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The villagers hesitate at your words, and Chief Kothis jumps in.

"Crowchar speaks the truth!" he says. "Stralchus will say anything to get you to his Ziggurat, but once there, he will betray any promise he's made. The False Icon is our enemy, but that does not mean Stralchus is our friend!"

The herald glowers, seeing that his words have had no effect.

Kothis falls into rapid-fire negotiation with his lieutenants, speaking so quickly and softly you can't understand him. The herald waits, then raises his voice again and says, "Now that you know the truth, Stralchus wants to offer you a place at his side. Perhaps a delegation can remain with you, to teach you of the true Icons. Or perhaps you would like to see the Ziggurat for yourself."

"This man's mouth is a rifle," Chief Kothis says. He looks to you as if he expects someone from the modern world can match wits against the Ziggurat's herald. Maybe you can.

"Don't trust him," Control tells you. "Just send him away."

"And risk an attack?" Alexius says. "Keep talking," he tells you, "and keep the herald talking. We can gain the upper hand."