The Keys to Ascension Read online

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  Queen Zephyra stared at the mountains juxtaposed the sea. The beauty of her scenic land soothed her. And to think she’d once lost it. She only got it back by the luck of the horse hordes in the far east deciding to invade Hyzantria right when it triumphed over all Citia. But no matter…she was queen and her city was on the mend.

  In Kericles’s absence, she gave birth to their son. And now that he had returned, she found herself pregnant again. She enjoyed her husband’s company. She loved him…loved him like she did a funny friend or a fine horse. She wasn’t sure she was capable of falling in love like other girls, but she didn’t need to. Her mistress was her city, and she took care of it well. As long as Kericles left the ruling of Petra to its queen, then she wouldn’t have to kill him.

  It’s time to return.

  Zephyra, standing on the roof of a banquet hall, returned to the stairs and entered the music-filled hall below. Kericles and his two brothers seemed to be in a friendly debate. His father laughed and drank with her generals. He refused the finest fee-women of Petra to stay loyal to his deceased wife. She admired him for that, but still hated him more for all the trouble he caused. She didn’t know who killed his wife, but she was sure it was ordered by prejudicial Citian leaders. Whoever they were, she hated them too.

  But the time of hate was over. Her and her husband’s old city were at peace again, promising friendship and alliance until the end of time.

  Kericles turned to her. “My beloved! My beloved!”

  He put an arm around her and they spurn a circle. “I have great news. I and some of Petra’s finest warriors will head to the Torn Lands for the greatest of glory! I’m a far superior warrior than the last time I went, and I’m sure nothing can stop us…especially with Finio on our side. We’ll have to stop at Hyzantria to pick him up.”

  While part of her instinct said fighting other Citians in distant lands was foolish, she knew it was worth it. Better to cause trouble there than here, and it did hone their skills so they’d be ready should Petra need them for its defense. Also, if much success was gained, it would add to her city’s prestige.

  “Your cousin may be happy back in his home. Why not just take one of the local wizards? We have plenty here, and more powerful.”

  Kericles threw a hand in front of him. “Never. Finio is my wizard, cousin, and friend. I wouldn’t take any other. I’m sure he’s bored out of his mind in Hyzantria. His brothers are quite busy from what I hear. And they got educated servants to run the estates. He’ll wanna come. I know it.”

  He spun her in a circle.

  Glee and surprise shot up her. She laughed. After they stopped, she put a hand on his strong chest. “Don’t get yourself killed. I don’t wanna search for another king.” It’s rare to find one so handsome, fun, and pliable.

  He turned to his brothers. “I will be greater than either of you! To the Torn Lands I return!” He lifted a hand. “Rwhaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

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  Hibberro leaned back in his comfy chair. He was so close to a breakthrough. The temple gave him an even better team this time than last. He’d always be Hyzantrian, but living and working in the magical country of Blastonin was for him. His scantily clad secretary came into the room ready for their nightly play.

  She straddled him. “How’s Theto resettling in?”

  “He says he’s doing great. He’ll be a far greater magician than me once he finishes all the training that that temple has to offer. And one of the best warriors time has ever known.”

  Hibb stared away from his gorgeous secretary. “Brother…I hope I’ve made amends. Your sons have grown to be fine men in the tradition of their father. I’ll try to never make the same foolish mistake I did with you again.” He stared away at nothing, peace and contentment resting over his mind.

  Then he opened his eyes wide and straightened his torso, remembering something, but not quite sure what.

  His secretary pulled her body a little away from him. “What?”

  Hibb jumped to his feet. She fell to the ground on her butt, her long legs and tall heels pointing toward the sky. He ran outside and stared in the direction of his temple.

  As he expected, it was on fire, the flames dancing into the night. Hibb ran toward it at full speed, which he knew wasn’t particularly fast. “Fire! Fiiiirrrrrrrrrre!”

  Luckily, Akrah’s power was turned onto him. He threw an illusion over the temple, making it look perfect and not flaming. He slowed to a walk, breathing heavily. He dusted his hands off by repeatedly slapping them by each other. “That’s that.”

  Tilting his head to the side, he muttered, “Waiiit. The building is still burning even if I put an illusion over it.”

  He dropped the illusion. “Firrrrrrrrrrrre!”

  THE END