Upon returning home, I take my deck to contemplate the meaning of my latest victory. Of all my victories: all twenty-one of them. From the first one I was destined to achieve: the High Priestess.
The easiest of the lot: Temperance. That hadn't seemed like a test at all, but I think it motivated me to go further.
The one which made me most satisfied: the Star. I could remain forever in awe of the gem's brilliance, and the whole event was a thing of beauty. I can truly say that I am proud to have conquered the Star—more than the Sun or the Moon.
The one I felt sorry for: the Hermit. It was unfair to the old man who had, after all, done nothing wrong of himself—at least not willingly. Also: the Lovers and their sad story.
The most subtle: the Magician. I almost fell for that one's tricks, almost took the bargain he offered me. (I wonder what would have happened if I had. Better not dwell upon such things.)
The most bizarre: the Hanged Man.
Expect the unexpected,the Hierophant had told me. And I expected something to be upside-down, but certainly not that way.The most terrifying: the Devil, of course. I don't think the nightmares he brought me will ever end. It is the Devil who taught me that victory comes for a price and that paying that price does not grant peace.
But the most unsettling is still the Tower. The sixteenth Arcanum seems to have been following me all my life: in hindsight, the clues to the Tower were obvious and were everywhere. I try to avoid reflecting on what I did there.
The hardest, however, was Judgment, by far. But then, in a sense, I failed that one, so should I list it as a a victory, even if it counts as one?
And now: Death, in the form of a handsome young man. Surprisingly easy, indeed, for the dreaded Unnamed Aracanum.
And the only one missing. I look at the final card.
I am suddenly struck by realization. I remember the sentence the World had spoken:
I am All and you are Naught.The Emperor's remark aboutjest. And the parting words of Death:You Fool!The Fool!
Fool that I am!
I fall to the floor.