Morning, 4 Peaks Later
THE BOOK LIFTED OFF THE TABLE where the gods normally gathered and made his way out of the main hall. After floating down a long corridor, he stopped in front of a door made of black iron. The door was locked—impassable to all, except him and two others. A golden image of the Source sat at its center.
“Con gon onsey,” Gabriel whispered. The door opened, revealing a gently arching flight of stairs.
The Book’s descent would not be a quick journey. The bottom step had been carved into the core of Ancients Sovereign—a journey of more than 11,000 heartbeats beneath the surface.
Reaching the bottom, the Book stopped in front of another door. Made of pearl, this door’s surface remained smooth without markings or symbols.
Again, Gabriel whispered, “Con gon onsey.” The door opened.
A room with marble walls sat beyond. Emeralds fanned out across the ceiling as it rose to its peak while three jasper chandeliers glistened. The chandeliers had been attached to nothing as they each hovered in front of an arch that shrouded a shelf holding a unique dagger. The arches had been inset with three, large, circular rubies, and they were flanked with an assortment of tourmaline gems.
The floor was made of onyx, and an elevated platform had been placed in the middle of the room. On top of it, a six-pointed star rested at its center, and both the platform and the star had been polished to an unblemished sheen. Their reflective surfaces complemented the light cast by the chandeliers and the glow of six orbs that were attached to the walls beneath sardonyx sconces. Each orb was cradled by three rows of rubies, and they matched those that were inset in the arches.
The Archangel Michael appeared as the Book floated into the room and shut the door. “It’s good to see you, brother,” he announced.
“As it is to see you, Michael.” Gabriel floated to the center of the room. The shape of the Book began to morph into his true form. It was not long before another archangel, equally as glorious, stood atop the carnelian star that had been placed on top of the platform where Michael was standing.
“I see the others have voted to give Dragonia a solar system of its own,” Michael said. “How many Peaks will it be before its creation is complete?”
The archangel Gabriel thought for a moment. “Perhaps six, maybe seven. I’ve lost count. There are many other concerns that weigh heavily on my mind.”
Michael crossed his arms and watched as Gabriel spread his wings to stretch. Once folded, he responded. “Speak of these concerns, brother.”
Gabriel nodded. “Zerachiel becomes impatient. He grows weary of the others’ transgressions. I fear he may take matters into his own hands.”
Placing his right hand to his chin, Michael pulled at his skin. “Perhaps I’ll visit with Zerachiel. I’ll remind him that we cannot force the others to live as we would have them live.”
Gabriel groaned as his brows furrowed. “This plane is no better than the other was prior to the tribulation. They’ll never get it right. Remind me, brother, why did we choose this path?”
Michael placed his hands on Gabriel’s shoulders and squeezed. “Have faith, Gabriel. If but one soul can be salvaged, are not the trials we’ve faced and continue to face worth it? Would you not be willing to suffer the torment again to retrieve our brethren?”
Gabriel crossed his arms. “Of course, I would. I would do it a thousand times a thousand times for each if I had to. But when will it end? How long must we struggle before they concede?”
Michael placed his forehead to Gabriel’s. A single tear rolled from his right eye and fell to the floor. “Dear brother, I’ll plow the way for you to follow for an eternity if I must to save them all.”
Gabriel took a step back and presented a half-smile. “I feared you would say that. Your dedication is the reason why he chose you to lead his army. I’ve always admired you because of that.”
“Save your admiration, brother, for we still have much to do.”
“Agreed,” Gabriel responded. “I should tell you, I met with the Mighty One not long ago.”
“And what did he command?”
“The Source commanded as you asked him to command. The mainland of Dragonia will remain unchanged. The souls who live in this territory will not be bothered by the damned for many seasons. As we agreed, because they have not failed in life, I cannot make this new Hell resemble the torment of the one we pulled them from.”
Michael nodded. “You’ve done well. They deserve their chance to live a life worthy of the Heaven Anahita will create.”
“Then she knows?”
“Yes.”
