“Ahh, come now. Must you resent me until my life’s source has expired? I’ve begged for your forgiveness for over two seasons now.”
The king looked up at the sorceress. “Even your passing would not regain my favor. I will not lower myself to standards that were beneath my father’s.”
“Your father’s? Darosen loves me dearly.”
Shiver stood from his throne and moved to the backside of his chair. “Feign not, Mother, for you’re not truly loved by Darosen, and you know of whom I speak.” Removing the crown from his head, the king hung it on the edge of the throne. “Must we continue this ruse? You’ve failed to find Clandestiny. Your dreams of controlling the Isor shall never be realized, and I shall hold steadfast to my hatred of your existence until my life’s source ends.”
Holding Blandina’s gaze, Shiver pointed to the exit. “You should return to Gesper. Your presence is unwanted here.”
Though the king’s words punctured the sorceress’ heart, she did not allow Shiver to see the wound. Instead, Blandina responded with a grin. “Your tongue seeks to inflict pain on my being, my son. Perhaps you’ll see things clearer after your grandfather arrives.”
“He’s not my grandfather. Never before have my eyes been laid upon him. Why do you allow your father’s influence to harden your heart so?”
A weathered voice responded as Meerum Bosand entered the throne room. “It’s only because I am her father that she obeys, young king. My blood courses through your veins as well, boy. You’ll also learn to obey ... just as your mother does.”
Shiver watched the feeble-looking Meerum Bosand cross the throne room and hobble up the steps toward his chair. Seeing the crown on top of his grandfather’s head, the King of the Isor snatched his own crown off the back of his throne and then reclaimed his seat.
The King of Gesper laughed at Shiver’s attempt to portray power. Meerum stopped in front of the throne. Using his magic to amplify his strength, the withered Seer of Gesper grabbed Shiver by the collar of his cape and tossed the youngster down the steps.
As Meerum lowered onto the throne, Blandina watched Shiver tumble and stop at the bottom. The princess boasted, “Your grandfather is powerful, Shiver. You must concede and obey.”
Shiver reached up and used his hand to wipe away the blood that was dripping down his face. He had struck his forehead against the edge of the bottom step and was still woozy because of it.
Meerum enjoyed the pain on his grandson’s face as Shiver struggled to stand. Eventually, the younger king looked up. “I’ve lived in fear of my mother’s magic for too many seasons! I won’t concede … nor will I answer to a wretched Tormalian!”
Furious, Meerum extended his left arm and pointed. “You’re Tormalian, boy! You will concede, or you will perish!” A split moment later, a wave of force emerged from the Tormalian King’s fingertip and barreled down the steps toward Shiver. Upon impact, the younger king was knocked to the floor where he slid across the ice and stopped near the entrance.
As Shiver struggled to reclaim his feet yet again, the owl that had been sitting on the sign at the entrance to the Pass of Nayala flew through the door and headed up the steps toward Blandina. Seeing the bird, the sorceress reached beneath her yellow shawl, removed a piece of slagone hide and then placed it over her right forearm and then called for the owl to land.
With the owl now resting on her arm, the sorceress reached into a pouch that was tied to her waist and retrieved a small rodent. Seeing the creature dangling by its tail, the bird snatched the frightened mouse out of the Tormalian princess’ fingertips and swallowed it whole.
“Gormad, my lovely goswig,” Blandina said in a soothing tone. “I hope you’ve returned with pleasant news.”
Though Shiver could not hear what the owl was saying, he could see the joy on his mother’s face. He watched as Blandina bent over to whisper in Meerum’s ear. Only a short series of moments passed before Meerum began to smile.
The King of Gesper struggled to stand from the throne. He shouted down the steps at Shiver. “It appears your future bride is making her way back to Hydroth! Summon your servants, boy … for upon her arrival, you shall be united.”
Before Shiver could respond, the officers of the Isorian army who were present when Gablysin slew the Frigid Commander barged into the room along with another 13 undercastle guards. They pushed Shiver aside to keep him out of harm’s way, and then the crowd circled the throne.
