Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign

CHAPTER 32

A Babysitting Jaguar

“THIS IS RIDICULOUS!” Yaloom snapped as he walked around the fire in Mieonus’ lifted heels. The dark-blue shoes clashed with the hair on his legs. “I don’t like wagering. I never dreamt I’d be doing something this asinine. Your mind is dreadful, Lasidious.”

“Quit moving your sniveling snout!” Mieonus barked with her arms crossed and eyes gleaming. “I can’t bear the thought of wearing those shoes again after you’ve touched them. You’re disgusting. I have to sit here in your body-odor filled robe, and I’m not whining.”

Yaloom stumbled as one of his heels doubled over, sending the god face first into the flames of George’s campfire.

“It appears we have our own personal jester,” Lasidious beamed, slapping his knee. “Yaloom ... you’re finally useful after all. You would make a great God of Fools.”

“Ha, ha, ha! Very funny! Enjoy your moment at my expense. You’ll lose a wager soon enough, then it’ll be my turn. We’ll see who’s laughing then.”

The wood shifted as the God of Greed pushed himself clear of the fire. The deities watched as George looked in their direction.





“That’s odd,” George said as he waved his hand in the direction of the fire. He was sure something was there, but his attempt to reveal the unseen did not work. “Why would the fire do that? The logs shouldn’t scatter like that,” he muttered. He waved his hand again for good measure and still nothing appeared.

It was just before dawn when the jaguars returned with Senchae’s son. As soon as the Barbarian King saw his boy suspended with his cloth diaper caught on the tip of Kepler’s tooth, he cried out, “I’ll do anything you want! Please, don’t! He isn’t old enough to understand why you’re doing this to him. If you want my crown, you can have it.”

George ignored the plea and plucked the child off of Kepler’s tooth. The morning filled with the terrified boy’s cries. This amplified Senchae’s desire to plead for his son’s life. George grabbed the baby by his right leg. The child’s face showed his horror as the mage dangled the boy upside-down in front of his father.

“Please! Do what you want with me. Just let him live. Please! Please! He hasn’t seen enough seasons. I’ll do as you command.”

Finally, the king had said the words George wanted to hear. His manipulation had come full circle. He now had a marionette whose strings he intended to pull. He lowered the baby back onto Kepler’s tooth to shut it up.





“The moment has come to wager!” Lasidious announced. “I think George will leave the child behind with Keller and take the king into the city.”

Mosley placed his wager next. “I say he does the same, except he’ll leave Kepler behind, since the jaguar has the cloth around his neck to keep the child quiet.”

As soon as Lasidious heard the wolf’s logic, he said, “Damn! I forgot about that.”

Yaloom and Mieonus saw an opportunity to get back into their clothes and jumped at the chance to agree with Mosley. Lasidious rolled his eyes. “You two are sheep.”





George turned his head in the gods’ direction and waved his hand again to reveal the presence he felt, but nothing happened.





“He knows we’re here,” Yaloom whispered. “Do you think he’s powerful enough to reveal our location?”

Lasidious gently swatted the back of Yaloom’s head with the palm of his hand. “Come now, Yaloom. He may feel a presence, but he isn’t powerful enough to reveal us. You use your moments to say the damndest things.”





George turned back to the task at hand and faced the big barbarian. “Your child cries to live, Senchae. Why would I let him breathe another Peak? I know you came out of your city to end me. I also know it was without the knowledge of your army. You wanted to kill me before I had the chance to challenge you. Why would I change my mind? Why wouldn’t I kill the boy?”

All 550 pounds of Senchae sobbed like a baby as he answered. “I’ll give you my crown. Just let the boy live. I give you my word that I’ll do whatever you ask. Just take the boy back to his mother, and I’ll go with you in peace.”

George stood and grabbed the baby. He held him upside-down again in front of his father’s face. The screaming child reached for Senchae, but George pulled him back. “Do you take me for a fool? I’m not stupid. You don’t really believe I’d go into your city without a plan.”

The mage re-hung the child by his diaper on the jaguar’s tooth and moved within a hand of the king’s tear-filled eyes. He hissed as he noticed the puffiness of the dark skin surrounding them. “You’ll go with me, barbarian, and I’ll leave your baby behind with the cat. If you make so much as one wrong move, he’ll come out the back end of the cat as garesh.”

