Murmurs travel at the speed of sound. Since the ruckus in the capital district, the news of the arrest of the Fire Kingdom ambassador had travelled right to the edge of the Spokes. And with murmurs came rumours, and speculation. An unprovoked attack on a Sovereign, or a noble defence of justice? A reasonable response, or an attempt to cover up darker goings-on.

It was inevitable then, that the morning of the trial brought with it an air of trepidation and unease. The normal morning duties of the citizenry were performed with less diligence, and more quiet listening. The purple mist hung heavily in the artificial morning, forming a wall between them all.

They were all waiting. For what, many of them didn’t know. Just...something.

At the new rebel camp, Cutemon stuck his hands in his coat pockets as he stared up through the forest of crossed beams. The camp itself was nearly empty now, with the many residents descending further into the base of the Spokes, as they had been instructed. There were more than ever now, with some of the citizenry and even the guards getting involved too.

The doctor felt a rumble beside him, and reached out, tapping a small paw on Rebellimon’s engine. He felt it too.

At the terminal, Caesiumon sat with his body stretched out against the rails, feeling the explosive power running within. Being the furthest from the capital, he couldn’t see any of the revelations within. All he could do was wait for a signal which he hoped wouldn’t come.

At the central district itself, the bravest of the citizenry were gathering around the capital building, trying to gain a glimpse of what was happening. Frozomon and his guard stood at the entrance and all around, keeping anybody from coming too close, as Muscovymon had instructed.

And down below, in the winding catacombs, more Digimon edged forwards out of the guards’ prying eyes. Baboongamon, Kenkimon and Shurimon, taking small steps into the darkness, with Jazamon perched on Baboongamon’s shoulder.

They had a window where the Sovereigns would all be occupied, and they knew it. Now it was their chance to find some truths of their own.

The courthouse itself lay at the centre of it all, sealed away from the outside world, with only the judges and the judged inside to determine the fate of it all.

Hasdielmon leaned forwards, pressing his hands together. “Would it be prudent to allow the three Elites a recess to better form their defense?”

A scoffing sound to his left revealed Hamadryamon’s thoughts on that particular gesture. “They should know between them what their goals are. Let’s not give them the opportunity to think of a way to delay this.”

“Hamadryamon, we’re looking for the truth, not just for guilt.”

“We’ll carry on as is, if the Spokes Sovereignty will allow,” said Mollumon clearly, wrapping his tentacles around the podium in front of him. “If there’s a need for us to pause then I’m sure we can fit it in.”

Muscovymon raised an eyebrow. “Some might call that foolish confidence.”

“I’m keen to get this moving. We’ve had a rough time of it.”

Hamadryamon grimaced, and leant back in her podium. “Given that there’s been no reasonable defence for your assault on a Spokes official, I’m sure that won’t be too difficult.”

Muscovymon nodded. “That is rather clear cut. Sorry Coremon, I’d say that would land you at least a week in the docks.”

“WHAT!?”

Hamadryamon’s shrill shriek echoed around the courthouse, as the dryad turned on the commander of the guard. “This is a SERIOUSoffence, you realise!”

“You’re still standing up, aren’t you?”

Hamadryamon spluttered, and went to jab a finger at him, when Hasdielmon raised both hands beside him, looking for all the world like a parent between two fighting siblings. Serpemon placed his hand over his mouth, trying desperately to hide his laugh.

The grand angel looked at both of them with his bejewelled eyes. “I think we can agree it’s not the only issue we have to discuss. My apologies, Hamadryamon.”

The dryad sat back, quietly seething, as the angel turned his attention back to his right. “Muscovymon? After your lateness, I assume you had a point you were trying to make?”

The duck docked the peak of his cap, his eye focusing on the three defendants. “As you’re all aware I have prior knowledge of the Fire Kingdom. That comes with its own biases, which I’m aware of, and you should take into account. But on the flipside, it also means I can call upon my own experiences.”

He leant forwards, resting his palm on his own podium. “On the count of espionage and incitement of the Spokes, you were indeed offered an invitation for an ambassadorial visit. But I know the ways of the Fire Kingdom. You would not have accepted, or been permitted by Surtremon, merely out of a gesture of goodwill. So, I will ask you now, and I will keep asking…”

He turned his head, his mechanical eye turning in its socket.

“Why did you three really come to the Spokes?”

His deep voice settled around the courthouse, resonating off the curved walls and directly into the Elites’ faces. It was soon followed by an oddly mischievous laugh under Hamadryamon’s breath, as she placed her sleeve in front of her. “Oh Muscovymon, it’s good to have you here after all…”

The response was far less jubilant on the defendants’ bench, as Serpemon found himself coiling up at the commander’s withering stare. He raised his gloved fingers to his lips, and muttered under his breath “Is it just me, or is anybody else feeling quite picked on right now?”

Coremon glanced down at the cloak beneath him, tapping against the ground. “What do we say?”

“The truth needs to come out sometime,” replied Mollumon, and he nodded towards Serpemon. “We did bring a diplomat along for a reason.”

Despite his earlier misgivings, Serpemon shuffled forwards, placing both palms on the lectern in front of him.

“Sovereign Muscovymon? Your observations are astute.”

The duck narrowed one eye. “Just forgo the flattery and answer the question, if you please.”

“Very well.” The snake cleared his throat. “Now I’m just a humble country snake scoundrel, with not a lot going on my head at the best of times. But I do remember our last meeting didn’t end optimally. An elder general was killed, and the one suspect we had was taken from our hands.”

Hamadryamon straightened up. “That was a citizen of the Spokes. We had every right.”

“So then, you do see the rebels as actual citizens of yours so long as it’s convenient.”

The dryad’s mouth zipped up with indignation, and Serpemon felt a jab in his side from Mollumon, along with a harsh whisper of “Play to your audience.”

The snake carried on: “At any rate, your invitation was an opportunity for us to see the state of the Spokes and try and get some information regarding a major event for the Fire Kingdom. Investigation for personal closure, not political advantage.”

Muscovymon’s hand curled against his own podium. “Investigation to what level, exactly? You were told of the assassin’s fate; that should have been sufficient for your purposes.”

“Knowing what you know about the Fire Kingdom, do you really think that’s something that we could accept at face value?”

Hasdielmon looked down at the duck to his right, before raising a hand. “Then what else were you expecting to find during your visit here?”

