Hosseff’s wispy voice pulled the Goddess of Truth’s eyes off Mieonus. “Ignore her. Tell us what’s on your mind.”
Mieonus flopped back into her chair and crossed her arms. “Sometime this season would be acceptable.”
It took a moment for Calla to collect her thoughts. “While we were expanding the girth of Hell, I came across something interesting.”
Mieonus huffed. “Imagine that! Something interesting on a world called Hell.”
All the gods looked in the Goddess of Hate’s direction and shouted. “Shut up, Mieonus!” Some of the voices were amplified to the point that the sound caused the hall to shake.
Once the hall was silent, Mieonus sat back in her chair, crossed her arms and smirked. “Fine! Finish your stupid story.”
Kesdelain pushed his dreads clear of his face. “Continue.”
The Goddess of Truth waited to see if another objection would come from Mieonus, but when one never came, she spoke. “I saw Sam sitting in a protective barrier on Hell. After I saw the King of Brandor, I went to his castle in search of his queen. What I found was unexpected. The castle was in chaos.”
Celestria’s pointed ears perked up. The halfling-goddess leaned forward and looked down the table. “Calla, I find this most intriguing. Please, go on.”
Nodding, Calla continued. “Apparently, the General Absolute has taken the throne. The king and queen have been missing for a fair number of Peaks. But that’s not what’s most interesting. The Prince of Brandor has been abducted. The army has been secretly searching for the prince for more than 4 Peaks.”
Alistar cut in as if he did not know. “Really? The entire house of Brandor has gone missing? How’s that possible?”
“I know what happened to the queen,” Celestria interjected.
The God of the Harvest gazed down the table at Celestria. His eyes demanded that she stop, but the disheveled Goddess of Beasts ignored the warning and kept talking.
“Since Lasidious has turned his back on me, I shall tell you what has happened to the queen.”
Alistar spoke above Celestria. “Perhaps you should think about what you’re saying. It’s hard to imagine that the depth of your scheming with Lasidious would not fall under the Rule of Fromalla. If Lasidious has turned his back on you as you say, is it truly worth sacrificing all that you are to divulge one of your secrets?”
All eyes surrounding the table stared at Celestria and waited for her response.
Alistar added, “I doubt Lasidious would abandon your love after 10,000 seasons of bliss. Perhaps you’re being hasty.”
Mieonus leaned forward in her chair. “Why do you care, Alistar? If she wants to sacrifice herself, then allow her to do it.”
“Quiet your tongue, Mieonus!” the God of Death hissed. Hosseff stood from his chair and walked around the table. He stopped next to Celestria and then addressed her. “I would receive no pleasure from collecting a soul as beautiful as yours. The table this collective convenes around would not be as enjoyable if you were no longer with us.”
“Please!” Mieonus scoffed as she patted the top of the table. “I’m sure the table would survive.”
Everyone present ignored the Goddess of Hate except Kesdelain. While the others kept their attention focused on Hosseff and Celestria, the troll reached over and placed his hand on top of Mieonus’. He whispered into her ear, “Well said. Perhaps we should enjoy a cup of Nasha at my place later.”
A look of repulsion appeared on the Goddess of Hate’s face as she pulled her hand away. “Don’t touch me, you nasty troll!”
Everyone turned to look in their direction.
Embarrassed, Kesdelain stood and moved to the end of the table and stopped next to Sharvesa. He looked at Celestria. “You were saying?”
As the Collective redirected their attention toward the Goddess of Beasts, it was easy to see the conflict that was filling her mind. Eventually, Celestria responded. “I shall hold my tongue until I know if Lasidious intends to return to me.”
Though it could not be seen, a look of relief appeared on Hosseff’s face. “A wise decision,” he sighed. The God of Death returned to his seat.
Yet again, Mieonus rolled her eyes. “The sentiment in this room makes me want to vomit.”
As the gods turned their heads to give the Goddess of Hate a nasty look, Celestria spoke. “I vote to set Hell in motion.” The Goddess of Beasts vanished.
