28

"The only power here," Losh says, holding up a finger in the style of a Byzantine lecturer, "is the motive power of fire and the work of the pulley system. Stralchus knows much of these things. Slacken the ropes, douse the fire, and let's hear the god speak!"

"Very well," one of the Triune says, though the others look alarmed. He wastes no time uncoiling the ropes from the golden cog, so they fall slack, and after a time the fire burns down. The warriors even permit you past the hedge.

"Pull the ropes taut," Therko whispers to you. "Then we can make the idol speak for us and convince these people to help us against the False Icon."

"People should not be deceived into rendering aid," Control says. "The villagers should face facts instead of inventing lies."

"And let Losh take them over?" Alexius says. "That's his plan, you know. He'll get rid of the Triune and have these people worshiping Stralchus like he's a pharaoh."

"Losh, too, is deceived," Vecla says. She turns to you imploringly. "I fear what will happen if the test succeeds. What if they kill him for his impudence?"

The fire gutters out. The last rope unfurls.

"God of the Golden Eye!" Losh shouts, his voice ringing with a civilized man's contempt for savagery and superstition. "What do you have to say now? Speak!"

Everyone turns to the idol. It stands mute.