Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,174

face as he threw it over his head to try it on.

The armor was way too large for his smaller frame, but this did not curb BJ’s enthusiasm. “Sam, do you realize what this means?”

The fighter crossed the room and picked up the bracers. “It means we have met our first noble, why?”

“It means far more than that,” BJ responded. “It means the house of Brandor is watching your career. It means the king knows who you are. When something like this happens, a fighter usually receives an invitation to the battle of champions before he completes the circuit requirements.”

BJ put his hand on Sam’s shoulder. “You’ve only competed in three cities. I would wager that if you win your next few fights, you could get an invitation to the city of Champions before you complete the tour.

“Sam, all you have to do is ensure your victories are memorable. If they are, we’ll be on our way to the Senate’s tournament.

“There is far more than fighting at this tournament. Just like the king’s tournament in Brandor, the Senate’s tournament is a citywide event that lasts for 10 Peaks. Sixty-four fighters are invited, and none of the fights are meant to be to the death.

“The winners of this tournament from past seasons are given a chance to enter the king’s tournament in Brandor. The ultimate prize is to defeat the General Absolute. Many want the glory attached to this victory, but all have perished while trying to attain it. The general is merciless, and although he’s an honorable man, he believes the arena is a glorious place to pass. The leader of the king’s army steps into the arena prepared to kill and equally prepared to surrender his life.”

BJ took off the chest piece and placed it on Sam. He admired the fit as he tightened the straps beneath Sam’s arms. “The first Peak of the tournament is to celebrate the 64 fighters and the General Absolute. The next seven are filled with heroic battles. In Brandor, the field is narrowed until only one fighter remains. On the ninth Peak, this being is given the chance to face the general. To battle the general is considered the highest form of exaltation a warrior can receive. The winner is celebrated and invited to the king’s personal table. For as long as I can remember, the general has been the one celebrated, but I don’t think he cares about dining with the king any longer.”

BJ reached up, grabbed hold of his student’s head and placed his forehead to Sam’s. “Victory could be yours. If you were to beat the general … you would be one of the most powerful men in the kingdom. Only the king and his son would stand above you.”

An enormous smile appeared on Sam’s face. “I can make the impression we need to win our invitation to the city of Champions. You can mark my words on that.”

Sam turned and headed for the bar. He was about to order an ale when Shalee tapped him on the shoulder. He turned to see a look of fright in her eyes. “What’s wrong?”

Shalee put her hand on his armor-covered chest. “Didn’t you hear the part where BJ said that all of the general’s opponents have died?”

“I heard it. What’s the big deal?”

“Doggone it, Sam. I know you’re not dumb. He’s killed everyone. For heaven’s sake, don’t you think that’s a problem? I don’t want anything to happen to you. I love you, ya big ox.”

“Okay, okay. Hold on a second. You know I love you, too. But BJ also said I don’t have to fight the general if I don’t want to. So let’s not worry about it, and let’s take it one fight at a time. Sound good?”

“No, that doesn’t sound good. I don’t want you to fight him.”

“So, I won’t. Don’t worry about it.”

Sam pulled Shalee close and winked at BJ. He just wanted Shalee to relax, but he knew he would fight the general if given the chance. He had no choice. How else could he get into a position of power? Shalee would just have to understand when the moment arrived for him to make the decision.

Shalee seemed to be okay with his answer. She released Sam and then turned to Helga. “I need your help. Would make a quick detour to the city of Brandor and find a place for us to live? I’ll give you the coin for it.”

Being this close to Brandor, it would