Judgement

We entered the throne room, where masses of faeries were already assembled. Knowing what they did now, they bowed deeply to Donal as he stepped in the room. He flushed and nodded back. After slight hesitation, the Faery King sat in his father's throne for the first time. Donal thought that he finally understood how a king felt. With so many people looking at you, a raised seat is necessary so they all look small. This helps a great deal, but for Donal, there were still so many of them, waiting for him to speak.

“We are here to pronounce judgement on the former Regent, Brand.” he announced loudly. “Come forward.”

Brand walked to the center of the room, his jaw set. As he walked, his gaze swept across the room. Everyone that met his eyes flinched. He stopped in front of Donal, and stood up proudly.

“Does this man have any supporters among us?”

No one stepped forward.

“Very well, then.” Donal said. “Because of your crimes--”

“Just kill me quickly.” Brand interrupted. “Don’t drag it out.”

“I’m not going to kill you.” Donal said, making the crowd murmur in surprise. “I've already thought of a better punishment for you, cousin. I’m banishing you. Your memory will be completely wiped of all knowledge of this world, and you will be sent to live with the humans.”

Something inside Brand seemed to break. He turned pale. “You can't do that!”

“Can he?” I whispered to Ciaran from the sidelines. “Won't that be dangerous? I mean, won't he still have his magic?”

“No,” Ciaran whispered back. “Magic itself is nothing more than knowledge and concentration, really. He won't have the ability if he doesn't know it exists.”

“Oh, I can, and I will, unless you have a better idea.” Donal replied, shifting his position on the throne. “I think this is the best thing for you. You've abused all the knowledge and power given to you before, so this is a fresh start. I won't leave you alone in the other world, of course. You will be monitored closely so that you don't cause any trouble.” Donal had a strange, almost sympathetic smile on his face. “I will make sure you last more than one night.”

Brand fell to his knees. “Please, I beg you, kill me instead. I’d rather be killed here and now than endure the agony of living with soft-headed humans!”

“You would rather die?”

“I would!” Brand declared.

Donal stood up. “You don’t deserve the mercy of a quick and easy death!” Everyone in the room jumped; the sweet and clever boy had suddenly become frightening and full of wrath. Brand’s eyes widened.

“You will die slowly and naturally!” Donal thundered. “You are now reduced to the lowest form of life in your own eyes, and your humiliation and pain will continue for a lifetime!” As he spoke, Brand’s appearance changed-- round ears, short, black hair, natural color in his skin-- he now looked completely human. The process was painful-- it was no disguise this time, but a physical change. Brand struck the floor with his fists and screamed. It was all over in a moment.

"John, Rodger!” Donal called. “After I wipe his memories, I’ll leave it up to you to find a home for him. A hospital will probably be best to help acclimatize him.” John and another faery nodded soberly and stood near Brand.

I turned to Ciaran, who was frowning. “Are you all right with losing your brother like this?”

He looked at me and nodded, but I thought he seemed sad.

Donal reached out his hand and was about to completely erase all the memories from Brand’s mind, when Brand suddenly grabbed his wrist.

            “Donal!” he said desperately. “What-- what was the Endless Glass like?”

            “Like?” Donal repeated.

“What did it feel like to use it? Tell me,” Brand pleaded, a helpless longing on his face.

Donal felt something like pity for him. “It was like... like the most powerful and dangerous monster imaginable was holding me in its teeth.”

“But you could control it, right? It obeyed you?”

Donal laughed. “Like the ocean obeys a sailor.”

“Are you ever going to look at it again?” He looked wistful.

“Not if I can help it!”

Brand bowed his head. “I will never understand the way you think.”

“Maybe someday you will.” Donal said, and touched his forehead with one finger. There was a slight flash, and Brand collapsed on the marble floor.