Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign

CHAPTER 38

A Ticket Out of Here

WITH THE GODS NOW GONE, George finished burying the pieces of the Crystal Moon behind the pedestal. As he stood, he patted the top of the podium and looked beyond it at the blood-stained area of earth where the Scorpion King had torn apart Shalee’s friend. The memory of how Shalee called out Helga’s name kept playing in his mind again and again, and the more he allowed himself to think about it, the more his actions bothered him.

After a long series of moments, George sighed. The mage spoke to the spot where the older sorceress had been ended as he walked toward it. “I’m truly sorry, Helga. I cannot express to you how sorry I am.”

A fair series of moments passed before George continued. “But the thing about your situation is ... and I mean no offense when I say this ... but my Abbie had to be more important than you. Hell ... she’s more important than anyone. I just couldn’t risk my life for somebody I didn’t know. You had to be a smart woman, right? I’m sure you can understand that what I did wasn’t personal.”

George made sure his tone was sincere, and he even nodded as he held up his hands in a pleading manner to deliver his next statement. “I’m sure you can understand that everything that happened was for the purpose of getting my Abbie back.”

Hearing his own logic, George frowned. “Holy garesh! I sound like a prick. Damn it, Helga!” The mage bent down and placed his right hand on the spot where Helga’s torso was pulverized. “Perhaps on some other Peak I would’ve found a way to stop him.”

Ignoring the uncleanliness of his surroundings, George lowered to his rear end. He bent his knees and wrapped his arms around them. “I’ll promise you this. If ever an opportunity presents itself to pay you back in another life, I swear I’ll do it. No one should ever have to pass the way you did. My lack of action was inexcusable. Only a sad-ass individual would allow a woman to die like that.” A true caring sentiment consumed George as he placed his right hand over his heart and cried for a fair series of moments.

But true to form, the jerk eventually allowed his remorse to turn to scorn. “What the hell, Helga? What were you doing here in the first place?” The mage stood and kicked a blood-stained rock with the toe of his left boot. He watched as the stone rolled beyond the entrance of the corridor and struck the wall across the hallway. The rock settled into a pile of scorpion garesh. “Stupid woman!”

Kepler decided to add to the conversation. “George, it’s comforting to know that you have a conscience. This will make you a stronger leader and a more reliable companion. Never allow your regret to destroy a sentiment as pure as the one you just expressed. Own your emotions, and use them to become a territorial force. Regret will only hold you back if you don’t learn from it.”

Kepler’s openness surprised George. “Damn, Kep, you’re like an onion. If I peel you back far enough, I just might find a good guy inside.”

The cat would have responded, but Koffler’s grating voice filled the labyrinth corridor from the shadows. “What’s an onion?”

Though Keller and Kepler also did not know what an onion was, they growled, “Shut up, Koffler!”

George grinned. His next statement was followed with a wink. “Thanks for being so cool, Kep. I would’ve never guessed that I’d be taking advice from a giant kitty.”

Once the demons were finished snarling their distaste for the mage’s attempt at humor, George asked the jaguars to gather around him. He then used his magic to ensure the cats were invisible. Once they were touching one another, he teleported with the group to a familiar spot outside the city of Champions. They made their way to a raucous, hole-in-the-wall tavern, and this would be their last stop of the night. A group of Brandorian soldiers were celebrating their friend’s last night as a single man.

George noticed that the future groom happened to be an officer in Sam’s army. The mage smiled, and then he delivered a similar performance like he had inside The Bloody Trough, but he did make a significant change. He had Kepler and his brothers pin everyone against a wall. Amongst the cats’ snarls, the mage professed to his frightened audience that he was going to hide the two pieces of the Crystal Moon in the Serpent King’s lair. His declaration was as good as gold.

Before George left the tavern, he turned the groom to stone, and then he threatened the dead man’s friends who were as highly ranked. Once the mage was sure his message about the crystal pieces would get to Sam, he leaned over and whispered in Kepler’s ear. “Kill everyone, but let two of Sam’s men escape. Meet me outside when you’re done.”

As George sat on the heavy, wooden railing of the porch, he listened to the sounds of death that came from inside. Moments later, the two survivors burst through the door and bounded down the steps with Keller close behind. After chasing them down the road a bit, the demon stopped. Once the blood-soaked cats finished feasting, George teleported the group south of Bloodvain before the guards of Champion arrived.

George commanded, “Keller, go into the city and deliver a message. Tell Senchae that I want him to mobilize the army and head west into the Neutral Territory. From there, he needs to march the army south and stop just north of the Serpent King’s city and set up camp. The army needs to mobilize before morning. I want Sam’s scouts to think Senchae is after the crystals. Let’s hope Sam takes the bait and takes his army to the serpent’s doorstep.”