Gabriel turned away from Michael and waved his hand across the floor. A bench made of amethyst appeared. After spreading his wings, he took a seat and then folded them behind the backside of the bench. “How did Anahita take the discovery of her true identity?”
A large grin appeared on Michael’s face. “It is safe to say her reaction was as spirited as we once remembered. In fact, it was not long ago that she commanded me to sit.”
“What did you do?”
“I sat … as instructed.”
Both archangels laughed.
A lengthy conversation about Anahita followed before Gabriel changed the subject. “What will you do now, brother?”
Michael took a seat on the bench next to Gabriel. “I’ll continue to do our father’s will and work with Anahita to create this plane’s Heaven.” He reached out with his left hand and patted Gabriel’s right knee. “As for you … you shall continue to work with Zerachiel to maintain the balance the worlds so desperately need.”
Gabriel grimaced. “I know I’ve said this before, but I feel I must say it again. I long for the Peak when I can tell the others my true identity. The laws they live by mean nothing to me.”
Michael squeezed Gabriel’s knee and then pulled his hand away as he responded. “The laws they have chosen to govern themselves by may mean nothing to you, but it is these laws that allow you to maintain balance without taking their free will. Be patient, Gabriel. One Peak, you will have the satisfaction of revealing your secret. For on that Peak, their laws will no longer be necessary. Our brethren will suffer no more. They will live in a place of joy and peace ... though their existence will be in the shadow of the ultimate reward our father intended.”
Gabriel stood from the bench and extended a hand to pull Michael to his feet. “Don’t worry. I’ll hold the course.”
After a short embrace, Michael kissed Gabriel on the forehead. “Until we meet again.” Michael vanished.
Before heading back up the stairs, Gabriel reclaimed the form of the Book of Immortality. He opened the door and floated out of the room.
Meanwhile, Anahita’s Shack
Anahita slammed the ancient, leather-bound tome shut. “I don’t understand this stupid thing!” She stood from the table and stormed across the dirt floor toward the front door. Ripping it open, she stepped onto the threshold and looked into the darkness. “Aaahhhhh!” she shouted and then slapped the frame of the door with her left hand. “I hate this place! Damn you, Michael!”
A long silence followed. Despite Helga’s desire to take control of their body to comfort her friend, she feared Anahita’s rage. She already felt weak and did not want to be pushed to the back of Anahita’s mind, only to never return.
Anahita cursed Michael for many more moments before she stopped. She threw up her right hand and extended it toward the darkness. She screamed, “I’m sick of not seeing anything! Tolamea cun noble ayan!” A light erupted from the center of her palm.
The unexpected command of the Ancient Mystics caused the darkness to dissipate for a vast area. As a result, what Anahita saw caused her to forget her anger. She gasped, “Goodness-gracious!” Enormous chunks of mass were floating all around the outside of the shack in every direction—much of it nearly hitting the structure.
Helga had to speak. She took control and brought their hands to their forehead. “Child, these are the material
s we’re expected to use to build the Heaven. Where will we start?”
The question aggravated Anahita. “How in tarnation am I supposed to know? Do I look like some kind of book of knowledge?”
“No, Child. I was—”
“You were what?”
Helga’s growing weakness forced her to remain silent.
When no response came, Anahita sighed, “I’m sorry.” She turned from the door and walked across the room. Stopping in front of the mirror, she found the reflection of their eyes. “I’m really sorry. I bet you want to hogtie me right now. Would you forgive me?”
No response.
“Look. I know I’ve been a pill over the last few Peaks.”
Helga was still unable to respond.
“Are you there?”
Yet again, no response.
Panic set in. “No, no, no! Helga please! Don’t you be leaving me like this. I can’t make it without you.” Anahita grabbed both sides of the mirror and stepped closer to their reflection. “Please … tell me you’re still with me.”
Many moments passed before Anahita’s mood calmed to the point where Helga could reply. “I’m here, Child. Though I don’t know if I’ll be here for long. Your emotions are consuming what’s left of me. I’ve been unable to respond.”
