The Castle of Forests: Difference between revisions
From The Fifth City Wiki
No edit summary Tag: visualeditor-wikitext |
KestrelGirl (talk | contribs) m I forgot to do citation text on this one Tag: visualeditor |
||
| (10 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{major spoiler}} | {{major spoiler}} | ||
{{Neath_Location|image1=Castleofforests.png|caption1= | <blockquote>{{Neath_Location|image1=Castleofforests.png|caption1=|location=[[Parabola]]|allegiance=[[The Fingerkings]]|music=[https://failbettergames.bandcamp.com/track/irrigo-below Irrigo Below]}}''"Vine-hung trees knot together to form walls in ascending circles, narrowing as they reach its peak. A formidable citadel stands at the top, bristling with thick thorns and bulging with poisoned fruit. It is part castle, part malevolent hedge-maze."''<ref name="within castle of forests">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Within_the_Castle_of_Forests|Within the Castle of Forests|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote>The '''Castle of Forests''' is a verdant fortress of the [[Fingerkings]], located deep within [[Parabola]].__FORCETOC__ | ||
The '''Castle of Forests''' is a verdant fortress of the [[Fingerkings]], located deep within [[Parabola]]. | |||
== A Letter to My Dearest == | == A Letter to My Dearest == | ||
''"OPEN ARE THE DOUBLE-DOORS OF THE HORIZON..."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_silvered_future_1|A silvered future 1|Fallen London | <blockquote>''"OPEN ARE THE DOUBLE-DOORS OF THE HORIZON..."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_silvered_future_1|A silvered future 1|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote>[[File:Foliageorange.png|alt=Foliage under an orange sky.|thumb|The Castle's foliage.]] | ||
[[File:Foliageorange.png|alt=Foliage under an orange sky.|thumb| | "The Castle of Forests is an enormous fortress of the [[Fingerkings]], more like a hedge-maze than any castle I've ever seen. Its walls are built of knotted trees and vines, rising into the horizon in concentric circles; at the center is a citadel. The flora here is hostile, bristling with sharp thorns and teeming with poisonous fruit.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Within_the_Castle_of_Forests|Within the Castle of Forests|Fallen London}} ''"Vine-hung trees knot together to form walls in ascending circles, narrowing [...] A [...] citadel [...] at the top, [...] with thick thorns and [...] poisoned fruit. It is part castle, part malevolent hedge-maze."''</ref> A far cry from Tyrant's Gardens indeed." | ||
"The Castle of Forests | |||
" | "This place was formed from ancient dreams of forests that stretched on forever, and shaped by the dreams of architects and maze-makers to confound anyone who enters uninvited.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consider_the_Castle_of_Forests|Consider the Castle of Forests|Fallen London}} ''"The Castle's walls are [...] forged from antique dreams of woods without end. [...] dreams of architects and labyrinth-builders have been employed to render the Castle's layout into a grand trap for all who walk its [...] chambers uninvited"''</ref> A ring of oak trees stands guard over its borders; its center is rosewood; and between the two lies a vast stretch of pine forest.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Gallery_of_Serpents_(7_FATE)|A Gallery of Serpents (7 FATE)|Fallen London}} ''"[...] great oaks rise like battlements. Behind them [...] pine. At their centre, a gate of rosewood [...]"''</ref> They say the Castle was once much less verdant than it is now, when its vines were little more than husks. They say it teemed with ancient trees, and all the life you would find in a great forest.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sear_the_Castle_with_Viric|Sear the Castle with Viric|Fallen London}}''"For a moment you see the Castle as it might have been – and might one day be again. Red mice nestle in ivy; old stones slumbering beneath ancient and watchful trees. Rays of cosmogone light dapple the flagstones in a sleepy warmth."''</ref> I wish I could see such a place, but for now the greenery covers all." | ||
[[File:Parabola medium.png|100px|alt=A field of mirrors under and orange sky.|thumb|[[Parabola]]]] | [[File:Parabola medium.png|100px|alt=A field of mirrors under and orange sky.|thumb|[[Parabola]]]] | ||
