Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign

CHAPTER 37

What a Tangled Web

George Weaves

The City of Brandor

BJ WAS AS JOYFUL as a man could be when he walked into the throne room. His head was held high as he searched for Helga, only to see Sam, Shalee, Michael, and the king’s guards. It took only a moment for his eyes to focus on the coffin. A chill ran down his spine. Without a word, the advisor knew Helga was inside. His happiness was stolen in less than a single breath, and there was nothing he could do to reclaim it.

He turned to look at Shalee. A thousand questions filled his expression. The queen’s legs crumbled as she collapsed under the pressure of his silent accusations.

Sam caught the queen, and then he ordered the servants to take her to their bedroom chamber. Once gone, the king turned to look at BJ’s hopeless face and watched as his friend walked across the room.

Not a single word was spoken as BJ knelt next to the coffin. He lowered his forehead against its cold surface. Despair filled his body, and the pain ripped at his soul as he fell into a fetal position.

Sam rushed to his advisor’s side. The king stopped as his advisor’s scarred hand opened. The ring that was meant to symbolize BJ’s greatest happiness, rolled from his palm and fell to the floor as nothing more than a useless trinket.

BJ wept.

Meanwhile, Athena and George’s Home

George popped in for a few short moments to give his wife a kiss and a cuddle. He was scheduled to meet with the Serpent King at Late Bailem.

The mage was sitting at the kitchen table when Athena walked in with her mother. George stood to greet them. “Hey, babe. I happened to be in the neighborhood,” he announced. “I wanted to tell you that our family should be together on a permanent basis not too long from now.” He redirected his eyes. “How are you, Mom?”

Athena ran across the room and threw herself into George’s arms.

Mary responded, “I’m better ... now that you’re here. This young lady has been throwing up. I can’t wait until this phase of her pregnancy passes. Your wife is unbearable at the moment.”

George tilted Athena’s head back from his chest and then looked her in the eye. “Are you still being a priss?”

Mary did not give her daughter the chance to answer. “You can say that again ... whatever a ‘priss’ is. You can keep her for a while. I’m leaving. I’ll see you tomorrow, young lady.”

Athena frowned as she watched Mary leave the room. She pulled her eyes away from the door. Seeing the love in George’s smile, she matched his mood. “Hi, honey. How long are you here?”

“I have a meeting up north tonight, but it won’t be anything that’ll take all night. I’ll come home as soon as it’s over. Other than that, I’m all yours for the rest of the Peak and all Peak tomorrow.”

Athena escaped George’s grasp and ran toward a pail that sat near the front door. She threw up.

The God World of Ancients Sovereign

The gods were in the Hall of Judgment sitting around the table where the Book of Immortality rested on its pedestal.

It was just after Late Bailem when Lasidious appeared. “I’m sure you watched the finding of the first piece of crystal with eagerness. I was impressed by how everything transpired,” he said, gloating.

Mieonus jumped into the conversation. “So am I. I thought for sure, when I left that idiot barbarian’s throne room, there was not a chance for George to capture the first piece.”

Mosley snorted. “What do you expect? The leader of Brandor’s pack did all the work. The door was left wide open for George to walk in and take it. I have to say, the fighting between Brandor and the scorpions was most impressive to watch. No matter how I feel, George won the crystal without dispute.”

“It was also impressive to watch Shalee’s power,” Lasidious added. “I wish I knew what Bassorine did to allow her to grow so quickly.”

The wolf grinned.

Lasidious caught a glimpse of it. “You know something, don’t you? You know what Bassorine did, but you’re not going to tell me, are you?”

“You give me too much credit, Lasidious,” Mosley responded. “I don’t know any more than you, but it does make me happy to know I have a chess piece who can hold a candle to George.”

“Agreed,” Alistar chimed in. “It was sad to see Shalee’s friend pass. I’m sure this will set her back.”

Lasidious ignored Alistar’s sentiment. “Mosley, do you remember that I said there would be two pieces of the crystal placed on Grayham?”

“I do.”

“Do you also remember the Peak you and Bassorine appeared before Sam and Shalee in the temple?”

