Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign (Worlds of the Crystal Moon, Book 1) (58 page)

“Because it’ll fall over dead, simpleton,” Kepler sneered. “It is, after all, the heart you’re turning to stone. In case you don’t know, it’s a major organ.” The demon shook his head. “How could you possibly dominate territories when you ask such inane questions? Perhaps I should assign
you
a title. How shall I say it? George, The Ludicrous.”

Irritated by the cat’s remark, George smirked, shook his head in disgust and then redirected his attention to the rat.

The critter’s eyes widened, a look of pain appeared on its face and then its body started to convulse.

Moments later, George tossed the dead rodent onto the ground and stared directly into Kepler’s eyes.

Kepler gave a half-hearted grin and once again licked himself, mumbling between licks. “Give humans a taste of power, and they feel invincible. Remember ... we’re allies, George. Your power does you no good if I swipe your head from your shoulders.”

George searched for a cutting response. “Well, aren’t you a brave, little kitty?”

Kepler lifted his head from between his legs. His eyes flashed a deep, burgundy-red before he responded, “It would be prudent to change the subject.”

Satisfied with Kepler’s irritation, George watched Amar cut the rat open to witness his handiwork. Sure enough, the heart was the only thing that had turned to stone.

Everyone around the fire—including the invisible god—praised George’s success, though Kepler’s cheer was forced.

Reaching into the cage again, George threw another rat to Amar for inspection. During this moment, he changed only the lungs as he had intended.

Again, everyone praised his work. By the moment George arrived at the tenth rat, his skill level was strong enough to change a specific claw. He lowered the rat to the ground and watched it scurry into the woods.

George turned to the group. “I think I’ve got the hang of it.”

After a bit, George strolled over and sat next to Kepler. He waited until the demon was caught up in conversation with Amar before he reached out and touched Kepler on his leg.

The giant cat sprang over the top of the fire and landed on the far side of the clearing. He snarled, “That’s not funny, George!”

The jokester rolled back onto the ground. “Oh, my hell, Kepler! You should’ve seen your face. Amar, did you see his face? He freaked out and crapped himself.”

Amar looked puzzled. “I don’t know what ‘freaked out’ or what ‘crapped’ means, but it certainly was funny.”

George rolled his eyes. “I hate this world.”

It took a while before Kepler was able to calm down to laugh at his own expense.

Once the atmosphere settled, George poked the fire with a stick. “Kepler, if you wouldn’t mind, would you go back to the cave and fetch Maldwin? Your brothers also need to know your warriors aren’t necessary. While you’re gone, Amar and I will go into Lethwitch and prepare to take a journey to Siren’s Song. We’ll meet up in Angels Village in 20 Peaks. After we reunite, we’ll head west to the Latsky Divide and follow the river north to Siren’s Song. I—”

Kepler interrupted, “Why are we going to the wisp’s home?”

“For more power, of course.”

This seemed to satisfy the demon. The journey to fetch Maldwin would give him a break from the humans. Without saying another word, the jaguar turned and disappeared into the darkness of the forest.

Amar tapped the butt end of his staff on the ground. A light appeared from the cube-shaped gem at its top. The mage doused the campfire with his power and then walked with George toward Lethwitch.

On the way, the mage informed George that his family had once served in the King of Brandor’s court. Because of this, they would be able to fly aboard the hippogriffs to Angels Village. When Amar realized George had no knowledge about what the flying creatures were, he explained.

Lasidious decided he had seen enough. His pet creation was on his intended path.

The journey to Angels Village would only take 2 Peaks by air. George would be able to stay in Lethwitch much longer than expected, and this would also allow him to watch Sam’s last fight. He would get a room at the inn where Athena worked and make sure he was there when she showed up.

When they arrived at the inn, George and Amar shook hands and parted ways after agreeing to meet at Early Bailem in 17 Peaks.

The lady behind the counter smiled as George entered. “Back already, I see. I don’t believe we’ve met properly. I’m Susanne, Athena’s favorite and only sister. I had the flowers taken to my mother’s home. I’m sure Athena loved them. She’s just south of here, visiting our mother’s farm. My sister has never spoken of anyone the way she speaks of you. I hope you’re worth it.” A half-serious-half-questioning grin appeared on her face.

George smiled. “I wouldn’t count on it. I’m a pain in the backside, and I wouldn’t pay one Helmep for me.”

Susanne smiled. “What’re you going to do to keep yourself busy until she arrives?”

“I was thinking about going to the fights. Do you know when they start?”

Susanne turned and grabbed the local event calendar, a publication that was scribed once every 5 Peaks. “It looks as if they start at the Peak of Bailem, tomorrow. Is there a particular fighter you’re interested in?”

“I have an old friend fighting and I want to watch. This will be his third fight. He won his first two.”

“Could you tell him Athena has a sister? I have room for a strong man in my life.”

“I will, but I’m not sure how his girlfriend would handle that. She’s training to be a sorceress.”

“ Well then I want no part of him. I would hate to be turned into a vestle chick.”

