The Purple Emperor

CHAPTER FORTY SIX

'The Wangaramas Revolution' wyrm Cyril announced inside the mind of Jasper Chalkhill, 'is potentially the most important political development within the Realm in the past five hundred years; indeed -'

'Can't we just cut to the chase?' Chalkhill asked a little desperately. It was curiously companionable sharing one's mind with a worm, but the creature did tend to drone on.

'Yes, perhaps that would be best, since time is of the essence. If we're agreed the Realm is in a mess – and from a glance at your thoughts I can see we are – then the Wangaramas Revolution is the way to clean it up.'

'Doesn't tell me what it is, Cyril.'

T was coming to that – you're extraordinarily impatient. You've no doubt heard of the world-famous Wangaramas political theorist Munchen -?'

Chalkhill reached tiredly for the clinic's bell.

'Wait! Wait!' shrieked the worm. T have to tell you this so you'll understand our offer. I'll be quick, I promise. We Wangarami have been the superior species on this planet for more than two point eight million years. Wangaramas philosophers have struggled with this question for generations, creating, examining and dismissing one theory after – DON'T TOUCH THE BELL! The thing is, a contemporary Wangaramas philosopher -'

'Look,' said Chalkhill, I'm sure this is all very interesting, but frankly, my dear Cyril, I have better things to do just now, like getting on with the rest of my life, which does not, however, include any input from you whatsoever. So if you'll excuse me, I'll just set up the operation and get our little divorce underway. I'll try to see that you're not harmed, of course, and since you seem to have managed your life perfectly well without me in the past, I imagine you -'

'We'll make you Purple Emperor!' Cyril shouted.