For the first time in a long time, Haagenti found himself with nothing to do - with nowhere to 
go.  Contrary to Mariel's understanding of events, Haagenti had killed everybody he needed to.  
Kobal had been an unintended consequence - but then, that was what came of leaving your cohorts 
in the dark for most of the operation.

Unfortunately, if Mariel found out the truth, she would stop at nothing to rip Haagenti limb 
from limb.  Not that she didn't have the right - after all, according to what she knew, she'd 
been trapped in his gullet for untold centuries - but it would certainly put a crimp in 
Haagenti's plan if she were to kill him now.

He smiled idly, his fingertips caressing the pommel of the dagger.  One thing left to do, and 
the cycle that had begun seven centuries prior would finally be completed. He still wasn't sure 
how Lucifer had foreseen all of the catalystic events - the destruction of California, the 
defection of Vapula, Nybbas, and the unnamed third - but Haagenti felt that he was doing a good 
job of taking advantage of the whole thing.

Then again, there was that book of Lucifer's.  Perhaps all of this was happening simply because 
the Nemesis willed it.  

Haagenti smiled.  He didn't mind being a tool, so long as he was being used by a master 
craftsman.

The Forest of Allusion drew near.  Of course, Alaemon had been in on the entire plan from the 
beginning - it was the only way he could have known everything that he did, and the only way 
that he could have had Vephar's last remaining Forces prepared for a reincarnation.  Never mind 
that Alaemon had not even yet been created when Vephar had died; the Prince of Secrets kept his 
own counsel as regarded his sources.

The Forest was constructed as a great maze, the trees forming barriers that none - not even the 
Calabite Princes - could penetrate.  Above, the canopy formed an impregnable barrier over the 
entire forest; the only way to the ruined temple at the center that served as Alaemon's home 
was to work the maze, whose layout changed for each creature who entered it.  One could never 
be certain of the way in - which was, of course, just the way Alaemon liked it.  Naturally, 
there was an easy way out - but just as naturally, it didn't lead back in...

Haagenti stood for several moments at the entrance to the Forest, considering.  The dagger was 
Alaemon's price, and Haagenti had no further use for it; still, it might be a handy device to 
keep until he was finished with his quest.  On the other hand, he had promised it to the Prince 
of Secrets, and he was reluctant to renege on any deal, even now.

In his mind's eye, Lilith appeared before him.  "You," she said sternly, "have made a deal.  
Vephar's Forces for the last remaining shard of Mariel's Heart.  The dagger has served its 
purpose.  What need have you for it now?"

Haagenti nodded, and Lilith disappeared.  He laughed softly and stepped into the Forest of 
Allusion, fallen leaves crackling beneath his feet as, before him, a cold wind blustered down 
the corridor of trees.  Oddly, his finger itched.  He looked at it - the scratch he'd received 
from the light fixture in the Grand Laboratory.

Haagenti's ichor ran cold.  He stared for several long moments at the scratch, now a vicious 
red, and laughed hollowly.  Turning to head back to his home, he discovered nothing but another 
corridor behind him.  He was trapped - he should have known better than to step into Alaemon's 
domain without precautions.

There was nothing to do but proceed.  Haagenti clutched the dagger, carved of the last 
remaining shard of Mariel's Heart, and walked off into the Forest.