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“I know how it sounds,” said Hector, still chuckling a bit. “But I’m serious. I’ve seen this problem many times, thanks to the Candle’s memories. It knows the history of other Forges, too. Forges have always attracted brilliant inventors. And they’ve always come up against this same problem. You understand? I need you to listen to me on this. If you don’t adjust your approach, then the Void--or whatever you wanna call it--it’ll lure you in and eat you alive.”

Worwal glanced at Abbas, and they didn’t even need to exchange words privately in order to know what each other was thinking. Abbas returned a nod, knowing that the reaper would be able to sum up both of their thoughts just fine.

‘We appreciate your concern,’ said Worwal, ‘but let us not forget that, Candle or not, you are still quite inexperienced in these matters, Lord Goffe. Nor are you an inventor. Abbas and I have our own process. We have been doing this for a very long time. And yes, we do understand the risks. But trying to “adjust our approach,” as you put it, would not be as simple a matter as you seem to be implying. Moreover, it might just ruin everything and set our progress back by years, potentially. Which is time that our kin may not have. Particularly, our subjects back in Sair.’

Hector’s brow lowered now. “You know what would really set you back? Getting yourselves killed.”

‘That seems a bit rich, coming from you,’ countered Worwal. ‘You think we aren’t aware of your recent exploits? Knowing that you are not nearly as old as you pretend to be, the risks that you have taken are truly absurd. I would’ve thought that you and Garovel would understand our position a bit better than this.’

“Oh, I understand it perfectly well,” said Hector. “And you make a fair point. Maybe it is a bit rich coming from us. But that’s just another reason why I know what I’m talking about here.”

‘Heh. The confidence of youth. And the naivete, too.’

At that, Garovel, who’d thus far remained silent behind Hector, decided to chime in. ‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ said the reaper, sounding not sorry at all. ‘Who was it again that pulled your sorry asses out of a coma just now? Ah, that’s right. It was my boy Hector here. So how about you show a little more respect and do as he asks, hmm?’

“Garovel--” tried Hector.