What was this thing called death—this barrier? Was death indeed the threshold between two conditions, communication to and fro being impossible—as futile to attempt, coming this side as from the other? I had thought Gwauxln able to penetrate this barrier. But alas! I found myself no more able to obtain his recognition than that of the others. I knew he could see those who put off their fleshy shells in order to travel as Maine (the evil man who had caused his death) had done, and resumes them at will; why then could he not see me? Death perhaps meant more even than putting aside the body.

Long I stood there, wondering at this thing called death. As I stood by Gwauxln’s side, having abandoned the attempt to impress him with a knowledge of my presence, a human shape came into the apartment. Shape? It seemed as real as any of the courtiers sitting by the arch in the doorway. None of these latter appeared aware of the new arrival, except the Rai no one beside myself saw him, but continued their talk regarding the sudden death of the Incali Maine. I had been dumbfounded at the strange resemblance of the new arrival to myself, but I was immeasurably amazed to hear the Rai exclaim: “What! Zailm (Phylos’ name in Atlantis) dead! Dead!”

An attendant, hearing this exclamation, but seeing only the sovereign, hastily went to him, enquiring his pleasure. As he approached he passed directly through the form which Gwauxln had addressed by my name! Neither the human shape or the attendant seemed aware of the remarkable occurrence, but the form, smiling, in reply, said:

“Aye, Zo Rai; I am Zailm, but not dead, except in that I am free of earthly restraint”.