“Information on where she came from? Why she might have done it? You can’t deny she was part of the rebellious faction; maybe by engaging them on our own terms then we could learn things that way. See if the manner of the attack coincided with their own priorities.” Serpemon held his upturned palms either side of him. “Or, if not, then try and locate a party who could possibly gain more.”

The words trickled round the edge of the courthouse, as the Sovereigns reacted independently. Hamadryamon opened her mouth, then paused for a moment, composing herself.

“I’m not sure I understand what you’re implying.”

“I’m not implying anything. I’m only voicing my own thoughts as best I can.” Serpemon furrowed his brow, and held a hand to his chin. “I do have one question though, if I may. If, as you say, the assassin’s fate was clear cut, and there was therefore no need for us to investigate on our own terms…”

He turned back towards Muscovymon, “...and if, as you are right to point out, the Fire Kingdom is notorious for a certain MO and diligence in pursuing matters…”

Before turning back to the rest of the room, “...then why did all of you offer us the invitation to come in the first place?”

The Sovereignty looked taken aback by the sudden question, and the aggressiveness with which it was posed. All except for Gryllimon, who leant forwards, her quiet voice piercing the echoing room.

“An ambassadorial peace offering and goodwill.”

“Pardon me, but you’re not the only ones who have approaches figured out. This goes both ways,” said Serpemon bluntly, holding his hands apart. “Even if some of you felt responsible, we would not have been offered the opportunity to come if the Sovereignty as a whole had not all agreed to it.”

He ran a thumb over his chin, narrowing his eyes slightly. “And only us three, funnily enough. Not the new general nor any of the established commanders.”

Hasdielmon leant back. “There is enough turmoil within the Spokes without bringing in experienced militants from a foreign nation. You must understand that.”

“Of course. But you think we’re not experienced?”

Serpemon held his arms wide, pulling his two companions in with a grin over his face. “We’re next in line to be commanders. That’s not from nothing. Maybe we don’t have the raw power or good looks to be an immediate threat, but we’re all still smart and skilled enough to cause trouble.”

Mollumon pulled himself away from the snake, placing a tentacle on his shoulder. “I appreciate the backhanded compliment, but how exactly is any of what you’re talking about supposed to defendus?”

Serpemon knocked his head. “Sorry. I don’t get given the stage often so I get carried away.”

“I agree with your colleague,” interjected Hamadryamon, resting her elbow on her own lecturn. “Either get to your point or we will cut you off from any more of this inane nonsense.”

Serpemon puffed out his cheeks, before clearing his throat again.

“Alright then. Chronologically; our last meeting ended with the tragic murder of our elder general and mentor. Present times, we arrive here, and suddenly there is the brutal death of one of the citizens and an attack on a Sovereign. Cause and effect points to us taking revenge on the foreign entity who spurned us.”

He raised a finger. “But...we would not have been here had we not received your invitation. Which points to the idea that we were invited here with that possibility entirely in mind. Or perhaps, that possibility being desired. Or manufactured.”

Hamadryamon’s hands curled around her lectern, and Hasdielmon stood stock still, his bejewelled eyes intense in the artificial haze. Muscovymon leant forwards, his palm flat against his podium.

“I take it from your tone that you are denying your involvement in the attacks on our citizenry.”

Serpemon glanced over his shoulders, sharing a silent look with Mollumon and Coremon. They nodded slightly, a silent acknowledgement between them all. Now was the time to move.

“Your highness Muscovymon, and the rest of the Sovereignty; not only do we deny our involvement, but I would like to flip the order of events around. I believe we have been set up, and our presence here was only permitted in order to make that possible.”

Muscovymon tilted his head. “Your presence here...allowed by the Sovereignty?”

“Indeed.”

“So you’re implying that one of us is killing our own citizens?”

“If you like.”

“That’s a hefty accusation.”

“I can go one better if you want.” Serpemon crooned, placing his hands behind his back. “The best reasoning for us to do it would be revenge for our fallen general, would it not? Therefore, if the general was killed and then we were handed the dagger with which to take revenge...the narrative then writes itself. I think this set up has been planned well in advance.”

A hissing sound came from the upper right podium, as Hamadryamon spoke through her teeth. “Go on. Say it.”

Serpemon leant forwards, placing his own palms on the pedestal. “I state thus; one or more of the Spokes Sovereignty is responsible for the deaths not only of their own citizenry, but also of the former general of the Fire Kingdom, Muspelmon. And I state that our primary purpose here was as scapegoats to cover that crime up.”

The words fell away into the abyss below. Even Serpemon looked taken aback by what had just come out of his mouth, and it took everything he had not to crouch down and shy away from the podium. There was a shuffling on either side of him, and a paw held his shaking hand.

“I second that statement,” said Coremon, giving a small smile at the snake.

“I support it as well,” came Mollumon’s flat voice.

There was silence in the courthouse for a few moments, as the multiple parties stared at one another. Even the Sagittarimon guards at the door were sharing glances, not sure how to react.

Hamadryamon opened her mouth to speak, when she paused, hearing a scratching sound to her left. She turned around, her voice hoarse as she spoke to Gryllimon.

“What are you doing?”

The cricket looked up, and held up a piece of shimmering parchment. “The defendant has made a statement. I’m adding it to my records.”She turned her head back, her antennae swinging below her hood. “You cannot retract it now, Serpemon.”

“This...is just...PREPOSTEROUS!”

Hamadryamon’s voice bellowed out within the dome as her vines writhed all around her. “I REFUSE to humour these baseless comments. After...after the chaos you – all THREE of you have caused...and then to accuse the Sovereignty of your crimes...that is an insult and I will no longer stand for you!”

She raised her arm all of a sudden, the vines unravelling behind her, before throwing her hand down with a scream.

“Thanatos Lia-”

“Guilt Construct.”

The dryad’s arm fell, as did the vines, tumbling into the chasm below. Hamadryamon caught her breath, before looking up at Hasdielmon. “Why did you stop me?”

The angel shook his head gently. “This is a trial. Not an execution ground.”

“Hasdielmon, this has to stop right this instant. We cannot entertain this...this slander against the Sovereignty.”

“And if there is someone among us who’s guilty? What then?”

“You.”

The dryad’s head snapped sideways, and she grimaced at Muscovymon. “You’re in league with them. You’re coercing with them. You’re all the same, you Fire soldiers...”

The duck cracked his neck. “You know, it’s refreshing to hear your true opinions about me from your own mouth.”

