Family Ties

Consciousness comes with unpleasant suddenness. Bright light burns through Sebastean's eyelids, searing his brain awake, eliciting a growl even though he's sworn to himself not to make a sound.

He struggles to rise, fingers slipping on the smooth, warm, bright surface of what seems to be the inside of a perfect sphere. Every inch of the container glows brightly, hurting Sebastean's sensitive eyes. He is aware of being naked, and of course unarmed, which was what he expected.

There are no shadows in the small chamber. No matter how he arranges himself, he can't seem to darken a single spot, and therefore his repeated attempts at channeling yield no results.

Several long, quiet moments pass while he waits, wondering what his captors plan to do with him. Just as he decides he's not going to be hearing from anyone, a voice comes from everywhere at once.

“Abomination,” says the deep, regal voice, and instantly he knows who is speaking, “It is a pleasure to see you in captivity. Animals belong in cages.”

Breaking his short lived vow of silence, Sebastean snarls. “And you belong in the dirt, grandfather. Death is the price of murder, as your all-important Book says.”

“Yes, creature, let's talk about murder. You know four of my warriors died to get you here, and it was you who killed them with your filthy witchery.”

“I especially liked the pop when I twisted that one's neck. No witchery there, old man.” Sebastean allows himself a moment of despair before realizing that in a hopeless situation, the only reasonable course of action is to go down fighting. Even if fighting only means making rude comments until you're executed. “Give me a moment with yours. You could use a realignment.”

There is a sigh from the voice of Dackorec, leader of the Seraphic Priesthood, and a pause before answering. “You ought to know, it has taken every last ounce of my self-control not to destroy you in your sleep. The very notion of you disgusts me.” A hint of anger creeps into the echoing voice. “And dealing with you thus far has not been... pleasant. I've had to make many sacrifices. I've had to make deals, concessions, I've spent weeks of my life in prayer to ask forgiveness for the deeds I've committed in the name of tracking you down.”

“Killing your own daughter sounds tiring. Might have been easier not to do it at all.” Now Sebastean gives in to impotent rage, beating his fists against the glassy walls.

“No, no it would not. My sins have been worth the price I will pay in the next life, because ending you will be the greatest redemption of all. Your tainted blood will absolve me of my failings.”

“Make sure you wash, afterwards. You never know where I've been.”

“Oh, but I do. In fact, I knew where you were supposed to be tonight, that little colony of dirt-eaters, and rest assured they will suffer for their ill-granted hospitality. Harboring such as you is a grave sin, you know. In fact, that's one of only two reasons you're still alive, so that you can know we've disposed of your band of runaways and killers.”

Sebastean's heart jumps into his throat, but he keeps his scornful voice steady. “And what's the other? You want me to model for your art students?”

He almost hears the cruel grin. “We're keeping you alive, Abomination, so that our experimental theologans can study you. We want to know what made you happen...”

Sebastean becomes aware of a gas being pumped into the chamber, but without being able to channel, there's nothing he can do but breathe it. He collapses in a heap again, and in his confused thoughts he's glad of the shadows creeping at the edge of his vision.

“...so that it will never happen again.”