In Gablysin’s absence, Lamayne Bridemoore stepped forward. Recognizing the Tormalian King from previous diplomatic visits to Gesper, he unsheathed his sword and commanded, “King Bosand … you’ll surrender to captivity, or you shall perish!”
The mob shouted in agreement as Meerum lowered back onto the throne. Without responding, he motioned for Blandina to take a seat on his lap.
Placing the owl on the back of the throne, the goswig spun his head in the direction of every Isorian as Blandina obeyed. Once seated, her father estimated the distance to the closest Isorian and determined it to be nearly six paces.
Closing his eyes, Meerum began to chant. An awkward series of moments passed as the crowd looked to one another for direction.
Before the Tormalian king opened his eyes, he subtly patted Blandina on her outer thighs for twelve beats and then looked up at the Frigid Lamayne. “I have foreseen the outcome of this Peak. It’s you who shall see captivity.”
Most every officer started to laugh, including the lamayne. As they did, Blandina started to whisper in the language of the elves while she lowered her chin to her chest. Once the crowd settled, Meerum commanded, “Now, my daughter!”
The sorceress’ head snapped toward the ceiling as she stood and flung her arms away from her sides. A powerful wave of force exploded from her person and barreled into the crowd. Every Isorian was lifted and thrown into the walls behind them. They collided with the ice, and like slices of bread on a cutting board, they stacked on top of one another as they fell limp to the floor.
Because the sorceress’ thoughts were specific while she commanded her magic, Shiver was unaffected by the blast, along with Meerum and Blandina’s goswig. The younger king stood motionless against the wall and stared at the bodies piled around him, and none were moving.
Meerum clapped his hands and started to chuckle. After using his power to help his weakened muscles elevate him off the throne, he hobbled down the steps toward Shiver. The elder Tormalian enjoyed the way the younger king cowered as he extended his left arm. Rolling his fingers toward his palm, Shiver lifted from the midst of the pile and floated across the room toward his grandfather.
Bosand used his magic to keep his grandson suspended as he stepped within a few hands of the boy to address Shiver. The Tormalian King’s voice was filled with wickedness as he spoke. “Your men shall never be forgotten.”
Leaving Shiver suspended, Meerum took a step back and turned to hobble to the top of the stairs. With a clear view from the throne room, he once again extended his hand and rotated in a circle while he passed his arm across the motionless pile of bodies.
The ice beneath the Isorians melted. Those who were dead, sank, and those who were still alive, awoke. The Tormalian King quickly adjusted his thoughts and commanded his power to push the living beneath the water. Bosand held them there until their last breaths surfaced as bubbles and popped.
With the last Isorian expired, Meerum commanded the water to solidify. As it crystallized, the ice remained clear, and Shiver could see into it. The faces of the officers who had drowned looked haunted.
The younger king could only hang in silence until Meerum released his hold on him. After falling to the floor, Shiver crawled over to the bodies and stared down into the ice. He reached for his dagger that was secured to his ankle, pulled it out of its sheath and then started to chip away at their frozen tomb.
Once again, Meerum laughed as he hobbled back down the stairs and stopped before he reached the bottom. “Boy!”
Shiver did not respo
nd.
Bosand shouted again, “Boy!”
The younger king refused to respond and continued to chip at the ice.
Yet again, the Tormalian King shouted, “Look at me, boy! Or else!”
With a fluid motion, Shiver whipped around and flung his dagger with all his might. The blade traveled up the steps at a high rate of speed, aimed at Meerum’s head.
Bosand lifted his right hand and used his power to deflect the knife. A moment later, a gurgling sound could be heard behind the withered king. The dagger had found an alternate target and had buried itself into Blandina’s throat.
The Tormalian king spun around and watched helplessly as his daughter gasped for air. He could see the blue of her skin begin to fade as her eyelids grew heavy. She stumbled toward the edge of the steps and fell forward.
