The Bard's lute had once been played by a god when Shade visited last time. Though Shade was not entirely certain whether the God of Journey before them had truly descended, arrived as an incarnation, or descended through possession, it had nevertheless made that lute special.
Still, no one wanted to seize it. Shade did not care, the witch was preoccupied with more important matters, and for some reason, the maid Clara still looked utterly exhausted.
"Yes, True Death."
Just as Shade handed the paper and pen he had promised the Bard, a voice came from within the tent. The travel-worn Traveler lifted the curtain and appeared before everyone once more.
He smiled at them, and also at Shade, whose body was gradually being covered in golden embers. Other than the cat, all four greeted the god respectfully. The god then sat down with his back to the campfire:
"At the very depths of the Lost Forest, there is a passage leading to True Death. All souls and living people Lost here will ultimately end up there. That includes you as well."
The god looked at the other three:
"Even if you complete the story of your travel, when your lives come to an end, you too will inevitably walk this road."
That meant that aside from the relic beneath Miburg, the Gate of Death—namely, the execution gate used by the Witch Council in the Fifth Epoch—and the Soul Cemetery left behind by the Ancient God, there was actually a third way for the living to enter True Death.
"Death is the ending of a story. A good story should be given its ending at the proper time."
Shade said as he stroked Little Mia:
"People are the same."
The god smiled without replying, instead asking:
"Moonlight Traveler, welcome back.