49

The mood is dark as you return home, despite having retrieved the cog; the nightmarish sights aboard the airship weigh heavily on everyone's mind. Alexius keeps asking how a man like Kattan could have fallen so far. Neither you nor Control have any answers.

At last the winding river starts to look familiar, and after another day, you and your group reach the village.

Everything looks much as you left it. Chief Kothis spots you and waves you forward, visibly relieved that you're still alive. Control wastes no time, wheeling the cog over to the Specular and getting to work.

The Bridge Keepers have sent a small delegation to dwell with the River People; their knowledge of construction should prove valuable.

"One down," Alexius says, "two to go."

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