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Post by logan on Nov 18, 2021 21:40:13 GMT -6
"No. I am the Speaker for The Tower." Steve spoke as calmly and firmly as he was able to. He feared his voice would crack, but after everything he had been through, it was surprisingly easy to control himself. This oddly was not the most pressure he had been under. "The Tower has Called Me with It's Voice, as few are chosen to hear it. Rest assured, I shall not harm you or your masters within the Tower, for its ground is holy. What do I call you, small thing?" The words seemed to flow out of him. He half-wondered if Azeir was influencing him in some way, perhaps even unconsciously.
"-sts he sees the ghosts. He thrusts his fists against the pos-"
Steve kept his head angled at the creature as they talked, tilted up towards its face- but his eyes, hidden behind the opaque lenses, darted towards its equipment and bearing, briefly sizing up the potential threat. His eyes returned to the creature's face, but he periodically checked behind him. He wasn't particularly worried about a large group of Lizards sneaking up- they had sent someone to test the waters after all, and he felt- mostly- safe that Azier would slam the door shut if more than two or three tried to enter the tower unbidden. Still, it was better to be aware then unaware.
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Post by A Witness... on Nov 25, 2021 19:54:27 GMT -6
The scaly creature's eyes darted around the white room. Steve thought they quickly flashed on the alcove to Myskidt and then back to him.
"I am..." Steve noticed the tower translator was putting the meaning into his head, but his ears could still hear the sounds being made. "Tal'Dirk'Shotorn'Slasdl" was the sound he heard, but in his mind it was translated to 'Smallest'Noisy'3rd clutch, low-born'.
"You can call me Tal (Small), but thanks to you I will not be Slasdl (low-born), much longer. The reward for getting the tower to open to the Shadow Squadron again is to be re-laid. I will be hatched again and get a new form. I thank you for this honor. My superiors will be on their way. Jori'Corsu'Faltorn'Slavacil (Widest, Sharp, 5th clutch, Commander) will be bringing at least a half a platoon with them, and the other half will be showing up shortly there after."
"I don't have much to thank you with, but before they get here I can tell you that Jori (Widest) is a good commander. He follows orders to a fault. I don't know what his instructions are, but he is a member, same as me, of a faction in our ranks. Those who hold the position like us, we want to stay here, we like the humans of your world that face the unknown directly on, and don't hide and stab from the darkness like the barbarians of my world. Despite the dry atmosphere we can survive on the surface of your land for several hours, especially at night, and we can spend the rest of the time underground."
"There's another faction that all they want is to go back to Myskidt (The Pool Lands). To our blue seas and jungle home."
"Of course none of our wishes count since we are ruled by the leader of the third faction Bragjolvic'Cumululneash'Falomelsion'Aurorasaurion (Magespeaker, Cloudlighter, 3rd egg, Dragonson). He very much likes it here, but only because he seems to believe that the food the humans keep providing him will make him powerful enough to rule in both lands: here and back home. Or at least that's what I've heard. I've only seen him twice, and that a long time ago, when we first got here."
"Sorry, the Sargent beats me because I tend to prattle on. It hurts, but he is right. I talk too much."
Tal took a quick look over his shoulder, "They are approaching."
Sure enough Steve could see them coming toward the tower, from about twice the distance of the hill, about a football field and a half distance. As Tal said it was about 6 of them in the direct light of the tower door. One black, Draconian stood tall, over half of his left torso covered in runes, and carrying a automatic rifle that was not native to the Sleastacks. He must have gotten that from Winmerica. The large reptile-man was flanked on either side by Lizard-men carrying muskets. A single scale-plated basilisk weaved back and forth on four legs behind them, and two Kobolds walked in front. Steve picked up 6 other shadows on the edge or the light, some to the right and some to the left. They were all approaching very cautiously, with weapons at the ready, so Steve estimated he had just over a minute until they were within ear-shot of the tower door.
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Post by logan on Nov 26, 2021 13:42:50 GMT -6
"I am pleased to have been able to help you on your path, Tal. In the end, I do not know whether it will end in glory or tragedy, but I wish you well."
