This is very interesting information about Limbo, and it answers the question as whether to blow down the Gate unless as part of a better and permanent solution. Consequently, I retain an open mind over the question. Malkar’s information concerns me as we have seen and heard nothing from Anyar since he went to have a look.

Hamroth: We must have a care in cracking the gate…my instinct suggests that if Muziel is suggesting it as an option it may not be a wise thing.

We need a method of replacing the Reaper, an automatic system that guarantees the passage of lost souls to Limbo or to some other place. But that is for the future, for now, we need to deal with the present. One thing I am not clear about. The Reaper’s job was not to collect all souls but only those that became lost – seemingly the powerful ones. Consequently, most should still make their way to Limbo. Or am I wrong? Perhaps Anyar may have answers. Do we know if he is OK? This creature in the centre of Limbo needs talking to. I might go myself if an alternative does not arrive soon.

Hamroth: Your evaluation is correct, Jarik, the Reaper only shepherded those souls he had marked – the dangerous, the infamous etc – but we are still in the dark as to the nature of the gargantuan. Without further knowledge we must take care. I am confident Aynar will return, he is a keen and powerful Glaennyn.

But what I am really seeking is a form of personal enlightenment, perhaps one might view this as a withdrawal from the world, but it is really part of an attempt to develop a broader perspective. I feel our power growing, we must understand when and how to use it. I wish to come to an understanding as to how and why I am what I am. It is not enough to say that fate determined it. Why do I abhor death? Why is this important? Will the recently dead trust my innocence? Is it a coincidence that the ultimate killer faces me, or at least needs me. There is not one soul in Limbo that could bear me a grudge and that is something you cannot say of most of the powerful. Perhaps this is the rambling of a mad man but I truly believe that the fact I have not personally killed will be fundamental.

Hamroth: What you seek is what many creatures seek…understanding of the who and the why. Philosophers debate such concepts whilst lesser mortals seek just to live their lives. Be yourself would be my only advice, for in that world you are truly your own master. When we reach into ourselves and we can be comfortable we can be at one with this universe.

What is the enlightenment I seek? This is the hardest question. Clearly one cannot know the ansewer to this without first achieving it. But I suspect it concerns who you are and what you want. I hope it would lift us beyond the Staff where we could exist eternal and unfettered by worldly desires or unworldly compulsions. Once this was achieved it would be easier to adopt a perspective that sees the benefit of the whole rather than the self.

Hamroth: More philosophy Jarik…you are already beyond the staff – when you sang at the dragonmoot you became one of us. You are Glaennyn in human form.

How to seek it? Meditation.

Back to the present. We lack any clear plan regarding Muzeil and the souls and finding another Reaper does not sound either likely or desirable, it could die again and if it did the universe would be back to where it stands now. We need a radical solution, a new mechanism – and I use the word mechanism deliberately because it seems to me that a mechanism would be better because mechanisms are not prone to death. This mechanism must draw souls to Limbo and I suspect that resonance may provide an answer.

Lord Glaennyn: Resonance can affect the soul in many ways, including the one you have suggested, but what good would that be if we had to suffer Muziel to live? If one being can take the mantle of the Reaper then it is the Echeron lord…I suggest a meeting with him (dangerous I know) – a meeting where we can offer him the job (?) or perhaps force him into submission, or even remove him once and for all.

I have a theory that just like resonance can give an insight to an individuals next actions, so it could identify the recently dead. I also believe that although the exact resonance of each death will be as different as each individual was in life there must a common ‘note’ that identifies a dead soul from a living one. If this is true then it maybe possible resonate with this soul and affect it. By now you may see where I am going. Could we, or I, create a system that leads dead souls to Limbo? Could I set up a resonance in Limbo’s Gate that attracts all of them? If this could be done then we would have a permanent solution and one that needs no Reaper and the balance of the Universe would remain unchanged. And here my innocence regards death returns to the fore. I suspect a dead soul could be attracted by my resonance specifically because I am innocent of death.

Hamroth: You speak wisely. Yes indeed resonance can identify the dead souls – even discern the relative power – but to affect the soul like a bell that sounds to call them and guide them? It is so preposterous it might work.

Whatever the truth of the above we need answers and we need them soon. Muzeil appears to have been distracting us from research. But now at least we are moving on. Do you have any suggestions regarding any of the above?

Hamroth: I will study further on the nature of souls and try to delve into the unique power of the Reaper himself…perhaps there are clues within such histories.

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