The Crocodile's Scales
The Crocodile's Jaws was a virtual representation of one of Bayek's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan through the Portable Animus HR-8.
Description
Bayek must find Apollodorus's informant in the Faiyum in order to discover the identity of his next target, the Crocodile. The Faiyum has been brought to its knees through a combination of economic corruption and violent oppression. Egyptians are being stripped of their lands and culture. Over it all looms the shadow of the Crocodile.
Dialogue
Bayek rode in Faiyum to Hotephres's location.
- Bayek: And here I am, at last, in the Faiyum. I will root out the agents of the Crocodile.
It seems I'm not the first visitor today. - Voice: Culture for all! Greek and Egyptian knowledge joins in a new climate of restoration. The Faiyum is --
Bayek entered the building, and the voice faded.
- Bayek: Hotephres! Nek, he's not here. I need to find out where my informant is. A lot of damage, but no blood or signs of a fight. Maybe he fled before this happened?
The voice drifted in.
- Voice: Security for all! An increased military presence throughout the Faiyum has made life safer for everyone. Egyptian slums are --
- Bayek: Hmm. These scrolls tell me nothing useful. I should check upstairs.
- Voice: Prosperity for all! Latest census figures show increased wealth for all in Faiyum. Thanks to the Great Ptolemy's aid for --
Bayek came upon a slain dog.
- Bayek: Who would have done such a thing! What were you protecting, boy?
Climbing the stairs, Bayek continued his investigation.
- Bayek: A child's doll. I'm going to kill this neket iadet Crocodile.
Scrolls and ink. Nothing that tells me where Hotephres has gone. Wait... feathers. From a messenger pigeon? - Voice: The new Faiyum promises peace and plenty. A new age of wealth under the guidance of Greek innovation! Prosperity for all!
Bayek climbed to the top of the nearby pigeon roost to find a letter left behind by Hotephres.
- The Crocodile knows who I am. One of my servants has already been arrested by soldiers on false charges and taken to the nearby military camp. Ok Crocodile, let's dance. If you so desperately want to cross swords with me, you'll have to catch me...
- Bayek: A letter left behind by my informant. It looks like he fled, but the soldiers caught his servant. If the servant is still alive, he'll know where Hotephres is. They'll be holding him at the nearby military camp.
Bayek made his way to the military camp, finding and freeing the servant. He hoisted him onto his shoulders to carry him out of danger.
- Servant: Please... I've told you everything I know. Who are you?
- Bayek: A friend. Hold still and stay quiet. I will get you out of here.
- Servant: Gods. Thank you. Did Hotephres send you?
- Bayek: No, but I must find him. I need his help to find the Crocodile. Will you help me?
- Servant: Hotephres took a trader's ship to Lake Moeris. It has a large statue on board, and is marked by our symbol. The Crocodile has hired mercenaries to find him.
- Bayek: Then I must hurry. Get somewhere safe. Be well.
Bayek commandeered a nearby boat, sailing out onto the lake. He soon discovers Hotephres's vessel, finding him the deck, sharpening his sword.
- Hotephres: So, now they send a son of Egypt against me? It has been a long time since I spilled so much blood.
- Bayek: I was sent by Apollodorus. We share a common interest.
- Hotephres: Who are you and what do you want, eh?
- Bayek: I am Bayek of Siwa. And I seek information on The Crocodile.
- Hotephres: The phantom that has brought Faiyum to its knees? What could you want with him?
- Bayek: He belongs to a group that is destroying Egypt. I intend to hunt every last one of them down.
- Hotephres: Bayek of Siwa, you don't know what you are up against. The Crocodile has transformed not only the land, but the people: those who do not cower in fear, are made to work for him.
- Bayek: And you have no idea who the Crocodile is?
- Hotephres: I stole a ledger from a Greek magistrate I suspect of corruption. It should reveal the identity of this "Crocodile". And if we get it to Apollodorus, we may be able to bring down the whole organization.
- Bayek: Where's the ledger now?
- Hotephres: I gave it to my wife Khenut to hide. As long as the Ptolemies think it's with me, my family is safe. That is why I have to stay on the move. Here, this will tell Khenut you are a friend to be trusted. It is for my daughter Shadya. Once you have the ledger, find me at the docks, south of Euhemeria.
Bayek, take a look around my ship before you go. I keep records of local problems which may have The Crocodile at their root. They may interest you, as a Medjay.
Bayek sailed to Euhemeria to meet with Khenut.