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After the frantic escape from the ophidian fortress, the journey home proves uneventful. It takes less time to get down the mountain than up it, and soon you reach the forested uplands that lead back to the River People village.

"It's strange," Alexius muses, watching the flying lizards. "The ophidians are smart, but I don't think they're architects. And they didn't seem at home there. Who taught them how to make a fortress like that? And an observatory, in all that smoke?"

You have no answer. The merchant looks at Control, who says nothing.

Soon you pass the deserted peak of the Apostolic Mound. From there you're able to follow the river. You stop only long enough for Alexius to speak to some fishermen and swap information.

"With Keimia dead," he says, "the ophidians are in disarray. The local traders already know what happened, though servants of the False Icon tried to hide it."

Therko nods grimly.

"Unfortunately," Alexius says, "the snake people already have a new champion. Someone called the Crowned Serpent."

"It might just be a rumor," Control says.

"So far, the Crowned Serpent is nothing but rumors," Alexius says. "I can't get clear answers out of anyone. But we should be worried."

The village soon comes into view. Chief Kothis eagerly waves to you, and people seem excited to see you again. Control, uninterested in Chief Kothis or what the villagers have been up to, carefully examines the Specular, then sets to work programming it (was that the word she used? "programming?") with the astronomical data found in the tabulation charts.

"Translating these tablets will take time," Control says. "Your assistance would be much appreciated."

She hesitates for a second, then says, "Thank you for all your previous assistance as well."

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