Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,15

must be some kind of hall. I wonder who these two yahoos are. What’s their story? And why is this place so damn dark? It’s kinda creeping me out. He grinned. Ha! Who am I kidding? I’ve been in worse places than this. He frowned at the two figures. Hey! Why didn’t I get a damn altar?

After sitting in silence for what seemed like forever, George whispered, “Where am I? What the hell is this place, and how in the hell did I get here?” As he spoke, his voice amplified to solicit a response, shouting without fear of the unknown. “Hello!”

Nothing. “Hello! Someone answer me, for hell’s sake!” Still nothing. “Figures,” he sneered.

He looked again at the bodies lying on the altars. One of them moved, and by the sound of the moan, it was a woman. She was not yet in focus, so he could only guess since she was lying more than 20 feet away.

George knew her eyes would need time to adjust. He watched as she sat up. His mind ran wild with thought, but he said nothing aloud. I wonder if it’s safe to say anything? I wonder who she is? Are they together?

It took everything he had to stay silent as the woman continued to stir. He wanted to speak, but his experience as a hustler knew it was best to keep the advantage in every situation.

Stretching, the woman’s hand came in contact with the other unconscious figure. She jerked it back. “Who’s there?” she asked, panic-stricken. But there was no response.

George grinned. She’s scared. Good.

Again, the woman questioned, “Who’s there?”

George smirked. I’m definitely not the only one confused. That makes me feel better.

The other figure groaned.

George watched the woman jump. Her growing anxiety was allowing him to feel even more relaxed. I wish I could see the expression on her face. I bet it’s a riot. I can hear her breathing from here.

Slowly, the woman lowered from the altar and felt around the floor. Once confident it was safe, she sat down, scooted away from the noise, unknowingly moving toward George.

The manipulator had to hold back his desire to engage. I should scream, “Boo!” He cupped his hand over his mouth. That would be hilarious. I bet she’d piss herself. He forced his mind to change course. That would be funny, but it would be a disadvantage. They’ll know I’m here.

This time, the woman used a much louder voice. “I said, who’s there?”

The other figure moved again, groaning while grabbing his head with one hand and pushing himself upright with the other.

George watched as the other man draped his legs over the side of his dais. This one’s definitely a guy. He groans like a man. He tried to focus a little harder on the figure. Just let the situation play itself out, Georgie boy.

“I said, who’s there?” the woman yelled again with a more forceful tone. “I’ve got a gun here!”

George reached down under his pant leg and patted the small firearm he always carried with him. Well, I’ve got one, too. Hmmm, she’s got a bit of an accent.

“Okay, okay,” the man responded, trying to gain his bearings. “Relax, will you? My name is Sam. Ugh.” He rubbed his eyes and continued. “Sam, Sam Goodrich. That’s who’s here.”

The woman said nothing. She waited for more information as George continued to revel in her anxiety. I’m loving this. She’d crawl right out of her skin if I started to grumble, “Red rum. Red rum.” Damn, I loved that movie. Stephen, you’re the man.

After a moment of silence, Sam spoke in an authoritative voice. “Who are you? Where am I, and why are all the lights out? ” He rubbed his temples. “Do you have any aspirin? My head’s killing me.”

George watched the woman react, searching her person for what he assumed would have been medication. As it turned out, she did not have anything. She moved farther away, frightened that her inability to help would increase the tension.

It was now clear she was wearing pajamas and slippers. Wow, nice body, George thought. I may not know where I am, but I know beautiful when I see it. Hell … I’ve gotta give credit where credit is due. A guy’s gotta sit back at a time like this and enjoy the show.

The woman replied, speaking to Sam in a soft voice. “I don’t have any aspirin. I’m sorry.” She tried to keep her voice low, not wanting to aggravate Sam’s pain. “If I