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Dr. Sabbatine chuckles and says, "I'm not proposing wholesale plunder! I know I've put you in a bit of a bind here, but as long as we are constrained by the will—or should I say whims—of Her Imperial Majesty, we have many options open to us. I oppose looting, of course, but trade, however vigorously prosecuted, has value. Also consider uplifting these simple people. They may be able to generate their own worthwhile industry, in time. But…" And her tone grows serious. "…we must show the Empress the value of our work here. The Empress is generous, until suddenly she is not. Then the bill must be paid. And if she switches off the lights here in Byzantium, what becomes of you? What becomes of the world if the False Icon remains free?"

The doctor's voice starts to break up again.

"I can't remain in this strange communion much longer," she says. "Tonight I shall return to instruct the Apostolic Mound in the repairs the Specular needs. Stay here, all of you, and remember—there is a way home!"

The Apostolic Mound's eyes turn blue again, and it looks down upon you thoughtfully.

"Therko will provide you with quarters," it says, once again speaking excellent Koiné, then repeating the words in the River Tongue. "Keimia, I know you and your father have questions. You may ask them of me now."

Painted Guardians lead you away from the colossal eminence as Keimia approaches, sparing an anxious glance at Therko. You see her again as you wind your way up the steps of the cliffside village. Whatever the Apostolic Mound told her, she does not look happy. Therko and the Guardians leave you in a small, mostly empty stone room. They don't set any kind of guard, and you realize your mind is racing with questions and excitement. You can't sleep, at least not yet.