Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign

CHAPTER 31

Gods Who Wager

The Hidden God World

Ancients Sovereign



Yaloom’s Home





LASIDIOUS WENT TO THE HOME of Yaloom on Ancients Sovereign to deliver a message. When the Mischievous One arrived, he found that Mieonus was present. She was watching the assassination of Aaron Brandor with Yaloom as they glared into an indoor waterfall that cascaded past the railing where they stood and fell into a large pool far below. This flowing sheet of water was a lot like watching a giant TV, and the images being portrayed were of events in progress.

The God of Greed had exquisite taste. His home was breathtaking, and it represented everything that he considered to be the best. Unlike his home, Yaloom’s appearance was ordinary, however, his fingers were covered with priceless rings. The god was extremely self-centered, and even the way he stood showed his arrogance.

“Good Peak,” Lasidious greeted.

When Yaloom failed to respond, Mieonus held up her right hand. “Shhhh! We’re busy.”

Lasidious shook his head and looked over the railing. The pool below was filled with gems that shimmered from the bottom of its depths. From there, the water continued to cascade over many other smaller falls as it moved throughout the rest of the structure.

Yaloom’s mansion was created at the center of a 580 pace waterfall. A hole existed at the top of the structure, and every ounce of the falls funneled into this opening and coursed through the home before it exited at the bottom. From there, the water fell the remaining 250 paces.

Despite the massive force pouring into the home, it was pleasant where the gods stood. Yaloom had engineered the mansion in such a way that the deafening sound of the waterfall hitting the top of the building was not heard on this main level. He had smoothed the walls inside to direct the flow peacefully around them for pleasant conversation.

Lasidious had come to Yaloom’s home to solicit a meeting about the pieces of the Crystal Moon, but instead, he ended up watching the events in Brandor unfold. Since the happenings were current, it was too late to do anything to manipulate a different outcome. He cringed as the assassin shoved the barbarian blade into Aaron’s jaw and watched as its tip pierced the top of the king’s head.

Though the assassination was not what the Mischievous One would have wanted, it was not without entertainment value. He smiled as Shalee froze the crowd and then released Sam to help her deal with the situation. Hmmm! They work well together, he thought.

To Lasidious’ delight, Mosley was sitting on the stage, but the people did not know the God of War was present. An orange glow was surrounding the wolf, and this was the waterfall’s way of signifying his invisibility.

After watching the guard tackle Double D, Lasidious questioned, “Why would you have manipulated this assassination? What did you expect to accomplish by it?”

Yaloom responded. “The Kingdom of Brandor will be weakened by this. They’ll be left disorganized for the upcoming war.”

“Imbeciles! Don’t you realize what you’ve done?” The Mischievous One slapped his own forehead.

“We aren’t imbeciles!” Mieonus snapped as she stomped her lifted heel against the floor. “This assassination will benefit our team.”

“Your team? Most of your team is doing nothing. They’re witless. There’s so much more that could be done. You order one assassination, and you expect that this will win you the pieces of the Crystal Moon?”

“It will!” Yaloom shouted. “I—”

Lasidious trumped Yaloom’s voice. “No! It won’t! You may have ruined your chance to secure the first two pieces. Your actions have strengthened the leadership in Brandor ... not weakened it. How stupid could you be?”

“Stop degrading us,” Yaloom demanded, “or we’ll—”

“You’ll what? You’ll do nothing, because you’re afraid you’ll end up like Bassorine.” Lasidious paused. “You don’t even understand why I’m upset.”

“Then explain it!” Yaloom snapped. “The way I see it, Brandor is void of leadership.”

Lasidious took a few deep breaths, and then he spoke in a calmer tone. “Have you forgotten how smart Sam is and the fact that Bassorine gave him his sword? And that has nothing to do with the power Shalee possesses. For you to make her a queen is ludicrous.” He threw his hands in the air. “Bassorine chose Shalee for a reason. He must have known something we don’t. It’s clear she’s not just a baby maker. Whatever his secret was, I intend to figure it out.”

