Millennia of servitude, Abhorsen. Chained by trickery, treachery... captivenin a repulsive, fixed-flesh shape... but there will be payment, slow payment -not quick, not quick at all!
This excerpt from Sabriel by Garth Nix describes a character who has endured thousands of years of captivity and suffering. Through deceit and betrayal, they are trapped in a horrible, unchanging physical form, highlighting the bleakness and hopelessness of their situation. The imagery emphasizes a sense of ongoing, punishable torment that persists over time.
The quote suggests that justice or recompense is inevitable, but it will come slowly and in its own time. The notion of "payment" indicates that the suffering will eventually be rectified, but not in a swift manner. The overall tone conveys a mixture of despair and the promise of eventual justice.
