It was written in the year 1464 of the Fourth Age. Bilrach explains that he is still as sane as the day he started his descent, and that the whispers he hears are a sign that he is getting closer to his goal, though they seem to be guiding him. The whispers seem to have some level of influence over Bilrach; He denies his insanity. This may be a reference to Edgar Allen Poe's Tell-Tale Heart.