Forbidden Sphere

Chapter 21

From the center of a vast, sprawling city rose a single colossal tower. Like the buildings that surrounded it, the tower was as white as untouched snow, and it stood so tall that it looked as if it were on the verge of touching the clouds.

On the top floor of the tower was a large circular chamber, thirty feet high and a hundred wide. It was empty but for a single man. The man was tall and gaunt, with long hair as white as that of the marble from which the tower was wrought.

He stood silently, looking out over the city from one of the chamber's windows.

A knock sounded on the door.

"Enter," the man said.

The door opened, and another man entered the chamber. This man was short, with sharp features and jet-black hair.

"Lord Magistrate," the short man said. "I bring troublesome news."

"Oh?" the white-haired man said.

"Th