The Tear of Gramal

by Phillip Jones

  Lasidious lifted Sam Jr. off his stomach and lowered the prince onto the blanket and then placed Garrin beside him. After covering them both with a second blanket, the Mischievous One jumped to his feet and studied his surroundings.

  The flames of the campfire had stopped moving. The clouds, trees, every blade of grass, the birds in the sky and even the light cast by the fire had all stopped moving. Nothing would move again until the gods were finished creating, and there was nothing he could do about it.

  As the Mischievous One looked down at the children, he knew they would be safe—but it was not the boys’ safety that Lasidious was worried about. “Sam,” was all the Mischievous One said as he closed his eyes and pictured the king’s face. When he reopened them, he was standing within an invisible veil next to a confused king.

  Sam was holding his sword in his left hand. He was walking around a frozen Kepler who was standing next to a tall stack of crates and appeared to be in the middle of taking a step when he froze. Kael’s blade was burning, shedding light on the environment while Sam walked around the jaguar and stopped in front of the cat. The king waved his hand. “Kepler! Kepler! What’s the matter with you?”

  When the jaguar failed to move, Sam reached out and poked him. The cat’s fur did not give. Further, Kepler’s body was hard and cold—extremely cold—and upon further examination; even the cat’s tongue was frozen solid. “What the hell…?”

  With Sam not more than three paces away with his back to him, Lasidious stepped out of his invisible veil. “Fret not, King of Brandor. The jaguar will be fine.”

  Startled, Sam spun around with Kael slicing through the air. The Mischievous One reached up and caught the blade in the palm of his hand and then yanked the weapon away from Sam. The king’s eyes widened as Lasidious continued to speak. “Easy, Sam. I haven’t come to harm you.”

  With his eyes still fixated on the way Kael’s fire failed to burn the stranger’s palm, Sam stuttered. “Wh … wh … who are you?”

  Lasidious smirked. “Now that hurts. You truly don’t remember, do you?” The Mischievous One took a moment to enjoy Sam’s confusion before he added, “Think, Sam. Think. You know me.”

  A long, unaccounted for series of moments passed before Sam responded. “Your voice. I know your voice.”

  “That’s better,” Lasidious encouraged. “You’re beginning to remember, aren’t you? Many moments have passed since last we were together, you and I.”

  Sam’s eyes were filled with a million questions. “How do you know me?”

  Lasidious handed Kael back to Sam. “Your mind isn’t ready for that answer.”

  The king reclaimed his sword and rebutted, “If you know me, then you know my mind is capable of anything.”

  Again, Lasidious smirked. After moving past Sam, the god placed his hand on the jaguar’s frozen shoulder. “Then try wrapping your mind around this. Your feline friend stands in stasis. The gods have stopped the worlds’ moments. Only those who possess a form of realization of their godly memories remain unaffected.”

  “That’s impossible,” Sam argued. “Time cannot be stopped … nor do I possess any form of godly memories.”

  Lasidious leaned against Kepler and pulled back his hood to expose his face. After crossing his legs, he placed his hands behind his head and looked to the sky. “Though you may not recognize your realization of your memories, you still stand here unaffected by stasis and remain animated. You know more than your mind is willing to admit.”

  The Mischievous One’s reclaimed Sam’s eyes. “You uttered the word ‘time.’ This word is seldom used anymore. Stopping time is possible, King of Brandor. The concept is just simply beyond the realm of your current understanding.” After crossing his arms, the god added, “Though it won’t be for long.”

  “Who are you?” Sam demanded. “And don’t act like I know you.”

  Lasidious frowned. “You truly don’t remember, do you? You have wounded me deeply, Sam.”

  The king lifted Kael and placed the blade’s point against Lasidious’ chest. “Stop screwing with me! I’m not in the mood!”

  The flame from the blade lit the smile on Lasidious’ face. “I know you have questions, but the answers will have to wait. For now, sheathe your weapon, and take my hands. You’re not capable of surviving what’s about to happen.”

  Sam shook his head. “What are you talking about?”

  “I’m going to save you. Nothing else matters for the moment.”

