Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,257

Brandor, I intend to take full control and keep that blockhead, Senchae, in the north. I’ll stay down here and run the south.”

Lasidious laughed at George’s rant. “I’m sorry you dislike the king’s lifestyle. It is true, I was watching you the other Peak, but I wasn’t the only one.”

“Really? Hmmm, intriguing. Who else was watching? Did you get the show you were after?”

“And, more, much more. We were impressed. You did things that even surprised me. I was worried how you would work your way into the hearts of the people of Bloodvain.” Lasidious paused. “I must admit, sparing the king was a great idea. I applaud your decision to use him as a tool. When you dangled his son in front of his face to find his breaking point, that was an exceptional piece of work. How did it go inside the city? I wasn’t there for that. Do tell.”

“You would have shared in my delight,” the mage responded, lifting a washcloth. “Do you mind if I finish?”

“By all means.”

George washed and explained the events from the night before. “It’s safe to say the general didn’t like me much…” George finished the tale by saying, “… then I sent lightning into Fergus’ ass until he was Kentucky-fried.”

Lasidious’ brow furrowed, “Kentucky-fried?”

“It means I cooked him until he was crispy ... but I didn’t hang around to do a taste test.”

“Well done, my friend. This should give you a solid reputation throughout Bloodvain. With the king on your side, the people will be more apt to listen, despite you being an outsider.”

“We shall see,” George responded. “When I left Senchae’s throne room last night, I left the general hanging from the ceiling.”

Lasidious smiled. “I wish I had a hundred of you, George. You continue to impress. I look forward to the Peak when I can retrieve your daughter’s soul.”

The mage smiled at the thought of his baby girl, and then he redirected the conversation. “I’ve been wondering. What’s the best way to handle the Serpent King when I meet with him?”

The god walked to one of the bathing room windows. “I’m not able to answer your question, George. It is against the gods’ laws. You’ll have to finish the events we’ve put in motion without my assistance. Besides, from what I have witnessed, you don’t need anyone telling you how to win friends and influence people.”

“Ha! That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all damn Peak. Winning friends and influencing people ... an excellent resource book. I used it as my bible to perfect my skills of manipulation when I was on Earth. I wish I had it here so you could take a gander at it. The principles I learned to win friendships are also the same principles I use to undermine them, though the book wasn’t meant for that.”

“Sounds like a fine read, but I have a reason for my visit. I want to warn you to be careful when you talk to others. The gods are watching, and we can’t afford to have you say something you shouldn’t when they’re present. I don’t wish to have our plans divulged.” Lasidious disappeared just before Athena walked into the room with a sandwich.

“Who were you talking to, honey? I heard voices.”

“You know me, babe. All I do is babble.” He stood from his bath and grabbed a towel. Damn, he thought. I can’t believe I just lied to her. That’s unacceptable. Pull your head out of your ass, George. She deserves better from you.

City of Brandor

After breakfast, Shalee left Sam and went into the royal garden, wanting to add to her magical foundation. The gardeners were asked to leave. Over the last 7 Peaks, she had made significant advances in her abilities, and she now commanded most of what she learned without using Precious.

Walking through the foliage, she passed her hands over the flowers, causing them to bloom—but this Peak was not about the flowers. This Peak was about making her first attempt at teleportation.

When Helga arrived, the ladies embraced as they always did. “Child, I’ve never been able to command magic this strong. For you to make it work without harming yourself, you’ll need to be familiar with your destination. There’s only one other on Grayham that I know of who can command this power, and that’s Amar.”

Shalee’s face displayed her curiosity. “Exactly how could I hurt myself if I fail? What could possibly happen?”

Helga placed her hands on Shalee’s face. “You could appear too high above the ground