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At length, Abbas decided to speak up. “While we are here, I would like for you to try interfacing with Rathmore’s Gate, using the Living Core.”

Hector’s eyes widened, and he blinked.

The previous moment of tension had been rather unceremoniously obliterated. Had Abbas not even noticed it in the first place? Or simply not cared, perhaps?

Abbas’ expression remained unchanged as he elaborated. “That is, if you are comfortable doing so. I understand that it may seem a bit risky, but Worwal and I will be here to pull you out, should anything go wrong. Just as you did for us.”

Worwal jumped in before Hector could respond. ‘That is a weak safety net, I feel. We were unable to pull Hector out of his coma when he first interfaced with the Candle. Why should he and Garovel believe now that we would be able to retrieve them from a dive into the Gate?’

“Because now we have the Core,” defended Abbas.

‘But the Core hates us, apparently.’

“I am aware. And that is why Hector should be the one to dive instead of me. He has already demonstrated ample skill in controlling it. You and I will be there to assist and guide him, if necessary.”

‘Or,’ said Worwal, ‘we could simply have neither of you do this, instead. And avoid a needless risk.’

“The risk is minimal,” said Abbas, looking from Worwal to Hector and Garovel. “If you are worried about accidentally triggering the Gate’s power, don’t be. Without a Kag, it is dormant.”

‘You sure about that?’ said Garovel. ‘Hector and I have both experienced its power once before, when it teleported us here from the Undercrust. Along with several other people.’

“Excuse me?” said Abbas, eyeing the monument another time. “Ah, of course. I believe I have already heard much of that tale. So this was how you returned, then? Interesting.”

‘Yeah, so it’s definitely not dormant. Not completely, anyway.’

Abbas shook his head. “No, it is. I’m certain of it. But that means someone else is already in possession of a working Kag for this Gate. Whoever it was that activated it for you. There were multiple strange figures involved, yes? What were their names again?”

‘Malast and Royo Raju,’ said Worwal. ‘Correct?’

‘That’s right,’ said Garovel.

Hector didn’t recall ever telling them that, but he supposed it was only natural that word would have gotten around, especially to the reapers, who were always talking to one another.