Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,204

had enjoyed the ride. He hoped to arrive in Lethwitch the following evening before Late Bailem, and he was anxious to see Athena. He was also anxious about the plan he had devised with Maldwin. He hoped it would work and wanted to put it in motion as soon as possible. He intended to introduce the rat to Athena’s relatives and let the rodent’s visions do the rest.

But since they would not arrive in Lethwitch until the next evening, the group had a night to kill. They checked into an inn that was close to Champions’ landing platform. The inn was located just inside the city gates, and it was owned by one of Amar’s relatives. Matilda’s Brassiere was a dive, and it had about as much class as Amar’s brother.

Matilda was a large woman, and she had a nasty mole between her cheek and the corner of her nose on the left side of her face. The mole even had a hair that grew out of it and curled like a swine’s tail. It was all George could do to keep a straight face when she handed them the keys to their rooms.

As George walked up the steps with Amar, he chided, “Are you the only one in your family that’s not repulsive? No offense, but your cousin and your brother both look like garesh.”

Amar scoffed, “What would you have me do? I didn’t choose my relatives.”

“I feel you, man,” George replied, “but is your whole family like that?”

Amar shook his head. “My father’s side of the family is, but my mother’s side is filled with grace.”

A look of bewilderment appeared on George’s face. “Why would your mom marry such nastiness?”

Amar took a deep breath. “The marriage was arranged. My mother says love is blind.”

George grabbed the doorknob leading into his room. “Apparently, love comes without a sense of smell, too. I’ll see you in the morning, Amar.” He walked inside his room and shut the door.

George pulled his pack off of his back, set it down next to the end of the bed and smiled as Maldwin popped out. He had been carrying the rat in his pack since the rodent was too small to keep up, and this had given George the chance to teach Maldwin a new phrase, “Everything is A-okay, man!”

George realized he was becoming fond of the rodent. He grabbed some wood that was stacked next to the wall and started a fire. After a quick bath, he ate a couple of biscuits, fed Maldwin one as well and then lay down to get some rest.

It was not long before he was dreaming of Abbie and his beautiful Athena. The dream was pleasant, but Lasidious interrupted. The God of Mischief was requesting a conversation, and he wanted to enter his dream. As agreed that night in the Enchanted Forest, George allowed him in.

“George, my friend, how are your travels?”

“I’m sure you already know, Lasidious. Get to the point. What do you want?”

The Mischievous One snickered. “I’ve come to discuss important matters. I fear there’s an obstacle that could stop us from achieving our goal to get your daughter’s soul out of the Book.”

“Then let’s figure it out. What do I need to do?”

“As always, George, you don’t disappoint. The woman you arrived with on Grayham has discovered she has power. This will present a problem for us, and I need to know how you feel about Amar.”

“Why? What does Amar have to do with Shalee?”

“Nothing yet, but once he understands the power she possesses, he’ll seek her out to take it for himself.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” George replied. “Are you talking about the same Amar I know? He isn’t even worth having around. He’s a spineless chump. You should’ve seen the look on his face when I said I wanted to fight for the Crown of Bloodvain.”

“I agree, Amar doesn’t have the backbone to fight for greatness, but he’s the most powerful mage in Southern Grayham. I told him to keep the extent of his power hidden from you until the moment was right. If he goes after Shalee, he’ll become impossible for you to control. This will destroy your chances to get your daughter back. I don’t want this, George. Do you?”

“Hell no! So what can I do about it ... other than turn his ass to stone, or is that what you want me to do? Is that even possible?”

Lasidious gave a sly grin. “I don’t want you to