Chapter 17

Upon entering the bar, Waitstate found only one customer, sitting in the dark.

“This is a tough time for us all Gravix” Waitstate told him.

Gravix sighed. “I wanted so badly to believe my brother had returned, even for a second. I should have done more, maybe even prevented some of this.”

Waitstate shook his head. “I gave you an assignment, to translate the Book of Mordalis, and you did it well. I just wish I had been more open to the concerns of the rest of the crew regarding Artifice.”

“The Book…” Gravix trailed off.

“I’m not sorry for what I did. If Xaraxus was willing to risk everything to get it, the only way for us to be safe was to get rid of it. You’ve studied the book for a long time. You know more about the Book of Mordalis and the possible reasons Xaraxus was after it better than any of us. That’s not to mention your experiences with the Cult.” Waitstate continued. “Tell me, is there anything else he might be after?”

“If my calculations are correct, there’s only one thing is left, the Eye of Mordalis. In short, it’s an indestructible crystal that was lost eons ago.” A look of disappointment fell upon Gravix’s face. “Even with the help of the translated copy of the Book, I wouldn’t know where to begin looking.”

“Perhaps Xaraxus won’t either” Waitstate suggested.

Gravix grinned. “It’s possible. We can’t assume that he doesn’t know where the Eye is though. After all, he did know where the Book of Mordalis was.”

“He’s getting smarter, that’s for sure.” Waitstate thought for a moment. “I had hoped the Raptors would finish him off, but he’s survived worse. When he shows up again, there’s no doubt in my mind he’ll slip up, in some way.

“We’ve still got some time until the Cult’s Gathering has ended.” Gravix smiled. “Until then, I promise to be more of a team player.”

Waitstate stood and shook Gravix’s hand. “Welcome to the team.”