched his godly memories, but in all he had been given by the Book, he still had no idea who any of these beings were. Apparently, Bassorine did not want him to possess this knowledge. The wolf turned to his right as he studied the names on the other 11 plaques. To the right of Metatron was Uriel, Raguel, Ramiel, Chamuel, Iophiel, Cassiel, Sandalphon, Azael, Gabriel, Bailem—formerly known as Zerachiel, and then Michael.

Mosley’s eyes were drawn back to Metatron’s plaque. He was still unable to shake the eerie feeling this being had given him. Beneath Metatron’s name was a second moniker—Lucifer—and below this name was a piece of history inscribed onto the plaque:
The Instigator of the God Wars.
And below that, there was yet another intriguing fact that was written in an ancient language. The language read:
Forever Cast from Grace.

A long series of moments passed as the wolf took note of the careful positioning of every statue. Bailem had taken great care when he created the only sundial in existence. Over 3,713,875 animations of each statue had occurred since the Peak the God of the Sun formed his structure.

With the Peak of Bailem past, the others on Mosley’s team appeared. Bailem was quick to call the meeting to order and asked Mosley to explain everything the wolf knew of Lasidious’ devious game. The wolf told the gods all he knew about George, a person whom they knew nothing about.

“His name is George, and he leads no pack other than the one he’s trying to form on Grayham. He was placed in the temple by Lasidious. The Mischievous One must feel that this human can be easily manipulated. Sam said George is a mean-spirited being. Shalee doesn’t care for him either.

“As we all know, there were clear plans for Sam and Shalee. When I became enlightened, I gave my gifts to Sam to help his rise to glory. This should help our cause while assisting the mortals to gain an audience with the King of Brandor. We will need the kingdom to fight for the pieces of the Crystal Moon when the moment arrives. Sam and Shalee will need to be a key part of this.”

Bailem stepped forward. The god was short, heavyset, and balding. What hair he had was a graying and on the sides of his head. He was pleasant to look at, wearing white robes with a dark-gold trim, and his angelic wings were folded against his robe. He was said to be the only angel to survive the God Wars, and he had been given the title, God of the Sun.

Bailem was sitting on the base of Uriel’s statue. The angel was holding his hand under the beam generated by the gem to keep the statue from animating, thus forcing him to move. “Thank you, Mosley, for shedding light on current events. If I might ask, what were the gifts you bestowed on Sam? He won’t be able to gain an audience with the King of Brandor unless he defeats each arena’s champion. And even if he survives the city of Champions’ arena, we all know who he’ll face in Brandor.”

“Justin Graywind shows no mercy,” Calla added before Mosley could respond. Her dress was modest, accented with lace, and though she was not stunningly gorgeous, she had pretty, short brown hair and was far from ugly. “The General Absolute has never been defeated.”

Helmep further added to the conversation. “Every opponent he has faced has perished before they could be attended to by the king’s healers.”

Helmep was tall and thin, well-built with blond hair, hazel eyes, and he wore a tan robe with gold trim and a brown cape. He was handsome, and his smile carried a wonderful charisma. “The healers in Brandor are exceptional. They’re the best on Southern Grayham, but the general doesn’t leave room for them to work. When he’s done, they’re done.”

The gods were becoming sidetracked as they conversed about the many swift deaths Justin had delivered.

Mosley called for order. “We must ensure Sam is invited to Brandor. A few suggestions is all it should take. The gifts I gave Sam increased his agility and strength. This should help him to gain an audience.”

Mosley lifted his snout into the air. “As much as I would like to continue talking about Sam, the moment has come for us to leave for the meeting Lasidious has called. I suggest we adjourn.”

Everyone agreed and then vanished. When they reappeared, they found Lasidious and his team sitting on the grass outside the newly created Hall of Judgment with the Book of Immortality floating nearby. The new hall was identical to the old one, just as the Book had insisted. It was normal for the gods to snap their fingers and create anything they wanted. The new hall had been constructed in less than 40 breaths.

“I’m glad everyone chose to come,” Lasidious announced. “I’ve made a decision. Rather than putting a single piece of the Crystal Moon on each world, there will be two pieces placed on Grayham. I want to ensure they’re rejoined within a reasonable series of moments. I will announce where the first piece has been hidden soon. Until then, I would work on strengthening your team’s position on this world, and be ready for anything.

“Thank you all for coming. I must now excuse Celestria and myself from our team. I have realized that I would create an unfair advantage if we played. Your teams now have equal numbers. I’ll see you again in 60 Peaks.”

With that, Lasidious vanished, leaving the others staring at one another.