He turned back, rolling his shoulder as he stared down at the three Elites. “That said, I am a part of the Sovereignty as well. I’m willing to put my neck on the line if it means we can get to the truth of this matter.”

Hasdielmon tilted his head. “You’re supporting their accusation? Why?”

“Because my citizens are dying, Hasdielmon. I want to know why.”

Mollumon made to speak, but the duck raised his webbed hand, shaking his head as he did so. “Make no mistake; I’m not supporting you three. If you’re truly going to follow this then you’re on your own. But you have the right to challenge.”

Hamadryamon’s hands curled around her podium. “Only if the Sovereignty grants it, Muscovymon. Nobody else is going to allow this.”

“I will.”

“Gryllimon?”

The dryad looked helplessly back at the cricket, but the smallest of the Sovereigns was resolute as well, tapping the parchment in front of her. “I seek the truth. To clear up contradictions and make sure the right events are recorded. I see value in their challenge as well.”

Hamadryamon’s head turned helplessly between the two Sovereigns on the end, before looking up behind her, a pleading tone entering her voice. “Hasdielmon...your vote is always final, you have to stop this…you know it can’t be right…”

Hasdielmon was quiet, his eyes staring down into the centre of the courthouse. Feeling ever so small before him, the three Elites waited in silence. Coremon felt himself gripping his cloak beneath him, feeling the fateful tome within.

After what seemed like an age, Hasdielmon raised his head.

“Do you really intend to stand by your challenge?”

Serpemon held his hands apart. “We’ve got nothing else to lose. If we fail, we’re at your mercy anyway.”

“But what do you gain from this?”

“The same as everyone else,” mused the snake, holding his hands behind his back. “The truth. Joyous or painful as it may be.”

Hasdielmon sat back. Looked right at Muscovymon, then left at Gryllimon and Hamadryamon.

“This could change the future of the Spokes. But it has recovered before.”

“Darling, please-”

The angel raised his palm, shaking his head. “I will not yield, Hamadryamon. I would suggest you remain as well, so your voice is still heard.”

The dryad’s shoulders fell low, and she stared down. For a brief moment she held a defeated look, but then she straightened her posture, and folded her hands in front of her. Her mouth was a thin line as she stared at the three Elites, and she said nothing.

Hasdielmon clasped his own bandaged hands, his jewels shining just a little more.

“As you will then. Make your case for the murder of General Muspelmon.”

Serpemon bowed his head, looking almost out of breath from getting this far. He felt a gentle nudge on his shoulder, and turned to see Mollumon’s stern gaze into his.

“You’ve got us this far. Let me.”

The snake obliged, holding his hands apart as Mollumon took the podium. Muscovymon’s mechanical eye followed him as he did so, the duck’s fingers curling.

“You’ve chosen a tough battle, strategist.”

“I’m fully aware of that,” said Mollumon, reaching into his barrel. There was a faint rattling sound, before he reached out, placing a few items behind the podium. Gryllimon leant forwards, her head cocking sideways.

“What are those?”

“For the time being, just meaningless things. But I’m sure something will come to light from them.” He glanced sideways at Coremon, his eyes darting down towards his cloak. “From everything we’ve managed to find out. All three of us.”

Coremon gritted his teeth, and pulled his cloak out a little, so the tome wasn’t pressed so tightly against his chest. It seemed to have an effect, freeing up his breathing and allowing him to focus more. Or perhaps that was the presence of his friends doing that. He thought not too hard about it, staying silent as Mollumon took the reins.

“We know there are two events; the murder of Muspelmon at our graduation event three months ago, and the string of citizen murders and attacks in the Spokes from the past few days. There are comparisons to be made in which both the four of you and the three of us were present, and there are other groups related from both our factions.”

Muscovymon folded his arms. “I assume you’ve got more than just a register of attendees to back this up.”

“The best method for finding the truth is elimination, not comparison.” Mollumon curled the end of a tentacle as he spoke in a fidgety manner, his diction still as clear as ever. “Obviously we have different methods in both cases.”

Hasdielmon straightened up. “The assassin. Sifamon killed him, isn’t that right?”

“Perhaps.”

“Perhaps? You were there when she attacked him; you should be certain.”

“There’s no doubt that somebody launched an attack. Sifamon was an assassin as you said, but not the main proponent. And we know from your testimony that she was a member of the rebels who are currently causing you issues.”

Mollumon looked up, his eyes following each of the Sovereigns in turn. “Please can you remind me what happened to her after the fact.”

Muscovymon answered. “She was tried where you are, and sentenced to execution for attack on a foreign nation.”

“And you were all present?”

“Yes. Our major trials are conducted all in the same way.” The duck raised his bill. “You should have received this information from Surtremon.”

“Thank you. We did, but I just wanted you to confirm it here.”

Mollumon’s eyes darted sideways, taking a note of Gryllimon scribbling away. He pressed his tentacles together.

“The Sifamon species is a natural assassin type. Fast and agile, shadow-based powers, and bladed attacks. All consistent with her attack on Muspelmon.” He straightened up. “Whereas the rebel killings here have been different, from my understanding.”

Hamadryamon leant forwards. “So you have been fraternising with them.”

“We’ve had contact and have shared information, yes.” Mollumon pulled a notepad from his barrel, looking at his own notes. “The attacks have been from some kind of creature that burns their bodies with an ash-white flame. It’s got some kind of decaying effect, so the victim’s data doesn’t dissipate and instead remains as a dead husk.”

Mollumon paused, looking up at Hamadryamon, as her fingers caressed the wound on her face. “I assume that sounds familiar to you?”

Hamadryamon gave a wry smile. “It may be familiar to me, but given the actions of these rebels I hardly think we can take your word that the attacks have been the same.”

Mollumon pressed his beak together, looking at Gryllimon again. The cricket was no longer writing, waiting for his response.

He didn’t get a chance though, as Muscovymon interjected. “Maybe I can help with that.”

All the other three Sovereigns turned towards him, as the duck looked down at Mollumon. “Would it help you to have direct confirmation?”

The octopus blinked. “I...uh...is that something you can do?”

Muscovymon didn’t answer him directly, instead nodding at the guards at the door.

“Please bring them in. We need some extra clarity.”

The two Sagittarimon bowed their heads, and left the courthouse, while the three Elites looked at one another. Coremon scratched beneath his neck. “You haven’t...um...won him over to our side, have you?”

