ed. "Why can an axe alone
kill Rezu?"

"The thing is a mystery, O Allan, of which I may not tell you all, since
to do so I must reveal secrets which I have determined you shall not
learn. Suffice it to you to know that when this Rezu drank of the Cup
of Life he took with him his axe. Now this axe was an ancient weapon
rumoured to have been fashioned by the gods and, as it chanced, that axe
drew to itself more and stronger life than did Rezu, how, it does not
matter, if indeed the tale be more than a fable. At least this I know is
true, for he who guarded the Gate of Life, a certain Noot, a master of
mysteries, and mine also in my day of youth, who being a philosopher and
very wise, chose never to pass that portal which was open to him, said
it to me himself ere he went the way of flesh. He told this Rezu
also that now he had naught to fear save his own axe and therefore he
counselled him to guard it well, since if it was lifted against him in
another's hands it would bring him down to death, which nothing
else could do. Like to the heel of Achilles whereof the great Homer
sings--have you read Homer, Allan?"

"In a translation," I answered.

"Good, then you will remember the story. Like to the heel of Achilles,
I say, that axe would be the only gate by which death could enter his
invulnerable flesh, or rather it alone could make the gate."

"How did Noot know that?" I asked.

"I cannot say," she answered with irritation. "Perchance he did not know
it. Perchance it is all an idle tale, but at least it is true that Rezu
believed and believes it, and what a man believes is true for him and
will certainly befall. If it were otherwise, what is the use of faith
which in a thousand forms supports our race and holds it from the
horrors of the Pit? Only those who believe nothing inherit what they
believe--nothing, Allan."

"It may be so," I replied prosaically, "but what happened about the
axe?"

"In the end it was lost, or as some say stolen by a woman whom Rezu had
deserted, and therefore he walks the world in fear from day to day. Nay,
ask no more empty questions" (I had opened my mouth to speak) "but hear
the end of the tale. In my trouble concerning Rezu I remembered this
wild legend of the axe and since, when lost in a forest every path that
may lead to safety should be explored, I sent my wisdom forth to make
inquiry concerning it, as I who am great, have the power to do, of
certain who are in tune with me through