The mage reached into his pocket and produced a blank piece of parchment. He used his magic to project his thoughts onto the page. “Take this note to Senchae. If you forget anything, it’s all here.” George rolled the parchment up and tied it to the demon’s neck. “Hurry! Once you return, we’ll go to Athena’s. We’ll sleep through the Peak and go to Angels Village tomorrow night. We have a lot of work to do over the next 9 Peaks.”

When the group finally arrived in Lethwitch, George called out for Athena as if it was any other night. “Honey, I’m home.”

Athena ran into the room and jumped into his arms. “Oh, I’ve missed you. How long are you here for?”

“I’ve got to leave tomorrow. I’ll be gone for a while, but I should be able to put the family together real soon. You won’t have to work if you don’t want to. Your family can come with us as well.”

Athena hugged him, “Where will we be living?”

George took a deep breath. “In City View. I think you’ll love it there. So will the family.”

Athena gasped. “That city is full of barbarians. What about our safety?” She cupped her hand over her mouth. “What about our baby’s safety? My family won’t want to go.”

“There’s no reason to worry. I’m respected throughout the barbarian kingdom for the work I do. No one will harm us. We will be safe, and so will the family.”

Athena shook her head. “I’ll follow you anywhere, as promised, but I won’t ask my family to.”

“You don’t need to ask anyone to do anything, honey. I’ll talk to them. I’m sure they’ll want to come. I’ve got everything under control. Have I ever let you down?”

“Of course, not. I trust you.” She led George into their bedroom.

After a good while, George lay back, exhausted. He pulled Athena close and allowed his mind to wander. If Sam believes my deception, war won’t extend as far east as City View, he thought. Although I don’t want Lethwitch to see war either, my face will draw attention around here. I know Athena would rather stay, but I think it’s impossible to live here.

He scratched the top of his head. Maybe I’ll talk to Lasidious about it and see what he thinks. I better not leave the house until I know more.

It was just before the Peak of Bailem when George’s mind settled down enough that he was able to fall asleep. Kepler and his brothers were hidden in the Enchanted Forest, and he was not scheduled to meet with them until dusk the following Peak.

The City of Brandor

The Next Morning

BJ wanted to find a spot on the western coast of the peninsula to light the pyre to celebrate Helga’s passing. His heart was heavy. He had loved Helga more than any other.



BJ was about to leave with Helga’s body on the back of Sam’s royal wagon when the king and queen approached. Sam and Shalee were scheduled to leave for Cottle. They had promised to attend the Passing Ceremonies of the men who had perished on Scorpion Island, and they had tried to convince BJ to wait until they returned to light Helga’s pyre, but the advisor refused to comply. He insisted that he had no choice but to light Helga’s fire immediately.

“BJ, would you like me to stay behind?” Shalee asked.

BJ shook his head. “No. I want to be alone.”

When the queen tried to object, Sam touched her on the forearm. “Just let him go. It’ll be good for him to get this off his chest. He needs to begin the healing process as quickly as possible so he can be ready.”

A confused look appeared on Shalee’s face. “Ready for what?”

The king looked at BJ. “You need to move beyond Helga’s passing as quickly as you can. I need you to have a clear head. I know I sound callous right now, but you know we’ve got to do what’s best for this kingdom, and as my advisor, you need to be ready for anything.”

BJ did not respond. The disdain on his face said everything he wanted to curse at Sam. His actions were filled with hostility as he climbed up onto the wagon and snatched the reins. “Yaw!”

After watching the wagon until it was out of sight, Shalee wiped the tears from her face and nestled into Sam’s chest. “Do you think he’ll be alright?” she sobbed. “I know how he feels. I’m sick to death about all this.”

Sam nodded, “He’s a tough, old guy. He’ll be alright.”

As BJ passed through the city gates, he kept the hood of his cloak over his head to hide the tears that would not stop rolling down his face. The wagon held Helga’s coffin on one side and the wood for her pyre on the other. This was the second series of moments in which BJ had to say goodbye to a woman he had cared for. The problem was, with Helga, his heart was destroyed, and he was lost. His previous relationship did not have the passion they had shared. His sorrow was unbearable, and he would travel for as long as it took to find the perfect spot that complemented his lost love’s beauty.

When BJ finally jumped down from the wagon, he made his final assessment. The sand of the beach was white and clean. The waves rolled onto the shore, adding a sense of peace that BJ knew Helga would have enjoyed. The trees sat back from the shoreline, creating an alcove of privacy, and within this alcove, there were two boulders that sat close to one another—the perfect place to light her fire.

As he lifted the wood off the wagon, BJ’s heart became heavier with each step. Never had he felt so overcome with sadness. He longed for his love to return and claim that an evil jest had been played. It consumed his thoughts as he stacked the wood the way that Helga deserved. He would not settle for anything less than perfection, but he was losing more of himself with the adjustment of each piece, and his heart was falling into a pit that he would struggle to crawl out of.