Mieonus reasoned, “We didn’t know to watch Shalee. Just try to look at it our way. No kingdom should be able to survive the destruction of its hierarchy when it happens over a matter of Peaks. When we instigated the assassinations, Keldwin had not even planned his tournament yet. How could we have known that Sam would be invited to Brandor so quickly and end up in a position to step into leadership once Aaron was killed?”

Yaloom cut in. “Yes ... we thought with the general and the prince passing, Brandor would be led by a king that was growing sicker by the Peak. Sam becoming king was dumb luck.”

Lasidious threw his hands in the air again. “There’s no such thing as dumb luck, imbecile. You should’ve stopped the assassinations, and if your eyes would’ve been open, you would’ve. The two of you have been outwitted by Mosley and the council of cretins that surrounds him.”

Mieonus stomped her lifted heel again. “You don’t have to be so rude!”

Lasidious nodded. “You’re right. I’ll show you your failure firsthand. Come with me to see what the situation is like in Brandor. Meet me in the theatre next to Mosley ... if you have the nerve.” After a snide look, the Mischievous One disappeared.

When Lasidious reappeared, he was standing next to Mosley on the stage. Like the wolf, he was invisible to those who filled the theatre. Soon after, Mieonus and Yaloom popped in. They said nothing as they watched Sam place the blade onto Double D’s shoulder. This was going to be an event worth watching. Each took a seat on the stage floor.

Eventually, Lasidious decided to make conversation that could only be heard by the gods. “Mosley, I see your manipulations have Sam in the best position possible for the upcoming war.” The Mischievous One reached out and patted the wolf on his neck. “Sam ... a king and Shalee ... his queen. I must admit, I’m impressed, my friend. I should keep a better eye on you from now on. It appears you’re as proficient in mischief as I am.”

The wolf turned and looked at his fellow gods. “Sam is impressive to watch, is he not? It didn’t take more than a few simple suggestions to turn him into a leader. I would not say I’m as mischievous as you, Lasidious, but I appear to have a knack for it.”

Yaloom cut in. “I should’ve been watching you. Be assured, I won’t make that mistake twice. I had no idea you had Sam in the position to become Brandor’s monarch. It’s clear to me now that the assassination was an error in judgment.”

“Ya think?” Lasidious snapped. “You two managed to kill everyone who stood in Sam’s way. What should’ve taken seasons to accomplish, you managed to hand him in a matter of Peaks. Please ... remind me, why do the two of you deserve to live on Ancients Sovereign?”

“Okay, we get it!” Mieonus sneered. “How about we focus on your shortcomings. Answer this: what have you been up to?”

Lasidious rubbed his hands together in front of a sinister smile. “I could tell you ... but I assure you, there would be no shortcomings found in my answers.”

Mosley ignored Lasidious’ response and took a few more moments to brag. “Sam has completely taken control of this situation. Look at how the people support him.”

“He’s extraordinary,” Lasidious responded.

Mosley changed the subject. “I found your George.”

“Really?” Lasidious said without allowing his surprise to appear on his face, “I was wondering when someone would.”

Mosley reached up with his back leg and scratched his neck as he responded. “I sensed his presence yesterday just before Early Bailem. He teleported to meet with Kepler and his brothers on the north side of Gessler.” The wolf turned and looked into the God of Mischief’s eyes and waited for Lasidious to respond.

“Finally, the games we play are becoming more interesting. It will be harder to deceive one another now that we know who to look for.” Lasidious knew he could still speak with George in his dreams if he needed to. Whether Mosley was watching the Earthling or not, it would not be an issue once he spoke with him.

Mosley licked his jowls and then spoke. “George is headed north into the Barbarian Kingdom. Since he’s teleporting, someone must have given him a way to find power of his own.”

“Really?” Mieonus oozed as she glared at Lasidious. “I thought you were staying neutral and allowing the teams to play.”

