Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,172

hand.

“May I help you, young man?” Sam asked.

“Your presence is commanded at Duke Barthom Brandor’s estate, sir.”

Sam looked at Shalee and laughed. “Well, who are we to turn down a request to meet our first Duke?”

The child looked up while standing in Sam’s imposing shadow. “This is not a request, sir. It’s an order.”

Sam’s mood changed. “And if I don’t want to come, young man?”

The child squirmed. “Sir, I beg you. If you don’t, I’ll be beaten for my incompetence.”

Shalee slid in close to Sam. “He’s just a boy. You said you wanted the fame. I suppose with it, we’ll have to put up with a few pompous jerks every now and then.”

Shalee’s accent softened Sam’s mood. The fighter turned to the boy and extended his hand. “Lead the way, buddy.”

After a big smile appeared, the child led them through the city and up a hill past a number of large estates.

The buildings reminded Shalee of the architecture of old Rome which she had studied during her travels on Earth. The scene was fascinating. It was satisfying to see this sort of architecture in a form other than ruins. It was pristine and functional.

Sam, on the other hand, was not so impressed. “You’d think the gods would have at least given the people of this world some other ideas for their structures. I know it was supposed to make our transition easier, but give me a break. It’s not unique. Everything since our arrival, though beautiful, appears to be from some period of our history.”

Shalee rolled her eyes. “For heaven’s sake, Sam, this place is delightful. Who says these ideas were ours in the first place? Maybe they were used before Earth was ever created, in some other culture, on some other world. What if the gods simply recycle their ideas over and over?”

Sam nodded. “Point made. I suppose that wouldn’t surprise me after all we’ve learned. I wonder what the other worlds look like. Bassorine did say they’re different. I wonder how much.”

As they continued to walk, more massive columns lined the road leading to the duke’s home. The detail of the sculptures chiseled into the columns made them remarkably life-like.

Bountiful grapevines stretched between the columns and were set in the stone hands of the sculptures that held their arms outstretched. Slaves lined the vines, and the fruit being plucked was succulent.

The cobblestones of the road leading to the duke’s home were perfectly placed. They sat on top of tamped rubble to allow for the drainage of storm water.

The duke’s home was enormous, making both visitors feel anxious as they entered. They were taken to a large room, and as the decorative doors opened, a group of well-dressed people, in a flowing assortment of colored cloths, greeted them.

Shalee was relieved that she had made them dress nicely for their special Peak together.

A fat, jovial man walked up and introduced himself. “Welcome! Welcome! I’m Duke Barthom Brandor. I trust you’re enjoying your stay in West Utopia.”

Sam nodded. “We are. You have a lovely city.”

Duke Brandor smiled. “Wonderful. I have heard much prior to your arrival, Sam.” Barthom looked at Shalee. “I don’t believe I know who you are, young lady.” The duke reached out, took Shalee’s hand and then kissed the top of it.

“Well aren’t you all proper-like? It’s nice to meet you, too, Duke Brandor. My name is Shalee.”

After hearing Shalee’s accent, Barthom kissed the top of her hand again. “Your speech is charming.” The duke looked at Sam. “I do believe a woman as beautiful as the one you have on your arm should be given the right to call me by name.”

Sam nodded. “I’m sure that would make things far more pleasant for the lady.”

“Then it’s settled. Shalee, you shall call me Barthom. Sam, since I have extended this courtesy to your lovely companion, I shall allow you the same privilege.”

“ Thank you, Barthom. To what do we owe the pleasure of being called to your home?”

“I watched your fights. I must say your reputation is understated. I don’t believe that I’ve ever seen such a presence in the arenas since my king’s General Absolute. I dare say you could find yourself in the arena with Graywind on one of these Peaks. This would be a fight that I dare not miss. He, like you, has killed every being who has entered the arena against him. I do hope you’re able to make it that far. I would love to watch you shove his vanity down his