  Sam’s eyes narrowed. “Save me from what?”

  “The gods are about to create, but what they intend to create, I can only guess. Only those who stand in stasis on this world will survive. Your existence is in danger.”

  Sam poked his own chest. “To my knowledge, I have no godly memories. If what you say is true, why am I not already standing in stasis?”

  Lasidious laughed. “I believe I’ve answered that already.” Closing his eyes, the god vanished and reappeared on top of Kepler’s back. He patted the jaguar on the shoulders and admired his new seat for a moment. “He’s a powerful beast, is he not? Kepler is one of my best creations.”

  Sam sneered, “Yet another god who fails to answer questions. I asked you … why am I not standing in stasis?”

  Lasidious looked down at Sam. “You may not be able to recall your memories, but you have displayed the realization of these memories on more than one occasion. Have you not had thoughts that certain events, people and languages have felt familiar since your arrival on these worlds?” The Mischievous One pointed at Sam’s pack. “You also possess a potion with Yaloom’s memories contained within it, though I imagine you cannot recall them yet.”

  Lasidious crossed his arms again and then continued. “Tell me, Sam … how many drops of his essence have you consumed?”

  The king took a step back and pointed Kael at Lasidious. “I won’t ask again. Who are you?”

  The Mischievous One threw his right leg over Kepler’s back and then jumped to the ground. He took a step forward and allowed the tip of Sam’s sword to rest against his chest. Reaching out, he snatched Sam’s hand and made sure the king could not let go of the blade’s handle. Step by step, Lasidious impaled himself onto the end of the sword as he closed the distance, stopping only a hand from the king’s face.

  Lasidious looked up and spoke over the searing hisses of his flesh. “Do you truly not remember me, brother?”

  Sam’s face went pale as he looked over Lasidious’ left shoulder and stared at the blood that was boiling on Kael’s tip. He was unable to respond to the god’s question before the shaking began.

  Out of spare moments, Lasidious ripped Sam’s hand off the blade and pulled the weapon out of his chest. He extended his right hand and commanded, “Take it, Sam. There are not the moments to explain. You’ll perish if you don’t.”

  Seeing the king was unable to respond, Lasidious placed the flame-covered blade back in its sheath and then grabbed the king’s hands. He extended a barrier of protection that encompassed Kepler, Sam and the crates that sat behind the king.

  As the shaking worsened, Dragonia started to drift from its orbit. It was not long before the new Hell and its single moon were traveling through space at speeds beyond the speed of light. The light reflecting off Dragonia’s moon faded as they drifted further from the sun the world would no longer orbit.

  Watching the light diminish, Sam’s face became harder to see. Lasidious shouted from within the protective barrier. “The gods must be moving Dragonia to a new location! To do so, they will need to create a new star!”

  Seeing the king’s anxiety, Lasidious reached out and grabbed Sam by the shoulders and shook him. “Are you hearing me, Sam? Sam! Sam!”

  “Umm...”

  “Look at me, brother! Look me in the eyes!”

  The king did as he was told.

  “You’re going to be alright! Ignore the noise! Nothing can hurt you now! My power is protecting you!”

  The king’s stare was bla
nk. Lasidious shook Sam by the shoulders again. “Pay attention! You would’ve frozen and perished if it wasn’t for me! You’re corpse would’ve been thrown from this world!” He shook Sam again. “Are you hearing me?”

  Again, the king did not respond. He was occupied, watching while the last bit of light that reflected off Dragonia’s moon dissipated—leaving them standing in what little light that escaped Kael’s sheath.

  Lasidious retrieved Kael and commanded the blade to burn brighter. He stabbed the tip of the weapon into the ground and allowed Kael to stand on his own.

  Lasidious shouted, “Sam, pay attention! I must leave for now!” The god waved his hand across the ground. A banquet of food and water appeared. “You have enough to last until stasis ends! Don’t set foot outside the barrier!” Again, Lasidious waved his hand, and the edges of the barrier reflected the sword’s glow. “If you step beyond the boundary, you’ll freeze! Do you understand?”