“I do.”

“Do you remember when Sam and Shalee said that three of them had appeared in the Temple of the Gods, and George had fallen through the floor?”

“What are you getting at, Lasidious?”

“Give me a moment. I’m getting there. Relax. I was about to ask, do you also remember that George was the one who picked up a piece of the crystal, causing the rest of the Crystal Moon to vanish?”

“I do, but what does this have to do with where you put...” Mosley stopped mid-sentence. After a moment, he laughed in his wolfish way. “You cannot be serious, Lasidious.” He looked at the Mischievous One. It was clear to both of the gods that the wolf had figured it out.

“What’s so funny, Mosley?” Alistar inquired, acting as if he did not already know. The God of the Harvest winked at Lasidious and smiled, careful not to allow the others to see the exchange.

Mosley responded, “I’m laughing at the irony. I have known where the second piece of the crystal was during this entire series of moments, but I had not put it together until now.”

“So where is it?” Mieonus snapped.

Mosley turned to look at the goddess. “Patience, Mieonus. Have patience. Lasidious said the crystal would be on Grayham, and it is. It has been with George during his journey.”

Mieonus’ team exploded with laughter while the other four members of Mosley’s team began swearing at the God of Mischief.

All Lasidious could do was stand at the head of the table and grin. He had expected a mixed reaction, and he was enjoying every moment of it.





George Meets the Serpent King

South of Bloodvain





George teleported to the vacation home of the Barbarian King, south of Bloodvain. As planned, the king’s scouts had brought the snakes to this secluded destination for their meeting. The Serpent King was told that George was the new monarch.

“You’re not what I expected,” Seth said in his hissing voice as he watched the human enter the cabin.

It took the mage a moment to gather his thoughts. He had never spoken with a snake before, and this particular one had a body over 40 paces long. His fangs were large, sharp, and intimidating. Seth’s cobra hood cast a shadow that made George quiver inside. However, the manipulator refused to show his weakness.

Seth hissed again. “Mussssst you ssssstare? Is there sssssomething wrong with you, human?”

George apologized. He moved to the fireplace and took a seat on the hearth. This home of Senchae’s was more of the same—mounted trophies everywhere in yet another stupid log cabin. The mage was thankful that none of the barbarian’s trophies involved a snake of any kind.

“I’m glad you were able to visit with me, Seth. You have a problem heading toward your kingdom. I wish to help.”

The snake slithered into a better position from which to converse. “What makesssss you think I need your help?”





Fellow soul ... to make the story easier to tell, I’m going to remove the Serpent King’s hiss. Just know that his hiss was annoying.





George smirked. “The island of the Scorpion King was attacked by Brandor. They’ll be headed your way soon. From what I know of your numbers, you can’t defend yourselves against Brandor’s legions, and you know I’m right.”

“Brandor’s army couldn’t get past the mares. I sense no serious threat to my serpent nation.”

Because of the snake’s hissing, George found himself leaning forward, impatiently waiting for each syllable to be spit out. It was as if the king had some sort of speech impediment.

“You’re wrong,” George retorted. “They have destroyed the mares.”

“You expect me to believe this? The mares are deadly. How did they perish?” The serpent adjusted his coils as he waited for the response.

George decided he would turn up the heat. “Look! I don’t give a rat’s ass if you believe me, Seth. I know I speak the truth. If you don’t want my help, leave, and don’t come back. You can perish like the scorpions and the mares.” He paused and softened his tone. “Do I need to show you before you’ll listen?”

“A safe question to ask, since it is impossible to execute.”

“Not impossible, Seth. I can take you to the island, if you’d like.” George stood from his seat and waited for the reply.

Seth studied the human’s face. “I have no strength for traveling this evening.”

George rolled his eyes. “I can take us there. You don’t need to move from the spot you’re coiled up in. Close your eyes, and we’ll go.”

Seth and his guard tightened their coils. “You expect me to close my eyes, human?” The rattle at the end of the Serpent King’s tail shook wildly. “Do you take me for a fool? You’re up to something.”

