Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,213

and as he held his cup in his hand, his forearm rippled.

Michael’s position at the king’s table was directly across from Justin Graywind, and Sam was sitting to his right. The legion leaders occupied seats along the length of the table with the prince sitting at the far end, opposite his father.

Keldwin continued. “I have a few more items to address. Some of them may not sit well with you, but I’ve received word that my decisions are what’s best for this kingdom. This confirmation comes directly from the gods.”

The room filled with whispers as the officers looked at each other. The seriousness of the meeting had just increased.

The general stood and commanded their silence.

As the king continued, he circled the table and then stopped behind his chair. “Bassorine has been destroyed.”

Before Keldwin could speak another word, the table became agitated and questions filled the air.

Again, the general stood and commanded their silence. “This meeting will come to order. No one will speak again until the king has finished!”

The officers knew not to question Justin’s authority. His position and reputation as a mighty warrior were well respected.

Everyone quieted, and the king reclaimed the floor. “Bassorine has been destroyed. A new god has taken his place.”

Keldwin’s eyes scanned the room as he watched his officers throw each other glances. Never had a god made his presence known to the officers in his army. Keldwin had never met Bassorine, but knew Mosley from the work Bassorine had the wolf doing before he ascended. “The god who has replaced Bassorine, is Lord Mosley. The wolf will be joining us for breakfast.”

The king knew his revelation would get a reaction, because most of his officers had met Mosley in the past. The table once again buzzed with commotion, but the king stopped the general from shouting. He allowed the men to talk amongst themselves.

After a moment, Keldwin raised his hand, and the room quieted. “As I was saying, gentlemen, Mosley is our new Lord. You will worship him as you worshiped Bassorine.”

The king was unable to speak further. A powerful wind filled the room, strong enough that each man had to steady his glass. As the wind settled, a brilliant light appeared a few paces behind the king’s chair. The men were forced to shield their eyes. When the light dissipated, Mosley stood in its place.

Despite the king’s warning that the wolf was coming, the men stood from their seats and retreated to the far end of the table.

The general turned his back to his men to keep his grin from being seen. “They’re all spineless,” he whispered to Keldwin.

“Easy, my friend. It’s not every Peak a god visits.”

Sam took a step away from the table and knelt on one knee. The king, the prince, and the General Absolute followed suit to emphasize the importance of the god’s appearance. They remained in this position with their heads bowed until the rest of the men gathered the nerve to step forward and kneel.

Mosley had added additional size to his frame for the occasion, and he looked twice his normal mass. He sat on his haunches and pushed his furry chest out in a majestic pose. He looked stunning. His teeth were white, his tail and coat looked brushed and had a regal shine. His look was befitting of a God of War.

With everyone kneeling, the canine spoke. “Great King, I request to be a part of this meeting. I am here to voice my opinions. Please stand, Keldwin, so we may speak in private.”

The king rose and followed Mosley to the far side of the room where the wolf leaned in toward Keldwin. “Do you think they bought it? They seemed nervous. Yet I feel an impression has been made. I hope my entrance was grand enough.”

“The men will listen to everything you say, My Lord. It was a fine entrance.”

“But do you think it was dramatic? Was it worthy of a pack leader of my stature?”

“Ohhhhh, more than dramatic, My Lord. The men have never seen anything like it, I assure you.”

Mosley sniffed Keldwin’s fingers. “How are you feeling?”

Keldwin hesitated. “I feel as good as a man can, considering I’m about to pass.”

“The disease is spreading.” Mosley snorted to clear the smell of the disease from his nostrils. “Please kneel, Keldwin, so I can impart the blessing you need to see to the end of your tournament.”

The men watched their king take a knee.

Mosley placed his paw on top of Keldwin’s head. A glow