Lasidious laughed. “No. I said I wouldn’t cheat while I was on a team ... and I didn’t. I never said I didn’t have goals of my own. What fun can be found in idle complacency? Besides, it appears it’s good that I abandoned my team. The two of you are no smarter than mortals. Sam would make a better deity than you.”

“Stop with the digs!” Yaloom snapped. “We get it. You’re the master. That was made clear when you found a way to rid us of Bassorine with the Book.”

Lasidious took a moment to enjoy the verbal pat on his back. “Thank you, Yaloom. There may be hope for you yet.”

Mieonus rolled her eyes. “Could you possibly have a bigger opinion of yourself? For your sake, that over-inflated head best not leak.”

Distracted, Mosley rolled onto his side. This new position allowed him to sniff Mieonus’ feet. “Delightful!” He twisted his head to look at Lasidious. “I’ll be watching George from now on. He’s controlling advanced magic for this world, and we both know it. I noticed he teleported without a spell or staff. Perhaps you’d be willing to divulge how he accomplished that.”

“You’re perceptive, Mosley,” Lasidious responded. “What else have your senses been telling you?”

Yaloom and Mieonus agreed with Lasidious that the wolf’s perceptions were accurate, although they did not know why they were agreeing.

“Well,” Mosley said in a calm voice, “we all know that George had no natural magical abilities when you retrieved him from Earth. The others would’ve known if you had tried to bring a magical being forward. The only way George could have gained his abilities is by eating the heart of someone before their soul left for the Book.”

Lasidious shook his head. “That’s not the only way.” Lasidious smirked. “But it is the easiest way.”

Mosley rolled his green eyes. “How about we level with each other, Lasidious, and you tell me how I’m doing so far? You gave George the ability to command a grand pack of his own, didn’t you?”

Lasidious lifted his hand and waved off the accusation. “Careful, Mosley. You’re giving me too much credit. All I did was tell the horse where the water was. George chose to drink it. I have been careful not to break the rules within the Book ... as I’m sure you have. Like you, I’ve done nothing other than make a few, simple suggestions. I only motivated my mortal to walk down a path of his choosing.”

The wolf frowned. “I would not call eating someone’s heart a simple suggestion. But whose power did he take?”

“Whether it’s a simple suggestion or not is a matter of opinion,” Lasidious responded. “I’ll answer your question, but everything I say from here on out will fall under the Rule of Fromalla.”





Fellow soul ... Mosley pondered Lasidious’ request. The wolf knew the Rule of Fromalla was a law that had been voted into existence by the gods and written onto the pages of the Book of Immortality. The law was passed because of the overwhelming lack of trust the Collective had for each other after the God Wars ended. Though the gods had fought together in order to survive, once the wars were over, a battle of a new kind began. Each deity needed worshippers to speak their name in order to increase their power once the worlds were populated. In an effort to undermine each other’s campaigns, the gods shared the others’ secrets.

It was Bassorine who had called a meeting of the Collective to suggest that they vote to pass the Rule of Fromalla, and this allowed for progress. The law was long and covered many angles, but it basically meant, if two or more members of the Collective gathered to share anything that was said to be under Fromalla, it could not be divulged to a non-present member of the Collective. The penalty for breaking this law—mortality.





“I agree to Fromalla,” the wolf responded. “Who did George end?”

Lasidious looked at Yaloom and then at Mieonus. He watched as they nodded and verbally agreed to obey the law. “George acquired his power from Amar. I’m sure you remember. He was one of the mage-brothers from Lethwitch.”

Mieonus gasped. “Are you serious? That was a wonderful manipulation, Lasidious. You could not have led a horse to more magical water anywhere on Southern Grayham.”

Though Yaloom had no idea who Amar was, he nodded to ensure he did not look foolish.

Mosley growled. The wolf had spent a Peak or two with Amar over his seasons while accomplishing various assignments for Bassorine. “I know Amar. He was one of the few beings on all of Grayham to have studied under the Head Master on Luvelles.”

Lasidious nodded. “Yes, that would be Amar.”