George had heard enough. He waved his hand and put magical bonds on Seth and his guard. “Look, you slimy bastard. If I had wanted to hurt you, I would’ve done it already, and there would be nothing that you could do to stop me. Do you want my help or not?” The mage waved his hand again and released only the snake’s tongue.

Seth tried with all his might to break George’s magic, but he could not move. After a while, he realized he could speak. “Release me, two legs, and I’ll accept your offer.”

George clapped his hands. “Send your guard from the room, and we’ll get going.”

Once Seth did as instructed, George waved his hand to release the guard. The snake slithered out the door to join the others outside.

“All you need to do is close your eyes. I’ll take care of the rest. When you open them, we’ll be on Scorpion Island.”

Still unnerved, Seth was slow to close his eyes. When he reopened them, he was astonished by his surroundings. “Magic has never been used on my coils. Are we truly on the island?”

“This is the place. I’ll release you. But you need to understand that I can do far greater magic than what you’ve experienced. I don’t want to be put in a position that would cause me to hurt you. I’m going to release you now.”

The Serpent King’s forked tongue shot out of his mouth. “I understand.”

George released his power and allowed the serpent to investigate the island’s southern shore. The scorpions’ bodies lay everywhere.

George looked at his map. The Serpent Kingdom was just south-southwest of their current position. He moved to the shore, created another ice raft and then called out to Seth. “When you’re done slithering around, let’s get going.”

Once on the other side of the lake, George spoke. “Okay, Seth, I’ve shown you that everything I said was true. If you trust me, I would like to create an alliance.”

“I trust your words, human.”

“Then, are we allies?”

“Yes, we’re allies.”

“Splendid. The moment has arrived for you to return home. You need to prepare for war. The Kingdom of Brandor will attack soon. The Barbarian Kingdom will come to your aid, but you will be at war before I can get my army here. Prepare a battle plan. You know your lands. Take advantage of this. Make Brandor’s army come to you. Fight them from inside your underground kingdom. Don’t fight them on the surface. You will lose the war if you do. My army will attack as soon as we arrive.”

“My kind will forever be in your debt. A victory over Brandor will mean freedom for my cousin, Farogwain.”

George had no idea what Seth was talking about, but he did not let his ignorance slow him down. “See what I mean, Seth? We need each other. You’re going to get your cousin back. How awesome is that?”

“You speak strange, King of Barbarians. Until we meet again in battle.”

George nodded and then closed his eyes. When he opened them, he was standing by his sleeping wife. He smiled as he looked at her peaceful beauty, and then he climbed in to take his place beside her. Soon, the mage was asleep.

I t was not long before Lasidious appeared in the mage’s dreams. George was glad to see the god, but angry since the dream of his baby girl was pleasant. Despite his annoyance, there were business matters that needed to be addressed. “Damn, Lasidious!” George snapped. “You interrupted a great dream about my Abbie.”

“I’m sorry, George, but I have news. You possess both pieces of the Crystal Moon on Grayham.”

“Huh! I was wondering why the crystal glowed when I put it in my pack. So ... the other one is in there as well?”

“It is. You’ve had it since your arrival. I’ve kept it hidden from you. When you get up and open your pack, you’ll see them both. Do you understand this will bring war to your doorstep?”

“I’ve already thought of that. When I snagged the first piece, Sam and Shalee were there. They know I have it. I figured this would force them to attack, but I’ve got other ideas. I’m going to bring the fight to the home of the Serpent King. I’ve already taken Seth to Scorpion Island to show him what Brandor is capable of. He’s willing to align his kingdom with Bloodvain. He thinks Brandor is going to attack.”

Lasidious’ eyes were filled with confusion. “I don’t see a reason why Brandor would attack Seth’s city. What am I missing? Why would Sam take his army anywhere other than Bloodvain?”

George chuckled. “If you knew what I know, everything would make sense. I have a plan, Lasidious, but it will require a small amount of help from you.”

“George, I’ve told you, I can’t help with any direct event that could change the balance of power.”