Serpemon gave a shrugging gesture. “I have no idea what he’s put together. We’re not exactly on friendly terms after our little scuffle.”

“Your little what?”

“We got up to a few things while you were in custody. May have learned some particular opinions held by those in charge.”

Mollumon reached out, jabbing the snake in the side. “Can we please not sabotage our chances by outing one of the few people who’s actually listening to us?”

Serpemon made a face, and pointed forwards. “I...think he may be ahead of us on that front.”

The doors of the courthouse had opened once again, and a few more Digimon stepped inside. Hasdielmon and Gryllimon started, and Mollumon’s eyes widened, as in walked Doedimon, with Tobiumon in tow, flanked by the guards. The armoured beast’s eyes met the Elite’s, and he nodded, staying calm and silent as he was marched forwards.

Calm and silent was not the tactic that Hamadryamon used, as she slammed her hands down on the podium. “What is HE doing here? Get him out!”

Muscovymon tipped his hat. “He and the other two are here as witnesses.”

“He is an enemy and a dissenterand you have allowed him to enter the capital!?”

Doedimon raised his hooded head. “Under control, your majesty. See?”

He raised his bound hands before him, and opened his palms, remaining the paragon of peaceful intent; so much so that Mollumon had to stop himself from breaking out into laughter. Hamadryamon could not see the funny side, turning her ire on Muscovymon.

“You! What have you been doing without our knowledge?”

Hasdielmon straightened up, his voice taking on a deeper tone. “Muscovymon, explain yourself.”

The duck rested his cannon arm on the podium before him. “The attacks have primarily been affecting the rebel factions. Regardless of your opinions on them, they are in the best position to explain what we’re dealing with.”

“And you were able to persuade them to come here?”

The duck lowered his bill. “I have the means.”

Hamadryamon hissed, her vines whipping around behind her. “I knew there was something wrong with you. You’re in league with them, aren’t you? You’re trying to sabotage our own-”

“Hamadryamon, enough.”

The dryad seethed against her pedestal, as Hasdielmon’s voice turned grave. “She has a point, Muscovymon. You are overstepping your bounds as one of the Sovereignty.”

“I’m willing to undergo trial to that effect, should it come to it,” said Muscovymon flatly, before turning his eye on the angel. “But I stand by my reasoning. If there’s a creature out there killing our citizens, and there’s a chance one of us is in the know, then that needs to be our priority. Regardless of our political differences, I believe the primary concern of the rebel factions is ‘not dying horribly’.”

His voice took on more of a lilt and a swagger as he spoke, more along the lines of how Mollumon remembered him back in the Fire Kingdom. It butted up against the impassable fortress of Hasdielmon, almost daring him to refuse. The angel remained unfazed, but turned his attention back to Doedimon.

“And can you add more testimony to this?”

“I’ve brought Tobiumon with me. She was present at the attack a couple of days ago.”

Coremon started, and turned back to the Sovereignty. “It’s true. We saw her just after the death, before she ran away.”

Tobiumon lowered her head shamefully, pawing at the floor beneath her. Hasdielmon looked to his left, but Hamadryamon wouldn’t meet his eye, her hand going up to her wound again. Hasdielmon clasped his hands.

“Muscovymon, we will revisit your conduct later.” He turned to the land fish before him. “If you have any information on this supposed beast, then please step forwards and tell us.”

Tobiumon gritted her teeth, hesitating for a moment. Doedimon gently reached out with his bound hands, nudging her.

“Go on. It’s okay.”

She swallowed, and made her way forwards to the Elite’s podium, her eyes scanning the stone before her.

“I...I didn’t see it directly. Maybe a couple of shadows around, but these three were there as well, so I may have seen them.”

The fish hunched her shoulders, looking haunted. “I could hear it though. That’s what sent me running after Lekismon. This...laugh. Absolutely mad and horrific, and then it got really intense for just a minute and then it...it stopped. And Lekismon was dead.”

She trailed off, stepping backwards to be closer to Doedimon. Muscovymon stood silently, holding a knuckle against his bill. Then he looked up towards Hamadryamon.

“Does that sound familiar to you?”

Hamadryamon was deathly quiet, clutching her left shoulder. It took her a couple of moments to compose her breath to answer. But eventually she nodded.

“I remember it as well. That thing was...the fury in its movements…so fast despite being so big...it had struck me before I could make out what it was and then ran away...and I was in too much pain to follow.”

She paused, looking up at Tobiumon who stared at her intently.

“It must be the same. If only for that...horrific laugh.”

Mollumon looked between the two Sovereigns, before tapping the podium. “So it’s settled then. The attacks in the Spokes are down to this mystery creature.”

Hamadryamon’s head turned towards him. “I’m curious as to what you’re trying to prove with this. We already agreed that Muspelmon died a different way; from Sifamon’s attack. There’s no link here.”

Mollumon shrank down slightly, pulling up one of the items he’d discarded earlier.

“If I may, you’ll remember we were delayed in coming here, right? The main Spokes terminal in Grid Central was out of order, so we were forced to head through the Northern Tribes. And we found something slightly out of sorts.”

He stepped back, and placed a long blade on the podium in front of him, the edge of the blade catching the purple light above. Hamadryamon leant forwards, turning her head.

“What is that? You should have been stripped of all armaments on entry to the Spokes.”

Mollumon glanced at Serpemon, who gave a coy little shrug, before looking forwards again. “That we were. This was handed to our transporter for safe keeping and he’s handed it back to me for the trial. But you’re somewhat mistaken; this is not any of our armaments, though it may be familiar for some among us.”

“Doedimon!”

“I know.”

Mollumon turned back as Doedimon and Tobiumon bristled behind him, getting restless enough that the guards either side of them were forced to nudge them back. Still, Doedimon raised his bound hands. “That’s Sifamon’s weapon. Where did you find that?”

“Sifamon’s?” Hamadryamon leant back. “We confiscated that when we arrested her. How do you have it?”

“As I said. We found it, as we passed through the remains of one of the tribes.”

“Remains?”

Serpemon folded his arms. “The place had been leveled, and by the looks of it fairly recently. Nothing there but white ashes and skeletal structures. Some of the ash was still burning as well, in a similar way to how Lekismon was when we found him.”

Mollumon reached out, and ran a tentacle over the shadowed blade. “It’s a dangerous substance. Seems to tear apart digital bodies, but there’s some durable materials which stay behind. Lekismon’s helmet was still intact. And Sifamon’s blade.” He pointed. “Although if you look at the handle, you’ll see the ash marks on there as well.”