The wolf rolled to a more comfortable position as Sam’s blade sliced Double D in half, but the gods’ conversation continued without interruption. They no longer cared about the gruesome scene that was happening only a few paces away. “I would like to know how George learned to control the power he stole from Amar.”

A huge grin appeared on the Mischievous One’s face. “I’m happy you asked, because that’s the best part of how my pet was created. Amar was the one who taught George how to wield the power that killed him. Ironic, don’t you think?”

Mieonus shook her head as she pushed her long, brunette hair clear of her face. A sadistic smile appeared, and her brown eyes were filled with pleasure. “I’m sure you enjoyed yourself when you watched Amar pass. I know I would have. What do you hope George will accomplish with his newfound power?”

Lasidious shrugged. “Now, now, now ... you don’t think I’m going to tell you, do you? You’ll just have to tag along to find out.”

“Ha! You can’t blame me for asking,” the goddess chided. “I think your manipulations are masterful, Lasidious.” Mieonus clapped. “You must let me spend more of my moments with you. You play in a better sandbox of evil than I do.”

Lasidious chuckled. “I’ll consider it. What do you say we head over to Brandor’s arena and watch them light the pyres? We can continue to converse there.”

“That sounds like a pleasant idea,” Yaloom commented. “I haven’t been to an event like that for countless seasons.”

They all disappeared. As the night progressed, the gods sat on top of the highest point of the arena and watched the fire consume Keldwin and Aaron’s bodies. Sam lit the wood with Kael’s flame and then took his place on his new throne inside the royal box.

4 Peaks Later

The harvest for the Kingdom of Brandor was moving forward as planned, and the fields replenished themselves just as Alistar had promised. The crops that were gathered on the last Peak of the harvest had to be stored in the barns that were built across the kingdom, and they were overflowing.



There were 1,770 harvest wagons that had been built by the king’s army making their way to the coastal cities. The harvest was so plentiful that almost every man who owned a wagon had to help in the effort. In total, there were more than 80,000 wagons on the roads, each filled to capacity.

To the north, the Kingdom of Bloodvain was also gathering their crops, but there was nothing special about this event, and life in the north moved forward as usual for everyone—everyone, that is, except Senchae Bloodvain and his mages. The Barbarian King planned to meet George outside the city of Bloodvain’s walls.

Senchae’s scouts had spotted George and his jaguars, and they had returned to inform the king that George would arrive at the gates of the city by Late Bailem.

Senchae had heeded the talking bull’s words. He wanted to confront the human before George could challenge him in front of his military. The warning had made the king fearful that he could lose his crown, and Senchae was not about to let that happen. .

Since the meeting was not until later, there was a meal that needed to be eaten first. Kepler, Keller, Koffler and George were sitting down to have breakfast. They were a half-Peak’s walk from Bloodvain, and they figured they would arrive around Late Bailem. Keller had caught a baby fawn, and the mage was sitting by the fire with a stick to cook his portion of the catch.

“That’s awful,” Keller growled. “How can you stand to eat it that way? You’re cooking the flavor out of it, George.”

“ Yeah, the flavor out of it,” Koffler added in his normal idiotic demeanor, his mouth full of flesh.

“Shut up!” Kepler snapped. “I’m not in the mood.” The demon looked at George. “We’re not far from Bloodvain. What’s your plan?”

The mage pondered a moment before he responded. “As soon as the tigers you summoned arrive, we’ll continue on to the city gates.”

“I like the idea of back-up,” Kepler interrupted as he spoke between licks while cleaning himself. “But if you win the fight against their champion, do you really believe the king’s mages will simply let you challenge their king for the crown? They won’t let an outsider ruin their way of life. We both know their invitation to fight for the crown is a farce. They’ll never serve you.”

“Kepler, my friend, my black, furry friend, you underestimate me still. Allow me to show you how I’m going to get the people to love us and stop the king’s mages.” George reached into his pack and pulled out the sleeping Maldwin.

The demon looked at the rat. “Hmmm. Nicely done. You teleported to Lethwitch to retrieve the rat.”

