Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,171

of yourself, weren’t you?”

“I’m a businessman. Did you expect less?” With that, Kane walked down the path and out of sight.

17 Peaks of Bailem Have Passed

Since Kepler and George Parted

George walked up the stairs of the landing tower with Athena. Amar was waiting for him at the top. The moments George had spent with Athena over the last 17 Peaks were wonderful, and he was certain that he wanted this woman in his life—forever.

The previous evening, George explained that he had to travel to Siren’s Song to meet with the wisp. The fact that he was being forthcoming with Athena surprised him. He desperately wanted to avoid lying to her.

Though his moments with Athena had been short, his love for her had blossomed. Athena deserved the truth, and she got it. She did not question why. Instead, she smiled and instructed George to be careful. All she asked was when she would see him again.

George told the truth, saying he did not know, but he would try to get back to her as soon as he could. He wanted her to believe in him so badly that he gave her his Rolex over dinner and asked if she would consider moving to wherever he settled down.

Her response was everything he wanted to hear, saying it would be okay as long as she could visit her family now and then.

Their last night together had been passionate after retiring to Athena’s mother’s guest house. Their relationship had been consummated.

George greeted Amar, then turned to kiss his beautiful Athena. “Tell Mother I said goodbye.”

Athena liked how George had taken her family in as his own. “I’m sure she’ll ask many questions when I get to work. I’ve never taken this many Peaks off in my life. My sister is expecting all the details. I’m so excited. I don’t have to embellish and make them up.”

Athena moved in close and put her head on George’s chest. “I love you, George.”

This was the first occasion in which he had heard those words uttered from Athena’s mouth. He looked into her eyes and responded, “I love you, too.” For once in his life he had told a woman he loved her without it being some sort of game. His love was genuine.

Amar said goodbye to Athena once the couple’s lips parted, and he climbed onto the back of the hippogriff.

George followed. After plopping down onto the seat, a bright smile appeared on his face. His smile would not go away as the hippogriff took flight. He would gaze at his Athena until she was nothing more than a tiny speck.

The City of West Utopia

Sam had won both of his fights in the town of Mountain View, and then the group had moved on to the city of West Utopia where his opponents suffered the same fate as the others before them. Sam’s record increased to seven wins with zero losses—all of his wins ending in death.

On this Peak, Sam and Shalee decided to take the afternoon off from training. They wanted to spend some quality moments together without the crowds following them around. Sam’s fame was growing and opening doors, but their getaway was necessary to remain sane.

BJ and Helga bid their students Good Peak and took the opportunity to run off to find some quality moments of their own. Their secret relationship had blossomed since their first kiss on the bridge outside of Lethwitch. BJ was smitten with Helga, and he had been creating excuses to be alone with her. But the tactics of creating excuses were becoming tiresome, and BJ was tired of hiding his feelings from Sam and Shalee.

Now, fellow soul ... Southern Grayham was similar to Earth in yet another way. It had its own version of the Paparazzi. Instead of the constant snapping of photos, these seekers of gossip begged Sam to pose so they could illustrate his personage for their stories. These drawings were hung with accompanying articles on the information boards that could be found at the center of most populated areas. With as many moments as it took to sit for an artist, Sam and Shalee would have preferred photographers in their faces.

After the artists of West Utopia were satisfied, Sam and Shalee packed a lunch. It was just past the Peak of Bailem when they headed out of the city. As they were walking through the gates, a young child dressed in fine clothing ran up and bowed. The boy had a piece of parchment in his