Redemption is a large theme in much of fantasy literature, and Dominic Deegan is no exception to this rule. (Hell, it’s a big theme in regular fiction as well – just take a look at Darth Vader of Star Wars – the first three films (ep. 4-6) were about the redemption of Anakin, not about Luke or the Rebellion.) As literature has advanced and moved beyond the stereotypes of absolute good and absolute evil, villains have also been fleshed out and often have reasons for the dastardly deeds they do. The road to Hell is paved with good intentions, as it were.

The “villain” Celesto is no different. Indeed, he is a deliberate counterpoint to Dominic himself: they are both seers, they both wear glasses, they both had troubled pasts. There, but for his family and their love, could Dominic have gone. Hell, they’re both stubborn as hell. As adversaries, they’ve matched each other quite well. I naturally saw through the “death” of Celesto in yesterday’s update. Hell, Dominic had done something similar (though not intending to disintegrate Celesto) and he missed. So I was expecting something like this.

So. Redemption. Celesto is there, facing the original Champion of Chaos… and he shouts at Dominic to finish it, to do what he’d come there to do. To send the Storm of Souls to the one place where it will be dispersed. And if things go as usual with literature, Celesto will hold off the villain just long enough for Dominic to succeed… and then Celesto will die, having found inner peace and balance. Also, I fully expect Raf MaLiksh to escape and restart his twisted plans, creating a new Storm of Souls in time for Dominic to defeat again. After all, we do need our sequels.