Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,207

when he continued. “I didn’t want Kepler and Maldwin to hear this, but I need a friend. I need a father figure. I’ve lost so much.” He paused again for effect. “But more than that, I need someone I can completely trust, and I see you as the person I can tell anything. But I may be assuming too much. I’m sorry, Amar, but do you think you could be all that for me?”

Amar placed his right hand on the manipulator’s left knee and squeezed. “You sound desperate. Are you okay, George?”

George shook his head. “No, I’m not okay. Look, I know I sound like some kind of sap right now, and I completely understand if you don’t think you can be there for me.” He paused again. “I mean ... what was I thinking? I’m sorry, Amar. I shouldn’t have bothered you.” The manipulator finished off his deception by allowing a tear to roll down his cheek.

Amar was unsure how to respond at first. The shed remained silent as he searched for the right thing to say. “I am old enough to be your father. I suppose I have it in me. I have to admit that I had my doubts about you as well. I didn’t think you cared for my companionship. I’m surprised at your request.”

George played up the part. “I’m not above begging. The people that I love will benefit by loving me back. So, what do you say?”

A few more moments passed, and then Amar nodded. “I will take you in as my own and try to replace the father you lost. I just hope I don’t let you down.”

The manipulator turned and straddled the bench in order to face Amar. “I cannot tell you how good that makes me feel.” George reached out and placed his hand on Amar’s shoulder. “I have news, my new father of mine ... news that might make you happy.”

Amar’s brows lifted. “What sort of news?”

“Well … it’s like this. I know where you can gain a significant amount of power above what you already command.” George enjoyed the surprise on Amar’s face. “That’s right. I know the depth of your power. I also know of a woman who has surpassed your ability. Her magic would increase yours if you were to seek her out and take it from her.”

Amar questioned, “How do you know the depth of my magic? I have said nothing of it. And how do you know the secret of the ancient elves?”

“I’m pretty smart, Amar. But your knowledge of this secret comes from the same source as mine ... Lasidious. Now that we’re united, I’ll tell you the woman’s name if you want to know it. This is my way of showing you that it is my true desire to be your son.”

“George, this is valuable information. Please ... I desperately would like to know her name.”

George’s bright smile widened. “Let’s take our relationship to new heights. Together, we’ll seize control of this world.”

Amar’s grin reflected his urgency to know more. “You must tell me this woman’s name, and where can I find her?”

George spit in his hand and stuck it out. “Before I tell you, we need to seal the deal.”

Amar stared at the saliva in George’s palm.

George explained. “It’s not gross or anything to take my hand. Where I’m from, this is how we become family. You spit in your hand, and I spit in mine. When we shake, it’s a done deal. You do want to be my father, right?”

Amar nodded. If all it took was one handful of spit to get the information he needed to acquire more power, it was worth it. He lifted his hand, spit in his palm and then smiled as he extended his arm.

George grabbed Amar’s hand and shook it. As he did, a sinister smile appeared on his face. “I’m so glad you fell for this garesh.”

Amar’s eyes widened. He tried to speak to defend himself, but it was too late. His tongue was already stone. He ripped his hand away and tried to take a step back, but his feet were too heavy. They were also petrified, and both of his hands were beginning to turn.

The pain was severe, and the grayness spreading across the backside of his hands frightened him. Again, Amar tried to move, but the weight of his feet caused him to become unbalanced. He fell backward to his butt and hit his head on the side of the forge.

George