54

A likely story.

"People here have come to admire you," Chief Kothis says. "With the Ziggurat, Stralchus has brought something altogether new into our world, but I don't think he has your ability to command people's respect. Perhaps you could replace him, though it would be dangerous."

Chief Kothis leaves you without another word.

As usual, Control is with the Specular, but when you approach the pavilion in the center of the village, one of Control's helpers from the village waves you away. Control is apparently performing an exceedingly delicate adjustment and is not to be interrupted.

"Is that Crowchar?" a controller asks. "Have him watch the thermometer."

You spend most of the night within sight of Control but unable to speak with her, keeping a temperature gauge above the boiler at the correct low level of heat. At last the work is done, and Control immediately enters her dormant mode to recover her strength.

Tired and a bit disappointed, you retire for the night.

You awake with a shout as your hand suddenly burns. Above you, visible through the broad leaves of your cabin's roof, the False Icon burns like a falling star. But when you step outside, you realize it casts little or no light. Only you can see it.

"Crowchar!" Alexius shouts, running into view. "We're under attack!"

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