Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign (Worlds of the Crystal Moon, Book 1) (64 page)

“Someone wants the Prince of Brandor and the General Absolute slaughtered. Let me up. It’s uncomfortable to talk with a blade at my neck. This is not how I intended to do business, so perhaps we could discuss this professionally.”

The assassin yanked Kane to his feet. “That kind of job is suicide!”

Kane dusted off his backside and shrugged. “Fine. I’ll tell them you said it can’t be done. I’m sure they’ll find someone to take the risk for that kind of coin.”

“I never said it couldn’t be done. I said it was suicide ... suicide for any man but me. But I won’t do it for that price. It’ll take twice that.”

The goddess laughed and turned to walk away. “I’ll tell them you said that, too, but don’t expect me to return with an answer.”

“Kane!” Double D shouted, “One hundred and fifty!” The assassin watched as the assistant kept walking. “One hundred and twenty five! That’s my final offer! Don’t push me, Kane!”

“Deal! You know where to pick up your coin when the job is done.”

“I need supplies, and I’ll need an advance.”

Kane turned and threw a bag filled with coins and watched the assassin catch it.

“I see you came prepared,” Double D smirked. “Pretty sure of yourself, weren’t you?”

“I’m a businessman. Did you expect less?” With that, Kane walked down the path and out of sight.

17 Peaks of Bailem Have Passed

Since Kepler and George Parted

George walked up the stairs of the landing tower with Athena. Amar was waiting for him at the top. The moments George had spent with Athena over the last 17 Peaks were wonderful, and he was certain that he wanted this woman in his life—forever.

The previous evening, George explained that he had to travel to Siren’s Song to meet with the wisp. The fact that he was being forthcoming with Athena surprised him. He desperately wanted to avoid lying to her.

Though his moments with Athena had been short, his love for her had blossomed. Athena deserved the truth, and she got it. She did not question why. Instead, she smiled and instructed George to be careful. All she asked was when she would see him again.

George told the truth, saying he did not know, but he would try to get back to her as soon as he could. He wanted her to believe in him so badly that he gave her his Rolex over dinner and asked if she would consider moving to wherever he settled down.

Her response was everything he wanted to hear, saying it would be okay as long as she could visit her family now and then.

Their last night together had been passionate after retiring to Athena’s mother’s guest house. Their relationship had been consummated.

George greeted Amar, then turned to kiss his beautiful Athena. “Tell Mother I said goodbye.”

Athena liked how George had taken her family in as his own. “I’m sure she’ll ask many questions when I get to work. I’ve never taken this many Peaks off in my life. My sister is expecting all the details. I’m so excited. I don’t have to embellish and make them up.”

Athena moved in close and put her head on George’s chest. “I love you, George.”

This was the first occasion in which he had heard those words uttered from Athena’s mouth. He looked into her eyes and responded, “I love you, too.” For once in his life he had told a woman he loved her without it being some sort of game. His love was genuine.

Amar said goodbye to Athena once the couple’s lips parted, and he climbed onto the back of the hippogriff.

George followed. After plopping down onto the seat, a bright smile appeared on his face. His smile would not go away as the hippogriff took flight. He would gaze at his Athena until she was nothing more than a tiny speck.

The City of West Utopia

Sam had won both of his fights in the town of Mountain View, and then the group had moved on to the city of West Utopia where his opponents suffered the same fate as the others before them. Sam’s record increased to seven wins with zero losses—all of his wins ending in death.

On this Peak, Sam and Shalee decided to take the afternoon off from training. They wanted to spend some quality moments together without the crowds following them around. Sam’s fame was growing and opening doors, but their getaway was necessary to remain sane.

BJ and Helga bid their students Good Peak and took the opportunity to run off to find some quality moments of their own. Their secret relationship had blossomed since their first kiss on the bridge outside of Lethwitch. BJ was smitten with Helga, and he had been creating excuses to be alone with her. But the tactics of creating excuses were becoming tiresome, and BJ was tired of hiding his feelings from Sam and Shalee.

Now, fellow soul ... Southern Grayham was similar to Earth in yet another way. It had its own version of the Paparazzi. Instead of the constant snapping of photos, these seekers of gossip begged Sam to pose so they could illustrate his personage for their stories. These drawings were hung with accompanying articles on the information boards that could be found at the center of most populated areas. With as many moments as it took to sit for an artist, Sam and Shalee would have preferred photographers in their faces.

