Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign

CHAPTER 5

Broken Back

LASIDIOUS WAS STILL SITTING at his table, watching through the transparent wall of his cave-like home as George continued to tumble. The Mischievous One was deciding how he wanted to make his introduction. After rolling up a map of Grayham, the god chose a field near the Enchanted Forest to stage his rescue.

Close by, was a town called Lethwitch. He would drop George just outside of town. This location would give the mortal the moments necessary to get the supplies he would need before heading north to the Pool of Sorrow.





The Town of Lethwitch

to the north, the Pool of Sorrow

East of the Pool is the Cave of Sorrow

Skeleton Pass Runs North and South of Gessler Village





George needed to be at the pool in 3 Peaks, which left no room for wasted moments. The Earthling would not be able to wander about sightseeing. He waved his hand, and George disappeared.

Lasidious pushed back from the table, put the picture of Abbie in his front pocket, grabbed the map of Grayham and a leather pack from his bedroom and then vanished.

The Mountains of Latasef

Skeleton Pass

The goddess approached the demon-jaguar, Kepler. The giant cat, over 25 feet long from tip to tail, had a smooth, shiny, black coat that conformed to his powerful, muscular stature. His claws were sharp as knives, terrifying to most, but not Celestria, Goddess of Beasts.

Kepler yawned as she approached. His large mouth had been the instrument of death for many men. The cat’s teeth were white, except for the yellowish stains at their base from the blood of man-flesh. As he closed his mouth, he stood and stretched his legs, neck, and back.

“You dare come into my lair as if you belong,” he snarled. “Can you not see the dead that lie with their bones scattered throughout my pass? Are you not afraid of my skeleton army? I should summon them to gut you where you stand. This is my territory!”

“I go where I wish,” Celestria reprimanded, her face stern and her voice forceful. “How dare you talk to your goddess that way? I should throw you to the dragons on Dragonia!” Her voice echoed off the walls of Skeleton Pass. “You will show me respect, demon!”

Realizing whom he had insulted, Kepler stepped forward and lowered his head in reverence. “My apologies, Goddess. If I had known it was you, I would not have spoken so harshly.” The giant cat pushed a half-eaten barbarian torso behind him with his back paw as if he was embarrassed about the untidiness of his lair.

“Never mind your insolence, Kepler,” Celestria replied as she watched him squirm. “I’m here to inform you of great things that are about to happen. The moments have come for those who want power to rise up and seize it. This uprising will forever change the hierarchy of Grayham’s kingdoms.”

“Sounds intriguing,” Kepler responded. “But why tell me? I have all I need. I’ve ruled my pass for hundreds of seasons.” He extended the nails on his right, front paw one by one. “All men fear these claws.”

The goddess brushed her hand along his fur as she passed and took a seat where he had been lying. “My dearest Kepler, you have been bored for many seasons. I know the secret of how you rule your pass. I watch you from the heavens and see how you lie about and wish for a challenge. I only tell you because I know of a man who is strong and possesses the wit to rule. I have foreseen this man to be the master of Grayham. He will send this world into darkness, and his companionship would make you a happy, little demon, my pet.”

Kepler hated how the goddess had called him a “little demon,” and her “pet,” yet he dared not say anything to correct her. “Interesting,” he parried with a hint of disdain. “I’ll have my own private den of misery. I can’t complain about something so grand. These eyes function best when I prey upon the weak in the darkness.”

The goddess knew Kepler was intrigued, despite the fact that he had shown no interest in the human. “This man will be at the Pool of Sorrow 3 Peaks from now. He will be camped near the outlet where the pool releases into the Cripple River.” Celestria knew her next statement would irritate the demon. “For all I know, this human may not find you worthy of his company. He may find you unnecessary.”

“Unnecessary?” the demon snarled and then let out a ferocious roar. “I’m more than worthy to be in his presence! If he is to rule kingdoms, who better to have at his side than one who already rules territories on Grayham? I, alone, am capable of handling the burden of this authority. I am The Master of the Hunt for a reason.”

Celestria was pleased with his response, but she did not show it. She knew of Kepler’s immense pride and had hoped it was large enough to take the bait. She moved to stand beside the demon and stroked his shoulders.

“A beast with your abilities would be quite useful, my pet,” she said as she reached up to touch the point of one of his teeth. Again, she leaned in and felt Kepler cringe. She smiled inside. “Perhaps you should meet with this human to see if he accepts your companionship. I warn you, Kepler, this is a strong-willed, hot-tempered being. I would not make him angry if I were you. I would hate to see you end up on a skewer, cooked for supper.”