Kepler said hello to Maldwin in the rat’s language and then looked back up at George. “What do you want me to tell the little guy to do? I could tell him, you said to tell him, that I should tell him that you said telling him was a good idea, to tell me something that I could tell you, so you could tell me, to tell him it’s a good idea, for him to tell me, to tell you that he understands.”

George laughed, “You’re never going to let me live that one down, are you?”

“Nope, never gonna, George,” Koffler said with a stupid laugh as he choked on his food.

Kepler and Keller growled at their brother as if they were using the same mind. “Shut up, idiot!”

George continued. “Anyway, I want you to ask Maldwin, not tell him, to give the barbarian people a vision of how great we are when I give him the signal. I want to walk around Bloodvain and not worry about our safety. I also want him to send his visions to the king’s mages if we find ourselves in trouble. Just have him keep an eye out.”

Kepler did as George requested. “He says he understands, George.”

Once the four tigers arrived, George outlined the plan and then they were off to Bloodvain.





The four gods—Lasidious, Mosley, Mieonus, and Yaloom—still in their invisible state, watched as George divulged his plan to the cats.

“It will be interesting to see how this turns out,” Mosley said. “George is smart and a decent tactician, but he may still be underestimating the barbarians. They are a formidable people.”

Lasidious smiled. “Isn’t it great? Seven giant cats and a rat can also be formidable. When I told George about the staff, I never expected that he’d turn Maldwin into an ally. It’s unlikely, but he just might pull this off. I wish I could tell him how to do it. I’d like more of a guarantee that this is going to work.” The Mischievous One paused. “But where’s the fun in that?”

Mosley nodded. “I know what you mean. I wanted to tell Sam about Double D, but I was bound by the same law you are.”

The deceiver chuckled. “I wasn’t really talking about the law, but whatever. Sometimes the gods make the damnedest rules.”

“Agreed,” Mieonus interjected. “But the rules have their purpose, or they wouldn’t have been made.”

“I think it makes the game more interesting,” Yaloom added as he turned his attention away from George’s group. “Shall we follow them to see what happens?”

Lasidious responded, “Yes, let’s do that because talking to you is anything but interesting.”

Yaloom rolled his eyes. “You just can’t stop yourself, can you?”

The Mischievous One shrugged. “You make it too easy.”

Mosley sighed as they walked. “Being a god, and having the ability to summon what you want, kills any amusement that could be found in wagering on whether or not George will succeed. I so enjoyed wagering when I was mortal.”

Lasidious nodded. “Perhaps there is a way to find enjoyment through wagering. Instead of a reward for winning, we could punish the loser through embarrassing acts.”

“I like that idea,” Yaloom confirmed as he pulled a ring from one hand to put it on the other. “Wagering could provide a few laughs. Let’s swear on the Book of Immortality that we must perform the acts of punishment ... providing they don’t embarrass us in front of our followers.”

Lasidious smiled. “I’ll agree to that. How about you, Mosley?”

The wolf grinned. “This is the most cub-like thing I’ve agreed to in many seasons, but it’ll be fun. I never thought gods would do something so foolish.”

Outside of Bloodvain

Later that Evening

The gods found a large rock and took a seat on it to watch the meeting between George and Senchae. Yaloom was unable to sit. He had lost the first wager. He had to stand with his robes draped over his right arm, and as his punishment, he had a large, red bow placed over his privates until the next wager was settled.





Senchae and his mages were now within eyesight of George. They dismounted their large horses, a breed common to the north. The stallions were predominantly black with white socks, and they had matching splotches across their flanks. They were capable of carrying the weight of the barbarian people.

The mages tied the horses’ reins to a nearby tree. They then walked with their king toward George. Both sides were cautious as they drew closer, but George was relaxed as he stood with Maldwin in his arms and only Kepler at his side.





Yaloom looked down at his bow. “This isn’t what I had in mind. I hate red.”

“Shut up, and pay attention!” Mieonus snapped.

Mosley grinned as Lasidious held up his hand. “Shhhh. I want to watch without you two babbling.”





