Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,265

to see it, but he won’t move from this spot.”

Lasidious shouted, calling for the Book of Immortality. It was only a brief moment before the Book appeared. “I’ve decided to take the team lead away from Yaloom and give it to Mieonus. He has the wit of a slug, and he doesn’t have the ability to lead this team to victory.”

Before another word could be said, Mieonus ran across the room, snatched the scroll off the table and then disappeared.

Yaloom’s expression was cold. “I have a notion to—”

“To what?” Lasidious hissed. “Even if we weren’t governed by the Book’s laws, you aren’t powerful enough to challenge me. I’d destroy you. You’re pathetic, and you always will be.”

Yaloom started to raise his hands to evoke his power, but the Book floated between them. “I suggest you think about your actions, Yaloom. You’ll be destroyed.”

Lasidious laughed. His eyes turned red as he flashed a mouthful of sharp teeth, daring Yaloom to strike. “You’re weak! You’re spineless! You’re a father’s mistake and a mother’s misery!”

After listening to this verbal assault, the Greedy One managed to calm himself.

Disappointed, Lasidious vanished.

Bloodvain’s Throne Room

Mieonus appeared in the Barbarian King’s throne room. The only person present, besides the guards, was Senchae Bloodvain. The guards took defensive positions and prepared to attack, whereupon the goddess simply held up her hand and caused everyone in the throne room, except the king, to vanish and reappear outside the castle-lodge.

“Senchae, where’s George?”

Unnerved, the king responded, “Who are you?”

“I’m Mieonus,” she sneered as she looked over his person with a disgusted countenance.

Senchae held her gaze. “Is this name supposed to mean something to me?” he queried. The woman in front of him was using magic like George. He needed to be careful not to sound too bold.

Mieonus was annoyed that the king did not recognize her name. “You’re wasting my moments, barbarian!” she snapped. “Where’s George?”

“I’m here,” the mage replied as he entered the room. “How can I help you on this fine Peak? And with whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?”

The goddess softened after hearing the soothing sound of George’s voice. “I’m Mieonus. I have come to give you this scroll.” She lifted his hand and gently placed the parchment in his palm.

George was not familiar with the deity’s name, but he remained sweet, careful not to ruin a chance to gain an advantage. “It’s nice to meet you, Mieonus. May I say, you look ravishing? Yellow is your color. Your beauty is rare in this kingdom.”

The goddess enjoyed the compliment. “Thank you, George.” She untied the string around the scroll and opened it. “This should have been given to you Peaks ago. Brandor has a head start. It’s the key to getting past the water mist mares of Lake Zandra.”

George read the riddle. “Should I know what this means?”

Hearing George’s ignorance, Mieonus’ fascination with the mage’s seductive voice vanished. She stomped the heel of her shoe on the floor. “I can’t answer your question, simpleton! It’s for you to figure out. All I can tell you is that Lasidious has placed the first piece of the Crystal Moon on Scorpion Island.”

George thought, Well she’s a loose cannon. Just be nice, George. He looked at the Barbarian King to see if the script on the scroll rang a bell. “Do you know where this Scorpion Island is?”

“My people haven’t spent many moments scouting the area. I can’t tell you much about the island, but I do know it’s at the center of the lake in the western territories of Brandor. The lake is said to be haunted by demons that live on the water.”

Mieonus was taken aback by the king’s lack of knowledge, let alone his total ignorance of the mist mares. Her visit was a complete waste of her moments. She vanished.

Senchae grinned as he looked at George. “It appears burs have infiltrated her undergarments. Her mood was vexed. She spoke of the Crystal Moon. The moon is what keeps the worlds—”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know, I know. It keeps the worlds separated. If the pieces aren’t put back together soon, everything will end. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. But what does this riddle mean?”

The barbarian looked at the scroll and shook his head as his guards re-entered the room panting and with anxious looks on their faces. Seeing the king’s response, George sent one of the men to retrieve his pack. When the big man returned, George studied his map to find the lake. He realized that