The Lost Continent · Chapter
Zaemon's Curse explained
Deucalion confronts Empress Phorenice about his loyalty to the old gods, is given chambers in the pyramid, and later attends a decadent feast.
What happens
Deucalion confronts Empress Phorenice about his loyalty to the old gods, is given chambers in the pyramid, and later attends a decadent feast. During the feast, the old priest Zaemon appears, declares Phorenice deposed by the High Gods, and curses Captain Tarca with leprosy when he tries to arrest him. Deucalion is torn between his oath to the Priests' Clan and his duty to Phorenice.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Tyranny
Phorenice's absolute rule is challenged by Zaemon's declaration of deposition, highlighting the tension between imperial authority and divine mandate.
Tradition vs. Change
The decadent new court fashions and the misuse of sacred earth-breath for feasting contrast with the old religious traditions represented by Zaemon.
Rebellion and Revolution
Zaemon's public curse and the rebel forces outside the walls signal a brewing revolt against Phorenice's rule.
Characters to notice
- Deucalion
Struggles with divided loyalties between the Priests' Clan and Empress Phorenice; attends the feast and witnesses Zaemon's curse.
- Phorenice
Hosts a lavish feast, attempts to win Deucalion's loyalty, and is confronted by Zaemon who declares her deposed.
- Zaemon
Appears at the feast as an envoy from the Sacred Mountain, declares Phorenice deposed, and curses Captain Tarca with leprosy.
- Tarca
Chief of the guard who attempts to arrest Zaemon but is struck with leprosy as punishment.
- Ylga
Fan-girl who leads Deucalion through the pyramid's mazes to his chambers; speaks boldly to him.
Key passages
“Phorenice,” I said, “I have been a priest from my childhood up, revering the Gods, and growing intimate with their mysteries. Till I find for myself that those old things are false, I must stand by that allegiance, and if there is a cost for this faithfulness I must pay it.”
Deucalion tells Phorenice that he has been a lifelong priest devoted to the gods, and until he personally discovers their teachings are false, he will remain loyal even if it costs him.
Deucalion asserts his religious integrity to the Empress.
“I have found it as easy to convert the stubborn as to burn them. Indeed, there has been little talk of burning. They have all rushed to conversion, whether I would or no.”
Phorenice boasts that she easily convinces the stubborn to change their beliefs, implying that threats of execution make conversion swift.
Phorenice's cynical view of loyalty and conversion.
“Zaemon had smitten him with a sudden leprosy that was past cure. Yet the punishment was not ended even then. Other twitchings took him on other parts of the body, and he tore off his armour and his foppish clothes, and always where the bare flesh showed, there had the horrid plague written its white mark; and in the end, being able to endure no more, the man fell to the pavement and lay”
Zaemon curses Tarca with incurable leprosy, which spreads across his body as he tears off his clothes in agony, until he collapses.
The supernatural punishment inflicted on Tarca for attempting to arrest Zaemon.