Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,164

nothing more than to explain. Please, allow me the privilege, Jaress. You owe me this one.”

Jaress shook his head and rolled his eyes. “I thought Mother settled this dispute. Besides, I cannot. I’ve given my word. The Griffin Lord said this question would be asked. I’ve been given special instruction to deliver this answer.” Jaress looked at Sam. “The essence is collected when a griffin allows a healer to harvest his urine.”

Sam grimaced, his face showing his disgust.

BJ and Helga laughed.

Shalee was the first to respond. “That’s downright nasty! Are you standing there telling us that Sam just drank a truckload of piss? What on this world would ever make y’all decide to drink something so foul in the first place? I mean ... who was the first fruit loop to look at a stream of urine coming out of a big, old griffin and think, ‘I wonder if that’ll fix me?’ For heaven’s sake, y’all, you’re drinking piss. I never.”

It took a while, but Sam managed to put a clear thought together. “If drinking Soresym’s essence is what it took to save my life, then I’m grateful. If no man has ever been given this favor ... then why me?”

Jaress could only smile. “Lord Soresym said you would ask that question as well. His response was ... you were given his essence to get even with you for calling him a ‘thing.’ He further said that he hoped you would hate the taste, and he laughed as he launched from the landing platform and flew into the night. I did not expect the delivery of this message to be so enjoyable, but I cannot help myself.”

Sam looked at Shalee. “It wasn’t as bad as it sounds.” He smiled. “Griffin’s must be made of raspberries and lemons. His urine tasted like lemonade. If the idea wasn’t so disgusting, I would bottle it and sell it. At least it would be a healthy drink.” He poured a bit more of Soresym’s essence into his mouth and swallowed. “I’m feeling much better, really. How about a kiss?”

Shalee rolled her eyes. “You’re nasty!”

That evening over dinner, BJ and Helga sought each other’s attention. Both trainers were flirting, but they were careful not to allow their students to see their momentary exchanges of quick smiles and playful winks. It was clear to BJ that there was something between them, and he wanted to explore the possibility of Helga’s companionship.

After dinner, BJ excused himself and asked Helga if she would join him for an evening walk. When Shalee offered to tag along, BJ declined, and said it would be nice to converse without students present.

Sam and Shalee thought nothing of it and retired to their room.

The two trainers put some distance between them and the inn before BJ reached down and took Helga’s hand. They walked east out of town.

Helga used her staff to light the way. Though the walk was long, it felt brief when they stopped at the center of a bridge that spanned the Cripple River.

As they stared into each other’s eyes, they knew their attraction for one another was mutual. It was on this beautiful night, beneath a pitch-black, gentle sky and hundreds of glow bugs surrounding them, that Helga commanded her staff to go dark.

The gentle ripple of the river passing beneath the bridge amplified the mood as BJ put his hand under Helga’s chin. Bringing her lips closer, a passionate kiss followed.

Helga giggled as they separated. “Well now … Mr. Barthom Jonas, you’re quite the kisser.” She pressed against him. “Ohhh ... I can feel your excitement.”

BJ stroked her face. “You have no idea.”

2 PEAKS OF BAILEM

HAVE PASSED

KEPLER is with Maldwin at the entrance to the Cave of Sorrow. The jaguar realized he was going to run into a problem on his way to the cave. He commanded one of his giant, feline subjects from the Enchanted Forest to travel with him. As expected, the rat refused to leave. His family would not be protected while he was gone. Without the stone skeleton warriors promised, Kepler knew it was pointless to argue.

To fix the problem, Kepler told the rodent he would have 100 of his finest warriors guard the entrance to the cave and patrol the Pass of Tears. They would not leave, and they would protect the rat’s family.

Maldwin agreed, and Kepler sent word to his brothers by way of his feline subject. Maldwin instructed his family to stay hidden until the skeletons arrived. Then the pair left