"Space does not correspond exactly, between realms," Sabriel explained, "And Death in the Old Kingdom is not like this. It's a river with no banks, and few landmarks- just endless cold and black water, and mist so thick you can't see farther than your fingertips."

After a pause, she added, "And the current tries to pull you under and drag you deeper in, instead of keeping you out." That was always the hardest part to deal with- going into deeper Death wasn't that difficult, once you got past the boundary with Life. It was doing so on your own terms that was the challenge.