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“What’s the cause, then?” said Zeff.

‘Well, first of all, let me make one thing clear. Hector Goffe is not the astero here. The astero is Hector Goffe and Garovel together. That is one point that I think our people sometimes overlook or don’t realize. The reason asteros are so rare in the first place is because it’s not just one, singular madman coming into the world. God knows we have more than enough of those. No, it requires TWO madmen who find a kind of... perfect and terrible harmony with one another.’

“That’s an interesting way of putting it,” said Octavia. “So you are saying we should be just as mindful of this Garovel as well, then?”

‘Yes. That is, in my opinion, the true cause behind all asteros. The relationship between reaper and servant. They both have to be of precisely the right--or wrong--mindset. It doesn’t work if either one of them is normal. The reaper has too much power in the relationship, especially early on, for the servant to be the only deciding factor.’

Octavia smacked her lips. “Honestly, though, what is truly considered ‘normal,’ anyway? Isn’t that too muddy of a concept to work from?”

‘In this context? Normal means having a properly functioning sense of self-preservation.’

“Ah. Well, that makes things a little clearer, then...”

‘I can virtually guarantee you that Garovel places little to no value upon his own life. Otherwise, he never would have allowed his servant to get involved in so much danger at such a young age. And he certainly would not have allowed HIMSELF to get involved, either. Others might call him courageous--and be correct, depending on the circumstances--but to my mind, that is probably just the tip of the iceberg. And... seeing the growth that Hector has exhibited in the short time we’ve know him... mrgh. They hide it well, but nonetheless, I am still made quite fearful of the true DEPTH of recklessness that must have brought the two of them this far.’

A brief silence arrived.

“I can certainly respect your point of view and even share in it,” said Octavia, “but at the same time... isn’t that a bit hypocritical, coming from a bunch of Rainlords?”

‘I don’t think so,’ said Axiolis. ‘If anything, I’d argue that makes us MORE qualified to say that, not less.’

She gave a faint laugh. “Right, because if WE think someone is crazy, then they must be truly mad. Is that it?”

‘More or less. But also, I think it helps explain why our kin have become so enraptured with them so quickly. In many ways, they exemplify the pride and spirit of our people. It is a most... ancient feeling in us, I think. Instinctual. Essential. Tribal, even.’