Hamadryamon held a hand back. “So she was killed by the creature as well then?”

Slam.

“You told us she was executed.”

Mollumon’s raised voice echoed around the chamber, as he glared at each of the Sovereigns in turn. “You just confirmed that right now, in the records. And you said you were all present at the trial.”

Gryllimon raised a hand. “We all were. It’s in the records.”

“Then how did she end up in an eviscerated village several hundred miles away? Is that how you usually conduct your executions?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Or is one of you lying?”

Hamadryamon straightened up. “This is...all baseless speculation. We don’t even know that’s actually her weapon; you could have planted that.”

Her voice retained a firmness to it, but without quite the harsh tone of before, and as the words dissipated it seemed all the more like she didn’t quite believe what she was saying.

“I can confirm it, Hamadryamon.”

The dryad turned around, as Gryllimon shuffled further forwards to the podium. “You know I have records of all the Spokes citizenry, and rebel or not she would be one of them. I can confirm whether or not it was truly hers.”

“And if you can?”

“Then it proves that somehow, she went from the Spokes to this destroyed village after her trial. ”

Hamadryamon bit at her thumb, shuffling backwards from her own pedestal. Her face glanced over towards the three defendants.

“I don’t like this…”

“It’s our duty to pursue the truth, Hamadryamon. Even if it implicates us. We can’t exactly claim the Sovereignty’s never fallen from grace before.”

The cricket leant sideways, addressing Hasdielmon. “I’d like to request a recess, while I confirm the legitimacy of the blade, and some other details.”

The angel’s body fell in on itself, the rings locking together, and he looked more tired than ever. He held out a hand, the glow increasing in the courthouse as he did so.

“Guards, escort the defendants to the antechamber. I think we all need to get our heads in order.”

The antechamber honestly felt less oppressive than the vastness of the courthouse, in no small part due to the lack of four grumpy overlords staring down at you. Coremon had already had a taste of the ornate silver rooms that passed as cell blocks in this place, but he wasn’t going to complain about returning. Especially not once Mollumon and Serpemon were herded through the door behind him, the entrance blocked by the Sagittarimon guards.

“Nice of you to finally join me.”

He turned, managing a weak smile, as Serpemon glided around beside him. “You’ve truly undergone a horrible ordeal in this place haven’t you. Only three crystal windows.”

Coremon tried to think of a comeback, but he was interrupted by the sound of Mollumon clearing his throat.

“I apologise for this.”

FWAP

The tentacle slapped Coremon across the cheek before he even saw it coming, making him stagger sideways. He held his cheek, trying not to burst out into laughter from the unexpected gesture of fury from his companion.

“Sorry…”

Mollumon huffed, and rolled the appendage back up again in front of him.

“I don’t object being dragged into a mess like this as much as I object you not talking it through with us beforehand.”

“You didn’t have to get yourself arrested too.”

“We figured you might need some extra help,” snarked Serpemon as he sidled by. “And besides, you suck at public speaking.”

“I was doing alright before you showed up.”

Mollumon brushed his head tentacles sideways. “Yes, I doubt he’d gotten to the ‘let’s accuse the entire jury of murder’ bit yet.”

“You went along with it, Wiggles. You like it.”

Coremon shook his head slightly, the mirth of the comments serving almost as a brief respite from the dour situation they were all in. He pawed at the ground, before looking behind him. “I don’t expect we’ll have long. I’m sure Gryllimon will verify that as Sifamon’s quite quickly.”

“She’s being awfully generous to us.”

“I had a run in with her last night. She’s diligent and wants to get things accurate. It helps our case at least.” Coremon turned back to Mollumon. “I could almost say the same thing about Muscovymon.”

Serpemon placed a finger on his lips. “A similar deal. We went on our own adventures last night.”

Mollumon curled his beak. “He’s the reason the rebels are here, and the reason we’re allowed here with you. Whatever his reasons, he’s trying to undermine the issues with the Sovereignty. He doesn’t like it any more than we do.”

Coremon tilted his head. “That’s good then, isn’t it? He’s standing up for us.”

“That’s the thing; he isn’t. Maybe bringing in the rebels helped us but he’s not getting us out of any corners.” Mollumon glanced back at Serpemon. “I guess he promised as much.”

“There isn’t much he can do on his own terms. I expect he’s going in with all he has.” The snake leant back, placing his arms behind his head. “We can’t rely on any of them anyway; not when we’re sure one of them is behind all of this.”

Coremon stepped forwards. “We can rule out Muscovymon and Gryllimon though, surely-”

“Newp.”

Serpemon straightened up, gesturing upwards. “They have absolute power. Here, they’d have the right to make us disappear in an instant. This trial is a farcical tradition that they follow to get what they want. If it actually meant anything then we’d have gotten more from Sifamon’s death report.”

“Then why go through all this?”

“Because they want us here. Whoever’s running the sham here has something they need from us. So we can’t rule any of them out until we get the full picture. Why would any of them want Muspelmon dead…?”

Coremon sat back, his fingers clutching the bridge of his nose. When he looked up again, he saw Serpemon still staring at him.

“You found something, didn’t you…”

The manticore sighed, his body not wanting to move, to protect the two companions in front of him from what he knew. But it was inevitable. No...it was his duty.

“You remember the journal that went missing from Muspelmon’s quarters?”

Mollumon started, and Serpemon nodded, as Coremon reached into his cloak.

“It was taken. I found it here, hidden away underneath the capital. I don’t know how it got there, but I know what’s inside now. And I think this is our win condition…”

His voice trailed off, with the other two still waiting expectantly.

“And?”

“...and I’m sorry. It’s going to hurt.”

“How are you feeling, Tobiumon?”

Doedimon crouched next to the land fish as she stood solemnly, trembling just a little. He reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“You did well. I’m sorry for needing to bring it up.”

“This has to be unnatural for you.”

“Muscovymon,” acknowledged Doedimon, as the commander of the guard walked into their own side room. The Sovereign looked back, and nodded at the Sagittarimon, who closed the door behind him.

“I can only thank you for keeping your word. Even the royal guard are being respectful.”

“They will do. They answer to me, and I’ve given them all instructions.” Muscovymon scratched behind his neck. “According to Hamadryamon that’s me ‘not doing my job properly’, but needs must.”

“Do you think she’s behind this? Or in on whatever’s going on?”

