“Why? What’s that stuff on the cloth?” “Just hold out your hand. Your inked hand.” I glanced at Domitar, who slowly nodded at me. I tentatively held out my hand. My gaze was drawn to the blue skin on top, the result of two sessions of having Dis Fidus stamp my hand for no reason. Dis Fidus said, “This will not occur without some discomfort. I’m sorry. It is unavoidable.” I drew back my hand and looked at Domitar, who would not meet my gaze. “Why should I endure the pain?” I asked. “What result will come of it?” “It will be much less painful than what’s in the Quag if you have the ink on you.”
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