  After being shaken a bit more, Sam finally nodded.

  “Good! When I leave, the barrier will keep you warm! The food is cooked, and the water is clean! Again, don’t leave the barrier until Kepler begins to move! You’ll know it is safe once he steps out of stasis!” Again, Lasidious shook the king by the shoulders. “Tell me you understand, Sam!”

  When Sam did not respond, Lasidious helped the king to the ground. Once seated, Lasidious bent over and gently slapped the king’s cheek. “Brother! Do you understand everything I’ve said?”

  Hearing the word ‘brother,’ Sam looked up. “I … I understand.”

  “Perfect!” Kneeling, Lasidious placed his forehead against Sam’s. “When the proper moment arrives, you shall remember everything! Stay the course, my brother!” Lasidious vanished.

  Northern Grayham

  The Mountains of Tedfer

  When the Mischievous One reappeared, he was standing on Northern Grayham within the Mountains of Tedfer inside another invisible veil.

  Not more than 20 paces away, Mosley was sniffing at the frozen figures of Clandestiny and Medolas. The Isorians had stopped moving mid-stride while walking down the same path on which they had set the trap for the snowhounds so many seasons ago. Since Grayham had not moved from its orbit, the night terror wolf was not in danger, but he was confused.

  Lasidious stepped out of his veil. “It’s good to see you again, Mosley. Ancients Sovereign hasn’t been the same without you.”

  Startled, the wolf crouched and snarled.

  “Relax, Mosley. It’s me ... Lasidious.” The god lifted his hand and commanded the darkness around them to vanish.

  With a better look at the god’s face, Mosley relaxed. “What do you want?”

  The Mischievous One placed his hand over his heart. “I’m touched. You remember me.”

  “I may not remember everything, but I remember you. What do you want?”

  “Must you be like that, Mosley? I’ve missed you. The god world is witless without you.”

  “Hmpf!”

  “Come now, Mosley. You’re breaking my heart.”

  “I cannot break that which you don’t possess!” the wolf sneered.

  Lasidious crossed his arms and stared into the wolf’s eyes. “I see you still need to work on your hospitality. But no worries, I haven’t come for pleasantries.” The Mischievous One walked forward and studied the frozen Isorians. “I’ve always admired their blue skin and the way their feet suckle the ice.”

  Mosley snapped, “The ice is not a giant teat, Lasidious. What do you want?”

  The Mischievous One sighed. “Fine. See things your way.” He walked to the edge of the ledge and looked out into the darkness. “I want you to abandon Northern Grayham and keep the promise you gave to Celestria. If you come with me, I’ll teach you how to manage the power of the Ancient Mystics and the Swayne Enserad. Then you’ll have your vengeance when George falls lifeless at your feet.”

  Mosley lowered to his haunches. “Why would you help me, Lasidious? Does George no longer serve your purpose?”

  “George was useful, but alas, I’m done with him.”

  “Does George know that?”

  Lasidious snickered, “Of course not … silly wolf. And he won’t know it until you deliver the message. You do still desire vengeance, don’t you? Don’t you also want to return to Ancients Sovereign?”

  “At what cost?” Mosley reasoned.

  “None that I know of. I simply want you to finish the task you’ve set out to accomplish. I want George to perish as much as you do.”

  “Why? What did George do to you?”

  Lasidious returned from the ledge and knelt next to Mosley. He reached out and scratched the back of the wolf’s ears. “George did nothing to me. He bores me now. Ancients Sovereign isn’t the same without you. The others also bore me. I want you back.”

  “I don’t believe you, Lasidious. There’s more to this deception.”

  Lasidious pulled his hand away. “You know me too well. I wasn’t going to tell you, but you leave me no choice. The beast who ended your wife no longer travels with George. With my help, not only will you learn to control the power of the Swayne Enserad, you’ll be able to avenge Luvera’s demise.”

  Mosley growled. “You would help me hunt Kepler?”

  “No. I offer only knowledge. With this knowledge, your hunt will be successful. I also offer a means to reascend.”

  Mosley lifted from his haunches and started to pace. “Why, Lasidious?”