George stood and took a few steps away. He took a deep breath and exhaled over an extended series of moments. “Don’t worry, Senchae. I intend to release your son once I have your crown. As to your fate, you’ll pass in your arena as payment for sparing your boy’s life. You’ll be given your burial at sea, and I’ll personally harvest your organs. If you try anything stupid, I’ll turn you and your son to stone.”

George bent over and plucked a small worm off the ground that was crawling near a rock. He dangled it in front of the big man’s face and then smiled as the worm stopped wiggling, and its flesh turned gray. George crumbled it up in his fist and then dropped the dust to the ground.

The barbarian wept at the hopelessness of the situation. “I’ll do as you command. Please! Just give your word you won’t harm the boy once you possess my crown.”

“ What’s the boy’s name, Senchae?” George queried.

The man sobbed, “Sadridz.”

“You have my word that I’ll spare the child.” The mage took a seat next to Senchae. “But if you so much as think one wrong thought, Sadridz will become my favorite yard gnome.”

Senchae’s brow furrowed. He had no clue what George meant by yard gnome, but he did not want to argue. “I understand. We should go. My general will be wondering where I am.”

George agreed and then gave his orders. “Kepler, stay with the boy and keep an eye on him. When he gets hungry, feed him the bread from my pack. If I’m not back by tomorrow night, or if anyone tries to rescue the child, devour it and then get out of here.”

George made sure the king was paying close attention to everything he said. “Tell Maldwin the moment has come to implement our plan with the king’s people. Inform the tigers that I’ll be taking them into the city with me. Make sure they know they’ll be unseen like before. Ask them not to attack unless they’re given the signal.”

Kepler did as he was asked.

George looked at the king as he walked over to Kepler. “Are you sure you’re ready, Senchae? I’m only going to give you one chance to get this right.” He backed away and pointed at Kepler’s teeth as the cat yawned. “I’d hate to see your son torn apart.”

“You don’t need to remind me. Please! Allow me to say goodbye before we go.”

George waved his hand and the barbarian could feel his magical bonds release. “Don’t overestimate my generosity.”

Senchae shook his head. The barbarian moved to take up his son and quieted his cries.

George allowed the barbarian to hold his child for quite a while before he ordered Senchae to put him down.

The king nodded. He took his heavy, sleeveless shirt off to make a spot for the boy to sit.

As George watched Senchae rub his hands through his son’s hair, he was thinking, There might be a better use for you, Senchae. Killing you may not be necessary. I’ll investigate this on our way into your city. George paused as he remembered something the Mischievous One had said in his last dream. Oh, crap! I’ve got to prepare for the Serpent King’s arrival. My hell, Lasidious, you could have given me a few more Peaks.

George barked another order. “Let’s go! We don’t want to worry your men.”

“Agreed,” the barbarian replied. “How do you want to do this?”

It was like the king was a new man since he had the chance to say goodbye to his son. He seemed at peace, resolved to the idea of his passing.

George took a long, deep breath. “I may have thought of an idea that will make us both happy. I’ll tell you about it along the way. You might not have to pass after all.”





“Mosley, you won the wager,” Lasidious proclaimed. “He left Kepler and took the rest, just as you said he would. Looks like I lost. What would you have me do?”

“I have a few ideas,” Yaloom interjected while removing Mieonus’ dress and snatching up his robe.

“So do I,” Mieonus giggled as she pulled her dress over her head. “There are many deeds we could make him do.”

Without responding, Mosley turned to follow George. As he passed Senchae’s son, he reached out with his invisible paw and touched the boy’s head to give him peace. Kepler was sitting near the child. The wolf decided he would appear to the cat. He informed the others he would catch up, saying that he wanted to comfort the youngster. The others agreed and left him behind.

There were other reasons the wolf wanted to stay, but he did not want the others to know them. Once they were out of sight, Mosley allowed himself to be seen.

The jaguar immediately took a defensive posture.

“Relax, Kepler. Do you know who I am?”

“I do,” the demon responded. “You took Bassorine’s place in the heavens. What do you want with me?”

“I know I am not the deity you serve, Kepler, but I am the god who is watching over this child. I have blessed the boy, and you won’t be able to end him. He will remain quiet until George returns. It would please me if you would play with him, and keep the boy entertained.”

