Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign

CHAPTER 28

The Visions Begin

ATHENA CLEANED THE BLOOD from George’s face and stopped the bleeding. She asked many questions, but George would not answer them. Each time she asked, he gave her a kiss and said, “Don’t worry about it, babe, I’m okay,” and changed the subject. After a while, Athena gave up and stopped questioning.

George was glad he was able to avoid telling her a lie. He felt bad enough that Maldwin was going to manipulate the minds of her family, but he would not deceive her. He had to draw the line somewhere, and in his twisted mind, this was the line.

The next morning, George could see the rat was anxious. He figured it was because they had teleported without Amar in the middle of the night, and the fact George had blood all over his clothes did not help.

When he had a moment to himself, he took Maldwin outside to console him. He used the phrase he had taught the rat on their journey back from Siren’s Song, making sure his smile was big as he made the statement. “Everything is A-okay, man!”

Maldwin looked into George’s eyes. After a moment, he relaxed and then resumed twitching his nose. It was clear the rodent wanted to say something, but he did not know how, so George waited patiently. Eventually, the little guy said the only thing he could think of. “I like cheese, George!”

The liar smiled and took the rodent inside. “Mom, do you have any cheese?” Once Mary retrieved some, Maldwin scurried into a corner and nibbled ferociously.

George turned to Mary and smiled. “He’s cute, don’t you think?”

“If you like big rats. He’s not my idea of a pet.” Mary pulled out a chair from under the kitchen table and then took a seat. Her long, light-brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and her hazel eyes were filled with concern. “What have you been up to, George? You seem to be getting trobleted a lot lately. Athena told me about the night you met. She said you were attacked outside of town. Now you show up at my door, bloody and refusing to offer an explanation. I don’t know what to think. Do you always find trouble so easily?”

George moved across the room and stopped took a seat next to Mary. He put his hands on his knees and then looked her in the eye. “I assure you, I’m not trouble. I’ve had a little bad luck, that’s for sure, but I think everything is going to be okay. How could they not when I’ve got so many beautiful women around me?”

His charismatic line of garesh seemed to pacify Mary.

“Don’t worry about me, Mom. I’ll take care of your little girl.”

Mary leaned back far enough in her chair and stared George in the eyes. After a bit, she leaned forward and placed her hand on his shoulder. “You better be good for her!”

Athena entered the room.

Mary pointed at her daughter. “There are preparations that need to be made. You should talk.”

“Mother!” Athena shouted. “I wasn’t going to tell him until later on in the Peak.”

Mary stood from her chair, moved to her daughter and then kissed Athena’s cheek. “Love you, sweetheart!” She smiled and then left the room.

George looked at Athena. “So ... you were going to tell me something. What was it?”

Athena took a deep breath. She crossed the room and nestled into George. It was obvious to the master manipulator that he was being buttered up for something big. What she had to say was clearly creating distress, but George knew that whatever it was, he loved her enough to figure it out.

“Honey?” Athena whispered.

“Yes, sweetheart, what is it?”

“You know I love you?” she responded with a questioning glance.

George knew it had to be serious, or she would not be leading up to the knockout punch so slowly. He was too good at this game not to recognize a set-up when he heard one. He continued to play along.

“Yes, baby, I know you love me with all your heart.”

“You know I would do anything for you, right?”

“Yes, I know you would do anything for me.”

“You know my family loves you, right?”

George put his chin on top of her head. “Yes, babe, I know your family loves me.”

“You know I would go anywhere with you.”

“Yes, I know.”

“I really, really love you, George.”

“Babe, you’re stalling. I love you, too, but why don’t you tell me what it is so we can talk about it? I promise I’ll be there for you no matter what.”

Athena started to cry. “I won’t get mad if you leave me.” She had never been in a real relationship, and the only men she had dated prior to George had treated her without respect. She loved George with all her heart, but she was afraid he would not want her after what she had to say.

George sensed what was going on. He smiled, knowing there was not a problem after all. He pushed her back so he could see her eyes and held her gaze with a passion he had saved for only one other in his life. “I will take care of you and our baby, Athena. I’ll never leave you. I have a few things to do before the baby’s born, but I promise, your family will see how strong our relationship is.”

