Eighth Circle

A gong sounder and the chancellor rose.

'Professor Carter has provided me with a brief description of his former realm, which he refers to as the Sixth Realm. He has outlined its history since it split away from our realm, which he refers to as the Eighth Realm. In its present state, the Sixth Realm's level of technological advancement is roughly that which we attained two hundred years before The Fall ...'

He droned on. The chancellor liked the sound of his own voice and spent an eternity getting to the point. Crispin let the words flow over him. Most was boring but, every so often, he heard something that got him listening again.

'The Professor informs me that he was a high-ranking military commander in the Sixth Realm before jealousy within the ranks obliged him to seek an alternative career in the archaeological sciences. I have accordingly agreed that he should be given a thorough appraisal of our military capabilities so that he can identify weaknesses in the various offensive strategies that will be deemed necessary when mounting an invasion of the Sixth Realm ...'

Crispin hung on every word. The guardians intended to invade another realm and it really did seem that the Lord of Light was going to help them. He wasn't just saying it to play for time. What came next sent shivers down his spine.

'I have agreed to Professor Carter's request that he be made Emperor of the Sixth Realm when we have taken full possession of it. He will act on the advice of the Council of Guardians, who will remain in ultimate control and be responsible for ...'

Crispin had heard enough. He turned to Peter.

'I must speak to Father. He will want to be told.'

'He will indeed,' Peter agreed.

'You must come too.'

'Must I?'

'I'll need you to keep watch.'

Peter paled and his teeth began to chatter.

'You know I don't like it in the Forbidden Zone. There are dead things ...'

'Not properly dead,' Crispin said.

'That makes it even worse.' Peter squirmed. 'I have nightmares just thinking about it. Last time I couldn't sleep for a month ... it was just so horrible.'

'That doesn't matter,' Crispin turned to his cousin. 'Father would expect us to tell him. We can't let him down.'