George had to smile. Athena always had a way of softening his mood, no matter how disgruntled he became.
When they approached the ceiling of the school, the group passed through it and appeared in the Head Master’s office. In awe, they moved to look out the windows.
“I can see everything from here,” Athena said. “It’s all so beautiful. This building must be very tall. I can see the mountains below us. Honey, look. It’s the island where the Merchant Angels left us. I can see all the crates. I had no idea Western Luvelles was so beautiful.”
Brayson responded. “Very good, Athena. Your sense of direction is impeccable, but you’re no longer in my school. My office floats high above the Lands of Kerkinn, and it’s invisible to those who live below. Only a few know of its existence. When you leave this place, you’ll remember everything you’ve seen, but you’ll be unable to speak of your experience unless it’s with someone who has also seen my office. This spell is how I ensure my secret stays safe. Only those I invite may return.”
Athena pointed toward the water. “What’s beyond the ocean?”
Brayson smiled, enjoying her curiosity. “Allow me to tell you more about my world. There are four populated continents on Luvelles, and I’m responsible for counseling each of their leaders. Western Luvelles is divided into two territories. Though these territories exist under one name, the Lands of Kerkinn, they’re divided into two sovereign kingdoms. Eastern Luvelles, which I’m sure you can imagine by the name, lies far to the east, and the territories that make up this continent exist under the name Doridelven. Doridelven is an area known for slavery, and its leaders have been fighting amongst themselves for thousands of seasons. Eastern Luvelles is mostly populated by halflings, but there is another race that lives there, known as wood elves, who have a unique ability.”
Athena was intrigued. “That sounds interesting. What kind of ability, and how does it work?”
Brayson pulled a book from one of the wooden shelves that held a number of ancient tomes. After rifling through the pages, he handed it to Athena. “Wood elves have the ability to take the form of different animals. Usually, their personality determines what kind of animal they shift into ... unless they aspire to master the art further. This would allow them to assume additional forms.”
Brayson enjoyed the look on Athena’s face as he continued. “Wood elves are a special race. They can use the senses of their animal form while walking as men. This is the best way I can describe how their ability works. Wood elves are also known for producing some of the finest students of healing. I’ve sent more than one to Harvestom to train with the High Priestess.”
George looked over Athena’s shoulder as she flipped through the pages of the tome. Eventually, she settled on a page that had a picture of an odd looking elf. From the way the page read, this being had passed many seasons ago, but his life was extremely interesting, and the story beneath his name suggested that he was a tortured soul whose life had ended tragically.
Kepler looked over George and Athena’s shoulders and stared at the picture. “I would swear to Celestria that I’ve met that being before.”
George queried, “Really? How? The dude’s been dead forever.”
The Head Master quickly nodded. Brayson had to think fast to come up with a response. He knew the jaguar was right. Kepler had met the wood elf that was portrayed on the parchment, but it was not in the best interest of magic to remind the cat of a past that was meant to be long forgotten. “That would be impossible, Kepler,” Brayson argued. “That wood elf would have passed not more than four seasons after your litter was born.”
George looked up at Brayson. “Master Id, how in the hell do you know how old Kepler is?”
For a split moment, Brayson was wide eyed, and then he responded, “I have been to Grayham on many occasions. I was a young lad ... perhaps 250 seasons when I went with my father to Southern Grayham. I held Kepler when he was just a cub, but he doesn’t remember it.”
Kepler snarled. “I would not have forgotten that.” The jaguar adjusted his gaze and stared at the name on the page. “Keegle Finkus,” he muttered. “You’re hiding something. This isn’t this being’s real name.”
The Head Master anxiously reached forward and closed the book. “I’m sure it’s just a coincidence, Kepler. If I knew something, I would tell you. Many beings have faces that we believe are recognizable. But we’re not here to speak of the past. We should concentrate on your future. And a glorious future it will be if you and George continue to travel together.”
George smirked. “Whatever, dude. Let’s talk about my future. This ability to shift is intriguing, and something I want to learn more about. Is their ability to change magical or natural?”
Brayson’s brow furrowed. “A curious question for a human. Why do you ask?”
The mage shrugged. “Because I’m here to learn. Should I not ask?” He further thought, You’re not the only one who knows an ancient elf secret or two. Dumbass.
The Head Master studied George’s countenance for a fair series of moments before he decided how to respond. There was no way a human like George could know the secret of the ancients. “The wood elves’ ability to shift is magical. It’s a power that no other race of elf has been able to command … not even I. Though my magic is far stronger than the wood elves, I cannot comprehend the language that must be spoken to evoke this power. They have managed to keep this secret well-guarded, and it’s only passed down within their race.”
Skimming the tome further, George turned the pages and thought, The power to shift could give me an advantage. Perhaps the heart of a wood elf needs to be on the menu some Peak.
Brayson continued to study George for few more moments before he changed the subject. “There are two other large land masses. The first lies far to the south. This area is called the Unmarked Territory, and it has been unmapped due to the savagery of the people who live there. Over the seasons, every man who has tried to study this terrain has perished. No one even tries any longer. Perhaps when my Peaks have passed as Head Master, I’ll map the area myself.
