"Humans fascinate me. Unlike my brothers and sisters, I know better than to underestimate them. They are crafty, resourceful and courageous and now they''ve been enlightened, much harder to break.


    Leo was floating; he was falling.


    He felt everywhere and nowhere. He was drifting in currents of unknowable providence. In the far distance, he saw a great light. A light that wasn’t a light. Yet he couldn’t reach it; something kept him still. He looked up and down; floating faces and wispy bodies moved around him. His thoughts were slow, sluggish.


    “How strange,” boomed a voice. Leo couldn’t see where it was coming from; it was all around him. “You’re still tethered to the mortal realm. The coil is growing thinner, but your friend is persistent.”


    Leo’s mind was churning. He tried to put the thoughts together. Who are you?


    “You know who I am. Time is short. I give you three options instead of two, in honor of your friend. I can send you back. You can stay with me until the final battle at the end of days. Or, if you simply want peace, you can flow to the light.”


    Leo understood little of what he was saying. One thing did stand out. Go back? Images flashed of Elizabeth, of Martin, of all their times together. His memory flickered to life, and he remembered what had happened to him. I don’t know who you are, but please, if it is within your power, send me back. I’m not finished yet. They need me.


    “As you wish. Farewell, young Leo. We will meet again when the time is right.” Leo was moving upward. “Do not be afraid, for in the River, you will always find me.”


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