Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,22

rather interesting here at the bottom though. It says the group is to awaken the statue and receive instruction to start on the path of their new destinies. Call me crazy, but it feels like it’s referring to us.”

“What do you mean, ‘our’ destinies?” George barked in a sarcastic tone. “Do you actually believe this crap? It could be referring to anyone, not us. I think it’s vain to think we’re the group it’s talking about.”

The jerk threw his hands in the air. “I don’t think any of us wants to be the one who falls by the wayside. Doesn’t that mean death or something tragic? I sell RVs and boats for a living for hell’s sake. I’m not a part of any prophecy. Tell him, Shalee. You’ve got to feel me, right?”

Shalee looked at George, then at Sam. “I kind of agree. This does seem pretty weird. I’m just an architect, and I can’t fathom being part of a prophecy. But…” she hesitated, “but how fun would it be, even if only for a little while, to do something different for a change? I mean, don’t you ever…” She shuffled her feet. “Don’t you ever want to be a part of something larger than yourself? What if…? What if it’s…?”

George exploded. “You’ve got to be kidding me! You’re nuts! I must still be sleeping!” He turned to Sam. “I’ve officially met my first genius, and you’re pathetic. How could you be so off in the head? Wait, I know ... it’s because of everything that’s crammed in that brain of yours.”

George turned to Shalee. “And you take the cake! You’re buying into this crock! I knew blondes were—”

Sam interrupted, “You finish that sentence, and I’ll break you in half! I never said I bought into any of this, and neither did Shalee. She simply said it would be fun to be a part of something different. I think she means she wants to be a part of something important.”

George threw his hands up and walked off. “Whatever!”

Sam shook his head in disgust, turned, and started to pace. “Okay, okay.” He took another deep breath to collect his composure. “Let me think this through for a minute. A better plan is in order.”

George returned to the group. “You’re right. Let’s just chill for a bit. We won’t get anywhere if we don’t work together. I was wrong to get upset. So I apologize. What are we going to do now?”

Shalee smiled and accepted the apology. She also acknowledged the need to keep clear heads. Turning to Sam, she said, “Well … it’s sort of looking like you’re the brains of this here operation. I happen to be all ears.” Shalee grinned flirtatiously as she put her right hand on Sam’s left shoulder.

George rolled his eyes. “Can we get on with the brainstorming? You guys can get a room later.”

Shalee blushed and pulled her hand away. “Yes. Let the brainstorming begin.”

“Okay, okay. Let’s look at this logically,” Sam said as he studied the inscription. “We have in front of us a puzzle, it seems. ‘Awakening the statue’ must be a metaphor. At least I hope it’s a metaphor.”

“What the hell do you mean by ‘hope?’” George sneered, forgetting about the fact that he had just apologized. “You actually believe this thing will come to life? Are you seriously that twisted?”

Before addressing George, Sam examined the statue again. “I’m not twisted, but something is telling me we aren’t in Kansas anymore.”

“What?” George roared. “What the hell does Kansas have to do with anything, Captain Cliché? Speak up, Dorothy.”

Sam frowned as he glared at George.

Shalee took a step back and waited for the altercation.

George held up his hands. “Look … I’m sorry. I’m listening.”

Sam took a deep breath and then turned his attention back to the statue. “I know it won’t literally come to life, George, but maybe it will produce some sort of message that will give us a few answers.”

George rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath, “At least the damn statue would be more interesting to listen to if it did wake up.”

With Shalee on Sam’s heels, the genius circled the statue. George looked back and forth from Sam to the bronze man as he waited for the next big revelation.

“There’s only one thing that’s not like the others,” Sam announced. “I’m sure you remember the jingle. ‘One of these things is not like the others. Can you tell which one?’”

George’s jaw dropped. “Are you for real? Did you