“The final continent is located far to the north. This area is called Desolation, and a small population lives there, perhaps a few thousand. They have adapted to the intense cold and keep to themselves, causing no harm to anyone. This land has been mapped, but there’s really nothing of interest other than the animals which roam the area.”
It was easy to see George’s excitement. “This world is incredible. I must learn everything I can while I’m here. Tell us more. I can’t wait. And I love your office, by the way. How do I get this kind of power? I want an office like this of my own.”
Brayson smiled. “Your enthusiasm is encouraging. Come. Take a look.”
The Head Master waved his hand. One of the windows began to zoom in on some of the farther areas of the land below, acting as a large telescope of sorts while Brayson took the moments necessary to point out many places of interest. “As I have said, Western Luvelles is called The Lands of Kerkinn, and there are two kingdoms that exist within it.”
The window settled on one of the many cities. “Look here. This is the city of Marcus, my brother’s city of shadows, which he conveniently named after himself. The lake just west of his city is called Lake Id. It would take a man 63 Peaks to make this journey by foot if he was to begin from the entrance of my school.”
Athena grabbed George’s arm. “We should travel there.”
Map of the Area Around the City of Marcus
Brayson chuckled. “To visit would be unwise, Athena. Allow me to explain. My brother is the Chancellor of Dark Magic. I suggest you stay away from him at all costs. He doesn’t take to outsiders. He hates even himself.
“His city is located in the Kingdom of Hyperia. There isn’t much about this kingdom that is appealing to men with goodness in their hearts. All the lands within the Western Territory are under the rule of King Gedlin Hyperia, but my brother commands even him. But enough of Marcus. I fin
d that speaking of my brother is depressing. Let’s change the subject.”
Brayson adjusted the window’s angle to another area. “The Eastern Territory is controlled by the King of Lavan, Heltgone Lavan. And his territory is called the Kingdom of Lavan. If you’re thinking that this is not an original appellation, I agree. Kings can be vain.
“Within this kingdom lives my youngest brother, Gregory. He’s the Chancellor of White Magic, or all magic considered good or neutral in nature. I provide counsel to both kings and also my brothers. But there are many moments when my guidance is disregarded by Marcus.”
Brayson focused his attention on his new Mystic Learner. “George, I hope you understand the responsibility that comes with power.”
“I do, Master Id.” George hated the way the word ‘Master’ sounded as it left his tongue. He thought to himself, It won’t be long before you’re calling me Master, you piece of garesh. He filed the thought in the back of his mind.
Map of the Area Around the City of Inspiration
After a moment, George queried, “So what else can you show us?”
Once again, Brayson adjusted the window to redirect the group’s attention. “Allow me to show you the finest city on Western Luvelles.”
Brayson moved his hand, and the window on the east side of the room zoomed in across the world. “Now, you can see the city of my youngest brother.” The window zoomed in further with another roll of his hand. “Gregory calls his city Inspiration. It’s entirely made of glass. The glass has been magically altered and protected from damage. It has also been fashioned with an array of color to offer the people privacy, but more importantly, the colors give depth to the structures. We wouldn’t want the inhabitants running into clear walls, now would we?”
Athena giggled, “I suppose not. That would be terrible.” She put her hand to her chin. “Your brother’s city doesn’t look like glass. It looks normal. But it is beautiful ... very beautiful.” She hesitated. “Would I be allowed to visit there?”
“Of course. Your whole family can, if you’d like. And I assure you, it is made of glass.”
Nodding, Athena changed the subject. “Speaking of my family, and I hate to be rude, but where are we to live?”
Brayson smiled. “You’re a woman who gets to the point. Come.” The Head Master walked to one of the other windows and waved his hand. “Do you see the island north of the one the Merchant Angels left you on?”
“I do,” Athena replied, with George looking over her shoulder.
“This is my island.” Again, he waved his hand and the window zoomed in on its northern shore. “If you look closely, you’ll see that I’ve prepared a number of homes for your family’s needs.”
Athena gave Brayson a hug. “Thank you, Master Id. My family will be very happy there, I’m sure.”
“I’m glad you like them. Please, call me Brayson.”
George rolled his eyes and turned to look out the window.
Kepler hid his smile, but he enjoyed every moment of George’s irritation.
Brayson moved to the center of the room. “In the morning, I’ll take your family there. This is where you’ll stay until your husband’s training is complete.
The Head Master turned to George. “Few have had the privilege of training under my tutelage. If you hadn’t come so highly recommended, you would not have been given this privilege. I’ll see you bright and early, before Early Bailem.” He turned to Athena. “Make sure George has a full belly and a pack full of food. These rations will need to last for a number of Peaks. You won’t be seeing much of your husband for the near future. Let’s hope he won’t miss anything important.”
Athena responded. “I’m fine with that … as long as he’s there when I need him for the baby.”
“I wouldn’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on you and help if anything unexpected happens.”
George tried to interject. “Why can’t—”
Before the mage could finish, Brayson waved his hand. The next thing the group knew, they were standing on the ground outside the school, without Brayson.
