[The parchment begins to crinkle around Sandalphon's grasp. Then he stills, and he remains frozen for several beats until he abruptly cranes his neck in Ion's direction.]

It's you? The one to whom my life is linked . . .

[He chuckles, his voice strangled but full of sardonic mirth. Pity for the child wells in him.]

Why? What divine authority did you displease so, to wind up with me? Such a disappointment . . . How regrettable!