Along the line of the novices, a giant walks slowly and steadily.

His heavy steps roll like thunder among the snow-white clouds.

 

— I am grateful to you for your unconditional decision to enter the service of becoming Guardians of souls.

You are to receive all the knowledge of the art of Being There.

 

Being there means not leaving, hearing curses and remaining silent.

Answering even when your answer is no longer expected.

Asking questions — and hearing answers to something else entirely.

Offering support and watching everything fall apart.

Not holding onto one who does not wish to stay, yet accepting their return.

 

And above all… honour choice.

Without reproach. Without threats.

Even when you know that this choice leads into the abyss.

 

Silence…

All grew still, realizing that a choice may lead to departure,

to the loss of faith and the fading of Light.

 

And then — a single breath, and…

 

— We can show another path!

— What do you mean, Tavis?

— When a soul chooses, it may not know that a choice exists at all. That a road to nowhere is not the only option. We can illuminate a narrow trail in a dark forest, sweep away the fog with a breath of wind that once hid a fragile bridge above the abyss. We cannot act instead of the soul, but we can show — how.

 

Like parents show their child how something can be delicious. You may repeat a hundred times that vegetables are healthy, but only when you eat them with pleasure will the child believe your words. Only when you show it yourself will they learn that one can be happy without enduring pain. When you begin to speak openly of your own feelings, you will hear confessions in return…

 

He stopped and rubbed his forehead.

 

— Sariel… how do I know this?..

 

The giant stopped. He looked down with narrowed eyes.

He smiled, and the folds of his face formed an expression of true joy —

the joy of a revealed surprise.

 

— This is a part of you. And of each of you.

It is something that the Primordial Angels do not possess.

Your memory is an essential instrument of service.

It expands our capabilities and strengthens our faith in our own strength.

 

— That is so. We know, we remember, and we believe.

— Thank you. You are dismissed.

 

The heavy steps dissolved into the bustle of the departing crowd.

 

He entered his office, sank into a chair, and opened a book.

 

— The Chronicles of Selmilor…

Hmm. It is good that you told me about them, my friend Selmilor.