George took a deep breath as the barbarians stopped in front of them. The king was massive, a true freak of nature, the likes of which George had never seen. Senchae’s dark skin only added to this perception. Damn! That’s the biggest black guy I’ve ever seen, George thought.

George leaned toward Kepler and whispered, “Holy garesh, this guy has muscles in places that don’t even exist. Maybe you should warn Maldwin to be ready.”

“Agreed,” the demon responded. “I could end him ... but you should prowl with caution.”

George rolled his eyes. “You’re a cocky bastard. You know that, right? Don’t you worry about me, I’ve got everything under control. Just make sure Maldwin is ready.”

George took note of Kepler’s invisible subjects. He had used his magic to hide their presence. As instructed, the tigers and Kepler’s brothers had crept up behind the king’s five mages, and they were ready to attack.

Both groups were standing on a well-traveled road of packed dirt in a heavily wooded area that led to Bloodvain. They had stopped by a rock that was surrounded by trees, the same rock that held the invisible gods. They were alone and George could not have asked for a better setup.

George addressed the king. “I’m assuming you’re Senchae.”

The big man responded, “Who are you to speak my name? You haven’t earned the right, and I should kill you for your ignorant tongue. I’m a king, these are my lands, and you will address me with respect.”

Kepler marveled as George just laughed. He had seen George do this before. He remembered how it made him feel when he was unsure of what George was capable of. He knew the human intended to pick a fight.

Senchae did not know how to respond, so George spoke. “Do you meet everyone outside your city walls, Senchae?”

“Only the swine who don’t deserve to see beyond them,” Senchae retorted.

George frowned. “You suck at talking trash, don’t you? How can a guy as big as you not be frightening?”

Senchae was about to unsheathe his sword, but George held up his hands and shouted, “Wait! Please don’t kill me! I have something you need to know first!”

The Barbarian King was so shocked by how this puny man from the south was speaking that he stopped to listen to what George had to say. “Go ahead. Utter your last words before I end you.”

George allowed a big smile to appear on his face. “I think your crown will look better on me than it does above that nightmare you call a face.”

Without waiting for a response, George gave the signal for the cats to attack. He squeezed Maldwin’s tail to send the king a vision of helplessness. The tigers’ claws, along with Kepler’s brothers, tore into the sides of the heads of the unsuspecting magic users. The sheer force of the blows knocked all but one of the mages unconscious. This man, though he tried to speak his words of power, did not have the moments necessary to finish his command before Keller’s jaws closed around his head and slung him from side to side.

The barbarian’s body popped off from his head. Keller spit the skull to the ground and watched it roll before he lowered his snout and smelled the barbarian’s life’s source as it poured out of him. The cat slurped at the red pool, still in his invisible cover.

The king was struggling to fight off Maldwin’s vision. To everyone’s surprise, Senchae was able to overcome the emotion and attack.

George reacted by lifting his hand. He pinched his fingers together (just as his favorite villain had done in yet another one of his favorite movies on Earth) and lifted his arm into the air. The barbarian rose from the ground and grabbed his throat as he choked. George grinned as he thought, May the force be with me. Wow! This actually feels as cool as it looked.





The gods were taking wagers. Lasidious was first to speak. “I bet he takes him prisoner.”

Yaloom hoped to be able to put on his robe. “I say he kills him.”

Mosley was next. “Taking him prisoner is the wisest move.”

Mieonus laughed as she chimed in. “I agree with Yaloom. George will kill him. The mortal’s emotions will get the best of him.”





George spoke with coldness that Kepler had heard only once. The cat had heard this wickedness on the Peak that George’s eyes changed color.

“Did you really think I’d come unprepared, Senchae? You’re not all powerful. I should snap you in half,” he hissed.

As George spoke, his voice grew louder. “Maybe I’ll allow my friends to tear you apart!” George waved his free hand, and the cats appeared below Senchae as he hung suspended. “Do you really want to die, King of Barbarians?”

Senchae searched for the breath to respond. “I’ll pass before I serve you. End me now.”

