I woke up, a dream involving temporal physics problems marching on their merry way to eat me still fresh in my head. A day off. It was 8am, I had spent the entire waking night before with Grex on the couch, going over the basics of time dilation. the aura I could generate with a thought and mere flexing of mental muscle could speed time around me up, or slow it down. With more time and practice, the aura would likely expand. but if I tried anything truly weird with time, like going back or forward in it, or reversing it, I'd likely destroy the universe...provided I ever developed the sheer amount of power needed for such a thing.

Good to know.

That lecture was delivered in what was almost a monotone, as if Grex could care less whether all existence ended. Maybe that was true. when I asked him if he could do any of that, he replied no, he lacked the power to punch the needed wormhole in space and time. then he rattled off equations which lost me in seconds. I had him to thank for the nightmare. Speaking of which....

Did I remember to dismiss him?

"Grex?"

I pulled myself from the siren's song of my bed, finding out I was dressed only in my underwear. As I pulled my robe on I heard a noise from the kitchen.

"Grex is that you?"

"Of course it is master, who else would it be?"

Well I had to admit a prowler or burglar was unlikely.

"So you've been here all night?"

"Yes; a bit colder than I'm used to, but a pleasant night over all."

"Did you behave?"

"Of course my master, you would be most cross if I...took initiative."

"That I would. So what did you do?"

"Watched television of course. The discovery channel is most intriguing. I took the liberty of pouring myself some of your coffee; you don't mind do you?"

"Not at all. What was on? You don't need sleep?"

"A documentary on hyenas master. As for sleep I need some, but far less than humans do."

I walked into the kitchen and poured myself a cup. Nothing seemed out of place.

"You really did nothing weird? No killing all humans or anything like that? Tell the truth."

He sighed.

"Master I did nothing harmful to humans the entire night. I watched the discovery channel."

"Alright."

I do wish I could believe him without ordering him to tell the truth; it always felt as if I was wrestling a live alligator. Or at least, that's how I imagined it. I sipped coffee and thought. Grex sipped coffee and watched me, somehow managing to fall short of an intense and uncomfortable gaze.

"Something is bothering me, and I want you to explain it."

"Anything my master."

"What is this entire 'hell hierarchy'? the levels of hell and all that?"

He actually managed to look uneasy. I took that as a sign that I was on the right track.

"That will take some time to explain."

"It's our day off. We've got time."

I rummaged around, finding some generic Raisin bran, settling back as I poured the milk into it. I started munching while he collected his thoughts.

"Alright my master, it's like this. there are ten of what Dante called circles, or levels in hell. Dante however got a few details wrong. He isn't really to blame, the demon he sold his soul to lied to him. I can't offer you all the details obviously, we just don't have enough time to go over everything. But here is how it works.

The circles are actually numbered in opposite fashion from what Dante was told. Circle 9 is the first circle you approach as you enter the gate...a portal downwards, which can sometimes just appear as an actual gate. In that circle, is both limbo and purgatory. As such it is one of the largest circles in hell."

I couldn't hold my peace.

"But isn't limbo like a form of heaven? And doesn't purgatory allow for the cleansing of the soul's debt?"

"Correct on both counts according to what mortals know master, but not completely. Limbo is a deficient heaven, where those who are damned to go are in pleasant fields, rolling hills, and well constructed homes and hamlets. And every waking moment they exist there, they are made aware that it could be so much more...if they accepted God. They are burdened with that decision constantly."

He grinned, a humorless and unsettling showing of teeth.

"They are the rebels of creation, following our own glorious example. those in purgatory, have accepted god's will, and yet sinned. It should be noted that in neither realm were grievous sins committed; those individuals are invariably placed lower. But the thief stealing to feed his family and those humans who murder to save other mortals are an example of what ends up in this realm. It should also be noted that neither of these realms have a large population compared to the others.

Until recently, I was the regent of that circle, the supreme ruler of it. I stepped down to attend you. I served in the name of a demoness known as 'the lady of lost hope'. Our power is...low compared to demons of the other realms. By title I was one of Lucifer's elite...but by power, the real test of rank the lords of the 9th circle are considered the weakest. A good count from the first circle could well best me, as could the other higher ranking dukes of hell."

Well that was interesting. I got the runt of the litter.

"However,' he continued. 'we are in a unique position. The lady of lost hope is more powerful on earth than in hell; on earth she may well be almost as strong as Lucifer himself, due to the nature of her power, which as you know, is space and time manipulation. Not very powerful in hell, where time is dilated as a matter of course in order to punish those deemed wicked, but very powerful on earth, where she can rule both time and space with ease. this fundamental nature in her power of course, bleeds down to all her servants, great and small."

Mind blown.

