Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,286

was odd to be chatting with the tome and be unable to address it in a formal manner. “I hate to say it, but I agree with the Book. But there’s something else that’s bothering me.”

“What is that?” Mosley queried.

“It’s silly, I suppose. But do you realize we’ve all been sitting here talking to the Book, and it feels like it’s one of us? Do you know what I mean?”

Mosley nodded with the others as Lasidious continued. “I feel like it’s a part of our group now. Perhaps we should give the Book a name.” Lasidious looked at the tome’s new eyes. “Would you like a man or woman’s name?”

Mieonus clapped her hands together as she cut in, “That’s a great idea. I agree with you, Lasidious. We should name the Book. The Book no longer seems complete now that it has a face.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. But as they did, George turned the big barbarian who had made the threat to stone. The mage left the statue standing at the center of the room and then exited the inn.

Since the gods were enjoying their conversation too much to care, they dismissed the killing with little more than a backward glance and continued their conversation. Only a short series of moments passed before the Book interrupted as the gods debated to choose a name.

“I like Thomas,” the Book announced.

“Thomas?” Lasidious questioned. “How about something that suits the power you possess? Thomas is a fine name, but it sounds weak.”

Mieonus jumped into the conversation. “How about a name like Deegan? That sounds more powerful.”

The Book did not like the goddess’ suggestions, but Mosley was quick to add another, “How about a name fit for the dragons on Dragonia? Perhaps Drake?”

The Book declined. “I chose Thomas for a reason. Of all the souls inside my pages, Thomas is the one who stands out above the rest. This specific being was from Dukas, and he perished during its destruction. I’ve grown fond of Thomas, and I speak with his soul on a regular basis. He was only 10 seasons old when he perished. I—”

“Yes, we know. You liked the child,” Lasidious interrupted. “But the name you choose will be with you for eternity. Make it a strong name, and don’t settle for something feeble.”

The Book tried to defend his position, but Mieonus interrupted. “We aren’t going to call you Thomas. You might as well pick something stronger. Give us another name.”

Mosley stopped gnawing his right, front paw. “You might as well not argue. A book of your stature needs a strong name.”

Agitated, the Book thought a moment, and then it spit out another name. “How does Gabriel sound?”

All the gods agreed. Since it was a male name, they took the moments to adjust the Book’s new facial features to something more masculine.

The wolf tried out the Book’s new designation. “Gabriel, it is nice to meet you.” The wolf laughed at how silly it seemed to refer to the Book as a real person.

“It’s a boy, everyone!” Mieonus announced. “But the baby has a square head. Don’t tell his mother, she’ll want to put him back on the shelf.”

Only Yaloom chuckled at Mieonus’ joke.

The goddess struck her lifted heel against the wooden floor of the inn. “I hate you all!” she sneered.

The wolf rolled his eyes and changed the subject. “Gabriel, perhaps we should look for George to see who won the wager.”

“Agreed.”

The gods hovered close as Lasidious checked his map to see where the mage had gone. As it turned out, the Book was correct. George was inside the cave on Scorpion Island. They decided to join the mage, but on this occasion, the gods would not stay hidden. They appeared behind the unsuspecting human.

Lasidious was the first to speak. “Nice act, George. I thought you were drunk.”

George whirled around “Holy garesh, man! I just crapped myself. What are you doing here ... and why are they with you?”

Kepler and his brothers remained hidden in the shadows. The demon-cats watched as Mosley sniffed around. The wolf spoke. “George. I have to admit that you had me fooled.”

Once Mosley realized the jaguars were present, he snorted his disapproval and then continued to speak without acknowledging their presence. “You’re creative, and you accomplished your deception without the assistance of your useless feline companions. Tell Kepler I look forward to our next meeting.”

“Oh, shut up, wolf!” Mieonus snapped. “You know the beasts are hiding.” She looked at George. “You play the game well. You would make