When the moment came to move Helga’s coffin, BJ read from a scroll that Shalee had created. The magic released and gave him the strength to carry the coffin from the wagon to the pile and set it in position. He made sure it was centered, adjusting it on a hundred different occasions before he achieved the perfect placement.

With dusk approaching, BJ looked toward the sunset as it cast a beautiful array of color into the darkening sky. This would be the last series of moments that he could share with Helga. The urge to hold her for one last moment as the sun descended behind the horizon pulled at him.

He rushed to the wagon to grab an iron bar. He used it to break open the lock that secured the lid of the coffin. He lifted the latch, not knowing that his love lay torn apart inside.

Unsure if this was the right thing to do, BJ paused as he dropped the latch back in place. Perhaps it’s best to leave her alone, he thought. But how can I pass on the opportunity to show her my love?

It was not long before BJ convinced himself that Helga would have enjoyed the idea of being held one last moment before he lit her fire. He lifted the lid and looked inside expecting to find Helga’s peaceful face, but what he found was his worst nightmare. Seeing Helga’s mutilated pieces, his expression turned from one full of passion to one of horror and excruciating agony.

BJ took a step back from the coffin. He fell off the stack and onto the beach. He crawled to his feet and then ran as fast as he could to get away from the nightmare. He collapsed into the waves, lifted his head to the heavens and screamed, cursing the gods for stealing his happiness, cursing Sam for allowing Helga to go into the face of danger, cursing Shalee for not being there when Helga needed her most. And finally, he cursed himself for letting his love go on a fool’s quest.

A long series of moments passed before BJ stood to retrieve his dagger. He lit a torch and grabbed a container of oil. He poured the liquid over the wood beneath the coffin, but only enough to allow the fire to grow slowly. He then cleared a place next to Helga and lay down inside the coffin next to her mutilated pieces.

With the torch in his left hand, he plunged his dagger into his stomach with his right and then lifted the blade as much as he could toward his sternum. After dropping the torch onto the wood below, BJ closed his eyes and waited for the open wound to end his life, but the flames spread much quicker than he had anticipated. In his grief stricken and confused state, BJ had used too much oil.

BJ’s eyes had not yet closed forever before the intense heat consumed the coffin. His horrific screams filled the night before his soul left for the Book of Immortality’s pages.

George Meets the Minotaur King

George spent four and a half Peaks putting his plans in motion, and Kepler was instrumental in their execution. George realized the moments to bring war to the Serpent King’s kingdom were few.



George had used his power to strengthen Kepler’s body, and he rode the demon for most of that 4 Peaks. The jaguar’s brothers had tagged along. They poked fun as Kepler complained about the saddle the mage had created. Yet despite his brothers’ taunting, Kepler was accepting of his role.

As they approached the rolling pastures where the Minotaur King grazed, George put up a wall of force to protect the group as they rode into the area. As expected, the group’s intrusion was not welcomed. The part-bull, part-human subjects of the Minotaur King bellowed curses as the intruders passed.

George had never seen so many of these creatures. Their large, bull heads, attached to human torsos and human arms, were massive. Their bottom halves were massive cow-like legs that rippled as their weight shifted. They stood upright and walked like any normal man, but they still grazed. It was odd to watch them reach down near their hooves, tear the grass from the earth with their hands and then place it near their mouths, only to scoop the grass in with their large tongues to consume it.

As they drew closer to the king, the beasts became aggressive and attacked. They bounced off George’s magic shield like a child’s ball off a brick wall. The mage laughed as the beasts picked themselves up off the ground, dazed from the collision.

Kepler stopped in front of the Minotaur King.

After watching his strongest subjects fail to break through George’s magic, the king addressed the mage. “Pro tay mes galomay.”

Kepler translated. “George, he wants to know if you’re a god. I think he’s asking because they can’t touch you.”

George looked at the king and smiled. “Tell him I am.”

Kepler looked over his shoulder at George. “Are you serious?”

“Sure. Why not? He doesn’t know any different.”

Kepler rolled his eyes, and then the jaguar turned his head toward the Minotaur. “Ages meslopa portray la mor. Eswa go sloma.”

George patted Kepler on his shoulder. “Tell him my name and ask him his.”

Kepler did as instructed. “He said his name, if I’m translating it right, is Horace.”

“Horace?” George chided. “What the hell? Was his mother pissed when she named him?”

Kepler growled. “This isn’t the proper series of moments to jest. A little tact would be best for this situation.”

“Blah, blah, blah. I get it. Tell Horace it would be wise to send his scouts to watch for Brandor’s army. Tell him Brandor is going to kill all beasts who live under a monarchy. Tell him the Scorpion King has already passed, and it’s only a matter of moments until he’s next. Tell him Brandor’s next target will be the Serpent King’s city, and tell him I can show him some of Brandor’s handiwork.”

Kepler rolled his eyes and thought, Tell him, tell him, tell him, tell him. What an idiot. The demon spoke with the Minotaur King.

