I apologize for the cage. I'm afraid this situation has often required of me a more primitive code of conduct that I might otherwise have chosen.

I am Gehn. I assume you're heard of me. Yes. Well, I expect you have acquired some false information of who I am now. Not that my son would have lied to you about me. No, not Atrus. It's just that... well, I'm sure he believes me to still be the depraved father I once was. Yes. I even tried to kill him once. God, if I had accomplished that, who knows what I would have become. Great father indeed who tries to murder his own son.

Thankfully he trapped me on Age Five, a prison of my own creation. No books. No precious inks. No Ages to link to. Nothing but my own foolish ambitions. That was thirty years ago. Thirty years, thirty lifetimes, what does it matter? No sentence could be too harsh for the man I was. But I have changed. To be sure the deeds of my past can never be completely atoned for, but my mission was an honorable one.

I'm sorry, this is all a bit awkward... I... it's been a long time since I've attempted to persuade anyone of my intentions. Most of the people here have already made their minds up about me one way or another. I myself do not trust the words of most men so I don't expect you to believe me. In the end, though, you may discover that I have more to offer than mere words.

Atrus' choice of punishment has been hard on the people of Riven. Many have suffered because of it. The island has been steadily decaying for years, but according to my most recent measurements it appears that the Fifth Age has entered its final days. Unless the villagers can be relocated soon, the island will collapse entirely and everyone will perish. It's taken me a long time to do it, but finally it appears that I will be able to make substantial amends for my past transgressions. Especially... well...

I'm afraid I've had some trouble with Catherine and the Moiety. In any society there will always be a small percentage of the population with rebellious tendencies. Before Catherine appeared, the Moiety, as they call themselves, had been relatively harmless. I mean, the natives here are a fairly violent people by nature, but I'd almost come to accept their presence. It seemed inevitable under the circumstances. Upon Catherine's return, however, their violence intensified considerably. It seems she's become some sort of religious savior to them. And as far as I can tell, she's come to believe this herself. So, I've had no alternative. I had to separate her from her people.

I must admit, though, that my concerns were not entirely for her safety alone. The actions of Catherine and the Moiety have put my own life at risk on numerous occasions. Consequently the lives of all the people here. Therefore I must ask you to refrain from any attempt to free her. Although I'm sure Atrus desires it. Indeed, he must desire it with all his heart. But he is completely unaware of her recent state.

At this point this movie ends. The dialog is continued in another movie. Which dialog you hear next depends upon what you have already done in the game.

Myst, Riven, and all things D'ni are the creation of Cyan Worlds, Inc.

The D'ni Desk Reference