[Suzerain of Sheol]

Turning on Dante, Shealtiel's eyes take on a haunted, far-gazing aspect, as though he in fact staring through the young man into the depths of Sheol as he speaks.

"Imagine, Lucifer, the act of dying. Stretched as a skein over eternity. Endless dying. An infinite abyss of despair. Pain that cannot be escaped. This..." He draws a deep breath suddenly, eyes regaining focus. "This is the fate awaiting unsaved souls. And we are all... all of us... without salvation."

With a low chuckle, he adds, "Even if gracious Mithaias were a sadist, torturing these creatures for no higher purpose than his own indulgence... his acts here would accomplish nothing. The pain he inflicts is a breath upon the tempest. It is physical, besides, fleeting and finite. Of no meaning to these suffering souls."

He inclines his head toward Dara, acknowledging her earlier question. "I suspect our host is a believer." Were the man not standing nearby, he would use the word "zealot". Shealtiel glares in accusation at the priest. "That's how it is, isn't it? You hate them, not just as enemies, but as abominations to your sanctimony. You don't merely wanted to slay them, you want to wrack them with the price of their sins. It's your destiny, yes? To mete out the retribution of the LORD in His wake. To avenge your murdered God."

Before the man can respond, Shealtiel addresses them all. "I think we've seen all we need to, here. As much as I'd enjoy the ensuing debate of theology should Kasdeja come to collect us, I don't believe we should delay any longer."

***

Aaron regards Michael thoughtfully. "We don't really get visitors out here, if you'd believe it. The only news I hear is what comes over the network, and Jez'ebel keeps that city off the grid. I guess that goes to show how powerful she is, seeing as we haven't been able to breach whatever wards she has over her city." He sighs, nodding as though at some grim tautology he's just remembered.

"For your project, you might want to look into the AA. I'm sure their own Artificers have given some thought to the issue. They keep that stuff classified though. Good luck getting anything useful ought them.

With a nod toward the door, he adds, "I do believe your friends have had enough of wondrous Phillipi. You might want to go see what's up." At Michael's questioning look, he smiles and taps his ear, eliciting a slight plastic *tink* sound. "Psyko-aural enhancement implant. Comes in handy sometimes. Here." He turns for a moment, rummaging through a cluttered drawer. "I have an extra." He tosses the small device to Michael. I'm sure you can figure out how to install it." Eyeing him for a moment longer, he ends, "Take care of yourself out there."