Bestowal dialogue
The Soothsayer
"Rubbish and nonsense. Herubrand may believe the words of this soothsayer, but I will not fall for her trickery."
Background
Herubrand has brought you to Orlag Den, the cave of the soothsayer Hildegard.
Objective 1
Herubrand is inside Orlag Den, the cave of the soothsayer Hildegard.
- Herubrand: 'We have arrived, <name>. Hildegard has sight of many things still to come, and the source of her power is unknown to me. Many of my kinsmen call it witchcraft, sorcery such as that practiced by the Elves, but I say Hildegard was a woman of Rohan, and remains so.
- 'Speak to her with courtesy.'
- Follow Herubrand to meet the soothsayer Hildegard
- Herubrand says, "Mind your feet. She is accustomed to the dark, as we are not."
- Herubrand says, "Remember, friends: be courteous."
- Herubrand says, "Hildegard, I have returned. Am I welcome?"
- Hildegard says, "Ah, young Herubrand, you are welcome at any time."
- Hildegard says, "Your visits brighten these dark days."
- Herubrand says, "I am not alone, Hildegard."
- Hildegard says, "You bring your son, Herefara? He speaks sparingly, but he too is welcome."
- Herubrand says, "No, I bring friends from afar."
- Hildegard says, "Ah. Let them approach and introduce themselves."
Objective 2
- Talk to Hildegard in Orlag Den
Hildegard is inside the cave of Orlag Den, where she makes her home.
- You give Hildegard your name and she nods.
- Hildegard: 'It is a pleasure to meet you, friend of Herubrand. Many are the roads you have walked to get here, and many more you will walk before you are at last given rest.'
- Listen to the soothsayer Hildegard
- Hildegard says, "Much that you have done is already known to me."
- Hildegard says, "But there is much ahead of you I cannot see."
- Hildegard says, "May I ask what adventuring discipline you call your own?"
Objective 3
- Answer Hildegard's questions, and hear what she has to say
Hildegard has asked you what adventuring discipline you follow.
- Hildegard: Hildegard looks at you curiously. Her face is a quiet mask, and you cannot tell what hides behind her calm expression.
- Select from 3 options based upon your class:
- I am the most skilled of <class>.
- I am a decent <class> nothing more.
- I have nothing to say.
| Beorning
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Response: I am of Beorn's line, a mighty skin-changer.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "Did you inherit pride and boastfulness from Beorn as well?"
- Hildegard says, "I think Beorn himself would consider you a mere pup in deeds."
- Hildegard says, "And yet the power in you may give you cause to boast, in time."
- Hildegard says, "You will have need of your skills in the days ahead."
- Horn says, "Is this all a soothsayer needs: an ability to speak cryptically of plain things?"
Response: I am a skin-changer, descendent of Beorn.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "Be not shy around me, humble Beorning."
- Hildegard says, "The good folk for whom you fight would fill my ears with tale of your deeds."
- Hildegard says, "I see the strength of Beorn in you."
- Horn says, "Any who look at <name> with eyes could guess this. It is no mystery."
Response: I have nothing to say.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "You remain silent, but you cannot hide your deeds from me."
- Hildegard says, "You are of the line of Beorn, and well-known to good folk throughout the land."
- Hildegard says, "I believe you are a skin-changer, able to change your form as Beorn himself did."
- Horn says, "Any who look at <name> with eyes could guess this. It is no mystery."
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| Brawler
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Response: I am the finest brawler of all.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "The finest in all the land, you say?"
- Hildegard says, "Such boasting perhaps explains the number of brawls in which you find yourself!"
- Horn says, "This takes no special sight to see."
Response: I am just a brawler, nothing more.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "Humility suits you, but I know the number of your brawls."
- Hildegard says, "And I know how often you fight on behalf of those who cannot."
- Hildegard says, "It is a worthy use for your skills."
- Horn says, "Any who look at <name> with eyes could see it. This is no mystery."
Response: I have nothing to say.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "You remain silent, but I know this."
- Hildegard says, "Your fists speak for you, and they speak loudly on behalf of those who cannot."
