Over water it can pass, through air and through fire; but pass it cannot, through rock or metal.

So it sent a message--how I know not--to the _Taithu_ who desired it, whispering to them the secret of the Portal.

And when the time was ripe they opened the Portal and the Shining One passed through it to them; nor would it return to the Three though they commanded, and when they would have forced it they found that it had hived and hidden a knowledge that they could not overcome.
"Yet by their arts the Three could have shattered the seven shining orbs; but they would not because--they loved, it! "Those to whom it had gone built for it that place I have shown you, and they bowed to it and drew wisdom from it.

And ever they turned more and more from the ways in which the _Taithu_ had walked--for it seemed that which came to the Shining One through the seven orbs had less and less of good and more and more of the power you call evil.
Knowledge it gave and understanding, yes; but not that which, clear and serene, lights the paths of right wisdom; rather were they flares pointing the dark roads that lead to--to the ultimate evil! "Not all of the race of the Three followed the counsel of the Shining One.

There were many, many, who would have none of it nor of its power.