Eighth Circle

'I didn't join you to kill trolls. I joined you because I have valuable information. You have allies in the palace. When you launch your attack tomorrow they will sabotage the guardians' central command system. Trolls will fight trolls and the whole rotten system will fall apart.'

'Who are these allies, Princess?'

'Please. My name is Liala.'

'Who are they, Liala?'

'I can't say.'

'Why not?'

'Because that would put them at risk.'

'And you want us to take your word for it ... is that it?

'I have no alternative.'

'Princess.' The man glared at her. 'The last time I saw your lovely face you were on TV telling the children what nice people the guardians were and all the good things they are doing. I didn't believe you then and I shall need a lot of convincing to believe you now.'

'Wait until the trolls start killing one another.'

'You mean when we attack the prison?'

'No. You will get a chance before then ...'

To Liala's relief, Allain intervened.

'We shall be mounting a pilot operation.'

'When will that be?'

'Just as soon as I can make radio contact with our friends in the palace. We need to fine tune the system and make sure that all elements are performing correctly. I'm sure you will be very impressed by what Liala has bought us.'

'Will you stake your future on that?'

'I will,' Allain said. 'I shall call for an immediate vote afterwards. You can judge whether the princess is telling the truth and you can decide if I am fit to continue in my present position as your leader.'