The beast let out another angry roar. “I’m no one’s supper! I shall stare into his eyes, and he’ll beg for my services. I’ll only allow him to rule if I’m at his side. If the fool refuses to accept my offer, I shall pick his bones from my teeth before I return to my pass.”

“Careful, Kepler,” the goddess cautioned, moving to stand in front of his massive mouth. She tugged each of his whiskers while she continued to speak in a soft tone. “I know you’re confident, but I must warn you ... I would not toy with this human. He’s powerful. I would hate to witness your end only to watch one of your brothers rise to rule your pass.”

The goddess scratched the underside of Kepler’s jaw. “If you choose to accept this challenge, you’ll need to make your way to the Pool of Sorrow. The human will be camping there 3 Peaks from now.” She smiled. “It’s your decision, Kepler. I’m sure there are other beasts who would be willing to accept this honor. I’ll just let them know you weren’t up for the task, if you choose to decline.”

The demon-jaguar hissed. “The task is simple enough. Of all the cats roaming the plains, I’m the obvious choice. But a trek of this magnitude would take 30 Peaks. I cannot cross the mountains in only three without peril.”

Celestria pointed at what appeared to be the right leg of a barbarian Kepler had killed earlier in the day. “I’ll put a blessing on your dinner. This will give you the stamina you need to make it to the pool before the human arrives.”

“You’re saying this blessing will allow me to journey around the mountains in only 3 Peaks?”

Celestria nodded.

“Why are you doing this, Goddess? Why do you care about my existence?”

Celestria rubbed her hands through the fur on each side of Kepler’s snout. Though her size paled in comparison, she was firm and loved the way the demon-cat loathed every moment of her touch.

“Of all the great cats who serve me, you’re my favorite. But it must be your decision to fulfill your destiny. I won’t come to you again. This is your only chance to seize the territories you’ve long desired.” The goddess kissed the tip of Kepler’s gigantic nose and enjoyed the cat’s discomfort. “I sure hope the human doesn’t kill you.” She vanished.

The demon-jaguar let out a mighty roar that caused the birds clinging to the face of the walls of the pass to take flight. He shook to rid himself of the goddess’ unwanted advances. After a moment of staring at the blessed leg, he ripped the flesh from the bone.

Just North of Lethwitch

George was sick to his stomach. The blackness opened and spit him out like rotten food. He appeared high above the ground, and now he was focused on his end.

Just before impact, he closed his eyes, but to his surprise, he landed on something soft. A loud scream erupted beneath him as his descent came to a halt.

George waited before he opened his eyes. Whatever he landed on was hurt. He opened his right eye to peek. A moment later, he lifted himself off a massive, heavyset man.

Before the jerk inquired if the man was alright, George looked himself over. Everything seemed intact, except his clothes that were tattered. Damn, I can’t believe I didn’t break anything.

The man cried out once again.

George rolled his eyes, annoyed, and pulled his attention off his dangling shirt pocket. “Are you all right?”

“I think you broke my back!” the man wailed.

“Dang,” George replied. “That sucks. Can you feel your legs? Is there anything I can do to help?” George grabbed the man’s bag and rifled through it to see if there was anything he could use.

“Find the powder,” the man groaned. “It’s in a copper tin. Add it to the water in my hide.” He groaned again. “It’ll dull the pain.”

George did as instructed and administered the tonic. “How’s that feel ... better?”

“Much,” the man sighed as if the potion had an instantaneous effect.

“Now what should I do?” George queried.

“Could you help me up against a tree? I have friends who’ll be coming this way. They’ll be able to lay me on their wagon and take me to the healers’ vestry.”

George politely smiled and then thought, Yeah sure they will… if they can get your big ass onto the wagon first.

After another swig of tonic, George took the opportunity to move the man against the nearest tree. He grunted as he struggled to move the man’s heft. In a winded voice, he fell onto his backside and said, “Why did you catch me?”

“I didn’t catch you. You fell on me.” The man looked up. “I was walking, and the next thing I knew, you landed on me. It’s not like men fall from the sky every Peak. Did you fall from one of the hippogriffs?”

“Hippo what?” George replied. “You must be drunk. I’m not even sure what happened. One minute, I’m on a statue looking at a rock, and the next, I’m falling. If you hadn’t come along, I’d be eating dirt right now.

The man looked puzzled. “What is this ‘minute’ you referred to?”

