Eighth Circle

Everything was going according to plan. Allain's saboteurs had created the greatest diversion imaginable. The prison was the next target. Their heroes were incarcerated there. Liala imagined herself storming through its corridors at the head of an army of Liala and Crispin lookalikes.

They would liberate the prisoners and raid the warehouses where the high-tech weapons were stored. They would strike a blow that would bring the evil empire down. The final triumph would come when the chancellor was taken up to the high table for trial before being led away for execution.

She moved to the front of the truck and peered over the driver's cabin. None of the other Lialas had taken any interest in her. She was just another lookalike as far as they were concerned. Some had probably noticed the bulge of her ray gun ... that was no big deal.

All of the lookalikes carried imitation ray guns that looked exactly like those sold in the shops. Those in the shops were harmless toys. The girls' guns fired real bullets and were deadly. Liala's gun was the genuine article and totally devastating in comparison.

She looked around. The sun had risen and the snow shone with a beautiful violet colour. Snow crystals drifted past and settled on her clothing. They were surprisingly big. She guessed that was because of some special atmospheric conditions and Crispin could explain.

Her brother was very clever in that way. Father had encouraged him to follow his natural talents just as he had encouraged her to live a more outward and active life. Father said their different talents would make them into a powerful team. Liala was beginning to understand what he meant.

They had made a lot of difference to Plaid Koerno. Without them the present operation had little chance of success. Allain's saboteurs had done a great job but starting a fire was very different from storming a prison and fighting trolls. Crispin's support would be vital.

She narrowed her eyes and stared along the road. The sun was shining straight at her and it was difficult to see what was happening. But, what she saw was disturbing. Vehicles were leaving the highway. And they weren't just private cars. There were trucks amongst them and some looked like carnival trucks.

That shouldn't be happening. They must pass beside the prison. They couldn't storm it from a distance. She pulled her binoculars from her pocket and her heart sank. There was a barrier across the highway and trolls were directing traffic down a side road.

Was Crispin still in control?

The carnival trucks were going down the side road with the rest. She recognised one as belonging to the cider makers' guild. The coal trucks came next, led by Allain. She wondered what he would do.