The Eye Of Luvelles Part 40

The G.o.ddess of Hate took a seat and then adjusted her voluptuous figure into a seductive position. She was amused at how disciplined the Order leader was. He had kept his eyes lowered, so he had not seen her overt attempt at seduction. He was patiently waiting for her to speak.

Mieonus patted the bed beside her. "Hosseff didn't send me, Boyafed. Please ... come to me and sit."

The G.o.ddess admired the width of the dark warrior's shoulders as he walked across the room. He sat without question and bowed his head.

Boyafed's strong, elven features appealed to Mieonus. His eyes were dark brown, his hair equally dark, but soft and short. His strong jaw complemented the masterpiece that served as his body. She reached over and lifted Boyafed's chin until his eyes found hers. She could feel the paladin tremble as the hair on his arms stood at attention.

With her sweetest smile, Mieonus spoke, "Have you ever touched a G.o.ddess, Boyafed? Would you enjoy being with a woman of my beauty?"

Boyafed was unsure what to say. He remained quiet while he searched for a response.

The G.o.ddess leaned in and kissed his lips, but Boyafed did not kiss her in return. Rather than stop, she kept at it until he finally succ.u.mbed.

The dark warrior found the courage to reach over and pull her to him. She was too beautiful to resist, and Boyafed could feel his heart pounding. The Order leader stood, lifted Mieonus off the bed and then took control.

The G.o.ddess took his aggression upon her being for an expansive series of moments before the mood subsided and they both lay satisfied.

Mieonus smiled as she lay in the paladin's arms. "Boyafed ... I wish with everything in me that I could say my visit was solely for the benefit you've so graciously blessed me with. But I cannot say this without it being a lie. I hate to tell you, but something awful has happened. I don't wish to hurt you, but I've come to deliver terrible news ... news that will cause you to seek vengeance. I a.s.sure you, I truly don't wish to be the bearer of pain."

The Order leader rolled toward the G.o.ddess and kissed her on the end of her nose. "I'm a powerful, proud elf. I can handle adversity."

"I don't doubt your ability to handle any situation. I have no doubt in you at all. I wouldn't be lying here beside you if I did."

"Then tell me ... why is it you've come?"

"You must promise to hear me out."

"You have my word." Boyafed stroked Mieonus' hair. "Continue."

"Your son, Kiayasis, was ended by the King of Southern Grayham. I've come to tell you that he broke your son's neck and left him lying in the forest southeast of Grogger's Swamp. I have always admired you, Boyafed, and a man of your stature deserves an opportunity to seek justice."

Boyafed rolled clear of the bed and stood, failing to cover himself. "Why would the king have ended him? He had no knowledge of Kiayasis' order to dispose of his queen."

Mieonus enjoyed Boyafed's pain, though her facial expression did not show it. "The king saw his queen lying in Kiayasis' arms. I'm sorry for your loss. I wouldn't want any child of mine rotting in the forest. Shouldn't your son's remains be offered to Hosseff?"

"It should, indeed, G.o.ddess." Boyafed's face hardened. "Where is the king now?"

"He's inside the swamp. If you hurry, you could be waiting for him when he exits the swamp. If you wish, I'll return to comfort you after you've avenged your loss."

The G.o.ddess watched as Boyafed donned the black plate of the Order. He sheathed his blessed sword and then helped Mieonus out of bed. He took one last glance at her body. "I must go. I have a king to end and a sacrifice to offer. I'd enjoy your company when I'm finished." Boyafed vanished.

Mieonus smiled as she put her gown back on. She whispered to the empty room as though the paladin was still standing in front of her. "My attraction to you was fict.i.tious, Boyafed. You're a p.a.w.n. How could you believe that I, a G.o.ddess with my beauty, would want to be seen with the likes of you? You'll grieve without me." Mieonus paused. "However, I must give you credit. Your movements were delightful satisfactions. Perhaps I shall use you on some other occasion."

Boyafed appeared outside the stable that held his krape lord. Before the dark warrior had the chance to enter, Hosseff appeared. Boyafed dropped to one knee. "My Lord, how may I serve you?"

From within the nothingness beneath the G.o.d's hood, Lasidious altered his voice to match Hosseff's wispy tone. "Be careful, Boyafed. Don't allow yourself to be deceived. What Mieonus told you about your son is true. Kiayasis has perished, and your desire to avenge his end is acceptable, but Mieonus has desires of her own, and they stretch far beyond lying with you. Her true intent is to use you. I don't want to see you turned into the G.o.ddess' puppet. You're far too strong for that."