"So wait, there actually is a God? Holy host? Angels we have heard on high?"

"Of course my master, I wouldn't be speaking of such if there wasn't."

"So where is he? Where are his angels? Humanity is getting pasted, what's he doing?"

Grex spread his hands.

"I've no idea my master, I have not seen the being nor any of his angels since mortals made their first reed huts."

Curious choice of words there.

"I'll be asking more about that later; circles in hell for now. So why were you needed as regent? Where has your duchess been?"

"She is a prophesied demon of great power; she has not yet been born. I was chosen by Lucifer himself to rule the 9th circle till she should arrive, then pave the way for her."

"So demons are still being born?"

"Not often. In fact a new demon hasn't been born for some time."

"Alright, getting sidetracked here. 8th Circle?"

"Ahh, the 8th. Home of Lilith and her brood, the succubi."

He waggled his eyebrows, and I rolled my eyes.

"Deep and abiding passions hold sway there, lust is the watchword. The adulterers, the pedophiles, the sexual deviants...this is their new home."

I couldn't stop the shudder.

"And what is the power dominant there?"

"charms of course, and illusions. Anything to enhance lust or fool a victim into letting their passions get the better of them. Succubi aren't really known for their natural combat capability, though some can surprise you."

"Seems simple enough...hey wait, does this mean all the circles have a predominant demon type?"

"Mostly. There are demons that are chosen by the ruler of that circle, and while various other demons living there may be stronger, screwing with one of the chosen staff is taking your existence into your hands."

"Does the 9th circle have one? you didn't mention any."

"Yes we do, Eriynes...they look like winged humans, have a not totally warranted reputation as eaters of human flesh, and are moderately proficient in all forms of human style combat."

Hmmm...so he was a male Eriynes then. Had to be.

"How good are they really? honest assessment here."

He frowned then grimaced.

"They are about as good individually as a succubus is. The succubus has stronger charms, but their magic and combat capability is about equal."

"So they are the weakest demons in hell?"

"They are among the weakest demons in hell, yes. They can grow to be quite strong, but that is usually through learning. they are the chosen of the lady of lost hope, and as such you can summon them without a lengthy ritual or need of true names."

"Wait I can?"

"Of course, you have the power of a ruler of the 9th circle, as you requested. Such summonings are part of that power."

"That means you can do it too, right?"

I watched his response carefully. He looked pretty offended, wings rustling behind him.

"Of course it does. It is the play of infants for us."

I stopped him with a hand on his arm.

"No need for that now, later. I have more questions. You can have more coffee if you want."

"Thank you master."

He poured himself another cup and took a moment, composing himself to continue.

"So anything else interesting about the 8th circle?"

"Not that I can think of off hand. So, moving on?"

I nodded.

"Alright, 7th circle. The 7th circle is the home of the gluttons; your habitual eaters being the least of those. Drug addicts, drunks, your obsessive hoarders, etc. The realm is the home of the demon dogs and lemores, with Beelzebub presiding. It's a real pest hole, always raining, cold, and filthy."

Charming.

"The 6th circle is filled with the greedy; those who hoard and chase money or other expensive possessions they don't need. Everyone there has a blast trying to defend each others 'fortunes' from each other, it's hilarious. The circle is mainly the home of the Glazu and Vrock, who do a decent job of making that place torment for it's denizens. Mammon rules there."

"The 5th circle is filled with the wrathful; those who commit sin in needless rage. The marshland fed by the river Styx, which forms a natural moat around Hell's only city Niffleheim. Asmodeus is it's duke, and he uses various other demons to administer his realm, most of those able to survive the effect of the waters in some way."

I had to ask.

"Do demons get affected by the waters?"

"Not those that are strong enough. Yes, before you ask, I qualify."

I smiled, getting another cup of coffee for myself.

"Of course you do."

"So, 4th circle. Your standard flaming hell for heretics. this level is Ruled by Leviathan and administered by the various
Baal'Rog and Cacodemons. Leviathan also guards the gate to Nifflehiem, much as Cerberus guards the gate to hell."

I nodded. No real questions there. So far Dante was being turned on it's ear. Well, maybe one.

"What's a Cacodemon?"

"Your average horned wingless demon, human sized, you've seen examples in older literature, if nowhere else."

"So like a bigger form of imp?"

Not all imps had wings after all. He nodded.

"Now, 3rd circle. This one is rather complex to explain. It's a desert, much hotter than your Sahara. In it are the scrub brush and various rotted fruits which nourish the roaming Wyverns of the area. These are the suicides and those that are violent against their own, like your average gang member or violent thief. It is of course, administered by Wyverns and Belphegor."

"Sloth?"

"The very same."

"How does that even work?"