Moments Later
Southern Grayham
The Castle of Brandor
When Celestria appeared, she was standing inside an invisible veil at the center of the castle courtyard of Brandor. It was clear the army was still searching for the missing prince.
The interim king, Michael, was sitting on top of his mist mare. He had the crown on his head, and he was addressing the man who was temporarily taking his place as General Absolute. “I don’t care how tired the men are, General. If the prince was their charge, they’d leave no stone unturned.”
Bouldon, a strong-jawed, dark-haired man responded. “My Lord, they’ve been awake for over 2 Peaks. They need sleep. They’re no good to the search in this condition.”
Michael’s knuckles turned white as he clenched the reins of his mare. He knew the general was right. He redirected his gaze to his right and stopped on two members of the government. Their robes symbolized the unity of the Senate, and the cloth that hung from their person was elegant. The colors, red, white and gold, reminded those who looked upon them of the bond that every being on Southern Grayham now shared.
The interim king’s eyes stopped on the senator who was clearly out of shape. “Tardin, I want the Senate to become more active in the search. Ensure every man in the kingdom starts looking for the prince.”
The heft beneath Tardin’s chin folded as he bowed his head. “Yes, My King. May I also suggest another course of action?”
Michael’s brows furrowed. “I’m listening.”
Tardin stepped toward the king’s mist mare. “Let’s ask Kolton, the voice of the Fourth and Fifth Marks, to call upon the prophet by using Lasidious’ Promise. Perhaps the prophet could shorten the search.”
Bouldon nodded. “Your Grace, the prophet’s assistance would be welcomed. I encourage you to bestow your blessing upon Tardin’s request.”
Michael dismounted. He handed the reins to one of his officers and then readdressed Tardin. “I want you to call an emergency meeting of the Senate. See to it that Kolton summons the prophet.”
From within her invisible veil, Celestria put her hand to her chin. Calla spoke the truth.
The Goddess of Beasts closed her eyes and thought of Sam. Now that she knew his general location, her power would be strong enough to find him. She vanished.
When Celestria opened her eyes, she saw the King of Southern Grayham lying face down on the ground with Kael hovering above him, and the empty vial that contained Yaloom’s potion was lying next to the king’s mouth.
The goddess dispensed with her veil of magic and stepped through the protective barrier that Lasidious had created. After passing Kepler’s inanimate form, she addressed Sam’s blade. “Kael, what happened? Did he consume the potion all at once?”
The blade rose and stopped eye-level with the goddess. “Yes. I may have forced him to drink too much. He has been unconscious for more than a Peak.”
A look of confusion appeared on the goddess’ face. “Why would you force your master to do anything? Are you not bound to his service?”
Realizing he had said too much, Kael did not respond. Instead, he lowered to the ground and took his place at Sam’s side.
Celestria’s look of confusion was replaced with anger. “Don’t ignore me, blade.”
Again, Kael remained silent.
The goddess adjusted her gown and then knelt. “I said, don’t ignore me!” She reached down with her right hand to take hold of the blade, but as soon as she grasped the weapon’s handle, a powerful wave of heat erupted from Kael and was followed by a burst of en
ergy.
The goddess was thrown backward with such force that she landed more than five paces outside the barrier that was protecting Sam. Dazed, it took a fair series of moments before Celestria was able to pick herself up. As she stood, she found the blade floating toward her, and it was also outside the barrier.
The pulsating of Kael’s blade was intense as he spoke. “I’ve longed for the Peak when I could end your existence. Did you truly believe that Lasidious loved you?”
Kael’s blade turned bright-red, but before the blade could strike down the goddess, the ground started to quake as Hell began to spin on its axis and move along its new orbit.
As the light of Hell’s new star peeked above the horizon, its brilliance captured the blade’s attention. Celestria seized the opportunity to escape. She vanished.