George smiled within as the beast bellowed.

Kepler turned to translate. “He’s angry, George. He hates Brandor’s new king. He feels their champion was cheated out of his victory, and he wants revenge.”

George tilted his head. “I saw that fight. I don’t know why he feels like he was cheated, but this is perfect. You couldn’t ask for a bigger silver platter than that.”

Kepler’s eyes flashed as he twisted his head to look over his shoulder at the mage. “Silver platter? What does a plate have to do with this negotiation? Have you become dense?”

“Bah! It’s just an expression. Just tell the king I can take him to the Scorpion King’s island and show him the carnage.”

Kepler translated. “He said he’s willing to go.”

“Great. Then tell him to close his eyes.”

Once done, the mage teleported the group to the location of the Scorpion King’s body. When they appeared, they were next to the pedestal. George commanded the darkness to dissipate and then pointed to the giant arthropod’s remains.

The Minotaur roared, and then he walked up and out of the cave to take a look around the rest of the island. George was quick to direct Horace to the southern shore. He smiled. The Minotaur’s anger swelled as he surveyed the gruesome scene.

“Kep, ask Horace if he knows anything about the water mist mares.”

Again, Kepler did as instructed. “He says they’re powerful.”

“Then tell the king that the mares have been terminated ... thanks to Brandor. Tell him I can prove it.”

The jaguar translated. “Horace says, if Brandor can defeat the spirits, their army is too dominant. He wants to know what can be done about it. He says his legions aren’t strong enough to defeat Brandor.”

“His army doesn’t need to be strong enough,” George responded. “Tell him that I don’t want him to attack Brandor right away. He’ll need to wait until they attack the Serpent King’s lair. Make sure he understands I have reinforcements coming.”

For the next fair series of moments, Kepler explained the plan as George revealed his overall strategy. Once the jaguar was finished, Horace bellowed a question.

Kepler turned to translate. “He wants to know why the barbarians would fight with the Minotaur.”

“Tell him that Senchae doesn’t want Brandor to dominate the territories of Southern Grayham just like Horace doesn’t. Once the war is over, they’ll take what’s theirs and return to the north. Senchae only wants to weaken Brandor ... not exterminate its populace. He simply wants to keep them from killing the beasts who govern their kind through the power of a crown. Senchae believes the beasts of this world are necessary for the survival of all kingdoms.”

Kepler translated. “He agrees with your logic, George. He’s also glad because war provides his kind the chance to avenge the death of their champion.”

“Then it’s settled. Make sure Horace knows the bears will also be fighting with them. Tell him I’ll bring the Bear King to see him. They can devise a plan and work together.”

The Minotaur King nodded and bellowed a final statement.

Kepler translated, “He is comfortable with your plan, George. Brandor will fall to its knees.”

Sam’s Throne Room

The Next Morning

Sam’s heart was heavy. His emotions were getting the best of him as he stormed through the castle. No one had ever seen their king act this way. As a result, the nobles and the castle servants were walking on eggshells as they entered the throne room to deliver gifts.



Earlier, Sam had learned that BJ’s hunting knife was found at the center of a pile of ash and bone. From the looks of it, his advisor had committed suicide. The scouts had said BJ’s knife was found on the beach where he had lit the pyre for Helga’s passing, and it was only because the king’s wagon was close by that the connection was made.

Sam barged into his throne room with the general in tow. The nobles of Brandor and their families were placing the gifts meant for the fallen men of the 11th legion around his throne to symbolize their respect. They bowed as their king stomped up the steps and took his seat.

“What do you mean, General?” Sam barked. “Why would George hide the pieces of the Crystal Moon in the serpent’s lair?”

Michael’s response was without delay. “I don’t know, Sire. I only just received this word. There was an attack. One of our officers has come from the city of Champions to deliver a message. He’s waiting in the hall.”

“Then, bring him in, damn it! Why is he out there? He can’t talk to me from the hall!”

Sam dropped his head into the palms of his hands as he waited for Joshua to enter. His thoughts ran wild. How could you be so damn selfish, BJ? You just crapped on everyone who loved you ... and Helga’s memory. If you were alive, I’d kill you myself. Damn it!

The nobles gave way as Joshua entered and moved to stand at the base of the steps leading up to the throne. Sweat rolled down Joshua’s brow as he took a knee.

Eventually, Sam looked up and shouted. “Well? Are you going to talk, or are you going to stand there and look stupid all Peak?”

Joshua lifted his head. “I’m sorry, My King.”

Michael held up his hand to silence Joshua and then leaned over to whisper in Sam’s ear.

Another level of anger appeared on Sam’s face. “The general tells me you heard a drunk bragging that he had two pieces of the Crystal Moon. I was told you heard he was going to hide them. Is that right?”

“ Yes, Sire,” Joshua responded.

Sam took a deep breath. His face hardened further. “Joshua, tell me why a group of my officers was not able to stop this man? Why didn’t you bring him to me? Were you drunk also? Why were you in a tavern in the first place?”

