Part 40 (1/2)
”George, as always, your references to your movies of Earth are intriguing, but you need to be serious. You'll need to keep Amar from speaking his words of power, and perform the task while he's still alive.”
”What do I look like, Lasidious, some kind of Dr. Frankenstein? Even if I could do it, how will I keep him from dying from shock? I don't have anesthesia.”
The G.o.d nodded. ”At least you're thinking in the right direction, but you won't need medication.”
”I would love to know how that's possible.”
Lasidious took the moments necessary to explain a process that George could use to accomplish the task. A wry smile appeared on George's face. ”d.a.m.n, Lasidious, you're one morbid s...o...b.. I love the way you think. So how do I...?”
It took a while for Lasidious to answer all of George's questions and explain the rest of the details necessary to accomplish the task. ”... as I have said, you cannot stop his soul from finding its place inside the Book of Immortality, but you can strip the power from it before it leaves his body. You only have one shot at this. You'd best do it right.”
”d.a.m.n! The thought of it makes me want to barf, but I can do anything for my Abbie.” George hesitated. ”I swear, if it tastes like garesh, I'm going to haunt you forever, Lasidious.”
The G.o.d laughed. ”I'm sure it won't taste pleasant, but it'll be worth it, I a.s.sure you.”
With that, the dream and the connection between the two faded. George was left dreaming of his Abbie. Slowly, his little girl turned, found her father's eyes, and yelled, ”Daddy, get up! Save me!”
George woke with a start. He pulled on his boots, b.u.t.toned up his s.h.i.+rt, and left Maldwin behind as he shut the door. He went to Amar's room and knocked. The mage answered.
”I can't sleep. Take a walk with me. I've got a plan, and I need to tell you about it.”
Amar rubbed the sleep from his eyes. ”Okay, let me get dressed. I hope this is important.”
George nodded. ”Oh, it is. Don't worry about that. It's to die for.”
”Give me a moment.” Amar shut the door.
George made small talk as they walked through the gates and out of the city. He spoke of how he missed his Abbie and the desperation he felt to get her back. He further explained the pact he made with Lasidious and that the G.o.d had promised he would return Abbie if he took control of the Kingdom of Bloodvain. Every response Amar gave about how he would do the same for a daughter of his own, if he had one, only served to strengthen George's resolve.
Not far outside the city was a barn that was used for smithing. The lock on the door was secure.
George gave it a tug. ”I want to go inside. Amar, use some of your hocus pocus on this lock.”
”Why, George?”
”Because it's chilly out here, and there's a forge inside.”
Amar shook his head. ”I can summon a fire out here. We don't need to break in.”
George rolled his eyes. ”Dude, just open the lock, and let's go inside so we can have some privacy. When we leave, we can lock it, and no one will know we were here.”
Amar shook his head. ”The forge would still be warm in the morning. The smith would know.”
George frowned. ”Are you trying to kill me with all your objections? Would you just shut up, and unlock the d.a.m.n door?”
Seemingly pacified, the mage held up his staff. He spoke the simple command, and the lock released. The men entered, pulled the door shut and then George lit the forge.
George took a seat on a wooden bench and tossed his torch inside the fire. He studied his surroundings as the ominous glow of the forge filled the room. ”Amar, there are moments when I feel like I'm going crazy. I miss my daughter something fierce.”
Amar crossed his arms. ”George, are we really out here to talk about your kin? We could have done that in the morning. What could be so important that you had to wake me up?”
George nodded. He was now in full manipulation mode. ”I want to tell you something. When I first met you, I thought you were a chump, but I've grown fond of you over the last few Peaks. You remind me of my father back home.”
Not knowing how much George had hated his father, Amar smiled. ”I'm honored you hold me in such high regard. Thank you.”
George shrugged. ”Not a problem, Pops.”
Both men laughed.
A moment later, George allowed a feigned look of desperation to appear on his face. ”I really need some advice.” He paused for effect. ”If I'm going to take on the barbarians, I'm going to need help.”
Amar nodded, but he did not respond.
George made sure he was looking into Amar's eyes when he continued. ”I didn't want Kepler and Maldwin to hear this, but I need a friend. I need a father figure. I've lost so much.” He paused again for effect. ”But more than that, I need someone I can completely trust, and I see you as the person I can tell anything. But I may be a.s.suming too much. I'm sorry, Amar, but do you think you could be all that for me?”
Amar placed his right hand on the manipulator's left knee and squeezed. ”You sound desperate. Are you okay, George?”
George shook his head. ”No, I'm not okay. Look, I know I sound like some kind of sap right now, and I completely understand if you don't think you can be there for me.” He paused again. ”I mean ... what was I thinking? I'm sorry, Amar. I shouldn't have bothered you.” The manipulator finished off his deception by allowing a tear to roll down his cheek.
Amar was unsure how to respond at first. The shed remained silent as he searched for the right thing to say. ”I am old enough to be your father. I suppose I have it in me. I have to admit that I had my doubts about you as well. I didn't think you cared for my companions.h.i.+p. I'm surprised at your request.”
George played up the part. ”I'm not above begging. The people that I love will benefit by loving me back. So, what do you say?”
A few more moments pa.s.sed, and then Amar nodded. ”I will take you in as my own and try to replace the father you lost. I just hope I don't let you down.”
The manipulator turned and straddled the bench in order to face Amar. ”I cannot tell you how good that makes me feel.” George reached out and placed his hand on Amar's shoulder. ”I have news, my new father of mine ... news that might make you happy.”
Amar's brows lifted. ”What sort of news?”
”Well ... it's like this. I know where you can gain a significant amount of power above what you already command.” George enjoyed the surprise on Amar's face. ”That's right. I know the depth of your power. I also know of a woman who has surpa.s.sed your ability. Her magic would increase yours if you were to seek her out and take it from her.”
Amar questioned, ”How do you know the depth of my magic? I have said nothing of it. And how do you know the secret of the ancient elves?”
”I'm pretty smart, Amar. But your knowledge of this secret comes from the same source as mine ... Lasidious. Now that we're united, I'll tell you the woman's name if you want to know it. This is my way of showing you that it is my true desire to be your son.”
”George, this is valuable information. Please ... I desperately would like to know her name.”
George's bright smile widened. ”Let's take our relations.h.i.+p to new heights. Together, we'll seize control of this world.”
Amar's grin reflected his urgency to know more. ”You must tell me this woman's name, and where can I find her?”
George spit in his hand and stuck it out. ”Before I tell you, we need to seal the deal.”
Amar stared at the saliva in George's palm.
George explained. ”It's not gross or anything to take my hand. Where I'm from, this is how we become family. You spit in your hand, and I spit in mine. When we shake, it's a done deal. You do want to be my father, right?”