Tal seemed decent; Steve hoped he wouldn't have to kill him. He hoped he wouldn't have to kill anyone, but the day was young. He shifted his glance away from the lizard-pack and back to Tal, looking up at him despite his small stature. The creature seemed to be cooperative and talkative- He estimated he had time for one question before the newcomers arrived. He likely wouldn't be able to respond himself before they arrived, but he could listen.
"I must ask though- how many eat of the food the humans bring?"
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Post by A Witness... on Nov 28, 2021 20:33:30 GMT -6
"Oh, I don't know from first hand experience, but I am told only Bragjolvic'Cumululneash'Falomelsion'Aurorasaurion gets to devour them.:" Tal grinned and giggled. "I'm also told that he is messy so there are scraps." He pulled himself together and looked over his shoulder at the others coming this way as if he was worried about being overheard... and the consequences.
"I imagine none of us wingless would ever be that close to him enough to get a share. I guess the few basilisks that act as royal guards that stay by his side would get some, and they don't have wings. But the winged Wyvermen, and a few of the Saurians that have flight might be able to pick up some of the scraps. I'm not sure about all those details as I've never been allowed into Bragjo's lair. Please don't tell them I giggled about Bragjo."
The group approaching the tower was moving slow. Probably adjusting to the light spilling out across the desert floor. Just under 100 yards out. The black-scaled draconian moved up with the two kobolds and the two lizard-men reduced their pace putting some distance between the two groups. With the basilisk taking a position in front of them. Steve had basic military training, and saw this as a practiced maneuver. They did it, seemingly with out any speech between them. There was no sign of the half dozen shadows that had been outside of the spot light a minute earlier. Probably taking up ranged positions hidden in the night.
A low baritone voice rumbled up the ramping ground outside the tower, "Yippon, Sindos larian portia." This address didn't stop the movement of the lead three. They'd be less than 50 yards out less than a half minute.
Tal turned back to Steve, "Jori'Corsu'Faltorn'Slavacil is announcing himself. He asks friend or foe." Tal looked at Steve eagerly for possible instructions. Steve imagined at this point that Tal was a bit like Paulie and would take orders from just about anyone.
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Post by logan on Nov 29, 2021 15:16:22 GMT -6
Steve hesitated before responding, partially to absorb the surge of newfound information and options, and partially just because he could. He took the time to analyze the situation as best he could. The Lizards- or perhaps they were closer to Amphibians given their apparent requirement for... water?- were well disciplined. Back in the Old Days, when just the command staff was getting vetted, Omega had a very comfortable relationship with the US military. When Omega enlisted him, they gave him a choice- enlist, go through basic, and get a position within the command staff, or do only the mandatory training and take a position as a colonist. He took the former. He could see that their process was smooth, and considering their likely opponents thus far, seemed like reasonable. The basilisk was a concern- Steve wondered if it was standing in the doorway and Azeir closed the door, whether it's armor would be strong enough to prevent it getting bisected. The snipers(markslizards?) weren't good news, but might not be bad if they were only using normal muskets, not higher tech Gaftwud constructions. At that range, in this conditions, he thought most would miss, and he was confident in his armor.
"Unless they're using mmaagiiccc!", a singsong voice within his brain spoke. Shut up, he told the voice.
He had no idea what they could be packing in terms of arcana. Given the formation he just witnessed, he guessed their discipline would prevent them from getting itchy trigger fingers. That left just the commander- an unknown quantity with an automatic rifle, with reinforcements on the way. In a fight, he couldn't win, only survive. He figured as much from the start, but it was... good to get confirmation.
The biggest unknown, oddly, was Tal. Were the kobolds so inferior in will and intellect? Tal talked of rebirth- was he being literal? Either way, conjecture would have to wait. At a certain point, his "air of mystique" would turn the commander's tension to impatience. Steve saw no reason to let the commander know that he was unable to communicate with them outside of the the tower. He knew that the tower was able to translate but required someone to be within the tower- some kind of telepathy, he guessed- but he had hoped that Tal would have been able to act as a "receptor".
