Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,298

would be in battle. When Shalee tried to object, Sam would not listen.

After arriving in the city of Champions, Sam received word from his scouts. The barbarian army has headed south for the Serpent King’s lair. They are following the Latsky River in the Neutral Territory. By the sound of the reports, the barbarians and Seth’s serpents will be outmatched.

Peaks ago, Sam ordered Michael to turn the army in the direction of the Serpent King’s lair. The army has crossed the Snake River, and they are now only 2 Peaks from entering Seth’s underground city.

A HEAVY QUAKE struck Brandor after Sam left the city. Many of the smaller buildings sustained damage, and the roof of the Senate’s hall collapsed. Eleven senators perished in the disaster. Word of the suffering will reach Sam’s ears before the war begins.

Thank you for reading the final edition of the Grayham Inquirer

War is Coming

CHAPTER 39

Surrounded

Griffin Cliffs

Southern Grayham

MOSLEY WAS SITTING WITH SORESYM inside the mouth of the griffin’s cave below the Temple of the Gods. “Sam is walking into a trap, and there is nothing I can do to help,” the wolf complained. “His Peaks as the leader of Brandor’s pack are numbered. To have the power of the gods and be bound like this is frustrating.”

“What kind of trap are you referring to, wolf?” Soresym questioned while looking across the beauty of the valley far below where they sat.

Mosley’s eyes questioned. “You do know Sam is the King of Brandor?”

The griffin fluffed the feathers on his head to allow the breeze to refresh his skin. “I do. Information of this nature travels quickly.”

The wolf scratched the back of his ear. “Sam is leading Brandor’s pack toward the Serpent King’s lair. He has no idea that he’s about to be attacked from all sides...” The wolf continued to divulge everything he knew.

When Soresym finally responded, the Griffin Lord looked confused. “Why would the Minotaur and the bears break their alliance with Brandor? Brandor has allowed them to live in peace for many seasons. They’ve even been allowed to compete in the arenas.”

“Sam was the one who defeated their champions,” Mosley replied, “both of them.”

Soresym cringed as a griffin would. “I knew the Minotaur fell by Sam’s hand, however, I didn’t realize it was Sam who defeated the bear. This doesn’t bode well for Brandor, but this doesn’t justify breaking their alliance.”

“Did you know the Crystal Moon was stolen?”

“Stolen? When?”

“When is unimportant. The Crystal Moon is missing, and its pieces have been scattered. Two of them are on Grayham.”

Soresym tapped his talons against the floor of the cave. “What do the missing pieces of crystal have to do with the bear and Minotaur?”

“A trick has been played. They believe Brandor plans to destroy all beasts on Southern Grayham who have an established monarchy.”

“Why would they believe such foolishness?”

Mosley took the moments to explain.

After the griffin digested what the wolf had said, he wondered, “Why would a piece of the crystal be inside the scorpions’ nest?”

“Lasidious put it there.”

The confusion on Soresym’s feather-covered face magnified. “Why?”

“My friend, why is not important. Lasidious does things for his own reasons. What is important ... his actions have started a war, and a human named George has secured both pieces of the Crystal Moon. He has claimed to have hidden them somewhere within Seth’s den. Brandor marches to fight for them.”

Soresym nodded. “Then the temple must have been sealed to keep the faithful from knowing.”

Mosley nodded. “Indeed. I’m concerned for Sam’s life. It looks as if he will perish while trying to retrieve the crystals. I’ve been watching Southern Grayham with a keen eye. The movement of the armies suggests only one outcome. Sam is in a hopeless situation.”

Soresym shrieked to release his agitation. “Sam is a good human! It can’t be his season to pass. The gods must do something to stop this.”

Mosley moved to the edge of the cliff. “The laws of the gods are clear. I cannot intervene. Soresym, you’re the mighty leader of your pack, yet even you are bound by your laws. I’m sure you understand.”

The griffin stood and stretched his wings. After a moment, he shook his head in disgust. “Sam is the king Brandor has always needed. I’ve come to know this human, and something must be done.”

“But who is left to help?” Mosley rebutted. “There’s nothing anyone can do on this world or in the heavens. I’ll say it again. Sam’s Peaks are numbered.”

Both Mosley and Soresym stood in silence for a moment