Patrick woke long enough to hear the death sentence, then fell into a state between consciousness and unconsciousness. The world was distorted and whole pieces of conversation disappeared in it. He heard Troy snicker that death was a cliché punishment, and mutilation even more unimaginative. He couldn't understand Claudius' answer, but the words were cold and disinterested.

Patrick was only semi-conscious when they carried him through the low tunnel and into the damp dungeon ...