Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,241

is like in Brandor. Meet me in the theatre next to Mosley ... if you have the nerve.” After a snide look, the Mischievous One disappeared.

When Lasidious reappeared, he was standing next to Mosley on the stage. Like the wolf, he was invisible to those who filled the theatre. Soon after, Mieonus and Yaloom popped in. They said nothing as they watched Sam place the blade onto Double D’s shoulder. This was going to be an event worth watching. Each took a seat on the stage floor.

Eventually, Lasidious decided to make conversation that could only be heard by the gods. “Mosley, I see your manipulations have Sam in the best position possible for the upcoming war.” The Mischievous One reached out and patted the wolf on his neck. “Sam ... a king and Shalee ... his queen. I must admit, I’m impressed, my friend. I should keep a better eye on you from now on. It appears you’re as proficient in mischief as I am.”

The wolf turned and looked at his fellow gods. “Sam is impressive to watch, is he not? It didn’t take more than a few simple suggestions to turn him into a leader. I would not say I’m as mischievous as you, Lasidious, but I appear to have a knack for it.”

Yaloom cut in. “I should’ve been watching you. Be assured, I won’t make that mistake twice. I had no idea you had Sam in the position to become Brandor’s monarch. It’s clear to me now that the assassination was an error in judgment.”

“Ya think?” Lasidious snapped. “You two managed to kill everyone who stood in Sam’s way. What should’ve taken seasons to accomplish, you managed to hand him in a matter of Peaks. Please ... remind me, why do the two of you deserve to live on Ancients Sovereign?”

“Okay, we get it!” Mieonus sneered. “How about we focus on your shortcomings. Answer this: what have you been up to?”

Lasidious rubbed his hands together in front of a sinister smile. “I could tell you ... but I assure you, there would be no shortcomings found in my answers.”

Mosley ignored Lasidious’ response and took a few more moments to brag. “Sam has completely taken control of this situation. Look at how the people support him.”

“He’s extraordinary,” Lasidious responded.

Mosley changed the subject. “I found your George.”

“Really?” Lasidious said without allowing his surprise to appear on his face, “I was wondering when someone would.”

Mosley reached up with his back leg and scratched his neck as he responded. “I sensed his presence yesterday just before Early Bailem. He teleported to meet with Kepler and his brothers on the north side of Gessler.” The wolf turned and looked into the God of Mischief’s eyes and waited for Lasidious to respond.

“Finally, the games we play are becoming more interesting. It will be harder to deceive one another now that we know who to look for.” Lasidious knew he could still speak with George in his dreams if he needed to. Whether Mosley was watching the Earthling or not, it would not be an issue once he spoke with him.

Mosley licked his jowls and then spoke. “George is headed north into the Barbarian Kingdom. Since he’s teleporting, someone must have given him a way to find power of his own.”

“Really?” Mieonus oozed as she glared at Lasidious. “I thought you were staying neutral and allowing the teams to play.”

Lasidious laughed. “No. I said I wouldn’t cheat while I was on a team ... and I didn’t. I never said I didn’t have goals of my own. What fun can be found in idle complacency? Besides, it appears it’s good that I abandoned my team. The two of you are no smarter than mortals. Sam would make a better deity than you.”

“Stop with the digs!” Yaloom snapped. “We get it. You’re the master. That was made clear when you found a way to rid us of Bassorine with the Book.”

Lasidious took a moment to enjoy the verbal pat on his back. “Thank you, Yaloom. There may be hope for you yet.”

Mieonus rolled her eyes. “Could you possibly have a bigger opinion of yourself? For your sake, that over-inflated head best not leak.”

Distracted, Mosley rolled onto his side. This new position allowed him to sniff Mieonus’ feet. “Delightful!” He twisted his head to look at Lasidious. “I’ll be watching George from now on. He’s controlling advanced magic for this world, and we both know it. I noticed he teleported without a spell or staff. Perhaps you’d