Ancients Sovereign
Beneath the Peaks of Angels
When Celestria reappeared, she was standing next to the cube-shaped fireplace inside the home she shared with Lasidious. “How dare that blade threaten me!” she shouted. She looked down at the burns that covered her right forearm. “Curse you, Kael!”
Touching one of the boils, the goddess winced. She had to use her magic to mend her skin. Once the pain had subsided, she extended her hand toward the fireplace to summon a blaze. Instead of the green flames she loved so much, the fire that burst into existence was dark-red to match her mood.
A voice from behind Celestria spoke out. “I was wondering how long it would be before you returned. Are you okay?”
Celestria whirled around. To her surprise, the God of the Harvest had made himself at home. He was waiting with his feet up on the table, and a half-full mug of nasha was sitting next to his feet.
Celestria stepped forward and knocked the cup off the table in the direction of Alistar’s head. “How dare you show your face here!”
Alistar held up his hands as he ducked. “Whoa! What’s wrong?”
The God of the Harvest’s apparent ignorance only served to anger Celestria further. “You’re what’s wrong, traitor! You knew Lasidious’ love for me was a farce! How dare you feign a friendship with me!”
Alistar pulled his feet off the table and allowed them to fall to the floor. “I feign no such thing.”
“You are a liar and my enemy. Get out of my home!” The goddess waved her hand to revoke the privilege that she and Lasidious had extended to Alistar, but nothing happened. “I said, get out!” She waved her hand again, and again the God of the Harvest was not sent from the home.
Celestria looked at her hands. “How?”
“You don’t have the power to banish me. You can’t remove me without Lasidious’ help.”
The goddess lunged toward the table, grabbed the vase at its center and threw it as hard as she could.
Again, Alistar ducked. “Stop that! I haven’t feigned anything when it comes to our friendship. You’re my brother’s love, and his desire for you remains as strong as it ever was.”
“Lies! All lies!” Celestria grabbed the chair on her side of the table and used her power to help her throw it.
After ducking yet again, Alistar retaliated. With a flip of his wrist, he used his magic to force the Goddess of Beasts into the seat at the far end of the table and then allowed her to scream and struggle for many, many moments before she finally settled down.
Keeping his hold over her, the God of the Harvest reclaimed his seat at the opposing end of the table. “You do realize your actions would’ve summoned the Book’s wrath if they had not been shielded by the veil of protection you and Lasidious placed on your home, don’t you?”
“So?”
“What do you mean, ‘so?’ Have you lost your mind?”
Celestria snorted and then spit.
Alistar tried to get out of the way before the phlegm flew the length of the table, but he had been unprepared for the crudeness of the act. The lugie hit him on his right cheek as his chair toppled backward to the floor because of the way he pushed off to avoid the impact.
Satisfied with the result, Celestria allowed a shallow grin to appear until Alistar reclaimed his feet.
The God of the Harvest reached into his robe, removed a folded cloth and then wiped his face. “You’re making a fool of yourself.”
“I’m no longer the fool you hoped I’d be! I’m onto you! You’re the fool now!”
Fighting fire with fire, Alistar spit back in her direction.
The goddess was forced to duck below the edge of the table.
With the goddess out of sight, Alistar reclaimed his dignity and took a moment to regain his composure. “The fight between you and Lasidious broke his heart! He has simply sought solitude to determine how to proceed! I know he loves you.”
“You lie! He’s planning something! I know it!”
“Of course, he is!” Alistar rebutted.
All Alistar could see was from the bottom of Celestria’s nose to the top of her head as she peeked above the table. He sighed. “When have you not known Lasidious to plot? I can assure you … his plotting isn’t against you.”
“I don’t believe you! You’d lie for him!”
Alistar’s eyes narrowed. “Would you stand up?”
“Why?”
“Because talking to the top of your head is ridiculous.” He dropped below the edge of the table to match Celestria’s posture. “See? Don’t I look ridiculous?”