- Hildegard says, "That is a worthy use for your skills."
- Horn says, "Any who look at <name> could report thus. This is no mystery."
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| Burglar
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Response: I am the stealthiest of burglars.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "How can you manage to pilfer anything while so quick to boast of your exploits?"
- Hildegard says, "It is a wonder you can remain silent enough to stealthily creep anywhere!"
- Hildegard says, "And yet I know your skills, for they are as plain to me as moonlight on the river."
- Hildegard says, "You will have cause to use them in service of good folk in the days to come."
- Horn says, "Is this all a soothsayer needs: an ability to speak cryptically of plain things?"
Response: I am a humble burglar, that is all.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "You speak of your skills the same way you exercise them: with quiet confidence."
- Hildegard says, "But I know the extent of your prowess in burglary, and it is wide indeed."
- Hildegard says, "You pass locked doors as if they were mere mist, removing both treasure and secrets."
- Horn says, "Any could look at <name> and see a skilled burglar. This is no difficult thing."
Response: I have nothing to say.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "You remain silent, but still I can tell much about you."
- Hildegard says, "A burglar of great skill, you creep through shadows and pass locked doors."
- Hildegard says, "From these places thought sealed, you remove treasures and secrets."
- Hildegard says, "Your skills will be called upon in the days ahead."
- Horn says, "Such a foretelling could be made of any burglar! This is no difficult thing."
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| Captain
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Response: I am the most inspiring of captains.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "Do you inspire your fellows by boasting of your own deeds?"
- Hildegard says, "A captain of Men should lead by shining example."
- Hildegard says, "There will be great need for you to lead in the days ahead."
- Horn says, "These are no new tidings. Any could look at <name> and foretell this."
Response: I am but a captain of men.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "It is no secret to me why you inspire such confidence in those you lead."
- Hildegard says, "This you know already: a true captain of Men leads by example."
- Hildegard says, "The days ahead will test your resolve and your leadership, humble captain."
- Horn says, "Is this far-sight, then? The speaking of plain truths that anyone can see?"
Response: I have nothing to say.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "You remain silent, but still I can tell much about you."
- Hildegard says, "You are a captain, a leader of Men, and inspire them by your example."
- Hildegard says, "I know this, too: they will have need of your leadership in the dark days ahead."
- Horn says, "You could say this of anyone, and it might prove true."
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| Champion
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Response: I am a valiant champion.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "Which speaks more loudly? The deeds or your report of them?"
- Hildegard says, "Keep your weapons sharp, and they will speak for the both of you."
- Hildegard says, "Still, I see great victories for you in the days to come."
- Horn says, "This takes no special sight to see."
Response: I am champion of what is right.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "Be not shy around me, humble champion."
- Hildegard says, "The good folk for whom you fight would fill my ears with tale of your deeds."
- Hildegard says, "They are not here, but I see the valour of which you wish not to speak."
- Horn says, "Any who look at <name> with eyes could see it. This is no mystery."
Response: I have nothing to say.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "You remain silent, but you cannot hide your deeds from me."
- Hildegard says, "You are a champion, and well-known to good folk throughout the land."
- Hildegard says, "The bite of your weapons is known to the foe-men you dispatch."
- Horn says, "Any who look at <name> could report thus. This is no mystery."
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| Guardian
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Response: I am the staunchest of guardians.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "I do not know which is the wider: your shield or the story you make of it."
- Hildegard says, "The truest defender speaks only when necessary, and then sparingly."
- Hildegard says, "But I see that you care for those you protect, and would fall in battle before them if you must."
- Horn says, "Any who see <name> could tell this. There is no mystery in it."
Response: I am simply a guardian.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "You speak sparingly of your deeds, but I can see their extent and it is vast."
- Hildegard says, "The good folk you fight to protect would sing your praises, were they here."
- Hildegard says, "You have been their shining shield in the darkness, and will be again."
- Horn says, "You speak in riddles to mask the truth. This is no great power."
Response: I have nothing to say.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "You remain silent, but you cannot hide your deeds from me."
