"I never doubted that what I saw in my vision was real," you say. "The gods, you know…you expect them to be above that kind of deceit. If they did trick me, why did they do it? What could they possibly have to gain?"
"I don't know," answers Seramet. "But you must tell our people something, Basileios. Take a moment to compose yourself. I will ready the tribe."
You step out from your yurt a little while later to a sea of faces lit by the torchlight that now illuminates the valley. Some look nervous, others relieved, others angry, but all, you sense, are awaiting your next words.
"Basileios," says one woman, stepping forward from the crowd. "Is this the Valley of the North Wind that you promised us? I thought we would find a haven among these mountains, somewhere we could be safe. We have all lost loved ones on this journey—is this the reward for our hardship? If so, I do not think much of it."
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