George lowered the big man to the ground, but instead of choking him, he bound his arms and legs with unseen cords. With a calculated approach, he moved his face only inches from the bound king’s. “You’ll perish, don’t worry about that, but not before I use you as my puppet. There are many ways I can make you cooperate.” George thought back to another movie he had seen. He could not resist. “We can do this the easy way, or we can do this the real easy way. You choose.”

Senchae did not respond. Instead, he just stared George in the eyes.

George chuckled. “Real easy it is. When I’m done, you’re the only one that’s going to pass. I’ll spare your family, but they’ll live in service to me. They’ll never know another peaceful Peak in their lives.”

“My family would rather perish than serve you,” Senchae refuted. The king tried to spit in George’s face, but the mage was too quick. He rocked back and used his magic to foil the attempt.

Senchae glared at the spit as it hovered between them. The king did not allow George’s dominance of the moment to thwart his proclamation of defiance. “Even my son would not serve a swine like you,” he boasted.

George allowed the spit to fall to the ground. He took a deep breath and thought about how he should react. He did not want to let his emotions control him or the situation. What would he do if he was in the big man’s shoes? He definitely would not have spoken about a son of his own if he had one.

I wonder how old his son is? George thought. If he’s young, it’s an opportunity to use Senchae’s slip against him. But I need to know more.

“So,” George led in, “how is your son, Senchae? Is he as proud as his father?”

The reaction was what George expected. “Of course, he’s proud ... and strong! He’s a barbarian. He’s a king’s son.”

“Hmmm! Funny that you should say he’s strong,” George replied. “From where I stand, I don’t see strength. I see a defeated king. I see a fool who would rather have his family ended before he admitted weakness.”

The barbarian’s rage intensified. “Take your magic away, and you’re nothing! You’re just another coward from the south!”

George laughed. He would not allow himself to be baited into Senchae’s argument. He continued to probe to exploit the potential that Senchae’s son may be young and vulnerable. “Does your boy have the same weakness as his father?”

“You don’t know my son!” Senchae barked. “All barbarians are strong. I’ll have you tied between my horses and ripped apart.”

The king twisted and turned as he struggled to break free of his magical bonds. Once again the mage laughed, and then he returned Senchae’s insult. He spit in the big barbarian’s face to amplify the king’s rage further.

“My daughter is only five seasons. Let’s let our children decide our disagreement.” George hoped the king’s son was close to Abbie’s age. She may not be on Grayham, but she could battle with me, he thought.

“The big man scoffed. “Your child commands magic, or you wouldn’t be wasting my moments with such nonsense.”

“She commands some, but she won’t need to use it,” George rebutted. She’s a scrapper. I’d be willing to wager my last Yaloom that she would destroy your son in your arena.”

Senchae scoffed, “Without magic, your child is no match for a barbarian. You’re wasting my valuable moments. My family would rather pass than serve you, you piece of garesh.”

Once again, the king spit, but during this moment, George simply dodged and let it fly past his face. Senchae’s reaction confirmed George’s suspicion that his son was not old enough to fight, or the king would’ve accepted the challenge. The moment had come for the second phase of his plan. He turned to Kepler and spoke to the demon as if the barbarian was not present.

“Kepler, I thought you told me the people from the north were strong. This man won’t let our children fight for the crown. Don’t you think that’s a pathetic display of weakness? I think we should spread word of how weak the barbarian king really is.”

Kepler had an idea of where the mage was going with his questioning. He could already see the barbarian biting his tongue. Senchae’s pride was baiting him.

The undead cat responded, “I agree, George. I, too, am disgusted. I believed the men from the north to have pride. A true barbarian would never cower from a challenge.” Kepler paused for effect. “Perhaps the king’s son is secretly a female of his species.”

George laughed. “Not much of a territorial force, is she?” Out of the corner of his eye, the mage could see the king was about to blow. “I don’t think Senchae knows his son should be wearing a dress.”

