In the land beyond, the presence lingers. "only may the bravest enter here." it says
the bravest enters, only to perish.
"only may the strongest enter here" it calls
the strongest enters, also to perish.
"only may the wisest enter here" it teases
the wisest enters, his friend the fool staying behind him. the fool watches mournfully, as the wisest too perishes.
the presence looks at the fool and asks "why do you not enter with your friend?"
the fool answers "my friend was the wisest, though not even the fool would head your taunting."
the presence smiled affectionately. and the fool, too, perished.