George’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

Lasidious smiled inside as he continued to play the part of the fictitious traveler. He was going to enjoy playing with George’s mind. He redirected the conversation. “My name is Jason.” The god pointed south. “I live beyond the field. Folks around these parts call me an adventurer. I like to call myself a traveler and a purveyor of hidden goods.” After another swig, he questioned, “Who are you?”

George did not respond. He was distracted by the way Jason’s chubby chin jiggled as he spoke.

“Are you going to answer me? I said, what’s your name, boy?”

George responded, but failed to answer the question. “Why are you dressed like Robin Hood? You’re not a little off, are you?”

Jason frowned. “Do you not know your name, or are you ignoring me on purpose?”

George shrugged as he looked across the large, gently sloping meadow that was covered with brightly colored flowers, none of which George had ever seen. He then looked to the west and followed the dense tree line to the north. The world of Luvelles was hanging above the horizon. What the hell? he thought. Turning to his right, he scanned the rest of his surroundings. The world of Harvestom was hanging above the opposing horizon. George shook his head, closed his eyes and then reopened them. Once he determined he was lost, he looked at Jason. “Everything is sure colorful around here. Much nicer than where I’m from.” He did not want to ask where he was since he did not know this guy, and he could not have Jason thinking he was clueless.

“You’re right, it is beautiful,” Jason responded. “The gods bless us. But don’t you think you should tell me your name, boy? You’re being rude.”

George feigned his remorse. “Oh, sure. Where are my manners? I’m George.”

“From where do you hail?” Jason responded, without hesitation.

“From Orlando. Why?”

“Well, George, from Orlando, well met. I can’t say that I’ve ever heard of your kingdom.”

Kingdom? George thought. How do I respond to that? “You’ll have to cut me some slack here, man, I’m at a loss for words.”

“You speak in a strange manner,” Jason slurred. “I cannot say the place you hail from is known to me, but I can extend my hand in friendship.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure thing. Friends it is.” George looked to the south again. “Where are we? Do you always hang out in the middle of nowhere?”

“You’re between the town of Lethwitch and the Enchanted Forest.”

“Okay. So ... why are you out here?”

“Well, recently, I learned ... ummm...” Jason’s voice drifted off.

George looked at the hide holding the tonic.“That must be some pretty wicked stuff. What were you going to say?”

Jason took another swig. A massive smile appeared on his face as the level of his intoxication increased. “Don’t tell anyone, but I know a secret.”

“Right on. I think we all do. So what does your drunk ass know that I don’t?”

Jason grinned. “It wouldn’t be a secret if I told you.”

George rolled his eyes. “You’re killing me. Why did you mention it?”

The traveler’s eyes looked droopy as he responded. “I should’ve held my tongue.”

Now George had to know. “Whatever your secret is, I could always help you out. Why don’t you let me? Think of it as a way of saying thank you for saving me.”

The RV salesman knew he had no intention of following through with the gesture, but he had to know Jason’s secret. He knelt. “Tell me ... what were you really doing out here?”

“Well...”

“Well what?” George urged.

A fair series of moments passed before Jason replied. “I suppose you look like a trustworthy fellow. I could use the help.” The traveler looked George over from head to toe. “I see no reason why we couldn’t share the rewards. They would be significant.”

“What rewards? What are you talking about?”

Jason continued to slur as his response drifted. “We could always split the gains. There would be enough wealth and power ... ummm ... uhh, to go around after you’ve completed the task.”

“Task?” George queried. “What task?” He liked what he had heard. The words “wealth” and “power” sounded good. “Talk to me, man.”

Jason continued. “Do you ever get tired of being pushed around? I do. I know of a map that was lost near the Pool of Sorrow. Rumor has it the map was lost many seasons ago, but...”

George watched as the traveler struggled to focus. Jason stared at his hands as if something commanded his attention. Once he determined nothing more would come of his pondering, he lifted his head and continued. “The map is said to be under a boulder near a tree closest to the outlet that flows into the Cripple River. It reveals the location of a hidden treasure. I was going to retrieve it and sell it. The map is worth an amount of coin that I’ve never had or been able to imagine. The only thing worth more than the map is the treasure it leads to. I would go after it myself, but the beast inside the cave ends the lives of all those who enter.”

“Wait a second,” George interrupted. “What kind of treasure?”

Lasidious knew he had George’s full attention. He knew the mortal was greedy. The Mischievous One smiled within as he continued to play the role of the wounded adventurer. “The map is said to lead to a Staff of Petrifaction. The staff can turn things to stone, but there’s one qualification to that ability.”

George rolled his eyes. “Stone, huh? Do you really expect me to believe that? You’re drunk as hell, aren’t you?”

