sleeve and wiped what was left of the moisture from his cheeks. After filling his chest with a much needed breath, he proclaimed. “I’m going to be the best. I’ll suffer the brutality of this world and see to it that every being on this world has a home. I won’t allow their lives to be taken from them the way ours has from us.”
As Sam continued, his eyes held Shalee’s with conviction. “They want an empire … I say we give them one. The two of us will show this world something they’ve never seen before. We will be the leaders they need.” A short silence passed and then Sam grumbled, “We just need to figure out how.”
Shalee’s smile widened. “Oh mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm, mmmmm, Mr. Sam Goodrich, you’re downright sexy when you talk powerful like that. You just turned this little Texan on. You can talk like that to me whenever you want.”
Shalee brushed her lips across Sam’s face. Her cheeks met his, and their warmth caused Sam to become excited. When she closed her mouth across the top of his ear and nibbled, that was all it took.
Sam took control and they loved the night away.
IT’S ANOTHER PEAK on Grayham, and the moments to shine have arrived. Sam is lying with Shalee’s head on his chest. The previous night was explosive and oh, so passionate. Shalee’s heart is filled with love.
BJ was right. Sam feels much better. The couple will snuggle a while longer before getting up.
THE BOOK OF IMMORTALITY is preparing the ceremony to honor Bassorine’s passing. The event will be held on top of the Falls of Faith where Bassorine used to sit when he wanted to think. Once the ceremony ends, the Collective will turn their attention to other matters, as if the late God of War never existed.
GEORGE, KEPLER, and KROGER kept their campfire going throughout the night. In an effort to help, the demon-jaguar offered to use his saliva on George’s leg. The cat’s spit has healing properties and better yet, an instantaneous, soothing effect. The wounds on George’s leg have started to mend. The trio will go over the plan George made once more before entering the cave.
BJ and HELGA are meeting for breakfast to discuss Sam’s fight. As they talk, they find they have much in common. Although neither spoke of it, a romantic interest was kindled.
CELESTRIA is making the best of her stay with the witches on Luvelles. She is teaching them new potion recipes. She can’t believe this family calls themselves witches. They’re idiots, but the goddess knows they won’t draw attention to her baby after he’s born.
MOSLEY woke up inside his new home that Bassorine left behind. It’s perfect, and the wolf is admiring his new view. He’s standing on the porch of his new cabin, and he’s looking across the valleys as he takes a number of deep breaths of the brisk air high atop Catalyst Mountain.
LASIDIOUS is thinking through his plans for the near future. He misses Celestria. He knows the moment is approaching to step down as his team’s leader. This change is just one more piece of his master plan.
Thank you for reading this edition of the Grayham Inquirer
Bassorine’s Old Cabin Home
High Atop Catalyst Mountain on Ancients Sovereign
CHAPTER 17
Daddy, Help Me!
The Cave of Sorrow
GEORGE TOOK A DEEP breath. “Let’s go over the plan again before you go inside, Kep. Kroger and I will stay out here and give you the moments to find a spot to hide. Then, I’ll climb to the top of the entrance and hang out while Kroger bangs his club against the ground. Hopefully, the beast will want to see what the commotion is about. If he does, that should lead him past you, Kep. All you’ll need to do is chase him outside. Remember, you need to stop short of the entrance. We don’t know what will happen if you get too close to it. The map said the beast uses magic to stop folks from leaving once they’re inside. Once the beast is out here, I’ll shoot him. If I miss, Kroger can bash him over the damn head.”
George looked at his companions. “Do you understand that it may take a while before he comes looking? It’s one hell of a big cave, so I’m counting on the walls inside to echo the sound of Kroger’s club.”
Kepler nodded that he understood, but the ogre had an expressionless look on his face. George shook his head. “Do