94

"A coup? Hardly," Stralchus says. His voice has power in it, and though the mystic's beard has grown ragged and he's bitten his fingernails down to the quick, you realize you're standing across from one of Byzantium's most capable orators and political philosophers. "I've simply realized that I cannot stop the False Icon here, with the interference of Euphrasia and Kothis and his treacherous daughter. This is a parting, Alexius."

Then he turns to the River People and speaks with clarity, precision, and power about the horror of the False Icon, the weakness of Kothis, the treachery of Keimia, and how Dr. Sabbatine cannot help them. He speaks of a new way, a spiritual road that has the power to destroy illusions and save them all. Alexius curses, realizing he has neither the language skills nor theological background to oppose one of Byzantium's foremost orators. Chief Kothis looks like he's already been defeated. The controllers turn to you.

"Do something," Control whispers. "We will not survive here long without the River People's protection."