"During my time here, I've come to notice certain things about the Castle that an average passerby may miss. For instance: the Castle always seems to face the [[Coiling Spire]] that leads up to the [[Skin of the Sun]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Affair_of_the_Impatient_Apprentice|The Affair of the Impatient Apprentice|Fallen London | "During my time here, I've come to notice certain things about the Castle that an average passerby may miss. For instance: the Castle always seems to face the [[Coiling Spire]] that leads up to the [[Skin of the Sun]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Affair_of_the_Impatient_Apprentice|The Affair of the Impatient Apprentice|Fallen London}} ''"The Castle always faces the spire."''</ref> Do the Fingerkings have a fondness for that [[Cosmogone|sunset glow]]?<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Set_of_Cosmogone_Spectacles|Set of Cosmogone Spectacles|Fallen London}}''"The lenses are the colour of remembered sunshine, which the things behind mirrors find irresistible."''</ref> For another thing: in Parabola, the dead may rise again, and in the Castle of Forests, anything organic may grow. If I could find the bones of a fierce enough creature,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Summon_a_Terror-Bird|Summon a Terror-Bird|Fallen London}} ''"[...] in the Castle of Forest all that is organic may be grown."''</ref> would anything in Parabola stand in my way?" | ||
== The Hedges of War == | == The Hedges of War == | ||
''"The verdant fortress, formed from strangling vines. At its emerald heart stands the impenetrable citadel of the Fingerkings."''<ref name = "return to castle of forests"/> | <blockquote>''"The verdant fortress, formed from strangling vines. At its emerald heart stands the impenetrable citadel of the Fingerkings."''<ref name="return to castle of forests">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Return_to_the_Castle_of_Forests|Return to the Castle of Forests|Fallen London}}''"Thorns split your skin, droplets of your blood glisten like berries."''</ref></blockquote>[[File:Fingerking.png|alt=A red, yellow, and black snake within an apple.|thumb|A [[Fingerking]].]] | ||
[[File:Fingerking.png|alt=A red, yellow, and black snake within an apple.|thumb|A [[Fingerking]].]] | "The Castle of Forests seems to be the foremost stronghold of the [[Fingerkings]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Return_to_the_Castle_of_Forests|Return to the Castle of Forests|Fallen London|}} ''"The verdant fortress, formed from strangling vines. At its emerald heart stands the impenetrable citadel of the Fingerkings."''</ref> I've caught glimpses of their warring in my dreams,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Shadows_on_the_Mirrorpane|Shadows on the Mirrorpane|Fallen London}}''"Nightly, Parabola intrudes beyond the Viric Jungle, through the glass and into the sleep of Londoners."''</ref> and to this I now bear direct witness. The thorny hedges that form the Castle are more than enough to deter the average interloper,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Return_to_the_Castle_of_Forests|Return to the Castle of Forests|Fallen London|}} ''"Thorns split your skin, droplets of your blood glisten like berries. Slowly you force your way through the brooding, gloomy green and into the midst of the Castle[...]"''</ref> but the Castle holds a location of great strategic importance that may interest a more motivated enemy." | ||
"The Castle of Forests seems to be the foremost stronghold of the [[Fingerkings]].<ref | |||
"At the very center of the Castle lies the '''Citadel of Vineyards''', the Fingerkings' seat of power in this place.<ref name = " | "At the very center of the Castle lies the '''Citadel of Vineyards''', the Fingerkings' seat of power in this place.<ref name=":0">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Within_the_Castle_of_Forests|Within the Castle of Forests|Fallen London|}} ''"Vine-hung trees knot together to form walls in ascending circles, narrowing as they reach its peak. A formidable citadel stands at the top, bristling with thick thorns and bulging with poisoned fruit. It is part castle, part malevolent hedge-maze."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consider_the_Castle_of_Forests|Consider the Castle of Forests|Fallen London}}''"The Castle is a stronghold and a prison of the Fingerkings. From the Citadel of Vineyards, ancient Orts conspire in vast nets of dream."''</ref> The only way to reach the Citadel is through a net of hanging vines, filled with protrusions which all contain coils of snakeskin - the remains of failed possession attempts.