Unsure of what a vestle chick was, George responded as if he understood. “You’re right, that would be terrible. Thank you for your kindness, Susanne. Will you tell Athena my room number when she arrives?” He reached out and placed his hand on top of Susanne’s. “I look forward to getting to know you better. Hopefully I’ll meet the rest of your family someday.”

As George headed up to his room, he grinned.
I definitely have it under control. Thank goodness she didn’t change. That would’ve put a damper on my relationship with Athena.

The Next Peak

Lethwitch Arena

George was amazed by the brutality of the fights. Many men had to be carried off on stretchers, followed by a trail of healers.
I hope Sam is good
, he thought as he looked down to study the archaic fight program.
Your opponent’s bio reads like a mysterious nightmare. There’s nothing here.

The champion of Lethwitch was undefeated, with 11 wins—some that ended in death. Other than his number of wins and deaths, the schedule said nothing else about Sam’s opponent. Unlike the other fighters, his profile only had a name. It read: The beast from the west, Terrogon.

The fight was to be with a sword and shield, no body armor—to the death—unless the roll said otherwise.

George got the attention of a man sitting to his left. “What does it mean when it says, ‘unless the roll says otherwise?’”

The man’s breath smelled of ale, and the woman to his right grumbled at George’s ignorance. The man responded with a slur. “A favorable roll can give the champion a choice to change the style of battle. The champion of every arena is allowed this roll. I feel sorry for the man who faces the beast.”

George looked across the sandy surface of the arena.
I wonder what’s going through Sam’s mind.
He had tried to get below the arena to talk to him, but he had been turned away.
If only I could’ve found a way inside. Damn those guards.

Shalee stood over Sam, rubbing his shoulders. After a moment, she moved away and picked up her staff. She looked at BJ and Helga and then asked the trainers to leave them alone. Once she was sure the coast was clear, she turned to Sam. “Are you ready?”

“As ready as I can be. You know it scares me when you use Precious on me. Sure, you mended my pants, but are you sure you can make this work? I don’t want to end up like magical hamburger.”

Shalee laughed. “Don’t be silly. I wouldn’t want my baby to end up as hamburger either.”

“Can we get this over with? I trust you know what you’re doing. Hurry up. They’ll be back in a moment.”

The sorceress gave Sam a quick kiss. “Just in case,” she giggled, lifting her staff. “Make me proud, Sammy-kins. Precious,
tuika helmau
!” Her voice was strong and forceful.

Sam could feel a difference in his skin. Even though his appearance had not changed, he knew the command worked. He grabbed Kael and used the blade to test the effect. The razor-sharp edge of the god-sword passed across his skin, but left no mark. “Not even Kael is cutting me!” he exclaimed.

Kael had a few things to say. The weapon pulled away and rose from Sam’s hand. The metal of the blade pulsated as the weapon spoke. “The use of Shalee’s magic doesn’t mean your opponent’s blade won’t kill you. It only means your skin has toughened and smaller wounds will not open as easily. Strikes made by blunt force should feel less painful. If your opponent stabs you or inflicts a deep slice, you’ll perish. Do not make the mistake of thinking you’re impenetrable.”

“Great. Thanks a lot, Kael. Leave it up to you to bring a guy down,” Sam joked.

The sword had come to understand the fighter’s humor. “You need to prepare your mind, Sam.” The blade floated over to Shalee. “Please, excuse us. Matters of importance must be discussed before he enters the arena.”

Shalee did as the sword requested.

After she left, the blade lowered to the bench beside the fighter. “Sam, you must fight with me today.”

Sam could not believe his ears. Until now, Kael had said he could not wield him in any form of combat other than training. “Are you sure? You’re not worried I’ll embarrass you?”

“I have something to tell you before you can take me into the arena. I need to disclose what the markings on my hilt mean.”

“I’m all ears.”

“The message reads:

Bound by honor and righteousness,

a true warrior who has lost everything

will command this Sword of Truth and Might.

His wisdom and valor

will be his true power to lead the masses.

The power of the Elven word

will strike down his enemies before him.”

“Kael, I’m grateful you told me their meaning, but I don’t know the Elven language.”

“Val arna,”
Kael responded. “It means Storm of Power. All you must do is remember those two words. When you engage your enemy, speak them both. If you need help, the power in the words will allow me to guide your movements. But you must be careful when uttering them. You don’t want the people sitting inside the arena knowing you wield a sword of my caliber. Place my markings near your mouth, and then speak the words aloud. I must feel their power. Once I do, I can assist when needed. Today, your enemy will suffer a rapid death.”

Upon hearing the word ‘death,’ Sam dropped his head. “Okay, okay. Do I really need to kill my opponent? I don’t want to kill anyone else. I’ve done enough killing already.”

In a soft voice, the sword responded, the pulsating of the blade humming as it did. “Sam, this fight is between two beings who wield sharp weapons. Do you truly think there’s any other way? This fight will be to the death. This was made clear on the event schedule.”