Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,223

to have.

The ceremony was simple, and George’s heart was filled with happiness. He would no longer use women for the items he sought to acquire. He would have to rely on his charisma to get what he wanted without the added bonus of sexual favors. He would be loyal to Athena and give her, at least in his mind, the respect he felt she deserved. There was a child on the way, and he was not about to give this one a broken home.

The assistant kept the vows short, but sweet. The family applauded, and the after-party was held in Mary’s barn. The atmosphere reminded George of some kind of hillbilly square dance, and everyone enjoyed the festivities. There was even a potluck that had been laid out on many of the tables that lined the back wall of the barn. All that was missing was a wedding cake—and a whole lot of class. George told himself he would renew his vows with Athena once he had the moments to do it properly.

George took Athena by the hand and knelt on one knee. He handed Athena her new treasure box. “You can use this to hold the memories of our life.”

He opened the lid. Inside was one of the flowers he had picked near the gazebo. Its petals were still glowing, despite being plucked from its bush.

“ Oh, George, how did you manage to do this? It’s beautiful.”

“I’ll tell you later. Do you like it?”

“I do. It’s perfect.”

George smiled as he listened to the ladies’ comments nearby. They complimented Athena on how romantic her new mate was. George thought, It was easy to pick the flower. Hell, all I did was teleport next to it and pluck it before it realized I was there. I can’t believe the damn thing is still lit. What luck!

George took Athena for a walk just before midnight. Since the family was there, Maldwin sent his vision to them all. They saw how great it would be to live with George and Athena in the Barbarian Kingdom, and as they did, smiles appeared on their faces.

With the family occupied, the newlyweds went to the bridge that spanned the river just outside of town and dangled their legs over its side. Under torchlight, they tossed pebbles into the water.

George loved Athena’s voice. He kept the conversation going as he held his wife close. Everything she said was important to him, and his love for her was selfless. They stayed there talking and laughing for most of the night.

When George decided Maldwin should be finished projecting his visions, they prepared to leave. After kissing Athena, he said, “I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“Another one? What is it, honey?”

“I’m able to do something special that will allow me to see you more often as I travel. I need to show you what it is. I want you to understand how I can find my way home to you every night. But I want you to keep this surprise between us. Will you keep this secret for me?”

Athena looked puzzled. “I thought you said your travels would take you north?”

“I did.”

“Then how do you expect to be with me if you’re there, and I’m here?”

George pulled her closer. “I’ll show you, but you have to promise not to tell anyone ... not even your mother. Will you do that for me?”

Athena was hesitant to agree, but she nodded and put her head on George’s chest, her favorite place to be. “If it lets us be together, then I promise.”

George smiled. “Close your eyes.”

“Why?”

“Trust me. Just close them.”

Once she had complied, he closed his. When they reopened them, they were standing in his mother-in-law’s guest home.

Athena shrieked and backed away from George. “What kind of sorcery is this? How can I be in my mother’s home? Where’s the bridge? Where’s the water?”

George expected her reaction. “Babe, please sit, and I’ll explain.” He took her arm, guided her to the table and then pulled out a chair.

Athena’s face twitch as the chair’s legs screeched across the floor. “Are we really here? How’s this possible?”

The mage pulled out another chair and took a seat. “I thought you’d be happy that I can come home at night. Once I get where I’m going, I’ll be able to teleport back and forth until the moment arrives for you to be with me. Doesn’t this make you happy?”

Athena started to cry. “Why didn’t you tell me about this before we said our vows, George?”

George was