“How did you know?” Athena gasped. “I haven’t told anyone other than my mother. I can’t be sure, but my body speaks to me, and I haven’t bled. It’s telling me that I’m going to be a mother. I wanted to wait for you to come back before I said anything to anyone else, but I had to tell my mother.”

George pushed her hair clear of her shoulders, exposing her neck. He admired her beauty. “I will say this ... you’re terrible at delivering good news. What made you think I’d feel this was a bad thing?”

“I don’t know. You’re the only man I’ve ever been with. I was worried you wouldn’t want me anymore. I’ve given you so much more than I’ve given anyone else. I was frightened this would chase you away.”

George pulled her close, assured her his love was genuine and then asked Athena to get ready. He wanted to take her out for breakfast. The fact he was the one to take her innocence only made him feel that much stronger about their future.

When Athena left the room, he took Maldwin in his arms and scratched the back of the rat’s neck, something he had learned the rodent liked on their way back from Siren’s Song. “Mary ... can you come in here please?”

As she entered, George gently squeezed Maldwin’s tail.

The rat looked at him for confirmation.

George nodded. He then set the rodent down and whispered. “Mary, I want to wed your daughter. I would like your permission. Will you give it to me?”

The woman’s smile stretched from ear to ear. “I knew you would be good for her. When’s the union?”

George explained that it would be best to do it within the next few Peaks since he would be traveling again in the near future. Plus, he wanted to make sure Athena was not showing. He assured Mary he would be settled before the baby was born, and they would all be cared for.

The woman accepted this answer, and they set a Peak for the event. Once agreed upon, Mary darted out of her home to find Athena’s sister to start planning. The ceremony would be held in 2 Peaks.

Athena came back into the room. She was now out of her pajamas and in a fitted, yellow and ivory, full-length, Bailem dress.





Fellow soul, a Bailem dress is the way the people refer to a sun dress. Bailem, also known as the God of the Sun, is one of the few to divulge his title to the beings living on the worlds. Ergo, a Bailem dress equals a sun dress. But enough about fashion nomenclature—let’s get back to Athena’s yellow and ivory Bailem dress.





“Is this pleasing to your eyes, George?” Athena queried.

He put his left arm around her and placed his right hand on her tummy. “I will love you until the Peak I pass. Are you hungry? I have something to ask you over breakfast.”

The City of Brandor

The night Sam, Shalee, BJ, and Helga went out into the city with General Justin Graywind was a fun evening. They had walked along the cobblestone street that led from the castle to the arena and stopped at every tavern along the way, drinking one ale after another.

After visiting the arena, Helga took the group to see the home she had purchased. Inside was the fabric Duke Brandor had given Shalee, and there was plenty of room for both couples.

Next, the general took the group to his estate. By Sam’s estimation, the gates of the property sat about a mile from the arena and nearly three from the king’s castle.

Justin announced, “This is my home. Once you assume my position, this palatial estate will be yours. I’ll see to it that you’re reimbursed by the king’s treasurer for the expense of the other abode.”

Neither Sam, BJ, nor the girls, could believe their good fortune, but they waited until they were back in their quarters before they discussed it.

Shalee was the first to speak. “Did you see the size of that place? Me-oh-my, that wasn’t anything like I’ve ever imagined living in back on Earth, but I think I can work with it.” She looked at Sam. “I never thought that I would live like Lady Guinevere.”

Sam smiled. “At least we’re going to have servants. I wouldn’t want to clean the place. I bet it’s at least 600,000 square feet.”

BJ cut in. “What are square feet?”

Sam took a step back. “It’s a unit of measure. Half a pace this way, half a pace that way equals a square pace, or rather, a square foot ... more or less. Does that make sense? Why ... how do you measure the size of a building?”

“We measure structures in bids. A bid is one pace squared.”

Sam extended his arms in front of himself and held his hands approximately three feet apart. “Is this anywhere close to what a pace might be?”

BJ studied the distance between Sam’s hands. “I would say that’s about right.”

Sam looked at Shalee. “So their bid is about three feet squared or a square yard.”

Shalee grinned. “I already know that. Helga covered that with me Peaks ago.” She turned to the older sorceress and threw up her right hand. “Give it to me high.”