- Hildegard says, "I know you for a staunch defender of the Free People, a guardian of good folk."
- Hildegard says, "Your shield guards those who cannot shield themselves."
- Horn says, "Any who see <name> could tell this. There is no far-seeing here."
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| Hunter
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Response: I am the most skilled of hunters.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "How true fly the arrows that none can see?"
- Hildegard says, "The report of your skill impresses me not."
- Hildegard says, "But I need no report to know of your prowess, for I have seen it from afar."
- Horn says, "Any could say this. <name>'s skill with the bow is easy to see."
Response: I am a decent hunter, nothing more.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "You are a hunter of great skill, <name>. It is not unseemly to say so."
- Hildegard says, "Your arrows fly true and hit even the smallest of marks."
- Hildegard says, "You will save many folk from death with the contents of a single quiver."
- Horn says, "Any could say this of <name> and be not wrong. There is no far-seeing here."
Response: I have nothing to say.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "You remain silent, but I know what you are without words."
- Hildegard says, "You are a hunter of great skill. If you loose an arrow, it hits its mark."
- Hildegard says, "You will face great evils from afar, and shower death upon them."
- Horn says, "There is no far-seeing here. You see things no more clearly than the rest of us."
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| Lore-master
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Response: I am a lore-master of great wisdom.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "There is much wisdom in the world, but it comes not to those who boast."
- Hildegard says, "Study the mysteries and look not for praise, and you will have wisdom."
- Hildegard says, "You will find knowledge, even as the skies darken and evil beckons."
- Horn says, "You speak in riddles. Anyone can do that."
Response: I am a lore-master, and seek wisdom.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "I see that you know wisdom. It is unseemly to boast."
- Hildegard says, "Study the mysteries, master of lore, and you will find knowledge."
- Hildegard says, "It waits for you under sun and moon and stars, even as evil beckons."
- Horn says, "Any may speak in riddles. There is no far-sight here."
Response: I have nothing to say.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "You remain silent, but I still can tell much about you."
- Hildegard says, "You seek knowledge in the places where once it dwelt: ruins and caves of yesterday."
- Hildegard says, "The wisdom you seek is sought by others who covet the secrets of the past."
- Hildegard says, "You are a master of lore, and must guard yourself from the corruption it offers."
- Horn says, "Any could say this after but a single glance at <name>."
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| Mariner
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Response: I am the finest mariner of all.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "The finest in all the land, or perhaps in all the Sea, you say?"
- Hildegard says, "Such boasting perhaps explains why you must sail away so often!"
- Horn says, "Are all such as you so rude as this?"
Response: I am just a simple mariner, nothing more.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "Humility suits you, but I know of your great skill aboard ship."
- Hildegard says, "And I know your heart longs for the Sea, though the people you must help remain on land."
- Hildegard says, "They are aided by it, and that is to your credit."
- Horn says, "Any who look at <name> with eyes could see it. This is no mystery."
Response: I have nothing to say.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "You remain silent, but I know this."
- Hildegard says, "I know your heart longs for the Sea, though the people you must help remain on land."
- Hildegard says, "They are aided by it, and that is to your credit."
- Horn says, "Any who look at <name> could report thus. This is no mystery."
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| Minstrel
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Response: I am the finest of minstrels.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "Do you restore the hope of your friends, or bolster your own reputation?"
- Hildegard says, "A true minstrel sings for, and of, others."
- Hildegard says, "When days are dark, you will inspire their hearts with songs of victory and hope."
- Horn says, "This is no far-sight. Any who look at <name> could tell this."
Response: I am a simple minstrel. Music is my trade.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "You wish not to boast? Must I look to other minstrels to learn of your skill?"
- Hildegard says, "No. The bard with the most impact lets the song sing for itself."
- Hildegard says, "That tells me much."
- Horn says, "It tells me that you see only what the rest of us do, and no more."
Response: I have nothing to say.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "You remain silent, but still I can tell much about you."
- Hildegard says, "You sing songs of inspiration to bolster the spirits of your fellows, and they fight on."
- Hildegard says, "Their defeats are short-lived, much like the foes they face on their return."