After hearing the king’s tone, Joshua swallowed. “We were celebrating our friend’s last Peak as a single man, Sire. The man who entered the tavern traveled with the demon-cat, Kepler. There were two other cats that looked just like Kepler. They were massive, My Lord. We tried to stop the man, but he wielded magic like I’ve never seen. He turned our friend to stone, and we weren’t strong enough to stop his beasts. They slaughtered everyone. I was lucky to have survived. I give praise to Mosley for my escape.”

Sam leaned forward. “I’m sure Lord Mosley appreciated your prayers, but it’s my forgiveness you should be seeking.”

Joshua lowered his head. “Sire, forgive me. I serve this kingdom with honor. My family would sacrifice all they are for your crown. There was no way to capture this man, or it would’ve been done.”

Sam believed that Joshua’s testimony confirmed it was George, but why would he act so carelessly? Once again, Sam’s voice was cold. “Why would this man say such things, Joshua? Does it make sense for him to divulge critical information?”

Sweat dripped from Joshua’s nose as he lifted his head. “My King, I swear to you, the man was drunk when he boasted his intent. When he came into the tavern, he was happy. He even bought us all drinks. Many moments went by, and then his cats entered. We tried to stop them, but the man’s demons pinned us against a wall. The man told us he knew you from a place called Earth. He called you words that I’ve never heard before, and they sounded brash.”

“And what were these words, Captain?”

“Your Grace, I don’t know that I care to say them in the presence of women.”

Sam leaned forward and looked Joshua in the eye. “You’ve found me on a Peak when I don’t care about your feelings. Tell me now, or I’ll end you!” Sam pulled Kael from his sheath and commanded the blade’s flame. “I would hate to place this blade into a tight orifice. I’ve heard it doesn’t feel good.”

Again, Joshua swallowed. “Yes, Sire. The man said you had garesh for brains. He said you were a spoiled bitch. He called you weak and pathetic. He said he was smarter than you, and you could stick all the languages you speak up your ... well, I think he meant your backside, Sire. Shall I continue? He used many other, much stronger sounding words.”

Sam leaned back in his chair and laughed. “I bet he did, Joshua. I bet he did! That sounds like the man I know.”

Everyone in the throne room looked at each other. They would have been embarrassed by the things Joshua had said, but their king just laughed it off.

After a bit, Sam stood and motioned for Michael to come forward. “What do we know of the barbarians? When we were in the cave, George said he was running things in the north. Has there been any movement of their army?”

“Sire, we should be getting word from our scouts within Peaks. I dispatched them after we left the island. They should report 4 Peaks from now. I’ve also sent additional scouts every 2 Peaks to ensure we stay informed. If the first group of scouts doesn’t know anything, the others are sure to discover something. If the barbarians are preparing an assault, we’ll know it.”

Sam formulated a plan. “I want the first five legions to stay here and protect Brandor. I want the other five, and what’s left of the 11th, to assemble at the city of Champions. If the information the scouts deliver suggests George is hiding the crystals, we will attack Seth’s kingdom. If it’s not accurate, we will head north and attack Bloodvain. I’m not about to wait here for something to happen. You have 7 Peaks to fulfill my commands, General. Don’t fail me, or I’ll find someone else to lead the army!”

Michael did not allow the king’s tone to affect his confidence. “Sire, what of the blade the assassin used to kill King Aaron? I’ve asked you before, but you’ve failed to respond. The blade was barbarian, and the assassin was clearly fulfilling a contract created by barbarians. Should we not forego the search for the crystals to avenge the king’s murder?”

Sam moved to stand in front of Michael. He spoke so that everyone could hear. The general could smell the ale on the king’s breath. “The pieces of the crystal are more important than one man’s passing, General. The quakes across the kingdom are growing stronger. Would you have me sacrifice everyone for the sake of revenge?” The king did not wait to hear Michael’s reaction. Instead, he stormed out of the room. “Get out of my way!”

Sam knew it was possible for Michael to fulfill his commands, but now he needed to transition his mind to matters of equal importance. He wanted to make sure that Shalee was okay. He knew the queen’s grief would be compounded because of BJ’s selfishness. Helga’s loss was bad enough, but now BJ? he thought. Poor Shalee. There’s no magic for grief.

Since they had arrived on Grayham, they had seen far too much death. Grieving for someone they cared so much about was going to be almost unbearable. He would take his queen, and together, they would go to the location where BJ passed. He was sure their friends would want them to stand over their ashes and say goodbye.

The Hills of the Bear Clan

2 Peaks of Bailem Later

George rode Kepler into the caves of the Bear King with the demon’s brothers on either side. As before, they made a strong impression. The conversation was similar to the one with the Minotaur King and included a trip to Scorpion Island. When Groth saw the Scorpion King’s body, he, too, became angered. The kodiak exited the cave and walked along the southern shore, speechless as he studied the remnants of the massacre. George was also quick to point out that Brandor had killed the water mist mares.



