how he got to Luvelles. Perhaps you should ask him that question. Better yet, ask Brayson Id. I had nothing to do with it. I didn’t know he was on Luvelles. I’ve been looking for him since the war on Grayham began.” The Mischievous One redirected his gaze. “Mosley, are you sure that’s where George is?”
Yaloom rolled his eyes and listened to the wolf’s response.
“I heard Sam question Kepler’s brothers before he ended Koffler. I heard Keller tell Sam that George and Kepler left for Luvelles and caught a ride with the Merchant Angels.”
Lasidious continued his ruse. “I wonder how he made that happen? Perhaps one of us should speak with the Head Master.”
“I shall speak with Brayson,” Alistar responded. “I would very much like to know this answer.”
“I’ll go with you,” Mieonus added, “since Brayson serves me.”
Lasidious leaned forward and clapped his hands. “There’s always a fool who’s willing to serve you, isn’t there, Mieonus?”
Before the goddess could reply, Lasidious raised his voice. “So ... are there any other questions regarding the retrieval of this next piece?”
Though annoyed, Mieonus’ response was brief. “Your rules seem simple enough.” The goddess stood, adjusted her bosom to a more ample position within her royal-purple gown and then crossed her arms beneath her breasts. “Are we finished here?”
Alistar also stood, “I just want to confirm what you’ve said. We can choose anyone, as long as it’s not one of the brothers, or anyone from Harvestom, Trollcom or Dragonia.”
“That’s what I said,” Lasidious confirmed. “You can only choose beings from the lower two worlds, and you cannot choose the brothers.”
“Anyone ... no matter what?” Bailem, the God of the Sun, interjected.
“Yes, no matter what,” the Mischievous One affirmed.
Alistar looked at Mosley. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“I am. We need to take a trip to Brandor. But we should give it a Peak or two. Shalee has lost her cub.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful!” Mieonus cheered. “I’m glad the baby passed. Shalee has far too much potential to be bothered by something as trivial as motherhood. It’s the best thing for her, really.”
Mosley growled as he lowered to the floor, “I disagree!”
The goddess smiled. “Come now ... let’s not let our differences of opinion spoil my moments, wolf. I wish to savor the thought of her pain.”
Mosley shook his head in disgust. “You’re the most annoying being I’ve ever met.”
Before the Goddess of Hate could respond, Celestria appeared in front of the group. “It’s finished, my love. The third piece of crystal has been hidden.”
The goddess had cleaned the moss and filth of the swamp off of her dress—all except a small spot on the bottom, toward the back of her gown.
From where the goddess appeared, only Mosley noticed. The wolf lifted off the floor and walked around her. As he did, his keen sense of smell took note of the unique aroma. The wolf then nodded his head and the spot disappeared.
Mosley put his front paws up on the edge of the table. “Lasidious, I shall be waiting for your disclosure of the crystal’s location. Until then, I request that those on my team meet at my den. We have plans to make.” The wolf adjusted his gaze. “Celestria, as always, it has been nice to see you. Perhaps we shall have ample moments to speak on some other Peak.” With that, Mosley vanished.
“He did not give me the chance to respond.” Celestria chuckled and then took a seat. “How are the rest of you?”
The members of the wolf’s team acknowledged her presence and then vanished. Yaloom’s team was all that was left.
Lasidious looked at Yaloom. “I can’t believe Mieonus would allow you to retake control of your team. Your last display of leadership was void of any form of real thought. I have no doubt you’ll waste this opportunity as well. Vexatious is as vexatious does.”
Yaloom grumbled, “Hmpf, I can handle this with ease. You underestimate my ability.”
“I doubt it. Face it, Yaloom, you’re an idiot. I would wager that you’re dumbfounded. Your team has no idea whom they’ll choose. But that doesn’t surprise me. I would’ve expected as much, considering your inability to lead your team to an informed decision. I’m sure you’ll—”
Yaloom cut the Mischievous One off. “Lasidious, you’ve made this an easy choice. We shall choose George, your pet creation.”
As soon as Yaloom finished speaking, the Book of Immortality lifted from the table and sent a brutal wave of power that flew across the table and smashed into the God of