55

Armed and ready for trouble, you make your way down to the Crowned Serpent, one hand raised in a sign of peace. The ophidian lieutenants part, flanking you. Alexius, Control, Therko, and Chief Kothis follow you.

The Crowned Serpent looks you up and down and says, "I have demands for you and for this place." The Crowned Serpent has changed even since your last meeting. Nothing humanlike remains of his head now, which sweeps up over his shoulders in the form of a lizard's skull covered in jagged horns. He wears a robe to hide the increasing deformity of his lower body.

"Demands!" Therko spits, though the Crowned Serpent ignores him.

"Humanity is receiving a whole world," the Crowned Serpent says, "and much more that you cannot understand. Your role will be to make sure this comes about, by stopping Stralchus."

"And you'll help?" Alexius asks.

"We will lead," the Crowned Serpent says, "to clear the path. And then follow, in case you fail. Our demands are simple. First, a share of your valuables, not for my sake, but to satisfy the mercenaries, that they do not turn against me and kill you."

"What else?" Therko whispers, barely able to contain his rage. The Crowned Serpent looks at Chief Kothis.

"Him," he says. "The False Icon has seen the years ahead. He cannot be part of it." He glances at you, his eyes empty. "I'm not a sadist. I'll make it quick, like…" His eyes dart to Alexius. "Like business."

Alexius gives you a nod, and you realize that, despite his normal hesitancy to mix it up in close combat, he has something ready for the Crowned Serpent. If that's what you want.