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‘And did you discover anything else after those examinations?’ said Worwal.

‘Not particularly,’ said Garovel with a hint of exasperation. ‘They’re unbreakable, immovable, and typically reach far deeper into the earth than one might expect.’

“Immovable?” said Abbas. “What do you mean by that, precisely?”

‘Oh, did you not know that about them? They can’t be removed from whatever location they are found in. Even if you dig out all the dirt and rock around them, carve an entire canyon where they stand, they’ll actually stay exactly where they are. They’ll float in midair, even.’

That was news to Hector. He could see the surprise on Abbas and Worwal’s faces, too.

‘Truly?’ said Worwal. ‘You are not making that up, are you?’

Garovel seemed amused. ‘Not only that, but the land around them will slowly regenerate into its previous state, too. So even if you did go through all the trouble of carving out a whole canyon, your work would be undone in a matter of... hmm, days? Weeks, maybe?’

“Remarkable,” said Abbas. “How have I never learned of this?”

‘Heh. Don’t feel bad. Instead, feel impressed. By me. And how incredibly knowledgeable I am.’

‘I am still not entirely convinced that you are being serious,’ said Worwal.

‘Oh, I am. Like I said, I’ve been studying these things for a very long time. I’m familiar with many of the quieter efforts made throughout history to learn more about the Tools--and let me tell you: more than a few of those efforts have ended up largely forgotten by the academic community.’

‘Ah. A sadly all too common tale.’

‘Indeed,’ said Garovel with a nod. ‘And it doesn’t help that the Tools themselves have also been forgotten by many. But yeah. I’m sure you’ve seen similar problems in your own research, no? Fierce competition. Information being purposely buried. That sort of thing.’

‘Of course,’ said Worwal, an abrupt heaviness in tone. ‘Along with... much worse things, as well. But I’m sure I do not need to tell that to a Prime Archiver.’

Garovel seemed to match his energy. ‘Yes. I’ve witnessed more collateral damage done to the world for this infuriating reason than I even care to remember. If only it were possible to forget.’

A silence arrived as the two reapers fell quiet.

Hector exchanged looks with Abbas, not knowing if one of them should try to revive the conversation.