Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,202

been tending to important matters. Being a god isn’t all it’s presented to be. The others are lazy and not much assistance. I wouldn’t waste your prayers on them.”

Mosley chuckled for a moment at his slight against the others and then continued. “Sam, I’m glad to see you’ve gained an audience with the king. Shalee, I watched the event unfold from the god world when you met in the throne room.”

Keldwin instantly felt uncomfortable when he heard that Mosley had seen what happened. He hoped the wolf would not say anything in front of his general.

Mosley could feel the reluctance of the king and turned to relieve his anxiety. He projected his thoughts into the king’s mind. They were heard only because Keldwin desperately wanted to hear them. Don’t worry yourself, Keldwin. Your secret is safe. I won’t tell the general of your fear of Sam and Shalee. You shall remain the dominant leader of your pack, and there’s no need to whimper.

Upon seeing the king’s relief, the wolf-god addressed the room. “I agree with His Majesty’s choice to place Sam as second in command. It’s the best course of action for this kingdom.”

Keldwin sighed. “Lord Mosley, is there anything else we should know?”

The wolf nodded. “Sam will be instrumental when helping your son, Aaron, defend this kingdom against all foes who stand against it. Sam does not need to be the leader of this empire to accomplish this, but he will be a critical asset to your heir.”

Mosley sat on his haunches on the center of the table and held Keldwin’s gaze. “I hope you’ll demonstrate patience while Sam works with your son to transform this kingdom into the archetype the gods want it to be. If you do this, the other worlds will adopt new customs, and the gods will allow the races to live where they so choose.”

The king was a bit unnerved. “Lord Mosley, you spoke of this transformation as if I won’t be here to see it occur. You have spoken of my kingdom as if it wasn’t mine, and made it Aaron’s. What is to become of me?”

Mosley jumped down from the table and moved to the king’s side. “Keldwin, I hate to deliver negative enlightenment, but your body is fighting a disease and has been for over a season. Your ability to fight this illness is beginning to weaken. By morning, you will start to feel the effect, and your healers won’t be able to stop it. Your Peaks as the leader of Brandor’s pack are few.”

“Then ... I am to pass right away?”

“No, Keldwin. I’m here to bless you. You shall see the end of your tournament. This will be my gift to you. As per your custom, your son will become king, and the general, his advisor. By default, Sam will become General Absolute.

“Your confidence in Sam has not been misplaced. This change will be hard for the officers in your army to accept, but I will be present when you tell them. I’m sure their loyalty will remain strong.”

Prince Aaron waited for the god to finish. He then jumped from his seat and begged for his father’s life.

The king held up his hand, silencing Aaron. “Be strong. Hold your head high, and be proud. Everything is as it should be.”

Keldwin stood and started to pace. He moved along Sam’s side of the table as he spoke, “My son is brave. He will make a fine king. When I pass, the general would be the best advisor. I agree, Lord Mosley, as per our custom, Sam will become general.”

Keldwin placed his hands on the back of his son’s chair. “Aaron, you don’t have an heir. I suggest you find a mate. I know this isn’t how you envisioned finding a wife, but you’ve enjoyed sowing your seed long enough. The moment has come for you to do your duty.”

The prince stood and embraced his father. “I promise I won’t let you down. I’ll lead the people with the wisdom you’ve imparted.”

The king smiled, and for a moment, he allowed himself to be proud. “I have a request. I would ask that everyone in this room call me by my first name when we aren’t in the company of others until the moment I pass. Let us speak as equals. I would like to enjoy this pleasantry before I perish. I find myself wanting friends right now, not loyal subjects. This isn’t something I wish to command. I want it to be