Must be a more direct connection than I thought.
"Tal, return to your commander. Tell him I am neither friend nor foe, for now, but a simple messenger. I invite him inside the Tower- no harm will befall him as per the law of hospitality."
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Post by A Witness... on Dec 2, 2021 15:16:58 GMT -6
Tal turned quickly, his tail swinging hap-haphazardly behind him and it caused Steve to wonder briefly if that was culturally significant. Lots to process, and deciding what to focus on would be important. The light from the tower made the encounter in front of him look like a crazy stage play. Tal ran up to the three in the vanguard, and spoke directly to Jori ignoring the other two kobolds. Even being reptilian Steve saw the anger in both of their faces. Another note, one of the kobolds was yellow, not black like all the sleastacks Steve had seen so far. The yellow one didn't carry a musket. After a quick exchange Tal's rapid gibberish wrapped up. Jori stared into the light and cocked his head, not unlike a dog. He made a whistle sound and the yellow kobold stepped back and Tal took their place flanking Jori. All three moved forward slowly. Behind him Steve could hear the lizard-folk quietly chanting some repetitive mantra. Jori, Tal and the other one edged closer about 5 feet at a time. Steve deduced that they were letting their eyes adjust and wondered how much a quick blast of light would effect them. They got about 10 feet out from the entrance to the tower, and stopped.
Jori stood at least double the size of the kobolds, and probably a head above Steve. Most of his body had leather covering it, but his chest laid bare showing off at least a dozen runes. Jori hissed, "Hoomun, Wite-Mast-Spake, purmit to com abored." His tone seeped of ceremony or tradition. Steve couldn't tell if the reptile's face was happy or frustrated about following some protocol.
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Post by logan on Dec 3, 2021 20:47:26 GMT -6
Steve looked up at the commander. Sitting down, Steve was at best as tall as the kobolds, which meant the Jori towered above him. Steve could feel his insides squirm and his muscles tighten, but he strove to fight it down and remain composed. There was something... predatory about the commander. Some part of Steve's mind- the instinctual part that generally kept him alive, no doubt- screamed at him. "Get away from that thing! It got sharp teeth and tough skin and oh-my-god don't just sit there and do NOTHING, MOVE!". The more rational part of his mind, the part that seized up when he thought too hard about magic and kept him alive the rest of the time, fought the impulse down. It's advice was different. "Calm down. Focus on something useful. Stay in the moment. You've dealt with far worse." Steve choose the symbols emblazoned on Jori's chest. He still had a sketchpad full of lizard runes he took from the rifles and guns back in Radarville. He spent quite awhile not just sketching them, but taking rubbings as well. Given that there wasn't many of them, . The new symbols interested him, and he was curious to know if any matched. The distraction helped him think the rest through.
They'd obviously been having dealings with Gaftwud natives. It made sense that the commander would have picked a bit of the language up. The knowledge that they knew about at least some of the native customs was important. Jori's Spenglish was poor at best- Steve didn't need to hear him say more to know that- but it meant that even without the tower, they might be able to converse together. More importantly, they would probably know other things as well- like this;
Steve nodded.
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Post by A Witness... on Dec 6, 2021 17:28:46 GMT -6
The two kobolds, Tal and Tal2(?) started forward as escorts since them as bodyguards was laughable. Jori stopped them with each clawed hand and jerked them back forcefully. Despite it not taking much strength, he also wasn't holding back, and the second kobold fell to the ground. Jori stepped into the tower.
The movement reminded Steve of a panther, albeit a bipedal one. Crossing the space slowly Jori's eyes had clearly adjusted to the room. The irises that were vertical slits were quite narrow under the omnipresent light of the white room. Steve could see clearly the weapon slung to his side was certainly of Winmerica, or one of the surrounding compounds, craftsmanship.
Jori stopped about two yards from Steve, and did indeed tower over him in his seated position. Then Jori sat down and mirrored Steve's seating posture. More ceremony?
