CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

From atop Mount Skraahh, Kalb surveyed the Hollows. The Realm of Pain Eternal had been restored in all its terrible splendor, and the ancient edicts bound him fast to his cursed kingdom. He didn't know how Tod had managed it, but somehow, the universe had been snatched from the brink of oblivion. Once again as victory lay just within Kalb's reach, he had been denied.

The Overlord of the Damned was hardly surprised.

He had never been intended to win. The disappointing results of the Great Rebellion and the Grand Corruption had already proven that. Even with Desaphanus dead, some rules could never be broken. At least not this time. But there would be other opportunities in the future. Kalb was as eternal as evil, and he could wait for his chance even if, as part of him suspected, it would never arrive. Besides which, the fun was not in the achievement but in the attempt.

In the meantime, this recent diversion had broken the monotony of countless eons of damnation and filled him with fresh vigor. He was not entirely satisfied with his lot in the universe. He never could be.

Ambition was his torment, but it was the only thing that made his existence worthwhile. Desaphanus had not damned him totally.

The King of Evil cracked a grin. He would miss the pompous old blowhard.

Staggia pulled herself over the top of the mountain. Panting, the devil warily approached her master, who ignored her in favor of his dark reflections.

Below, the line of Damned awaited his sentencing. A dozen new torments entered his refreshed mind and he was eager to get back to work.

Staggia dared speak.

"Lord Kalb, this humble servant would ask, with only the greatest measure of respect..."

"Yes?" He did not turn in her direction, although his viper eyed her hungrily.

She cleared her throat twice. "Are you feeling well?"

His head cocked so that two of his eyes might gaze upon her. She cowered before his infinite and cruel wrath.

"Just fine. And you?"

She trembled in somewhat reduced terror. "I've been better, sir."

"Well, dear Staggia, never forget one thing."

"Yes, Kalb?"

"Tomorrow is another day."

The Overlord of the Damned chuckled.

"At least for today."