Life on Agios was over. Grimwalds' body was no longer a part of him. His soul however continued. With Lilly by his side, he entered 'The gates of Bardon'.

He understood that this was 'transition'. Nothing had 'real' substance and forms were changeable. Lilly was by his side. With a thought, however, he could change her aspect. One moment she appeared as she was on their wedding day. Another moment she appeared as they had met. He was sure it was the same for her. He hoped she could not see the face he had at the end. It had been full of loss and bitterness. Being here with Lilly made him feel whole again, tranquil and content. Here was where he would find peace. He would have time to look back at his mortal deeds, come to terms with his previous life and prepare his soul for the next life.

The gates looked solid. The landscape beyond looked real. A tree-filled valley with mountains on either side. There were others there, walking on mountain paths and disappearing into what looked like caves in the hillside. He and Lilly were not the only ones in this valley of souls.

A kindly looking old man, with a curly white beard, and a face full of laughter lines stood at the gate. His eyes shone with wisdom and made all who met him feel instantly at ease.

Lilly had been here before and it was her that the man acknowledged with a nod. To Grimwald he said,

"Welcome. I am Asher. You are at the gates of Bardon. It is a timeless place. You can stay here as long as you feel necessary. Or you can go directly to your next life. If you stay you will find peace and come to terms with your existence. You will find your place in the scheme of things and learn how to achieve your 'aims of being' or in your case Grimwald whether you are ready to become an Eternal."

Grimwald looked at Lilly, he did not want to be parted at any cost. Asher understood Grimwalds unease. Raising a hand to silence him he turned to Lilly.

"Lilly. I have asked you this before. It is my place to ask this of all that approach the gates. Do you wish to go directly to your next life or stay here longer?"

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Lilly looked lovingly at Grimwald.

"You know my answer, Asher. I have been waiting for Grimwald. We would like to stay here together."

Asher smiled at both of them. "You will have many questions, I am sure. They will all be answered here. If and when you wish to leave, approach the gates and I will arrange your next incarnation."

They followed the well-worn path through the gates and into the valley.

*

Asher watched them descend. He loved his job. With a happy sigh, he returned to his packed lunch. The server-bots had made him cucumber sandwiches today. He would have preferred prawn but variety is the spice of life he thought.

When his shift had ended and he had returned to Evans, he sought out Waldorf and Godfrey. He found them in the planetarium. They were in the midst of a heated discussion with Greaves.

"We are not allowed to do that," Greaves said scratching his pale white head. Waldorf was insistent.

"It is the only way we can see to push them in the direction we need." Godfrey butted in, "don't 'we' me old man. Leave me out of it. This is your idea. I really do not want to get into trouble."

"Me neither. Count me out." Greaves agreed. "Anyway, who are you going to send down there? The warden will not sanction an eternal to appear suddenly on an unauthorised fledgeling planet. Who knows what disasters could ensue?"

Waldorf noticed Asher. "Ah-ha, here is our answer."

All three turned to Asher. He had been hovering without being noticed until now.

"Yes, well I don't know what you have been planning but you did ask me to tell you when Grimwald arrived."

"Perfect timing." Thank you, Asher.

Godfrey and Greaves both looked confused. Almost as confused as Asher.

"My plan then, if you don't want it to be our plan, is to send Grimwald down to Agios to push the boys on to finding the magic." Waldorf grinned.

"But we cant." Greaves almost shouted. Godfrey nodded.

"The warden doesn't want Eternals interfering in planets. Well, Grimwald isn't an eternal yet. He is in transition. So we are not breaking the rules."

Asher looked on aghast. "I can see some flaws in your plan Waldorf. For one he doesn't have a body. Secondly, You cannot just take a soul out of the valley and use them as you wish. I will have to clear it with the warden."

"No problem. His body is still fresh. Before he becomes an Eternal he has to prove himself worthy. It could be part of his initiation?"

"Mm...Not happy," said Asher.

"I could make it worth your while though Asher, I hear that you are partial to seafood?"