CHAPTER 20

Warning to the

Barbarian

King of Bloodovain

LASIDIOUS APPEARED IN FRONT of the mage, Amar, the brother of Morre, whom Lasidious impersonated when last he visited Lethwitch. Amar worked in his brother’s store whenever he was on Grayham—the same store where George purchased the scrolls. Amar was a younger man than his brother. His hair was graying, but unlike Morre, he did not have a beard, weathered skin, nor did he smell.

Amar was startled when Lasidious appeared, but throughout his many seasons as a mage, he had come to expect the unexpected. He dismissed the shock and bowed before his god.

“Hello, Amar,” Lasidious said. “It’s been a while, my friend. How’s your brother?”

Amar kept his head lowered. “Hello, My Lord. He is well. To what do I owe the joy of your visit?”

“Please stand. I’m here to speak as friends, not as your god. I’m here to discuss what is to come.”

The mage rose. “I don’t understand.”

“I know, my friend. The other day I was in your store. I took a few scrolls and sold them to a man named George. There was a note left behind thanking your brother.”

“I know of the note, My Lord. My brother spoke of it. He said he was overcompensated for the scrolls. He was pleased with the transaction, and I have since heard my brother say he has made replacements. I would’ve paid closer attention to what was taken, but I had no warning of your visit. Why would a few insignificant scrolls cause your visit?”

“I’m glad your brother was pleased with the finances of the transaction, but this isn’t why I’ve come. The scrolls are of no consequence. The man I spoke of is seeking power. He will arrive in Lethwitch within 3 Peaks.”

The Mischievous One reached out and placed his right hand on Amar’s left shoulder. “George is the type of man you’ve been waiting for. I know you seek your own glory. This man could help you attain it. If you were to travel with him until it benefits you to part from his company, it would be wise for you to do so.”

“What else can you tell me of this man, My Lord?”

“His heart is as dark as your own, Amar. I have determined that you would be good counsel on his journey.” Lasidious removed his hand. “George travels with the undead cat, Kepler.”

“Kepler, My Lord? Kepler is a vicious killer who is without honor. He can’t be trusted? I’ve heard stories about the men he’s killed as they journeyed through his pass. The demon kills without mercy.”

Lasidious laughed. “Kepler can be trusted.” The god stopped chuckling and changed his countenance to something far more serious. “Amar, you have also killed without mercy, have you not?”

The mage nodded. “I forget with whom I speak, My Lord. Please forgive me.”

“There is no need for forgiveness.” The god held out the palm of his right hand. A small image of Kepler and George appeared on top of it. “The jaguar has honor, but this isn’t something you would know about. Like you said, you’ve only heard stories.”

Lasidious allowed the image to fade, and then he put his hand back on Amar’s shoulder. “The man I want you to travel with is ruthless, yet he, too, has honor. He’s not from this world, yet he possesses the ability to dominate its kingdoms. George has traveled from the past. He has also aligned himself with the beast, Maldwin, from inside the Cave of Sorrow. He also had an alliance with Kroger before he killed the ogre.”

“Do you mean Kroger from the Dark Forest, My Lord?”

“Yes.”

“Kroger is a gentle giant. Why would this George end him? Why would I want to travel with a man who doesn’t respect his allies?”

“Tisk, tisk, tisk, Amar. You have also stolen breath from an ally or two.”

Amar hung his head. “My deepest apologies, My Lord. It’s not everyday I speak with someone who knows my secrets. How was George able to align himself with Maldwin? The creature’s visions are said to be deadly to all men.”

A proud smile appeared on Lasidious’ face. “George is immune to Maldwin’s visions. He needed the scrolls he purchased from your brother to protect Kroger’s mind, not his own. The giant was with him when he went into the cave. It was also at the cave where George killed Kroger by turning him to stone.”

Amar’s eyes widened. “Stone is a treasured power. Other than myself, there’s no one on Grayham who can command it. Does George use a staff or scrolls?”

Lasidious shook his head. “George commands the power without staff or scroll. But he’s finding it difficult to control it. His ability is natural and because of this, greatness follows him. He doesn’t even need to speak words.”

Amar could not believe his ears. “How’s this possible, My Lord?”

“How isn’t important, Amar. It would be wise for you to align yourself with George. You could be his counselor, and teach him to channel his power. You have been to Luvelles to train under the Head Master, and you understand the dark arts. You’re the most powerful mage roaming the three kingdoms of Southern Grayham ... I’ve seen to this, because I knew this day would come.”

Amar bowed. “I’ll do whatever you ask of me, My Lord.”

“No, Amar. I’m not here to ask anything of you. I’m here to inform you of things to come. It is my desire to see you develop into the man I know you’re capable of becoming. I would like you to consider my visit a suggestion … an simple idea to ponder. If you befriend George, your wisdom will be a great asset, and your rise to glory will follow.”