Jason looked up at George and squinted as if he was trying to focus. “Why would you doubt what I’m saying? The medicine is strong, but it doesn’t change the truth.”

George thought, Oh my freaking hell, this guy is serious. He smirked. “So what’s this qualification?”

Jason’s eyes narrowed. “Are you sure you want to know?”

“You bet. Why not?”

A sinister look appeared on Jason’s face. “The staff can only be used by dwarves. I’m sure you know of the dwarves on Trollcom.”

“Of course, I do,” George responded. “Doesn’t everybody?” Freak!

Jason motioned for George to come closer. “What the map doesn’t divulge is a way to secure the power even if you’re not a dwarf. The staff isn’t solid. Its center holds a liquid. If a man was to drink it, he would receive the ability to turn things to stone.”

George backed away. “Sounds like B.S.”

“I assure you this is real and not this ‘B.S.’ you speak of. If other men knew, they would kill for the opportunity to lay their hands on the staff.”

George rolled his eyes. “If what you’re saying is true, a guy could do well for himself with that ability.”

Jason motioned for George to stop speaking. “You’re not thinking large enough, but I do believe you see the value of the artifact. If you were to acquire the staff, together we could take control of Grayham. Can you imagine the wealth we would acquire while ruling kingdoms? This would be far better than simply doing well.” Jason smiled.

“You’re right,” George replied. He turned his back to Jason and looked toward the town. Too bad you’re full of crap, he thought. But as his mind continued to race, he could not help but fantasize about the possibilities. He looked toward the tree line of the Enchanted Forest and blurted, “If I could get my hands on that staff, I could mess with folks. Ha! I could even get rid of that ex-wife of mine. Abbie would be able to live with me again.” He looked back at Jason. “Of course, I would need to take my new best friend with me once he was back on his feet.”

“But, of course.” Jason hiccupped and then burped. “I can tell you’re a man of your word. Who’s this Abbie?”

“She’s my daughter,” George responded.

“Ahhhhhhhh ... I’m sure you would do anything for your loved one. But I have one question. Do you have the courage to face the beast inside the cave?”

“Hell if I know.” George scratched the top of his head as he imagined what the beast might look like. “Courage isn’t my problem. I’m not the best fighter. What would I be getting myself into?”

“I’ll tell you everything I’ve heard. The cave is home to Maldwin. Some say he’s a hideous monster who uses visions of sadness to drive those who enter his cave insane. Others say his visions encourage his victims to commit suicide. Those affected walk down the Pass of Tears and throw themselves into the Pool of Sorrow. A soldier from Brandor once told me that he could hear the beast’s victims weeping as they descended the pass. When they reached the pool, they swam into its depths, and when the moment arrived that their sanity returned, they didn’t have the air to surface.”

Jason pretended to need another drink. After three large swigs, he wiped the dribble from his chin. “I was told that any man who enters the cave accepts the risk of losing himself. The only way out, if you manage not to lose your mind, is to exit through a passage called Sorrow’s Release. This exit cannot be seen from the outside since it is protected by illusion. It is said to take 8 Peaks to find the way through the cave.”

What the hell is a Peak? George thought. “This cave sounds like a pain in the ass. It also sounds fake.” He put his hands on top of his head and continued to think. I can’t believe I’m going to say this. Ahhh, what the hell. “Even if everything you’ve said is true, how would a guy stop this Maldwin from screwing with his mind, find his way to this ‘Pool of Sorrow,’ and lift this boulder off the map to get to it?” George was becoming anxious despite his disbelief.

“I’ve asked the same things myself,” Jason replied. “I understand your troubled mind. This is no easy task, clearly, or every man would strive to attain the prize.”

The traveler motioned for George to come close again. “What I’m about to say, you must keep to yourself. Do you swear to hold your tongue?”

George fought the urge to laugh. This guy is intense, he thought. He really does believe the crap he’s shoveling. “Sure, whatever, man. I can shut up for a bit of dirt.”

The skin between Jason’s eyes wrinkled. “Does that mean you’ll hold your tongue?”

“That’s what I said.”

Nodding, Jason continued. “I may have a solution to the problem the beast’s visions presents. In town, there’s an old mage who has mastered many beneficial uses of magic. He could help. I’m sure he would have a spell that would assist you through the cave.”

“What?” George blurted. “Turning stuff to stone is bad enough, and now you’re spouting off about spells?” He reached out to take the hide from Jason. “I’m cutting you off. You’ve had enough.”

