Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,308

language. “Groth, you will stop your advance! You have been deceived. Brandor isn’t your enemy. We must work together to stop the Minotaur from attacking Brandor’s army. You have no real enemy. Brandor does not plan to attack your kind.”

Groth grunted, “You’re wrong, griffin! I saw the body of the Scorpion King! Brandor attacked his island!”

Soresym thought back to the conversation he had with Mosley. “Yes, Brandor was there, but with good reason. This war isn’t necessary.”

“What reason would justify Brandor’s attack against a group of beasts who live separate from all others?” The bear’s posture shifted as he pointed a claw at the griffin. “If this wasn’t an act of war against all beasts, then what was it?”

“Brandor’s actions were necessary to save our world. A piece of the Crystal Moon was hidden in the Scorpion King’s cave. Brandor went there to save us all. They would not have attacked if the scorpions had peacefully greeted them. On my honor, I assure you this is true. You know I live in the service of the gods. I would not lie. We don’t have the moments necessary to debate. Join me in talking with Horace. Don’t fight this war against Brandor.”

Groth growled as he pondered Soresym’s words. “I trust your service. Take me with you, griffin, and I’ll stand at your side.”

Groth turned to face his army. “Head north to join the Minotaur! Go now!” Facing Soresym, he roared. “Shall we go, griffin?”

Soresym took the bear into his massive talons and carried him off to find the Minotaur King.

Horace and his army were following the southern edge of Lake Zandra when Soresym landed in front of the beast-man. The Minotaur lifted his hand to stop his army and then shouted in his own language. “What is the meaning of this, griffin? Why do you carry Groth? There’s blood to be spilled. He should be with his army.”

Soresym took note that Kepler’s giant cats were no longer traveling with the Minotaur. “Where are they?”

The Minotaur’s brows furrowed. “Where are who, griffin?”

“Kepler’s cats. Where are Kepler’s cats?”

“I know not. They abandoned us only moments ago. They headed east.”

The griffin looked at Groth. “The cats must have seen their kind being dropped in the distance.”

The griffin’s attention was redirected toward the hollow eye sockets of the skeleton commander’s skull. He was standing only paces away from Horace, and the nervous chattering of his teeth gave the griffin pause.

“Why are you here, griffin?” the Minotaur King demanded.

Soresym responded. “You will stop your advance. Brandor is not your enemy.”

Horace raised his head and bellowed. “I will stop nothing! Blood must be spilled.”

The griffin approached the Minotaur King and lowered his beak next to Horace’s ear.

After a fair series of moments, the Minotaur King turned and shouted at his scouts. “Spread word throughout the army! The skeletons are traitors! Wait for my orders to attack! We will—”

Soresym interrupted, “The skeletons cannot perish. A plan is necessary before the order is given.”

Meanwhile, Sam shouted, “General, sound the horn and pull the troops back! Night is coming! We’ll regroup and attack as a single unit in the morning! The barbarians will most likely follow our lead! We’ll attack at first light! Signal the griffins and the hippogriffs to land and rest amongst us!”

“Yes, Sire!”

Once Sam’s orders had been carried out, Michael approached. “The barbarians are regrouping and making camp. They won’t attack in the dark. We have an opportunity to use this to our advantage.”

“How?” Sam inquired. “It’ll be pitch black. What advantage are you referring to?”

“I have spoken with Goss. He’s the brother of Soresym, and he’s a respected leader amongst griffins. I’ve asked him to meet with us.”

“Okay, okay. But how will this give us an advantage?”

Goss landed. “Because, King of Brandor, my kind can see through the darkness. Also, the fastest of our kind will arrive in a matter of moments with your queen. I can’t imagine why you would’ve left her in Brandor.”

Sam’s face tightened. “I left her because she’s pregnant! I don’t want her here, damn it! Whose bright idea was this? I swear, it better not be yours, Michael!”

“No, Sire. Blame the queen.”

“What do you mean? I don’t want the future of our kingdom on this battlefield.”

Goss settled next to the king and folded his wings. “If you fail to obtain victory, there will be no future for Brandor. Your queen is strong. Soresym has informed me of her sorcery.”

“How could Soresym know the full extent of her power? He’s never witnessed