Boyafed sighed, "I shouldn't have laid with her, My Lord. I beg your forgiveness. It won't happen again."

"Nonsense. I understand the desires of a strong elf. You did what any man would've done, considering the situation. I applaud you for taking advantage of the opportunity while it existed. The G.o.ddess is indeed a beautiful woman, is she not?"

"Yes, My Lord. She was a good lover, to be sure. I'll avoid her in the future."

"There's no need for that. Use her how you will. Turn her into a plaything, if you wish. Just remember the G.o.d you serve when the moment comes that she tries to manipulate you further." After a brief pat of his wispy hand on the side of Boyafed's arm, the Hosseff imposter continued, "We have many things to discuss. Your desire to avenge your son's death can be harnessed to glorify me. I have a task for you, Boyafed. Are you ready?"

"I live to serve you, My Lord. What would you ask of me...?"

The City of Nept Just after Late Bailem Now, fellow soul ... Nept was a city that had a large population, but it was not the city the inhabitants on the rest of Luvelles came to see. It was the outskirts that called many to its beauty. The countryside of Nept was the home to the finest vineyards on all the worlds. The grapes grew naturally and were used to produce many vintages, but one special wine was made from a vine that grew not far from an inn called Lissey Fione, which meant, sweet wine. This was the only inn on all the worlds that sold a wine called Mesolliff. The amount of coin it took to buy a single bottle was steep-two Yaloom.

Mary, Athena and Susanne eventually arrived at the old, countryside inn, Lissey Fione. This was the first location the ladies had seen on Luvelles that reminded them of their old farming community, Lethwitch, back on Grayham. The buildings were not alive like they were everywhere else on Luvelles, and none of the structures had been created by using magic. The entire town was built the old fas.h.i.+oned way with blood, sweat and tears, since most of the locals were unable to command the arts at all.

Athena and Susanne were glad to get off their feet. They had struggled to keep up with Mary as their mother stumbled through the countryside from one vineyard to another.

After entering through the swinging doors of Lissey Fione, Mary found a pleasant table near an open pit fireplace that sat at the center of the establishment. It did not take long before Mary had ordered and finished yet another gla.s.s of wine.

Grabbing the parchment off the table that listed each vintage, Mary scanned it. "Mesolliff," she announced as her eyes dropped to the bottom of the list. "Look at this, Athena, it's two Yaloom for a single bottle, and even a gla.s.sful is one Jervaise."

Athena's eyes widened. "That's more coin than we used to make in 30 Peaks, Mother. You're not considering it, are you?"

Mary nodded. "Of course, I am. Why shouldn't I? We're here to experience something new."

Susanne sat Garrin on her lap. "No, Mother, you can't spend that much coin on a single experience. It's obscene and not very polite."

Mary dismissed Susanne's concern. "Brayson won't be upset. He told me to have fun before we left, and that's exactly what I intend to do."

"But it's the most expensive wine on the list," Athena reb.u.t.ted. "Why not send that coin back to Grayham and help the rest of the family we left behind?"

Mary scowled. "All the family I care about came with us. You know that. Besides, Brayson didn't give me the coin to give it to someone else. Now that would be impolite." She paused. "So if you think about it, there's really only thing we can do. Let's find out how good Mesolliff tastes."

Mary slammed a Jervaise on the table and ordered a gla.s.s. "Would you girls like one as well?"

Susanne adjusted the baby to her other knee. "Of course, not. I need to watch Garrin, and Athena's pregnant. Besides, one drunk is enough in this family."

Athena jabbed Susanne in the side. "Be nice."

Susanne frowned. "Like you weren't thinking it, too."

The gla.s.s of Mesolliff was delivered to the table by a well-dressed female halfling who had a towel draped across her forearm and rose colored gloves on her hands.

Mary quickly learned that she loved the taste of Mesolliff-A LOT-and she did not hesitate to order another gla.s.s after her first taste. It only took three sips before Mary became intolerable.

Mary opened her bag to retrieve the coins that Brayson had given her and then tossed two Yaloom on the table as she looked across the room at the sommelier who was standing behind the bar. "Bring me a bottle!" she demanded with a slurred voice.

Athena leaned toward Mary. "Mother, you need to stop. You're embarra.s.sing us. You shouldn't be shouting."

Mary grinned and took a swig of Mesolliff. She lifted her head and shouted, "I'm drunk as a skunk, and I need some lovin'!" She said it again and again, announcing to everyone in the establishment that she was anxious for some very specific attention.