George and all the cats were now laughing. Even Maldwin laughed, though the rat did not know why. It just felt like the proper thing to do.

This was all it took for Senchae’s pride to seize control of his emotions. “My son is not a girl! If he were old enough, I would allow them to battle. I would get no greater satisfaction than watching your seed perish in my arena.”

George turned the heat up another notch. He shouted his next statement and took a stab at a confession. “Are you telling me that your son isn’t even old enough to beat a girl of only five seasons? You’re lying, Senchae! You’re scared to put him in the arena!”

Bloodvain cursed. “A boy of three seasons cannot be expected to fight! Let it be! You and I can settle this dispute!”

George took a step back and smiled. “You said too much. Your child is mine now, Senchae.”

The king sighed. He had given George exactly what he was after. Senchae pleaded, “Please. There must be a way to settle this dispute between us. I can give you anything you desire. What is your wish?”

Once again, George laughed and then he spoke in a tone that even sent a chill up the gods’ spines. “I want to end your son!”

The king cried out as George issued the demon-jaguars his orders. “Kepler, take one of your brothers into the city. Find the boy, and bring him to me. Leave one of your brothers behind so that I can communicate with the tigers.”

George leaned over and whispered in Kepler’s ear, “I would prefer the smarter of the two, if you don’t mind.”

“I will take Koffler with me. But what of the noise the child will make when we carry him out of the city?”

George took a piece of cloth from his pack. He tore a long, thin strip from it, and then tied it around Kepler’s neck. He waved his hand across it twice and the strip disappeared. “That will keep him silent. As long as you have the boy in your mouth, he won’t be heard.”

Kepler enjoyed the cries of the Barbarian King for a moment, and then the demons ran toward the city in the fading light.

After a moment, George found the anticipating eyes of the tigers. He asked Keller to give the order for the cats to drag Senchae’s mages into the trees. “Tell the tigers to have at them.”

Keller nodded. “They’ll be happy about that, but I don’t think they’re fond of you.”

“I don’t need them to like me. I just need them to obey. Besides, they’re getting a free meal. They should just shut up and eat.”

“As you wish,” Keller responded. The jaguar moved into the trees to join his feline companions in severing limbs.

George listened to the deep growls of the feeding cats for a moment, awed at the veracity of their snarls. He turned back to the king. “That could’ve been you, Senchae.”

He lifted his hand into the air and used his magic to carry Senchae’s big frame deep into the brush. Taking another piece of cloth from his bag, he used it as a gag. He needed to keep the road clear until Kepler returned with the king’s son.





NIGHT has fallen across Southern Grayham. George built a fire that he could put out quickly if need be while Maldwin ate his cheese and fell asleep.

The mage has commanded two tigers to stand guard over the Barbarian King and directed the others to watch for unwanted visitors from the edge of the tree line.





MOSLEY, Yaloom, Mieonus, and Lasidious are sitting by the fire, invisible to the mortals. Yaloom and Mieonus are in the wagering penalty box. They are wearing each others’ clothes since they were wrong about George killing Senchae.





CELESTRIA is 32 Peaks from having her baby. The elven witch family is now pleasant to be around as a result of their last conversation. The goddess has cooked everyone dinner, and despite her obvious lack of talent for the culinary arts, the family appeased her as they eagerly ate the dried-out platter of meat she set before them.





SAM is elated to hear the news—Shalee is going to make him a father. They have just returned from dinner with the members of the Senate where they announced her pregnancy.

At dinner, the senators expressed concern. They have no idea when the war will take place and wonder if the full mobilization of the military is necessary. To answer, Sam spoke of the gods’ warning to be prepared. He reminded the senators that the kingdom had three bountiful harvests because of the blessing from Alistar.

This seemed to satisfy the members of his government. It was now just a matter of Peaks before Merchant Island would assign a value to the first shipment of the kingdom’s harvests. Soon, they would be dispersed throughout the worlds, and the kingdom’s vaults would be full of coin. The funds to support the war would no longer be an issue.

Thank you for reading this edition of the Grayham Inquirer