The duck stared forwards, giving a long sigh. “I don’t know yet. I don’t even know if the Fire soldiers are truly innocent. But we have to find the truth or nothing’s going to change.”

He nodded at the rebel leader before him. “Are the rest of your group safe?”

“The doctor’s leading them away from the capital. Only Baboongamon and a couple of others are still around here, like you asked.”

As if on cue, there came a muffled jangling from a nearby hatch, followed by a rhythmic tapping. Muscovymon stepped back, nudging the panel aside as Jazamon poked his head up from the passageway.

“Jazamon? Have you found anything helpful down there?”

The bird clicked nervously. “We’ve...found something…”

“Anything that will help us?”

Jazamon swallowed. “We...we think it might be the beast itself.”

Silence. Muscovymon and Doedimon looked at one another.

“What?”

“It looks like

Tobiumon bristled, and Doedimon lurched forwards, aiming for the passageway. “Where are the others? Tell them to get away from there now; it’s not safe for them!”

Muscovymon couldn’t get any words out. He raised his hand, but immediately the rebel leader whirled around, grabbing him by the wrist.

“YOU granted us access. If YOU left it there to kill us then I swear to GOD-”

“Wait, hang on,” stuttered Jazamon as he raised his wings. “It’s not...it’s not doing anything.”

Doedimon and Muscovymon both looked at each other in confusion, so Jazamon continued. “It’s like no Digimon we’ve ever seen. Huge and powerful, and we can see the same ash and markings that we’ve heard of. But it’s not attacking or anything. It’s just...sitting there.”

Muscovymon raised a hand to his beak. “I hate it when I’m right…”

“Muscovymon? What does that mean?”

“Nothing. Not yet, anyway.” The duck looked down. “Tell the others to stand back from it, and run for their lives if anything changes.”

He marched back, throwing the door open and addressing the Sagittarimon standing there. “Summon Frozomon and a couple of heavy guards. We need to head underneath the capital to retrieve something.”

The guard fumbled for a split second, before saluting. “Sir. Shall we go ahead on your orders?”

“I’m coming with you. Hang the trial.”

Without another word, he marched off, with the rebels following swiftly after him.

The courthouse sat silently, Hasdielmon towering above everybody still present, including the noticeably empty podium at the end of the panel.

“Where’s Muscovymon?”

The guard fidgeted behind the defense’s stand. “He said to continue without him. He needs to take care of an urgent matter.”

Mollumon and Serpemon looked at one another, giving small shrugs of confusion. Coremon just found himself looking down into the pit before him, his heart feeling like it was sinking into it.

There came a rustling of fabric as Hamadryamon folded her arms. “He’s already proven himself to have other agendas in coming here. The way I see it, he’s forfeited his right to be a part of this jury.”

Hasdielmon clasped his hands before him. “If he returns then we will make that call. But the recess was for Gryllimon’s work anyway.” He turned his head sideways, the bejewelled eyes shining brightly at the cricket.

“Have you managed to find anything?”

Gryllimon placed the twisted black blade in front of her, her antennae swinging in front of her face.

“The makeup’s definitely the same. It’s the Sifamon from the rebel group, no doubt about it.”

She held the weapon upright, running a claw over one of the pale markings on the surface. It seemed to shimmer as she did so, as if it was still laden with residual heat.

“The ash is a different question. It doesn’t match anything that we have in our citizen records. Whatever this creature is, it’s originally come from outside these walls.”

Mollumon bunched up the end of his tentacle as he pressed it against his chin. He hummed to himself, before glancing sideways at Serpemon. “Do you think it might have come from the Northern Tribes? That’s where we found the burned village, after all.”

“At the very least we can agree there is a creature causing the attacks within the Spokes walls,” said Hasdielmon, his body chinking as he moved. “Although I think we’re missing an obvious point here.”

The three Elites looked up nervously, as Hasdielmon’s eyes scanned them. “You keep mentioning burned lands and decaying ash. Surely this points to the creature in question having a fire affinity.” He ran a hand over the dagger at his neck. “It’s not too much of a stretch to believe that it originates from the Fire Kingdom. Thus it’s possible that you’re the ones who’ve summoned it.”

Mollumon started, caught off guard by the sudden accusation. Coremon bit his lip as he stared forwards, before looking up at the angel. “Much like you, we’ve never seen anything like that within the walls of the Infernal Fortress. It would be too dangerous.”

Gryllimon clasped her hands. “I agree. Officially you wouldn’t. But even records can have omissions.”

“Doesn’t that then invalidate what you’ve just said about it not coming from the Spokes?”

“It’s possible. But given the nature of the attacks, your homeland is still the far more likely.”

Coremon ground his teeth, as the cricket stared down at him, feeling like a towering figure despite her hunched position. “In the absence of the elimination of possibilities, the Spokes jury will take the most likely scenario. You should remember that.”

The manticore felt the stares of the three Sovereigns upon him, his hand fidgeting in front of him. He wanted to look anywhere but at them, but his eyes ended up drifting towards Gryllimon anyway, and the black blade that she still held in her hands.

The blade.

“Pardon me, but we’re the first Fire Kingdom soldiers to enter the Spokes in several years, right?”

Hamadryamon leant back, folding her arms. “Indeed. This diplomatic visit was a rarity. On our heads that we let it happen at all.”

“But the attacks have been occurring since before we came here.” He placed his hands before him. “If the beast came from the Fire Kingdom then how would it have entered the Spokes without anyone noticing?”

Mollumon snapped back to attention, his eyes focusing on the walls of the courthouse. “This whole city is a unique structure. The districts are protected by dint of isolation from the outside world.”

Hamadryamon gritted her teeth, but Gryllimon remained as stoic as usual, placing the blade flat on her podium.

“It would make sense, if not for the fact that there’s clearly been an attack outside our soil as well, if we believe what you say about the Northern Tribe village.”

Hamadryamon turned sideways, her hand wrapping around her waist. “Can we believe that? Even if that is Sifamon’s weapon we’re still taking their word that there was even a burned village at all.”

“I agree,” said the cricket softly, her arms spread wide against her podium. “So during the recess I took the liberty of investigating a little further myself. ”

There was a humming noise, and the three Elites watched as the podium seemed to open out before her, the metal rippling with an almost liquid sheen to it. It flattened from her movement, and slowly, shapes began to form. Impossible to follow at first, but as points and structures pushed out and textures became visible, it became clear that Gryllimon was crafting a map. The Spokes in the top, the Northern tribes to the left, and down below the unmistakeable double gears of the Infernal Fortress.