“I know, I know, I know. I don’t need your direct help. All I’m asking is that you get the gods together who were with you when I threatened Senchae with his son’s life and then take them to the Barbarian King’s throne room tomorrow night. I have a few things to say that they’ll find interesting. I’m sure you can do that without breaking any of your rules ... right?”

Lasidious smiled. “I sense a plan of genius. I’ll grant your request. May I know what the plan is?”

“You can wait. Just be there by Late Bailem. I assure you, you won’t be dissatisfied. Once I leave Bloodvain, I’ll be heading to Gessler Village. Bring the gods to The Bloody Trough to hear the rest of my plan. I’ll be at the bar drinking. Just keep them from following me to the shed when I take a leak. Maybe you could bump into a chair or something to let me know you’re there.”

Lasidious agreed and left George to enjoy the rest of his dream. In the morning, the mage woke up to his wife throwing up.

The God World of Ancients Sovereign

Lasidious called Mosley, Yaloom, and Mieonus to the Hall of Judgment. “How are you on this Peak?” the Mischievous One inquired.



The gods and the Book of Immortality—who always rested in the hall—said they were fine, but demanded that the God of Mischief get down to business.

“Did any of you hear what George had to say to the Serpent King last night?”

“I did,” Mosley responded. “Why?”

“Did you learn anything from that meeting?” Lasidious took his seat at the table and played with the Book’s golden stand while he waited for a response.

Mosley thought a moment. “Nothing other than George telling the snake that Brandor was going to attack his kingdom. I know he wants them to fight underground.”

Lasidious smiled. “I see a problem with his plan, don’t you?”

The wolf moved to the head of the table, turned the seat into a platform, and then jumped up and lowered to his haunches. “I see many flaws in his plan. Brandor has no intention of attacking Seth. Why would they fight the Serpent King’s army when George possesses the pieces of the crystal? Sam will attack Bloodvain, not the serpent’s city.”

“I agree, but I overheard George telling the Barbarian King that he needed to meet with him tonight. I thought we could all listen in. I would wager that it’ll be intriguing to see what he’s planning.”

The Book of Immortality floated into a hovering position in front of Lasidious. The thin slit in his binding opened. “I would also like to attend this gathering.”

“Sure, why not?” Lasidious replied. “All you do is sit around and collect dust. It would do you good to get some fresh air in that binding of yours.”

The Book feathered its pages. “A breeze or two would be nice. When shall I appear?”

Lasidious patted the Book’s cover. “Be in the barbarian’s throne room just before Late Bailem, but remain unseen to the mortals.”

Bloodvain’s Throne Room

Late Bailem

Lasidious, Mieonus, Mosley, and the Book arrived in their invisible form and stood behind Senchae’s throne. Yaloom had stayed home, stating he no longer cared what happened. Despite the god’s anger toward Lasidious, his curiosity got the best of him. The God of Greed watched the meeting from his waterfall.



Senchae, the new general of his army, Corvin Hurthon, his guards, and a few of the king’s officers were in attendance. George appeared at the center of the room with Kepler and his brothers surrounding him.

“Thank you for coming!” George announced. “I’ve called you here to let you know that I intend to see that the battle for the pieces of the Crystal Moon is fought on the Serpent King’s land. I’ll be traveling to his lair to hide the Crystal Moon’s pieces until we can defeat the Kingdom of Brandor.”

Senchae interrupted, “How will you keep the crystals from being used by the snakes as a bargaining tool to create an alliance with Brandor?”

“I’ll hide the crystals deep within the Serpent King’s underground city. Seth won’t know he has them.” George paused for effect and enjoyed Senchae’s smile. “I have things to do, and I won’t be able to be found for the next 15 Peaks. I’ll be creating other alliances. We still need to gather enough of an army to crush Brandor.”

“Where will you go?” Senchae asked.

“My King, this is a matter best left between you and me. These brave men around us do not need to worry about such details. They have much to do to prepare for war. With your permission, perhaps we could speak of this during some other series of moments.”

Senchae liked the diplomacy displayed by his consulate. “Agreed. We’ll speak of this later.” He knew George had no intention of telling him anything, but the mage made everyone feel he respected the king’s position, and this was good enough for Bloodvain.