“And you’re next,” George punctuated.

Groth’s reaction was like Horace’s. The beast felt that Brandor was now a threat, and something had to be done.

The mage teleported the bear to the Minotaur King’s pasture. Kepler translated for both beasts while Horace and Groth strategized. The Minotaur would fight alongside Kepler’s skeleton warriors. They would approach the Serpent King’s lair just south of Lake Zandra. Kepler’s feline subjects would join the fight with both the barbarians and the Minotaur. The barbarians would approach from the north as they exited the Neutral Territory. The bears would be positioned farther south of the Minotaur, and they would attack when the signal was given. The final piece of the battle plan included the serpents’ lair that was to the west. Brandor’s army would be facing tremendous numbers on all fronts. With nearly 31,000 barbarians, 2,500 bears, 2,900 Minotaur, 1600 giant cats, 6,000 serpents, and 500 undead, skeleton warriors, the forces attacking Brandor’s army would be more than 43,500 strong.

The mage took the bear home after watching his manipulations fall into place. George asked Kepler to say goodbye and watched as the bear rose up to show his appreciation for George’s help.

George teleported the cats to the north side of Lethwitch before heading into town to spend the evening with Athena. He wrote out a message and gave it to Koffler to deliver to the Barbarian King. He explained everything Senchae would need to know with the letter ending:


...This war will be your greatest victory. Glory will be yours. You will be the Barbarian King who goes down in history as the only man capable of defeating Brandor. All hail the majesty of Senchae Bloodvain!

Your loyal subject,

George Nailer

The mage figured that finishing the letter by stroking Senchae’s ego would solidify the final part of his plans. He told Koffler to be swift on his journey, and for the cat’s effort, he would give the demon something special once he returned. He teleported Koffler north of Angels Village, and then he returned to Lethwitch to retire for the night.

George would have been proud of Senchae if the mage had known what the barbarian had done. The king had sent his scouts to order the unicorns to join the battle. It was an unexpected gathering of force. With 50 unicorns entering the fight, Sam would be facing a nightmare of an army comprised of fangs, claws, magical horns, hooves, bones, blades, clubs, maces, war hammers, arrows, bolts and to top it all off, he would be facing the inflated egos of the barbarian legions.

Kepler went into the Enchanted Forest to send out his orders. He dispatched one of his tigers to gather the giant cats of the plains. They were instructed to move at night and run toward Zandra. They were to hide north of the lake until Brandor entered Seth’s kingdom. It was then they were to join the barbarians and the Minotaur as they approached from their respective directions.

Kepler also sent an asordian sparrow with an order for his skeleton warriors to join the fight. This verbal message included code words that only his skeleton commander understood. They were to run both Peak and night and stay away from populated areas. He wanted his bony commander to join the cats at Zandra. Once Brandor entered the Serpent Kingdom, the commander was to circle east around the lake and attack with the Minotaur.

2 Peaks of Bailem Later

George collected Athena’s family and teleported them in small groups to Gessler Village. He paid the innkeeper enough coin to clear out the establishment. He intended to house her family there until he was able to recover from his massive, magical power drain. The journey to move Athena’s family to City View would take more than 12 Peaks.



Since the family would never set foot in Lethwitch again, George retrieved Maldwin from his mother-in-law’s barn. Kepler told the rat the moment had come for George to keep his promise. The mage was going to provide the rat’s family with a new home, and because of this, Maldwin’s nose twitched with excitement.

As George lay next to his wife, Kepler and Maldwin kept watch from the front porch of The Bloody Trough to ensure the family’s safety. According to the mage, the family would be leaving in the morning for City View.

George had just fallen asleep when the Mischievous One requested access to his dream. “Hello, my friend. I’m impressed by what you’ve been able to accomplish, but you’re needed elsewhere. City View isn’t where you should go to get your daughter back.”

Despite being sound asleep, the mage released a heavy sigh. “You need to kiss my ass, Lasidious! You couldn’t have told me this earlier? Look, man, I’m tired. I can hardly move. I need to get some sleep.” There was a long period of silence. “Bah! What do I need to do to get my Abbie back?”





As Lasidious looked at the image of George through the green flames of his fireplace on Ancients Sovereign, he smiled at the mage’s irritation. He passed his hand through the flames to refresh George’s soul. “I have replenished your strength. You can sleep during some other series of moments, my friend. I need you to go to Luvelles. There’s work to be done.”

“Are you freaking kidding me? What the hell, dude?”

The vision of Lasidious did not respond, so George continued to rant. “Why would I want to go there? I just got myself into a damn good position here ... just like you wanted me to, right?”

The Mischievous One nodded.

“But yet you still want me to bail? Man ... with a little more manipulating, I could own this world.” The mage paused in thought. “What about my wife? What about her family? What the hell would I say to them?”

