Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,299

before the wolf continued. “I must take my leave, my friend. There are matters to which I must attend. I will find you again when the pyre for Sam’s passing is lit.”

The griffin looked out across the valley in deep thought. “I need to prepare my mind to accept this loss. Good Peak, wolf.” Soresym leapt from the edge of the cliff and fell more than 1,500 paces before he opened his wings and swooped out over the mist.

As Mosley watched the griffin soar, he laughed. A moment later, the image of the wolf morphed into a more mischievous persona. The god’s eyes glowed red, and his teeth turned to sharpened, fine points. “Celestria, my love, my part is finished.” Lasidious vanished.

Ancients Sovereign

The Home of Lasidious and Celestria

Lying in bed, Lasidious reached up to adjust his pillow, and then he put his hands behind his head. “George masterfully manipulated Southern Grayham. He was always two steps ahead and made the most unlikely, but useful allies, wouldn’t you agree?”

Celestria rolled over and cupped the Mischievous One’s face in her hands. “I’ve missed your smile, my love. I cannot tell you how often I thought of the fun you must be having. I would love to have watched your scheming mind carry out our plans, my pet.” She licked the lobe of Lasidious’ ear. “So ... you sent George to Western Luvelles to take care of our baby?”

“I did.”

“You are a clever devil-god. Susanne will be a wonderful mother until we’re able to bring our son to the god world. I hope George gives the baby a strong name.”

“If I know George, our child will be given the perfect name.”

“What about the war?” the goddess queried. “Will the distraction be enough to capture the attention of the Collective?”

Lasidious kissed Celestria’s forehead. “This war will be the biggest Southern Grayham has ever seen. I’ve kept the gods busy. Mosley managed to sneak away now and again, but he doesn’t know anything useful. I have a solid idea of what everyone is thinking. None of the gods know that George is on Luvelles. It’ll be a fair number of Peaks before they figure it out.”

“It gives me comfort to hear your confidence, my sweet.”

Lasidious ran his fingertips along the contour of Celestria’s body. “I’m pleased you’re comforted. The Head Master of Luvelles isn’t scheduled to meet with George for nearly 100 Peaks. After George kills the witches, there will be no need for him to use his magic. There will be nothing to draw attention to his family.”

“How close are they to Floren?”

“They should arrive in Floren by the end of the Peak.”

“Good. I don’t imagine the others will divert their attention from the war because of the death of a few useless witches.” Celestria frowned. “They drove me mad, my love.” She nestled into Lasidious’ arms. “Nevertheless, I knew you had everything under control. Please! Never make me have another child without using my power. The pain was excruciating. I don’t think I could suffer it again.”

The goddess reached up and touched the end of Lasidious’ nose. “But on a more positive note, I did relearn how to bake. I shall make you an ospliton pie, my pet.”

The gods enjoyed this simple thought as they began to ravage the night away.

The next morning, Lasidious woke and without saying a word. He left his goddess lying in bed and vanished. When he reappeared, he was standing in front of a large group of rats. As instructed, Keller was guiding Maldwin’s family to the cliffs of Latasef.

Seeing the man appear out of nowhere, Keller took a defensive stance and growled at Lasidious. The demon was about to pounce when Lasidious held up his hand and spoke in the ancient language of all demons. “Ered’nash ban galar.”

Keller snarled. The phrase Lasidious used was a command to elicit conversation. The cat was obligated to respond. “What do you want? This family is under my protection. I won’t allow their journey to be hindered.”

“You are a mighty escort,” the Mischievous One responded. “I’m not here in search of conflict.” He looked down at Maldwin. “I need to speak with the rat,” the god said in the rodent’s language.

Maldwin replied, “Who are you?”

“A friend. George informed me of his promise to provide your family a home.”

“Where is George? Kepler’s brother said he was taking us to the cliffs of Latasef, but he has no knowledge of what we’re to do once we arrive.”

Lasidious smiled. “George has seen to your