The older sorceress responded with a proper amount of attitude. “You go, girl!” she responded as she slapped Shalee a sassy high-five.

BJ looked at the women. “What on Grayham is all that nonsense about?” He focused on Helga. “You’ve been acting silly lately.” He turned to Shalee. “You’ve taught her too much of this Earth nonsense of yours. I don’t even recognize her anymore.”

“Oh, lighten up, you old fart,” the 247-season-old woman said with a chuckle. “Shalee has only taught me a few of her ways. There are plenty more I’d like to learn. Besides, I think they’re fun. You’re gonna have to love them along with me.” She leaned toward BJ and purred in his ear, “You just wait until I explain the phrase, ‘baby got back.’”

Shalee and Helga laughed and gave each other another high-five.

Sam looked at BJ and rolled his eyes. “The women from Earth often acted a little off-in-the-head. Don’t even try to figure them out. It’s impossible. They really come from a planet called Venus.”

When Shalee heard Sam’s snide remark, she gave her lover an evil grin and lifted Precious into the air. “Let the games begin!” she announced as she began to stalk Sam.

Sam had played this game before, and he knew what was coming next as he turned to run.

Shalee gave chase, sending tiny, electric shocks from the tip of her staff into Sam’s buttocks. Moment after moment, the macho fighter jumped into the air and screamed like a girl. “I love you, baby … ouch! I love you, baby … ouch! I love you, baby … ouch!”

Even BJ had to laugh.

The next Peak, Sam woke early, kissed his beautiful sorceress, and said goodbye. On his way out, he assured BJ that once he could do something about the situation, he would create a place of importance for his mentor at his side in the army.

Sam went to the castle dining hall to wait with the other officers for the breakfast meeting to begin. When the king and Justin Graywind entered, they greeted the gathering and thanked everyone for coming. The king had adopted Sam’s custom. He shook everyone’s hand before he changed the tone of the meeting.

Sam could see the hint of pain on Keldwin’s face as he spoke. The effect of the disease was beginning to set in.

“I have called you here to discuss matters of great importance.” The king moved around the long table as he continued. “Change is coming. Each of you will...” The king continued to elaborate on all the decisions that had been made.

The officers focused on their king as he spoke. They totaled 11 men, and each led a legion of their own. Michael was also present. He was the army’s current second in command, and the legion leaders reported directly to him, and in turn, he reported to the general.

Michael was a strong man, but he was not as large as Justin Graywind. He kept his hair short and tight against the sides of his head, and as he held his cup in his hand, his forearm rippled.

Michael’s position at the king’s table was directly across from Justin Graywind, and Sam was sitting to his right. The legion leaders occupied seats along the length of the table with the prince sitting at the far end, opposite his father.

Keldwin continued. “I have a few more items to address. Some of them may not sit well with you, but I’ve received word that my decisions are what’s best for this kingdom. This confirmation comes directly from the gods.”

The room filled with whispers as the officers looked at each other. The seriousness of the meeting had just increased.

The general stood and commanded their silence.

As the king continued, he circled the table and then stopped behind his chair. “Bassorine has been destroyed.”

Before Keldwin could speak another word, the table became agitated and questions filled the air.

Again, the general stood and commanded their silence. “This meeting will come to order. No one will speak again until the king has finished!”

The officers knew not to question Justin’s authority. His position and reputation as a mighty warrior were well respected.

Everyone quieted, and the king reclaimed the floor. “Bassorine has been destroyed. A new god has taken his place.”

Keldwin’s eyes scanned the room as he watched his officers throw each other glances. Never had a god made his presence known to the officers in his army. Keldwin had never met Bassorine, but knew Mosley from the work Bassorine had the wolf doing before he ascended. “The god who has replaced Bassorine, is Lord Mosley. The wolf will be joining us for breakfast.”

The king knew his revelation would get a reaction, because most of his officers had met Mosley in the past. The table once again buzzed with commotion, but the king stopped the general from shouting. He allowed the men to talk amongst themselves.

After a moment, Keldwin raised his hand, and the room quieted. “As I was saying, gentlemen, Mosley is our new Lord. You will worship him as you worshiped Bassorine.”