  “Because I want your help.”

  “My help? Do you mean with something other than ending George?”

  “Yes.” Lasidious walked to a nearby boulder and sat on top of it. “You have been around children, Mosley. I’m not the father I should be. I find myself lacking.” The god paused. “But I desperately want to become one. Celestria and I have given life to a son.”

  Mosley stopped pacing. “You have a cub?”

  Lasidious laughed. “I do.”

  “How is that possible? I remember the law that states that gods cannot have pups.”

  Lasidious laughed again. “How matters not. I need your help.”

  “You want me to raise your cub?”

  “No … not raise him. I want you to teach me how to do it. I want my son to love his father. And you have a way with children.”

  “How could you possibly know that? You’ve never seen me rule a pack of my own.”

  Lasidious laughed. “During all your seasons with Bassorine, do you truly believe that your life went unnoticed? I know you better than you know yourself.”

  When Mosley did not respond, Lasidious continued. “I offer vengeance for your wife’s demise. I offer George and Kepler on platters. I offer re-ascension. Why would you pass that up?”

  Mosley stood in thought for a long series of moments and then looked back at the frozen figures of Clandestiny and Medolas. “What about them? Their territory is in turmoil.”

  Lasidious walked between the Isorians and then placed a hand on the back of both before he spewed his lie. “Once I release my hold on them, they’ll reanimate. Their fate will no longer be your concern, and they won’t remember you were here.”

  Mosley snorted his disapproval. “It figures that you were the one who froze them.”

  The Mischievous One chuckled and moved closer to Mosley to take a knee. “Would you expect any less of me? I didn’t want them to hear our conversation. Besides, this is your best opportunity to avenge Luvera’s passing. You could stay behind and fight a war that is not of your making, or you could do something productive.”

  The wolf started to pace. Every now and then, he looked at Clandestiny and Medolas. Eventually, Mosley stopped. “The girl’s power exceeds my own. There isn’t much I could do for them anyway.” He looked at Lasidious. “I’ll go with you.”

  Smiling, Lasidious walked over and touched Mosley on the head. “Sleep, wolf. Sleep...”

  A Short While Later

  The Continent of Eastern Luvelles

  The Ocean of
Agregan

  The Ship Marks George’s Location

  After climbing down the rope ladder, George turned his head away from his staff that now hung from the ship’s center mast. The gem atop the staff was glowing brightly enough to illuminate the deck of the ship as well as the ocean surrounding the vessel for a short distance.

  After using his power to remove the ice, the warlock reached inside his pack and pulled out a piece of bread. Just like the pack, the loaf had been frozen through. Again, he used his magic to restore the loaf to its former form and made it soft enough to consume.

  Heading to the stern of the ship, George lowered onto the railing and took a bite as he looked around. The vessel reminded him of an old pirate ship from movies he had seen on Earth.

  What the heck is going on around here? he thought. Why is everything frozen … and why am I not?

  No matter where the warlock looked, nothing moved. The crew had been like this for many moments, and even the captain was lying in his bunk below deck—just as frozen as they were. The quiet was an eerie feeling, and the ship felt like a floating ghost town.

  To his right, a young, male halfling was on his knees. The boy had been scrubbing the deck, and stranger yet, a bead of sweat had fallen from his chin and was suspended just above the planks.

  George stood and walked to the edge of the steps leading down. He looked above his staff at the main sail that had been hoisted up the mast. Though the sail remained motionless, it held its shape, just as if the wind was still blowing.

  Looking out across what he could see of the ocean, the warlock noticed the waves were just as still. They did not appear to be frozen like normal ice, but the angle of the ship suggested the vessel had been rolling up the surface of a wave before it stopped moving.

  I wonder, George thought. He tossed the loaf of bread and watched as it bounced against the wave and slid down its surface. Yep … frozen. This has to be the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen.

  George descended the ladder and walked across the deck to another ladder that led up to the bow. As he ascended, a voice broke the silence.

  Recognizing the sound, the warlock turned and took a seat on one of the steps. “I was wondering when I’d see you again.”