- Hildegard says, "Without your songs of hope and perseverance, they would fall."
- Horn says, "This is no gift of far-sight. Any who see <name> could say these things."
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| Rune-keeper
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Response: I am a rune-keeper, master of mystery.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "Do all rune-keepers speak so highly of themselves?"
- Hildegard says, "The true course of wisdom is to speak sparingly."
- Hildegard says, "I chide but gently, for I know you have delved into the mysteries, and know much."
- Hildegard says, "Good folk of all lands will have need of this knowledge, for dark days approach."
- Horn says, "Any who see <name> could say this. It takes no far-sight to see."
Response: I am a rune-keeper. I seek knowledge.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "You have learned the value of speaking little, but saying much."
- Hildegard says, "I know you for a master of language, a keeper of cryptic runes."
- Hildegard says, "You study ancient sigils and take from them valuable knowledge."
- Hildegard says, "Good folk of all lands will need your knowledge to stand against the darkness that comes."
- Horn says, "It takes no far-sight to say such things. Even I can see it!"
Response: I have nothing to say.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "You remain silent, but still I can tell much about you."
- Hildegard says, "You are a master of language and cryptic words, a keeper of runes."
- Hildegard says, "You study the sigils left by ancient peoples and master their secrets."
- Hildegard says, "The good folk will need your knowledge to stand against the approaching evil."
- Horn says, "Such a foretelling is easy to make. Even I could say such a thing!"
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| Warden
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Response: I am the most steadfast of wardens.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "When a line of such wardens defend a position, there must be a tumult of boasting!"
- Hildegard says, "Perhaps not. Perhaps the others know to speak instead with spear and lance."
- Hildegard says, "But I know your skill with such weapons, and the courage with which you wield them."
- Hildegard says, "You will have need of that skill in the days to come, for darkness approaches."
- Horn says, "It takes no far-sight to see this. Even I can see that is true!"
Response: I am a warden, and hold the line 'gainst evil.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "Your prowess speaks for itself, humble warden."
- Hildegard says, "I know you hold the line against evil, and defend good folk in all lands."
- Hildegard says, "I know too that you will be called upon to do so in the dark days ahead."
- Horn says, "This is no far-seeing. Any could say such a thing."
Response: I have nothing to say.
- Hildegard looks at you silently, the corner of her mouth turned upwards with amusement.
- Hildegard says, "You remain silent, but I still can tell much about you."
- Hildegard says, "You are a warden, and never give up ground you wish to hold."
- Hildegard says, "There will be no lack of need for you in the days to come."
- Hildegard says, "The cities of good folk come under threat. They will turn to you to hold the line 'gainst evil."
- Horn says, "This is an easy foretelling to make. Even I could say such a thing!"
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Objective 4
- Answer Hildegard's questions, and hear what she has to say
Horn has made his disbelief of Hildegard most plain.
- Hildegard says, "What is your name, doubting one?"
- Horn says, "Should you not already know my name?"
- Herubrand says, "Your discourtesy shames you, Horn!"
- Herubrand says, "I did not bring you before Hildegard so you might insult the woman."
- Hildegard says, "Worry not, Herubrand. I am not offended by disbelief."
- Hildegard says, "<name>, do you believe in my gift?"
- Select from 3 options:
- I believe in your gift.
- I do not know if it is a gift.
- I do not believe you at all.
Response: I believe in your gift.
- Hildegard remains silent, her expression a mystery.
- Hildegard says, "I thank you for the kindness, <name>."
- Hildegard says, "Most of my kinsmen do not believe in such things."
- Hildegard says, "Herubrand is unusual in that regard, and in others."
- Nona says, "I know the truth of your gift, Hildegard. My people are well-versed in such mysteries."
- Nona says, "Horn simply does not understand."
Response: I do not know if it is a gift.
- Hildegard remains silent, her expression a mystery.
- Hildegard says, "You see much, <name>. Few folk understand the truth of it."
- Hildegard says, "Is it a gift to know what comes? Or is it a burden?"
- Hildegard says, "I cannot choose what I see, and often it fills me with fear and sorrow."