Serpemon couldn’t help but whistle at the artistry. “You friends with Caesiumon then?”

“As a member of the Sovereignty I have been granted command over the structure of the capital building. We all do to some degree.”

She pressed around further, and sections of the maps opened up; forming bright pinpoints of light across the Northern Tribes, and a bit further afield as well.

“These are all places which have undergone attacks similar to how you’ve described, in the past several months.”

Coremon started, and looked at Serpemon. “Months?”

“Long before you arrived here.” The cricket gestured at the loose cluster around the top left of the continent. “Many an outpost or small village, and many around the tribes. Although there are similar cases all across the continent. None of the large areas; out of sight, out of the way, and unlikely to be discovered in any reasonable period of time.”

Hasdielmon placed a palm on the podium in front of him. “Gryllimon, how long have you been aware of this?”

“I won’t apologise for collecting facts.” The cricket placed her fingers together. “It’s just not been relevant to the internal affairs of the Spokes up until now.”

Serpemon bit his knuckle as he looked over the silver sheen of the map. “You say these are all recent?”

“Relatively recent. There are one or two from a couple of years ago, but they’re from across the sea. From the last few months they’ve all been on the continent.”

The snake looked down at the ground. “Even a couple of months ago, that’s long before any of this business started, even Muspelmon’s murder…Coremon, what do you think?”

There was no answer. Serpemon looked at his friend, only to see the manticore with his hand clasped over his mouth, trying to hide his eyes.

“...Coremon?”

There came a tsk from the central podium, as Hamadryamon swung her sleeve back. “You can see from this that it would be difficult to take this creature in and out of the Spokes undetected. At least, far less difficult than it would be from the Fire Kingdom stronghold.” She tilted her head, staring down at the three. “Your arguments appear to be backfiring.”

Much as the dryad was trying to keep any smugness out of her voice, there was definitely a hint of it still there. Serpemon gritted his teeth, sending glances between his companion and the jury above them.

“You might be right. But there’s one thing.”

There came a click from Mollumon as he straightened up, his head flaps curling slightly. Hamadryamon turned her attention onto him. “And what would that be?”

“That map’s missing a key detail,” said the octopus matter-of-factly, and he pointed with the thin end of a tentacle.

“The rail terminal.”

The Sovereigns started, as the octopus focused his attention on Gryllimon. “The rails from the Spokes reach all over the continent, and some of them even further afield. Please can you add them in?”

The cricket faced towards him with her expression as stoic as always. But she obliged, her hands waving over the panel before her. With a subtle popping sound, the map shifted before her, as the web-like pattern of the rail terminals pushed out from the shifting metal.

It was almost like a completed connect-the-dots game. The pinprick lights from the scattered attack sites were linked up by the shining strands, some of them mere millimetres from the rail. Mollumon sat upright.

“Of course the beast could be released. Just as it could be released from the Infernal Fortress. But even the swiftest among us would struggle to cover those kind of distances without being noticed. With the rails however; they could reach these places in a mere couple of hours.”

Hasdielmon tilted his head. “You arrived here by the rail yourself, did you not?”

“We were escorted. Adding that then adds an accomplice, which is a risk.” Mollumon flicked a tentacle outwards. “But you four don’t need an escort. After all, Gryllimon just revealed that you all have access to the powers of the Spokes. You could travel to where you needed to, perform the deed, and travel back before you were even seen as missing.”

Slam

Another harsh movement from Hamadryamon as she ground her teeth. “Even if we did do this, how on earth would we get to the terminals with a beast in tow? Where would we even hide it?”

“Where else, Hamadryamon?”

The nymph turned towards Gryllimon, who was widening the map, zooming in on the nexus of all the points together. Coremon stepped forwards, gesturing down into the gap below them.

“In the catacombs. Right underneath the capital itself.”

“Wha…”

The three remaining Sovereigns looked at one another, passing silent gazes.

“Muscovymon...you don’t think he…”

Hamadryamon turned back, her expression turning from anger to concern in an instant.

“You seem awfully sure. Is there something you know?”

“I can tell you that I did find Coremon beneath the capital last night.”

Coremon winced at Gryllimon’s sudden reveal, as the other two Sovereigns turned towards her. “Who are you backing here, Gryllimon? Would this not have been important to share beforehand?”

“It wasn’t relevant beforehand.”

Hasdielmon straightened up, his eyes blazing in his featureless mask. “I don’t appreciate you three causing disruption amongst my jury. If there’s anything you need to tell us, Coremon, I demand you do so.”

The soldier held his paw out of sight as Hasdielmon towered over him, the giant’s wings fluttering.

“Did you descend to the catacombs last night, while you were in custody?”

Coremon nodded. “I did, your highness.”

“And did you find anything malevolent while you were down there?”

The manticore could feel his heart beating rapidly, pulling his mouth in as the words threatened to dry up in his mouth. But he could feel the presence of the other two either side of him, sturdy and steadfast even in the face of the behemoth above. With a deep breath, Coremon reached behind him, and in one quick movement, he placed the journal on the podium in front of him.

“I found this, for a start.”

The Sovereigns looked forwards in unison, their eyes on the striking dark tome in front of Coremon. Hasdielmon’s bandaged hand buckled slightly against the podium.

“What is that? Was that in Gryllimon’s archives?”

Coremon sat upright. “A few months ago, during the attack on Muspelmon, we looked over his quarters where it happened. Everything that was damaged was identified, but we also identified that one of his journals that was missing.” The manticore looked behind him. “It’s stated in his post-mortem affairs.”

“And I assume this is that journal?” Hasdielmon folded one hand over the other. “Gryllimon, can you confirm it was down there?”

The cricket tilted her head ever so slightly to the left. “I can, Hasdielmon. Like everything in the archives, it was catalogued and stored. But it seems as if it belongs to the Elites.”

Coremon pressed his lips together. “A journal goes missing during an attack from a Spokes rebel, and it appears in the Spokes? And it belongs to the one who was murdered? That seems like a reasonable link between the two crimes.”

“And can you be sure that it’s definitely his?”

“I can confirm that.”

Both Hasdielmon and Gryllimon turned to Hamadryamon, as the dryad reached out with an extending vine, gesturing at the centre of the tome. “The Fire sigyl is central to the past generals, just as our command over the Spokes capital is to us.” She turned towards Coremon, her face solemn. “This journal can’t be opened by normal means, correct?”

