Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,46

the conversation. “My name is Jason.” The god pointed south. “I live beyond the field. Folks around these parts call me an adventurer. I like to call myself a traveler and a purveyor of hidden goods.” After another swig, he questioned, “Who are you?”

George did not respond. He was distracted by the way Jason’s chubby chin jiggled as he spoke.

“Are you going to answer me? I said, what’s your name, boy?”

George responded, but failed to answer the question. “Why are you dressed like Robin Hood? You’re not a little off, are you?”

Jason frowned. “Do you not know your name, or are you ignoring me on purpose?”

George shrugged as he looked across the large, gently sloping meadow that was covered with brightly colored flowers, none of which George had ever seen. He then looked to the west and followed the dense tree line to the north. The world of Luvelles was hanging above the horizon. What the hell? he thought. Turning to his right, he scanned the rest of his surroundings. The world of Harvestom was hanging above the opposing horizon. George shook his head, closed his eyes and then reopened them. Once he determined he was lost, he looked at Jason. “Everything is sure colorful around here. Much nicer than where I’m from.” He did not want to ask where he was since he did not know this guy, and he could not have Jason thinking he was clueless.

“You’re right, it is beautiful,” Jason responded. “The gods bless us. But don’t you think you should tell me your name, boy? You’re being rude.”

George feigned his remorse. “Oh, sure. Where are my manners? I’m George.”

“From where do you hail?” Jason responded, without hesitation.

“From Orlando. Why?”

“Well, George, from Orlando, well met. I can’t say that I’ve ever heard of your kingdom.”

Kingdom? George thought. How do I respond to that? “You’ll have to cut me some slack here, man, I’m at a loss for words.”

“You speak in a strange manner,” Jason slurred. “I cannot say the place you hail from is known to me, but I can extend my hand in friendship.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure thing. Friends it is.” George looked to the south again. “Where are we? Do you always hang out in the middle of nowhere?”

“You’re between the town of Lethwitch and the Enchanted Forest.”

“Okay. So ... why are you out here?”

“Well, recently, I learned ... ummm...” Jason’s voice drifted off.

George looked at the hide holding the tonic.“That must be some pretty wicked stuff. What were you going to say?”

Jason took another swig. A massive smile appeared on his face as the level of his intoxication increased. “Don’t tell anyone, but I know a secret.”

“Right on. I think we all do. So what does your drunk ass know that I don’t?”

Jason grinned. “It wouldn’t be a secret if I told you.”

George rolled his eyes. “You’re killing me. Why did you mention it?”

The traveler’s eyes looked droopy as he responded. “I should’ve held my tongue.”

Now George had to know. “Whatever your secret is, I could always help you out. Why don’t you let me? Think of it as a way of saying thank you for saving me.”

The RV salesman knew he had no intention of following through with the gesture, but he had to know Jason’s secret. He knelt. “Tell me ... what were you really doing out here?”

“Well...”

“Well what?” George urged.

A fair series of moments passed before Jason replied. “I suppose you look like a trustworthy fellow. I could use the help.” The traveler looked George over from head to toe. “I see no reason why we couldn’t share the rewards. They would be significant.”

“What rewards? What are you talking about?”

Jason continued to slur as his response drifted. “We could always split the gains. There would be enough wealth and power ... ummm ... uhh, to go around after you’ve completed the task.”

“Task?” George queried. “What task?” He liked what he had heard. The words “wealth” and “power” sounded good. “Talk to me, man.”

Jason continued. “Do you ever get tired of being pushed around? I do. I know of a map that was lost near the Pool of Sorrow. Rumor has it the map was lost many seasons ago, but...”

George watched as the traveler struggled to focus. Jason stared at his hands as if something commanded his attention. Once he determined nothing more would come of his pondering, he lifted his head and continued. “The map is said to be under a boulder near a tree closest to the outlet that