“Damn it!” George snapped. “This guy is going to drive me nuts.”
Athena slapped George on the arm. “Stop being so foul, honey.” She turned, winked at Kepler and then started walking. “Let’s go, boys.”
The giant cat was forced to hobble because of his wounds. “At least the bleeding has stopped. He could have given me something to ease the pain.”
“Are you alright?” George queried.
“Yes.” The demon grinned. “I’m just glad I left blood on his floor. I hope the stain is a constant reminder of the moments he spent in the presence of the Master of the Hunt.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Blah, blah, blah,” George mocked. “You’re a stud. You sure taught him a lesson. The stain on his damn floor serves the chump right. I hope that’s just the beginning of the damage.”
Athena slapped George on the arm again. “George Nailer, I said stop acting foul.”
“Yes, dear.”
After walking a bit, Kepler thoughts drifted back to the book the Head Master had opened. “George ... I know I knew that elf inside that book. He was familiar to me.”
George shook his head. “You sound just like Sam did when I arrived on Grayham. I’ll tell you what I wanted to tell him. Just forget about it.”
Kepler growled. Since the topic of conversation was going to go nowhere, he changed it. “Why does Brayson think Amar visited him? How could he have done this when you—”
George cut the jaguar off. “Kep, buddy ... perhaps we could save this conversation for later. I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s something we could chat about on some other Peak.”
The demon understood and dropped the subject.
“You boys sure know how to keep a secret,” Athena said, poking George playfully as she walked beside him. “Perhaps you should allow me in on some of your boy talk.”
George looked at Kepler and then back at Athena. “Nope! I think we’ll just leave it as guy stuff.”
Athena’s brow furrowed.
Meanwhile, Western Luvelles
Shade Hollow
“Payne! ... Payne! The moments have come,” the Mischievous One announced after appearing inside a large cave filled with bats. Icy-blue stalactites hung from the ceiling above a deep pool of fresh water. Despite this particular spot being hidden deep within the ground, light had managed to find its way to the pool. It reflected off its surface and shimmered against the walls of the cave.
Payne, on the other hand, was not a bat. He was a fairy-demon—the only fairy-demon in existence. Each moment a bat approached his meal, the demon snatched it up, bit its head off, and then he spit it to the ground.
“Go away! Eating,” Payne growled, not knowing the being standing in front of him was a “so-called” god.
The Mischievous One ignored the fairy-demon’s dismissal. “Payne, the human I told you about is on Luvelles. Are you ready to find new friends? I know how important this is to you. You do want to have friends, right?”
Payne’s red face lifted with his mouth full of shredded throat that had been ripped from a female elf he had found lying face down in the woods and brought to his cave. “You want Payne go now?” The fairy-demon’s bottom lip curled. “I want eat ... because … because … um … it took forever.”
“What took forever, Payne?”
“For her to be ... uh ... uh, the right heat. Yeah, the right heat. Payne eat now. She gooder now. Won’t taste gooder again. Gotta eat.”
“Are you saying that her temperature is just right, and she won’t taste as good if you eat her later?”
“Yeah. You leave. Payne eat.”
Lasidious smiled inside and took a deep breath. Payne was important, and he was too young to argue with. He needed to be patient with the fairy-demon. “By all means, continue. I would hate to ruin your meal. I can wait a while longer.”
“Don’t watch. Payne don’t like that.”
Lasidious moved to stand next to the pool. “I’ll just wait over here.”
Now, fellow soul ... let me tell you a little about Payne. The birth of Payne was a successful manipulation, or better yet, a suggestion planted by Lasidious into the mind of Payne’s father just over four seasons ago.
The fairy-demon was solid red from head to toe. His mother, Sharvesa, a carver demon, was the Queen of Demons on the world of Dragonia. For the most part, Payne took after his mother when it came to his looks. Tiny horns rested on his forehead. Claw-like hands, both razor-sharp, served him well when hunting, and he had a whip-like tail that ended in a fine point.
The fairy-demon also had many of Sharvesa’s natural abilities, yet Payne was an outcast. He was unable to live amongst the other demons of pure blood—thanks to his father. Payne’s white wings served as a constant reminder to Sharvesa’s subjects that he was an abomination.
To satisfy a desire placed in his mind by Lasidious, Defondel, the Fairy King of Western Luvelles, set out on a quest to create a new race of fairies. After arriving on the demon queen’s world, Defondel sought out Sharvesa. He used his magic to cast a powerful spell on the Demon Queen, and while Payne’s mother lay in slumber, Defondel took advantage of her. The fairy’s four-inch frame disappeared as he crawled inside her. It did not take long, but when the fairy king slid out into the open and landed on the cave floor, Payne’s mother was pregnant.
The demon world would have killed Payne if it had not been for his mother’s decision to send him to Western Luvelles to be raised by his father—a decision she made only after the queen’s request to visit Luvelles was denied. Sharvesa’s anger toward Defondel was evident when she spoke with the Head Master. Brayson had turned her down because he believed vengeance was her sole reason for her presence on his world.
The Eye of Luvelles Page 4