Celestria had to drop below the table to cover her smile. Alistar did look silly, but she did not want to ruin the seriousness of the conversation by allowing his antics to soften her mood. After putting a distraught look back on her face, she stood. “The two of you are hiding something from me. I know it.”
Alistar reclaimed his seat. His tone was soft. “Tell me ... how could you possibly say that about the one being who has loved you for over 10,000 seasons?”
The goddess crossed her arms. “His love was a lie. The sword told me everything.”
Alistar’s brows furrowed. “The sword?”
“Don’t act as if you don’t know. I speak of the sword that you and Lasidious commissioned to destroy me.”
The God of the Harvest extended his arms away from his body to either side. “How could you possibly expect me to understand what you’re talking about?”
A long series of moments passed as both gods held each other’s glare.
Eventually, Alistar broke the silence. “Look. I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation for whatever you’re angry about.”
“No, there’s not.” Celestria slapped the table with her right hand. “I went to Brandor. Once I saw that Calla spoke the truth about the chaos paralyzing their kingdom, I went to Hell. I saw Brandor’s king lying face down with his sword hovering above him.”
“Let me guess. The blade threatened your existence.”
Celestria was taken aback. “See? You do know.”
Alistar smiled. “Only because you were screaming about it when you appeared. I was behind you when you professed as much. I suppose your forgetfulness is understandable, considering your rage. Tell me, why would the sword’s threat cause you to believe Lasidious’ love isn’t genuine?”
A look of pain filled the goddess’ eyes. “Because the sword told me as much.”
Alistar shook his head and leaned forward. “And you believe the blade spoke the truth?”
“I do.”
“Why?”
“Because the sword intended to destroy me. It had no reason to lie. Kael would have succeeded, if it had not been for the Collective setting Hell in motion.”
“How did you get away?”
“The world started to shake. The blade became distracted, and in his confusion, I fled.”
Alistar exhaled. “Well that’s a relief. That blade has the power to destroy most of the Collective. Only Mieonus, Hosseff, Lasidious and I could stand against it.”
“All the more reason for you to conspire with the blade to get rid of me,” Celestria added.
Alistar rol
led his eyes. “Stop that. How could you be so blind?”
“Blind to what?”
The God of the Harvest stood from his chair. He walked to the fireplace and commanded the flame to burn a cooler color. Satisfied with the blue hues, he responded. “The blade sees you and Lasidious as a threat. He wants to rule at Sam’s side, and he knows Lasidious is seeking power. Kael doesn’t believe that Lasidious intends to serve the Morning Star once Sam remembers his true identity.”
Alistar turned around. “Don’t you see? The blade will say whatever he must to destroy the union between you and Lasidious. Don’t allow your insecurity to destroy everything we’ve worked for.”
The God of the Harvest walked to the end of the table and reclaimed his seat. “Lasidious said there may come a moment when he would need to abandon you in order to protect you. Perhaps there’s more to his seclusion than a simple argument between the two of you. He may know something we don’t.”
Alistar leaned forward and crossed his arms on the table. “After 10,000 seasons, don’t you owe it to Lasidious to trust his judgment? You have already threatened your relationship on two occasions on this Peak. Do you really want it to end?”
Celestria stood in silence for a long series of moments before she sat in the chair at the opposite end of the table and buried her head into her palms.
Alistar stood from his seat, walked the length of the table, stopped next to Celestria and then placed a hand on her back. “I know the way Lasidious functions can be frustrating. But I assure you. I believe his love for you remains strong. My love for you also remains strong. You’re irreplaceable.”
The goddess stood and threw her arms around Alistar’s neck. Tears flowed freely as he comforted her. “I’m sorry, Alistar. I should not have doubted you. You’re right … 10,000 seasons should be enough to earn my loyalty.”
The God of the Harvest rubbed Celestria’s back. “Tell you what ... how about I do everything I can to find answers? Why don’t you find a place to relax and allow the weight of the worlds to fall off your shoulders?”
The Tear of Gramal Page 37