Eighth Circle

He indicated an operating table.

'You've probably been told that it's going in your shoulder.'

'I believe it to be a simple operation.'

'Extremely simple. Take off your gown and undershirt.'

Tom stripped down to his waist and was about the climb onto the operating table when he felt a sharp jab in his shoulder followed by the smell of something that reminded him of old-fashioned antiseptic.

'All done. You can put your clothes back on.'

'You mean ... that's it?'

'Yes. It's been nice meeting you. I would like to have spent longer but I must go now. I have a busy day ahead of me.'

Tom expected him to leave but he remained and busied himself taking bottles from shelves and washing his hands. He turned as if seeing Tom for the first time. His next remark came as a surprise.

'Your Excellency has come to have his hair dyed ...'

His sash had mysteriously changed colour from blue to brown and he sounded totally different. The jocular voice had been replaced by the deferential tones of a humble servant. Tom guessed he was dealing with the real man and not a body whose mind had been hijacked by a brain in a jar.

'Please,' he gestured. 'Sit here and I shall attend to you.'

It was like going to the hairdressers. Back in the Sixth Realm they kept up a continual chatter. Tom wondered if he would get similar treatment. He resolved to exploit any opportunity that might arise and learn as much as he could.

A waterproof cloak was draped over his shoulders.

'Has Your Excellency had a good day?'

'Excellent. How has yours been?'

'The weather is exceedingly trying at this time of year.' The man began to wash his hair. 'Getting to work can be a harrowing experience for those who have to walk.'

'You live in town then?'

'I would like to live in the country. Unfortunately, it is just not possible with those awful Plaid Koerno people around. It wouldn't be safe. They would be onto me in a flash.'

'Why?'

'Being a surrogate, of course.' The man appeared surprised by the question. 'That scum call you a traitor just because you choose to serve your country. I volunteered at medical school. Someone must have found out and told them.'

'You volunteered to allow your body to be used by one of the immortals?'

'I regard it as a great honour, Excellency.'

'And you attended medical school?'

'I was amongst the top graduates.'