“George, you’re forgetting with whom you speak. I have a solution to your problem. Your wife and her family can go with you. I have made arrangements for Kepler to go as well.”

“What about Kepler’s brothers ... and Maldwin? I just can’t leave them behind. Kepler won’t go without his brothers.” George frowned. “I promised Maldwin a home, and Keller has gone to get the rat’s family. Hell ... Koffler is delivering a message to the Barbarian King. This is a terrible series of moments for a change of this magnitude, Lasidious ... just terrible.”

“Do I detect a soft spot in that heart of yours, George? You don’t need to worry about Kepler. He’s a demon. As far as Maldwin is concerned, I will personally see to it that the rat’s family is provided a comfortable and secure home inside the cliffs of Latasef. I’ll make sure they’re protected and see that they are well fed.”

George nodded. “Okay, that sounds bad-ass.”

Lasidious grinned for a moment, and then his expression turned serious. “George, Southern Grayham will not be safe for you and your family. You’ll be a hunted man. I’d rather see you use your skills elsewhere. You’ve proven to be my greatest asset. You’ve masterfully manipulated this world, and your daughter will be with you soon because of it. It won’t be long before I have the power to release her.”

“You better not be gareshing me, man! How do I get to Luvelles?”

“You’ll need to teleport your family to Merchant Island. Find a man named Hesston Bangs. He’ll put you into a special container that will be carried by the Merchant Angels to Western Luvelles. Once there, I’d like you to travel to the village of Floren. You’ll need to find a family of witches who go by the surname Rolfe, from the Clan of Ashdown. They’ll have a baby living beneath their roof.”

The Mischievous One presented his brightest smile. “If you could be so kind as to kill this family and raise the baby as Athena’s sister’s son ... your nephew ... I would appreciate it. The baby will be born before you arrive. This may come as a shock, but this baby is my child. It’s this boy who will give me the power to get your daughter back, but not until he reaches his first season ... or perhaps two, if I’ve misjudged.”

“Holy garesh, Lasidious! You want me to raise your kid as my damn nephew? How in the hell am I going to convince Athena, or for that matter, her sister and the rest of the family to go along with something so outlandish? That’s heavy garesh to spring on someone out of the blue like that. I mean ... how would I break this kind of news to everyone? I can just see it now. ‘Hey, Susanne, by the way, you’ve got a kid. Oh! What do you mean? You forgot it plopped out of you? How could you forget something like that?’”

George stirred, but he remained sound asleep as he continued. “That’s freaking nuts, Lasidious. Don’t get me wrong, man, I love kids. I’d even like taking care of your kid. But how in the hell can I make a woman believe she delivered a baby ... especially when she’s innocent, and I would wager my last Helmep that she’s a virgin.”

Lasidious smiled and then leaned toward the fire to respond. “Susanne is a virgin, George, but I’m sure you’ll figure something out.”

“Ha! Nice! Just leave it up to me. Wonderful plan, man. Thanks for nothing.”

The Mischievous One grinned as he watched George roll over to pull Athena close. “Athena and I better get a sweet house out of this if I’m going to figure out a way to babysit your kid. We’ll want something sweet ... something that reminds me of home. Better yet, I want everyone in the family to get a home of their own. They better be sick and none of that log cabin crap.”

George smirked. “You’ve been in my head enough to know what I like. I want everyone’s home to be as classy as mine, but don’t make it some cookie-cutter sub-division, Lasidious. Because that’s B.S. Oh, and I want something to keep my drinks cold. And there needs to be plumbing, because if I can turn crap to stone, there has to be a way to give me an indoor toilet. Do we have a deal?”

“I should be able to manage that, George.”

“Right-the-hell-on! Then it’s settled. So ... how do I get everyone to Merchant Island? I’ve never seen the place before, and what about the crystals I buried?”

“I want you to take the crystals with you. I’ll hide the third piece on Luvelles, but I’ll save the revelation of its location for another series of moments. As far as Athena’s family, have Maldwin prepare their minds to perceive the baby as one of their own before you leave the inn. Use the rat’s visions to make them believe that my son is Susanne’s child. I’m sure you know how to make this happen. The Head Master of Luvelles is expecting your arrival. He thinks his good friend, Amar, has referred you to him to be his new Mystic Learner.”

“Why would he think that? Amar is a dead man.”

A sinister grin appeared on Lasidious’ face. “Let’s just say that someone who looked like Amar told the Head Master about you. Brayson was happy to entertain his old student’s suggestion. He’s making preparations based on Amar’s recommendations as we speak. You’ll have your houses, George, and I’ll make sure they’re built to fit your desires.”

“What about coin?” George questioned. “I don’t want to be broke.”

“Amar told the Head Master to give you plenty of it once you arrive. It’s waiting for you at an inn called Kebble’s Kettle. You’re already rich, and you didn’t even know it.”

