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"My ability to analyze other people's motivations and beliefs is limited and frequently inaccurate," Control confesses, "but on the other hand, the people here seem to believe in the efficacy of the Apostolic Mound in a manner so thorough, and yet so devoid of zeal, that I suspect it must have some greater-than-normal insight. Though my empathetic abilities are limited, as a gestalt intellect maintained by wireless communication, I can imagine several possible ways that the Apostolic Mound might be in contact with sources of information outside of its immediate environs. Regardless, it is our best chance, and in fact likely our only chance, to understand what this place is."

The guard seems to remember his business and orders you to depart. He waves his spear like a signal baton, not like a weapon, but there are probably twenty more like him in the warriors lodge.

"Think carefully about how to persuade Chief Kothis to let me go," Control says. "I do not think I will be allowed to speak on my own behalf, and you seem to know more of the local language than anyone else."

Does one of the robot women regard you with skepticism for a moment? You can't be sure as the guard politely but insistently leads you from Control's presence.

As you contemplate your next move under the strange glow of the False Icon, the sun slides behind the western mountains, and the air, a moment ago unpleasantly warm and humid, quickly grows chill.

Seeing your exhaustion, a passing villager tells you that you are to stay with Stralchus for the duration of your visit and points you in the right direction. You don't even remember crawling into the small house and falling asleep.

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