Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,36

have gone for it. It was greed, and his desire to force all serpents into his service that made him go. All I did was suggest he go alone ... especially since his advisors often conspired to take his throne from him. I told him he deserved power without competition.

“Celestria, you of all the gods should know everything about Sotter. What was the main weakness of the Serpent Lord? I know you remember. What was the one truth his bloodline kept from the rest of the Serpent Kingdom … the one thing that had to be kept secret to prevent an uprising? You mentioned it a moment ago.”

Celestria thought a bit. “Ahhhh ... his memory failed him, and he forgot all things short-term when he slept. I think I understand what you did, my sweet.” She grinned, closed the gap between them and then pinched his cheek. As the goddess continued to speak, her hands wandered. “You counted on that fact, didn’t you? You knew his short-term memory would cause him to hide the map and forget what he did with it. That was clever, my love. So where’s the map?” She pinched the Mischievous One’s behind. “Your devious mind is so conniving.”

Lasidious enjoyed the goddess’ pleasure. “I’m the only member of the Collective who knows the map’s location. Sotter was exhausted after killing the dwarves. I kept him awake for over 3 Peaks prior to the attack. I wanted to ensure that he slept.”

Lasidious spun around and flopped into a chair. “After the bloodshed, Sotter slithered to the Pool of Sorrow, removed a large boulder from the base of a tree and then put the map into the hole.

“From a distance, I watched the serpent slither up the tree and fall asleep. When the Serpent King awoke in the morning, he couldn’t remember why he was there, or that he ever had the map. It’s still there today, and after all these seasons, the others have forgotten about it as well … except me.”

Celestria leaned over and kissed Lasidious on the tip of his nose. “How great are you, my pet?” she purred as her hand cupped the backside of his head to play with his hair.

Lasidious enjoyed the moment, and then he looked past Celestria at George. “Are you going to suggest to the demon-cat that traveling with George will be key to the life he desires?”

“Oh, yes, yes, yes, my love. I think Kepler would make a wonderful travel companion.” Celestria grinned. “If he doesn’t devour him first, of course. I worry Kepler will test him.”

Taking a seat on Lasidious’ lap, the goddess leaned in and bit the top of his ear. “Nonetheless, I shall work on the suggestion and see that Kepler is influenced. Let’s manipulate them to meet at the pool 3 Peaks from now.”

Lasidious nodded. “If the cat kills George, then so be it. We still have another mind to influence, but we should do what we can to save this one. When the moment is right, George will be our best option for success.”

The Mischievous One rubbed his hand across Celestria’s stomach. “Just make sure you stay out of sight from the others. You’re beginning to show.”

Celestria pushed Lasidious’ head back. She responded only after a kiss followed. “I knew I chose you for a reason. You’re the smartest of all the gods.” She kissed him again, but during this moment, she added a taste of her tongue. “I’ll leave you now, my sweet. You should get the mortal underway.”

The goddess chuckled. “George is going to have a heart attack when he meets his first undead demon-jaguar. I hope the poor guy gareshes his pants.”

Celestria leaned into Lasidious again and brushed her cheek against his. She whispered into his ear, using her sexiest voice, “Goodbye, my most desirable devil-god.” With that, the goddess vanished, leaving behind the echoes of her laughter reverberating throughout the room.

Lasidious marveled at the sensuality of her departure before he turned his attention back to George. “Let the games begin. You’re about to start the adventure that will be your new life.”

The God of Mischief reached into the pocket inside his tunic and produced a picture. Holding it up, he added, “Well, Abbie, I hope your daddy is ready for this. I can’t wait until he learns about the prize hidden inside the staff … assuming he isn’t dead before he gets the chance.”

CHAPTER 4

Mental Breakdown

Back Inside the Temple of the Gods

Southern Grayham

SHALEE SLEPT OFF THE effects from bonding