“It’s true I couldn’t kill you,” he acknowledged. “But I’m not a traitor like you.”
“Really? I remained true to my principles and ideals, something no one with a full knowledge of what happened would dare say about your actions. You are the one who betrayed your beliefs by letting a demon escape. Have you noticed that other brothers of yours would still be enjoying a long life if you had had the courage to finish mine off? My dear friend, you will no doubt agree that it was your lack of decision and, I daresay, conviction—and not your will—that assured my survival. That I emerged from our confrontation healthy and safe was the only possible outcome.”
“Don’t call me that again,” Diago threatened, although his position didn’t exactly allow for threats. “My friend died long ago. You . . . are someone else.”
“Those are terribly cruel words you’re hurling at me. They do nothing but inflict great pain on me.” Capa put his hands on his chest, and painted a pained look on his face. “I profess to you the same friendship that we shared long ago, but I see you have changed. A miserable revelation for me. But in spite of that, I’ve been nothing but sincere with you and have opened up to you with my deepest feelings.”
“Your words are empty. Just do whatever it is you have to do to me.”
“Once again your tone of voice reveals your complete certainty that my intentions are to harm you in some way and, once again, I shall try to correct your monumental error in thinking. No apologies are necessary.” Capa put his hand up as if to silence Diago even though he had made no attempt to open his mouth. “Quite frequently I must endure those kinds of misinterpretations, but habit has toughened up my pride so much that they no longer cause me suffering.”
“Now I understand my error,” said Diago, feigning astonishment. “My good friend has come to rescue me. I bet you’re going to set me free and then we’ll go off together.”
“Finally you are getting closer to the truth,” said Capa happily. “Nevertheless, I’m very sorry, but I have to say you’ve strayed considerably off the mark. It is essential for you to understand that I am not completely in control of my actions so, although quite tempting and incredibly similar to my wishes, your suggestion that we go off together is not something I can choose to do. However it did occur to me that your body is far from its optimal state, and I am here to urge you to heal yourself. No one will stop you, you can believe me.”
This proclamation caught Diago by surprise. He was expecting to be subjected to torture and a long, slow, agonizing death, but it was completely unexpected that they would permit him to heal himself.
“Are you serious?” he asked, surprised. He had no idea what Capa was plotting, but there was no doubt in his mind he had hidden motives and that, whatever they might be, he wouldn’t like it. And what struck him the most was that all the looks of shock, pain, and indignation with which Capa adorned his words appeared to be sincere. He wasn’t using any of the exaggerated tones or gestures typical of someone who is pretending to be emotional just to make fun of someone else.
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“You’ll let me heal myself?”
“Do you still doubt me?” he answered, appearing upset. “It is clear that I should work more intensely on expressing my sincerity.”
“I’m not a Healer. I’ll need time to cleanse my body of the wounds.”
“Of course. I know the usual procedure. Invoke your healing light and abandon yourself to a reparative sleep. Take all the time you need. I will watch over you; you have nothing to fear.”
His smile was the most sincere Diago had ever seen. If he were to base his judgment exclusively on his voice and his expressions, he would have sworn Capa would watch over his sleep even if he had to fight an army to do it. Nevertheless, he still didn’t understand Capa’s mysterious preoccupation with his wellbeing. In spite of his mistrust, he saw no reason not to heal himself if given the opportunity. In all probability, they would hurt him again, but if the slightest chance to escape should arise, it was better to be in possession of all his physical and mental faculties.
“I suppose we’ll talk later.” Diago clasped his hands, preparing to heal his body.
“Just a moment. If you allow me a few seconds I would love to offer something to you. It is nothing more than a bit of advice from a friend, but I thought perhaps you might be interested in following it. The thing is, several of my associates are burning with the desire that you share certain information with them. Their thirst for knowledge knows no limits and, reflecting on the present situation, my humble brain has considered the possibility that you could voluntarily offer your services to answer a few innocent questions. Naturally, only if it doesn’t inconvenience you in any way.”
“Let me guess; the questions are about the Nest and about how the angels are currently organized.”
“Excellent deduction. As you might expect, a humble servant such as myself has no knowledge of the nature of the questions they so enthusiastically wish to ask you, but I am inclined to think the fruits of your guess have produced a possibility that is not entirely out of the question.”
“And if I don’t answer your questions you won’t let me heal myself. Now I think I see where your true intentions lie. You’re trying to win my trust by playing the good guy to see if you can get information out of me.”
“Things were going so well before!” Capa exclaimed sadly. “Once again I am hurt to see that you do not appreciate how much I have done for you. Your healing is not an exchange. You can cleanse your body of its wounds as soon as we finish our most stimulating conversation. As for playing the good guy, let’s just say you could not be more wrong; I am the good guy. I cannot for the life of me grasp why you would prefer to have another encounter with our beautiful Nilia, other than to delight in her infinite beauty—but I would bet that’s not how you are. She is truly someone to fear. But me! I am your faithful friend, concerned for your safety when the circumstances allow it.”
“I’m not telling you anything!” shouted Diago. “So you can just go away and send in that lovely piece of work if that’s what you’re planning.”
“There is no reason to be angry, my good friend. I have already told you it was nothing more than an innocent piece of advice. I shall leave you now so you can renew yourself, since that appears to be what you wish to do.” Capa turned and went to the door. “I hope we will enjoy more pleasant encounters in the future,” he reverently added before leaving the room.
Diago was alone. He collapsed in a corner, clasped his hands, and sleep overtook him just as he felt the beginnings of the healing process.