George looked into the eyes around the room. He watched to ensure that every barbarian took to the idea of using the snakes as a force against Brandor. After a brief question and answer session, he made his exit.





“Sounds like George is worried that Brandor will defeat the barbarians,” Mosley said after watching the mage vanish. The wolf turned to face Lasidious. “Let’s meet back at the Hall of Judgment to discuss this.”

Everyone agreed, and then they vanished.

Soon, Lasidious lifted his feet onto the table. He leaned back, enjoying his position of power. The Book of Immortality took its place on the golden stand while Mieonus stood behind the God of Mischief, rubbing his shoulders.

Mosley spoke first as he lay across the top of the table. “As I said, it sounds like George is worried that the barbarians will be defeated by Brandor. I believe the human wants to ensure that he doesn’t lose the crystals, and hiding them in the Serpent King’s lair is a decent plan. Sam will never know where they are. I wonder where George went after he left the meeting? Why does he need 15 Peaks before he can make another appearance in Bloodvain?” Mosley lifted his leg to scratch behind his ear.

“That’s what I want to know,” Lasidious responded. “I say we find out.” The god waved his hand, and a map of Southern Grayham appeared on the table. He told the map to search for George, and it quickly responded. The parchment rolled itself out and revealed the mage’s location. “Hmmm, Gessler Village.”

“I like your new toy,” Mieonus complimented after seeing how efficiently the map found the mage.

No one acknowledged Mieonus. Instead, they all vanished.

The Goddess of Hate stomped her lifted heel against the marble floor of the hall. “Ewwww! I hate them!” The goddess vanished.





When George appeared with the cats, they were underneath The Bloody Trough, and it was good they had appeared where they did. Four horses were there that night drinking beneath the inn, but as luck would have it, they were on the opposite side of the wall that fed water to the troughs. The presence of the three jaguars would have scared the horses half to death, but since the demons were masters of the shadows, there was no cause for alarm. They just simply hid.

The mage gave instructions for the cats to wait, and then he walked through the swinging doors of the inn. He surveyed the establishment. The bar was filled with barbarians, but what he had hoped for most was also present. Six humans from the south were also drinking. All of them were rugged looking, and none of them looked approachable. They were perfect.

Satisfied, the mage found a seat at the bar and ordered an ale. He would wait for Lasidious’ signal and then begin his charade.





Mosley was the first to appear outside the Bloody Trough. Once the others had arrived, the gods entered together. Like before, they remained unseen to the mortals. They quickly found a spot to sit and then looked to see what George was up to.

“Why would we want to watch him drink?” Mieonus whined. “This isn’t worthy of a god’s attention.”

Lasidious shook his head. “We don’t know why George is here. He must have a reason. Perhaps he’s meeting someone. Let’s just see what happens. It’s not like we have anything better to do. I’ll summon us drinks.”

Lasidious waved his hand across the table, and soon everyone who could drink had a frosty ale.

The Book, feeling a bit left out, opened the thin slit across its binding. “I wish you had created me with the ability to enjoy a drink. I’ve always wondered what food and many of the liquids you pour down your throats taste like. I hear you speak of them, and find myself curious.”

After a brief debate, the gods agreed that it would do no harm to give the Book a set of taste buds, eyes, rosy cheeks, arms, teeth, a tongue, a nose, and a small stomach that was buried deep within its pages. They decided the waste that would normally exit a body would be stored in the form of excess, random letters toward the back of its heavy binding. The Book would be able to open itself up and then dump the letters onto the ground whenever this page filled up. The gods laughed at the idea that the Book would take a dump by dropping piles of letters on the ground.

Mosley snorted, “I wonder if the text will have an odor?”

“I don’t know,” Lasidious replied, “but I can’t wait to find out.”

As the group continued to laugh, the Mischievous One used the distraction to alert George to their presence. He bumped into one of the chairs to cause its legs to screech across the floor, and then he acted as if he had done it unintentionally.