After the artists of West Utopia were satisfied, Sam and Shalee packed a lunch. It was just past the Peak of Bailem when they headed out of the city. As they were walking through the gates, a young child dressed in fine clothing ran up and bowed. The boy had a piece of parchment in his hand.

“May I help you, young man?” Sam asked.

“Your presence is commanded at Duke Barthom Brandor’s estate, sir.”

Sam looked at Shalee and laughed. “Well, who are we to turn down a request to meet our first Duke?”

The child looked up while standing in Sam’s imposing shadow. “This is not a request, sir. It’s an order.”

Sam’s mood changed. “And if I don’t want to come, young man?”

The child squirmed. “Sir, I beg you. If you don’t, I’ll be beaten for my incompetence.”

Shalee slid in close to Sam. “He’s just a boy. You said you wanted the fame. I suppose with it, we’ll have to put up with a few pompous jerks every now and then.”

Shalee’s accent softened Sam’s mood. The fighter turned to the boy and extended his hand. “Lead the way, buddy.”

After a big smile appeared, the child led them through the city and up a hill past a number of large estates.

The buildings reminded Shalee of the architecture of old Rome which she had studied during her travels on Earth. The scene was fascinating. It was satisfying to see this sort of architecture in a form other than ruins. It was pristine and functional.

Sam, on the other hand, was not so impressed. “You’d think the gods would have at least given the people of this world some other ideas for their structures. I know it was supposed to make our transition easier, but give me a break. It’s not unique. Everything since our arrival, though beautiful, appears to be from some period of our history.”

Shalee rolled her eyes. “For heaven’s sake, Sam, this place is delightful. Who says these ideas were ours in the first place? Maybe they were used before Earth was ever created, in some other culture, on some other world. What if the gods simply recycle their ideas over and over?”

Sam nodded. “Point made. I suppose that wouldn’t surprise me after all we’ve learned. I wonder what the other worlds look like. Bassorine did say they’re different. I wonder how much.”

As they continued to walk, more massive columns lined the road leading to the duke’s home. The detail of the sculptures chiseled into the columns made them remarkably life-like.

Bountiful grapevines stretched between the columns and were set in the stone hands of the sculptures that held their arms outstretched. Slaves lined the vines, and the fruit being plucked was succulent.

The cobblestones of the road leading to the duke’s home were perfectly placed. They sat on top of tamped rubble to allow for the drainage of storm water.

The duke’s home was enormous, making both visitors feel anxious as they entered. They were taken to a large room, and as the decorative doors opened, a group of well-dressed people, in a flowing assortment of colored cloths, greeted them.

Shalee was relieved that she had made them dress nicely for their special Peak together.

A fat, jovial man walked up and introduced himself. “Welcome! Welcome! I’m Duke Barthom Brandor. I trust you’re enjoying your stay in West Utopia.”

Sam nodded. “We are. You have a lovely city.”

Duke Brandor smiled. “Wonderful. I have heard much prior to your arrival, Sam.” Barthom looked at Shalee. “I don’t believe I know who you are, young lady.” The duke reached out, took Shalee’s hand and then kissed the top of it.

“Well aren’t you all proper-like? It’s nice to meet you, too, Duke Brandor. My name is Shalee.”

After hearing Shalee’s accent, Barthom kissed the top of her hand again. “Your speech is charming.” The duke looked at Sam. “I do believe a woman as beautiful as the one you have on your arm should be given the right to call me by name.”

Sam nodded. “I’m sure that would make things far more pleasant for the lady.”

“Then it’s settled. Shalee, you shall call me Barthom. Sam, since I have extended this courtesy to your lovely companion, I shall allow you the same privilege.”

“ Thank you, Barthom. To what do we owe the pleasure of being called to your home?”

“I watched your fights. I must say your reputation is understated. I don’t believe that I’ve ever seen such a presence in the arenas since my king’s General Absolute. I dare say you could find yourself in the arena with Graywind on one of these Peaks. This would be a fight that I dare not miss. He, like you, has killed every being who has entered the arena against him. I do hope you’re able to make it that far. I would love to watch you shove his vanity down his throat.”

The room erupted with laughter as Barthom continued. “It seems you’ve earned a room full of fans, Sam. I’m sure they’ll be following your career … as long as you live, of course.”

A maidservant approached. She was carrying a tray of cups filled with wine.

Barthom motioned for Sam to grab a drink.

Sam removed two from the tray and then handed one to Shalee before he responded. “Let’s hope I live longer than your average fighter.”

An optimistic smile appeared on Barthom’s face as he lifted his cup and tapped it against Sam’s. “Indeed. Let’s hope.”