Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,145

about Sam.”

“I’d like that,” George replied. “Maybe we could all have dinner and catch up.”

Shalee smiled. “Sam would’ve stopped you right then. The natives around here don’t use the word maybe. They all say perhaps.”

George just rolled his eyes. “Whatever!”

Later that Evening

South of Lethwitch

Sam was with BJ in a farmer’s field just south of town when Shalee showed up and told Sam about George. The fighter was intrigued to know that George was alive, and he was interested in meeting for dinner.

Tossing his wooden stave to the ground, Sam proceeded to get dressed and then tended to BJ’s wounds. “It looks like the old man has gone soft on me,” Sam joked as he applied the healing mud to the trainer’s leg.

BJ grumbled, “Give me a couple gifts from the gods, and watch what I do to you. If you weren’t blessed, I’d beat you senseless.”

Sam and Shalee laughed. After a few moments passed, BJ lightened up. They headed out to meet George for dinner.

SAM and SHALEE are making their way to a tavern across town to have dinner with George who is waiting for them to arrive.

Amar is sitting at the bar. The mage is working up the courage to introduce himself to George. Lasidious is also present. The god is sitting inside an invisible veil. He is curious as to how George will react to Amar.

CELESTRIA has retired to her room that was provided by the witch family. She is having a pleasant conversation with two squirrels as they eat nuts she has set out for them. Her conversation with the squirrels is a wonderful stress reliever. Her interactions with the witches are driving her mad. She is counting the Peaks until her son is born.

MOSLEY left his team after they had yet another meeting. The gods were all in agreement. Mosley will visit Keldwin, the King of Brandor.

ATHENA is singing as she washes the dishes at her mother’s home. She is excited about the flowers that were delivered to her from work. She cannot wait to see George again. She has read the note over and over, anxious for her shift to start tomorrow night when George promised to return.

SENCHAE BLOODVAIN is holding his unicorn horn close to his groin. The healing power of the horn is soothing the pain, but he cannot believe how black and blue his inner thighs are. Since the bull’s departure, the king has been contemplating the Lasidious’ words. Senchae is also struggling with his immense pride.

Never before has Senchae been in a near-fatal position. Although his men do not regard him any differently—their respect still intact—the memory of the encounter gnaws at Senchae. He would have preferred an honorable death to the bull’s mere departure. But ending his own life would be cowardly, so his only option is to swallow this bitter pill.

Thank you for reading this edition of the Grayham Inquirer

CHAPTER 21

A Soul Rescued

GEORGE WAITED FOR HIS dinner companions to arrive as he finished his second mug of ale. While he waited, a gray-haired man approached from the bar. The man was wearing a light green, hooded robe, and he was holding a staff that had a cubed shaped gem set at its top.

Amar tapped the butt end of his staff against the floor and took a seat across from George. “We should speak.”

George looked across the table and scanned Amar’s appearance. You’ve got to be kidding me. This schmuck looks like Merlin. “Look pal, I have people coming. You need to take a hike.”

“I’ll speak quickly, George.” The mage watched the surprise appear on George’s face. “Yes, I know your name. I’ve been sent to assist you on your journey. I know you need my help with your … well ... let’s just call it your gift since we are in mixed company. Under my tutelage, you could learn to master it.”

George leaned across the table. “Don’t tell me what I need. Whoever sent you should mind his own business. I don’t need your help.”

The mage leaned forward. “Lasidious sent me. My name is Amar.”

George feigned his interest. “Oh, so you’re Amar! Why didn’t you just say so?” The jerk changed his expression. “I don’t give a crap who you are. Tell Lasidious to mind his own business. It’s best you go before I make you wish that you had.”

Amar’s expression was filled with concern. “You speak of our lord as if you don’t respect him. He’s to be feared.”

George stood, pushed his seat back and then looked down