Mosley nudged the child with his snout. Sadridz chuckled. “I think you’ll find the boy in a playful mood now.” Mosley sniffed the air. “He has soiled his backside.”

The demon shook his head, disgusted. “You want me to play with it? I don’t play with weaker species. It’s degrading. It’s bad enough that I should have to sit with this foul creature.”

A stern look appeared on Mosley’s face. “It would be upsetting if this child doesn’t find his stay in the woods to be peaceful.” The wolf growled. “Keeping the child-cub happy is the least you could do.” Mosley paused and then delivered his next statement in a direct manner. “Especially since you ended my wife when you attacked the unicorns. I’m sure you can imagine that I’ve not healed from the events of that Peak.”

Kepler’s eyes widened. “She was your mate?”

Mosley’s growl deepened. “She was!”

“I never meant to harm her, Lord Mosley. I swear it. She was in the way. I didn’t know who she was. Her demise was not my intent. I meant her no ill will.”

Mosley’s growl intensified. “Yet, she was ended anyway!”

As the jaguar trembled, the wolf took the moments necessary to calm himself. “I’m not here for revenge. I’m simply here to ask you to care for this child. Play with him, and make him smile. That’s all.”

“That’s it?” Kepler stammered.

Mosley sniffed the child’s backside. “You should lick him clean. I’m sure you’re willing to do this for me.”

The jaguar was quick to agree.

“Good. Consider this task as a way of showing remorse for killing my Luvera. I shall seek vengeance on some other occasion.” Mosley looked the cat square in the eyes. “Do we have an accord?”

Kepler nodded. “I give you my word that I’ll care for the boy, Lord Mosley. Thank you for your forgiveness.”

Mosley growled. “This is only a temporary reprieve, not forgiveness.” With that, the wolf-god disappeared from the cat’s sight. He took a few moments to watch Kepler to ensure the jaguar would hold true to his word. After the cat’s first lick of the child’s bottom and seeing Kepler cringe, Mosley grinned and then ran to catch up with the others.





Meanwhile, George talked with the king as they traveled. “You know, Senchae, we could handle this a better way. It’s obvious you’re a man who’s willing to give his life for his family. I respect that. It’s also obvious the people you have surrounding you aren’t powerful enough to protect you. The mages you had as your counsel were weak. You know this.”

“It would appear this is true.”

The mage hesitated. “What is the real reason you find the people of the south to be so pathetic? You can’t just perceive them as cowards.”

The barbarian thought about how to answer.

“Speak freely,” George encouraged. He grinned inside as he made his next statement. “Let’s talk as friends, Senchae.”





“What on Grayham is he doing?” Lasidious asked as he listened in on the conversation. “This is a twist I didn’t see coming. If he does what I think he’s going to, it’ll be brilliant. Yaloom, do you see the brilliance?”

The God of Greed had a deer-in-the-headlights stare. Mieonus was not much different.

Lasidious snapped out a retort in frustration. “Where’s Mosley when I need to speak with someone who understands strategy? How in all the worlds could either of you be gods?” He did not wait for a response. Instead, he turned his attention back to the conversation between George and Senchae.





The mage could see Senchae’s hesitation. “Look, I already know how you feel. Just give it to me straight.”

“Our repulsion of the south is simple,” the big man replied. “We feel many of the territories of the south are our lands. The Enchanted Forest, the Pool of Sorrow, and the hills of the Minotaur all once existed beneath the banner of Bloodvain. Brandor stole them from us after they broke a treaty that existed for over 3,000 seasons.”

“So you don’t really think the people are weak?” George queried. “It’s all about land?”

Senchae hesitated. “It’s not all about land. We do believe they’re weak, but I’ve never met anyone like you. I must say you’ve changed my mind in many ways.”

“My name is George, and I allow only my friends to call me that. You can call me George, if you’d like.”

The barbarian was now more confused than ever. “I don’t understand.”

“I imagine you wouldn’t. Let me explain. The more I think about it, the more I feel you and I could help each other out. Your goal is to defeat the people of the south, correct?”

“Yes, but what does this campaign have to do with us? And why do you speak of us as friends?”

“Because friends work together. Perhaps we can accomplish your goals together.”