The king was unable to speak further. A powerful wind filled the room, strong enough that each man had to steady his glass. As the wind settled, a brilliant light appeared a few paces behind the king’s chair. The men were forced to shield their eyes. When the light dissipated, Mosley stood in its place.

Despite the king’s warning that the wolf was coming, the men stood from their seats and retreated to the far end of the table.

The general turned his back to his men to keep his grin from being seen. “They’re all spineless,” he whispered to Keldwin.

“Easy, my friend. It’s not every Peak a god visits.”

Sam took a step away from the table and knelt on one knee. The king, the prince, and the General Absolute followed suit to emphasize the importance of the god’s appearance. They remained in this position with their heads bowed until the rest of the men gathered the nerve to step forward and kneel.

Mosley had added additional size to his frame for the occasion, and he looked twice his normal mass. He sat on his haunches and pushed his furry chest out in a majestic pose. He looked stunning. His teeth were white, his tail and coat looked brushed and had a regal shine. His look was befitting of a God of War.

With everyone kneeling, the canine spoke. “Great King, I request to be a part of this meeting. I am here to voice my opinions. Please stand, Keldwin, so we may speak in private.”

The king rose and followed Mosley to the far side of the room where the wolf leaned in toward Keldwin. “Do you think they bought it? They seemed nervous. Yet I feel an impression has been made. I hope my entrance was grand enough.”

“The men will listen to everything you say, My Lord. It was a fine entrance.”

“But do you think it was dramatic? Was it worthy of a pack leader of my stature?”

“Ohhhhh, more than dramatic, My Lord. The men have never seen anything like it, I assure you.”

Mosley sniffed Keldwin’s fingers. “How are you feeling?”

Keldwin hesitated. “I feel as good as a man can, considering I’m about to pass.”

“The disease is spreading.” Mosley snorted to clear the smell of the disease from his nostrils. “Please kneel, Keldwin, so I can impart the blessing you need to see to the end of your tournament.”

The men watched their king take a knee.

Mosley placed his paw on top of Keldwin’s head. A glow surrounded the king’s body as he lifted off the floor. A short period of moments passed before the king’s knee returned to the floor, and then he rose to his feet.

“May I give your men an order, Keldwin?”

“Please ... by all means, My Lord!”

Mosley turned to face the group. With an authoritative voice, he commanded, “Sit.” The wolf enjoyed the anxiety on their faces as they scrambled to their seats.

“Great King, I’ll stay for the moments necessary to listen to you speak.”

Keldwin loved being called “Great King” in front of his men. It gave him renewed vigor to carry on with the meeting. “Thank you, Lord Mosley. I was about to tell my men that I have few Peaks left. I shall pass not long after my tournament.”

Yet again, the room buzzed. The king allowed the General Absolute to explode. “I said be quiet! The next man to speak out of turn will be added to the lottery! I feel sorry for the soul who faces me!” The vein in Justin’s neck punctuated his statements.

The officers knew this was their last warning. No one would dare speak again unless they were asked.

Sam, on the other hand, thought, I bet I could defeat you if given the chance.

Keldwin cleared his throat. “Michael, I will be temporarily removing you from second in command and placing Sam in your stead. When I pass, Sam shall become General Absolute, and General Graywind will become my son’s advisor. Michael, you shall then return to your responsibilities as second in command and assist Sam during the war.” The king turned to Mosley for confirmation.

“ That is correct, Great King,” the wolf replied with a strong voice.

Keldwin continued. “Are there any questions?”

The first to raise his hand was Michael. “My King, with all due respect, and I mean no offense, who is Sam? And why would he be placed in a position that I’ve rightfully earned?”

The general was about to jump out of his seat and rip Michael apart, but the king was wise, and he recognized the need for diplomacy.

The king motioned for Justin to relax. “The last series of moments in which I looked into my chamber mirror, Michael, the vision within still showed me as king. Any position given throughout this kingdom is because I choose to allow it. If I remember our laws—laws my family created with the help of the Senate, they allow me to have final authority during moments of war.

“The gods have told us war is upon us. I’ve ordered the general to activate the full strength of the army. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect the people. This decision is mine alone to make, and it has been made.”

Keldwin leaned over the table, his expression stern, “Michael, I would ask you to explain why you feel you have the authority to question your king? Do you question the gods? It was upon their referral that Sam is to be given your position. A referral such as this would be foolish to ignore. Tell me, Michael, would you have me ignore the gods?”