- Nona says, "But it is a gift, Hildegard. With this sight I could set many things aright."
Response: I do not believe you at all.
- Hildegard remains silent, her expression a mystery.
- Hildegard says, "You are in good company, <name>, to share your friend's disbelief."
- Nona says, "I have seen enough in this world to know the truth of your gift, Hildegard."
- Nona says, "My people are well-versed in such mysteries."
- Nona says, "<name> and Horn simply do not understand."
Objective 5
- Listen to the words of Hildegard
Hildegard has asked to speak with Nona.
- Hildegard says, "Come here, girl."
- Nona says, "What is it, Hildegard?"
- Hildegard says, "You kindle, child."
- Horn says, "She burns with the heat of battle!"
- Hildegard says, "Be silent, foolish man."
- Nona says, "I have battles to fight. They will not wait."
- Hildegard says, "It will be some time yet. That is the way of it."
Objective 6
Horn is in Orlag Den, the cave of the soothsayer Hildegard.
- Horn: 'This woman speaks in riddles and rubbish, <name>. If she has knowledge of days to come, why does she not spell it for us plain? Were she to do that perhaps I would give her my belief, but until then I remain unconvinced.'
Objective 7
- Listen to Horn and Hildegard's confrontation
Listen to Horn's confrontation with Hildegard in Orlag Den.
- Horn says, "You say you can see the events of days to come?"
- Horn says, "Tell me what awaits me, and prove your claim is true."
- Hildegard says, "I cannot say."
- Horn says, "I thought as much."
- Horn says, "There is no straight path through this life."
- Hildegard says, "Have you heard the tale of Wyrgende, doubting one?"
- Horn says, "Of course. All children of Rohan have heard it."
- Horn says, "I have sung the tale myself a dozen times, at the least."
- Hildegard says, "Do you believe it?"
- Horn says, "I will not be tricked by this woman. I will wait for you outside."
- Nona says, "Horn!"
- Herubrand says, "Horn, wait!"
Objective 8
- Talk to Nona in Orlag Den
Nona is in Orlag Den, the cave of the soothsayer Hildegard.
- Nona: 'I cannot believe Horn would act this way, <name>! Has he closed his eyes to everything we have experienced on this journey? He shares the maddening outlook of his people! Suvulch will not understand him.'
- Nona clenches her fists and tosses her hair in frustration.
- 'We cannot choose to whom we give our hearts, <name>. That is our lot, but I might have chosen one less stubborn, from out of all the kingdoms of Men!'
Objective 9
- Hildegard stands, unblinking, but does not appear to see you any longer
Hildegard stares sightlessly forward.
- Hildegard says, "I see a great battle."
- Nona says, "Hildegard, what is it?"
- Hildegard says, "A vast army marches outside the walls."
- Hildegard says, "I see a white horse, penned by shadows."
- Hildegard says, "Your love lies upon the broken ground, his shield shattered."
- Nona says, "Horn!"
- Nona says, "What else do you see?"
- Hildegard says, "I see death!"
- Nona says, "No!"
- Hildegard says, "The list of the dead is long. The minstrels mourn."
- Nona says, "Hildegard, what can we do?"
- Nona says, "Hildegard!"
Objective 10
- Talk to Hildegard in Orlag Den
Hildegard stands, unblinking, but does not appear to see you or Nona any longer.
- Hildegard: The soothsayer Hildegard stands upright, staring forward sightlessly. She still breathes, but she no longer appears to see either you or Nona.
- Completed:
- Instance: The Soothsayer'
- Nona: '<name>, what can we do? If Hildegard speaks the truth, it means Horn will fall in battle. A good death for any warrior, but he is not just any warrior, <name>. He is mine, and it is not glory he seeks. I know this to be true!
- 'I will keep Horn from meeting this end. Others have fought their fates. Why not Nona, daughter of Suvulch, sister of Wadu? You will help me in this, <name>. You will say none of this to Horn. Do you understand?'
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![[47.5S, 80.8W]](/wiki/File:Stonedeans_map.jpg){kind=link}