The mage turned to look in their direction. “Do you think he knows we’re here?” Mieonus queried as she watched George glance across the room.

Mosley chided. “Between Yaloom falling in the fire and Lasidious bumping into chairs, we might as well put up a sign that says: Hey, George, the gods are watching you.”

George turned back to the bar. A few moments passed before an enormous man entered. It was not long after he took a seat next to George and ordered an ale that a conversation between the mage and this massive barbarian began.

After George’s fourth drink, he excused himself from the conversation to take a leak. He would leave more than once, and during every series of moments that this happened, Lasidious kept the gods entertained.





George walked to the back of the inn and entered the shed where Double D had killed the home-wrecking, barbarian sergeant. He poured his glass of ale into the hole and smiled. I’ll give it a few more trips before I put my plan in motion, he thought.

After the mage’s third trip, George decided to step up his drunken act. He sang out to announce the whereabouts of the Crystal Moon as he glared at the barbarian he had been talking to. “Hey, big man! Did you know the Crystal Moon has been stolen from the Temple of the Gods?”

The mage lifted his voice to ensure everyone would hear. “I know where two of the Crystal Moon’s pieces are!” He pulled his pack off his back and then opened it. “I have them on me! They’re right here.”

As the mage lifted the pieces high into the air, George continued to feign his drunkenness by stumbling around the room. “I spoke with the Serpent King! Shhhhhhhhh ... don’t tell anyone. Seth is going to let me hide these in his lair.”

Lasidious acted surprised. “What’s he doing? He’s going to ruin everything he’s accomplished.”

Mieonus was the first to respond. “I’m glad he’s your puppet and not mine.”

“Be quiet,” Mosley urged, “and listen!”

George made sure his speech sounded slurred. “My buddy, Sam, is the King of Brandor. I’m sure you’ve all heard about him. I’m equally sure that I don’t have to tell any of you that Sam would be pissed right now if he knew I had these.”

The mage fell onto his backside as he put both crystals back in his pack and continued to speak from the floor. “I bet Sam would pay a reward if he knew I was taking the crystals to the Serpent King’s city.” The mage paused as if he was thinking. “Then again ... that bastard’s too cheap to see that this kind of information was worth good coin. Perhaps someone should explain it to him.”

The mage scanned the faces that were sitting at various tables and along the length of the bar. His eyes stopped on an elderly, barbarian woman who was sitting at the bar. She was pretty by barbarian standards. She was accompanied by her two sons and her husband. The whole family looked like they should not be messed with. “You look like a smart woman,” George complimented, “don’t you think I’m right?”

Rather than wait for the woman’s response, the mage redirected his attention to the rest of the room. “I bet everyone in here thinks I’m right.”

George smiled as a number of heads nodded, and then he stumbled up to the big barbarian he had been speaking with earlier. “Didn’t you say your name was Terron? What do you think?” The mage threw his arm around Terron.

The barbarian’s voice was deep. “I think you would be wise to just sit and enjoy an ale without bringing further attention to yourself.”

George removed his arm and put a bright smile on his face. “I feel you, brother ... but I’m in the mood to stir the pot!”

With the bar continuing to fill with interested ears, all the mage had to do was play the part a bit longer, and eventually, someone would confront him. George reached into his front, pants pocket and pulled out a handful of Owain coins. He tossed one in the direction of every patron. “All your drinks are on me tonight!” he boasted. “I love you all!” The mage released a large hiccup to add to his perception of drunkenness.

The mage returned to his stool at the bar. He used it to climb up and take a seat on the counter. “You know what? I could use some company. Does anyone want to go to the Serpent King’s lair with me?”

When no one accepted the mage’s offer, George threw his hands in the air and pretended to be angry. “You’re all pathetic! Why am I buying a bunch of spineless idiots drinks?”

A powerful voice called out from across the room as he stepped through the swinging doors of the inn, “I’d be careful who you insult, southerner! A swine of a man like yourself would be an easy target for a killing if he failed to watch his tongue!”

