Part 57 (1/2)
Each deity's ears focused on Gabriel's every word. The Book floated to the center of the table while he prepared his thoughts. ”Now that I have your promise regarding the t.i.tans, I shall share a bit of my own scheming. Lasidious, you're not the only one with secrets. You're a fool to believe that you'll ever acquire the power you need to control me. I promise to enjoy your misery when I'm finished with you. I suggest you all attend my next meeting so you can watch Lasidious when he hears the news.” The Book floated toward the exit.
The others sat in silence, but the Mischievous One gave chase. ”Gabriel! What do you have planned? Gabriel ... come back! What did I do to you? Don't be like that! Gabriel! Get back over here!”
Now, fellow soul ... allow me to clarify. This new solar system proposed by the G.o.ds would consist of six worlds, one hidden G.o.d world and a single sun. In addition, each world was slated to be given its own moon, or in some cases, moons. The beings living on the worlds must be put into stasis for the changes to take place. However, whenever stasis is lifted, no one would have knowledge that Lasidious' new coin had replaced Yaloom's. In all beings' minds, Yaloom never existed. Only those with G.o.dly memories would retain this information.
CHAPTER 27.
Little Joshua K. Nailer Western Luvelles George and Athena's Home JOSHUA K. NAILER EMERGED as the healer lifted his tiny body onto his mother's belly. He screamed as he was pulled free of the warmth of Athena's womb, the chill of the room needling his sensitive skin. The umbilical cord was severed, and after a magical circ.u.mcision, he was wiped off just enough to allow his proud parents to dote.
Joshua was beautiful. He had blue eyes, his mother's hair, and his father's-well, they were not really sure what he had of his father's looks since his skin was so shriveled. He looked like a prune.
George leaned over and gave Athena a kiss while Mary took the child to clean him up. ”You did good, babe. I love you.”
A tear rolled down Athena's cheek. ”I love you, too. I'm sorry for being so nasty. I didn't mean to curse.”
”Ah, come on, babe. It's not like you talk foul every Peak. Heck, I've only heard you cuss once since I've known you. Besides, you had every right to react the way you did. I'm the one who knocked you up.” George turned his head toward the window. ”I think we have a little guest hovering outside. He's dying to see what's going on. Should I let him in?”
Athena peeked over George's shoulder. ”Yes, but you better explain to him that Joshua doesn't have the ability to rip his fingers off like he does. I don't want any test morphing happening on the baby. And make sure he knows that Joshua can't burst into flames either. He needs to understand the baby doesn't have the same abilities he does. Make sure he-”
”Babe. I get it already. I'll speak to him. How about we tell Payne that he is his brother's protector. I think it's important that he still feels like we love him. He needs to know that he's loved just as much as Joshua.”
Athena sighed. ”Perhaps you should show Payne where his new bedroom is. Let him know he will be sleeping inside from now on.”
George waved his hand, and the window opened. He motioned for the fairy-demon to come inside and allowed the window to shut behind him.
”Payne, come here a moment. I want you to meet your brother.” He pointed to Mary who positioned the baby for a better view. ”That's Joshua K. Nailer.”
Payne scratched the top of his head. ”It look funny.”
George smiled. ”He is not an 'it.' Joshua is a baby. His looks will change as our moments pa.s.s.”
”What 'K' mean?” Payne questioned as he flew over to Mary and hovered above her shoulder while she continued to clean the newborn.
”Well,” George responded, ”Athena and I decided that since we're going to allow you to sleep inside with us from now on, we should do something so Kepler doesn't feel left out. The initial K means, Kepler, but we aren't going to say his full name. So when you say his name, you will say, Joshua. Do you understand?”
True to form, Payne's mind had moved past his curiosity about the baby. ”Payne hungry. Mom feed Payne?”
George had to laugh. ”Come with me, buddy, and I'll get you something. How about I make you an omelet?”
Southern Grayham Sam's Throne Room Shalee smiled as she watched the sun touch the horizon through one of the throne room windows. The people below moved about the cobblestone streets of Brandor with joyful hearts. It was easy to see the happiness in their gaits, and it appeared as if everyone had a new sense of respect for one another.
Sam had allowed word to spread about the army's findings inside the Serpent King's underground city. Now that the army was bringing this surplus of coin back to Brandor, word was beginning to spread that the treasure was bountiful enough to strengthen the kingdom's economy for many lives over. As a result of this great news, celebrations had followed. But the coin of the serpents was not the only reason the people celebrated.
Despite Sam's encouragement to keep Lasidious' Promise quiet, the Senate believed in Lasidious' desire to see Southern Grayham flourish. They voted to overrule the king's wishes, and as a result, runners had been sent throughout the kingdom to spread word of Lasidious' gift that George had given the Senate.
The people were now in a giving mood, and the coin George left behind was the talk of Brandor. With the Senate's newfound sense of faith, how could Shalee-or even Sam for that matter-contradict the facts of what was happening?
Shalee knew there was another reason the people were joyful, and this reason did not involve a G.o.d or a prophet. It involved the greatness of her husband. Before returning the kingdom to the Senate, Sam had made many changes and implemented a number of new laws.
First, Sam freed the slaves across Southern Grayham. He declared that these hard-working beings were to be treated as equals. They would be allowed to choose their own employers.
