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The problem, the Core explained, was that “Intar” was an idea. A concept. And therefore, inextricably tied to the Heavens. But the intent, obviously, was to reach a real, physical destination--which tied it also to the World. And then, of course, the Self was always going to be a factor if he wanted to go anywhere.

Hector didn’t know how helpful that explanation was.

Was it possible to get to Intar or not?

Yes, the Core told him. But the pathways were ephemeral and dangerous. A route that appeared open and straightforward could close at the last moment or change into something much more convoluted.

Well, shit, Hector thought. Was there any way to mitigate the risk?

Regular maintenance, the Core said.

Agh, what the hell? By who?

By those knowledgeable of the Veil. There were many who might qualify. Stewards of the Current. Scions of the Sight. Students of Shapes. Perhaps even Servants of Destruction.

That information gave Hector pause.

Hmm.

Did he want to consult Caster on this?

No, not really.

Servants of Destruction, eh? Hector looked over at Nadim Saqqaf, who noticed his gaze.

That man there happened to be a destruction user, but from the sound of it, getting him directly involved in all of this weirdness would still be quite risky. Nadim was only supposed to be operational support, like Selena.

And... okay, maybe this did technically qualify as that... but still. It was a lot to ask.

Before resorting to that, perhaps it would be better to back out and look at the last two functions.

Hector returned to the four sphere and grabbed the third one this time.

Unlike the previous two instances, there was no obvious change in the world around him, which left Hector a bit surprised and curious. What was going on here? Was this function broken?

No, the Core said. This was the Gate’s spatial distortion detection. A kind of self-repair mechanism. Unlike many other, similar constructs in the world which required upkeep, the Gate was constantly assessing itself and its surroundings for signs of degradation, both physical and imaginary. Spatial distortions, while not always problematic, could sometimes disrupt the Gate’s functionality.

Unfortunately, the Gate could only take care of itself, not the pathways that it connected to, nor the destinations on the other side.

Huh.

Wow.

It might not have been immediately relevant to the situation, but Hector couldn’t help feeling impressed. Rathmore had really known what he was doing, hadn’t he?