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‘You make a fair point,’ said Garovel. ‘Perhaps we should emphasize that Hector and I would much prefer to keep the Core around, as well. No matter how much of a jerk it is, we would take no pleasure in the destruction of such an incredible object. In fact, one of our primary goals for Warrenhold is to use it as a place to preserve knowledge far into the future, and I would say this little guy qualifies.’

Abbas recalled them mentioning the like before. “That is some comfort, then. But generally speaking, I do hope that you and Hector will never grow too eager to deliver death and punishment. It is a timeless problem that those in power must struggle with: that we do not become callous or cruel with the passage of time.”

And Abbas half-expected Hector to return a dismissive look or some word of protest--as youth was often wont to do--but the boy surprised him yet again with his silence, with the seriousness in his expression, and with the slight nod he gave.

A lull in the conversation arrived, but it didn’t take long for Garovel to fill it.

‘Well, I suppose we should let your family in here before they worry themselves into a frenzy,’ said the reaper. ‘But one last thing: have you made any progress on that Kag we asked you about?’

“Ah... um. No.”

‘Oh. Been too busy, huh? That’s a shame. Or is it that you just don’t think you can do it?’

‘What?’ said Worwal.

Uh-oh.

‘It’s okay if you can’t,’ said Garovel. ‘I mean, Kags are pretty rare to begin with, and recreating a specific one doesn’t exactly seem like it would be a cakewalk. I understand if it’s too much for you.’

‘Too much?’ said Worwal, hardly able to conceal the irritation in his tone.

Abbas felt compelled to intervene privately before things got out of hand. ‘Worwal, relax. It is an innocent question.’

The reaper’s next words were also private. ‘A mere Kag? Too much for you? Laughable. Is Garovel stupid? Or just trying to annoy me? Agh, this must be some ploy.’

‘I don’t think he knows you that well yet,’ said Abbas. ‘Calm down before you say something we both regret.’

‘Mrgh.’

Garovel picked up on the abrupt silence. ‘Fellas? Something wrong?’

‘Listen to his smug tone,’ said Worwal, still privately. ‘I hate him.’

Abbas had to consciously avoid rolling his eyes. ‘No, you don’t. Just let me do the talking.’