They Must Suffer

(Scene: Inside Babadin’s courtroom — a dark, echoing chamber filled with ominous symbols and lit by flickering torches. Babadin sits upon a high throne draped in shadows. Modac stands before him, receiving instructions.)

Babadin (calmly, with authority):

They are mine. You need not fear them. I hold dominion over every one of them—every mind, every heart that has surrendered to fear and darkness. Their strength is nothing before me.

Modac (nodding, cautiously):

Yes, my lord. I understand.

Babadin (leaning forward):

Now, go into the world. Announce my name, and declare the power of my free gift to all who choose to serve me. Let them know: if they make me their lord and abandon all that is contrary to my command, they will never be alone. And remember—do not be intimidated by those false Christians. They speak of light, but I have dominion even over their voices.

Modac:

I will do as you say, my lord.

(Suddenly, Nosio bursts into the courtroom, his cloak dragging behind him as he strides toward the throne, breathing heavily.)

Nosio (urgently):

My lord—there’s been a disturbance. A light… a faint but noticeable light has appeared among the names of those held captive within the city.

Babadin (eyes narrowing):

A light? From where?

Nosio:

It’s from the house of Mr. and Mrs. Senega Pholus. Their name just flickered. It wasn’t there before—at least not like this.

Babadin (gritting his teeth):

What have you done, Nosio?

Nosio (nervously):

Nothing, my lord. I swear it. I only just noticed it now. It appeared out of nowhere. I haven’t interfered.

Babadin (calmly but firmly):

Very well. Leave it for now. It is only a little light. Nothing I cannot extinguish. The weak often attempt to break free, but they never succeed. I will crush this flicker before it becomes a flame.

Modac (hesitantly):

My lord… may I leave now to carry out your instructions?

Babadin (snapping):

Silence! You speak only when permitted. Your eagerness will be rewarded—but only when I say so.

(He pauses, thinking.)

Before you go, I want you to pay a visit to the cousin of Mr. and Mrs. Senega. There may be a connection—a crack in the wall that we can widen. Seize that household. Bind their hearts and silence any whisper of resistance. Only then may you go out and declare my message.

Modac (bowing):

Yes, my lord. I will go immediately.

Babadin (rising slightly from his throne):

Let this be a warning. Light may appear, but it cannot stand in my court unless I allow it. I am the ruler here. And as long as fear, confusion, and doubt hold sway—I will not be moved.

(Nosio lowers his gaze. Modac turns and exits swiftly. The torches flicker more intensely as a cold wind passes through the chamber, and Babadin sits back, his face unreadable.)

Babadin (to himself):

A little light... how dare it challenge me? No light shall rise in my city without being crushed under the weight of my shadow.

(Fade out. The scene ends with the sound of a distant bell tolling—ominous, foreboding.)