“I’m listening,” Senchae responded without hesitation. “I like what I’m hearing thus far. To dominate the south and retake the territories we’ve lost would bring honor to my kingdom. I would be remembered on the Scrolls of Old as the mightiest barbarian to have ever lived.”

“But you’ll need a protector. That’s why we should join forces. My reasons for attacking Brandor will remain my own.”

George stopped and looked up at the royal wall of a man. “I don’t need to be a king to get what I want. The two of us can accomplish great things without sacrifice. Let’s go back to get your son. We’ll bring him with us. You can announce me as your counsel. All I ask in return is that my family be treated as you would treat your own … and we’ll need to feed my animals, of course.”

George passed his hand through the air. All six invisible cats appeared next to Maldwin, who had been walking with them. The rodent jumped into George’s arms and nervously twitched his nose. He still felt like dinner around them. Maldwin looked up at the mage and with as brave of a face as he could muster, he said, “Everything is A-okay, man!”

Senchae laughed at the rat’s attempt at gallantry. “Allow me to ensure I understand. You want to form an alliance and I still get to be king?”

George bowed to the monarch with his manipulative mind in full swing. “I would rather fight with you than against you. I never wanted to end you. I only wanted you to listen.”

Senchae could not believe his ears. “I was convinced you were after my throne.”

“Did you truly believe that? Think about it for a moment. Your city wouldn’t listen to an outsider without your support. If I hadn’t commanded your respect, you would’ve never taken me seriously. Besides, you intended to destroy me first. I didn’t have much choice. I had to force your hand. I couldn’t allow you to rip me apart.”

Senchae gave a thoughtful grin. “You have demonstrated strength worthy of my respect.” The king pondered these new ideas. “I like your mind. As allies, we could go after the lands of the south, but this will take a stronger army than I command. What other support can you draw to our campaign?”

Realizing the redirection of his plans was unfolding without flaw, George reached up to pat Senchae on the shoulder. “Damn, you’re a big S.O.B.”

Senchae’s brow furrowed, “S.O.B.?”

George chuckled. “Don’t worry about it. To answer your question about the support I can bring, Kepler rules the giant cats of the plains. You can see the alliance I have with him. Between his cats and his skeletons, we’ll have a powerful force against Brandor. There is one other thing I’m working on, but you’ll need to set aside your pride to make it work.”

The Barbarian King was intrigued. “What would this be, George?”

The mage smiled and divulged his meeting with the Serpent King.

After a considerable period of moments passed, the king acknowledged, “Your scheming is profound. Blood will flow in the rivers of Brandor. But why would the serpent get involved in the affairs of war when his kingdom has lived in peace for so many seasons?”

The mage extended his hand and turned his palm toward the ground. A pebble from the road floated up and settled into his hand. He responded while tossing it up and down. “Someone put it into the Serpent King’s head that Brandor is going to attack his kingdom.” George grinned to give the barbarian the impression that it was he who had done it.

“You’re an ambitious soul,” Bloodvain praised. “I would not have employed such tactics.” Senchae paused. “I hate snakes. Perhaps you could attend this meeting on your own. My scouts will tell the serpent you’re their king as you’ve requested. I have a home to the south of here. I often use it to get away when I need moments to myself. With your cats, my guards, and your rat, this will be an acceptable place to hold your meeting.”

“I agree,” George replied. “Let’s go get your son. Perhaps you could have your cook prepare us a grand feast when we get to your castle.”

“We will feast, George, but I wouldn’t expect my leaders to be eager to dine with you. They’re barbarians, and this change will challenge their pride.”





Mosley lowered his head and began gnawing on his front paw. “I never saw that coming. I think George is smart to form this alliance. If he had killed Senchae, he would not gain the respect of the barbarian people. Senchae’s support will be the key to his success.”

“I agree,” Lasidious replied. “I’m becoming more and more impressed as we go. George is brilliant. He can dispose of the king later. It will be interesting to see how he handles the barbarian military leaders and the Serpent King.”

Mieonus added, “George is, indeed, worthy of being a king.” She adjusted her breasts to a sexier position. “I hope he succeeds.” The goddess was becoming a fan of the mage. She was going to keep a close eye on him. “I’m taking my leave now. Mosley, I’ve enjoyed your company.” She vanished.

Mosley and Yaloom agreed and then followed suit.

Lasidious smiled as he vanished. The God of Mischief had avoided the consequences of the lost wager.