Jason shoved George’s hand aside. “You must listen to me. You’re going to need a spell that’s powerful enough to block the beast’s visions. You’ll need to get close to it to kill it.”

“ Kill? I’ve never killed anything. Well, I almost killed my old man, but I wasn’t lucky enough to finish him off.”

“Wonderful,” Jason responded. “That’s good.”

George took a step back. “You’re not listening. There’s nothing good about it. I’ve never killed anyone. Sure, I’ve come close, but I’ve never physically hurt anyone that didn’t deserve it.”

Lasidious enjoyed George’s reaction. “I understand the thought of killing is troublesome, but don’t you think the beast deserves to perish? His visions have killed many who harbored him no ill will.”

George shook his head. “I suppose the beast is bad news since he’s hurting people. Killing him would save others, and I do like the idea of the reward.” He looked toward the horizon, smirked and then added, “Maybe I could handle it after all.”

“Good,” Jason replied. “Run to town, and buy the supplies you’ll need. You can have my map. You can also have my pack. That should help.”

George hesitated. “I don’t have any money on me to buy anything. Hell, I don’t have a pot to piss in right now.”

Jason eyed George. “I get the sense when you say ‘money’ that you mean coin. Seeing what’s on your person, the pot in which to piss is on your wrist. It appears my eyes have spotted something of value. It looks as if it might be worth a substantial amount of coin. You could sell it.”





Fellow soul ... true to form, and George being the jerk that he was, the object Jason referred to was a Rolex that an old widow from Orlando gave him. She had come into the dealership to buy a new 45-foot Meridian Yacht, which gave George the opportunity to work his way into her life. The manipulator spent six months giving her the attention she was after, and he collected many expensive gifts along the way. The widow paid a small fortune for the watch, and it became a piece of George’s anatomy.





“Hell no!” George snapped. “This watch is worth a ton. I can’t replace it.”

“I understand,” Jason nodded. “It has sentimental value. Too bad. I would hate for you to lose this opportunity. But you do realize, you could always buy it back once you have the means to do so.” The traveler paused. “On second thought, perhaps I should keep the map for myself and go after the treasure once I’ve healed.”

George thought for a moment. “You don’t mean that. Take another drink. You’re right. I could always buy the watch back like you said.”

George rolled his eyes and thought, Just give me your damn backpack so I can get the hell out of here. Spells, staffs, beasts, maps, turning crap to stone ... what a bunch of garbage. Just play the game a little longer and clean him out, Georgie boy. The manipulator smiled. “I’ll need a larger pack to carry food, and I’ll definitely buy that spell you mentioned once I get to town. What did you call that guy again?”

“A mage,” Jason responded.

“Yeah, that mage. I might also get a couple of those water pouches you have. Do you think I could borrow that one, too?”

“Sure,” Jason responded. “I’ll help you however I can. But you might want to consider buying a weapon. And have you thought about torches, a hunting knife, and other supplies?”

George reached under his pant leg and pulled out his pistol. “I almost forgot I had this. It’s the smallest .22 caliber made.” He reached inside his front pants pocket, fumbled around a bit and then produced a bullet. “This should do the trick, don’t you think? There’s another one in the chamber.”

“I’m not sure what that does, but if you’re saying it can only work twice, then I would suggest that you purchase another weapon. Perhaps a sword or a dagger would be a wiser choice. You should hurry along. Rumor has it that someone else is on their way to retrieve the map.”

George put his pistol in his right, front pocket and then used Jason’s suggestion to excuse himself. “I best get moving. When will your friends arrive so I can get out of here? I want to make sure you get on the wagon.” George laughed within, Best place for a drunk, anyway. Ha, ha ... ‘on the wagon.’ I kill myself.

“Don’t worry about me. They’ll be here soon enough. I’ll have them take me to Lethwitch to wait for your return. The pool is a Peak and a half from here, so you’d better hurry.”

With that, George turned to run through the field. His mind raced. How could that clown believe any of that crap is true? The jerk grinned. Poor Jason, that bastard actually thinks I’m going to go after his pipe dream. Screw him and his wagon. He looked up at the two colored worlds above opposing horizons. What’s up with that? Since when are there two moons in the sky?

Jason watched until George was out of sight. As soon as the coast was clear, he changed back into his normal appearance and removed the picture of George’s daughter from his pocket. “Well, well, Abbie, your daddy isn’t easily manipulated. Perhaps stronger persuasion is in order. What do you think? Should I scare him or hurt him?” The Mischievous One put the picture close to his ear. “You’re right, Abbie. I should do both. He deserves it for making me work.”

Laughing, Lasidious vanished.