Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign (Worlds of the Crystal Moon, Book 1) (43 page)

“I’ve heard you, BJ,” Sam replied. “I just don’t know how to move on from here. I’ve never killed anyone before. How does a guy move on from something like this? This goes against everything I believe in. I’m supposed to be a doctor, not a murderer. I’m not the healer my father desired.”

“You don’t get over this,” BJ responded. “A man must learn from his experiences and use them to grow. Most men know the physical risks involved when entering the arena, but only warriors know the destruction it has on the soul. You’ve done something awful. I understand that. I also have beliefs and values, but you must adapt in order to survive. You’ll be okay, son. I promise.”

Seeing Sam nod, BJ continued. “The opponent you faced tonight killed 12 men. I didn’t know this until one of the nobles mentioned it. I would’ve stopped the fight, but it’s against the law to do so. If you hadn’t killed him, perhaps he would’ve killed you.”

Sam thought a moment and realized BJ was right. “Okay, okay. I see your point. I agree. He would’ve killed me if he had the chance.” A long, deep breath followed. “This is just a tough pill to swallow. I need to think.”

BJ sighed. “I can tell you how I got over my anxieties if you would like to know, but you must take me seriously if I tell you. You must promise to do exactly as I suggest. Are you ready to listen?”

“Just tell me what to do,” Sam barked, hoping to hear some kind of great wisdom from the older man.

The trainer nodded. “You have someone waiting for you. Upstairs you have a beautiful woman, and there’s no better counsel than a woman’s touch. Do what I did when I needed to heal. Go up there and allow her to fix you. Women have a way of making men forget their troubles. Shalee can soothe your pain, and you’ll feel better by morning.”

BJ pulled Sam close and gave him a hug. “You’ll be okay, son. You and I are going to be close. You’re starting to grow on me.”

Sam smiled and returned the embrace. “I could use a friend right now. Thanks, BJ. Maybe you’re not a pain in the ass after all.”

After a shared laugh, Sam entered the inn. As he did, every eye turned to watch him pass as he headed up the stairs. The news of his victory had already spread this far. Some looked at him in awe, others in disgust, but none dared to utter a word.

Sam took a deep breath as he stood in front of the door to his room. He turned the knob and entered. To his surprise, Shalee greeted him with open arms. She did not speak, nor did she try to make anything better.

As he walked across the room to greet her, another earthquake shook the village for nearly 18 breaths. After steadying himself, Sam’s demeanor changed. He temporarily forgot about his fight and pulled Kael from his sheath. He commanded the blade to speak. “Kael, tell me everything you know about the Crystal Moon and how it governs Grayham.”

Shalee watched in silence as the blade lifted from Sam’s hand and floated in front of the fighter. The pulsating light cast from the weapon created an eerie glow throughout the dimly lit room as Kael responded. “I know only that the Crystal Moon has lost its ability to govern the land masses of this world. There needs to be urgency in all that you do.

“Sam, you and BJ need to begin a tour of the arenas throughout the Kingdom of Brandor. You must fight your way to glory and use this fame to seek an audience with the king. You need power to solve a problem of this magnitude. The only way to stop the worlds from migrating is to find the pieces of the Crystal Moon. To do this, you must stand before the king and challenge him.”

“And, how does a man challenge a king?” Sam snapped.

As Kael lowered toward Sam’s hand, he simply responded, “We have discussed this already. You need to be a leader. A leader does not ask how ... he shows.”

Sam just stared at Kael’s hilt, speechless as the blade came to rest in his hand. After a long series of moments, he looked up to find Shalee’s eyes as the lantern that was resting on the table lit them.

Shalee could see Sam’s despair. She pulled him close and led him to the edge of the bed to take a seat. As she wiped the tears from his eyes, she said, “What are you going to do? Whatever it is, I’ll stand beside you ... no matter what.”

Sam reached up with his sleeve and wiped what was left of the moisture from his cheeks. After filling his chest with a much needed breath, he proclaimed. “I’m going to be the best. I’ll suffer the brutality of this world and see to it that every being on this world has a home. I won’t allow their lives to be taken from them the way ours has from us.”

As Sam continued, his eyes held Shalee’s with conviction. “They want an empire … I say we give them one. The two of us will show this world something they’ve never seen before. We will be the leaders they need.” A short silence passed and then Sam grumbled, “We just need to figure out how.”

Shalee’s smile widened. “Oh mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm, mmmmm, Mr. Sam Goodrich, you’re downright sexy when you talk powerful like that. You just turned this little Texan on. You can talk like that to me whenever you want.”

Shalee brushed her lips across Sam’s face. Her cheeks met his, and their warmth caused Sam to become excited. When she closed her mouth across the top of his ear and nibbled, that was all it took.

Sam took control and they loved the night away.

IT’S ANOTHER PEAK
on Grayham, and the moments to shine have arrived. Sam is lying with Shalee’s head on his chest. The previous night was explosive and oh, so passionate. Shalee’s heart is filled with love.

BJ was right. Sam feels much better. The couple will snuggle a while longer before getting up.

THE BOOK OF IMMORTALITY
is preparing the ceremony to honor Bassorine’s passing. The event will be held on top of the Falls of Faith where Bassorine used to sit when he wanted to think. Once the ceremony ends, the Collective will turn their attention to other matters, as if the late God of War never existed.

GEORGE, KEPLER,
and
KROGER
kept their campfire going throughout the night. In an effort to help, the demon-jaguar offered to use his saliva on George’s leg. The cat’s spit has healing properties and better yet, an instantaneous, soothing effect. The wounds on George’s leg have started to mend. The trio will go over the plan George made once more before entering the cave.

BJ
and
HELGA
are meeting for breakfast to discuss Sam’s fight. As they talk, they find they have much in common. Although neither spoke of it, a romantic interest was kindled.

CELESTRIA
is making the best of her stay with the witches on Luvelles. She is teaching them new potion recipes. She can’t believe this family calls themselves witches. They’re idiots, but the goddess knows they won’t draw attention to her baby after he’s born.

MOSLEY
woke up inside his new home that Bassorine left behind. It’s perfect, and the wolf is admiring his new view. He’s standing on the porch of his new cabin, and he’s looking across the valleys as he takes a number of deep breaths of the brisk air high atop Catalyst Mountain.

LASIDIOUS
is thinking through his plans for the near future. He misses Celestria. He knows the moment is approaching to step down as his team’s leader. This change is just one more piece of his master plan.