I’ve already taken Seth to Scorpion Island to show him what Brandor is capable of. He’s willing to align his kingdom with Bloodvain. He thinks Brandor is going to attack.”
Lasidious’ eyes were filled with confusion. “I don’t see a reason why Brandor would attack Seth’s city. What am I missing? Why would Sam take his army anywhere other than Bloodvain?”
George chuckled. “If you knew what I know, everything would make sense. I have a plan, Lasidious, but it will require a small amount of help from you.”
“George, I’ve told you, I can’t help with any direct event that could change the balance of power.”
“I know, I know, I know. I don’t need your direct help. All I’m asking is that you get the gods together who were with you when I threatened Senchae with his son’s life and then take them to the Barbarian King’s throne room tomorrow night. I have a few things to say that they’ll find interesting. I’m sure you can do that without breaking any of your rules ... right?”
Lasidious smiled. “I sense a plan of genius. I’ll grant your request. May I know what the plan is?”
“You can wait. Just be there by Late Bailem. I assure you, you won’t be dissatisfied. Once I leave Bloodvain, I’ll be heading to Gessler Village. Bring the gods to The Bloody Trough to hear the rest of my plan. I’ll be at the bar drinking. Just keep them from following me to the shed when I take a leak. Maybe you could bump into a chair or something to let me know you’re there.”
Lasidious agreed and left George to enjoy the rest of his dream. In the morning, the mage woke up to his wife throwing up.
The God World of Ancients Sovereign
Lasidious called Mosley, Yaloom, and Mieonus to the Hall of Judgment. “How are you on this Peak?” the Mischievous One inquired.
The gods and the Book of Immortality—who always rested in the hall—said they were fine, but demanded that the God of Mischief get down to business.
“Did any of you hear what George had to say to the Serpent King last night?”
“I did,” Mosley responded. “Why?”
“Did you learn anything from that meeting?” Lasidious took his seat at the table and played with the Book’s golden stand while he waited for a response.
Mosley thought a moment. “Nothing other than George telling the snake that Brandor was going to attack his kingdom. I know he wants them to fight underground.”
Lasidious smiled. “I see a problem with his plan, don’t you?”
The wolf moved to the head of the table, turned the seat into a platform, and then jumped up and lowered to his haunches. “I see many flaws in his plan. Brandor has no intention of attacking Seth. Why would they fight the Serpent King’s army when George possesses the pieces of the crystal? Sam will attack Bloodvain, not the serpent’s city.”
“I agree, but I overheard George telling the Barbarian King that he needed to meet with him tonight. I thought we could all listen in. I would wager that it’ll be intriguing to see what he’s planning.”
The Book of Immortality floated into a hovering position in front of Lasidious. The thin slit in his binding opened. “I would also like to attend this gathering.”
“Sure, why not?” Lasidious replied. “All you do is sit around and collect dust. It would do you good to get some fresh air in that binding of yours.”
The Book feathered its pages. “A breeze or two would be nice. When shall I appear?”
Lasidious patted the Book’s cover. “Be in the barbarian’s throne room just before Late Bailem, but remain unseen to the mortals.”
Bloodvain’s Throne Room
Late Bailem
Lasidious, Mieonus, Mosley, and the Book arrived in their invisible form and stood behind Senchae’s throne. Yaloom had stayed home, stating he no longer cared what happened. Despite the god’s anger toward Lasidious, his curiosity got the best of him. The God of Greed watched the meeting from his waterfall.
Senchae, the new general of his army, Corvin Hurthon, his guards, and a few of the king’s officers were in attendance. George appeared at the center of the room with Kepler and his brothers surrounding him.
“Thank you for coming!” George announced. “I’ve called you here to let you know that I intend to see that the battle for the pieces of the Crystal Moon is fought on the Serpent King’s land. I’ll be traveling to his lair to hide the Crystal Moon’s pieces until we can defeat the Kingdom of Brandor.”
Senchae interrupted,