George redirected his attention to find the source of the threat. The man was an intimidating looking barbarian. He was much larger than the wall of a man he had been talking to earlier, and he was almost Senchae’s size. His eyes carried a cold confidence within them. The big man’s clothes were made of leather and furs, and his muscular forearms rippled. George could not have picked a better person with whom to finish his drunken demonstration.

The mage stumbled in the big man’s direction. “I bet you think you’re the one who has the balls to stop me, don’t you?” George slurred. “I have bigger fish to fry than you. You’re a waste of my moments.”

The gods watched in disbelief as George stumbled around acting like a fool. “He’s being careless and stupid,” Mosley announced.

“I can’t believe this,” Lasidious added. “I think he’s letting the ale affect his judgment. He’s picking a fight with the biggest guy in the bar.”

A moment later, Yaloom appeared. “George is going to kill him. He’ll need to leave after this. Is anyone in a wagering mood?”

All the gods turned to face Yaloom. They were surprised by the God of Greed’s sudden appearance.

“I thought you weren’t coming,” Lasidious stated.

Yaloom rolled his eyes. “Shut up!” He looked across the bar and nodded in George’s direction. “I wager that he kills the barbarian and heads for the Serpent King’s lair to hide the crystals.”

Mosley agreed. “I also say he kills the barbarian and heads for the Serpent King’s lair.”

Mieonus rubbed her hands together. “I disagree. I think he’ll kill the barbarian, but then he’ll return home to sleep off his intoxication before he makes his way to the snake’s lair.”

“I agree with Mieonus,” Lasidious added.

The Book of Immortality cleared its throat. All the gods were intrigued by the expression on the Book’s new face as it spoke. “I would also like to wager. I say George will kill the barbarian, but he’ll neither sleep nor go to the serpent’s lair. I believe he’ll teleport to Scorpion Island. It’s there he’ll hide the crystals. No one would think to look for them there since the dead rot on the island’s shores. I believe George is sober, and this is a ruse. He wishes to draw Brandor to Seth’s city of serpents. The mage believes that someone will tell Sam about his supposed hiding spot for the crystals.”

Lasidious laughed. “I have to admit that that’s pretty devious.” The god paused as the Mischievous One realized that they had not given the Book a name. It was odd to be chatting with the tome and be unable to address it in a formal manner. “I hate to say it, but I agree with the Book. But there’s something else that’s bothering me.”

“What is that?” Mosley queried.

“It’s silly, I suppose. But do you realize we’ve all been sitting here talking to the Book, and it feels like it’s one of us? Do you know what I mean?”

Mosley nodded with the others as Lasidious continued. “I feel like it’s a part of our group now. Perhaps we should give the Book a name.” Lasidious looked at the tome’s new eyes. “Would you like a man or woman’s name?”

Mieonus clapped her hands together as she cut in, “That’s a great idea. I agree with you, Lasidious. We should name the Book. The Book no longer seems complete now that it has a face.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. But as they did, George turned the big barbarian who had made the threat to stone. The mage left the statue standing at the center of the room and then exited the inn.

Since the gods were enjoying their conversation too much to care, they dismissed the killing with little more than a backward glance and continued their conversation. Only a short series of moments passed before the Book interrupted as the gods debated to choose a name.

“I like Thomas,” the Book announced.

“Thomas?” Lasidious questioned. “How about something that suits the power you possess? Thomas is a fine name, but it sounds weak.”

Mieonus jumped into the conversation. “How about a name like Deegan? That sounds more powerful.”

The Book did not like the goddess’ suggestions, but Mosley was quick to add another, “How about a name fit for the dragons on Dragonia? Perhaps Drake?”

The Book declined. “I chose Thomas for a reason. Of all the souls inside my pages, Thomas is the one who stands out above the rest. This specific being was from Dukas, and he perished during its destruction. I’ve grown fond of Thomas, and I speak with his soul on a regular basis. He was only 10 seasons old when he perished. I—”

“Yes, we know. You liked the child,” Lasidious interrupted. “But the name you choose will be with you for eternity. Make it a strong name, and don’t settle for something feeble.”

The Book tried to defend his position, but Mieonus interrupted. “We aren’t going to call you Thomas. You might as well pick something stronger. Give us another name.”

