Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign (Worlds of the Crystal Moon, Book 1) (75 page)

Lasidious was the one watching from the shadows near the town of Empire the night Shalee launched the tree into the air. The power it took to do this was substantial. The Mischievous One was now glad that he introduced George to Amar sooner than he had originally planned. He knew their relationship would need to be short-lived, because Shalee’s power would command Amar’s attention.

Lasidious would need to implement another stage of his plan immediately. He needed to appear to George. He hoped the Earthling’s hunger for power was strong enough to stomach what he would need to do.

MOSLEY
watched from the hidden god world, Ancients Sovereign, and enjoyed every moment of what happened in the king’s throne room in Brandor. The wolf was impressed with how Shalee took control of the situation. Now the moments were ripe for an appearance during the king’s upcoming dinner. Mosley has urgent news to deliver to Keldwin.

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CHAPTER 27

A Taste of Death

GENERAL JUSTIN GRAYWIND arrived at the castle. He headed for the dining hall the king used when addressing his officers. He took his usual position to the left of the king, apologized for his tardiness and then introduced himself to the group as he took note of their positions around the table. BJ and Helga were sitting to Justin’s left, and to the right of the king was Prince Aaron, followed by Sam and Shalee.

Keldwin ordered the servants to bring their meal as he informed the general of everything he knew. For obvious reasons, the king did not mention the events that transpired in the throne room.

The king reached out and patted Justin on the shoulder. “The general has been the champion of Brandor’s arena for more seasons than I can remember, and like you, Sam, Justin has killed every being who has entered with him.

Upon hearing about Sam’s successes, the general lifted his glass. “That’s most impressive. I’m sure you’ll be a worthy opponent when we battle.”

Sam glanced at Shalee after listening to Justin’s comment. She looked irritated. He remembered his promise, and now that he knew the full extent of the sorceress’ power, he was not about to break it. Unsure how to respond, Sam’s mind churned to formulate a response, but the king saved him by pushing the conversation forward.

“General, I’m not going to allow you to fight each other. I have other plans for you. You’ll work together to strengthen our kingdom. With the knowledge Sam possesses and his skills with the blade, I’m placing him under your command.”

The general nodded. “Understood. It’ll be nice to have a sergeant who’s well-trained.”

The king could feel Shalee’s eyes glaring at him. He could hear the sorceress tapping her foot as she waited for his response. After taking a deep breath, he smiled. He knew the general was going to be displeased with his next statement. “No, my friend, Sam will not be a sergeant. He’ll be your second in command.”

The general stood from the table. “I must not be hearing you correctly. What does this man know about commanding an army?”

Sam was about to interject and inform Justin of what he felt to be extensive knowledge of the wars he had studied back on Earth, but Mosley appeared suddenly on top of the table.

Startled, Sam and the general drew their swords, but once they realized who it was, they lowered their weapons.

Justin bowed and was the first to speak. “I’m sorry, Lord Mosley. I didn’t know you’d be coming. I meant no offense by my actions. Forgive me.”

“General, you’re a man of war. I would have expected nothing less.”

Sam and Shalee took a different approach to the god’s appearance. They reached up and pulled Mosley close.

“Mosley, how are you?” Sam said, squeezing the wolf tight as he continued. “It hasn’t been the same without you around. One moment you’re traveling with us, and the next, you’re off with the rest of the Collective. I miss you, buddy.”

Shalee could not contain her excitement as she spoke in her cutest doggy voice. She rubbed her hands through his fur, “I missed my Mosley. He’s just so cute.” She laughed as she kissed his snout.

Mosley could not stop himself from laughing. Shalee was a favorite of his and her advances, despite the obvious looks of confusion from the king and the general, were welcome in his heart. “I missed you also, Shalee, but I’m not so sure about you, Sam.” He grinned wolfishly. “You still reek.”

“Dang,” Sam responded with a big smile. “Smack a guy in the chops, why don’t you?” Sam gave the wolf another hug. “Get another whiff while you can, big guy.”

After a moment of continued looks of disbelief between Justin and the king, the wolf spoke. “I’m sorry for my absence, but I’ve been tending to important matters. Being a god isn’t all it’s presented to be. The others are lazy and not much assistance. I wouldn’t waste your prayers on them.”

Mosley chuckled for a moment at his slight against the others and then continued. “Sam, I’m glad to see you’ve gained an audience with the king. Shalee, I watched the event unfold from the god world when you met in the throne room.”

Keldwin instantly felt uncomfortable when he heard that Mosley had seen what happened. He hoped the wolf would not say anything in front of his general.

Mosley could feel the reluctance of the king and turned to relieve his anxiety. He projected his thoughts into the king’s mind. They were heard only because Keldwin desperately wanted to hear them.
Don’t worry yourself, Keldwin. Your secret is safe. I won’t tell the general of your fear of Sam and Shalee. You shall remain the dominant leader of your pack, and there’s no need to whimper.

Upon seeing the king’s relief, the wolf-god addressed the room. “I agree with His Majesty’s choice to place Sam as second in command. It’s the best course of action for this kingdom.”

Keldwin sighed. “Lord Mosley, is there anything else we should know?”

The wolf nodded. “Sam will be instrumental when helping your son, Aaron, defend this kingdom against all foes who stand against it. Sam does not need to be the leader of this empire to accomplish this, but he will be a critical asset to your heir.”

