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(Scars do not appear to be cause of death –shock ... - Bad Request

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there is <strong>not</strong>hing more I may teach you. You know the Way as the People<br />

know it, and it shall give you the direction by which you may know yourself."<br />

"That's <strong>not</strong> what I asked. Do you know the Sixth Circle or <strong>not</strong>?"<br />

Dak'kon was silent for a moment, then spoke, his voice slow and careful. "It<br />

has come <strong>to</strong> pass that I <strong>do</strong> <strong>not</strong> know the Sixth Circle <strong>of</strong> Zerthimon. Once, I<br />

knew it, but I know now I only saw the words." Dak'kon's eyes stared<br />

through me. They ached with ancient memory, <strong>of</strong> nostalgia unfulfilled. "That<br />

is all. It is my path that I no longer know the Way <strong>of</strong> Zerthimon."<br />

I thought carefully back <strong>to</strong> the First circle, the Second... all the pieces <strong>be</strong>gan<br />

<strong>to</strong> come <strong>to</strong>gether, snapping one by one like links in a chain. "Dak'kon... there<br />

is one other thing I would know. Why is Vilquar's Eye in the Circle <strong>of</strong><br />

Zerthimon? It seems strange. It tells <strong>of</strong> how the People <strong>be</strong>nefited from a<br />

treachery from their own. It seems... "<br />

Dak'kon's eyes flashed. "I have <strong>to</strong>ld you it is part <strong>of</strong> the telling <strong>of</strong> how the<br />

People came <strong>to</strong> know free<strong>do</strong>m. Do you <strong>not</strong> listen?" His voice flattened, as if<br />

he was reciting a passage from memory. "It tells the People that even in the<br />

greatest treachery, a greater knowing may <strong>be</strong> achieved."<br />

"It <strong>do</strong>esn't sound <strong>to</strong> me like you <strong>be</strong>lieve that. I think there's a<strong>not</strong>her reason<br />

Vilquar's Eye is in the Circle <strong>of</strong> Zerthimon. It is set there <strong>be</strong><strong>cause</strong> <strong>of</strong> the Sixth<br />

Circle and the Pronouncement <strong>of</strong> Two Skies. It's there <strong>to</strong> justify Zerthimon's<br />

treachery <strong>to</strong> the People upon the Blasted Plains."<br />

Dak'kon was silent, and his blade bled in<strong>to</strong> a dead-black, teeth rippling along<br />

the edge.<br />

"He divided the People upon the Blasted Plains, Dak'kon. He divided your<br />

race, when they were on the path <strong>of</strong> vic<strong>to</strong>ry. I would like <strong>to</strong> <strong>be</strong>lieve that it<br />

was <strong>be</strong><strong>cause</strong> he wished <strong>to</strong> save the People from themselves - but I <strong>do</strong>n't<br />

think you <strong>be</strong>lieve that."<br />

Dak'kon was silent for a moment, then he spoke, slowly. "I... <strong>do</strong> <strong>not</strong> know<br />

the Sixth Circle as it is known <strong>to</strong> others. I fear that the Third Circle, the<br />

Fourth Circle and the Sixth Circle are more closely linked than many know. It<br />

is in that knowing that I have lost myself."<br />

"In the Third Circle, Zerthimon submerged his will <strong>to</strong> deceive the illithids,<br />

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