To say that I have reservations about training Hastiand would be an understatement. It is as if he does not know or care about the consequences that come from using the mandolin. I can understand the desire to seek redemption. I think I understand better than he does. However, the instrument is not something one wields. Rather, it has been my observation that it is the mandolin who wields the Player. Without a Player, the mandolin would be nothing. I do not see how Hastiand plans to accomplish his task without losing himself to the mandolin in the process. Despite my misgivings, I have agreed to teach him and he, in turn, has agreed to assist in the search for a way to destroy it.

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  In truth, even after all my searching, I have yet to discover how this terrible evil can be eradicated. No manner of physical or magical violence harms it. Only the binding spells of Ta’Kish have proven to be of any help. Yet, for all their power the spells merely subdue the mandolin for a few days. Even so, it proves that it must answer to a higher authority. My theory is that the instrument still has ties to the godly realm, if only in a limited capacity.

  Perhaps therein lies a clue to finding the key to its demise.