Mosley stopped gnawing his right, front paw. “You might as well not argue. A book of your stature needs a strong name.”

Agitated, the Book thought a moment, and then it spit out another name. “How does Gabriel sound?”

All the gods agreed. Since it was a male name, they took the moments to adjust the Book’s new facial features to something more masculine.

The wolf tried out the Book’s new designation. “Gabriel, it is nice to meet you.” The wolf laughed at how silly it seemed to refer to the Book as a real person.





“It’s a boy, everyone!” Mieonus announced. “But the baby has a square head. Don’t tell his mother, she’ll want to put him back on the shelf.”



Only Yaloom chuckled at Mieonus’ joke.

The goddess struck her lifted heel against the wooden floor of the inn. “I hate you all!” she sneered.

The wolf rolled his eyes and changed the subject. “Gabriel, perhaps we should look for George to see who won the wager.”

“Agreed.”

The gods hovered close as Lasidious checked his map to see where the mage had gone. As it turned out, the Book was correct. George was inside the cave on Scorpion Island. They decided to join the mage, but on this occasion, the gods would not stay hidden. They appeared behind the unsuspecting human.

Lasidious was the first to speak. “Nice act, George. I thought you were drunk.”

George whirled around “Holy garesh, man! I just crapped myself. What are you doing here ... and why are they with you?”

Kepler and his brothers remained hidden in the shadows. The demon-cats watched as Mosley sniffed around. The wolf spoke. “George. I have to admit that you had me fooled.”

Once Mosley realized the jaguars were present, he snorted his disapproval and then continued to speak without acknowledging their presence. “You’re creative, and you accomplished your deception without the assistance of your useless feline companions. Tell Kepler I look forward to our next meeting.”

“Oh, shut up, wolf!” Mieonus snapped. “You know the beasts are hiding.” She looked at George. “You play the game well. You would make a fine god. Your deception will keep Brandor guessing. I hope you win the war.”

Gabriel floated to a hovering position in front of George. “You’re a far cry from the soul that resides in my pages. Abbie isn’t deceitful like you are. I find it hard to believe that your daughter’s gentle spirit was given to you to be her father. Perhaps with our guidance, she would not have joined the damned. How could your god have expected a man with such malice in his heart to raise a child who had the potential to possess such innocence? Abbie is nothing like you are—nothing like you at all. Yet she still loves you.”

George dropped to his knees at the mentioning of his Abbie. He was about to question Gabriel to try and understand the meaning of his words, but Lasidious cut in. “Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, George!” the Mischievous One said in a louder-than-normal tone.

The mage picked up on the hint and dropped the subject.

“What’s next, my friend? What happens in this cave stays in this cave.”

George rolled his eyes as he stood and used his magic to clean the scorpion garesh off his knees. “You make it sound like we’re in Vegas, Lasidious.”

The gods looked puzzled as George studied their faces. “Oh, forget it! Damn this world!”

The mage reached down and scratched the top of Mosley’s head as the wolf sniffed at his feet. “Since when did the gods decide to start following me around? I must be turning heads, eh?”

“You are,” Gabriel responded. “What’s next?”

The mage shifted his feet. “It’s weird to be talking to a book.” He walked around Gabriel and studied the Book from all angles. “So we got a wolf that’s a god and a book that’s a god. This place trips me out.”

Gabriel corrected, “I’m not a god, George. You have been misinformed if you believe otherwise.”

George shook his head. “I really don’t care what you are. But, hey, who am I to talk garesh? But I will say this ... you’re just another freak.”

Lasidious grinned and added to the conversation as he watched the annoyance appear on the Book’s face. “So are you going to tell us what’s next, George?”

George tossed the two pieces of the Crystal Moon on the ground. “I don’t think I’m going to tell you what I’m up to. You can watch as everything unfolds. Isn’t that what you guys do best?” George took a knee behind the pedestal, and then he used his magic to dig a hole behind it. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’ve got a couple crystals to hide. Perhaps you guys would be kind enough to leave me alone...?”