Though she struggled to do so, Helga managed to control their right arm. She reached up and patted their chest. “When you’re angry, it feels as if I lose a part of me. I’m slipping away.”
Tears filled Anahita’s eyes as the sadness overwhelmed her portion of their soul. “Are you going to be okay? I can remain calm for you.”
Again, Helga had to fight for control. “I don’t know, Child. I’m weak.”
“Can I do anything for you?”
In order to respond, Helga had to concentrate with all that remained. “Perhaps you could take us to the cot and allow me to sleep. I need rest.”
“Yes … of course.” Anahita walked across the room and slowly lowered onto the cot. “How does that feel? Should I close our eyes?”
Helga was unable to respond.
“I’ll just close them for now. You go on and take a nap.”
Anahita waited for a response, but one did not come. A tear rolled from her left eye and fell to the cot as she whispered, “Don’t you worry. Everything will be alright. I love you, Helga.”
Western Luvelles
Behind George and Athena’s Home
The Peak of Bailem Approaches
Sharvesa waited until Payne was alone to approach the fairy-demon. He was climbing the trees of the forest that surrounded the homes, leaping from branch to branch to keep himself entertained while Athena, Mary and Susanne gathered around George’s kitchen table as Brayson worked over the stove.
As per the Head Master’s request, Susanne had searched Garrin’s crib to find a strand of the boy’s hair. Brayson was using it as an ingredient to brew a potion that, when drank, would allow him to locate Garrin and then teleport to his location.
“Do you think this one will work?” Athena questioned.
Brayson shook his head. “I don’t know. I thought the last two would. All we can do is hope for the best.”
Staring at the pot, the Head Master watched as the purple liquid started to bubble. He desperately wanted to produce a better result than the last series of moments he had tried to find George, but even that potion had failed. Though he did not know it, the magic had been unable to locate the warlock because George’s ship had been in constant motion.
Meanwhile, outside the back of the home, Sharvesa stepped out of her invisible veil and looked toward the tree tops where Payne was climbing. “Young one!” she called. “Come down and speak with me!”
Payne stopped his ascent. Once his footing was sure, he turned around to look. Seeing that Sharvesa’s skin was the same color as his own, his curiosity was instantly piqued. “You calling to Payne?” he shouted.
The goddess smiled at how the fairy-demon spoke of himself in third person. “Yes, Payne. I’m speaking to you. Come visit with me for a moment.”
“How you know Payne’s name?”
Again, the goddess smiled. “You just told me.”
“Oh.” The fairy-demon released the branch he was holding and jumped out of the tree. He fell more than seven paces before he used his wings to stop his descent. Once his feet were planted on the forest floor, he looked up. “You big. What does big, red lady want with Payne?”
Again, Sharvesa smiled. “I only wish to look upon you, young one. You are handsome … just as I imagined you would be.”
“Payne not handsome. That gross.” He flexed his biceps. “Payne strong. Dad say Payne is the strongest ever, ever. He say Payne grow to be stronger than Kitty some Peak.” He looked up. “What you think?”
“Well … I think you’ll be—”
“Why your horns so big?” the fairy-demon said, interrupting Sharvesa’s response. “Payne’s horns no big. They small. Payne wishes him’s horns were as big as yours.” He paused in thought and then pointed at Sharvesa. “You look like Payne. Do you know how to make Payne’s horns grow bigger?”
The demon-goddess chuckled. “Have you been eating your vegetables?”
“Vegetables are yuk. Mom makes Payne eat many grossest ones.” He reached down and lifted a twig off the ground. “The green ones taste worser than the red ones.”
“I’m sure they do. But no matter how awful they taste, they’re good for you.”
“You speaks like Mom speaks. Are you a mommy, too?”
Sharvesa grinned. Taking a knee, she reached out and placed the palm of her right hand on Payne’s left cheek. “What a strange question. Yes ... I am a mother.”
“Is your son more stronger than Payne?”
