Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign (Worlds of the Crystal Moon, Book 1) (26 page)

“Before Senchae became king, he would serve the meat from the bulls to the leaders of his grandfather’s army as a gesture of respect. They admired, revered and respected him in return. Now that he’s the leader of this bloodthirsty pack, Senchae is loved by his army and does not need to rule by fear, for they are loyal. He is loved, and his control over his kingdom is stronger than his grandfather’s reign ever was.”

Sam was impressed, but he still looked for a solution. “In my experience, a big man is also a slow man. I bet if a man was fast enough, he could defeat him.”

Mosley laughed as he leapt onto the bed. “I have not finished telling you about Senchae’s training. Fighting this single bull is a warm-up. Do you think you could defeat three bulls during the same moments, Sam? Because that is what the king does to improve his agility and speed.”

Sam flopped onto the bed. “Okay, okay. I’m sold. This guy is a champion. How am I going to achieve fame? I’m pretty tough, but it’s going to be impossible to gain an audience with the people in power if I can’t defeat a monster barbarian and live to tell about it. I’m a hundred percent sure that this guy would kick my can.”

Mosley stood from the bed and bounded to the floor. “I have suggestions, but it will take everything in you to attain the glory you need to speak with kings. You must work tirelessly if you’re to become the leader of the packs of Brandor.”

Sam’s eyes widened as the reality hit him. “So it’s true? I’m to become a leader?” His question was filled with trepidation.

Mosley shook his head in disbelief. “Sam, for someone so intelligent, you don’t show it. Did Bassorine not explain that it is the desire of the gods for you to build an empire on Grayham? Do you not want to be the leader of such a pack? Are you frightened? Does your fur not stand on end when faced with the challenge of saving worlds? Perhaps you should tell Bassorine you fall short of the gods’ expectations. I cannot help someone who doesn’t possess a strong heart.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on a second. So what if I am scared? I still have heart.” Sam stood from the chair and walked back to the window. “It’s not like I have anything to go home to.” He turned from the window and spoke with greater resolution in his voice, “If I don’t do something, who will? I understand what’s involved.” Sam sat on the sill and crossed his arms. “I’m the man for the job, so where do I start?”

The wolf liked the change in Sam’s demeanor. “You’ll be a fine leader, Sam. Your eyes are filled with conviction. However, my stomach is empty. We should eat before your training begins.”

Mosley led Sam to breakfast.

After the over-sized wench sat the food on the table, the wolf sniffed at Sam’s greggled eggs and then sat on his haunches on the wooden chair. A plate of rare corgan strips was set in front of him. “I have sent Shalee to begin her enlightenment with her staff. Her growth should be captivating to watch. Your training, however, will be much different.

“ Angels Village is perfect for your first battle. When you’re ready, we’ll introduce you to the sand that covers the arena floor. Hopefully, your victories will allow us to make the coin necessary to keep ourselves fed and warm at night.”

Mosley smiled and winked. “I know how important it is for Shalee to have a comfortable den to lie in.”

Sam’s voice was filled with anxiety. “I thought you said they fought to the death inside the arena...”

Well, fellow soul ... there’s more to Sam than meets the eye. I’m dying to tell you everything I know, but all things intriguing are best left for later moments. Even though you can’t see it, I just stuck my soulful tongue out at you. Ha, ha!

GEORGE
is still sleeping just east of the Enchanted Forest on the bank of the Cripple River. Not much else to report here.

LASIDIOUS & CELESTRIA
are together in their home on Ancients Sovereign. They are working out the details of a few plans before Celestria leaves for the world of Luvelles. There, she will spend the remainder of her pregnancy.

BASSORINE
is still trying to find Lasidious. The others on Ancients Sovereign are growing tired of listening to the God of War shout.

SHALEE
is on her way to the local School of Magical Studies. She is scheduled to start training with her new staff.

SAM & MOSLEY
are waiting for Sam’s teacher at the local School of Weaponry.

Thank you for reading this edition of the Grayham Inquirer

CHAPTER 10

The Training Blues

-or-

Should I Say, Bruises?

SHALEE LEFT THE INN smiling about Sam’s advance as she searched for the School of Magical Studies. She admired the simple touches of the village. Though the architecture was not anything to write home about, it felt peaceful. Simple things were her passion anyway, and although the buildings could use some attention to their design, she saw many areas that displayed intricate detail.

Everywhere she turned, the pride of the village people was evident—a sign perfectly painted, carefully placed stones that formed the mouth of a well, cobblestone walkways that ran from the street to each store front and stoop. The roofs were made of bundled straw, and they were tightly bound to allow the rain to run off quickly.

As she walked through the streets, she came across a young boy who appeared to be no more than 11 seasons. He had in his hand a sharpened pencil of some sort, but it was nothing like she had ever seen. Also, on top of an old, smoothed-over piece of wood, a good-sized piece of parchment had been centered. The boy was sitting on a bucket. He was facing a group of trees that grew a fruit resembling peaches.

Shalee’s curiosity got the best of her. She leaned over the young man’s shoulder and found herself being led by the arm. The boy guided her to the front of the trees where she was left to pose in front of them.

“Please stay still for a moment, my lady,” the boy said, holding up his hands as if to ensure she would stay in the desired position. “You’ll be my focus. This will be far better than drawing boring, old trees.”

“But I don’t have the time, I mean … the moments. I’m fixin’ to go someplace. What’s your name, little man?”

“My name is Trace. Please don’t go. I promise to capture your beauty.”

Shalee had to smile. He was an adorable child. “Do you have a last name, Trace?”

“Chaslend, my lady.” The boy grinned.

Trace’s cute, chubby, freckled face and red hair made Shalee melt. How could she possibly say no to such an innocent request? “Well, how darling are you. As long as you promise to get my good side, I’ll stay.”

“That’s easy. You don’t have a bad side,” the boy said through a gap-toothed smile.

“Now, now, now … you already know how to make a lady blush. You’re too young to know how to schmooze a woman.”

“What does ‘schmooze’ mean? You talk funny. What makes you sound like that?”

“Don’t you worry yourself about that. You just go on ahead and draw up your little picture. But hurry. I need to get moving.”

“Yes, my lady.”

A while later the boy turned the picture around.