The Oracle of Vexia turns to face the first rays of the sun. A look of rapture overcomes her, and her eyes roll back into her head until only the whites are showing. She stiffens and throws her arms wide. She, and only she, is suffused with sunlight. When she speaks, her voice is otherworldly, sounding in chords rather than single pitches, more than one word tumbling out at the same time.
"These things shall come to pass:
A kind man shall perish in fire.
A priest shall weep ancient tears.
One among you shall trade namelessness for colorlessness.
One among you shall become great in my sight.
The path to the throne shall be swept clear in order that a legless boy may walk to its end."
"Countess, having asked to hear this future, you are doomed to create it. All those who have heard it wear this same doom.''
This last word rattles like a jail door slamming. Each of you feels it somewhere deep inside your rib cage.
'Your road begins there. Refuse it at your peril!"
With the word "there", the Oracle rises, almost as though lifted by puppet strings and whirls to point to the southwest, directly at the mountain known as The Scimitar. She holds this pose for a moment and then crumples to the ground, limp and unconscious.
The others of the sisterhood begin a long series of chants in praise of Vexia, Mother of Order, Font of Righteousness, Rod of Discipline. Finally, they gently lift the still catatonic Oracle and carry her away. All of you are ushered out.
Coming back down the stairs, Clegg elbows Med and whispers, "What in the Hag's teats was that? I didn't sign up fer no doom!"
It appears that breakfast is not a meal enjoyed at this Sisterhood. Hunger, and a deep nervousness about what just happened up above makes everyone eager to be on their way, but the Countess steps inside to talk with the high priestess. While everyone is standing around in the courtyard, Med notes that Sir Nills is wearing a battered copper ring on his right index finger. Pral looks around at the various ancient inscriptions on the walls and asks Med what they say. Med, unfortunately, has no idea.
Finally, the Countess returns and you all make for the final staircase down to the gate. Pral asks Med about one more inscription. But Med just shakes his head and says "Pral, what are you pointing at? There's not even anything there."
At this, your white-robed escort turns around and looks at Pral. "Can you indeed see those letters? Very few can. Could you see them before the ceremony?" Pral, of course, doesn't remember.
"I will translate them for you, for what they say is no great secret." She reads aloud:
"Over the void, capricious fate.
Over capriciousness, rage.
Over rage, cruelty.
Over cruelty, love.
Over love, honor.
Over honor, truth.
Over everything, discipline."
"To see those letters is a sign that Vexia has her eye on you. When your part in this doom is complete, you should come back and take council."
With that, she shows you all down the stairs and outside to the base of the cliff. The portcullis lowers behind you.
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