Page 77 (1/1)

Questions were asked by guardians present in the flesh and those confined to jars Finally, the chancellor announced that the time had come to vote on a proposal that a task force be appointed to develop a plan for the invasion of the Seventh Realm

A simple Yes/No ansas required Toainst There were 47 abstentions He wondered if the abstentions were by guardians whose ates and had failed to set their default vote to Yes

The ti fun was an essential part of palace life and being confined to a jar didn't stop the older guardians frouardian ell qualified to play a leading role in the evening's entertainment

'Professor Carter held a senior post in his nation's arrandly 'He served in a variety of coh rank had he not been forced out by jealousy within the officer corps'

Tom preferred that explanation for his sudden and unplanned exit fro he was turfed out for a serious breach of military discipline

'BaqshealBaqsheal '

The cry went out around the table

'Professor' The chancellor beaame of baqsheal Do you accept?'

Toaladiatorial contest, Professor'

Touardians surely do not expect ates do the fighting and you have a range to chose from The rules are simple and will become apparent e retire to the arena'

'I have one request, my lord'

'What is that?'

'I want Balduur as my 2IC'

'Your what, Professor?'

'My second-in-command I can confirm that he was called Balduur the Great in his forreatly respected by his people'

The arena was siuardians occupied padded seats on one side and the palace trolls sat on stone benches on the other The area in the middle was covered in neatly raked sand and separated froh wall that sloped inwards Death trolls with ray guns stood guard at intervals along the top

Touardians' enclosure The chancellor inforuardians ould be controlling their surrogates from the comfort of their jars