Bosand was forced to use his magic to catch the princess. As Meerum lowered Blandina to the ice, Shiver seized the opportunity to run. He stood and darted for the exit.
Hearing the younger king’s pysples pop against the ice, Meerum lost his concentration. As a result, his magic failed and Blandina’s body plummeted to the steps. Her head landed beyond the corner of the step beneath Bosand’s feet, but the end of the dagger had a small point on its handle. It caught the edge of the step and did not budge. Because of this, the tip of the blade was pushed through Blandina’s throat where it emerged from the back of the princess’ neck.
Beyond enraged, Meerum’s hand flew from his side in the direction of Shiver. Magical arrows erupted from his fingertips and hurled through the air in pursuit of his grandson.
As Shiver turned the corner, all the arrows, except one, buried into the ice. Shiver cried out as the arrow skewered the back of his right arm, but his fear overcame the pain, and he continued to run up and out of the undercastle.
4 Peaks Have Passed
Since Shiver Escaped from the
Undercastle of Hydroth
Northern Grayham
Mosley, Medolas and Clandestiny—After Celestria left Mosley standing outside the cave beneath the Temple of the Gods on Southern Grayham, the night terror wolf ran inside. He rushed through the tunnels to the chamber the goddess had spoken about and drank from the chalice that held the power of the Swayne Enserad. On that Peak, a soothing surge passed through the wolf’s body as he moved to the left side of the chamber and stopped in front of the portal that was said to take him to the Merchant Island of Harvestom.
The longer Mosley stood in front of the gate, the greater his guilt became for abandoning Medolas and Clandestiny. He dismissed his promise to Celestria and teleported back to the west side of the Pass of Nayala. From there, Mosley worked his way across the gorge. On each occasion he was blown off the crossing, the wolf teleported back onto the ledge where he continued to run until he was safely across.
Mosley later rejoined Medolas and Clandestiny, and Clandestiny was pleased with the wolf’s companionship. Now she had another pet to love—and this one could speak.
Shiver and Gablysin—After running out of the throne room, Shiver encountered the ruby eyed man as he exited the undercastle. He explained that the moments were not available to have a proper Passing Ceremony for Slips. The young king then fled with Gabs to the understables where they mounted harugens and headed west into the wilderness to hide from the Tormalian King until they could devise a plan.
Gage, the badger, and Gallrum, the serwin—The pair has used their magic to expedite their journey to Northern Grayham. They are now passing through the Cave of No Return.
Western Luvelles
Chancellor Methelborn and King Dowd—After meeting up with the Brayson Id, Boyafed and Dowd continued to monitor the creation of Kepler’s palace. Once the proper décor was added, the trio placed their hands on the pedestal to fuel the creator’s power. They intended to give the structure life, but Taugor was unable to withstand the drain on his being. The elf doubled over and fell from the top of the column, and the Head Master had to use his magic to catch the creator before he landed. With Taugor unable to continue, the group was forced to find a replacement creator.
With the arrival of this new elf, the moments have come to reattempt the creation of a heart that will be strong enough to give life to the structure. They must fill the palace’s veins with magically altered corgan blood and then shock the structure to life.
Mary and the Family—Since Brayson has not yet returned, Mary has asked the kedgles to help with the search for Garrin. Since the baby has not been found, Hepplesif has expanded the search. The leader of the kedgle army has called upon the students of Brayson’s school of magic to assist.
With George traveling by boat to Eastern Luvelles, no one has a way of teleporting to the warlock to let him know that Garrin has disappeared. Worse yet, George’s final destination is also unknown, which makes finding him at all nearly an impossibility.
Sharvesa—The goddess has appeared on the island of the Fairy King. She is sitting amidst the trees of the forest and is looking at an enormous mound of dirt that is covered with small cave-like entrances. She is trying to decide whether or not she will wake the Fairy King, Defondel, to speak with him. She has not forgotten how the four inch tall fairy took advantage of her—raping her while she slumbered—leaving her impregnated with Payne four and a half seasons ago.
