25

"I just wish there were a more direct route to what we want," Control says. "I tire of these political games."

"False women!" Losh says, using Keimia's old term for Control. "I see you skulking back there with Crowchar. Know that Stralchus has laid the foundation of a great fortress, a Ziggurat that will rise above the marshlands and destroy the False Icon!" The man's eyes shine with zeal, and you're sure Stralchus could construct such a wonder, though you're not sure what he can do against the False Icon in this place.

"We see you know Losh of the Ziggurat," one of the Triune says, "who claims that our god is false and only the 'Icons' are real."

"Icons," another Triune member says, "that cannot be seen, except the one that hangs in the sky and is said to drive men mad." Does he study you for a curious moment behind that blank mask?

"Are you with Losh on this, Riverlander?" the third Triune member asks. "What is the God of the Golden Eye to you?"

The villagers watch you, some zealously convinced of the idol's power, others doubtful, having considered Losh's words.