Shadow rondo

[Ebiris]

"What does the lie serve? What was your purpose here?" Alicia asks.

She also reaches out to Tempus.

Foehammer, you know of the one named Colke who battles in your name on Ysgard?

[Anastasia]

"I remember that what I wanted was to be a Ysgardian warlord to honor Tempus," Is his answer, "It is always what I wanted from...from whatever lies were planted in me."

YES.

[Ebiris]

Do you know from whence he came and what he truly is?

"That's it? No long term goal beyond that? No direction specifically? Where did your army come from?" she asks.

[Anastasia]

...I DO NOT. THIS TROUBLES ME. WHO HAS ENGAGED IN TREACHERY AGAINST ME?

"I don't know, but I found them. One was as good as any," Colke replies at last, "I just found one and started."

[Ebiris]

"You found a swarm of golems waiting for your orders?" Alicia asks. "Or do they serve the gorgon you command?"

We believe he came from the Terminus, layer 666 of the Abyss. We've heard of other Colkes on other planes of differing appearances and aims, but believe they all came from there. The original Colke remains a mystery. As does the reason for this.

[Anastasia]

"They exist already, I simply worked my way in," Is the answer.

OPEN A PORTAL TO MY REALM AND SEND HIM THROUGH. I WILL DEAL WITH HIM PERSONALLY.

[Ebiris]

"Tempus has requested you," Alicia says. "Though your faith was a lie, I believe he will do right by you." She helps him to his feet. "I must take this amulet back however, I'll need it for any other Colkes we find."

[Anastasia]

There is no resistance, he simply rises for you to remove the amulet.

[Ebiris]

Alicia lifts it off his neck and casts a gate to Warrior's Rest. "Go," she guides him through.

[Anastasia]

Colke goes through without another word, gone.

Antenora closes her eyes, lips moving silently.

"That poor soul," Jessica finally says. "Violet would approve of his misery."

"He's doing better," Antenora notes, watching the portal. "I've made sure of it."

[Ebiris]

"We don't know the purpose but it could have been a dagger aimed at Tempus, he deserves a say," Alicia says. Then she turns to the golems guarding the camp. "Who do you take orders from?" she demands. The gorgon or whoever else remains here ought to know at least something of what happened.

[Anastasia]

"Lady Shale-Eyes," One responds, dutifully.

[Ebiris]

"Bring her here then," Alicia asks.

[Anastasia]

They bow and do so. The gorgon is clad in a heavy cloak when she approaches, the hiss of snakes heard from within. She stays a distance away and calls, "What has transpired here?"

[Ebiris]

"Colke has been summoned to Tempus," Alicia tells her bluntly. "You should continue on the expectation that he does not return."