"Tell me, have you ever known a violent criminal to bother using their mind? Or try hard to make money that isn't on the backs of others? A dumb thug is as slothful as it gets."

Something seemed wrong with that to me, but I wasn't sure what.

"Good point, I guess. So, next."

"Well not done yet; Syz, your lake of blood and fire is also here, where a few of your war criminals reside. Attila the hun, a few roman generals, some Italians...."

"Hitler?"

"Oh no, Hitler warrants special attention."

His cold smile made me shudder.

"Sorry master, I did not mean to frighten you."

"I wasn't frightened, just...an involuntary reaction."

He smiled, more warmly this time. It seemed to hold a hint of mockery, though to me or himself I wasn't sure.

"Sure it was. Alright, moving on. Next circle, circle number 2. False witness, or fraud. Sorcerers, astrologers, false prophets, The realm is ruled by Shait'an and administered mainly by Minotaur, cacodemons and the occasional Baal'rog. This place is also the home of those who used their positions to sell redemption for favors or goods. Quite a few popes burning there. Those that steal through fraud can also be found here."

He looked up and I nodded; I had no real questions about that one yet.

"And finally, circle 1: Pride. This is the home of Lucifer himself, administered by any demons strong enough to rise through the ranks. From the lowest Eriyne, to the highest Baal'rog. This circle is a place of beyond freezing cold, a place of the worst extremes."

I interrupted.

"So is Lucifer really a big winged 3 headed demon in the center, screaming and chewing on Judas?"

His eyes positively sparkled with held mirth.

"Of course not, while that part of Dante is true enough...that Lucifer is a statue, much like the one mentioned in "the wizard of Oz". A fine joke."

"Um, sure, I guess. So what does Lucifer really look like?"

"Whatever he wants."

Well that was specific.

"At any rate, Hitler is here...he supplanted Judas by betraying all humanity. His fate is most unpleasant, as befitting his station."

"How can you even punish the bastard enough?"

I know he caught my mutterings, but he said nothing in response, waiting patiently.

"Well, that is quite the lesson. More coffee?"

"Yes please."

"I noticed you didn't really say much about the dominant power or ability of each realm after circle 8."

He paused, coffee almost to his lips.

"that is due to their nature. Most of those powers follow the sin of the realm itself. For example, those of wrath are capable of a berserk fury which can be amazingly destructive, in many cases being able to fight long after their death. At least until those enemies in front of them are defeated."

Hmm, so how does time manipulation fit with my circle? More time for them to be punished? Never mind, not that important right now.

"So...why are you demons destroying all humanity? I mean, why do it at all? You're stronger than we are, not like we are a threat to you."

He turned grim and drained his coffee.

"Hate of course. Soul deep and unbridled hatred."

"Why hate us? I mean, we couldn't really do anything to you at the time you rebelled; we as a people likely didn't even know God or the Devil existed at the time."

"You didn't. But who said we hated you? Of course we hate you, but that is merely a shadow of the hatred we hold for our father."

I was sure my jaw was slack for a good minute.

"You mean to tell me you are involved in killing all humanity over daddy issues?"

"Humans caused the Fall. Half hairless apes that we were supposed to serve as if they were father himself. After serving God for millennium, protecting and administering all creation without question, we were to be thrown from our place at the side of God by a lower form of existence. the very idea was laughable."

"So you rebelled."

He took a deep breath, wings fluttering in obvious agitation.

"We were to be placed in a subservient role to a lizard-monkey with delusions of grandeur. What would you do in our place? Father refused to explain himself, only demanding obedience. what would you do?"

I thought about it while he put me on the spot, taking note of his curiously intense but unreadable expression.

"Honestly, I don't know, and it doesn't matter. Just seems like a weird reason, after all. I thought angels trusted God."

His sudden viscous smirk surprised me...I was getting more emotion from him today than I'd seen since we met.

"Angels do. Demons don't."

"I see."

"At any rate, that is your primer on the true geography of hell. Any other questions?"

"Yes, one. Niffleheim, you weren't too clear on where it was."

"Ahh, well you see the marshy areas the River Styx feed into split around Niffleheim, which is a truly large city. London, New York, Tokyo...really do not compare in size. That is where Lucifer resides, and where the primary administration of damnation takes place. It isn't in any one one circle, but it has levels of its own that reach all the lower circles. The rest is standard topography for earth, plains, hills, mountains in our case."

"OK, got it. We're done for now, but I'm going to have more questions later. You can stick around here, but I'm going to be reading. No tricks or anything if you do stay."

"I'll stay master; after all, I can protect you more effectively if I remain close."

"Alright."

I looked at the clock; it was 10am...I could have sworn it was much later. Grabbing my latest magic primer I tried to dive into it. Some time later, as I was rereading a page for the 4th time, I realized I wasn't taking my mind off of anything.