"You speak for the white tower?" He looked surprised to hear the sound of his voice and the meaning at the same time, but it didn't stop him from continuing. "I am Commander Jori'Corsu'Faltorn'Slavacil of the Shardclaw patrol. We have used the tower in the past for many months and not run into you before. Are you the one who locked Shadow Squadron out? What is your role here?"
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Post by logan on Dec 7, 2021 20:04:32 GMT -6
"Greetings, Commander. It is true that I speak for the Tower. The reason you had not encountered me was that I was not present. The Tower had a roundabout way of calling me to it, but now I am here, so Its voice may be heard. The reason I am here, what happened to Shadow Squadron, and my role in all these events... is more complicated." "The Tower was sleeping, dormant after it was injured. Now... now it is waking once more. Waking, to find its outer defenses penetrated and hundreds of your kind camped around it. The attention is flattering, I'm sure, but It prefers to be forgotten, so It began reaching out to the Chosen."
He cleared his throat, "To directly answer your question, the Tower Itself decided to "lock" Shadow Squadron out; how best to put it... hm. The Tower- It stands here, at the junction of these three separate places, yes? Its- well, part of Its- purpose is to keep those places separate. Only those who are "Chosen" are allowed to cross this boundary. It was unable to prevent you from crossing- but as I said, It is now waking up." "Finally, why I am here-"Steve raised his arms, gesturing around at the room, and to his partner in conversation "- is, oddly enough, to help you. Maybe. I'm here to talk. About why you came, where you came from, whether you want to stay here or return to the other place; in short, I'm here to hear what you want. Perhaps you've been Chosen yourselves."
Here's hoping that chanting wasn't some form of lie-detecting-magic-psionic bs, Steve thought. Privately though, he wondered. Yes, he had dressed his description of the Tower in faux-mysticism and vaguely religious generalizations, but how much was truly a straight-up lie? How much did he know about the Tower?
How much of what I'm saying is true?
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Post by A Witness... on Dec 8, 2021 21:45:41 GMT -6
"I myself want nothing. All my hearts are with Shardclaw Patrol, Mudwork Platoon, Cavern Company, Shadow Squadron, Bladed Regiment, Fullnight Brigade, Hardshell Legion, Slither Corps, and all the armies of Bfalor'Tornen'Toksdl'Luzunuga'Ymbur'Pluqanish (Wide'Silent'Firstborn'Highlord'Wyrmwing'Godson).
I followed my orders when I was told to leave the island of my birth and sail with the turtles to begin the assault on the Ashakidit (Whitelands), and again when I was told we had new orders to march my minions through the Ashahhycape (White Tower), and again when I was told my people could no longer eat your people. I will adapt to your dry land (Shiikidit) because I was told to, and I'll follow the orders if they tell me to leave your red and yellow land for my blue and green one.
For now the only command for our Patrol was to do everything we can to get into the Tower. Nothing more or less, and I don't ask more questions than my station. I have accomplished the mission. For that I will be rewarded, as will Tal'Dirk'Shotorn'Slasdl. Would you like that, White-tower speaker? Would you like Tal'Dirk'Shotorn'Slasdl to be rewarded?"
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Post by logan on Dec 9, 2021 13:36:29 GMT -6
"Well, it seems you've accomplished your mission then. You have successfully entered the Tower." As he talked, Steve again gestured around him to the Tower walls.
"How you- or your superior- rewards both you and your subordinates is not my concern. I can't help but respect your adherence to your duty, though. That said, while I certainly was talking to you- I was curious as to what you would like- I was also talking a bit more generally. After all, you are not here alone, are you? Just as I speak for the Tower, and other places as well, you now speak, whether any of us prefer it or not, for Shadow Company as a whole- at least, until someone else arrives. So let me ask again; what does Shadow Squadron want here? This place was not meant for you. A better question might be "What will do now that your first mission is completed?"" Dollars to donuts he says wait for new orders.
