Tidal Florette - A Painted Soul I

Favian - 46

Even though the cell's door opening means it's likely time for his execution. The elation overwhelming him as his sight is restored by the light of torches is more than he can bear and he laughs. I was starting to think they'd chosen to leave me here to die instead...

Warden Lykke steps in and Favian's relief ceases as he anticipates another interrogation. The warden holds the torch closer to Favian's face, heat from the flame making him panic, but after getting a look at Favian's eyes Lykke pulls the torch away. He motions for another guard to tend to releasing Favian's cuffs.

"High Priest Saito has returned to the capital and called together the council of light. Fortunately for you, I am the only member present in the temple and it will take time to wait for the other four to arrive. In the meantime, we will relieve you of your confinement and complete your sentence."

Favian feels his hands come loose from the wrist cuffs, looking at them now he'd forgotten there even was a pair of hands behind him. The warden growls. "You do not think showing gratitude would be appropriate? Your execution was not the high priest's primary concern. I convinced him we may as well have you dealt with before the cell takes your consciousness for eternity."

Out of fear of getting struck or burned again, Favian lowers his head. "Thank you..."

The guard releasing the ankle cuffs punches him in the stomach. "The head warden is worth more effort than a weak croak."

Favian doubles over in pain, but the guard grabs his hair and holds his head back to leave his neck bare as another guard fastens a leashed cuff around it. The other end of the chain is in Lykke's hand, he yanks on it and Favian falls from the chair onto the floor. "Much better, a proper bow."

They escort Favian with several guards out of the cell. Even though it's felt like he hasn't walked in over a year, he doesn't struggle as much as he feels like he should aside from exhaustion. The sensation of seeing light again should be joyous, but the reality of the situation starts to settle.

I'm about to die... no one came to save me...

The dreary dungeon of the depths is such a stark contrast to the lavish temple they walk through. Architecture was never Favian's interest in his studies, but even so he acknowledges the detailed arches and columns around him adorned with Solarian characters he cannot read. They pass by a massive entryway to the temple's cathedral space. Accents of gold and pure white pearl make the heavenly stage look more impressive than the Dawnthrone's room in the palace. Five thrones surround one that is rather reminiscent of the Dawnthrone, which Favian assumes is intended for the council of light and the high priest. How many atrocities have been plotted from that indulgence...

Lykke pulls on the leash, apparently noticing Favian slowing to observe the surroundings. "Your blasphemous eyes have no right to view our chambers."

Favian keeps his eyes down as he follows. As they exit the temple he hears the gathered crowd before he sees them. Lykke chuckles with satisfaction. "The city's finest faithfuls have come to welcome the high priest home. What a pleasant surprise for them they'll get to see a heretic get what they deserve."

Looking up now, Favian sees that the courtyard of the temple is filled with cityfolk. The palace on the horizon fills him with sadness. You abandoned me... Left me to rot until they kill me in a spectacle...

"A filthy blasphemer has once again been apprehended? What a fantastic gift for my return!" Saito's sharp voice calls out theatrically at the crowd as they jeer at Favian. Lykke leads him over to the high priest, a lanky looking man somehow reminiscent of a bird. An oversized white and gold robe that reeks of arrogance flutters in the sea breeze.