Today was the day. I wouldn't simmer anymore, instead I'd confront mom today. She was currently at her shrinks unless she'd changed her schedule. But she would be home by 3pm. If she wasn't I'd simply wait for her. Grex raised an eyebrow as I started to pace; he had apparently decided to 'correct' a few of the books on demonic theory I'd taken with me.

He was crossing things out with a red sharpie then writing in the margins. Good thing those books were reprints.

"What's the matter, my master?"

"Nothing at all, just felt the urge to move a bit."

I settled back in and managed to actually focus on the book this time. The book was explaining the link between blood and summons. Seems that blood had aspects of 4 of the elements of existence, according to the book. Earth (iron) air (oxygen and other gases)water (water) and will (living matter). Only one missing was fire. this meant that when you wanted to quickly summon a demon bound to you, bloodletting was the best option, as it called on four of five elements.

Of course you could also just tattoo a circle on yourself somewhere and use that. most people used bloodletting right on their marks, to ensure a problem free summon. the blood provides the power and elemental link, and the mark or tattoo ensures you get the right demon in your long distance call.

Seemed odd to me, since I could reach Grex any time. I mean I knew that was unusual, but I knew I had no mark anywhere. I didn't need to use blood. I didn't need a circle.

"Hey Grex?"

He looked up, still crossing out a section with squeaky strokes from the marker.

"Yes my master?"

"Why am I able to summon you with no athame, tattoo or blood?"

Wordlessly he unbuttoned his dress shirt and pulled it down. On his left pectoral was what appeared to all intent, as a tattoo. It depicted an angelic silhouette with skeletons bowed around her in worship. It was a mark.

"Ahh the confusion you show feeds me. It is simple my master. I am the one marked...when you wished for the power of a lord of hell, you received them. Do you think that those who rule hell do not have the power to summon those who serve them at will? They can. And since I agreed to serve you, you may summon me any time you wish. You may also summon any demons that work for me, assuming you know their names."

I sat back down, feeling as if my legs had been cut out from under me.

"So that mark...."

"Is your mark, yes. All demons from the 9th circle have it now, somewhere on their person. They are yours to command."

"Does anyone else know that lords of hell can do that? Other humans?"

"Not that I am aware of, though a few of the higher placed summoners might. Like your general, who commands a count of the first circle. After all counts can command lesser servitors."

I had to think about that a moment. I did not want the other summoners to know how easy it would be for me to suddenly increase the demon population.

"Servitors? You mean lesser demons that aren't under their direct control?"

"Yes, as in lesser servants of their boss. They can also command lesser demons of other lords, provided they have no orders from their ranking demon...much like a captain from another squad can give you orders to follow."

I see. And that meant he could do it, and I could too. Two Epiphanies hit at once.

"Oh been meaning to ask. Why were you and the generals summon looking at each other like two pissed tomcats?"

"You refer to the bad blood between Gradnez and I? It is simple. I am a duke regent of the 9th circle, he is a count of the 1rst. I technically outrank him, but our level of power is...similar. He feels as if I am inferior."

I snorted.

"And of course he is the inferior one."

"Of course master, as you say."

"Another question. you have a list of servitors?"

He smiled, a warm genuine thing.

"I have a few in mind if you want to increase your repertoire. It is a short list at the moment, as a certain amount of trust is involved. Would you mind a slight delay while I finish my corrections?"

"Sure, I don't mind."

I made more coffee, and filled my cup. Noon now, lunchtime. But I wasn't hungry. I thought about giving some coffee to Grex, still curled up in the large comfy chair as he doodled all over my book. But, he's supposed to serve me. He can get his own!

"You should eat something master."

"Not hungry at the moment; if you want more coffee you can serve yourself."

"Thank you master, I enjoy your coffee."

I went back to reading.

"It's just coffee Grex, not like anyone can screw it up."

"Even so, I enjoy it. Here you are."

He pressed a sticky note in my hands. There were two words on it, obviously names: Abnex and Sarex.

"those two are a good start."

"Relatives of yours?"

"Of a sort my master, they are both minor lords of the 9th circle whose judgement I trust, and serve me faithfully. They should serve you with equal vigor."

"Especially when you tell them to, right?"

"As you say. All you need do is call them as you do me, and they will come."

He started in on another book, sipping coffee and marking away. I delved deeper into summoning theory, now that I'd refreshed the basics I'd been wondering about. The circles for different demons were different, that's interesting. Means I can cold summon a Baal'rog or minotaur just by using slightly different geometry.

Then I looked up and noticed that it was nearly 2:30. I set the book down gently and went to get ready.

"Something wrong my master? You seem...tense."

"Just got somewhere to be Grex. Get ready, you're coming along."

(tbc)