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Assault_the_Citadel_of_Vineyards|Assault the Citadel of Vineyards|Fallen London}} ''"The Citadel is reached by a net of hanging vines, plump with protuberances. They break [...] spilling out coils of shed snakeskin [...] all that remains of failed possessions [...]"''</ref> The Citadel itself is protected by three walls and seven gates, called the '''Gates of Remembrance''' because they are decorated with the relics of deceased Fingerkings.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Assault_the_Citadel_of_Vineyards|Assault the Citadel of Vineyards|Fallen London}}''"The Citadel has seven gates and three walls. Each is clogged with the dead relics of Fingerkings lost to the Is. Shed snakeskin shimmers among the vines."''</ref> If all the Castle's defenses still don't deter you, however, the Castle's palace guards and defenses certainly will, once they've been primed and readied.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Assault_the_Citadel_of_Vineyards|Assault the Citadel of Vineyards|Fallen London}} ''"The defences are primed, too soon."''</ref> Pray that you do not meet them directly. I've seen the aftermath." | ||
[[File:Catblack.png|alt=A cat.|thumb|A [[Cat]].]] | [[File:Catblack.png|alt=A cat.|thumb|A [[Cat]].]] | ||
"I've heard whispers that the Castle also hides the Fingerkings' treasures from the [[Fourth City]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Uncover_the_Khan%27s_Mirror|Uncover the Khan's Mirror|Fallen London | "I've heard whispers that the Castle also hides the Fingerkings' treasures from the [[Fourth City]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Uncover_the_Khan%27s_Mirror|Uncover the Khan's Mirror|Fallen London}}''"Deep within the Castle of Forests, the treasures of the last Khan lie. Among them is the mirror that the Emissary seeks."''</ref> which they managed to take over during its twilight years.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Khan%27s_Heart#Interactions|Pay a storyteller|Sunless Sea}}''"...where London now stands, the capital of the Khanate once stood, after its own disappearance from the surface. After the clean sky and wide earth they went half-mad in the close night under the Earth. They found serpent-things in mirrors that promised them diversion, escape, new horizons. In time the mirror-serpents became masters, not servants..."''</ref> Easily visible from here is the '''Tower of Ivy and Loathing''', the Castle's tallest spire.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Siege_yourself|Siege yourself|Fallen London}}''"Your enemy has garrisoned yourself in the Tower of Ivy and Loathing at the very height of the Castle."''</ref> And over there is what remains of the '''Palatinate''', a structure that was once ruled by [[cats]] before they lost it to the snakes. They say it was once a paradise,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Liberate_the_Surrendered_Palatinate|Liberate the Surrendered Palatinate|Fallen London}}''"A lost paradise of the cats, recklessly lost and now held by the Fingerkings."''</ref> but after it fell, it was overrun and consumed by the Castle's greenery.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Palatinate,_Regained|The Palatinate, Regained|Fallen London}} ''"[...] the boughs of the Castle of Forest encroach on the borders."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Leave_the_Palatinate_2|Leave the Palatinate 2|Fallen London}}''"Already vines threaten the border, and the unmistakable grey-greenery of the Castle intrudes upon the horizon."''</ref> Beyond the Castle's rear flank is a field of yellowing grass,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Reach_the_Appalling_Socialite%27s_Prize|Reach the Appalling Socialite's Prize|Fallen London}} ''"[...] you enter an empty field, on the far side of the Castle of Forests. Its grass is sickly and yellow [...]"''</ref> but I do not know what [[The Red-Handed Queen|power]] presides there,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Bloody-Handed_End|The Bloody-Handed End|Fallen London}}''"A Red-Handed Queen sits on a dais and rises as the Socialite approaches. The Socialite kneels before her, and the Queen plucks the ruby from her hands and places her sceptre on the Socialite's shoulder."''</ref> if any." | ||
== The Prison of Thorns == | == The Prison of Thorns == | ||
''"The Castle is a forest; its spread wild and grand. Its dungeons, sunk deep into its roots, are similarly vast."''<ref name = "liberate dungeons">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Liberate_the_dungeons_of_the_Castle|Liberate the dungeons of the Castle|Fallen London|}}</ref> | <blockquote>''"The Castle is a forest; its spread wild and grand. Its dungeons, sunk deep into its roots, are similarly vast."''<ref name="liberate dungeons">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Liberate_the_dungeons_of_the_Castle|Liberate the dungeons of the Castle|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote> | ||
