“It appears to me but a cloak under which we share the pleasure of other people.”
Tydomin pulled at Spadevil’s arm. “Maskull has betrayed you, as he has so many others. Let us go.”
He stood fast. “You have changed quickly, Maskull.”
Maskull, without answering him, turned to Catice. “Why do men go on living in this soft, shameful world, when they can kill themselves?”
“Pain is the native air of Surtur’s children. To what other air do you wish to escape?”
“Surtur’s children? Is not Surtur Shaping?”
“It is the greatest of lies. It is Shaping’s masterpiece.”
“Answer, Maskull!” said Spadevil. “Do you repudiate right action?”
“Leave me alone. Go back! I am not thinking of you, and your ideas. I wish you no harm.”
The darkness came on fast. There was another prolonged silence.