Coremon nodded. “It’s sealed. Even the general has his secrets.”

“But you know how?”

Coremon picked the book up, and passed it backwards, laying it in Mollumon’s tentacles. Then he reached for his cloak, and pulled the brooch out for the first time in front of them all. He held it out, the symbol clear in his hand despite its small size.

“You recognise this as well, right? Muspelmon’s symbol of Fire Kingdom rule. He wore it all the time, until I inherited it with his passing.”

Hamadryamon leant forwards, neither confirming nor denying, but just watching intently. The others did the same, so motionless that they might have been statues. Coremon waited for a few seconds, before pulling back and placing the brooch in the centre of the tome.

It seemed so small now, the locks and hasps unfastening in the centre of the courthouse. But it became clear that the book was unlocked, and it fell open in Mollumon’s grasp. Coremon turned back, as Hamadryamon straightened up.

“It’s definitely Muspelmon’s.”

Coremon made to speak, when he felt a nudge from behind him, and turned his head as Serpemon whispered in his ear.

“We’ve won. I know who it was.”

Coremon started, turning back towards the snake. “What?”

BANG

The sudden impact caught the room by surprise, nearly causing Mollumon to drop the tome in his hands. They all turned around to see the courthouse doors wide open, a mob storming in past the guards.

“Muscovymon!”

The fourth general was at the lead, an expression of pure dark fury over his face. He was flanked by Frozomon on one side, and Doedimon on the other, with several guards and rebels alike stood behind; a ready army if nothing else.

Hamadryamon straightened in an instant, her limbs coiling and her expression twisting. “Muscovymon, where have you been? What is the meaning of this?”

“I’m asking the questions.”

The response was flat, and blunt, yet dripping with anger, as the duck strode up to his own podium, his palms flat against it.

“I demand an explanation as to why there is a living monstrous weapon being held captive underneath the capital.”

Hasdielmon turned towards him. “You found it? How?”

“It wasn’t moving. We’ve managed to move it to the cells. But somebody here has some explaining to do.”

Coremon could feel his entire internal organs retracting inwards, forming a pit in his stomach. He could hear Mollumon behind him, pressing at him, asking whether he’d found it.

He didn’t answer. His eyes darted upwards ever so slightly, and he could see between the back and forth of the Sovereignty that Gryllimon was still as well, staring at him behind her covered mask.

Muscovymon pressed his palm flat against his podium, as the courthouse itself began to shake with new mechanisms. The great chains above jerked, and swayed, releasing motes of silver dust as they fell into the darkness below.

“Perhaps it would aid every one of us if we saw exactly what it is that’s been plaguing our nation.”

“Muscovymon, please wait-”

The commander didn’t. His eye was focused and furious as he stared down into the chasm, and soon the others present had no choice but to watch as well, as the great chains began to rise up.

They moved agonisingly slowly, swinging back and forth with a disquieting silence, a great pendulous weight at the bottom. For a moment it seemed like there was nothing at the base, as there was no disturbance nor movement to indicate anything alive.

But soon the chains thickened, then revealed the top of a cage. Hefty vertical bars, and silver clasps, forming an impenetrable cask. And the onlookers recoiled as the creature within was revealed in full.

“Oh god…”

Tobiumon ducked back, along with others of the rebels and even some of the guard. Hasdielmon stiffened. Hamadryamon’s arms wrapped around her, her skin crawling and her wounds flaring up.

“Thats it…that’s the beast…”

Even Coremon wasn’t immune from the effect, the vision of the hulking creature from last night coursing through his brain. But even more discomforting was its posture; just sat as still as always. Silent, and staring, and entirely obedient.

His heart sank further as he realised in the depths of himself that he was right.

The cage came to a halt, smooth and quiet, leaving the prison hung suspended over the chasm below. Hasdielmon turned his head, his jewelled eyes fixed on Muscovymon.

“Why have you brought it here?”

“We can’t kill it, so we have to contain it the best way that we can. Whatever it is it’s more resilient than any of us, and more volatile. I can’t risk more death.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.” Hasdielmon slammed his hand down, an edge on his voice. “Whyhave you brought it here?”

The duck narrowed his eye, glaring back up at Hasdielmon.

“Because I demand an explanation.”

His voice was subdued, controlled despite the fury laden behind it. Hasdielmon didn’t respond, so Muscovymon scanned the entire courthouse, his tone going up a notch.

“Somebody here knows the truth. I demand they step forwards. What the hell is this thing and why is it here?”

There was dead silence through the courthouse. Deafening for Coremon, as he held his palm against his chest. And almost as if they had a mind of their own, his legs began to move.

Serpemon saw it and reached forwards, grabbing the manticore by the shoulder, “What are you doing? Coremon, you...you know we don’t-”

“It’s alright. It was going to come out eventually.”

The soldier turned around, his eyes a vivid blue as they stared at his companions.

“No...no, maybe it wasn’t. But it needs to.”

He smiled, his eyes glistening.

“I’ll be fine. But I need you to back me up now, alright?”

Serpemon’s gaze flicked back and forth, while Mollumon looked away, unable to make eye contact as he held the open tome in front of him. Eventually the snake let his arm fall, as Coremon stepped to the edge of the defence podium.

“Can I get any closer?”

Muscovymon stared at him for a moment, before moving his hand slightly. The metal podium before him shimmered momentarily, before it extended, reaching upwards on silver spines and forming steps as it did so. Coremon took each step at a time, feeling more exposed with each elevation, but he kept his breathing regular and his movements precise, until he reached level with the cage, only a few metres away from him.

He stared into the bars, at the hulking creature within, so misshapen and crouched as to be almost formless. But despite this, he could make out the clouded eyes within. And vice versa, those eyes were also fixed on him. Pained, and alien, and expecting.

dhaady

It was only a quiet sound, but in the empty chamber it was amplified a thousandfold. Hasdielmon leant forwards, his bandaged hand pressing hard against his pedestal.

“Coremon...soldier of the Fire Kingdom...do you know what this creature is?”

“His name is Crocottamon.”

The Elite turned around, his eyes half-closed as they scanned the podiums of the Sovereigns, and the entryway with the rebels and guards present. Past them, and back down onto the defence lectern, where Mollumon and Serpemon were staring up at him as he addressed them first and foremost.

“General Muspelmon made him.”

TO BE CONTINUED...