<blockquote>''"The Fingerkings collect prisoners here like gold in a Viking's hoard. Most are swiftly forgotten, some linger still."''<ref name="liberate dungeons"/></blockquote>[[File:Castleofforests2.png|thumb|Most leave weeping.]] | |||
"I suppose I would be a fool if I did not mention the Castle's true purpose: it functions as a giant prison for the [[Fingerkings]].<ref name=":1">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Liberate_the_dungeons_of_the_Castle|Liberate the dungeons of the Castle|Fallen London|}} ''"The Fingerkings collect prisoners here like gold in a Viking's hoard. Most are swiftly forgotten, some linger still."''</ref> Certain prisoners are locked in briar-cages,<ref name="genial magician">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Genial_Magician|The Genial Magician|Fallen London}}''"He's frightened. He weeps in his briar-cage. He betrayed the Fingerkings for the sake of compassion..."''</ref> while others are trapped within the Castle's dungeons.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Liberate_the_dungeons_of_the_Castle|Liberate the dungeons of the Castle|Fallen London|}} ''"The Castle is a forest; its spread wild and grand. Its dungeons, sunk deep into its roots, are similarly vast."''</ref> These dungeons extend far beneath the Castle's grounds, and they swell with rot and fungus.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Liberate_the_dungeons_of_the_Castle|Liberate the dungeons of the Castle|Fallen London}} ''"[...] you spelunk into the rotting, fungal depths of the Castle [...]"''</ref> This is where the enemies and victims of the Fingerkings go: those who betrayed them,<ref name="genial magician" /> or agreed to a deal with them without knowing the full consequences.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Bishop_of_Southwark_2|The Bishop of Southwark 2|Fallen London}}''"Not an innocent. But certainly a man of principle. He bargained for the Fingerkings' help. He didn't understand he was giving up his freedom. If he returns to London, of course, they'll keep their side of the bargain."''</ref> A common mistake, when tempted by one's greatest dreams coming true." | |||
"But there are other prisoners, too: lost missionaries, [[devils]], [[tigers]], [[Rosers]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Liberate_the_dungeons_of_the_Castle|Liberate the dungeons of the Castle|Fallen London|}} ''"You uncover lost missionaries and blind Rosers, repentant devils and remorseless tigers."''</ref> Sometimes the [[Red-Handed Queen]] herself shows up here,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Bloody-Handed_Queen|The Bloody-Handed Queen|Fallen London}}''"What a power! A deep strength out of the mind's caverns. [...] It would be terribly irresponsible to set her loose in the real world."''</ref> but I can't tell whether the Fingerkings are her gaolers, guards, or subjects.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Heretic_of_Hollow_Street|The Heretic of Hollow Street|Fallen London}}''"The Snakes think they are her guards. Sometimes she is their prisoner, sometimes their queen."''</ref> Some of the prisoners are forgotten, while others still linger within their cells.<ref name=":1" /> A few are slated for possession by the [[Fingerkings]].<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Forgotten_Quarter|Let the Urbane Magician go free|Sunless Sea}}''"Nevertheless, I owe you a debt of gratitude. Now I shall pay it. Something for you, from the Castle of Forests. Goodbye."''</ref> Whether this fate is more dreadful than the others, I do not know." | |||
" | "There's a chapel in there, too; once upon a time, many holy individuals were lured in and possessed by the Fingerkings, and their bones now litter the floor of this place.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ignite_the_Chorus_of_Forests|Ignite the Chorus of Forests|Fallen London}} ''"You kneel in a chapel [...] clogged with the stolen bones of false-saints."''</ref> Many other individuals who found themselves in the Castle were silenced forever here, but they say that the Castle remembers its victims.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ignite_the_Chorus_of_Forests|Ignite the Chorus of Forests|Fallen London}}''"The dead are the dead in Parabola, but the Castle remembers its victims."''</ref> A comfort, I suppose, as I doubt anyone else on the other side of the glass does." | ||