Mosley sat on his haunches on the center of the table and held Keldwin’s gaze. “I hope you’ll demonstrate patience while Sam works with your son to transform this kingdom into the archetype the gods want it to be. If you do this, the other worlds will adopt new customs, and the gods will allow the races to live where they so choose.”

The king was a bit unnerved. “Lord Mosley, you spoke of this transformation as if I won’t be here to see it occur. You have spoken of my kingdom as if it wasn’t mine, and made it Aaron’s. What is to become of me?”

Mosley jumped down from the table and moved to the king’s side. “Keldwin, I hate to deliver negative enlightenment, but your body is fighting a disease and has been for over a season. Your ability to fight this illness is beginning to weaken. By morning, you will start to feel the effect, and your healers won’t be able to stop it. Your Peaks as the leader of Brandor’s pack are few.”

“Then ... I am to pass right away?”

“No, Keldwin. I’m here to bless you. You shall see the end of your tournament. This will be my gift to you. As per your custom, your son will become king, and the general, his advisor. By default, Sam will become General Absolute.

“Your confidence in Sam has not been misplaced. This change will be hard for the officers in your army to accept, but I will be present when you tell them. I’m sure their loyalty will remain strong.”

Prince Aaron waited for the god to finish. He then jumped from his seat and begged for his father’s life.

The king held up his hand, silencing Aaron. “Be strong. Hold your head high, and be proud. Everything is as it should be.”

Keldwin stood and started to pace. He moved along Sam’s side of the table as he spoke, “My son is brave. He will make a fine king. When I pass, the general would be the best advisor. I agree, Lord Mosley, as per our custom, Sam will become general.”

Keldwin placed his hands on the back of his son’s chair. “Aaron, you don’t have an heir. I suggest you find a mate. I know this isn’t how you envisioned finding a wife, but you’ve enjoyed sowing your seed long enough. The moment has come for you to do your duty.”

The prince stood and embraced his father. “I promise I won’t let you down. I’ll lead the people with the wisdom you’ve imparted.”

The king smiled, and for a moment, he allowed himself to be proud. “I have a request. I would ask that everyone in this room call me by my first name when we aren’t in the company of others until the moment I pass. Let us speak as equals. I would like to enjoy this pleasantry before I perish. I find myself wanting friends right now, not loyal subjects. This isn’t something I wish to command. I want it to be from your hearts. It’s acceptable to reject my proposal.”

Everyone in the room responded at the same moment, calling the king “Keldwin,” confirming their acceptance.

After a moment of silence, the king kissed his son on the forehead. “But you still have to call me Father.”

Shalee and Helga had to wipe the mist from their eyes.

The king turned to the general. “Ready Sam for his new position. He’ll need to know everything about the army.”

The general stood from the table. “My King ... I mean, Keldwin ... it will take at least 10 Peaks to impart that much knowledge. The moments necessary to accomplish such a task are not available to us.”

Mosley responded, “Justin, you must remember, Sam was chosen by the gods.”

“ I remember, Lord Mosley, but this doesn’t mean he can learn a tremendous amount of information in such a short period of moments.”

Sam slapped the table. “Justin, prepare to be impressed. I think you’ll find I’m more than capable. You only need to speak the information once for me to have it committed to memory. The faster you speak, the quicker we’ll be finished.”

Justin looked at Sam. “I can speak for Peaks about our policies and our army.”

Sam turned to the king. “Keldwin, if what Justin says is true, then I’ll be ready to be sworn into command in a couple of Peaks. Trust me.”

Mosley looked up from sniffing the base of Keldwin’s chair. “Sam is able to see anything someone says as if it is written in his head. He can quote conversations from when he was only two seasons without missing a word.”

The general looked at Sam. “Impressive. Second in command may be a waste of your skills. Perhaps a messenger boy would’ve been a better choice for such a memory. With a mind like that, I could send messages throughout the kingdom and not worry about my letters being opened by the enemy. I’m sure you could handle that.” Justin made sure he smiled so that everyone would know he was jesting.

The group laughed and then the king spoke. “I’ll announce Sam’s position to the officers at Early Bailem. We’ll have the ceremony promoting Sam before the Royal Court and the kingdom in 4 Peaks when my tournament begins. The people will know of Sam’s victories, and with Mosley present...” The king paused.

“Lord Mosley, we have a problem. No one in our kingdom knows that you’re the God of War. How will your presence create an authoritative impact on my officers, let alone the mob inside the arena?”

Mosley smiled. “There are advantages to being a god. Call your meeting in the morning, and I’ll make a grand entrance. Further, have your runners spread word throughout the city that Bassorine has been destroyed. On the Peak your tournament begins, I shall make a second entrance. I shall turn the heads of the people, and they’ll receive confirmation that I’m their new deity. When the people see that I support Sam, they’ll recognize his new position.”

The king nodded. “I believe this will suffice, My Lord. Like my subjects, my prayers shall also speak your name.”

“ Thank you, Keldwin.” Mosley responded. “Upon your passing, I’ll ensure your soul has a pleasant existence.” The wolf then vanished.

After hearing what Mosley said, Sam bit his lip. He was angry because of the lie Mosley had told Keldwin.
How could he promise Keldwin’s soul anything? If everyone ends up inside the Book, that’s not happiness or a pleasant existence. I wonder if Mosley knows something I don’t.