Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,29

have it to exist. I shall simply play the game better than Lasidious. He’s the Mischievous One for a reason.”

Bassorine paused. “Now that I think about it, today’s events are amusing. Now more than ever, I don’t want the worlds destroyed. I also don’t want to stop these events from unfolding. I smell war on the horizon. This new struggle for power between the races will create glorious battles.”

Sam and Shalee were stunned. How could these “so-called” gods toy with worlds and each other? It took a moment for Sam to regain his composure.

Bassorine allowed him to speak.

“Okay, okay. So what about the gods who hate evil? Where are they? Won’t they put a stop to this insanity?”

“There are gods among us who want peace, love, and harmony, but not at the risk of a war between the members of the Collective. Also, there are gods who love chaos, hate, and fear, but not enough to fight for it. We want a simple existence, and we’ll be amused as the drama unfolds. That’s all.

“We allow each other to influence the beings living on the worlds, but we no longer fight one another to do it. If Lasidious is responsible for this, which I would wager he is, he did nothing more than use the greed or malice in the heart of a mortal to set these events in motion. The gods would not allow Lasidious to do anything more than influence the heart of one who is open to influence. This is the extent of how our power is to be used.”

Bassorine paused and rubbed the back of his neck. “Unless this George perished when he fell, Lasidious will not do anything to harm your friend. He will tempt and manipulate, but George will not be forced to do anything he does not choose.”

“Then we’re screwed if he’s alive!” Sam snapped as he threw his hands behind his head. “George isn’t our friend. He’s a jerk … the kind of guy no one likes. You should hear how he was talking. He’s going to be like putty in this Lasidious character’s hands.”

Bassorine walked over to Sam and put his hand on his shoulder. “Listen to me, young one,” he said in a soft voice. “You’re in for a great adventure. I have gifts the Collective agreed to give each of you before this chain of events began.”

Shalee allowed a half-hearted grin to appear at the thought of what kind of gift a god might bequeath. It has to be better than the best day of shopping … and if it’s not … what a stinking sham it is to be a stupid god. She shifted from one foot to the other in guarded anticipation of the potential greatness.

Bassorine pushed the staff in his hand forward to give it to Shalee, but before he let go, he explained. “This is a staff of sorcery. It is the only one of its kind throughout the worlds. Make no mistake, and do not judge it by its appearance. This object can wield as much power as its master can command. Other staffs exist, but no other of this caliber has been created. Once I let go, the staff will bond with you, and it will work for no other.

“But … I warn you. There is one complication when wielding this much power. If you wield it unwisely, before you’re ready, you can speed up the process in which you age. You could provoke an early death.

“However, there is also potential for longevity. If you handle the staff with intelligence, you’ll grow with it. If you command its power at a steady pace, you’ll extend your life thousands of seasons.”

Shalee trembled with excitement. She was happy about the gift and excited about the idea of living so long, but she was also scared to death. What if she used the power in the wrong way and as a consequence, aged faster? “Goodness-gracious,” she blurted. “I couldn’t accept having wrinkles at 23. That’s just wrong.”

The wood of the staff felt rough. “This is like déjà vu or something,” Shalee added. “I just know this is the same staff I’ve seen in my dreams. I think I’ve—”

“Hold on a second,” Sam said, cutting her off. “You’ve dreamt of this place, too? Why didn’t you say something earlier?”

Shalee rolled her eyes. “You’re not the only one who dreams, you know. I don’t know this place, but I’ve seen this stick.”

She turned her attention back to Bassorine. “This