Michael shook his head. “No, My King.”

Keldwin scanned the table. “Who here agrees with my decision? Raise your mugs.”

Everyone in the room, including Michael, lifted their drinks.

With the issue settled, the king continued. “I’ll announce Sam’s new position at the start of my tournament. I expect you all to leave after breakfast and carry out the duties your general has assigned. I’ve sent word for hippogriffs to fly throughout the night. Each of you has a task to complete. Do it well, and do it with honor.”

The king turned from the table and looked at Mosley. “Do you have anything else to add, My Lord?”

The oversized wolf-god moved close to the table. He stood up on his hind legs and put his front paws onto its edge, and then looked down at the men. “The gods have brought Sam to this world, along with his betrothed. They are powerful beings and worthy of your respect. I hope you will not test your king’s decision before you accept Sam as your superior. I leave you now, but I’ll be watching from the heavens.” With that, the wolf dissolved into a million pieces that floated up and through the roof.

Once the room settled, and the king saw that everyone was calm, he turned the meeting over to Sam before he made his exit with his son and the general.

Sam stood and moved to the head of the table. “Does anyone have questions?”

Every officer slowly lifted a hand.

Sam sighed as he pointed at Michael. “Why don’t you be the first?”

For the rest of that meeting, Sam would think about the comment Mosley had made. Until now, he had not thought about marrying Shalee, but he had to admit he liked the idea of being her betrothed. He would find Shalee and speak with her about it after he finished with the men.

The Town of Lethwitch

It was over breakfast when George asked Athena to form a union with him. She was delighted, of course, and quickly dragged him to a jeweler friend of hers.



George smiled as he paid for the ring, completely ignoring the fact that the coin had come from the pockets of Amar’s robe. He realized this was the first moment he had given someone other than his daughter a piece of jewelry. His first wife had bought her own. With Athena, he enjoyed giving instead of receiving. He was elated as he watched her smile grow.

Before they left, the jeweler told them she would have the ring ready the next Peak, early enough to retrieve it before their union. The next stop was to buy Athena a gown, and George something to wear that would make him look dashing. Both outfits would need to be ready during the same series of moments as the ring.

After they were finished shopping, George suggested that Athena head back to her mother’s farm. He had seen a store earlier in the Peak that caught his eye, and he had an idea.

After Athena was out of sight, George turned and headed back up the road. He was looking for a store that was filled with boxes, bags and hides of all sizes. As he entered, he studied his surroundings. Despite his general distaste for ruggedness, he admired the craftsmanship sitting on every shelf. Each container was the result of a laborious effort in art, and they had been made of one kind of hide or another. In every case, the leather had been treated, and the smell was inviting.

From a back room, an older gentleman appeared. He was dressed in a white shirt and a brown leather vest that had been tied in the front. His long, graying braid hung to the middle of his back and swung from side to side as he moved to stand behind a counter opposite the shelves holding his masterpieces. Behind the counter hung three different pelts and two tails, possibly cut from some sort of raccoon.

“Hello,” the older man said with a smile. “People around these parts call me RJ the leather guy. But I’m sure you saw that on my sign out front.”

George reached out and grabbed RJ’s forearm, which was the town’s customary way of greeting, and thought, Who is this hillbilly-flowerchild? Thank goodness his art looks better than he does.

“It’s nice to meet you, RJ. I’m George. I saw your boxes through the window. I’m especially interested in that one over there.”

RJ moved to grab the box and brought it back to the counter. He handed it to George. “I finished crafting this one 3 Peaks ago. I like how it turned out. I was getting ready to start another. Perhaps I should put a different design on it so it stands apart.”

“That’s a great idea,” George replied. “I’m getting hitched, tomorrow—”

“Hitched?”

“Yeah, you know, I’m going to have a wife.”

An understanding appeared on RJ’s face. “And you’re here to purchase her a gift?”

George held up the box and studied it. “I am. She’s totally worth it. She hits my hot button ... if you know what I mean.”

“I’m think I understand what you mean, but you speak differently than most.”



As George studied the box, he responded, “I’m visiting from another world. Let’s get down to business, shall we?

