Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,280

appeared before Sam and Shalee in the temple?”

“I do.”

“Do you remember when Sam and Shalee said that three of them had appeared in the Temple of the Gods, and George had fallen through the floor?”

“What are you getting at, Lasidious?”

“Give me a moment. I’m getting there. Relax. I was about to ask, do you also remember that George was the one who picked up a piece of the crystal, causing the rest of the Crystal Moon to vanish?”

“I do, but what does this have to do with where you put...” Mosley stopped mid-sentence. After a moment, he laughed in his wolfish way. “You cannot be serious, Lasidious.” He looked at the Mischievous One. It was clear to both of the gods that the wolf had figured it out.

“What’s so funny, Mosley?” Alistar inquired, acting as if he did not already know. The God of the Harvest winked at Lasidious and smiled, careful not to allow the others to see the exchange.

Mosley responded, “I’m laughing at the irony. I have known where the second piece of the crystal was during this entire series of moments, but I had not put it together until now.”

“So where is it?” Mieonus snapped.

Mosley turned to look at the goddess. “Patience, Mieonus. Have patience. Lasidious said the crystal would be on Grayham, and it is. It has been with George during his journey.”

Mieonus’ team exploded with laughter while the other four members of Mosley’s team began swearing at the God of Mischief.

All Lasidious could do was stand at the head of the table and grin. He had expected a mixed reaction, and he was enjoying every moment of it.

George Meets the Serpent King

South of Bloodvain

George teleported to the vacation home of the Barbarian King, south of Bloodvain. As planned, the king’s scouts had brought the snakes to this secluded destination for their meeting. The Serpent King was told that George was the new monarch.

“You’re not what I expected,” Seth said in his hissing voice as he watched the human enter the cabin.

It took the mage a moment to gather his thoughts. He had never spoken with a snake before, and this particular one had a body over 40 paces long. His fangs were large, sharp, and intimidating. Seth’s cobra hood cast a shadow that made George quiver inside. However, the manipulator refused to show his weakness.

Seth hissed again. “Mussssst you ssssstare? Is there sssssomething wrong with you, human?”

George apologized. He moved to the fireplace and took a seat on the hearth. This home of Senchae’s was more of the same—mounted trophies everywhere in yet another stupid log cabin. The mage was thankful that none of the barbarian’s trophies involved a snake of any kind.

“I’m glad you were able to visit with me, Seth. You have a problem heading toward your kingdom. I wish to help.”

The snake slithered into a better position from which to converse. “What makesssss you think I need your help?”

Fellow soul ... to make the story easier to tell, I’m going to remove the Serpent King’s hiss. Just know that his hiss was annoying.

George smirked. “The island of the Scorpion King was attacked by Brandor. They’ll be headed your way soon. From what I know of your numbers, you can’t defend yourselves against Brandor’s legions, and you know I’m right.”

“Brandor’s army couldn’t get past the mares. I sense no serious threat to my serpent nation.”

Because of the snake’s hissing, George found himself leaning forward, impatiently waiting for each syllable to be spit out. It was as if the king had some sort of speech impediment.

“You’re wrong,” George retorted. “They have destroyed the mares.”

“You expect me to believe this? The mares are deadly. How did they perish?” The serpent adjusted his coils as he waited for the response.

George decided he would turn up the heat. “Look! I don’t give a rat’s ass if you believe me, Seth. I know I speak the truth. If you don’t want my help, leave, and don’t come back. You can perish like the scorpions and the mares.” He paused and softened his tone. “Do I need to show you before you’ll listen?”

“A safe question to ask, since it is impossible to execute.”

“Not impossible, Seth. I can take you to the island, if you’d like.” George stood from his seat and waited for the reply.

Seth studied the human’s face. “I have no strength for traveling this evening.”

George rolled his eyes. “I can take us there. You don’t need to move from the spot you’re coiled up in. Close your