Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,72

if I can’t defeat a monster barbarian and live to tell about it. I’m a hundred percent sure that this guy would kick my can.”

Mosley stood from the bed and bounded to the floor. “I have suggestions, but it will take everything in you to attain the glory you need to speak with kings. You must work tirelessly if you’re to become the leader of the packs of Brandor.”

Sam’s eyes widened as the reality hit him. “So it’s true? I’m to become a leader?” His question was filled with trepidation.

Mosley shook his head in disbelief. “Sam, for someone so intelligent, you don’t show it. Did Bassorine not explain that it is the desire of the gods for you to build an empire on Grayham? Do you not want to be the leader of such a pack? Are you frightened? Does your fur not stand on end when faced with the challenge of saving worlds? Perhaps you should tell Bassorine you fall short of the gods’ expectations. I cannot help someone who doesn’t possess a strong heart.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on a second. So what if I am scared? I still have heart.” Sam stood from the chair and walked back to the window. “It’s not like I have anything to go home to.” He turned from the window and spoke with greater resolution in his voice, “If I don’t do something, who will? I understand what’s involved.” Sam sat on the sill and crossed his arms. “I’m the man for the job, so where do I start?”

The wolf liked the change in Sam’s demeanor. “You’ll be a fine leader, Sam. Your eyes are filled with conviction. However, my stomach is empty. We should eat before your training begins.”

Mosley led Sam to breakfast.

After the over-sized wench sat the food on the table, the wolf sniffed at Sam’s greggled eggs and then sat on his haunches on the wooden chair. A plate of rare corgan strips was set in front of him. “I have sent Shalee to begin her enlightenment with her staff. Her growth should be captivating to watch. Your training, however, will be much different.

“ Angels Village is perfect for your first battle. When you’re ready, we’ll introduce you to the sand that covers the arena floor. Hopefully, your victories will allow us to make the coin necessary to keep ourselves fed and warm at night.”

Mosley smiled and winked. “I know how important it is for Shalee to have a comfortable den to lie in.”

Sam’s voice was filled with anxiety. “I thought you said they fought to the death inside the arena...”

Well, fellow soul ... there’s more to Sam than meets the eye. I’m dying to tell you everything I know, but all things intriguing are best left for later moments. Even though you can’t see it, I just stuck my soulful tongue out at you. Ha, ha!

GEORGE is still sleeping just east of the Enchanted Forest on the bank of the Cripple River. Not much else to report here.

LASIDIOUS & CELESTRIA are together in their home on Ancients Sovereign. They are working out the details of a few plans before Celestria leaves for the world of Luvelles. There, she will spend the remainder of her pregnancy.

BASSORINE is still trying to find Lasidious. The others on Ancients Sovereign are growing tired of listening to the God of War shout.

SHALEE is on her way to the local School of Magical Studies. She is scheduled to start training with her new staff.

SAM & MOSLEY are waiting for Sam’s teacher at the local School of Weaponry.

Thank you for reading this edition of the Grayham Inquirer

CHAPTER 10

The Training Blues

-or-

Should I Say, Bruises?

SHALEE LEFT THE INN smiling about Sam’s advance as she searched for the School of Magical Studies. She admired the simple touches of the village. Though the architecture was not anything to write home about, it felt peaceful. Simple things were her passion anyway, and although the buildings could use some attention to their design, she saw many areas that displayed intricate detail.

Everywhere she turned, the pride of the village people was evident—a sign perfectly painted, carefully placed stones that formed the mouth of a well, cobblestone walkways that ran from the street to each store front and stoop. The roofs were made of bundled straw, and they were tightly bound to allow the rain to run off quickly.

As she walked through the streets, she came across a young boy who appeared to be no more than 11 seasons. He had