Second, Sam decreed that each master of the freed slaves would receive ample compensation for the abrupt change in their lives. They would be given the coin necessary to pay for services equal to those lost for a period of one season.
Third, the last of the barbarian members of the Senate were named, and homes were ordered to be built within the walls of Brandor to accommodate the senators when visiting the city.
Fourth, every member of this reformed Senate was required to swear an oath that no man or barbarian, no matter how wealthy or strong, would be seen as anything other than equal under Brandor's laws.
Fifth, Sam established laws for the kingdom's newfound wealth. He implemented a banking system and, more specifically, created protocol on how this wealth was to be distributed as loans to the people.
Sixth, each member of the army who had fallen in battle was to be compensated. Their debts would be wiped clean, and the Senate would see to it that their creditors were paid in full. Families with no creditors were to be given a lump sum of coin for their loss.
Seventh, the members of the army who had survived were also to be given a lump sum of coin to help return to every Peak life. For those disabled in battle, Sam ordered schools to be built and temporary compensation be given on top of their lump sum until they could be trained to earn another living.
Eighth, Sam declared that any Senator who failed to uphold the new laws would find themselves facing the Sword of Truth. They would answer questions regarding their transgressions. If found to be a liar or a cheat, this senator would face a possible prison sentence on Dragonia of no less than one season or any other term deemed fit. Sam also reserved the right to sentence a senator to a punishment as strong as demise if his betrayal was considered traitorous.
Finally, and quite possibly Sam's finest moment as king, he changed the name of Southern Grayham. All lands would be unified under one t.i.tle. This kingdom would be called The United Kingdoms of Southern Grayham. The old kingdoms would now be referred to as territories: the Territory of Brandor, the Territory of Bloodvain, the Territory of Serpents, and the Neutral Territory. The bears and the Minotaur were also given territories with names reflective of their kind.
Shalee turned from the window and looked at Sam who sat on his throne. Her relations.h.i.+p with her king felt stronger than before, and she was not about to let anything come between them again. She requested that everyone leave the room.
Once the room was clear, Shalee walked toward the thrones and plopped onto Sam's lap and waited for him to cradle her in his arms. After lowering her head to his chest, she began her praises. ”The people love you, Sam. I've never been so proud of anyone.”
Sam tried to put on a happy face, but he failed to project the joy to go along with the smile.
”What is it, Sam? What's got you boggled?”
”I can't get George and Lasidious out of my head. I've asked the Senate to call me before they use Lasidious' Promise. I want to know everything that's going on. I also gave the Senate the scroll you gave me. At least, they'll be able to teleport into the throne room to solicit my presence.”
Sam stood and lowered Shalee to her feet. ”Something isn't right. This whole thing isn't sitting well with me. I don't care what Kael says.”
Sam unsheathed the blade and held it in front of his face. ”Kael, answer this. What if George is being manipulated? What if he's a victim of Lasidious?”
Kael's blade began to pulsate. ”Your moments will eventually divulge the truth, Sam. What George professed during his visit was truthful. That's all I can speak on. Perhaps you worry over nothing.”
Sam's brow furrowed. ”Perhaps. But what about this new threat George referred to? I've read everything in the Royal Library about the Dark Chancellor. The writings speak of his power as if he's some kind of magical bada.s.s. How do you suggest I proceed?”
Kael pulled away from Sam's hand and floated toward Shalee. ”You should allow George to take Shalee to look into the Eye. You'll need her to wield stronger magic to save Southern Grayham.”
”I'm still thinking about that,” Sam responded. He looked at Shalee. ”The writings make me think your magic will be useless against the Dark Chancellor even if you do look into the Eye. If I hadn't seen how easily you could've been ended on Luvelles, I wouldn't even give this concept a second thought. I hate to say it, but George might be our only option.”
Shalee smiled. ”I know this sounds irrational to you, but I have a good feeling about George. I'm sure we'll get through this ... just like we always do.” The queen took in a long, deep breath and exhaled slowly. ”But something else is bothering you, isn't it? I can see it on your face.”
Sam moved to look out the window. The last bit of light faded from the sky as the sun ducked below the horizon. Children were rus.h.i.+ng through the streets, lighting the torches to fend off the darkness. He leaned against the sill and looked toward the direction of the arena that sat in the distance. ”What if you look into the Eye and it swallows your soul? What if you don't come back? I don't think I can handle losing you. We've sacrificed so much already. Losing you would be the end of me for sure.”
Shalee grinned. ”You sound like a country song.” After the queen chuckled for a moment, she continued. ”I wish I knew what to say to make you feel better, Sam. But the Eye won't swallow my soul. I can give you my word on that. When I return, I'll be powerful enough to defend the kingdom from the chancellor. Don't you worry about him. I'll put this little, Texas foot right up his backside.”
Western Luvelles The Petrified Forest The night was a miserable collection of moments in which to visit the forest. The petrified trees acted like sounding boards, causing the movements of every being to be amplified. The sounds of their actions reverberated throughout the forest, and it was impossible to determine from which direction the sounds originated. The slightest flap of a wing, skitter of a beetle and snap of a twig all heightened the tension inside the dark paladin's mind as he worked his way toward Balecut's home.