“No. In fact, my son is exactly as strong as you are. You remind me of him.”
Payne’s face lit up. “I bet him’s as gooder to you as Payne is to him’s mom.”
Sharvesa grabbed the end of her chin. “I don’t know about that. You seem like a good child. I bet your mother loves you like no other mother on any world.”
The fairy-demon nodded. “Oh, yes. Payne’s mom loves Payne so, so much. She tell him every Peak.”
“This makes me happy, young one. You deserve to be loved.”
Before another word could be said, George’s voice was heard from the other side of the home. “Is anyone here?”
Sharvesa patted Payne on the top of his head. “You best run along. I’m sure we’ll speak again.”
Payne was so excited about George’s arrival, he forgot to say goodbye. The fairy-demon lifted off the ground and flew as fast as his wings could carry him toward the front of the house.
The goddess stepped into another invisible veil and followed.
Opening the door, George shouted a phrase from one of his favorite television shows back on Earth, “Lucy … I’m home!” The warlock closed the door behind him.
Athena pushed open the door leading from the kitchen and rushed across the living room. “I’m happy you’re home. But there’s no Lucy here.”
George rolled his eyes. “Seriously?” He smirked. “Wow. That’s all I’ve got to say.”
Sensing her husband’s sarcasm, Athena slapped his chest and changed the subject. “Garrin is missing again. We can’t find him.”
The warlock did not get the chance to reply before Susanne burst into the room. She threw her arms around George and began to sob. “My baby has been missing for Peaks. He’s out there all alone. He has no food, no water. What if he’s…?” She stopped talking and flopped onto the floor. After burying her face into her hands, she finished her previous sentence. “What if he has perished?”
“Nonsense,” George replied. “You worry too much. Get up from there.” The warlock reached down and helped Susanne up. He looked at Athena. “Babe, go into the kitchen and get her a mug of water.”
As Athena did, Payne barged through the front door and ran across the room. Latching onto George’s
right leg, he exclaimed. “Payne missed Dad!”
Sharvesa entered the home as the warlock reached down to rub the fairy-demon’s back above his wings. “I missed you, too, little guy. Have you been good for Mom?”
The demon-goddess enjoyed the exchange of love as she moved clear of the entryway.
Grinning, the fairy-demon took a step back and used a phrase George had taught him not long ago. “Yeah … duh. Payne always gooder for Mom.”
The warlock laughed. “Is that so?” He lifted Payne into his arms and poked the fairy-demon’s belly. “There’s never a dull moment with you around, is there? Have I told you I love you on this Peak?”
Sharvesa smiled. This man is a good father, she thought.
Between sobs, Susanne chastised, “This isn’t a moment for pleasantries, George. My baby is missing. Garrin could perish before we find him.”
George lowered Payne to the floor. “Why don’t you run into the kitchen, and ask Athena to get you something to eat before she brings me the mug of water I asked for?”
Payne did as he was told.
Admiring George’s calm demeanor, Sharvesa strolled across the living room and stopped in the corner. She leaned against the west wall and watched as George pulled the round, smooth, black stone Lasidious had given him from his front, pant pocket. The goddess’ eyes narrowed as the warlock placed the pebble in the palm of Susanne’s left hand. The effect of the stone was instantaneous. Susanne stopped crying.
A moment later, Susanne handed the stone back to the warlock. She walked toward the front door as if nothing had ever been wrong. “I’ll see you soon, George. Love you.”
“Love you too, Susanne.”
Mary exited the kitchen just after the front door shut. “Where’s my daughter?” she queried. “Athena said she had another breakdown.”
George pointed to the door. “She just left. You might want to catch her.”
As his mother-in-law rushed by, the warlock grabbed Mary’s arm. “Hold on a moment. I’ve got something for you. Give me your hand.”
Mary rebutted, “Not now, George. I need to find Susanne.”
Reaching down, George grabbed Mary’s right hand and forced the pebble into it. “It’s good to see you, you know. I’ve missed you.”
The Tear of Gramal Page 30