Dragonia
The New Hell
Kepler—After the Merchant Angels left Dragonia, Kepler was forced to break free of his crate. With the docks abandoned, the demon-cat is now wandering the island.
Sam—The King of Brandor is still sitting in his crate. He is tired of waiting for someone to let him out.
Lasidious—After the God of Mischief left the castle of Brandor on Southern Grayham, he appeared with Garrin and Sam, Jr. on Dragonia. Lasidious has set up camp just south of the Mountains of Gannesh, home to the Vampire King and Queen.
The Mischievous One has been using milk from the Vampire Queen’s bosom to keep the children fed. The queen’s milk has special traits, one of them being the ability to suppress Garrin’s magic. This is important because the god-child’s power is strong enough to teleport between worlds and return to Susanne on Western Luvelles.
Over the last 4 Peaks, Lasidious has been working to build a trusting relationship with the boys. The milk of the Vampire Queen is addictive. The more the boys drink it, the more they want to stay with the Mischievous One. But there is a problem. Though only a toddler, Garrin doesn’t trust Lasidious. The milk is the only thing that has kept the child from teleporting.
The Hidden God World
Ancients Sovereign
Celestria and Alistar—As planned, Alistar covered for Lasidious. He told Celestria that the Mischievous One sought solitude after their argument. The Goddess of Beasts has been waiting for her lover to return, and she refuses to leave their home.
The Book of Immortality—Gabriel has returned from Dragonia after leaving the most devious souls within his pages on that world.
The Book has called a meeting of the gods that will take place at Late Bailem.
A Place Unknown
Anahita—Anahita has been asleep since her reunion with the Archangel Michael. Complications are about to arise.
Thank you for reading the Crystal Shard
CHAPTER 9
Whims of the Mighty One
Western Luvelles
The Former Battlegrounds of Olis
Kepler’s Palace
Early Bailem
HEAD MASTER BRAYSON PLACED HIS HANDS flat against the banister of the main staircase. Closing his eyes, he enjoyed the warmth of the structure and then smiled as the heart of the palace pumped the altered corgan blood throughout. Satisfied that the pulse was strong, Brayson removed his hands and then looked at Boyafed and Dowd. “Well done, gentlemen. Kepler will be pleased.”
Dowd nodded in agreement, but Boyafed presented a look of concern.
“What is it, Chancellor?” the Head Master questioned. “Is something wrong?”
Dowd lifted his hands toward the ceiling and looked around. “I see no imperfections. The Protector of the Realm will be satisfied with our efforts.”
“I agree,” Brayson added. “No expense has been spared.”
A few moments of silence passed before a grin appeared on Boyafed’s face. “Perhaps a giant scratching post is in order.”
King Dowd reached out and shoved Boyafed from his wheeled chair. “Yes, yes, yes, and a large saucer of milk.”
Boyafed poked back. “And an enormous ball of string.”
Brayson clapped his hands and chimed in on the fun. “And lest we forget a mouse hole. Kepler will need something to chase.”
Dowd and Boyafed stopped laughing. Their demeanor turned serious as if they shared the same brain. “What about Lord Maldwin?”
“You’re right,” Brayson added. “We forgot.”
A long, quiet series of moments passed while the trio looked for the perfect spot to add Maldwin’s hole. Seeing the decision was going to be daunting, Brayson sighed. “Well … this is a task the two of you can handle. Create well, gentlemen.” the Head Master vanished.
“He must be jesting,” Boyafed protested while he looked at the empty space that Brayson had left behind. “Can he just abandon us like that?”
Dowd shrugged. “It appears the position of Head Master comes with privileges.”
Both men chuckled.
Meanwhile, the Family Homes
Back on the Island of the Head Master
When Brayson appeared, he was standing near the center of the clearing next to the rocks above Kepler’s lair. Instead of the normal quiet he was accustomed to teleporting into, the forest beyond the homes was buzzing with voices.
The Tear of Gramal Page 22