The Messengers of Death are cat-shaped spirits who assist Death in transporting souls to the World to Come. They often provide comfort to the dying through their gentle purrs.

As can be expected, people become quite superstitious when they see a cat and tend to shoo them away. I often know when a patient is ready to pass on when they let a Messenger of Death curls on their chest and the patient strokes them gently.

When a new Shepherd of Souls graduates from their apprenticeship, Death assigns them a Messenger of Death to assist in their work. Is this not a kindness, from Death? To be a Shepherd is the most emotionally challenging of specialties, confronting death day in and day out, so to have such a companion is a comfort indeed.

Commentary #

Rafa Gaven, may his memory be a blessing, named his Messenger of Death Zail. The cat was a faithful companion who followed him like a shadow except when necessitated by their duties. Zail did not care for any other Rafas, though he did rub against our legs and accept a few strokes when we visited a death bed.

When he passed, Zail did not leave Rafa Gaven’s body even after we buried him. He lay on the grave for the full week of mourning occasionally belting out haunting yowls. 

-Rafa Shai