Eighth Circle

Tom liked the reply. Both of them were providing additional information to prove that they were who they claimed to be. The next question came as a surprise.

'I was an alchemist, Thomas. I made the passage between realms by following the Way of the Wizard. How did you leave the Sixth Realm?'

'I left the Sixth Realm as a wizard and entered this one as a hero.'

'You changed roles?'

'Not intentionally, Father.'

'I believe you should leave this realm as a saviour.'

'As a saviour?'

'Yes, Thomas.'

Tom found the idea distasteful but wasn't going to argue.

'The Eighth Realm needs a saviour, Thomas.'

'I won't argue with that, Father.'

'You are well placed to fill that role. You are a member of the task force established by the chancellor to plan the invasion of the Sixth Realm. You will have access to all their military secrets ...'

Something happened to divert the old man's attention.

'Thomas.' His voice tensed. 'You must leave at once. 'My son, Crispin, will take you out the back way. He has a good brain for technical matters and can help you develop plans here in the palace. My daughter, Liala, is a very different person. She can best serve by working with the people.'

The eyes in the jar flickered.

'Go. Thomas. The death trolls approach.'