Steve thought he saw the Commander's eye slits narrow when he said he now spoke for Shadow Squadron, and he was certain he heard a puff of air through his nostrils when he told him the place was not meant for him. Steve questioned the wisdom of potentially provoking him, but it was too late now; aside that, it served a purpose. Steve had wondered how they would be rewarded; if the rebirth was literal, each newborn Lizardling growing more propelled by self will. He thought back to the first Lizardman they had captured and "interrogated". How difficult it had been to break that mental wall and allow him to deviate from his orders. It had taken survival to get him to show free will; If Steve was going to get anything out of the Commander, he needed him fully engaged. Asides that, he seemed to be getting new information to fill in the blanks with every word Jori spoke.
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Post by A Witness... on Dec 9, 2021 17:34:26 GMT -6
On the surface this seemed to just above small talk. Chit-chat, but perhaps a bit more philosophical than normal. However, Steve had recently studied the diplomacy docs at Theta Bunker. In translating the words the tower seemed to be projecting the (undercurrent of intent). He would have to be cognizant that this could go both ways. He couldn't help feeling that they were verbally sparing a bit. Giving a little and asking a little at a time. Trust, if not then civility, would build very slowly between them, if it was possible at all.
Jori answered, "If we don't live up to our duty we have nothing. Without orders. Without the rule of law. Civilization erodes (no comprise on this point). Chaos reigns... we'd be no better than the blues (he subtly motions a spit on the floor). We of blackwyrm bring our law as a gift to others (condescension). Once we insert ourselves into the areas we choose, order comes. We have done it many times before (exaggeration). The structure we bring leads to a better life for all under the hierarchy (pride)."
"I smell duty on you (respect), but I have not seen the same from your people, or at least most of the dozen that I've met. They stick to their word for as far as it suits them, but with no honor to keep it longer (disgust). You aren't like that though, eh? Your people have varieties? I would like to understand. Are you different from those we trade with? Do you like gold? Do you want to learn to tap Myrantis? What is it you want, White-tower speaker?"
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Post by logan on Dec 10, 2021 1:14:03 GMT -6
"Duty is eternal (agreement). Is there no variety among your people (curiosity)? There are many groups of man in this land, among other things. You... dislike those you deal with. This is because they are not one group, but many fractured groups without one voice. They have no... unity (disdain). The one you works with works against his fellows to his own advantage, through duplicity. You do not deal with the men of Gaftwud- it is impossible. I am familiar with some of those you ally with, they are ones who seeks their own advantage above all else (dismissal)."
Steve paused then. He needed to think very carefully before continuing. The information he had gained was valuable. Too valuable to stop now. It was worth revealing information in exchange. It was dangerous though- Steve didn't want to involve Theta, but Theta was already involved.
"... Once..."
"Once it was not like it is now. Centuries ago, the people of this land were noble, for a time at least, and spoke with one voice. The land was not red and yellow then, but blue and green. They worked wonders. They were the ones who built the weapon you now carry. But... it was not to last (regret). Fire, Chaos, and Death overtook them, and all that is left is that which you see (sadness+pity).
Steve broke off here. Not to think or collect his thoughts, simply to mourn that what was. He normally wasn't one to grow teary-eyed at the past, but he was feeling a tad nostalgic. After clearing his throat, he resumed: "I have many roles, many duties. Here, I am the Speaker for the Tower- Ashahhycape as you call It. I also speak for another group. An order of those who refuse to forget the ways of the past. We revere knowledge, for without knowledge there is no civilization, and without civilization, there can be no knowledge. We are..." How to describe Theta to a group of medieval lizards whom I know little about? "... You might call us "Crusaders" (Pride). We remember the order of our ancestors, and seek to see it rise once more. We trade, or will trade, with those you trade with; for this reason, we use gold, but only for trading with others. We have slept for a long time, but as the Tower awakens, so to did we (exaggeration)."