==A Confession== | |||
''Editor's note: The following writing is not strictly canon, but is primarily based on canon sources and information.'' | |||
"I think now would be a good time to inform you that this letter is no guide; rather, it is a confession. I bargained with the Fingerkings for knowledge, but, like many of the other fools chained here, I did not know I would be giving up my freedom in the process. Now, I stand within my briar-cage, as the days led to weeks, then months." | |||
"I think now would be a good time to inform you that this letter is no guide; rather, it is a confession. I bargained with the Fingerkings for knowledge, but, like many of the other fools chained here, I did not know I would be giving up my freedom in the process. Now, I stand within my briar-cage, as the days led to weeks, then months. | |||
I have seen many prisoners depart in one way or another; when I first came here, I gripped my thorned cage until my palms bled. Have I always known my skin would be superfluous, wrapped around my true self like a glove or a suit? When the Fingerkings take my body, will they lead my visage to higher glories than I could ever imagine, or will my face inflict countless horrors on the dreams of the innocent? I do not know if I will have time to ponder for an answer; the last of the cells around me have already been emptied, discarded, or vacated. Soon, I will know what end awaits me." | "I have seen many prisoners depart in one way or another; when I first came here, I gripped my thorned cage until my palms bled. Have I always known my skin would be superfluous, wrapped around my true self like a glove or a suit? When the Fingerkings take my body, will they lead my visage to higher glories than I could ever imagine, or will my face inflict countless horrors on the dreams of the innocent? I do not know if I will have time to ponder for an answer; the last of the cells around me have already been emptied, discarded, or vacated. Soon, I will know what end awaits me." | ||
== References == | ==References== | ||
<references /> | {{Scroll box|text=<references/>}} | ||
[[Category:Places]] | [[Category:Places]] | ||
[[Category:Stylistic]] | [[Category:Stylistic]] | ||
[[Category:Parabola]] | [[Category:Parabola]] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:04, 14 June 2025
|
Beyond this point lie major spoilers for Fallen London, Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, or Mask of the Rose. This may include endgame or major Fate-locked spoilers. Proceed at your own risk. You can find out more about our spoiler policy here. |
"Vine-hung trees knot together to form walls in ascending circles, narrowing as they reach its peak. A formidable citadel stands at the top, bristling with thick thorns and bulging with poisoned fruit. It is part castle, part malevolent hedge-maze."[1]
The Castle of Forests is a verdant fortress of the Fingerkings, located deep within Parabola.
A Letter to My Dearest[edit]
"OPEN ARE THE DOUBLE-DOORS OF THE HORIZON..."[2]
"The Castle of Forests is an enormous fortress of the Fingerkings, more like a hedge-maze than any castle I've ever seen. Its walls are built of knotted trees and vines, rising into the horizon in concentric circles; at the center is a citadel. The flora here is hostile, bristling with sharp thorns and teeming with poisonous fruit.[3] A far cry from Tyrant's Gardens indeed."
"This place was formed from ancient dreams of forests that stretched on forever, and shaped by the dreams of architects and maze-makers to confound anyone who enters uninvited.[4] A ring of oak trees stands guard over its borders; its center is rosewood; and between the two lies a vast stretch of pine forest.[5] They say the Castle was once much less verdant than it is now, when its vines were little more than husks. They say it teemed with ancient trees, and all the life you would find in a great forest.[6] I wish I could see such a place, but for now the greenery covers all."
"During my time here, I've come to notice certain things about the Castle that an average passerby may miss. For instance: the Castle always seems to face the Coiling Spire that leads up to the Skin of the Sun.[7] Do the Fingerkings have a fondness for that sunset glow?[8] For another thing: in Parabola, the dead may rise again, and in the Castle of Forests, anything organic may grow. If I could find the bones of a fierce enough creature,[9] would anything in Parabola stand in my way?"