Mary stood from her chair and leaned against Athena. "I need some lovin'! I need some lovin', Athena! Where is my elf when I need some lovin'?"

Athena snapped, "Mother, enough! You're embarra.s.sing me." She looked at Susanne. "We've got to get her home."

Susanne nodded. "I agree. Perhaps Brayson will be able to shut her up." A moment later, both girls wanted to die as the owner of the inn walked over to speak with them. As he did, he set the bottle of Mesolliff on the table and placed the cork in a small, clay saucer next to it. "This must be your mother's first series of moments consuming Mesolliff. It's easy to spot a woman who has just had her first taste of nature's seduction. I suggest you take her someplace safe before she starts to fondle the furniture. It'll get worse before it gets better, so I'd hurry if I were you."

Mary lifted the bottle and took another swig. "I love this stuff!" she sloppily boasted. A moment later, Mary gave the sommelier a seductive look. "What's your name?"

The man smiled. "My name is, No, my lady. Have a pleasant evening." He looked at the girls. "I hope you don't have pets at home. Your mother is going to have an eventful night. I would lock her up if I was you."

The girls' faces showed their disgust. They stood and quickly gathered around Mary. Athena read the spell from the Scroll of Teleportation. In an instant, they were home, standing in Mary's bedroom next to the mirror that Brayson had moved upstairs so that their conversations would remain private.

Mary did not waste any of her moments. She took another swig, corked the bottle and then tossed it onto the bed as she stumbled across the room to the mirror to invoke its power.

Athena quickly s.n.a.t.c.hed the bottle off the bed and headed out the door. The girls did not even have a chance to lock Mary inside before Brayson's image appeared in the mirror. All they heard was the Head Master say in an excited voice, "I'll be right there!"

Mary threw open her window to the outside world, tore off her clothes, tossed them to the ground and then flopped onto her bed. "I need some lovin'! Hurry, Brayson!"

Athena and Susanne felt as if they were in a stranger's house. Not long after Brayson arrived, Mary's screams of pa.s.sion filled the night, and they lasted for a considerable amount of moments.

Hearing the disturbance, Kepler and Payne poked their heads out of the lair beneath the rocks. The demon-jaguar shouted across the clearing as Athena shut the front door to Mary's home, "Why all the noise?"

The fairy-demon responded, "Payne go see, Kitty."

Athena screamed as she pointed at Payne. "You move, and I'll skin you alive! You go back inside that hole, or I'll beat you! I'm embarra.s.sed enough! Now get some sleep! Do you understand me?"

Kepler lowered back into the hole without saying another word, but Payne waited until Athena and Susanne went inside Susanne's home before he teleported into a hovering position just outside Mary's window.

The fairy-demon's head poked above the sill. As the festivities inside continued, Payne's head kept tilting side to side, and a confused expression remained plastered on his face.

After many, many moments, Mary's screams finally subsided. Payne teleported back into Kepler's lair. "Kitty, why they do that? That yuck."

Kepler did not look up, but a grin crossed his furry face. "You'll understand some Peak, Freak. I promise. Now get some sleep."

Eventually, Athena left Susanne's home and walked across the clearing to her house. Once inside, she shut the door and leaned against the back of it. She thought, I'm glad Brayson likes mother's adventurous side. But how am I going to look her in the eyes tomorrow?

The Source's Cave The Chamber of the Eye of Magic George began to stir. He felt rested, and his visit with Lasidious during his dream had been informative-extremely informative. He grabbed a quick bite to eat out of his pack and then stood to face the heavy, metal door. Behind it, the Eye of Magic waited.

He reached out, but the door opened before he could touch it. A chill ran down his spine as the heavy hinges squealed from many seasons without proper maintenance. Beyond the door, sitting attached to the top of a thick, wooden staff at the center of a cubed-shaped room was a canary-yellow gem. It looked like a fire burned within it, and it was large, about twice the size of his fist. Nothing else occupied the room.

That's it? George thought to himself. How anticlimactic is this? It's just a stone on a piece of wood. Granted, it's a nice stone, but I was expecting something ... well, something more, I suppose.

He walked into the room. The door slammed behind him, the heavy metal making a thunderous noise. He rubbed his ears to stop the ringing as the room filled with a blinding light that forced him to cover his eyes. Before he knew it, he was standing in front of an angelic being. The light softened and was replaced with a soft-yellow glow that filled the room.