Tap Myrantis. Those words echoed in Steve's head; the ability to learn the power. Something he needed to understand. He needed to calm himself. The Tower, it translated emotion. He saw no reason to let Jori know how interested in Myrantis he was, only that he was interested. The Tower... its translation is some kind of psi power, right? I can block mind reading... kind of? Maybe I can try to reduce my... (undercurrent of intent)? -AmsHisFistsAgainstThePos-
"I am not merely a Speaker, but a Warrior and a Scholar. I am not familiar with Myrantis; any information is valuable, so it may be preserved; new information or skills doubly so. Personally, I would like to explore this avenue of study, as it is unfamiliar to us (greed eagerness curiosity). Just as you, I too value the safety of my people, and desire to see them prosper (connection). Yet, I also serve the Tower, for It is important. Should it falter, the consequences would be severe. Should It choose to turn Its wrath upon us... no one, from Tal'Dirk'Shotorn'Slasdl to Bfalor'Tornen'Toksdl'Luzunuga'Ymbur'Pluqanish would be able to escape its wrath. It could destroy us all(fear). Yet, it does not do so, rather, it preserves us, at a cost to Itself at times. For that, I thank It (gratitude). That is why I am here; your people have meddled with the Tower unknowingly, and risked disaster in doing so. I am here to restore order, for all our sakes (resolution)."
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Post by A Witness... on Dec 28, 2021 17:53:33 GMT -6
"There is physical variety to show hierarchy, but all obey the scales of command (hope). Four legs to two legs to tail to wings to size... this can tell the scales of command. There is no variety in honor. You either keep to the words coming off your tongue (fork), or you need to be reeducated (anger). We have carved out an area of (too dry) land here that you were not using, and in fact is toxic to your biology. Our current orders are to stay in this Gaftwud (dry land) until command issues differently (truth). I think I can speak for my scales of command (overreaching his authority) when I say we'd rather deal with your honor (uncertainty) than those that reside in Winamerica today, at least those we have met so far."
"We also have our crusade. (thoughtful) In order to trust in knowledge you must have honor and structure. We build our civilization on other priorities, but the result is the same. Advancement for our peoples (happy)."
"We have discovered the human love for gold, and other precious minerals. In this we understand greatly. I have even heard that our lord has given up some of his personal horde (unprecedented/shock!) to advance our status here, ahem. (embarrassed)."
"We have also sensed (magic) the tower's power. As the speaker we can appreciate the order you wish to bring (stalling?). Can you travel outside the tower? I am certain my superiors would like to talk with you about bringing knowledge and order to the rest of this land. We also have acquired a giant metal turtle that threw-up a giant. It didn't look like something from Winamerica. Our wizards (spellwyrms) are trying to figure it out, but haven't had too much success. Is it yours?"
Jori's glance over his shoulder stood out to Steve this time. Was this the third? Fourth? Steve thought it might just be a tic, or like a bird preening, but he was certain now this was much more like a human motion (where are they?).
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Post by logan on Dec 29, 2021 15:19:51 GMT -6
"I can travel outside the Tower, and would be glad to meet your superior. The true problem is language. I do not speak your tongue, though I would be glad to learn. The Tower knows it, and translates for us. Are you familiar with the language of the locals? I had to learn it as well, though it is not entirely dissimilar to my native tongue. (Straightforward)"
As he talked, Steve shifted his head slightly. Hopefully not enough to set off undue alarm or draw much attention, but enough that he could see around the commander a bit. He tried to keep one eye on the darkness, searching either for a glint of a reflection- either of a metal object or an eye- or a flash of movement. Unlike Jori, he could see out the door without too much issue.
The turtle... AKA the hovervan. Steve needed to get that back. Letting Theta military technology be unilaterally seized by the lizards- or anyone- probably wouldn't be warmly received back at Theta. That being said... the hovervan hadn't exactly made subtle entrance. Hadn't they smashed into several lizards? Jori probably wouldn't be crazy about that. I guess I'll just be running damage control on this one. Better take my time.
"The... turtle- as you describe it- does belongs to my people. It is a transportation method used to rapidly move people and cargo throughout the waste. If you wish, I can show you the basics of its operation, though only someone from my home can operate it- in fact, if you wish to report directly to your supervisors, I expect we could be there within two hours at the most, assuming safe travel conditions. (Bargaining) I'm... familiar with the giant. He is a simple-minded servant of an associate who has passed on. He lacks intelligence, but can be troublesome if left unattended. Again, if you wish, I can leave him within the Tower. He won't trouble you again, and I expect the Tower will find some use for him."
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