“Do you think you can make the next box with the words ‘Athena’s Treasures’ on the upper left hand corner of the lid? I’m sure she would love it if it was personalized. Maybe you can add some kind of design to surround the words across the bottom and the right hand side. Oh … and do you think you could have it done by morning?”

“For the right kind of coin I can have anything done by morning.”

George gave a sly grin. “Coin is not an issue, RJ. I’ll see you in the morning. Just remember, this woman is special. The box needs to equal her beauty.”

“In the morning, then. I’m sure the lady will be pleased.”

Later that Afternoon

Mary’s Cottage

The Peak of Bailem had come and gone, and George still needed to put his plan in motion. He pushed back his plate, shoved the last bite of biscuit into his mouth and then looked at Athena. “If you were to move, which family members would you want near you?”



Although she thought it was an odd question, Athena listed just over 30 souls.

“Great,” George replied. “Can you take me to meet them all? I’d like to personally invite them to our union.” He then stood from his chair and walked to the kitchen to put his plate in the washtub. He thought, Damn it. Thirty? Holy garesh! I must really like this chick.

Athena walked up behind him. “I would love to take you to meet everyone, honey? What a great idea.”

“Isn’t it though?” George pandered. He turned around, pulled Athena close and then placed his chin on top of her head. I’m so excited I can’t wait to shoot myself in the head, he thought.

After releasing her, he reached down and scooped Maldwin off the floor. He threw the rodent into his pack, took Athena by the hand and then headed out.

It would take most of that afternoon to find everyone. By the moment they were finished, Maldwin had seen the faces of every family member that he would need to send a vision to.

On their way out of town, they stopped by a dairy that had more than 420 milk producing corgans. Just off the road, the farmer’s wife had built a small store, and she was selling many forms of cheese.

George purchased a block for Maldwin, thanked the lady, and then they headed out. Once they were back on the road, they passed a large number of military personnel who were headed toward town.

George questioned Athena. “What’s that all about?”

“Wagons are being built for the harvests. Word has spread that the harvests are going to be bountiful. The king has declared that they were blessed by the gods. Some of the men have been hired to build barns on the far side of my Mother’s farm.”

“How do you know all this?”

“It was posted on the message boards at the center of town. The king has paid these men to carry out his orders ... which is highly unusual.”

“If a god has blessed the crops, there must be something big about to happen.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have no idea. I’ll let you know when I do.” George continued to think, Where’s Kepler when I need him? He knew the demon would get the answers he was after as he stalked the shadows. He would make a concerted effort to find out what was going on after his union.

As Maldwin shifted in his pack, George remembered what Kepler had said before they separated: “… the rat will need to be provided a quiet place to send his visions.” George took the little guy to Mary’s barn and left him with the block of cheese. It would take the rat quite a while to reach everyone in Athena’s family to get them to a midnight meeting. The manipulator hoped that it would be held the next night.

The next morning George woke, kissed Athena’s soft lips, and then excused himself to check on Maldwin. When he arrived in the barn, the rat was sleeping on a bale of hay. The block of cheese was untouched.

The mage tiptoed over and whispered, “Maldwin. Maldwin. Wake up, little guy.”

The rat stirred. When he looked up, George could see he was exhausted. The rodent’s eyes were bloodshot. Maldwin pulled himself over and lowered his head onto George’s lap. As he did, the rodent assured, “Everything is A-okay, man.”

The visions Maldwin had sent must have been hard to deliver. George did not want to push his little ally any harder. He supported the rat’s head as he moved out from under it. He was about to shut the door to the barn when Maldwin called out. “I like cheese, George.”

George smiled, gave the rat a thumbs up and then walked back into the barn. He tore off a chunk of cheese, laid it next to the little guy’s paws and then left.

The meeting Maldwin had set for Athena’s family would be held on the same night as his union. The family would learn about how wondrous it would be to live with George and Athena in the Barbarian Kingdom and how peaceful their existence would be.

George grabbed Athena from inside the house and headed down the road. His plan was coming together. They needed to hurry to town, grab the rings, their clothes, and then return to the farm to get dressed before Late Bailem.

George would also need to teleport back into town to pick up Athena’s new treasure box since he did not want his surprise to be ruined.