The Hedges of War[edit]
"The verdant fortress, formed from strangling vines. At its emerald heart stands the impenetrable citadel of the Fingerkings."[10]
"The Castle of Forests seems to be the foremost stronghold of the Fingerkings.[11] I've caught glimpses of their warring in my dreams,[12] and to this I now bear direct witness. The thorny hedges that form the Castle are more than enough to deter the average interloper,[13] but the Castle holds a location of great strategic importance that may interest a more motivated enemy."
"At the very center of the Castle lies the Citadel of Vineyards, the Fingerkings' seat of power in this place.[14][15] The only way to reach the Citadel is through a net of hanging vines, filled with protrusions which all contain coils of snakeskin - the remains of failed possession attempts.[16] The Citadel itself is protected by three walls and seven gates, called the Gates of Remembrance because they are decorated with the relics of deceased Fingerkings.[17] If all the Castle's defenses still don't deter you, however, the Castle's palace guards and defenses certainly will, once they've been primed and readied.[14][18] Pray that you do not meet them directly. I've seen the aftermath."
"I've heard whispers that the Castle also hides the Fingerkings' treasures from the Fourth City,[19] which they managed to take over during its twilight years.[20] Easily visible from here is the Tower of Ivy and Loathing, the Castle's tallest spire.[21] And over there is what remains of the Palatinate, a structure that was once ruled by cats before they lost it to the snakes. They say it was once a paradise,[22] but after it fell, it was overrun and consumed by the Castle's greenery.[23][24] Beyond the Castle's rear flank is a field of yellowing grass,[25] but I do not know what power presides there,[26] if any."
The Prison of Thorns[edit]
"The Castle is a forest; its spread wild and grand. Its dungeons, sunk deep into its roots, are similarly vast."[27]
"The Fingerkings collect prisoners here like gold in a Viking's hoard. Most are swiftly forgotten, some linger still."[27]
"I suppose I would be a fool if I did not mention the Castle's true purpose: it functions as a giant prison for the Fingerkings.[28] Certain prisoners are locked in briar-cages,[29] while others are trapped within the Castle's dungeons.[30] These dungeons extend far beneath the Castle's grounds, and they swell with rot and fungus.[31] This is where the enemies and victims of the Fingerkings go: those who betrayed them,[29] or agreed to a deal with them without knowing the full consequences.[32] A common mistake, when tempted by one's greatest dreams coming true."
"But there are other prisoners, too: lost missionaries, devils, tigers, Rosers.[33] Sometimes the Red-Handed Queen herself shows up here,[34] but I can't tell whether the Fingerkings are her gaolers, guards, or subjects.[35] Some of the prisoners are forgotten, while others still linger within their cells.[28] A few are slated for possession by the Fingerkings.[36] Whether this fate is more dreadful than the others, I do not know."
"There's a chapel in there, too; once upon a time, many holy individuals were lured in and possessed by the Fingerkings, and their bones now litter the floor of this place.[37] Many other individuals who found themselves in the Castle were silenced forever here, but they say that the Castle remembers its victims.[38] A comfort, I suppose, as I doubt anyone else on the other side of the glass does."
A Confession[edit]
Editor's note: The following writing is not strictly canon, but is primarily based on canon sources and information.
"I think now would be a good time to inform you that this letter is no guide; rather, it is a confession. I bargained with the Fingerkings for knowledge, but, like many of the other fools chained here, I did not know I would be giving up my freedom in the process. Now, I stand within my briar-cage, as the days led to weeks, then months."
"I have seen many prisoners depart in one way or another; when I first came here, I gripped my thorned cage until my palms bled. Have I always known my skin would be superfluous, wrapped around my true self like a glove or a suit? When the Fingerkings take my body, will they lead my visage to higher glories than I could ever imagine, or will my face inflict countless horrors on the dreams of the innocent? I do not know if I will have time to ponder for an answer; the last of the cells around me have already been emptied, discarded, or vacated. Soon, I will know what end awaits me."
References[edit]
|
