Eighth Circle

Father paused. It was his habit when he had something profound to say. It took a while for the information to sink in.

'We shall be leaving you when your brother has extricated the professor from his present predicament. You and this fine young man will then be rid of us ancient beings. Your life lies ahead. You may live it as you wish but it will not be easy. Life is like that. You overcome one problem and are faced by others.'

Liala stepped forward and touched the jar.

'You told us to treat problems as a challenge, Father.'

'I did.' The face in the jar creased into a smile. 'My friends and I have placed Balduur in the position of king. We had considered the professor for the role but decided that would create more problems than it solved.

Balduur and your dear mother will guide the people towards a more civilised way of living. It won't be easy and there will be lots of hurdles. In the meantime, you and Bryn might consider going away and living as normal people, raising a family and finding out how the real world works. One day your services may be needed. Your mother and her newly espoused won't live forever and the people may see merit in retaining their royal family.

Now. It is time for me to say goodbye to both of you. I am going on a long journey. I hope to return to the realm where I was born. If I succeed I shall do my best to convince the people there that they must mend their ways or suffer the same fate as this realm.'

The eyes in the jar flickered.

'Goodbye, my darlings.'

Liala wrapped her arms about the jar. Tears flooded into her eyes. It was the nearest she would ever come to embracing her father.