“So what do you want me to do when I get there?”

“I need you to make a mess like the one you made here on Grayham. Do whatever you must to keep the gods’ attention off my son.”

Lasidious passed his hand across the top of the flames. “I believe the safest place for my boy is under the gods’ noses. It will seem normal for you to call my son your nephew since the Collective knows nothing of Susanne. This will be our greatest deception, and you’ll be the force behind it.”

George rolled to his other side. “You still haven’t told me how to get to Merchant Island. And don’t you think that Amar visiting the Head Master after his death will raise a red flag regarding the moments in which his death occurred?”

Lasidious laughed. “Head Master Brayson thinks he saw Amar before he passed. He has no clue that Amar perished. Besides, the gods won’t be worried about a being as insignificant as Amar. Out of sight, out of mind.”

The Mischievous One reached into the flames and scooped the image of George into the palms of his hands. He carried the burning vision to the stone table, set it down and then took a seat after he pulled his chair out with his foot. Lasidious leaned back, put his feet up and then stared into the fire.

“George, there’s something else you need to know. You have the ability to look into Kepler’s mind to see the demon’s memories. It is there you will find the vision of Merchant Island. The cat’s memories are trustworthy, and you have grown close enough to ask for permission to enter Kepler’s mind. If you’ll open your own mind to me now, I’ll show you how to do this.”

George shook his head. “How could you have forgotten to tell me something this useful? Do you realize how much more I could’ve accomplished if you had told me this sooner? I could’ve teleported anywhere I wanted and not wasted all my damn moments tromping all over the place.”

Lasidious grinned. “Who said I forgot? You’ll be leaving for Luvelles in 2 Peaks.”

George thought a while. “I think this plan should work. Luvelles, here I come. Wow, I’ve got a ticket off of this rock. I’m relieved now that I think about it.”

Lasidious smiled.

George questioned, “Where will I find this Hesston Bangs?”

“Tell Kepler that Hesston works on the docks during the Peak of Bailem. Kepler will know where to go once he hears this information.”

“Then will we speak again after I get to Luvelles?”

The Mischievous One shook his head. “It will be a while before we speak again. Until then, be patient, George. After you terminate the family of witches, lay low and don’t use your power.”

The god reached into the flames and touched George on his shoulder. “It won’t be long before Abbie is returned to you. Remember that.”

A moment later, Lasidious departed George’s dream, leaving behind beautiful visions of Abbie that filled George’s mind’s eye.





GEORGE, his family, and Kepler are now on the world of Luvelles. The ride provided by the Merchant Angels to this new world was dark and dismal. The family’s special container was tight, and everyone had to sit in their own waste for the duration. Despite the annoyances, they arrived in good spirits.

George led the family to the village of Floren, but he had no idea how to find Head Master Brayson. The only thing the mage knew for sure was that he had a family of witches to terminate and a new nephew to take care of.

The family now believed that Susanne had a son. Their minds were manipulated by Maldwin before leaving Gessler. Susanne and Athena have been chattering about a baby they’ve never met.

Maldwin’s visions were specific. After the baby was born, there were health issues that had to be addressed. The family believed that George rushed the child to Western Luvelles to receive the medical attention he needed to survive. But there was one detail about the baby’s birth that Maldwin’s vision was unable to plant into the family’s minds, a detail that George failed to think about, one that could cause a significant problem.





KEPLER left word for his brothers to govern Skeleton Pass in his absence. As it turned out, Lasidious was right about the demon. The jaguar was more than willing to leave his brothers behind.





CELESTRIA cleaned up her son, and after holding the baby for a short series of moments, she handed the boy to the witches and then vanished for Ancients Sovereign. Once there, she waved her hand over her belly and removed all evidence of her pregnancy.





SAM asked Shalee to stay in Brandor. She was still dealing with the stress of losing BJ and Helga. The queen has been crying for Peaks, and the healers warned Sam that the stress was not good for the baby. Sam knows they are correct. Shalee’s depression could make her a prime candidate for a miscarriage, and the king is not about to risk the baby’s or his queen’s health, despite the asset Shalee would be in battle. When Shalee tried to object, Sam would not listen.

After arriving in the city of Champions, Sam received word from his scouts. The barbarian army has headed south for the Serpent King’s lair. They are following the Latsky River in the Neutral Territory. By the sound of the reports, the barbarians and Seth’s serpents will be outmatched.

Peaks ago, Sam ordered Michael to turn the army in the direction of the Serpent King’s lair. The army has crossed the Snake River, and they are now only 2 Peaks from entering Seth’s underground city.





A HEAVY QUAKE struck Brandor after Sam left the city. Many of the smaller buildings sustained damage, and the roof of the Senate’s hall collapsed. Eleven senators perished in the disaster. Word of the suffering will reach Sam’s ears before the war begins.

Thank you for reading the final edition of the Grayham Inquirer





War is Coming