The being's face could not be seen due to the light that consumed it. A ghostly body s.h.i.+mmered while large, feathered wings extended on either side.

George had no idea what to do. Many moments pa.s.sed before the silence broke. "I have been waiting for you, George."

The mage watched the light of the illuminated face fade and be replaced by a large eye. There was no mouth, no lips, nothing to go along with it. It was just a big eye that was sitting on top of the shoulders of an angel's body.

"Does looking at me displease you?"

George smiled. "I wouldn't say I'm displeased. I would say I'm unsure of what to think."

"Your first honest answer. I trust you're prepared to look into my eye? Do you feel you're ready? Do you worry that I'll steal your soul and swallow it?"

"I'm not worried about anything. I do have questions, though."

The eye blinked. "I have never had a Mystic Learner come before me and request his questions answered. Do you not fear for your soul? I have taken many who weren't ready."

George shrugged. "I've got nothing to lose, nor am I your average Mystic Learner. If I die, you're just doing me a favor. There are worse ways to go. The way I look at it, I won't have to deal with this d.a.m.n place any longer. Other than that, I feel pretty good about my chances. I can handle whatever it is you're going to throw at me."

"Your confidence is intriguing," the Eye responded, "so I shall allow one question."

George had many, but he needed to narrow them to the most important. After a short while, he spoke, "I've listened to Master Id speak of becoming strong enough to wield power like the G.o.ds. He said no one has ever been able to obtain this ultimate station, but yet, he said your gift is necessary to make this happen. I'd like to know why no one has ever been able to take your gift and use it to ascend to G.o.dhood. I guess what I'm asking, what has held them all back?"

The eye blinked. There was a long silence before its voice filled the room. "Even the most confident have failed to realize that they have no limitations. It's their own inability to believe in the magnitude of the gift that keeps them from moving to a heightened level of exaltation. You are the first to stand before me and have the confidence to pursue a higher level of knowledge. The others simply looked into my eye when asked, and because of their blind ambition, most surrendered their souls."

"What about Brayson?"

The Eye blinked. "That would be another question, but there's no harm in answering it. Even your master did not have the presence of mind to question me. Step forward, George Nailer, and receive your gift."

George stepped forward. As soon as he looked into the ma.s.sive pupil, he felt weightless, as if gravity no longer mattered. His mind was filled with the knowledge of the most ancient of mystics as he lifted off the floor and remained suspended. Songs, images, fables, events of the past and the words of great teachers were all revealed. More than 2,400 expansions of his chest would pa.s.s before the new warlock was released from the Eye's tutelage and George's eyes closed.

The Eye looked down at George's motionless figure as he settled onto the floor. "Sleep, warlock. You need the rest. Your confidence has allowed you to become extraordinarily powerful."

Grogger's Swamp The Next Morning With Kael in his hand, the trail of death the King of Southern Grayham left as he pa.s.sed through the murky waters of the swamp was long. Sam had come to a good-sized hill, and he was able to crawl out of the water for the first moment since entering the swamp.

As the king ascended the steep embankment, Kael warned, "Stop climbing, Sam."

Sam crouched. "Why?" he whispered.

The blade responded. "It's the crystal. I can sense its power. If I'm right, it is just beyond this hill. I suggest greater caution is in order. We have no idea what we could be facing."

"Agreed." Sam lowered to the ground and finished climbing on his belly. At the top of the hill, he peeked over, but there was nothing but a large, mossy mound that protruded from the middle of more swamp. The king rolled to his back and lifted Kael close to his mouth. "I don't see anything. It looks just like everything else did."

"Your eyes are being deceived," Kael replied. "The crystal is here. Look again."

Sam rolled back to his belly and peeked over. The scene remained unchanged. After thinking it through, he picked up a small stone that was nearby, rolled to his side and then chucked it. He waited for the pebble to disturb the water as it landed not far away from the mossy mound. What he saw next gave him great concern.

The large mound was not a mound at all-it was a creature. It quickly turned, opened its mouth, and a freakishly large tongue lashed out in the direction where the pebble landed. The ma.s.s of the tongue tore into the swamp and displaced a large amount of water.

Sam rolled to his back. "Okay, okay. They said Grogger was big, but what an understatement that was. I wouldn't call him big. I'd call him enormous."

Kael responded. "I have news, but it won't make you happy."

"And what would that be? Wait, let me guess. The crystal is inside the toad."

"Yes, it is, and you need to get it out of him."

"d.a.m.n! You just had to say that, didn't you?"